Well, the Sixers’ options for high-level wing players are dropping like flies.
Less than 24 hours after trading just about every possible first-round pick for Mikal Bridges, the New York Knicks bolstered up their squad by re-signing wing OG Anunoby to a five-year, $212.5 million dollar extension, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Free agent F OG Anunoby intends to sign a five-year, $212.5 million contract to return to the New York Knicks, sources tell ESPN. Deal will include a player option and a trade kicker. pic.twitter.com/q5VcjOeryW
This doesn’t come as a huge shock, as many reports in the past few days pointed to Anunoby’s return to the team that acquired him at the trade deadline. The Knicks taking a week once the season ended to get this extension done — and their hesitancy to give him a fifth year and over $40 million per year — had some believing he may look elsewhere.
The Sixers were one of the team’s rumored to be interested in Anunoby’s services.Whether they had much of a chance to sign him is another thing. SNY’s Ian Begley reported that Anunoby received max offers from other teams but chose to stay with the Knicks.
OG Anunoby had max offers from other places but saw the vision with the Knicks and wanted to help build a true contender in the Garden, SNY sources say.
It locks the Knicks into this core. After this signing and the Bridges trade, they are essentially all tapped out of assets.
The Sixers on the other hand, remain with all their cap space in place, and they don’t have to worry about paying $42 million a year to a player who’s never made an All-Star game and has nagging injury concerns every season. They will have to field a team at some point though, and time and players are running out.
Before the 2024 NBA Draft, we’ll take an in-depth look at different prospects here at Liberty Ballers and try to figure out which players would be the best fit for the Sixers at Nos. 16 and 41. Next up in this series is the G League Ignite’s Ron Holland.
Ron Holland was one of several prospects who opted to play with the G League Ignite rather than playing overseas or in the NCAA. After one year at a professional level, he’ll now make the jump to the NBA, where several analysts predict he could fall on draft night.
Athleticism, athleticism, athleticism. Holland is an explosive finisher around the rim and can hang in the air and score through contact. With the Ignite, he also showcased an ability to hit floaters as well. He’s a decisive attacker, often cutting to the rim, driving against closeouts and recognizing when backdoor cut opportunities are available. From a playmaking perspective, he’s a selfless passer that is capable of making fast decisions.
Defensively, he’s versatile with the mobility to switch onto a multitude of players. He hustles consistently and has good timing on chasedown blocks. Holland is one of the youngest players in this draft and will actually be 18 on draft day, but has plenty of experience with the G League and with USA Basketball’s junior teams, winning two gold medals.
Weaknesses
Holland’s biggest weakness revolves around his shooting. When spotting up, he has a stiff shot that doesn’t convert consistently. His free throw shooting, which is typically a good indicator on where a prospect’s shot is, is lackluster at 68.2 percent. I wouldn’t say his shot is fully broken, but there will definitely need to be some refinement in the coming years. Holland also struggles to convert when isolating; he’s better as a straight-line driver rather than creating his own shot.
Positional Fit
Ron Holland’s size, agility and playmaking should allow him to slot into several positions over time— especially if he can refine his shooting. For the first few years, I’d expect him to mainly slot in as a forward. Holland’s game has shades of a more skilled Gerald Wallace, or for younger fans Houston’s Tari Eason, or a younger Andrew Wiggins.
Draft Projection
SB Nation Mock Draft: No. 9, Memphis Grizziles
Many mocks have Holland going comfortable within the lottery, but there’s smoke out there that he could slide into the late lottery or out of it completely. If he’s available at 16, it’s hard to find a better talent that’ll still be on the board. Holland would also slot in nicely alongside Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid.
For more on Holland, check out this feature from SB Nation’s Ricky O’Donnell.
The Lakers’ head coach hunt has been a long and somewhat messy process. After their top target, Connecticut head coach Dan Hurley, turned down their massive six-year, $70 million offer, the Lakers have had to shift their focus to other candidates.
Now, the candidate who’s frequently popped up in rumors connected to the team has finally been confirmed as their new hire. Former Sixers guard and current ESPN NBA analyst JJ Redick has agreed to a four-year deal to become the Lakers’ head coach, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Pelinka became sold on Redick’s ability to connect with players and his basketball IQ and believes surrounding him with an elite coaching staff will help to shorten the learning curve into his first coaching job, sources said. https://t.co/xxqFXSrpJN
Redick’s always been a high-IQ player, and has demonstrated his impressive understanding of the game ever since he’s gotten into podcasting and working as an analyst. Taking over as Lakers head coach without any previous assistant experience is obviously a massive gig for someone’s very first coaching job, but it’s clear how highly he’s regarded around the NBA. It’ll be interesting to see how he leads the team and what staff L.A. assembles around him.
