2025-26 Team Developments: Trades / Free Agents / News / Rumors / Ideas

Last season ESPN prediction
ESPN

1. Boston C Bags 52.4 (61) +8.6
2. Cleveland Cavaliers 50.6 (64) +13.4
3. Milwaukee Bucks 46.7 (48) +1.3
4. Indiana Pacers 46.7 (50) +3.3
5. New York Knicks 45.4 (51) +5.6
6. Philadelphia 76ers 45.2 (24) -21.2
7. Miami Heat 44.9 (37) -7.9
8. Orlando Magic 43.5 (41) -2.5
9. Brooklyn Nets 36.9 (26) -10.9
10. Toronto Raptors 33.9 (30) -3.9
11. Atlanta Hawks 31.9 (40) +8.1
12. Chicago Bulls 31.8 (39) +7.2
13. Charlotte Hornets 29.4 (19) -10.4
14. Detroit Pistons 28.8 (44) +15.2
15. Washington Wizards 24.1 (18) -6.1

1. Oklahoma City Thunder 53.7 (68) +14.3
2. Memphis Grizzlies 51.1 (48) -3.1
3. Dallas Mavericks 49.7 (39) -10.7
4. Sacramento Kings 49.4 (40) -9.4
5. Denver Nuggets 47.4 (50) +2.6
6. Phoenix Suns 45.4 (36) -9.4
7. Golden State Warriors 44.8 (48) +3.2
8. Minnesota Timberwolves 42.7 (49) +6.3
9. New Orleans Pelicans 41.6 (21) -20.6
10. Los Angeles Lakers 40.7 (50) +9.3
11. Houston Rockets 40.4 (52) +11.6
12. LA Clippers 36.3 (50) +13.7
13. San Antonio Spurs 33.5 (34) +0.5
14. Portland Trail Blazers 32.8 (36) +3.2
15. Utah Jazz 29.2 (17) -12.2
They are definitely not good at it

 

Diabate is a nice prospect that fits the lob catcher role for us at center, but we already have three guys that do that in Ayton, Hayes, and Koloko. I mean LaRavia is fine as the backup defensive 3/4 you are describing imo. Vando is another player that defends the 3/4 really well. I mean, maybe you are describing a PJ Washington type player, but not sure where he fits. Lets say, i theory we swapped Rui for PJ. Yes, we do upgrade our overall defense in the starting, but you still have Luka, Lebron, and Reaves in there trying to chase quick, athletic guards around. Is there a that is fleet footed enough to keep up with these guys, who could shoot? That's basically Vando with a 3-pt shot. Vando is still only 26, and working on his shot still. Maybe we just need a place holder type until Vando develops his shot, and players like Thierro and Manon also develop their shot. Wiggins fits that timeline well.

 

We are talking about paying Austin 30M plus, and we want to pay another guard 20-25M? Idk..that's an expensive gamble. Diabate is a freakish 6'8 guy, he can effectively guard 3-5. There aren't many guys around that can do that. I watched him check Jokic, Gordon and Porter Jr, and more than held his own against all 3! He was giving Jokic fits by getting up into his chest and affecting his dribble.

 

Rui's feet are in cement on defense, and on offense he tries to go into isolation, which mucks up the offense. So, we definitely need to start by dealing Rui imo.

 

That’s just brutal Lebron out 3-4 weeks? Well there goes Lebron against the Warriors. Tough start to our season and first 5 games wow. Just wow.

 

Gianiss only wants to go to the Knicks. He ain’t down with the Ring chasing. He wants to be the guy. He’s already won a ring. He doesn’t have to have a ring.

 

f***ing idiot
Boston C Bags legend Paul Pierce was arrested on Tuesday, the California Highway Patrol said.

According to the CHP, authorities found Pierce asleep while he was in the driver's seat of his Range Rover as it was in the middle of traffic on the 101 Freeway in the San Fernando Valley.

paul pierce getty sub
Getty
Cops say lanes had been closed on the highway while a crash investigation occurred ... and the sleeping Pierce was discovered following their reopening at around 11:35 PM.

"Officers noted signs of alcohol impairment," when officers encountered Pierce, the CHP said, "and conducted a DUI investigation."

 

You know, he should of just told them he was transitioning and was feeling very emotional. I am sure they would have bought it!

 

lol

 

Didn’t even know he was there dangerous. I know that area. 101 fwy the valley on his way home. He seriously needs to evaluate himself. He can’t hire a driver or Uber?

 

Gabe's 3 and D numbers actually check out really well. Why do we not like him again? I know he has had availability issues, but when healthy is he good enough to be the starter? Is it due to him not being as switchable as Marcus and Vando? Or just his small size? Statistically speaking, out of the three, Vincent has the best combination of shooting and defense. Last season, he was healthy and put up 10.8ppg, 2.3apg, 2.2rpg, 1.6spg, 35.3% 3-PT FGS on 2.6/7.3 per game. He also had a 1.6 % steal rate, and a -0.1 DBPM. Those are good numbers for a 3 and D player. Smart has a career steal rate of 2.6%, and Vando has a career steal rate of 2.5%, so those two are elite in terms of getting steals. Moreover, LaRavia has a career steal % of 1.9%, and was 2.4% last season. This is a key area for getting out in transition, and should not be over looked. I think right now, definitely play Gabe over Dalton. We should be able to force a lot of turnovers. Also, other than being a good shooter and genrally good offensive player, I could see why the Lakers have interest in Wiggins. Hes good for 35% threes on high volume, and a DBPM of close to 0, and a steal rate between 1.5-1.8. This ismuch better than Rui, of course. I think we really need to do that Wiggins trade. We only really give up the 2031 1st for him, because Rui and DK at this point are kind of addition by subtraction. DK needs a fresh start, and Rui isn't going to improve as a defender at this point. If Gabe needs to be included in the deal, then so be it. It would open up more minutes for Smart, and a spot in the rotation for another player. Possibilities are Keshad Johnson (other player that comes in Wiggins trade), Smith Jr, Thierro, Manon, etc. Rui is not going to turn into PJ Washington. Gebe is alos in a contract year, so I imagine he will be playing his best. Between Vincent, Smart, and Vando we should be able to force a lot of turnovers and help play the fast pace that Redick wants to play. Interim rotation with Lebron out imo:

PG: Vando (24) Vincent (18) Smart (6)
SG: Reaves (36) Smart (12)
SF: Doncic (36) LaRavia (12)
PF: Hachimura (34) LaRavia (14)
C: Ayton (32) Hayes (16)

 

Wildly inconsistent. Wildly. His swings are worse than my wife’s after kid #3.

 

You won the internet today.