NBA Regular Season & Playoffs 2017-18

ButtersSuki · 10-09-2018 11:43pm

Thibs signs Deng on a 1 year deal.

He must think it's 2012 and that he's still coaching Chicago. Now if only he can get Carlos Boozer to come out of retirement.....

ButtersSuki · 10-09-2018 11:45pm

ctrl-alt-delete wrote: »

I wonder can anyone advise.

I am going to Boston for St. Patrick's day next year. The Celtics have two games whilst I am there, the 16th and the 18th.

I've had a look on ticketmaster and it seems there are not many tickets left at all.

Have i missed the boat?

No, chances are tickets haven't gone on sale yet for March of next year....or there'll be at least some left that will be released later/closer to the game.

Failing that you'll have a chance to get some on secondary markets (Stub Heat, Seat Geek etc.).

OR

You can take your chances walking up to the stadium on the day - has always worked out for me but I've mostly been flying solo on these occasions and it's obviously easier get 1 ticket than multiple tickets beside each other.

ButtersSuki · 11-09-2018 5:22pm

ctrl-alt-delete wrote: »

I wonder can anyone advise.

I am going to Boston for St. Patrick's day next year. The Celtics have two games whilst I am there, the 16th and the 18th.

I've had a look on ticketmaster and it seems there are not many tickets left at all.

Have i missed the boat?

Side note: that's p*ss poor scheduling on the NBA's part not to have Boston playing on March 17th. It was pretty much a staple for many, many years that Boston, NY and Chicago all played on march 17th and all wore green. Indeed some of those NY and Chicago Green kits are pretty cool..

For Forks Sake · 11-09-2018 11:30pm

ButtersSuki wrote: »

Side note: that's p*ss poor scheduling on the NBA's part not to have Boston playing on March 17th. It was pretty much a staple for many, many years that Boston, NY and Chicago all played on march 17th and all wore green. Indeed some of those NY and Chicago Green kits are pretty cool..

Yeah I have this one in my collection

ButtersSuki · 13-09-2018 8:02pm

Very interesting (if a bit nerdy) Lowe Post podcast today with Ian Thomsen on his novel The Soul Of Basketball. In it Thomsen discusses Pat Riley and how he almost got fired from the Lakers in the 80s after losing to Boston in the 1984 Finals but the thing that stood out for me the most was Riley blaming Klay Thompson for the 2016 Finals loss for not "shouldering" LeBron (I assume subtly but just enough to change his stride pattern and slow him down) in the backcourt and putting him off stride and therefore out of position to make that block on Iguadola. It shows Riley's mindset, how cynical he is (arguably in a good way here from an outcome perspective) and how prepared he is to do whatever it takes to win. That kinda play would never be called and could have changed history. It's such a fascinating insight that such an innocuous and off the ball obstruction.

Doc Rivers comes out very well in it too apparently. The book is really about the 2011-12 season and the impact it had on the league thereafter. Might pick it up.

Osmosis Jones · 19-09-2018 7:09pm

https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1042469878949707776

Jimmy Butler finally requests a trade out of Minnesota, gives Thibs a list of 1-3 teams he'd sign an extension with.

Osmosis Jones · 19-09-2018 7:37pm

So Woj says the three teams are The Knicks, Nets, and Clippers. Not exactly what I was expecting.

For Forks Sake · 19-09-2018 7:51pm

Osmosis Jones wrote: »

https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1042469878949707776

Jimmy Butler finally requests a trade out of Minnesota, gives Thibs a list of 1-3 teams he'd sign an extension with.

Whats Thibs mean to do now after spending all summer collecting the 2012 Bulls?

Osmosis Jones · 19-09-2018 7:54pm

For Forks Sake wrote: »

Whats Thibs mean to do now after spending all summer collecting the 2012 Bulls?

Trade with the Knicks for Noah I guess.

For Forks Sake · 19-09-2018 8:07pm

Osmosis Jones wrote: »

Trade with the Knicks for Noah I guess.

No-ones trading for that ludicrous contract.

Anyway, Noah is being bought out by the Knicks apparently (Dolan is some man to squander money). Presumably he signs with MIN then...