While this hire doesn’t really affect the Sixers, it probably cools off the fun (albeit fairly unlikely) theory that LeBron James could potentially head elsewhere in free agency and maybe even land up in Philadelphia. LeBron obviously has a good relationship with Redick, someone he’s friends with and they co-host their Mind the Game podcast together.
The most realistic major target for the Sixers this offseason remains Paul George, and our David Early has all the latest rumors rounded up right here.
New day, new deluge of Sixers rumors to get to. The 2024 NBA Draft is now less than a week away. Unlike last season, when Daryl Morey was going radio silent on James Harden hoping he’d opt into his one-year player option, teams are now legally allowed to negotiate with their own free agents.
But the Clippers haven’t appeared to gain any traction on keeping their nine-time All-Star, Paul George. (Emoji eyes).
Let’s do a Sixers rumor roundup focused solely on the SoCal native’s potential relocation to Philly.
Photo by Jim Cowsert/NBAE via Getty Images
Okay, so you already know Embiid stole NBA Finals headlines by recruiting PG with a dashing and mischievous smile on national TV days before Boston put the finishing touches on the Mavs.
That marked somewhat of a key change in Embiid’s offseason demeanor. He was no longer staying silent or looking for mere #dawgs like P.J. Tucker. Now he has his sights set on a much bigger fish.
Recent local L.A. reporting
According to Tomer Azarly for ClutchPoints, June 19:
“…there is no indication the Clippers are prepared to drop a max … that offer has not been on the table in recent months and there’s nothing to indicate that line of thinking has changed….George feels that he’s still worth a max contract and, as one league source told ClutchPoints, that Leonard’s three-year, $150 million shouldn’t affect his own.”
Mirjam Swanson, from the SoCal Nes Group, believes the Clippers and George are heading toward a divorce: “that’s why it’s starting to feel, after staring at the tea leaves trying to stitch together a predictive pattern for the past few months, like they’re headed for a divorce.”
The columnist working the Clips beat added, as recently as June 20:
“The 76ers, who are among the collection of teams in contention mode, could – and pretty clearly would – offer George a max deal of four years and $212.2 million. So could the Magic, with whom George could flourish, playing relatively pressure-free basketball – and, in either scenario, paying significantly less state income tax than he would in California.
The Clippers know this. And they’re letting it be known that they’re fine with it.
Perhaps they’re assuming the Palmdale product will find it in his heart to take a hometown discount? I don’t know, though. It’s not been the warmest homecoming; the guy gets booed every time he appears on a Jumbotron outside of Crypto.com Arena….”
Woj said months ago the clippers are willing to reboot this before giving kawhi and pg full max deals.
Imo it’s really about if there is another max deal out there for pg. and I think it is. And I don’t think he’ll be back. pic.twitter.com/ascqPKiXZj
Another local voice, Justin Russo, via Substack, sang a similar tune as Azarly and Swanson.
Per Russo, some sourced intel, from Juneteenth:
“[Kawhi Leonard’s January extension] left George out in the cold, awaiting his own fresh deal. It has yet to come, and sources tell Russo Writes at the time of this writing that the two sides…. have grown no closer to agreeing on a new contract for the 34-year-old.”
“…as was first reported by yours truly at Russo Writes in April, George told a rival player late in the season that money is what matters the most to him during these negotiations, not playing close to home.”
George has until June 29 to decide on his player option. At the moment of this writing, George is likely to decline it, a source not authorized to speak publicly on the matter tells Russo Writes.
“..it feels like the marriage is ready to dissolve….”
Did you catch that line? PG told a rival player late in the year that money talks, not playing close to home. (Double emoji eyes).
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst recently speculated that the Clips think PG is “bluffing” about wanting the money and being willing to leave. Russo’s report suggests otherwise.
The #Clippers seem to be playing a pretty dangerous game, playing hardball and “calling bluffs” with Paul George. First they didn’t think he was worth as much as Kawhi’s $152m extension. Now this? Could #sixers or #knicks swoop in? https://t.co/Qbi4VRJNTP
On a June 19 pod where Marc Stein hosted Chris Haynes, Haynes reminded us that with a new arena opening this coming season the Clippers “…. want all their horses in the fold. They want to have a championship-caliber team going into that arena for next season…” but Haynes adds that PG leaving would be a game changer. In that scenario, Haynes could even see the team pivoting to a name like DeMar DeRozan, another L.A. native.
Stein adds ice water: “I can’t see George leaving…but… they clearly want Paul George to come in under the max, …they clearly want George at their price….” and Stein reminds listeners that hasn’t happened yet.
