FLOWING 1- KING STAYS CROWNED

We should have seen this coming....

At one point (around the All-Star Break) LA was somewhere in the neighborhood of +400 to get King James for the 2018-19 season (bet 10-win 45). Two houses, his entertainment companies headquarters are in LA, his "agency" (which he owns but doesn't own bc that would be illegal in the NBA) is located in LA. WE ALL SHOULD BE MORE WEALTHY THAN WE ARE NOW. If you hit the LA line, congrats to you, but I know most of us didn't. And why didn't we? Because we thought loyalty would bring him back? Because we thought he would feel obligated after everything he put the Cavs organization threw? Getting K-Love, singing "his guys" to over zealous deals (Shump, JR, Tristian among others) would compel him to withstand the mess he made? No.. he did whats best for him, and as humans, its what we all typically will chose. And its what we should have known, everything in his past points to this being the most logical decision. But like all choices, easier to see in retrospect. The King and his final throne in LA- only exception being his son gets drafted to another team and Lebron forces a trade to pull a Griffy 1 @ 2 (which I would Fu***** love to see).

So where does this leave the Western Conference? Lets take a look.

(1) WARRIORS

GPLAYERS

KD- (26.4 PPG- 6.8 RPG- 5.4 AST- 1.75 BLK 3P% .419 FG% .516)

CURRY- (26.4 PPG- 5.1 RPG- 6.1 AST- 1.57 STL- 3P% .423 FG% .495)

BOOGIE- (25.2 PPG- 12.9 RPG- 5.4 AST- 1.6 STL- 1.6 BLK- 3P% .354 FG% .470)

KLAY- (20 PPG- 3.8 RPG- 2.5 AST- 3P% .440 FG% .488)

DRAYMOND- (11 PPG- 7.6 RPG- 7.3 AST- 1.3 STL- 1.3 BLK- 3P% .301 FG% .454)

CLOSE: QUINN COOK- (9.5 PPG- 2.5 RPG- 2.7 AST- 3P% .442 FG% .484)

1st round pick- JACOB EVANS- great defender- good size for wing- can shoot, winner. Will he adjust?

13ppg- 4.7rpg- 3.1ast- 1.3stl- 1blk .427 fg% .370 3p%

Warriors are still #1 in the West and will be this year no matter what. Easily. Dont over think this. A team of Lebron, Flash D-Wade- and All-NBA Bosh took a year to get in the grove. Whatever happens in LA it will have to marinate for awhile (like good chick and Asian market marinade). The shooting is historic (previous to last year, Steph and Klay had been #1 @ #2 in 3p makes the last 4 years, with the fifth having Klay finishing 3rd behind Ryan Anderson). Last year, the league changed (or just did what the best team did) and they finished 5th (Klay) and 9th (Curry). Injuries aside, the list for 17-18 reads 1. Harden 2. PGIII 3. Lowry 4. Kemba 5. Klay T-6. W. Ellignton @ Dame 8. Gordon 9. Chef 10. Ingles- But GS still lead the league in 3p% at a ridiculous 39.1%. Did I mention they signed Boogie GodD*** Cousins?? Injured yes, but if hes ever at full strength this next year this will forever be the best starting 5 of all time in the modern era- DONE. 2 Best shooters all time? check- Most dynamic scorer ever? check- and then the 2010's Shaq? check. Look at his numbers.... And the others... If hes even 65% himself that is the best signing all off season. It guarantees them a championship in my opinion, well done Bob Myers.

Side(bar)- What does this tell us (talking 3's)? The best players are taking the shot that gets them the most points. Makes sense. 3's are taking over the NBA (Forever?) and guys like Ingles, Ellignton, JJ, Korver, etc are more valuable than a guy like Nurkic, Whiteside, Turner, Gortat, etc. Look at the lineups in the 3rd and 4th Q of the East and West finals- guys like Quinn Cook, Gerald Green and PJ Tucker were playing over ZaZa, JaVale and EVEN CAPELA!

The Warriors Stay at 1- but I seriously wonder for how long with what we have seen from other teams, and players, adapting to the 3's of the 2010's era of hooping. But if they get de-throned, will it be by a LA team with non-volume 3p shooters like Bron & Kawhi (yes I'm putting Kawhi on LA). We could see a regression to the norm if Kawhi and Bron can win.

