2021 NBA playoffs thread

[HFCS]

You said “it’s going to get BAD ratings”. Lower ratings != Bad ratings. Is it going to get bad ratings like the networks are going to cancel the next season? The TV contracts are locked in well in advance. That’s how business works and why it works the way it does.

The networks pay a rate hoping that they get Lebron v KD or Steph v KD more often than not, the NBA is protected in the years that doesn’t happen because they were locked in 5 years ago. TV Viewership just doesn’t matter as much as it used to and the NBA isn’t getting any less or more money based on who is in this finals. Could it impact a future contract? Maybe I guess.

The way Trae and Booker have played they should be thrilled to have exciting replacement stars for aging LeBron, KD and Harden legitimately earning their place.

Back in 2006 it was pretty obvious they were doing everything possible to build Wade into a star with LeBron stuck on a bad team and Kobe's roster yet to be rebuilt.

 

[t-noah]

This years playoffs have been great, the crying over the injuries is 100% because the teams that will be playing for the ring aren't on the coasts. In the long run, having an exploding metro like Phoenix host a winning team can't be bad, I also feel like ATL is kind of a sleeping giant. Those franchises have announced their arrival in these playoffs, neither are going away any time soon. I don't get how that's bad for the league.

Atlanta isn't there yet, but...

The Hawks are my other pick for the Finals, now that Anteto.., ehr, Giannis appears out.

 

[t-noah]

I was just going to say, John Collins is also a good young player, he has the misfortune of having a very boring name. John Collins sounds like a guy that went exploring with Lewis and Clark.

Or stared in the Young and the Restless?

 

[t-noah]

I don’t know if Chris Paul can be classified as a younger player. I think he’s about my age.

Chris Paul is 36.

I’m 38. I think he’s beyond the “younger player” moniker now.

Yeah Paul is 36. I thought you were 16?

 

[isutrevman]

they have the 6th largest payroll in the league (and will be top 4 next year), they are one of the super teams. ATL is the 26th highest payroll and PHX is the 20th, those are the teams you should be rooting for, not a team that is simply trying to outspend everyone.

They're all teams that primarily built through the draft though. With the exception of Chris Paul, I believe all the other start players on those teams were drafted there. None of these teams were built by convincing multiple all stars to all team up.

They could all be similar to Golden State from 6-7 years ago. They weren't a marquee team for the NBA to have in the finals back then either. Most of their stars were drafted there. Then they became "must see TV" after their first championship. The Suns are very fun to watch. They'll gain the star power if they win it this year.

 

[Gunnerclone]

The way Trae and Booker have played they should be thrilled to have exciting replacement stars for aging LeBron, KD and Harden legitimately earning their place.

Back in 2006 it was pretty obvious they were doing everything possible to build Wade into a star with LeBron stuck on a bad team and Kobe's roster yet to be rebuilt.

I’m sure the NBA is thrilled but that’s not good enough for the mouth jockey’s in the media and their lemmings that parrot everything they say. Guarantee this will be a big topic on KxNO today.

 

[heitclone]

They're all teams that primarily built through the draft though. With the exception of Chris Paul, I believe all the other start players on those teams were drafted there. None of these teams were built by convincing multiple all stars to all team up.

They could all be similar to Golden State from 6-7 years ago. They weren't a marquee team for the NBA to have in the finals back then either. Most of their stars were drafted there. Then they became "must see TV" after their first championship. The Suns are very fun to watch. They'll gain the star power if they win it this year.

As long as the Suns can hold on to Paul this summer, they'll be a contender for the next 2 or 3 years minimum. They'll get a lot of hype, Atlanta will as well. Trae already has them contending in the east and it won't be long until someone comes and joins him.

 

[JP4CY]

Really going to miss that ol creep Marv calling games.
Luckily someone like Kevin Harlan or Ian Eagle will get the job.

 

[cyrocksmypants]

Portis always looks like he’s shocked.

 

[Rabbuk]

Portis always looks like he’s shocked.

Butthole eyes

 

[cyrocksmypants]

Are the Bucks a better TEAM without Giannis out there? Obviously the talent level drops a lot. But they actually are playing together and playing well doing it.

 

[isutrevman]

Are the Bucks a better TEAM without Giannis out there? Obviously the talent level drops a lot. But they actually are playing together and playing well doing it.

Classic case of overperforming the game after losing your best player. Hawks had it last game after losing Young. Happens all the time. We'll see if they can maintain it. They'll have a good chance if Young doesn't come back.

 

[Rabbuk]

Khris Middleton ****** around and got a double double.

 

[Gunnerclone]

This game feels like the middle of January and I’m just waiting for it to be over and the late Western game to come on.

 

[JP4CY]

Trae Young looks like a GI Joe on the bench

 

[madguy30]

One fun thing is this series may very well go to 7 since neither team wants to take control of it.

I'd pick Phoenix either way.

 

[JP4CY]

Am I seeing things? Didn't that ball go over the backboard?

 

[CycloneRulzzz]

As long as the Suns can hold on to Paul this summer, they'll be a contender for the next 2 or 3 years minimum.

I hope this doesn't become true.

 

[clone4life82]

I hope this doesn't become true.

Why in the world would CP do that? Is he going to make more in LA than the 44 mil option? No. Is he going to a better team? Debatable.

 

[t-noah]

OK my prediction is not happening. I didn't know Young would be out also.

What are the chances Young is back Game 6?