From PG himself
And of course, amid all of this speculation, George, perhaps in negotiation mode, is doing little to make either side feel extra comfortable.
One nugget now going viral was delivered from PG two weeks ago on the “Podcast P with Paul George.”
Former Blazers’ star Zach Randolph references the Daryl Morey-James Harden divorce as an example of an organization not being straight up with a player.
Minutes after Z-Bo’s point, after discussing his own experiences with perceived front office betrayals, George adds, on the general subject of F.O. chicanery:
“Believe it or not like, players talk, you know what I mean. And then reputations go around, like, ‘hey man, I don’t know about going to this place, because they shit, watch yo’ back, you know what I mean?’ That’s the conversations you have.”
So no, he wasn’t directly responding to the Morey-Harden thing. But you don’t have to use mental telepathy to piece together what Harden has expressed to PG about his own recent divorce with the Sixers’ current President of B-Ball Ops. The question is, would PG care enough to take less? And if so, how much less?
Money talks
According to Spotrac, PG has about $305,332,086M in career earnings. Celebrity Net Worth has ventured he’s worth an estimated $90M.
So if C.N.W is even remotely on the scent here, it makes sense why an extra $30-$40M would sway PG. (If you had $90K in the bank, your last great chance to add an additional $30K, regardless of your career-to-date earnings, might be very important to you.)
If Morey dropped a $212M offer at the first second of free agency making clear PG is his top priority, while the Clippers came in with a significantly lower figure, adhering to some invisible pecking order where PG is beneath Leonard, maybe PG could find a way to trust Daryl. Too bad the Sixers couldn’t offer PG an expiring two-year no-trade-clause.
***OR*** maybe PG is already sick of Harden, lol, get this…
The Athletic’s Law Murray appeared on The Athletic NBA show. Murray thinks he loves L.A. and that his body performs better in warm weather but wants the team to get younger. “But I think Paul wants his money,” Murray concludes.
Law Murray who covers LAC: -Thinks PG wants to test free market. -Team doesn’t want to give max to avoid “second apron hell.” -Doesn’t think PG wants to take less and play with Harden. Relationship with Harden is not as strong as it might seem.
More Law: “We would be foolish not to think that Joel and PG haven’t talked.” -They have certainly shared about the difficulties of playing with Harden. -Other host think its Sam said that PG and Joel would be a lot of fun. -OKC could be option due to prior relationship.
PG was asked about what he’s prioritizing with FA on the horizon:
“For sure contributing to winning basketball. I mean at this point… It’s not even about… Like people are saying, ‘chasing a championship.’ Like, it’s not that. But it’s playing the right style of basketball is what I’m chasing.”
Paul George on what he’s looking for in free agency and his future:
“For sure contributing to winning basketball. I mean at this point… It’s not even about… Like people are saying, ‘chasing a championship.’ Like, it’s not that. But it’s playing the right style of basketball is… pic.twitter.com/N2TpSP9g2a
The quintessential 3-and-D wing added more context that all seems a bit “anti-Beard:”
“We started the year off rolling, we started year off hot….
“And then we traded to get James [Harden] and it’s not James’ fault of why I think we struggled, but the lost part of that was we lost [Robert Covington] we lost Nico [Batum]. Those were our glue guys….So again, it had nothing to do with grabbing James, it was more so losing those guys. KJ Martin as well…. RoCo was huge for us. Nico was huge for us. So you plug those guys around myself, Kawhi, and [Russell Westbrook] they did a lot of the dirty work. And now you grab James, who is super talented offensively, now myself, Kawhi, we become the dirty guys. Now we have to score too. I think it was just a lot that we were trying to balance and manage at that point.
“But again, it had nothing to do with James. James I thought was awesome for us.”
Lol, Not that there’s anything wrong with James! He’s a fine player!
We’ve come a long way
In early May, Shams Charania reported that “this Clippers team fully intends to keep this group together, they want to bring back Paul George as a free agent or give him an extension, but they have not been able to reach an agreement….”
A week later, Shams shared that people around the NBA “have the belief” George wants to remain a Clipper.
PG himself even noted he’d love to have his jersey retired in both Indy and L.A.
Adrian Wojnarowski also reported on May 29 that the Boats are “determined to keep” the 14-year vet.
Jake Fischer, for Yahoo, on May 24 reported:
“The Clippers, sources said, remain hopeful through continuous dialogue that George and his representatives will agree to terms with his incumbent franchise.” But Fischer added that if there is no max, PG might walk. He also reported: “Rival teams and agents are conducting business, sources said, under the impression the Clippers aren’t keen on committing to guaranteed money beyond the three-year window of Leonard’s deal that runs through 2026-27.”
Now this….