(2)LAKERS**

GPLAYERS

KING- (27.5 PPG- 8.6 RPG- 9.1 AST- 3P% .367 FG% .542 1.4 STL)

KAWHI- 16-17 -(25.5 PPG- 5.8 RPG- 3.5 AST- 3P% .380 FG% .485 1.8 STL)

KYLE KUZMA- (16.1 PPG- 6.3 RPG- 1.8 APG- 3P% .366 FG% .450)

BRANDON INGRAM- (16.1 PPG- 5.3 RPG- 3.9 AST- 3P% .390 FG% .470)

LONZO BALL- (10.2 PPG- 6.9 RPG- 7.2 AST- 3P% .305 FG% .360 1.7 STL)

CALDWELL-POPE- (13.4 PPG- 5.2 RPG- 2.2 AST- 3P% .383 FG% .426)

PLAYOFF RONDO- (8.3 PPG- 4 RPG- 8.3 AST- 1 STL- 3P% .333 FG% .468)

CLOSE: LANCE STEPHENSON- (WHO THE HELL KNOWS) JaVale Mcgee- (energy) JOSH HART- (7.9 PPG- 4.2 RPG- 1.3 AST- 3P% .396 FG% .496)

1st round pick- MORITZ WAGNER- big- athletic versatile scorer- switch d a problem.

14.6PPG- 7.1RPG- .8APG .528 FG% .394 3P%

2nd round JayHawks Mykhailiuk shot 44% from 3- just saying

Contingent on Kawhi coming- and I see no way Pop roles the dice on a guy who didnt show up to playoff games and refused to be a team guy in not "toughing it out" staying after next year. SA has to get something for Kawhi and LA can give them the best deal. We wont speculate here if Lakers want Lonzo in or out of a deal, but I actually think a Lonzo-Bron-Kawhi backcourt could be really fun to watch and "ball distribution" problems would be overblown. But with Rondo coming in the fold, and an ESPN article leaving out Ball's name, I think hes on the move (ala Wig after being drafted). Between Kuzma Ingram and Lonzo I think two are gone for-sure + pick(s). Core of Lebron, Kawhi, lets say Kuzma (reped by the same agency as the King), playoff Rondo, Caldwell-Pope, trying Lance Stephenson and a bully 5 McGee looks realllll intimidating to me. Lance hasnt shot the 3 great sense 13-14 (35%) having shot 29% last year taking 2.8 a game, that HAS to be better. KCP gives you good 3 shooting, Kawhi had a career high 3p% of .443 in 15-16, and Lebron just shot north of 35% for the 6th time in the last 7 years. Kuzy (if i may) shot 36% and is a candidate to be the 6th man and dominates others teams second units. Not to mention both of their picks in the draft can shoot the 3 really freeking well. They can shoot enough to not lose touch with the new age of basketball, but it wont be their identity. Its a team that can score at will and can handle you defensively if they want to. 2nd best player ever + one of the best two way players ever = rings to me. The question- what is Lebrons game like at 37? Cant wait to find out.

(3) WOLVES

GPLAYERS

KAT- (21.3 PPG- 12.3 RPG- 2.4 AST- 1.4 BLK- 3P% .421 FG% .545)

BUTLER- (22.2 PPG- 5.3 RPG- 4.9 AST- 1.97 STL- 3P% .350 FG% .474)

WIGGINS- (17.7 PPG- 4.4 RPG- 2.2 AST- 1.11 STL- 3P% .331 FG% .438)

TEAGUE- (14.2 PPG- 3 RPG- 7 AST- 1.47 STL- 3P% .368 FG% .446)

TAJ- (12.2 PPG- 7.1 RPG- 1.2 AST- FG% .577)

CLOSE: PATTON- (wait and see) DROSE- (wait and see) TYUS JONES- (5.1 PPG- 3P% .349 FG% .457) ANTHONY TOLLIVER- (8.9 PPG- 3.1 RPG- 1.1 AST- 3P% .436 (ON 4PG) FG% .464)

1st round pick- JOSH OKOGIE- 6’4 nba body- good looking shot. Best 42’ vert- 7’ wingspan. Fastest ¾ run

18.2PPG- 6.3RPG- 2.5 AST- 1.8stl- 3p% .380 fg% .416

(Red Shirt Justin Patton)

2nd- KEITA BATES_DIOP- not flashy,but scores all over the floor. Can he play the NBA 4?