ButtersSuki · 19-09-2018 9:10pm

I'm both surprised and not surprised if that makes sense? I'm not surprised because not many NBA players want to live in Minny in the winter. I am surprised however given the Thibs connection as I thought they were closer than they obviously are. I'm also surprised there's no mention of the Lakers, or to a lesser degree, Boston. I heard both NY teams mentioned earlier this week on a pod (might have been Dunc'd On?) but the Clippers is a bit left field - esp. when you consider no mention of the Lakers. Looks like Jerry West was busy this summer.....(Butler lives in LA in the summer).

On Butler though, while I'm sure someone will overpay/overtrade for him, I'm not sure how much real value there is left in him given his age, injury history etc.

Separately on the Clippers, the Lee Jenkins signing to a made up title from Sports Illustrated is certainly out there........come to the Clippers Kawhi and Lee will build your brand for you?

LuckyLloyd · 20-09-2018 8:10am

The Knicks would make plenty of sense for his own personal brand. Being the man in New York is worth a lot, wins and losses aside

ButtersSuki · 23-09-2018 11:55pm

Minnesota looking to trade Butler "within days". Cavs apparently have had talks with them, though no details of who's on the table.

In potentially NBA landscape-changing news, Anthony Davis signs with Clutch.....now we'll have 6-24months of "AD to LA" talk......:rolleyes:

ButtersSuki · 25-09-2018 11:20pm

In NBA with a tedious Irish angle news: Joel Embiid has been banging the lead singer of The Script's gf (now ex-gf) for a while. Allegedly. Well not allegedly, it's in the news.

ButtersSuki · 26-09-2018 4:03pm

Butler's likely landing points are the Clippers and the Raptors apparently. Raptors would be pretty loaded if they get him and don't give away too much to get him. Still see Boston as the favourites in the East though.

kmart6 · 26-09-2018 5:32pm

Any chance of renaming the thread Mods? Just take out 2017-18?

chopperbyrne · 26-09-2018 6:02pm

kmart6 wrote: »

Any chance of renaming the thread Mods? Just take out 2017-18?

Or break off all posts from the day after the NBA finals into a thread called 2017-2018 Post Season.

Then start a new thread for the 2018-2019 season once it starts.

irishman86 · 27-09-2018 1:44am

ButtersSuki wrote: »

Butler's likely landing points are the Clippers and the Raptors apparently. Raptors would be pretty loaded if they get him and don't give away too much to get him. Still see Boston as the favourites in the East though.

Raptors not a bad call. One year of awesome then either have two proper all stars or they can begin the rebuild
I see Dragic getting linked to Phoneix though so id bet on Butler in Miami

kmart6 · 27-09-2018 10:04pm

chopperbyrne wrote: »

Or break off all posts from the day after the NBA finals into a thread called 2017-2018 Post Season.

Then start a new thread for the 2018-2019 season once it starts.

Don't think this will be hitting 10K over this season so could probably just leave the one.

shamrock55 · 27-09-2018 10:58pm

I've been out of the nba loop all summer, just realised raptors traded derozen for Leonard and got Danny Green too, that's a nice improvement to the roster

ButtersSuki · 27-09-2018 11:06pm

kmart6 wrote: »

Don't think this will be hitting 10K over this season the next 3-4 seasons so could probably just leave the one.

FYP. :pac:

kmart6 · 28-09-2018 12:03pm

Haha, you're not wrong!

qwabercd · 28-09-2018 1:57pm

Related to the above, it's funny how much less interest there is in the NBA in comparison with the NFL over here in recent years.

I really think the fact that the NFL is on at such a better time for us to watch makes a huge difference. I love settling down on a Sunday to watch the nfl games but find myself mainly sticking to highlights for the majority of the NBA seasons with games on so late most of the time. Fantasy NFL has gotten more popular here too which has probably helped increase the NFL interest.

Any of ye do fantasy NBA Leagues actually? I do a bit of the daily ones on draftkings but haven't gotten involved in any season long draft leagues.

ButtersSuki · 28-09-2018 2:10pm

qwabercd wrote: »

Related to the above, it's funny how much less interest there is in the NBA in comparison with the NFL over here in recent years.