Brian Windhorst says to monitor Paul George’s situation in LA
“[The Clippers] could sign Paul George this afternoon, but the fact that they are not seemingly reacting to what his market clearly is, is something to pay attention to.”
If the Clippers are hoping or assuming PG will give them a hometown discount, it’s one very dangerous game they’re playing.
In the three-plus weeks since top dogs Woj, Shams and Fischer made clear L.A. wants to keep this group together, it feel as if everything has shifted. Or nothing has shifted, and that’s a really big deal.
Are the Clippers reluctant but secretly willing to pay full price, in mere hopes of getting him on a lower all-in number? A “Tobias Harris special” maybe? Remember, (or better yet forget) Harris in 2019 was eligible to sign a $197M five-year deal but he ultimately signed for $180M. Is that something the Clippers might have in mind? $180M for four years? What if they offered $195? Would that get it done? In similar situations with Blake Griffin and Chris Paul, the Clippers benefitted from the star player opting in then being traded — allowing L.A. to at least recoup assets and flexibility. That’s how they got Kawhi and PG in the first place. Perhaps that’s what they’d like most.
Has PG been communicating to them that there is a number below a max but he doesn’t want to play with Harden anymore? Would letting James walk and keeping PG be the cleanest way to alleviate these second-apron hell concerns?
Every day that passes (with no bomb that they’re going to make him a truly competitive offer) must ring like a silent symphony to Morey and Embiid’s star-hunting ears.
There is so much smoke to this fire that I almost feel compelled to wrap it up with a dead fish prediction: the Sixers are still highly unlikely to land PG, and if they do they’ll be highly unlikely to win a title. That’s the safest bet, sadly. If PG wants to stay, and they want him, chances are they will settle upon some large figure that satisfies all parties. And there’s always other teams lurking.
But holy shit, the Sixers might really get Paul George, and still keep some of their five draft picks. What do you think, maybe 30 percent?
Before the 2024 NBA Draft, we’ll take an in-depth look at different prospects here at Liberty Ballers and try to figure out which players would be the best fit for the Sixers at Nos. 16 and 41. Next up in this series is Weber State’s Dillon Jones.
Dillon Jones was a dominant force in the Big Sky, taking home the conference’s Player of the Year award in 2023-24. His usage rate and overall efficiency improved in all four of his collegiate seasons at Weber State. His versatility makes him one of the most unique prospects in this year’s draft.
Jones is built like a tank and appears ready for the NBA from a physicality standpoint. What’s impressive is how smooth he is with the ball in his hands at that size. He possesses a strong handle and wide-ranging bag. He’s able to finish through and around defenders while looking mighty comfortable pulling up in the midrange. He’s a below-the-rim player, but has a quick first step which showed when he crushed the shuttle run at the combine. While he didn’t shoot it well from three, his success inside the arc and elite free throwing shooting make him a projectable threat to stretch the floor.
He will certainly be able to handle guarding bigger forwards thanks to his sturdy frame and 6-11 wingspan. He showed excellent off-ball instincts, recording two steals a game last season. He’s also an outstanding rebounder, averaging double-digit boards in two of his four seasons.
Weaknesses
As mentioned, Jones is not an elite athlete. While he might have enough craftiness and skill to overcome that on the offensive end, it might be tough for him to hang with quicker wings and guards. And while his shot from deep is projectable, it’s just that — a projection. The 32.4% from three he hit last season was easily a career high.
The bigger issue with evaluating Jones is going to be the level of competition he played against. Once upon a time, Damian Lillard starred at Weber State, became a top-10 pick and is now a future Hall of Famer. Outside of Lillard, there aren’t really any success stories out of that school.
Positional Fit
Jones will likely be a combo forward at the next level, but a very unique one. If he can improve his shot and guard smaller players, he has the makings of an extremely versatile player on both ends of the floor.
Draft Projection
Second round
Jones is fascinating player. I’d be leery of the small school factor, but he is just good at basketball. Players that can dribble, shoot and pass at that size don’t grow on trees. His long wingspan could help him overcome some of the athletic deficiencies at the next level. He feels like a player that could fit on just about any team, including the Sixers — if he can make threes consistently.
Before the 2024 NBA Draft, we’ll take an in-depth look at different prospects here at Liberty Ballers and try to figure out which players would be the best fit for the Sixers at Nos. 16 and 41. Next up in this series is North Carolina’s Harrison Ingram.
Ingram projects to be a glue guy and connector, someone who can offer a variety of offensive and defensive skill sets.
