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2025 Playoffs Chat & Chill Thread

Saint Cy of JFC said:
I was listening to a podcast today and they said Ant has become like Harden where it's all 3s and rim, but in the playoffs the midrange is needed, but it's been so programmed out of some stars they can't score in the midrange as comfortably.

So yeah, I think we are seeing the desirability of the midrange game returning. I don't think it's a positive to try and turn your stars/best players into perfect analytics players (given they have some midrange talent)
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It's especially clear in this series, because SGA and Jalen Williams can and do operate in the mid range. Even Cason Wallace hit a couple of mid range jumpers that turned out to be very important in the end. It's a big weapon when games get scrappy or your offense is getting bogged down. Kawhi I think is a good example too (pre injuries, like the Raptors championship run). Always able to get to his spot and get a mid range jumper he's comfortable with.
 
Asked ChatGPT to give me the ringer top 100 rankings for the remaining playoff teams. With respect to the “parity era” what stands out to me is there’s only one top 10 player left, and the west is way deeper than the east.


Indiana Pacers Players in The Ringer’s Top 100 (2024–25)
  • Tyrese Haliburton – Rank: 17
    • Haliburton has solidified his status as one of the league’s premier point guards, known for his exceptional playmaking and efficiency.
  • Pascal Siakam – Rank: 33
    • Since joining the Pacers, Siakam has been a versatile forward, contributing significantly on both ends of the court.
  • Myles Turner – Rank: 75
    • Turner continues to be a defensive anchor for Indiana, recognized for his shot-blocking and floor-spacing abilities.
New York Knicks Players in The Ringer’s Top 100 (2024–25)
  • Jalen Brunson – Rank: 19
    • Brunson has emerged as the Knicks’ offensive leader, delivering consistent scoring and leadership.
  • Karl-Anthony Towns – Rank: 32
    • Towns continues to be a versatile big man, contributing significantly on both ends of the court.
  • OG Anunoby – Rank: 60
    • Anunoby is recognized for his defensive prowess and ability to stretch the floor offensively.
  • Mitchell Robinson – Rank: 82
    • Robinson provides the Knicks with elite rim protection and offensive rebounding.

Minnesota Timberwolves Players in The Ringer’s Top 100 (2024–25)
  • Anthony Edwards – Rank: 11
    • Edwards has solidified his status as one of the league’s premier shooting guards, known for his explosive scoring and leadership.
  • Rudy Gobert – Rank: 34
    • Gobert remains a defensive anchor for Minnesota, recognized for his shot-blocking and rebounding abilities.
  • Julius Randle – Rank: 45
    • Randle remains a key contributor, known for his scoring versatility and rebounding.
  • Jaden McDaniels – Rank: 73
    • McDaniels is acknowledged for his defensive prowess and ability to guard multiple positions.
  • Naz Reid – Rank: 79
    • Reid has emerged as a key contributor off the bench, providing scoring and energy.
  • Mike Conley – Rank: 94
    • Conley offers veteran leadership and steady playmaking at the point guard position.

⚡ Oklahoma City Thunder Players in The Ringer’s Top 100 (2024–25)
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Rank: 2
    • Gilgeous-Alexander has established himself as one of the league’s elite guards, leading the Thunder with his scoring and playmaking.
  • Jalen Williams – Rank: 35
    • Williams is recognized for his versatility and two-way impact on the game.
  • Chet Holmgren – Rank: 39
    • Holmgren has made an immediate impact with his shot-blocking and floor-spacing abilities.
  • Alex Caruso - Rank: 61
    • Caruso’s consistent defensive excellence and improved offensive efficiency have solidified his status as one of the league’s top role players.
  • Luguentz Dort – Rank: 68
    • Dort is known for his tenacious defense and ability to guard top perimeter players.
  • Cason Wallace – Rank: 99
    • Wallace has shown promise as a young guard with defensive upside.
 
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I reckon wolves will start going on a decline unless they can add another major star which I think they can’t as they have no draft capital
Also gobert will be another year older
Conley another year older all they have is Edwards and randle is ok at best I can’t see them improving their roster
 
It feels like we could be leaving the age of parity in the NBA. There is no reason to not pick OKC as the strong favorite next year. Their team will keep getting better. IF they are willing to spend money they will be very good for a very long time. Even if they don't spend money they will have a good team for a long time with their ability to continue to add rookies on cost controlled contracts.
 
SoberasHotRod said:
It feels like we could be leaving the age of parity in the NBA. There is no reason to not pick OKC as the strong favorite next year. Their team will keep getting better. IF they are willing to spend money they will be very good for a very long time. Even if they don't spend money they will have a good team for a long time with their ability to continue to add rookies on cost controlled contracts.
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Ya I figure they make the finals the next 4 years or so

Sent from my OPD2203 using Tapatalk
 
Sexton would be a great fit for the Wolves. It would have to be Conley + Dillingham + Garza to make the money work. But I doubt they want to give up on Dillingham after using a high pick on him and I dont really want Dillingham at all.

Maybe like Conley/Dillingham/Garza/17th pick for Sexton/21st pick and we find a way to flip Dillingham to a Dillingham believer.
 
Saint Cy of JFC said:
Sexton would be a great fit for the Wolves. It would have to be Conley + Dillingham + Garza to make the money work. But I doubt they want to give up on Dillingham after using a high pick on him and I dont really want Dillingham at all.

Maybe like Conley/Dillingham/Garza/17th pick for Sexton/21st pick and we find a way to flip Dillingham to a Dillingham believer.
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LOL… you couldn't even sell Sexton to Jazzfanz…
 
Ant loves Sexton so Sexton is possible to the Wolves, but it would have to be a complicated 3-4 team trade based around a Julius Randle sign-and-trade where they basically split Randle into two guys and one of them is Sexton.

The Jazz would also probably only get back bad salary and maybe one bad pick as well.
 
The Twolves definitely need some more offensive juice. Even when Randle is playing the best basketball of his life it isn't enough. Sexton makes some sense, but the salaries make it difficult. I think Key might be an easier move to make.
 
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