The 2025 NBA Finals Thread

[AzStevenCal]

You'd think Thibs would have learned his lesson after putting a halt on Derrick Rose's career but more than a decade later and he hasn't changed.

Yeah he's a great coach in some ways but I truly think he was better as an assistant than he is as a Head Coach.

 

[Cheesebeef]

He didn't even look like a really good role player most of this postseason.

That’s a bit harsh, no? He’s been really up and down in the playoffs, but I still think a good role player. Just not a guy worth 5 first round picks.

 

[AzStevenCal]

That’s a bit harsh, no? He’s been really up and down in the playoffs, but I still think a good role player. Just not a guy worth 5 first round picks.

Well, he wasn't horrible, but he is normally a very good role player and hasn't consistently played up to that level for awhile now because of the heavy load (IMO).

And I think he can be worth 5 picks, just not 5 high picks. New York didn't really hurt their roster with that trade so even though 4 of them are unprotected, they aren't likely to be prime draft picks. But if something happens and they turn out to be valued similarly to the picks we sent out, it will haunt that franchise for years to come.

 

[Hoop Head]

Well, he wasn't horrible, but he is normally a very good role player and hasn't consistently played up to that level for awhile now because of the heavy load (IMO).

And I think he can be worth 5 picks, just not 5 high picks. New York didn't really hurt their roster with that trade so even though 4 of them are unprotected, they aren't likely to be prime draft picks. But if something happens and they turn out to be valued similarly to the picks we sent out, it will haunt that franchise for years to come.

Some of the picks aren't New York's own and there is some protection also.

It's a mess to copy and paste and make sense of it all. Here's a screenshot from BBReference with details.

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The deal also got Jalen Brunson to sign a less than max extension to stay in New York. That helps offset some of the hurt from the deal as well.

 

[AzStevenCal]

Some of the picks aren't New York's own and there is some protection also.

It's a mess to copy and paste and make sense of it all. Here's a screenshot from BBReference with details.

You must be registered for see images attach

The deal also got Jalen Brunson to sign a less than max extension to stay in New York. That helps offset some of the hurt from the deal as well.

It's AI so I don't know how accurate it is but here's where I got my info: the Brooklyn Nets received four unprotected first-round picks from the Knicks (2025, 2027, 2029, and 2031), a first-round pick swap with the Knicks in 2028, a top-4 protected first-round pick from the Milwaukee Bucks in 2025, and a 2025 second-round pick.

 

[BooksOrangePlanet]

conference finals over?




(yes)

 

[Russ Smith]

Assuming it ends up OKC and IND what a fun final that will be. Both teams high powered offense and good defenses.

OKC would presumably be favored because they seem to have a better defense but the way indiana has played the last few months nothing would surprise me.

 

[AzStevenCal]

Assuming it ends up OKC and IND what a fun final that will be. Both teams high powered offense and good defenses.

OKC would presumably be favored because they seem to have a better defense but the way indiana has played the last few months nothing would surprise me.

Yeah for most of this season I thought Indiana was the 3rd best team behind OKC and Cleveland but they just keep getting better so I have no idea how this will play out. I'd give OKC the home court edge but the Pacers have proven they can win on the road so we'll see.

 

[leclerc]

I am pulling for Indiana actually. Too good for the Knicks. OKC is great but I think I like the Pacers a little better. Can someone put up a poster of Halliburton outside the arena so James Jones can see it every day he comes to work, or is this his last week? I think I read he was moved to an advisory role. Hopefully on demand and not involved in planning and managing the roster.

 

[Suns_fan69]

Interesting note from SVG during the game. When the game slowed down with NYK getting free throws, Indiana was struggling to score vs a set defense. Letting NYK score without fouling and they were able to get easy baskets again just by pushing the ball. Very reminiscent of 7SOL

 

[Adrian]

When you lived in New Mexico you could read just fine...

I did fail 3rd grade 5 times. So there’s that. Lol

 

[Adrian]

On a serious note I did struggle in college. Mainly I because I was the sole caretaker of my sick parents. My mom died of pulmonary fibrosis while I was in college.
My dad at least got to see me graduate.
It took me a while but at least I got that paper.

 

[Dback Jon]

On a serious note I did struggle in college. Mainly I because I was the sole caretaker of my sick parents. My mom died of pulmonary fibrosis while I was in college.
My dad at least got to see me graduate.
It took me a while but at least I got that paper.

That must have been rough

 

[Superbone]

On a serious note I did struggle in college. Mainly I because I was the sole caretaker of my sick parents. My mom died of pulmonary fibrosis while I was in college.
My dad at least got to see me graduate.
It took me a while but at least I got that paper.

Wow, that's a lot to deal with. I can't imagine having to deal with that at that age and while going to college. Glad to see you are thriving now.

 

[Adrian]

That must have been rough

It was. But enough about me

Back to the topic at hand.

Knicks suck.

 

[Adrian]

Karl-Anthony Towns injury: Knicks star cleared to play in Game 5 after banging knees with Aaron Nesmith

Karl-Anthony Towns appeared to be in a lot of pain late in Game 4. He's suiting up for Game 5.

sports.yahoo.com

 

[AzStevenCal]

I am pulling for Indiana actually. Too good for the Knicks. OKC is great but I think I like the Pacers a little better. Can someone put up a poster of Halliburton outside the arena so James Jones can see it every day he comes to work, or is this his last week? I think I read he was moved to an advisory role. Hopefully on demand and not involved in planning and managing the roster.

To be fair, 11 GMs passed on Haliburton, not just JJ. And we weren't the only team that needed him.

 

[Dback Jon]

To be fair, 11 GMs passed on Haliburton, not just JJ. And we weren't the only team that needed him.

Yes, but we aren't fans of those teams. And the Suns drafted two slots before the Kings - right in his projected range, and a position of need.

 

[Dback Jon]

That draft class was weak - only four that have ever made an All-Star game, and only two that have made any All-NBA team

 

[BooksOrangePlanet]

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[Proximo]

Maybe it's just me but I think Indiana and OKC play a very similar game - I think of it as they are two of the best representatives of the modern NBA's best playing style.

Both have a bunch of good wings that get after it defensively.

I think this is the blueprint to follow for success.

 

[Hoop Head]

Maybe it's just me but I think Indiana and OKC play a very similar game - I think of it as they are two of the best representatives of the modern NBA's best playing style.

Both have a bunch of good wings that get after it defensively.

I think this is the blueprint to follow for success.

Indiana likes to run more and play loose. They suffer from more defensive lapses while OKC is built off their defense and getting stops.


It'll be a fun series. I think OKC in 5. Indiana is very well coached and they'll need to be to compete because I think overall talent favors OKC.

 

[Cheesebeef]

I am very fearful of a Randle/Divencenzo for KD trade coming.

 

[BooksOrangePlanet]

thunder isn't playing around it's closing time

 

[BooksOrangePlanet]

I am very fearful of a Randle/Divencenzo for KD trade coming.

we should be