Harrison Ingram is a stellar playmaker for his size. He plays like a college veteran and knows how to play at his own pace. Before transferring to UNC, he played at Stanford where he was primarily used as a pick-and-roll ball handler. With North Carolina he became a playmaking hub for their offense, typically operating out of the post or elbows. Ingram dramatically refined his shooting at UNC, making 40 percent of threes. Ingram is an excellent rebounder and regularly displays good timing when crashing the boards. He projects to be a highly versatile defender — he’s quick enough to switch onto guards and uses his length and size well against wings and forwards. He plays with strong fundamentals and consistently shows effort on the defensive end.
Weaknesses
Ingram struggles to create space off the dribble, typically forcing him into heavily contested shots at the rim or in the midrange. He struggled to convert baskets around the rim, making only 52.4 percent of his shots, per Synergy. Before transferring to UNC, Ingram was a below average shooter, never averaging over 32 percent from three. He has decent form, but lacks a soft, natural touch.
Positional Fit
Ingram may be one of the most unique players to be had in the second round, as his combination of size and playmaking allow him to practically be slotted into any position. Comparing him to one specific player is difficult, but think of someone like Joe Johnson who is less of a scorer and more of a playmaker. Or someone like Grant Williams, who acts as a glue guy who takes tough defensive assignments.
Draft Projection
Second round
There’s plenty of red flags here to consider, but Ingram’s playmaking, defensive versatility and ability to play within his role will certainly find him a home in the NBA. Don’t be surprised if Ingram gets scooped up in the late first round, as there’s plenty to like if you believe in his shooting progression.
“I always believed that if we only have this one life, then let’s experiment with it.”
-David Bowie, told to TeleGraph, 1996
I think if you ask most fans, they’d still agree that Michael Jordan, possessing six championship rings, is The Greatest of All Time.
LeBron James has been squarely in the conversation ever since he won his fourth title with the Lakers in the bubble. And there are plenty of experts and fans who’d take The King over His Airness outright. But unless the NBA’s all-time season-scoring leader wins a fifth ring (which would tie the Akron native with names like Tim Duncan, Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson), I’m not sure that he’ll convince enough people that he’s THE best to ever lace ’em up. One more ring would win over another wave. Two more might just put the whole thing to bed.
Hearing MJ talk over the years, one of El GOAT’s biggest regrets has been the 1997 Bulls management blowing up a dynasty, preparing for the future beyond MJ’s career, saving a few bucks. Jordan wanted a seventh, perhaps somehow knowing he’d one day be competing with players better than any he’d actually gotten the chance to face on a court.
So what’s LeBron’s mindset heading into year 22? One more ring in L.A. and a local might ask “so was he better than Shaq, Kareem, Kobe or Magic?” When you have 17 banners this is just what’s expected. But in Philly, where there haven’t been any banners since 1983? Now we’re talking about some true legend shit.
Sun rays, comfort, hope and a prayer
Sure, it might be comfortable for LeBron and his fam to stay in sunny L.A. Sure, LeBron probably has the confidence to convince himself his team with Anthony Davis (a true top-10ish talent when healthy) can win the title in 2025. Meh.
Sure, there’s the pipedream that maybe the Lakers’ 2024, 2029 and 2031 first-round picks along with several of Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent or Rui Hachimura might land a Jimmy Butler, a Donovan Mitchell or a Brandon Ingram.
But in his heart of kingly hearts, the 20-time All-Star probably does sense his career mortality looming. He probably does understand the Lakers have few paths to land the very big fish they’d need to help him catch Magic let alone Mike.
Alas, the 13-time All-NBA First Teamer could soon become a free agent. But the absence of rumors he might depart, combined with the Lakers already embarrassing offseason, already has fans wondering if he’s not as motivated to win as he once was.
Maybe LeBron can tune them out until the end of the month. But the speculation will only explode assuming he re-signs and begins the twilight of his career mired in mediocrity.
The Philadelphia 76ers (with a true top-six per Bleacher Report’s latest ranking talent when healthy) with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey (a newcomer to the top 20ish players) have about $65M in cap space.
If LeBron extends with the Lakers he can earn $164.3M. If he opts out and signs with the Sixers he’s looking at $157.5M. Pocket pennies for a dude worth about $1.2B.
And unlike L.A., few here are asking about the Sixers (set to drop a full max on Maxey) what BR’s Eric Pincus asked Tuesday: “are the Lakers just … cheap?
Philadelphia could give King a max, trade up to five first-round picks, still come up with another ~$15Mish in space, plus an $8M exception, all while signing a few of his preferred vets on min deals. They still wouldn’t be as top-heavy or expensive as Boston’s roster is built, they could offer ring-chasing vets a significant playing-role since they’d need cheap depth.
Joel, Maxey, LeBron, KCP, Caruso, Lowry, Batum, Drummond, Bronny, and maybe even Oubre or Hield anyone?
