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Post by Maniak on Feb 16, 2024 21:48:35 GMT
Orlando Magic Players
Paolo and Franz are two of the most talented young players in the NBA. Both came into the league ready to play and are building on their respective games. A lot to look forward to if you are a Magic fan, imo.
Wendell Carter Jr is a great talent as a big - can shoot, can score down low, can defend and rebound. One of those players that any team would find a way to fit in.
Jonathan Isaac is a player worth watching for his 10 games a season. Cannot understate - one of the most talented defenders I've ever seen. Not a fan because he's a complete moron but respect the game.
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Post by Maniak on Feb 16, 2024 22:11:54 GMT
Washington WizardsSince living on the east coast I have watched a lot of Wizards games purely because they are on in the early timeslot (not so much this year and last year). Not much to like. Awful team plagued by bad front office and coaching for ages. Might be the team I feel most "bleh" about. Wizards is a cool name but their branding sucks. Their G League team is the Capital City Go Go, inspired by go-go music, which seems to do a far better job of capturing a unique part of DC culture. I've said this many times before but the gold Antawn Jamison era jerseys are all time sports jerseys. So cool.
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Post by Maniak on Feb 16, 2024 22:19:09 GMT
Washington Wizards Players
Kyle Kuzma is a player that I did a 180 on over the years. At first seemed like a dummy that wouldn't be able to really stay in an NBA rotation but he became a max player that can score from all over the court. Can pass and handle the ball, has that skillset that fits in anywhere. Unfortunate that he is wasting away on a team like this but at least he's making tens of millions of dollars in the process.
I haven't watched enough of Deni Avdija to really say I like him or have an opinion on him but it seems like he's figuring things out and I wanted to mention more than one player. One of the few bright spots for Washington at the moment.
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Post by BuffaloBill on Feb 17, 2024 18:15:57 GMT
Atlanta Hawks PlayersBogdan Bogdanovic is a fun player to watch. Incredible shot and release but can also put it on the floor and makes the right pass. Watching him with Trae over the years has been great. Patty Mills is still in the NBA and deserves a mention. Did not know he was on the Hawks (or still in the league) until their last game against the Suns where he came in for 10 minutes for some reason. Small guard with a great shot and good vision that made countless winning plays with the Spurs. I'm a Trae Young guy. At this point in his career I think it'd be hard to ask for anything more than what he has done with what has been put around him. Somehow will never be fully appreciated as a passer. As a hawk fan and as a Trae young fan, I would not be mad at all if Trae requested a trade. Simply put, Trae wants to win, hawks ownership doesn't give a shit about winning, only staying under the luxury tax. Trae isnt the easiest player to build aroynd, but if they don't care for building a winning team around Trae, trade him then sell the team afterwards tbh.
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Post by Maniak on Feb 17, 2024 20:21:01 GMT
Golden State WarriorsI do not like the Golden State Warriors. It's very disappointing that one of the cooler NBA franchises became one of the lamest. What used to be a underdog team with a passionate fanbase got overtaken when they became a dynasty and now they have an arena full of people who can name more Fortune 500 companies than NBA players. The only good thing this team did is get Steve Nash a ring while he was there on the staff.
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Post by Maniak on Feb 17, 2024 20:34:35 GMT
Golden State Warriors Players
I fundamentally do not like any player while they are wearing a Golden State Warriors uniform. But for the sake of positivity...
Chris Paul was a big inspiration for me when he was on New Orleans and of course I enjoyed watching him in Phoenix (for the most part). There are very few other NBA players all time that had the ability to control a game and run an offense like him. And although his defense waned over the years and through injury, he was an all defense level guard for a long time (while being 6 feet tall). Knew how to read what the other team was doing and blow it up.
Watching Stephen Curry at Davidson was fun. Have to give him props as inarguably the greatest shooter ever.