19.8ppg- 8.7rpg- 1.6apg- 1.6blk .48 fg% .359 3p%

Stick with me here- This team has A LOT of talent, and was 3rd in the West before Butlers injury last year. Houston just lost their biggest role player in Ariza (Gordon doesnt play D, sorry), CP3 just got hurt in the playoffs (again) and will be 34 all of next year (did i mention hes a pg? not a great position for 34 year olds). Im down on Houston for next year pending an unexpected move. Really like what I saw from the Jazz last year but the Wolves have more ammo, and Portland doesn't have players that can win a game besides Dame and McCollum. Listen to any NBA media 2 year ago (I have- Bill Simmons with Craig Kilborn 16'), everyone said the Wolves were the next team to pounce in the West- well- time to take that step. KAT is a good defensive season away from being an MVP candidate. Look at his #'s up against AD their first 3 seasons (talking offense), im taking Towns (also- he hasn't missed a game). He shot Fu***** 42% from 3 and hes 7 feet tall AND had the highest fg% of any player who averaged 20+ ppg last year!! Wiggins for all the shit he gets is a legit #3 on a championship team. I KNOW "He doesn't know how to play team basketball" "He plays no defense" "Cant win with that contract" "Cant shoot the 3". First, Houston should have beat GS and that team revolved around guys standing in corners with Harden and Paul switching off taking late shot clock 3's or drive and kicks, so not a red flag, but maybe orange. His defense has gotten better, and with a more prestigious team (and money) ill bet it continues to progress. Almost all championship teams have 3 max contracts (Celtics, Miami, GS) its not the best but it can turn out to not be the worst deal either (did I mention he hasn't missed a game). Buckets has been 3rd team all NBA the last 3 years and is a healthy season away from graduating into the second team. Signing Tolliver is big for 3's, but you wish the draft picks would have been better shooters, but they are bodies that are ready to play now (dont forget Patton coming back this year to). Not to mention REALLY solid contributors in Teague, Taj, and D-Rose that can put on any given night (save Taj). This is certainly their ceiling, and with the youth, health, and yes coaching, I think they have what it takes to contend for the Western finals this year.

(4) Rockets

GPLAYERS

Harden- (30.4 PPG- 5.4 RPG- 8.4 AST 1.76 STL- 3P% .367 FG% .449)

CP3- (18.6 PPG- 5.4 RPG- 7.9 AST- 1.66 STL- 3P% .380 FG% .460)

GORDON- (18 PPG- 2.5 RPG- 2.2 AST- 3P% .359 FG% .428)

CAPELA??

GREEN- (12.1 PPG- 3.2 RPG- .369 3P% FG% .412)

CLOSE: PJ TUCKER- (6.1 PG- 5.6 RPG- 1 AST- .371 3P% .390 FG%) ANDERSON- (9.3 PPG- 5 RPG- .386 3P% .431 FG%)

This all rides on Capela, if hes back, you have to give them #3- but if he leaves and they dont sign anyone of his caliber Houston will slip. Ariza (who had an off year) combined with Capela made a very average if not poor defensive team sneakily good. Look at the numbers- they didnt shoot it incredibly well either (14th in the league with a 36.2 3p%) but they did shoot a lot (#1 in 3's made at 1256, clearing second place BROOKLYN NETS by over 200). Harden should be the favorite to win MVP (with AD right behind him, Greek??) as I anticipate him doing even more this year than last. If he does, he would have more MVP's than; The Big Ticket, Mamba, AI, and Dr. J (an elite nickname list as well). Harden will be 29 all of next year, CP3 again will be 34, Eric Gordon will turn 30 in December, this isnt a team I see running through the West like they did last year. The Wolves match up really well against this team without Ariza and Capela (KAT's performance against him was not good, ill chalk it to 1st time offs nerves). I could be wrong, but my gut tells me they slip- really after GS and LA (pending Kawhi) I think The Wolves - Houston- Jazz- OKC gap is extremely close. Which leads me to..

