NBA Finals, Draft and Free Agency

It’s time for another blog post. I don’t get to do this as much as I would like to for whatever reason. Mostly I think it’s because I’m becoming lazier in my personal life. By personal life, I mean what I do with my own personal, individual time. Work and family dominate everything these days. So, my personal time is my only “down” time, and I enjoy not doing anything with my time. I use it to unwind and switch off my brain. But writing is also cathartic, so I should do it more. I want to write more. So here we go! (I’ll try to not to say “so” again LOL)

 

It’s currently at the best* part of the NBA year. NBA Finals start tomorrow, the draft lottery has been and gone, the combine has happened and there are free agent rumours starting by the day. Let’s do a quick summary of each.

NBA Finals

Cavs vs Warriors IV. The finals we wanted but didn’t want. It’s what all the “experts” predicted at the start of the season. And it’s hard to argue, but it’s the finals that we deserve. The best player in the world against the best team in the world. 

Lebron has his work cut out for him in this one though. Draymond and Klay will likely be guarding him this series which is likely an upgrade on Morris and Brown from the Boston series. And now he has to hope that KLove is healthy after sitting out the last 2 games with concussion. After that, the pickings are slim for the Cavs. Jeff Green showed up in Game 7, but has largely been a non-factor in the rest of the playoffs. Similarly, George Hill has had his moments but is likely going to be exhausted from having to defend Steph. 

As much as I am a Lebron Stan, I can’t seeing him win this one by himself. Love needs to show up big time and the supporting cast needs to be reliable. 

As for the Warriors, Steph has come alive to win the series. And they still have KD. If Iguodala is back, with the already proven stars Draymond and Klay, there are just too many pieces for the Cavs to handle. 

Prediction – Warriors 4-1

 

NBA Draft 

This is where it gets exciting! Doncic is firming as the No.1 pick. I’ve watched some highlights and it’s impressive. But I’m not as sold as some of the experts and draft guys. I can’t help but think of him as a Danilo Gallinari clone with better passing. I usually am more supportive of “foreign” players coming into the league given that I’m Australian, but I can’t bring myself to buy into the hype. With the athleticism in the league improving every year, I can’t see Doncic pushing above that to become a generational talent as some are touting. He sees the court well, is a great passer who handles the ball well and he can shoot the ball. But he struggled to get around perimeter players at the Euros and often had to settle for a pull-up. “So what, he’s a great shooter!” I hear you say – but in the NBA that isn’t always going to be effective because defenders are going to be taller, faster and more athletic. I guess we’ll see.

Ayton is a Greg Monroe type player. Great on offense but poor defensively. He’ll get crushed by Embiid and KAT in my opinion.

Bagley is my guy. I love Duke, I think we all know this. The concerns here are his length. Sure he’s athletic at 6’11, but with only a 7’ wing span, can he defend bigger guys?

But the top of the draft isn’t where it gets exciting for me. I like the sleepers! But as Miami has no picks in this draft at this time, I’m not that interested. My biggest focus is on where Grayson Allen goes. I’ve seen him projected anywhere from 21 to mid-2nd round. Grayson is an athlete. He can shoot and he’s a play maker and committed defender. Honestly he’s my sleeper. I think he offers a Dan Majerle comp. Anyone after 15, will get a steal I believe.

 

Free Agency

The biggest news will be where Lebron ends up. Philly or LA? Or does he stay as a Cav? Too hard to stay. I don’t think that anyone can say confidently. No one knew he was coming to Miami. No one knew he was going back to Cleveland. LA makes sense professionally, but not for basketball. I can’t see it happening. Philly also doesn’t make sense for Lebron. Say what you want about him but he has always given praise to young players coming through. I don’t see him coming in to stifle Ben or Joel. I believe he stays with the Cavs. But I honestly think that they change up their roster. If not, he can come back to Miami at any point! LOL

Paul George to LA. But I would not be surprised if it is the Clippers!

Boogie to Lakers. 

Kawhi. Hmm. Tough one. Spurs don’t bend over for players. But I can’t see him staying. I also think he goes to the Clippers. PG and Kawhi with anyone and I think you have a good team. 

Capella is interesting because I don’t think the Rockets can afford him and CP3. But if CP3 is serious, he takes a reduced deal to get Capella over the line. 

But I still come back to the first point. As with previous years, it comes back to when and where Lebron signs. The dominoes don’t fall until Lebron decides.

 

I love the NBA!