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Post by Maniak on Feb 18, 2024 15:57:16 GMT
Los Angeles ClippersI'm indifferent on the Clippers. I haven't liked iterations of their team (i.e. lob city) but I don't really have any reason to actively root against them. Although the Clippers name is not great, they've done a good job of rebranding over the years to have a more "Los Angeles" identity.
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Post by Maniak on Feb 18, 2024 16:05:43 GMT
Los Angeles Clippers Players
Not a Paul George fan but respect his game. If the perfect NBA wing was built in a lab, the outcome would be very similar to Paul George
Kawhi Leonard is a player I've really enjoyed watching over the years. His emergence in San Antonio to the title run in Toronto. Can score from everywhere and defend anyone.
PJ Tucker has played for a lot of teams I don't like but always been a fan since his stint in Phoenix. In his prime was an impactful defender and knew his role offensively.
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Post by Maniak on Feb 18, 2024 16:10:16 GMT
Sacramento KingsI like the Kings. They've been a pretty awful franchise for many years up until recently yet they still have an incredible fanbase that shows up to games and gets very loud. One of the best home courts in the NBA. No reason to root against them.
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Post by Maniak on Feb 18, 2024 16:21:45 GMT
Sacramento Kings Players
De'Aron Fox has been a ton of fun to watch throughout his career. An all star guard that has a bag of moves that are very difficult to guard. Great handle, great passing, so explosive.
Trey Lyles is not a name you hear very often but I like the role he carved out in Sacramento. Stretches the floor as a shooter and can make plays on either side of the court. Hard for him to get minutes on this specific team but the type of forward that would have a role anywhere
Malik Monk is a terrific microwave scorer. Can also handle the ball and playmake and is one of the most exciting in game dunkers in the league
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Post by Maniak on Feb 18, 2024 16:28:06 GMT
Los Angeles LakersI do not like the Los Angeles Lakers and enjoy seeing them lose. I dislike them for all the same reasons as the Celtics but their fanbase is even worse and more entitled (and larger). But people like me are supposed to dislike teams like the Lakers. They should go back to having a purple jersey with Lakers in yellow and the player number in white (the Kobe era purple). The purple jerseys since those just haven't been as good.
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Post by Maniak on Feb 18, 2024 16:30:32 GMT
Los Angeles Lakers Players
I fundamentally do not like any players that are on the Los Angeles Lakers roster.
I am a big LeBron guy and think that is something I've posted about enough.
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Post by Maniak on Feb 18, 2024 16:34:45 GMT
On to the Northwest Denver NuggetsI'm indifferent towards the Nuggets and have liked various iterations of their teams over the years. Exciting that they just won their first title. I don't really root for them but don't have any reason to root against them. Great team design and historically have a lot of great jerseys (their modern ones aren't on the same level as a lot of their older stuff imo but not egregiously bad or anything) and bad commentators that are overly biased.
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Post by Maniak on Feb 18, 2024 16:42:02 GMT
Denver Nuggets Players
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is a player I've liked for a lot of years. In case it isn't clear at this point, I typically always like roleplayer guards that can shoot, pass, and defend. KCP has been instrumental on multiple title teams at this point in his career and is the type of player anyone would want on their team
Reggie "Big Government" Jackson was so much fun to watch on the Clippers and has an all time NBA nickname. Has been nice to see him carve out a role on this team after being acquired as a buyout last year then not used
Nikola Jokic is a player you have to appreciate watching - don't think I need to elaborate
Jamal Murray is Canadian which means I like him. His incredible performances against the Jazz in the bubble will always stick in my mind. While he has a lot of point guard skills, he's done a great job of maximizing his shooting guard skills to pair with Jokic and form an all time duo.
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Post by Maniak on Feb 18, 2024 16:47:02 GMT
Minnesota TimberwolvesI've watched a lot of the Wolves especially in more recent history (since drafting Wiggins). I like this team - great fanbase and homecourt advantage, solid jerseys/branding, and one of the best commentary teams in the league. Jim Pete is probably a better color commentator than anyone on ESPN and TNT.