(4) Jazz

GPLAYERS

MITCHELL- (20.5 PPG- 3.7 RPG- 3.7 AST- 1.5 STL- 3P% .340 FG% .437)

GOBERT- (13.5 PPG- 10.7 RPG- 1.7 AST- 2.3 BLK- FG% .662)

RUBIO- (13.1 PPG- 4.6 RPG- 5.3 AST- 1.57 STL- 3P% .352 FG% .418)

FAVORS- (12.3 PPG- 7.2 RPG- 1.3 AST- 1 BLK- FG% .563)

INGLES- ( 11.5 PPG- 4.2 RPG- 4.3 AST- 3P% .440 FG% .467)

CLOSE: ALEC BURKS- (9.1 PPG- 2.7 RPG- 1.7 AST 1.36 STL- 3P% .450 FG% .469)

DANTE EXUM- ( 8.1 PPG- 1.9 RPG- 3.1 AST) JERBKO (5.8 PPG- 3P% .414)

I loved watching this team play last year. Part of me wanted to put them above the Wolves even. This team does what MN cant figure out in maximizing player roles and ACTUALLY HAVING defined roles for each player (but the Wolves have more upside players, Shitty word but true). Mitchell is ROY 9x out of 10 years the award is given, he was magnificent in big games and can get his shot any time he wants. Reminds me of a young D-Wade with the confidence he had to step in and be the alpha, but he is a much better 3p shooter. Joe Ingles absolutely shut done Paul George in the 1st round (I think 5pts in the clinching game) and he is one of the games best at 3's (#10 in 3's made with a 44% mark tied with Klay for #1 among the top 50 (probably more)). Gobert does what he does best and doesn't do the rest, and thats Dunks and Defense. Crowder is the perfect wing alongside Rubio and Mitchell with his toughness and streaky shooting. Speaking of RUBIO, Utah is what Ricky needed and thats a fresh start (and a religion to embrace his new hair style). Best year of his career with career highs in ppg (13.1) fg% .418 (still not average) and 3p% (.352- slightly above average). What he didnt do is pass as much, career low 5.3 assist by exact 2 (7.3 2012-13). But with a new team new expectations (and a new role) and he fit the bill. Snyder is great and with my boy Grayson Allen off the bench with 3's the Jazz are certainly trending up as a contender in the West.

(5) Thunder

GPLAYERS

RUSS- (25.4 PPG- 10.1 RPG- 10.3 AST- 1.84 STL- 3P%.298 FG% .449)

PGIII- (21.9 PPG- 5.7 RPG- 3.3 AST- 2.04 STL- 3P%.401 FG% .430)

ADAMS- 13.9 PPG- 9 RPG- 1.2 AST- 1 BLK- FG% .629)

CLOSE- MELO- (16.2 PPG- 5.8 RPG- 1.3 AST- 3P% .357 FG% .404) GRANT- 8.4 PPG- 3.9 RPG- 3P% .291 FG% .535) ROBERSON- (DEFENSE) NERLENS- (NO CLUE)

Hmmmmmmm. This team leaves me shaking my head. Unless Russ can shoot above 32% from 3 (which he has only done twice in his 9 year career) he just shouldn't take any. Period. Adams should easily average 12 rpg but Russ vultures some (which im cool with). He is an incredibly efficient scorer (like Gobert Capela DeAndre effecient) being #4 in the league in fg% behind 2 of those men + Montrezl Harrell being #3 with 63.5%. Russell is turning into a rich mans Allen Iverson (literally and figuratively), high scoring because of high volume that isnt at a superb %. But you have to respect his effort and I believe it to be THE reason PGIII is back. PGIII fg attempt's were right around his career average at 17 per- shot 2nd best 3p% ever and had a career high in steals. Some people say he had a down year, im not so sure. Melo hit a big FU***** wall- career low ppg-steals- fg%- assists- minutes played- and 2nd lowest rebounds. DAMN. But Melo is gone so who steps up to be the shot maker when Russ and PG III are either off or literally off the court? No picks in last years draft, and a team that has a HUGE luxury tax waiting for it, its a team stuck in limbo.

