The Playoffs Variety Show (ft. Nets, Stupid T-Wolves, and More!)
There isn’t really a point to this show. Similar to a buffet, you’re bound to get a lot of variety in this blog. You have been warned.
The NBA Playoffs never fail to disappoint. Over the last couple of days, we’ve seen a lot go down. From the Nets getting swept to Minnesota’s baffling late-game decisions, I wanted to talk about some things I’ve noticed over the past few days. Prepare for a whole lotta variety.
The Nets Got Swept
I didn’t talk about this immediately for one reason. Everyone was talking about the Nets, and I was bringing nothing new into the conversation. It would be beating a dead horse to make fun of KD and Kyrie or to praise the Celtics, no matter how much each side deserved it.
But, after a few days of thinking, I have some opinions on this team. Here they are.
Ben Simmons Is Pathetic
Ben Simmons is again proving why he was the problem in Philadelphia, not the other way around. We all know the story by now. After teasing us with returning after nearly a year away from the game, Simmons sat out of the decisive game four. The worst part? It seemed like Simmons’ decision.
There are so many problems with this. Unless his back was severely injured, there wasn’t an excuse not to play. Heck, he wasn’t even on the bench for game four. Simmons is taking being a bad teammate to a new level.
Simmons again showed us his lack of competitive fire. For the Nets to contend, they need Simmons to be an integral part of what they’re doing. Simmons has to be there competitively, which is something I don’t know if he’s capable of.
Simmons strikes me as a quitter. When the going gets tough, he stops trying. He hasn’t developed at all over the past four seasons. His upside with the Nets is quite high, but can he reach it? For Brooklyn’s sake, he kind of has to.
The Futures of Steve Nash + Kyrie Irving
I’m not a huge fan of Steve Nash, but, his first two seasons at the helm have been nothing but chaos. He gets along with the Nets’ stars, which is why he has this job. Brooklyn keeping him is a-ok by me. Now onto the more important stuff.
Kyrie Irving once told Boston fans that he would “re-sign here next offseason.” So, when he said this after the Nets’ season ended, I think we were all thinking the same thing;
Now that we know Irving is 100% on board with the Nets (wink-wink), here is the question on everybody’s mind;
What Does A Irving Extension Look Like?
The Pros
Kyrie Irving is one of the most electrifying players in the NBA. Last season, he put up 27 points on 50/40/90 splits. Only three other players in NBA history have put up 25+ points with those shooting splits. Those players? Larry Bird (2x), Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant.
Over the past two seasons, the Nets have won 60% of their games with Irving on the floor (50-33). With Durant and Irving, they’ve won 61% of their games in that same time (27-17). The Nets win when Irving is on the floor.
While he’s somewhat injury-prone, he’s only 30 years old. And, if all else fails, the Nets kind of have to re-sign Irving. Otherwise, what was the point of even pairing him up with KD in the first place?
The Cons
This is the story with Irving. The talent is there, but is he worth all the trouble? His whole ordeal with the vaccination this season was a self-proclaimed “distraction.” Injuries never seem like a major problem for him, but he hasn’t played more than 70 games in a full season since 2017.
Brooklyn isn’t getting any defense out of Irving. Other than his valiant efforts against Steph Curry in the Finals, Irving has mostly been a negative on defense. On a Brooklyn team that lacks size, that flaw sticks out even more.
Irving disappeared in the playoffs after game one against Boston. During his tenure as a Net, his playoff performances leave a lot to be desired. With all that said, does Irving deserve the money?
Spending Decisions
I think the Nets would be foolish to give Irving more than three years on a contract extension. Whether he likes it or not, Irving is skating on thin ice. Drama always seems to find him, one way or another.
That’s why a two to three-year extension makes the most sense. I don’t think Irving will accept this deal. But, anything longer is too much for a player of such high maintenance.
Beyond Irving, the Nets have a lot of spending decisions this offseason. They need an overhaul to re-enter that contending realm. Getting a healthy Ben Simmons would go a long way, but here’s what they need;
- A more reliable frontcourt
- Playmakers
- Size on the wings
- Defenders of any sort
Brooklyn was tiny compared to Boston, who had size at every position. Other teams like Miami, Milwaukee, and Philly are also lengthy. The Nets will need to get bigger to compete. Owner Joe Tsai seems committed to winning, so the luxury tax may not be a problem.