Per Newsweek, DraftKings is already slotting the Sixers in for the seventh-best (+1200, an implied 7.7% chance) odds to win the 2025 championship. LAL is given just the 10th-best odds (+2000, 4.7%), almost half of Philly’s.
If in fact the Lakers and ESPN/Woj were using the Hurley story as a distraction from Redick, leading Woj to then actually want them to hire Hurley, leading them to losing Redick, it is one of the dumbest and greatest sports media stories of all time https://t.co/JjWvrrUjvy
Can you imagine how much higher the Sixers’ title odds would be if LeBron signed in Philly, not LA? Only Boston would have the edge, and with Kristaps Porzingis’ new injuries, I’m not sure it would be an edge at all.
Celtics announce Kristaps Porzingis torn medial retinaculum allowing dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon in his left leg at 3:27 of the third quarter of Game 2. They say the injury is unrelated to Porzingis’s prior right calf injury.
Yahoo Sports’ Vincent Goodwill recently referred to the LakeShow as a “circus:”
“Some folks around the league feel J.J. Redick won’t want to be involved with this circus, and that he won’t want to be a second choice, but he wants to coach.”
ESPN’s Senior Writer Zach Lowe reminded us that the Lakers are a Play-In team almost every year.
Fans are reasonably trying to suss out how much LeBron cares about winning and the current coaching search.
Does King James just want his podcast buddy JJ Redick to coach? Did he secretly prefer UConn’s Dan Hurley or did Rob Pelinka go against James’ wishes again?
Was it all a leverage ploy by Hurley’s camp? Did the Lakers, known playfully as the league’s “mom and pop shop,” just get too cheap?
Interesting info from @ShamsCharania on the Lakers pursuit of Dan Hurley:
– JJ was their first option from the beginning (weeks ago) – Lakers only recently found out (last week potentially) that Dan Hurley was having contract negotiations with UConn – Lakers jumped the gun and… pic.twitter.com/muOzl5TkNP
Why are we hearing “GM LeBron” — one of the most notoriously involved player/GMs ever — isn’t really involved now? Is his focus divided between hoops Cali business interests?
Hmmm….
Just speculation here but this is the first time this offseason I’ve thought LeBron leaving is on the table. Vibes are in the dirt right now.
The markets, media and fans all smell that LA circus popcorn popping, so why doesn’t James? Is he stubborn? Does he feel loyalty?
Kyrie Irving’s Finals run with the Mavs cannot be sitting well
Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images
If it’s loyalty, he shouldn’t let that sway him. How much resentment might James harbor against his current franchise’s front office for not topping the Dallas Mavericks offer for Irving when they reportedly had the opportunity?
By 2023, James called his former running mate “the most gifted player” in NBA history.
It’s been reported that the Lakers could have bested Dallas’ offer back in 2023. Per ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.
“LeBron wanted the Lakers to trade for Kyrie Irving when he was on the trade block, a couple of different times in ’22 and ’23….The Lakers actually could’ve created the cap space to beat the Mavericks offer last year, but they elected not to.”
As Sam Quinn put it for CBS Sports: “[Dallas’ offer] was an offer the Lakers could have topped, and the Nets demanded that they do so.”
Marc Stein, via Substack, laid out what Brooklyn asked for and L.A. wasn’t willing to offer: “They didn’t just want the two firsts and Russ [Westbrook]. They wanted [Austin] Reaves. They wanted [Max] Christie. They wanted Rui [Hachimura]….”
I know Irving carried more than a bit of baggage, but talent-wise, if you’re not prepared to cash in (two distant future picks, Rui and Reaves, while netting a dumping grounds for Westbrook’s hilariously bad contract) to capitalize on LeBron f—-g James’ prime, you’re doing something wrong.
LeBron sat down with @RealMikeWilbon to share his thoughts on the Lakers not being able to trade for his former teammate Kyrie Irving:
“I can’t sit here and say I’m not disappointed on not being able to land such a talent.” pic.twitter.com/2smRTk3Y0c
James told coaching candidate JJ Redick on their co-hosted Mind the Game pod:
“There was nothing on the basketball floor that Kyrie couldn’t do…. I am so f—ing mad at the same time that I am not his running mate anymore.”
This reminds me… Tom Brady is considered the GOAT of the NFL, right?
NFL star Aaron Rodgers, after a rare down year in 2019, had to watch his Packers’ franchise draft his replacement over some premier offensive weapons in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Rodgers was furious and responded by bouncing back and winning back-to back NFL MVP’s in 2020 and 2021.
In the 2020 NFC Championship game, the eventual Super Bowl MVP Brady, threw three interceptions in seven plays, uncharacteristically imploding.
