DeMar DeRozan

**stevenash** · 03-05-22, 10:19 AM

Was I talking to you?
Did I enter a thread started by you.
Did I call you out?

You've been warned about quoting others, trolling for responses.
I'll let it slide this time and not report it, don't do it again.

**thomorino** · 03-05-22, 10:21 AM

Originally posted by stevenash

Was I talking to you?
Did I enter a thread started by you.
Did I call you out?

You've been warned about quoting others, trolling for responses.
I'll let it slide this time and not report it, don't do it again.

You don't even know what trolling is. I pointed out your comment made no sense. Shut up.

**thomorino** · 03-05-22, 10:22 AM

The MVP race should be much clearer at the end of next week.

**stevenash** · 03-05-22, 10:22 AM

Originally posted by thomorino

You don't even know what trolling is. I pointed out your comment made no sense. Shut up.

Let's get a mod in here.
Now I'm done talking.

**stevenash** · 03-05-22, 10:46 AM

Might not be Jokic, could be Giannis.

NBA Defensive Player of the Year rankings: Green, Gobert injuries open up race

https://www.thescore.com/nba/news/2303970

Injuries to multiple candidates have opened up the race for this season's NBA Defensive Player of the Year award.Here's a look at five players in the running for the honor with the second half of the 2021-22 campaign officially underway.5. Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies Justin Ford / Getty Images Sport / GettyPrevious rank: N/AJackson has established himself as one of the NBA's best rim-protectors in just his fourth season. The Grizzlies forward has racked up a league-leading 138 swats and sits second in blocks per game (2.2). He's registered at least three rejections 19 times, including a pair of six-block games.Jackson is in the 97th percentile among big men with a 3.9% block percentage, per Cleaning the Glass. Opponents are shooting just 49.1% against him on attempts within six feet of the basket, which is the second-best mark among players who've defended at least 200 field goals.Jackson is also a disruptive presence on the perimeter as he uses his length and lateral quickness to contain guards. The 22-year-old's versatility has been an instrumental part of Memphis' eighth-ranked defense.4. Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images Sport / GettyPrevious rank: 1A back injury has largely derailed Green's chances for a second Defensive Player of the Year award. The four-time All-Star has missed the Warriors' past 24 games and only recently returned for his first practice in nearly two months.The fewest games played by a Defensive Player of the Year winner over a full NBA campaign is 56 by Rudy Gobert in 2017-18. Green, who's made 34 appearances with 20 games remaining, will fall short of that mark, but there's still a case to be made.The Golden State forward is the heartbeat of the Association's top defensive unit. Green is tied for the team lead in charges drawn, third in deflections and fourth in loose balls recovered despite his extended absence. He's also among seven players in the league averaging at least one block and one steal.Additionally, the Warriors have a stingy defensive rating of 101.5 with Green on the floor. Since the Michigan State product came out of the lineup Jan. 11, the team has surrendered 110.8 points per 100 possessions.3. Mikal Bridges, Phoenix Suns Chris Coduto / Getty Images Sport / GettyPrevious rank: 4Phoenix's third-ranked defense has a lot to do with Bridges' play. The fourth-year forward is fifth in net rating (10.1), sits 13th in defensive win shares (2.9), and ranks 20th in total steals (74). He also tops all Suns players in contested 3-point shots (171) and trails only Chris Paul in deflections (132).Bridges takes on the opposing side's top scorers nightly. He frustrates them with his suffocating on-ball defense, uses his length to make shots more difficult, and makes his counterpart work just to possess the rock. The 25-year-old manages to maintain such a high level of intensity without fouling much."He defends on every level," Phoenix head coach Monty Williams said of Bridges on SiriusXM NBA Radio last December. "Now, he's gotten much better at guarding post-ups. ... He can guard 94 feet. He can guard on screens. He can guard in pindowns. He's a great off-ball defender."There's not much he can't do on the defensive end. I just think the world of him, and that's why we feel like he's - in so many ways - the glue of our team."2. Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz Alex Goodlett / Getty Images Sport / GettyPrevious rank: 2Gobert's health, along with voter fatigue, could prove costly in his bid for a record-tying fourth Defensive Player of the Year award. Still, it's hard to argue against the Frenchman as Utah's defense performs at an elite level whenever he's on the court.The Jazz big man continues to be a dominant interior defender. Gobert is first in average blocks (2.3 per contest), fourth in total swats (107), and sixth in block percentage (6.2%). Only Jakob Poeltl is contesting more 2-point shots per game than the ninth-year center. Gobert is also limiting opponents to 52.1% shooting on attempts within six feet of the rim, which is the fifth-best clip among players who've defended a minimum of 250 field goals from that range.Additionally, Gobert has been effective outside of the paint. His struggles against the Los Angeles Clippers' small-ball lineup in Game 6 of last season were well-documented, but it wasn't a true indication of his perimeter defense. In fact, Gobert often holds his own when forced to guard in space.For the seventh straight season, Gobert is allowing less than a point per possession (0.94) on isolation sequences. He recently held Luka Doncic in check during a recent meeting, holding the Dallas Mavericks star to 1-of-3 shooting and forcing a shot-clock violation across four isolation sequences in the final frame, per Second Spectrum. Rudy Gobert with the lockdown defense on Luka pic.twitter.com/8KzWU2IiW0— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 26, 2022 1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks John Fisher / Getty Images Sport / GettyPrevious rank: 3Antetokounmpo is averaging 9.6 defensive rebounds, 1.4 blocks, and one steal over 52 appearances in 2021-22. He's second in defensive box plus-minus (3.6), tied for fourth in total defensive boards (497), and ninth in defensive win shares (3.0). With Antetokounmpo on the floor, Milwaukee is giving up 106 points per 100 possessions, which would be a top-five mark.Opposing players are shooting 50.5% against Antetokounmpo on field goals less than six feet away from the basket. The six-time All-Star is one of 11 players who've contested at least 300 twos and 150 threes this season.Antetokounmpo is also producing high-level defense while playing a career-high 43% of his minutes at the five. It's a scenario the Greek Freak probably didn't envision when the season began, yet it's further cemented his status among the league's premier defenders.Antetokounmpo is frequently put into pick-and-roll drop coverage as the Bucks' main man in the middle. The reigning NBA Finals MVP has done a solid job guarding ball-handlers when those situations arise, allowing just 0.81 points per possession. Additionally, Antetokounmpo's ability to read the passer's eyes, along with his length, allows him to break up lob attempts. Blitz pnrDrop on YoungBlock lob passGiannis defense is silly pic.twitter.com/hCnlSa9THi— Dom2K (@Dom_2k) January 18, 2022 Honorable mentions: Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers), Evan Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers), Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat), Jarrett Allen (Cleveland Cavaliers)