Claxton and Bruce Brown are the Nets’ two biggest free agents. I find it hard to believe that the Nets let any of them leave. Other than them, here are players who would help them a lot;
- Taurean Prince
- Kyle Anderson
- Victor Oladipo
- Otto Porter Jr
- Kevon Looney
The Nets have some avenues to go down this summer. If they want to get really adventurous, they could try and trade either Cam Thomas or Day’Ron Sharpe. Maybe?
It’s Hard To Like The Timberwolves
My love-hate relationship with the T-Wolves continues. After an impressive game four, Minnesota had game five all but wrapped up. With 9:38 left in the 4th, Minnesota led 92-79. FedexForum in downtown Memphis had grown quiet, mainly because Karl-Anthony Towns told them to.Minnesota had all the momentum. Until they didn’t. Here’s how they spent the rest of the fourth quarter;
29% FG & 3-PT Shooting
3 Turnovers
17 points
Outscored by 15 points
Minnesota was a mess down the stretch. Most of their possessions down the stretch were reminiscent of hero ball. Rarely did they move the ball methodically and find the best shot. Instead, it was a lot of poor decisions.
On top of that, their defense fell apart. Up until KAT’s infamous shush, Minnesota’s defense was stout. Then, over the final 9:38, they allowed eight offensive rebounds. Good luck winning any game by allowing that many boards.
But wait, it gets worse. After Anthony Edwards tied the game from the corner off of a beautiful action, Minnesota needed just one stop to force OT. You know how this goes;
With Patrick Beverley out of the game, Memphis didn’t have many options for guarding Morant. But why on EARTH would Ant-Man go for the steal? The goal is to push them away from the basket. Instead, Morant took one dribble to end Minnesota’s season.
God, I hate this team.
More Ranting
The Timberwolves look completely unprepared in this series. One game, they look poised and in control. The next, for whatever reason, they fall apart. And it’s frustating as all hell. Who do I blame? Chris Finch? The players? Alex Rodriquez, just because?
On the brink of elimination, this team has a lot of maturing to do. Here’s what they have to do to win this series;
- Bench Production from Beasley, Reid, and McLoughlin
- Keeping Towns/Beverley/Edwards out of foul trouble (if possible)
- GIVE THE BALL TO TOWNS!!! IT’S NOT THAT HARD, I PROMISE
- Avoid D’Angelo Russell at all costs
- Chris Finch needs to call more timeouts to settle things down, if needed
- More Protestors (not a joke)
I want to believe in this T-Wolves team. But they’re making it oh so hard for me to do so.
Rapid-Fire Thoughts
Here are some of my rapid-fire thoughts that wouldn’t fit into a normal post. This will go by quick, so hold onto your hats.
Grand Theft Alvarado
Jose Alvarado had already made himself known during the regular season. From his sneak attack steals straight from a kids basketball movie to telling D’Angelo Russell mid-game that he could shoot. The undrafted Georgia Tech product has taken things to a new level in the playoffs.
When you force Chris Paul, the point god, into two eight-second counts during the playoffs, you’re doing something right. Alvarado has been an absolute pest, a thorn in the side of the top-seeded Phoenix Suns.
He’s a new version of Patrick Beverley. The type of player you hate competing against, but the player you need on your side. And boy, do the Suns hate this guy.
Don’t Do This To Me, De’Andre
While the Hawks had a miserable first-round series with the Heat, they had one bright spot. De’Andre Hunter has long been a talented wing who couldn’t stay healthy. He again showed his versatility against Miami;
De’Andre Hunter vs the Heat
17.8 points / 67% TS / 1.0 OBPM / beacon of light
Now, we’ve seen this before with Hunter. Before getting injured in 2021, he was having a career season. Staying on the floor is his biggest challenge. Overcoming that could lead to more consistent production over time.
If Hunter could stay healthy, these numbers could become more achievable.
Laughing At The Jazz
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