But Joel Embiid’s favorite team at the time, the Packers, simply couldn’t capitalize.
Stud receivers the Pack could have selected like Tee Higgins and Michael Pittman fell to other teams, as Rodgers’ future backup stood uselessly on the sidelines in the Conference Finals. GB lost by five points in an agonizingly winnable home game. Brady went on to win his eighth ring in a route the very next game.
The Bulls underestimated how much MJ had left in the tank. The Pack underestimated how much Rodgers had left in the tank. And the Lakers underestimated both LeBron and Kyrie. All left bullets that would have helped in the clip. All paid the price.
So LeBron shouldn’t feel any undying loyalty or obligation here to the Lakers. They’ve made their bed. He certainly doesn’t have to lie in it.
If we’re just evaluating where LeBron would have a better chance of winning a ring, it’s Philly.
The Sixers have Maxey and the Lakers don’t. The Sixers have Nurse and the Lakers don’t. The Sixers have Morey and the Lakers have Pelinka.
Oh, and the Sixers are in the East. https://t.co/dqliUxdmUa
Yes, Anthony Davis makes an elite star-running mate. His 2020 title run was sensational. But like Embiid, he’s no exemplar of health. If both bigs are risky bets, at least Embiid is better when both are healthy.
If LeBron wants to compete for a ring, AND get a max deal, AND get to play with Bronny, then he should come to the Sixers!!!!! pic.twitter.com/8NNJ3dGbl1
Austin Reaves is good. But he’s certainly no Maxey.
The Sixers could in theory (since they’re not as cheap as L.A.) sign LeBron, then target two role players Bron won a chip with in KCP (an FA) and Bulls’ Alex Caruso (via trade). There would still likely be dollars and picks leftover to retain names like Kyle Lowry, Nico Batum, and even go shopping for cheap help like Andre Drummond or Kevon Looney, or a 2025 version of Oubre, looking to resurrect a career.
That may not be a super team, but it might be.
LeBron averaged over 26 points per 36 eleven times in his career. But during three of his four title-winning campaigns, the King averaged 26 pts/36 or less. Playing alongside Joel and Maxey might approximate some of that Big Three dynamic he enjoyed in Miami and Cleveland. He’d have to keep carrying the show in L.A.
Redick or whoever L.A. hires as coach might be good. But in his first season he certainly won’t be 2019 champ Nick Nurse. This Conference is no cakewalk. But Indiana making the East Finals reminds us how open it is. The West? I don’t know.
In some ways, it feels like LeBron is already #OneOfUs.
It isn’t difficult to sniff out where The King would have his most realistic chance to catch Kobe, if not Jordan.
If I’m LeBron James, I go back East.
It makes more sense.
The West & the Lakers ain’t it when the youth is taking over with OKC, Minnesota, Denver, Dallas, Houston on the rise & Golden State is still gonna be there.
— Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) June 10, 2024
Oh right, and all he’d have to do is say the word and Daryl Morey would probably draft his son Bronny James.
Can you even imagine a better storyline than this one:
James won his fifth championship, on his fourth team, delivering a title to every team he’s ever played for, in his 22nd NBA season, while sharing the floor with his soon-to-be-20-year-old son, Bronny James.
#GOAT shit.
If I had LeBron’s confidence, this type of hypothetical might even have me wondering if I could show up in Philly, F-k around and threepeat, topping Jordan’s six rings.
If LeBron wants another ring (as much as MJ would have) then he’d set sail for the Sixers. Rolling the dice on AD’s body holding up isn’t much — if any — safer than betting on Embiid’s.
If James is comfy going out on his own terms, not having to move, padding regular season all-time point stats, scrapping and clawing for the Play-In, then I suspect he’s better off staying put.
But if his own team wasn’t even willing to bet on his remaining window by mortgaging the future for Irving, wouldn’t it make some sense to find a significantly better team that truly believes in him?
Go rewatch “The Last Dance” and tell me MJ would have been content with four rings and some glorious sunshine during his final All-NBA worthy seasons.
One day, far away, someone new will come along and win five rings, and pundits will wonder if this heir apparent is better than James was. And Bron might just regret once opting for the comfy confines of Cali instead of using his remaining prowess to pursue glory alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and his son. Guess we’ll see how badly he wants to be the GOAT in a couple of weeks.
There’s a host of possible outcomes for the Sixers in free agency this summer. They have the flexibility to create $60+ million in cap space to go spending and star hunting, plus a bunch of players on expiring contracts ready to hit free agency.
This includes Kelly Oubre Jr., fresh off a strong year where he more than proved his value. Now, he seems to be getting ready to make the most of his chance to land a big raise by acquiring new representation: he’s officially joined CAA Basketball.