**jjgold** · 03-05-22, 10:59 AM

Bulls fading

**Buckandadime** · 03-05-22, 11:10 AM

Bill Russell played in 963 games over 13 yrs..
E!biid 310 in his 6th full season..
Russell averaged 42.3 minutes vs 32 minutes for Embiid..
Russell averaged 4.3 assists vs Embiid's 3.3..
Russell averaged 22.5 boards vs 11.3 for Embiid..
Bill Russell was a 12x All-Star..
5x MVP...5!!!!
Oh and there are those 11 Championship rings...
Aside from fouling more and taking more shots, Embiid isn't better than Russell at anything but scoring..
Before.you say once again that Russell beat up on small players, the man was 6'10"..
Not 7'4" like Embiid..
Sorry, just the facts...

**thomorino** · 03-05-22, 11:14 AM

Originally posted by Buckandadime

Bill Russell played in 963 games over 13 yrs..
E!biid 310 in his 6th full season..
Russell averaged 42.3 minutes vs 32 minutes for Embiid..
Russell averaged 4.3 assists vs Embiid's 3.3..
Russell averaged 22.5 boards vs 11.3 for Embiid..
Bill Russell was a 12x All-Star..
5x MVP...5!!!!
Oh and there are those 11 Championship rings...
Aside from fouling more and taking more shots, Embiid isn't better than Russell at anything but scoring..
Before.you say once again that Russell beat up on small players, the man was 6'10"..
Not 7'4" like Embiid..
Sorry, just the facts...

There were less than 15 NBA teams and the players weren't close to as athletic. Embiid scores more in the first half than Russel does all game. Just stop.

**thomorino** · 03-05-22, 11:15 AM

Originally posted by stevenash

Let's get a mod in here.
Now I'm done talking.

Originally posted by stevenash

Might not be Jokic, could be Giannis.
https://www.thescore.com/nba/news/2303970

I already told you Giannis isn't going to be MVP. Stop talking.

**stevenash** · 03-05-22, 11:18 AM

2021-22 NBA DPOY Odds

Rudy Gobert	-145
Giannis Antetokounmpo	+440
Draymond Green	+1200
Jaren Jackson Jr	+1200
Robert Williams	+1300
Bam Adebayo	+1600
Joel Embiid	+2400

**Buckandadime** · 03-05-22, 11:24 AM

Originally posted by thomorino

There were less than 15 NBA teams and the players weren't close to as athletic. Embiid scores more in the first half than Russel does all game. Just stop.