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Post by Maniak on Feb 18, 2024 16:54:44 GMT
Minnesota Timberwolves Players
Kyle Anderson is fun to watch because there is only one Kyle Anderson. Moves at his own pace on the court and has an awkward and slow shot. Smart defender, great passer and decision maker within an offense, and someone that will make good plays to contribute to winning
Anthony Edwards is one of the most exciting young all star players in the NBA. Incredible athleticism, has the tools to be a great defender, and a ton of offensive ability. His handle and passing have improved so far in his career and I'm intrigued to watch how he continues to develop.
Naz Reid has the skillset of the ideal backup big in the modern NBA. Scores inside and outside, can defend and rebound, and generally makes the right passes & decisions.
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Post by Maniak on Feb 18, 2024 16:56:43 GMT
Oklahoma City ThunderI'm indifferent on the Thunder. I've never really cheered for any of their teams but don't have any glaring reason to dislike them. Some of the worst branding in the NBA which is unfortunate because the Sonics had some of the best. Great crowd that gets really loud.
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Post by Maniak on Feb 18, 2024 17:06:37 GMT
Oklahoma City Thunder Players
Bismack Biyombo is an extremely limited (read: pretty much useless) player offensively but his ability to impact a game defensively with his shot blocking has always been fun to watch. Probably won't have much of a role on the Thunder but glad he's still getting paid somewhere
Chet Holmgren is a lot of fun to watch and has tremendous potential. Already has an understanding of how to affect the game defensively. Likely to elicit a "wow" any time you watch him play.
Isaiah Joe can shoot the basketball.
Jalen Williams really popped on the screen while watching him in his rookie season last year. Lots of energy on both sides of the ball and can score quite well.
SGA, Jalen, and Chet might be a championship level top three. The Thunder are, dare I say, spooky.
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Post by Maniak on Feb 18, 2024 17:09:34 GMT
Portland Trail BlazersI've always liked Portland and they've had lots of fun teams over the years. Another great fanbase with a good arena. Pretty good branding and mediocre (closer to bad than good) commentators. Their starting 5 of Lillard, Matthews, Batum, Aldridge, and Robin Lopez was a favorite team of mine.
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Post by Maniak on Feb 18, 2024 17:13:55 GMT
Portland Trail Blazers Players
Toumani Camara was a Suns draft pick I was excited about and then disappointed he got traded to Portland. Has looked good so far as a rookie and is carving out a role. Has no real offensive game but is an impactful defender and can make plays on both sides of the ball.
Scoot Henderson is a player I look forward to following. It may take him some time to really figure out how to play at the right pace and make good decision after good decision, but he has the tools to get there.
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Post by Maniak on Feb 18, 2024 17:18:07 GMT
Utah JazzI'm indifferent on the Jazz. I haven't really liked some of their teams over the years but don't have any reason to hate the team or anything. They don't really "do it for me", the Jazz are just kinda there. Their current uniform design is some of the worst in the NBA, looking past the fact they probably should have renamed from the Jazz a long time ago. They should either stick to their older jerseys/logos/etc (shoutout to the light blue Deron Williams era jersey) or rename. Commentators are pretty bad and biased. One of the best home court advantages in the NBA.
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Post by Maniak on Feb 18, 2024 17:23:56 GMT
Utah Jazz Players
Jordan Clarkson is a player I've always liked. Microwave scorer, good handles, solid passer (although he'd rather shoot). Makes over $20m/year with no pressure to win, has a hot girlfriend, and is besties with Devin Booker. I am jealous of his life.
Keyonte George is a rookie that really popped watching him so far this year. Fearless shooter and has some handling and passing ability. Definitely a bright spot for this current Jazz roster and I'm excited to watch him develop
Have to respect Lauri Markkanen for taking huge strides since coming to Utah - last year was his sixth season and he transformed into an all star level player that is extremely difficult for any team to guard.