I really think the fact that the NFL is on at such a better time for us to watch makes a huge difference. I love settling down on a Sunday to watch the nfl games but find myself mainly sticking to highlights for the majority of the NBA seasons with games on so late most of the time. Fantasy NFL has gotten more popular here too which has probably helped increase the NFL interest.

Any of ye do fantasy NBA Leagues actually? I do a bit of the daily ones on draftkings but haven't gotten involved in any season long draft leagues.

It's always been the way, and it's very strange on one level considering the interest in the sport in schools here where it's actually played and accessible. In many ways we're the perfect country for indoor sports like basketball but due to a variety of reasons - not least the incompetence of the IBA - and funding, facilities etc. Access to TV/viewing has always been a problem too but the timing as you mention is clearly an issue too. Not sure what the NBA can do about that though as their main market is the US and I can't see them changing schedules to suit relatively small audiences in Europe. If the London NBA team ever happens - and I can't see it myself for a long time for a variety of reasons - then it might change, but even that's a long way off.

qwabercd · 28-09-2018 3:01pm

ButtersSuki wrote: »

It's always been the way, and it's very strange on one level considering the interest in the sport in schools here where it's actually played and accessible. In many ways we're the perfect country for indoor sports like basketball but due to a variety of reasons - not least the incompetence of the IBA - and funding, facilities etc. Access to TV/viewing has always been a problem too but the timing as you mention is clearly an issue too. Not sure what the NBA can do about that though as their main market is the US and I can't see them changing schedules to suit relatively small audiences in Europe. If the London NBA team ever happens - and I can't see it myself for a long time for a variety of reasons - then it might change, but even that's a long way off.

Yeah but I think the gap has grown a lot in the last few years. And will probably continue to grow too.

ButtersSuki · 28-09-2018 3:33pm

qwabercd wrote: »

Yeah but I think the gap has grown a lot in the last few years. And will probably continue to grow too.

Totally agree. The NFL are really pushing the game overseas and with the Jaguars in talks to move to London that'll at least keep it in the spotlight in the UK up - whether that will happen or not in reality is another thing. The London games have been hugely successful, and as you rightly point out the timing (and the fact that the majority of the games are on Sundays) helps enormously too. The game in the US has issues (esp. at younger levels, concussion, domestic violence etc.) but I read recently that 77 of the Top 100 watched programmes on US TV last year were American Football games - that's astonishing really on many levels. I've been to a few college games, and I've also been to a few pro games' but while I like American Football, I love basketball.

The NBA have been talking for decades about Europe in various capacities (an NBA Europe League was mooted at one point, as has an actual team in London/Paris), but they've failed IMO in tacking what could be a huge market for them. They seem more interested in China right now from what I can see.

Niles Crane · 28-09-2018 4:13pm

ButtersSuki wrote: »

Totally agree. The NFL are really pushing the game overseas and with the Jaguars in talks to move to London that'll at least keep it in the spotlight in the UK up - whether that will happen or not in reality is another thing. The London games have been hugely successful, and as you rightly point out the timing (and the fact that the majority of the games are on Sundays) helps enormously too. The game in the US has issues (esp. at younger levels, concussion, domestic violence etc.) but I read recently that 77 of the Top 100 watched programmes on US TV last year were American Football games - that's astonishing really on many levels. I've been to a few college games, and I've also been to a few pro games' but while I like American Football, I love basketball.

The NBA have been talking for decades about Europe in various capacities (an NBA Europe League was mooted at one point, as has an actual team in London/Paris), but they've failed IMO in tacking what could be a huge market for them. They seem more interested in China right now from what I can see.

NBA team in europe would hardly be feasible due to the sheer number of games and irregular schedule.At least with a potential NFL team in europe 1 game per week for 4 months would be a lot easier to organise and the travelling would not be too arduous.