You are making a better case for Russell..
With fewer teams, there was much more parity among players..
The "elite"
Not diluted like today's game.
Aside from scoring more, taking more shots and fouling more, Embiid is no where near the player Bill Russell was..
The stats and awards do not lie..

**stevenash** · 03-05-22, 11:42 AM

Originally posted by Buckandadime

You are making a better case for Russell..
With fewer teams, there was much more parity among players..
The "elite"
Not diluted like today's game.
Aside from scoring more, taking more shots and fouling more, Embiid is no where near the player Bill Russell was..
The stats and awards do not lie..

And Embid isn't even the elite defensive center in the league today, Gobert is.
And now that Giannis playing the five (center) 53% of the time Embid is the third best defensive center in the league today, because Giannis is playing more than half his minutes at center.

And Giannis and Embid are both scoring 29 1/2 points a game.
And Giannis is out rebounding Embid, and Giannis is more efficient, the PER numbers don't lie.

And Jokic out rebounds Embid, has almost double the assists, and Jokic is also more efficient.

This will be the seventh straight season Jokic will have played in 70 or more games, every year in the NBA.
This is Embid's eight year in the NBA, did not even play the first two seasons, and the next time Embid plays 70 games in a season will be his first time.

How can the third best center in the league today (Embid) be a top five all time center?

**Buckandadime** · 03-05-22, 11:52 AM

Originally posted by stevenash

And Embid isn't even the elite defensive center in the league today, Gobert is.
And now that Giannis playing the five (center) 53% of the time Embid is the third best defensive center in the league today, because Giannis is playing more than half his minutes at center.

And Giannis and Embid are both scoring 29 1/2 points a game.
And Giannis is out rebounding Embid, and Giannis is more efficient, the PER numbers don't lie.

And Jokic out rebounds Embid, has almost double the assists, and Jokic is also more efficient.

This will be the seventh straight season Jokic will have played in 70 or more games, every year in the NBA.
This is Embid's eight year in the NBA, did not even play the first two seasons, and the next time Embid plays 70 games in a season will be his first time.

How can the third best center in the league today (Embid) be a top five all time center?

Short and obvious answer, he can't...

**stevenash** · 03-05-22, 11:56 AM

Originally posted by Buckandadime

Short and obvious answer, he can't...

And I rest my case.

**thomorino** · 03-05-22, 12:06 PM

Originally posted by stevenash

And Embid isn't even the elite defensive center in the league today, Gobert is.
And now that Giannis playing the five (center) 53% of the time Embid is the third best defensive center in the league today, because Giannis is playing more than half his minutes at center.

And Giannis and Embid are both scoring 29 1/2 points a game.
And Giannis is out rebounding Embid, and Giannis is more efficient, the PER numbers don't lie.

And Jokic out rebounds Embid, has almost double the assists, and Jokic is also more efficient.

This will be the seventh straight season Jokic will have played in 70 or more games, every year in the NBA.
This is Embid's eight year in the NBA, did not even play the first two seasons, and the next time Embid plays 70 games in a season will be his first time.

How can the third best center in the league today (Embid) be a top five all time center?

Rudy Gobert gets completely exposed in the playoffs every year defensively, he can't guard smaller players on the perimeter - and he also can't shoot just stop.

Russell was nothing close to what Embiid is, and neither is Jokic. Jokic isn't a good defender, Russell wasnt' a good offensive player, Embiid is a great offensive and defensive player.

**thomorino** · 03-05-22, 12:07 PM

Originally posted by stevenash

2021-22 NBA DPOY Odds

Rudy Gobert	-145
Giannis Antetokounmpo	+440
Draymond Green	+1200
Jaren Jackson Jr	+1200
Robert Williams	+1300
Bam Adebayo	+1600
Joel Embiid	+2400

The same markets you are citing have Embiid as the clear cut favorite to win the MVP - just stop.

Gobert gets exposed defensively every year in the playoffs against smaller teams.

**Buckandadime** · 03-05-22, 12:10 PM

Originally posted by stevenash

And I rest my case.

As do I Sir...

This is ridiculous...

**stevenash** · 03-05-22, 12:17 PM

Originally posted by Buckandadime

As do I Sir...

This is ridiculous...

How many first place votes alone did Gobert get for DPOY?
Over 60?

Embid?
Like 7 points total, not votes, but points.

OK, I'll stop.
I don't have time to debate facts all day with people who are clueless anyway.

See ya in the funny pages Bucky.

**thomorino** · 03-05-22, 12:33 PM

Originally posted by stevenash

How many first place votes alone did Gobert get for DPOY?
Over 60?

Embid?
Like 7 points total, not votes, but points.

OK, I'll stop.
I don't have time to debate facts all day with people who are clueless anyway.

