Category Archive a1

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Multiple NBA coaches sing praise about the Celtics’ ability to be an unselfish team

The Boston Celtics are one of the best teams in the league, and rightfully so. Their ability to be one of the most unselfish teams in the league makes them almost unstoppable. In an article by Celtics insider Noa Dalzell, multiple coaches couldn’t help but be impressed with their playstyle.

Erik Spoelstra, head coach of the Miami Heat, was impressed by their quick growth in between meetings. “‘They move the ball much better than they have in the past,’ Spoelstra said after the Celtics defeated the Heat earlier this month.”

Milwaukee Bucks and former Celtics head coach Doc Rivers was very impressed by their deep trust in one another to make huge, selfless plays. “They’ll pass until there’s one second on the clock to try to find someone. They did that a couple of times and that’s why they are what they are. That wasn’t them two years ago — and it is them now. That’s what makes them the champions.”

The final coach to sing praises of the Celtics was Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, who had one thing to say: “They just seem like they care about winning more than anything else”.

The C’s are in second place in the East sitting at 20-5, and will face the Washington Wizards tomorrow at 6pm EST.

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Proposed Celtics trade would land solid wing defender in Boston

Anderson would provide great defense, and decent stats off the bench. For the Warriors, he’s averaging five points, three rebounds and two assists. Compared to Hauser, Anderson is also a better playmaker, which the Celtics like having.

Horford and the second-rounder would be near equal in salary to Anderson, and both teams could exchange some cash due to their huge payrolls. It would also help the Celtics get their young team even younger.

Should the C’s do this? Honestly, they probably should. They have the depth at center to lose Horford, and he’s only getting older. However, he is a fan favorite and still pretty efficient, so if they decide to not do it, it wouldn’t hurt them that much.

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Rockets predicted to call it quits with Alperen Sengun in favor 76ers’ $192 million star

They have the supporting cast of a contender, just not the main piece. Embiid would be that guy for them.

FanSided outlined how a potential trade would work. It would most likely involve Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., and Jalen Green. Of course, draft capital would have to be included. It would also take some more contracts to match, like Jeff Green’s and Steven Adams.

The problem with a trade with the Rockets
While the Rockets boast some intriguing young talent, Sengun and Green have poison-pill contracts. In other words, their extensions kick in next season.

Green will start the first year of a three-year, $105 million contract while Sengun will start the first year of a five-year, $185 million contract.

Other factors would be at play in a potential trade with the Rockets. Embiid just got hurt again shortly after admitting to a “depressing” injury history. The Rockets would have to ask themselves if he’s worth the injury risk.

Embiid has familiarity with Rockets coach Ime Udoka from Udoka’s time as an assistant with the Sixers. Udoka has helped the Rockets find their groove, and Embiid would vault them up a level on paper.

A trade like this would make sense if the Sixers decide they don’t want to have Embiid anymore. A deal could be reached here depending on what else the Rockets would offer.

Currently, the Sixers won’t think about this because they’ve got more pressing immediate problems. If they put Embiid on the market, the Rockets are a realistic trade partner.

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Rockets may cut ties with Jalen Green in favor of Lakers’ $101 million star

“This trade offer from the Houston Rockets is an ambitious move to catapult themselves into championship contention,” Fadeaway World’s Eddie Bitar wrote Thursday.

“Jalen Green, the centerpiece of the package, is a dynamic scorer with star potential (19.5 points per game, 4.7 rebounds per game), making him an appealing addition to the Lakers’ core while Dillon Brooks (12.8 points per game, 3.7 rebounds per game) brings elite defense on the perimeter.

“For Houston, acquiring LeBron James would pair him with a young roster including Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., and possibly Bronny James.”

“Adding LeBron’s leadership and championship pedigree could transform the Rockets into playoff threats instantly.”

“While losing Jalen Green stings for a franchise focused on the future, LeBron’s ability to elevate a team is a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and expect head coach Ime Udoka to go after this trade at all costs if it is feasible.”

James will turn 40 on Dec. 30, but the four-time NBA champion still produces at an impressively high level.

In Year 22, James hasn’t lost the ability to overpower defenders in the lane, locate open teammates on the run, and occasionally drill nonchalant pull-back triples on the perimeter.

The 20-time All-Star averages 23.0 points, 9.1 assists, and 8.0 rebounds per game on a Lakers team attempting to turn the corner in mid-December.