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Post by bladefd on Feb 18, 2024 18:15:26 GMT
Los Angeles LakersI do not like the Los Angeles Lakers and enjoy seeing them lose. I dislike them for all the same reasons as the Celtics but their fanbase is even worse and more entitled (and larger). But people like me are supposed to dislike teams like the Lakers. They should go back to having a purple jersey with Lakers in yellow and the player number in white (the Kobe era purple). The purple jerseys since those just haven't been as good. Winning the next chip is going to be even sweeter!!
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Post by Maniak on Feb 19, 2024 13:46:25 GMT
One final division - the Southwest Dallas MavericksI do not like the Dallas Mavericks. They always seem to have players that I don't like on their team. Always had a negative perception of their fanbase and I do not like Mark Cuban. Probably one of the worst uniforms, logos, etc in sports - I think the other two Texas teams having such good team names and branding makes the Mavs look even worse. Relatively bad and biased commentary. Loud arena.
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Post by Maniak on Feb 19, 2024 13:52:53 GMT
Luka Doncic
Luka gets his own post.
I am a well documented Luka hater but I wouldn't say that I hate him anymore. I'm not a fan and do not cheer for him in any way but at some point this offseason realized it's hypocritical of me to bash people that don't like watching LeBron and don't "appreciate greeatness" but then do the same thing with Luka. It's not like he's Yawnis.
Luka is fun to watch and came into the league with the ability to play at his own speed, manipulate defenses, and control a game. His passing ability and decision making is as good as it gets.
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Post by Maniak on Feb 19, 2024 14:01:38 GMT
Dallas Mavericks Players
Tim Hardaway Jr is a player I've enjoyed watching since he played with Trey Burke at Michigan. As is a theme in this thread, the type of guard I like - handles, passing, scoring from everywhere, can really heat up.
Kyrie Irving is one of the most fun players to watch I've ever seen. Best handles in the history of the game, elite scoring ability, terrific passer. Has pretty good instincts at reading plays as a defender and generating turnovers.
I've always kind of liked Maxi Kleber and Dwight Powell. Feels like they've both been on the Mavs forever (Powell for longer) and while they're bigs with limited skillsets, have always found a way to be in the rotation despite the roster turnover around them over the years.
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Post by Maniak on Feb 19, 2024 14:04:49 GMT
Houston RocketsI've never really liked the Rockets as they've had a lot of unlikable teams and players over the years. However currently I like watching their team, so I'm relatively indifferent on this team overall. Great uniform design.
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Post by Maniak on Feb 19, 2024 14:11:42 GMT
Houston Rockets Players
Dillon Brooks is Canadian which is good but he's also Dillon Brooks which is bad. I like Dillon Brooks enough to mention him, he at least makes games more interesting. Impact defender and hasn't been as bad of a decision maker on offense in Houston as he was with Memphis
I watched some videos of Jalen Green training with KD and Book in the offseason which made me like him. I haven't been too impressed with watching him but if he figures it out a bit more, he fits the mold of the sort of player I like.
Jeff Green is an iconic NBA vet and got a much deserved ring with the Nuggets last year. Still love watching him play and impact games on both sides of the ball.
Alperen Sengun is a player with a ton of potential that has shown an ability to run an offense, make shots from his spots, and control the game. Without him I would be far less interested in this current Rockets squad.
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Post by Maniak on Feb 19, 2024 14:14:03 GMT
Memphis GrizzliesMemphis is a team I'm neutral on. I somewhat resent them for taking the Grizzlies from Vancouver but also had no real attachment to the Vancouver Grizzlies so this many years later I can't say I care much. A "meh" team for me - uniforms, crowd, commentators, etc... it's all meh.
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Post by Maniak on Feb 19, 2024 14:54:28 GMT
Memphis Grizzlies Players
Brandon Clarke is Canadian so I like him. Can rebound, dunk, rim run, block shots.
I liked Jordan Goodwin in Phoenix and maybe he can find minutes in Memphis. Very limited offensive game but he showed flashes defensively. Might be able to carve out a role similar to Jevon Carter
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