BT sport not keeping it's NBA coverage and that it constantly has changed around from different broadcasters shows that the interest is clearly not quite as big as you would think it should be.Also there is a problem of how horrifically uncompetitive the NBA is compared to the NFL.You could name up to 10-12 teams that would have a decent chance of getting to the Superbowl each year whereas in the NBA it's about 4 teams at the very most in any season that are genuine contenders.An 82 game regular season plus playoffs to get to a very predictable finale is not quite as appetizing as 4-5 months of sheer mayhem that the NFL provides.

qwabercd · 28-09-2018 4:19pm

ButtersSuki wrote: »

Totally agree. The NFL are really pushing the game overseas and with the Jaguars in talks to move to London that'll at least keep it in the spotlight in the UK up - whether that will happen or not in reality is another thing. The London games have been hugely successful, and as you rightly point out the timing (and the fact that the majority of the games are on Sundays) helps enormously too. The game in the US has issues (esp. at younger levels, concussion, domestic violence etc.) but I read recently that 77 of the Top 100 watched programmes on US TV last year were American Football games - that's astonishing really on many levels. I've been to a few college games, and I've also been to a few pro games' but while I like American Football, I love basketball.

The NBA have been talking for decades about Europe in various capacities (an NBA Europe League was mooted at one point, as has an actual team in London/Paris), but they've failed IMO in tacking what could be a huge market for them. They seem more interested in China right now from what I can see.

They put forward a good idea on the open floor a few weeks ago. Can't remember it exactly but involved having a midseason NBA tournament across Europe in place of a few of the usual regular season games. 82 regular season games is too much for me when so many teams are either v.likely or v.unlikely to ultimately make the playoffs. Replacing a few of these with a midseason type cup (like in soccer) would be a nice change of pace.

ButtersSuki · 28-09-2018 10:41pm

qwabercd wrote: »

They put forward a good idea on the open floor a few weeks ago. Can't remember it exactly but involved having a midseason NBA tournament across Europe in place of a few of the usual regular season games. 82 regular season games is too much for me when so many teams are either v.likely or v.unlikely to ultimately make the playoffs. Replacing a few of these with a midseason type cup (like in soccer) would be a nice change of pace.

They also suggested holding The Finals in Europe. Americans would lose their sh*t if that happened, and rightly so if you're a fan of the teams involved.

The secondary competition is great in theory but I cant see it working, certainly not anytime after Christmas (Play Off run it). You'd have teams resting players (stars) for the travel as much as anything (look at how much Boston and Philly complained about the London game last year).

The All Star Game/Weekend on foreign soil would be a much better draw for both the League and Europe/ROW IMO. You'd have the stars (not crap teams like has happened a lot) and the associated extra events would make it a bigger deal. Seems like the best option to me and the one that should in theory be easiest to organise as you're talking individuals rather than full teams (obviously the rest of the circus stays mostly the same) but the PR of having the 20 best players in the world in say London v The Hawks v Sacramento are worlds apart.

ButtersSuki · 08-10-2018 10:19pm

Still can't believe the Butler trade hasn't happened yet.:rolleyes:

On another note, there's a 20 hour documentary (and accompanying book) entitled "Basketball: A Love Story" coming out on US TV this month. The advance reviews are universally excellent, and it's going to be relatively difficult to see this side of the water but just a heads up for those who may be interested in watching it.

ButtersSuki · 08-10-2018 10:34pm

Ryan McDonough fired in Phoenix. Open Floor guys will have a field day with this one. Right move, awful timing with the season starting next week.

Dejounte Murray tears ACL when all pre-season reports had him "on fire". Sucks for him and the Spurs, really puts their over win total bet I made last week in doubt. Great.

And speaking of gambling, Dallas appoint Bob Voulgaris to an analytics role. Bizarre on many levels. The guy is essentially a professional gambler. He's a very good analyst/commentator on the game though in fairness. He's been on a lot of pods (Simmons especially) and his analysis is almost always excellent. Could be interesting.

bot43 · 10-10-2018 3:58pm

Not that it matters much to me as I have Pass at a great rate, but do we have any idea what the UK/IRL broadcasting rights are for the new season are yet?

kmart6 · 10-10-2018 4:36pm

Nothing agreed/announced. Rumour has been 11 Sports.

Osmosis Jones · 10-10-2018 8:22pm

This saga is incredible.

https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1050099591226552320

All-Star Jimmy Butler participated in Minnesota's practice, a session that included him verbally challenging teammates, coaches and front office, league sources told ESPN. Butler was vociferous and emotional at times, targeting Thibodeau/Layden/Towns/Wiggins. Story soon on ESPN.

https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1050102251262480386

At one point in a scrimmage, sources said, Butler turned to GM Scott Layden and screamed, "You (bleeping) need me. You can't win without me." Butler left teammates and coaches largely speechless. He dominated the gym in every way. Jimmy's back.