Oubre’s agent was Torrel Harris for a few years, but Oubre parted ways with him before joining the Sixers and representing himself for a while.
Oubre’s entering free agency at just the right time after the quality season he turned in. With his on-ball scoring and driving ability, off-ball cutting, some improved passing, athleticism, and defensive ability against guards and forwards (which lapsed at times but was rock solid at others, especially later in the season), he showed he can be a genuinely good player after he went unsigned for so long in free agency just one year ago. He had plenty of games where he was one of the Sixers’ best three or four players on the floor. Getting that kind of production from a player on a minimum deal was incredible value.
There’s no doubt the Sixers should look into bringing Oubre back if they can. But as one of the better wings on the free agent market this summer, he may well have played his way out of the Sixers’ budget and will look to cash in elsewhere.
Before the 2024 NBA Draft, we’ll take an in-depth look at different prospects here at Liberty Ballers and try to figure out which players would be the best fit for the Sixers at Nos. 16 and 41. Next up in this series is Colorado’s KJ Simpson.
KJ Simpson was already an All-Pac-12 performer, but he took a huge leap during a stellar junior campaign. The Buffs point guard saw a steady increase in efficiency in each of his three seasons, making him a possible first-round pick.
Simpson had an outstanding junior year. He’s a quintessential lead guard, putting his teammates in their proper place and distributing the ball. He’s also a great scorer for a point guard, using a strong handle and plenty of craftiness around the rim. He took a huge leap as a shooter, knocking down 43.4% from three. What gives you confidence that the improvement is real is that he also made 87.6% from the line. That’s an elite number. His efficiency grew across the board without sacrificing playmaking for others.
Despite his size, Simpson is a strong point-of-attack defender because of his strength, athleticism and absolute bulldog mentality. He’s strong off-ball as well, averaging over 1.5 steals the past two seasons. He’s also an excellent rebounder for his size, averaging nearly six a game last season.
Weaknesses
If Simpson were 6-foot-4, you’re probably talking about a lottery pick. The shooting improvement looks real, he has a high basketball IQ and he tested extremely well athletically at the combine. His height will be the only thing that scares teams off.
Positional Fit
Simpson is a pure point guard. There’s a chance he’ll be able to guard up because of his strength and athleticism, but that will probably take time.
Draft Projection
Late first, early second round
Again, the only real knock on Simpson is size. With Tyrese Maxey already locked in as the Sixers’ starting point guard, it’s fair to wonder if Simpson makes sense. Then again, Simpson looks every bit like a Nick Nurse point guard. Might as well call him KJ VanLowry. He would be tough to pass up in a trade back scenario or if he somehow falls all the way to 41.
UP Fighting Maroons’ Francis Lopez in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
University of the Philippines (UP) retained its status as the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup champion, but it didn’t matter too much for the Fighting Maroons even though they hurdled a familiar, bitter foe.
“To be honest, nothing really. This is just the preseason, like I said, and this is nothing for us,” reigning UAAP Rookie of the Year Francis Lopez said after the Maroons put together a second half comeback for a 69-66 triumph over La Salle on Wednesday night in San Juan City.
It is no secret where the Maroons have their eyes on—a drastically bigger target: Another UAAP crown.
“We just tried to win today and go home cause we have a lot of things to work on,” Lopez, the tournament’s Defensive Player of the Year, nonchalantly said. “This is not really our goal, but we just thank God, [because] we worked really hard for this. Our goal is the UAAP, not this one, so it’s just another game for us.”
UP has become a powerhouse team in the UAAP in the last decade or so, clinching its second championship in 2022 and coming close to adding to that in the next two years only to fall short to Katipunan neighbor Ateneo and then to La Salle.
And UP is not making it a secret that those consecutive heartbreaking seasons are the Maroon’s motivation to be better, the wounds still fresh even for the fans who filled the Filoil EcoOil Centre on Independence Day.
“We’re on a roller coaster. We gotta be consistent about what we do, what we plan about and coach Gold (Monteverde) keeps telling us that we just gotta be consistent,” Lopez said. “If the shots are not going in, you just continue, especially on defense.”
While consistency still has to be worked on by UP, its heart and hunger to win games were exuded by the Maroons, who aren’t wasting any time to improve. They are set to start a training camp in Serbia that will last until June 30 before flying again to South Korea.
“I’d say not even 50 percent,” Lopez said when asked about the readiness of UP. “We have a lot of things to work on like consistency, mostly, and like what coach Gold keeps saying, keeps on telling us, to not be complacent as well.
“So whatever team we face, we can’t be complacent. And that’s what we did tonight (Wednesday).”
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