His Finals appearances ARE impressive. But Kobe's Finals appearances are more impressive. You know why.
To think Gordon, Exum, and Smart were taken before him. Back then I was actually hoping Embiid would scare teams away with his injuries and somehow fall to us. Right now he’s pretty much the only other player I would rather have from that draft besides Randle. But I was so happy when Boston surprisingly passed on Randle and he fell to us. Out of that top ten class he’s definitely right now one of the better players.
I think we have to give Luke a lot of credit this season for helping mold Julius' game. Yeah, the benchings weren't ideal, but I think for someone like Julius, it was necessary. I hate to bring it up time and time again, but Luke took a page out of Phil's book. Ju's got a hard head that takes some extra homework for him to get the message. He's playing much more in control than the past seasons, he's looking to make plays, he's listening. Credit to Ju for also putting in the work because he's definitely changed my tone on him the past 2 months. I've always believed that he possessed so much potential in him, but it needed some prying out and a lot of work. The jumper may not always be there, but some minor tweaks with his footwork in the paint and find his right hand, he could be flat out dominant down low.
I wouldn't mind a full bore charging foul tomorrow night against Denver's Murray. Actually, make it two. I also have to mention Randle's block on Nance last night.
Well if you guys remember...the top 3 leading up to the 2014 NBA draft were indeed Wiggins, Jabari and Randle. For whatever reason though, Randle fell out of favor, and dropped all the way to 7th. I think Wiggins is really overrated, and Jabari just hasn't been able to stay on the court. Embiid obviously the best player in the draft, but I'd go with Randle right after him. What a beast he's been (he also played very well against Embiid in Philly)
Yeah that's another amazing thing. At the start of the season he was clearly overmatched physically against a number of big strong players. Even Milsap to a degree the first game. Embiid and others as well. But with whatever his physical regimen is during the season he just has gotten stronger. He goes against the toughest big guys in the league since the All Star break and holds his own if not outplays them at times in the game.
I have one worry with Julius. He has lazy lapses. I hope he doesn't turn into Eric Dampier after he gets the big contract. He hasn't had the lazy lapses since the all star break but I'm hoping if the Lakers sign him, he doesnt turn into a lazy player next year. Ideal summer for me is PG, Cousins (Hoping he heals like Wes Mathews) and sign Randle. While I wouldn't say no to Lebron, Lebron may play another 3 or 4 years, which would mean Kuz or BI may have to go. If Lebron doesnt come and we get the former, then our team gels perfectly in terms of positions and playing time. Cousins Randle Ingram PG Ball Kuzma(Super 6th man like Ginobili) Hart Zubac Bryant #1 pick 11th guy 12th guy I think Brook is out if they sign Cousins. KCP gets his contract elsewhere and I dont think the Lakers have enough money for Isiah Thomas.
That's the camp I'm in. Trade whoever to make that happen. Defensively that team would be outstanding and yield a ton of firepower.
Yep. Find a way. Get rid of Deng and dump two first round picks to make it happen. Having that 2018 pick is going to come in handy now. Dump that and the 2020 pick with Deng and let's get it rolling. Surely there will be a team that's going to be willing to take back Deng (Suns, Mavs, Bulls, Hawks, Kings) if it means multiple first round picks and potentially a young player (Thomas Bryant or Zubac)