ButtersSuki · 10-10-2018 9:08pm

Osmosis Jones wrote: »

This saga is incredible.

https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1050099591226552320

https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1050102251262480386

Some of the twitter comments are hilarious....

SHOVELLER · 12-10-2018 3:15pm

At the Wizards open day recently which was a great opportunity to get into the home dressing room and roam the court. Thought the dressing room was smaller than expected! Anyway hoping for a better season this year!

bot43 · 12-10-2018 10:27pm

I’m in DC in Feb so gonna catch games v Hawks and v Cavs. Had hoped I’d be lucky and get the Celtics again or better again Warriors or Lakers but happy to get 2 games in regardless.

LuckyLloyd · 13-10-2018 1:11pm

What are ye using to buy tickets from Ireland these days? Specifically looking to buy Knicks tickets for next month. Would love to use SeatGeek from here but alas. Any suggestions appreciated

rushfan · 13-10-2018 1:39pm

LuckyLloyd wrote:

What are ye using to buy tickets from Ireland these days? Specifically looking to buy Knicks tickets for next month. Would love to use SeatGeek from here but alas. Any suggestions appreciated

It's almost 4 years since I was at an NBA game ( Celtics v Cavs in Boston) & pretty sure I used Ticketbastard. com . There's also StubHub as well. I know that the Celtics app allows one to buy individual game tickets too. Try the Knicks app, assuming there is one.

ButtersSuki · 13-10-2018 2:39pm

LuckyLloyd wrote: »

What are ye using to buy tickets from Ireland these days? Specifically looking to buy Knicks tickets for next month. Would love to use SeatGeek from here but alas. Any suggestions appreciated

Stubhub, Seatgeek etc should be your last port of call as they’re resellers. Ticketmaster first - always.

I’ve said this before on here but if you’re looking for just one (I travelled a lot with work) then it’s always worth chancing your arm walking up and trying to buy one at the door or from someone with a spare. Likewise 2. Any more than that though and it’s unreliable if you’re trying to sit together.

rushfan · 15-10-2018 3:10pm

bot43 wrote:

Not that it matters much to me as I have Pass at a great rate, but do we have any idea what the UK/IRL broadcasting rights are for the new season are yet?

Just as I type, Sky Sports news "Breaking news " has announced a 4 year deal with the NBA, broadcasting 170 games per season including NBA London, playoffs and Finals. Will show approx 5 games per week.

irishrover99 · 15-10-2018 4:12pm

One game every Saturday on Sky Sports Mix.
Nice..

Osmosis Jones · 15-10-2018 8:10pm

All the shows listed on their guide so far

Wed | 1:00 | Boston vs Philly
Wed | 3:30 | Warriors vs Thunder
Thur | 1:00 | Rockets vs Pelicans
Fri | 1:00 | Philly vs Chicago
Sat | 1:00 | Toronto vs Boston
Sun | 3:30 | Lakers vs Rockets

They seem to be doing a tonne of "Team Profile" shows in the hour before each game too.

Raoul · 15-10-2018 8:21pm

What do you get on the league pass app exactly? I am trying to get into NBA this season. I was hoping that it would have a highlights show that I could watch but it looks like I can only watch that if I watch it within one day of it being shown.

Osmosis Jones · 16-10-2018 12:30am

Blazers (and Seahawks) owner Paul Allen has just died of cancer at 65, had it back in 2009 and only got news it had come back a couple weeks ago.

Contingency plan seems to be that ownership status will go to his sister, and she has no interest in owning either team so will look to sell.

McLoughlin · 16-10-2018 10:33am

irishrover99 wrote: »

One game every Saturday on Sky Sports Mix.
Nice..

As an NBA fan its sad that I will not see as many games as I have in past several years. Having BT Sports for free was great but the cost of Sky Sports is too much for me.

D2D · 16-10-2018 2:51pm

New season thread is up so no need to have this open

NBA Regular Season & Playoffs 2017-18

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