See ya in the funny pages Bucky.

Rudy averages just over 10 points a game - Embiid scores that in the first quarter. Embiid can guard on the perimeter, Gobert can't, just stop.

**thomorino** · 03-05-22, 12:34 PM

Originally posted by Buckandadime

As do I Sir...

This is ridiculous...

Embiid scores more in the first half than Russell did most games - just stop.

**Bostongambler** · 03-05-22, 12:35 PM

Originally posted by thomorino

Embiid scores more in the first half than Russell did most games - just stop.

Too bad you sold some for pennies on the dollar. Just stop 🛑

**thomorino** · 03-05-22, 01:16 PM

Originally posted by Bostongambler

Too bad you sold some for pennies on the dollar. Just stop 

I did not, just stop, and those sales would have been at 300% profits.

**Buckandadime** · 03-05-22, 01:24 PM

Originally posted by thomorino

Embiid is better than Russel at almost everything, just stop. I didn't call the Suns trash.

Jokic didn't even play last night, he was rested, the MVP race will likely be over soon as long as Embiid doesn't get hurt.

Could you give us a list please?
Use facts not opinion..
Thank you..

**thomorino** · 03-06-22, 12:31 PM

Originally posted by Buckandadime

Could you give us a list please?
Use facts not opinion..
Thank you..

Embiid's PER, his points per game, his efficiency, everything is better than Russel.

**stevenash** · 03-06-22, 10:39 PM

Monster triple/double for Jokic 46/12/11
Four blocks, playing sick.

The next time Embid puts up those numbers will be the first time.
And Embid shot last night like a D leaguer.
Good thing he can get to three free throw line.
Embid's gassed, he's never gone this deep in a season before.
You can tell he's got nothing left in the tank, look at those bricks he was laying last night.

It's over.

**Buckandadime** · 03-06-22, 10:45 PM

Originally posted by thomorino

Embiid's PER, his points per game, his efficiency, everything is better than Russel.

How can that be when Russell averaged more assists and twice (2x) the rebounds per game?
I'm beginning to think that you don't know what you're talking about..

**stevenash** · 03-06-22, 10:49 PM

Originally posted by Buckandadime

I'm beginning to think that you don't know what you're talking about..

Shh, you'll ruin it.
I just let him he think he does.

**Buckandadime** · 03-06-22, 10:52 PM

Originally posted by stevenash

Shh, you'll ruin it.
I just let him he think he does.

Damn..
My bad..
Maybe he won't notice..

**stevenash** · 03-06-22, 11:09 PM

Originally posted by Buckandadime

Damn..
My bad..
Maybe he won't notice..

Highly inlikely.
OK, time to stop, we're in PT, can't clog it up, the powers that be keep an eye on PT.

Got to play by the PT rules.
You know where to find me Buck Buck.

Oh, did I mention Jokic had a MONSTER night.

**thomorino** · 03-07-22, 12:34 PM

Originally posted by Buckandadime

How can that be when Russell averaged more assists and twice (2x) the rebounds per game?
I'm beginning to think that you don't know what you're talking about..

The way basketball works scoring is the most important thing

**thomorino** · 03-07-22, 12:36 PM

Originally posted by stevenash

Monster triple/double for Jokic 46/12/11
Four blocks, playing sick.

The next time Embid puts up those numbers will be the first time.
And Embid shot last night like a D leaguer.
Good thing he can get to three free throw line.
Embid's gassed, he's never gone this deep in a season before.
You can tell he's got nothing left in the tank, look at those bricks he was laying last night.

It's over.

Jokic didn't even play 2 games ago and he scored 8 points the game before.

Again, embiid is the prohibitive favorite in the betting markets.

**jjgold** · 03-07-22, 01:34 PM

The real MVP is Jay Morant

**stevenash** · 03-07-22, 01:48 PM

Originally posted by jjgold

The real MVP is Jay Morant

I'm thinking

1. Jokic
2. Giannis
3a. Embid
3b. Morant

Anybody who knows NBA in TV, radio, or print media are now saying it's Jokic.

Plus Embid is spent.
Toasted.

And if Rivers pushed him too much he might go down again.
Embid is soft.

**Buckandadime** · 03-07-22, 01:52 PM

Originally posted by thomorino

The way basketball works scoring is the most important thing

Is that why James Harden is such a good and coveted player?
He was the scoring leader for 3 consecutive years..
His teams must have great success..

**thomorino** · 03-07-22, 02:37 PM

Originally posted by Buckandadime

Is that why James Harden is such a good and coveted player?
He was the scoring leader for 3 consecutive years..
His teams must have great success..

They did - they were top 5 teams in the NBA each year.