With Green competing with D’Angelo Russell for the most erratic performer in the league award, it wouldn’t be asinine for the Rockets to enter win-now mode and trade for a franchise-elevating piece in James.

However, there’s a good chance the Rockets’ trade package for James wouldn’t move the needle for the Lakers, making it nearly impossible to complete a blockbuster deal.

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Nets predicted to cut ties with 2016 NBA Draft bust via trade

“The Brooklyn Nets are facing a familiar conundrum when it comes to Ben Simmons,” Hoops Wire’s Sam Amici wrote Sunday. “His $40 million-plus expiring contract screams NBA trade chip, but actually moving it? That’s a different story.”

“According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Nets could explore flipping Simmons to a team looking to clear cap space for 2025. The idea? Sweeten the deal by attaching a promising young player or draft assets to entice Brooklyn into taking back a multiyear salary.”

“Sounds good in theory, right? But in practice, it’s complicated. Simmons has had flashes of his old self this season, but consistency remains the big question.”

“If you’re Brooklyn, you’re not just moving Simmons to move him. You’re looking for pieces that help you win now and keep an eye on the future.”

“The Nets are a team trying to stay competitive while building around a collection of solid role players. Taking on bad long-term contracts doesn’t exactly fit the script unless the sweetener is too good to pass up.”

“From the other side, teams looking to shed salary might find Simmons’ expiring deal attractive, but how many of those teams are willing to part with assets to make it happen?”

“Teams are already hesitant to move high-value picks or young players, especially with the new CBA tightening the screws on long-term cap management.”

“Bottom line: Brooklyn has options, but they’re not great ones. Simmons’ contract gives them some leverage, but not enough to expect a blockbuster return.”

“If a deal does materialize, it’ll likely involve Brooklyn absorbing some tough financial commitments. Whether that’s worth the potential assets coming back? That’s the $40 million question.”

“For now, the Nets will keep taking calls, but don’t expect fireworks unless someone blinks first.”

Before the start of the 2023-24 season, Simmons promised Nets fans he would eventually dominate opponents again.

Unfortunately, the 2016 lottery pick has been unable to replicate the success he enjoyed with the Philadelphia 76ers.

He’s averaging 5.1 points and 6.5 assists per game with the Nets this season and has sometimes looked out of place.

Simmons is still a decent playmaker who can quickly get downhill and force off-ball defenders to abandon their original assignments. Still, he isn’t the same player who was highly regarded coming out of college.

Expect the Nets to move on from the LSU product this season.

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Knicks may cut ties with Mikal Bridges in favor of Lakers’ $101 million superstar

“The Knicks’ offer for LeBron James is a robust package of talent, defense, and draft capital,” Fadeaway World’s Eddie Bitar wrote Thursday.

“Mikal Bridges, a budding two-way star posting 16.9 points and 3.6 rebounds per game, gives the Lakers a player who can score efficiently, defend at an elite level, and fit seamlessly alongside Anthony Davis.”

“Josh Hart, with his hustle and versatility, brings energy and defensive intensity (13.9 points per game, 8.3 rebounds per game, 5.5 assists per game), while Mitchell Robinson provides rim protection and rebounding prowess to bolster the Lakers’ interior.”

“From the Knicks’ standpoint, this trade is the ultimate splash, pairing LeBron James with Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and OG Anunoby to form one of the most stacked lineups in recent memory.”

“LeBron’s leadership and playmaking could unlock new dimensions for the Knicks’ offense while giving them a legitimate shot at Eastern Conference supremacy over the Boston Celtics.”

“It’s a bold move for New York, but it aligns with their appetite for marquee names and high-pressure situations.”

“While the Knicks would miss Bridges’ versatility and Hart’s heart-and-soul energy, bringing The King to Madison Square Garden might finally end their decades-long championship drought.”

James isn’t in the MVP conversation to start the 2024-25 campaign, but he certainly isn’t a weak link on the disappointing 13-12 Lakers squad.

As a physically imposing 6-foot-9 forward who puts instant pressure on defenses when the ball is in his possession, James can still elevate a franchise with his awe-inspiring play on the hardwood.

The 20-time All-Star is one assist and two rebounds short of averaging a triple-double this season.

Bridges, a lengthy 6-foot-6 wing who can take on various offensive and defensive roles, is having an encouraging season in his own right, netting 17.0 points per contest on 48.1% shooting from the field.

While it would be interesting to watch James team up with Towns, Brunson, and Anunoby in New York, the Knicks’ frontcourt depth and bench production need the most attention.