(6)Pelicans

GPLAYERS

AD- (28.5 PPG- 11.1 RPG- 2.3 AST- 1.53 STL- 2.56 BLK- 3P$ .340 FG% .534)

HOLIDAY- (19 PPG- 4.5 RPG- 6 AST- 1.52 STL- 3P% .337- FG% .494)

RANDLE (LAL)- (16.1 PPG- 8 RPG- 2.6 AST- 3P% .222 FG% .558)

NIKOLA- (14.6 PPG- 8.2 RPG- 1.4 AST- 3P% .335- FG% .427)

E'TWAN- (12.5 PPG- 2.9 RPG- 2.3 AST- 3P% .425- FG% .508)

CLOSE: CHEICK DIALLO- (5 PPG- 4 RPG- FG% .580)

1st round pick- None

S/O "Pardon My Take" this is the NBA's All-Grit Team. This team has size, strength, and a toughness similar to the Heat in the East. This team just shows up and intimidates the S*** out of teams. Boogie (nights) leaving is fine, the only sidekick AD needs is his brow. Following Boggie going down and into the playoffs I thought AD was the was the best player in the league. However, if he has a weakness (when your Talking GOAT's) its his 3p shooting. Career high 34% last year in his 6th year in the league, KAT via MN just shot 42$ (yes bc 42% is F****** money) in his 3rd year, and has shot .341-.367-.420 from the stripe in his career so far (for a 7'-footer thats insane). AD has the defense though, and his shot creating inside the 3 line is superb to KAT. But Randle is a great pickup- although you wonder how a Nikola-Randle-Davis lineup will play against small ball lineups in GS and HOU (well see). A Holiday-Moore back-court beat Dame and CJ and you can see why. Both have active hands with over 1 stl a game (thats good) and Jrue is a large pg who can score with Moore being one of the NBA's best from 3 land in 18'. Slightly worried with Rondo taking his talent to LA when it comes to playoffs- but theyll have a season to figure it out. Dont expect big Reg season win totals, this team has a brutal bench, but come playoffs when noone uses it anyway, thats when this team will shine again.

(7) NUGGETS

GPLAYERS

NIKOLA JOKIC- (18.5 PPG- 10.7 RPG- 6.1 APG- 3P% .396- FG% .499)

GARY HARRIS- (17.5 PPG- 2.6 RPG- 2.9 APG- 3P% .396 FG% .485)

JAMAL MURRAY- (16.7 PPG- 3.7 RPG- 3.4 APG- 3P% .378 FG% ,451)

PAUL MILLSAP- (14.6 PPG- 6.4 RPG- 2.8 APG 3P% .34 FG% .464)

WILL BARTON- (15.7 PPG- 5 RPG- 4.1 APG 3P% .37 FG% .452)

CLOSE: EMMANUEL MUDIAY (8.5 PPG- 2.2 APG- 2.9 APG .37 3P%) TREY LYLES (9.9 PPG- 4.8 RPG- .381 3P%)

1st round pick- MICHAEL PORTER- superb athleticism- lots of potential- needs a better jumper.

The last time we saw this team they lost a heart breaker against the Wolves in game 82 of the season to miss the playoffs. As opposed to the Blazers, this is a team that has a s*** ton of depth. The only major team statistic that DEN was top five in the league was... assists. This team shares the ball and takes a lot of good shots. Save Jokic defense, hes one of the most dynamic big men in the league. NOONE plays like him and is the most creative passing big man right now. Murray-Harris-Barton- is a fantastic trio of shooters who can also drive to the basket and be creative shot makers inside the arc. They also got possibly the best player in the draft at #14 in Michael Porter Jr- if he becomes what people thought (6'10 superb athlete who can score all over the floor) and can defend at the 4, watch out. Millsap is a perfect fit for this team as a versatile big man alongside Jokic, his defense is OK and the teams defense is bad. Which is the only thing that is holding them back. Can the wings develop on defense? If they do, this is a team thats lurking for when the top tier teams retire to the Hampton's.

(8) Blazers

GPLAYERS

DAME- (26.9 PPG- 4.5 RPG- 6.6 AST- 1 STL- 3P% .361 FG% .439)

CJ- (21.4 PPG- 4 RPG- 3.4 AST- 3P% .397 FG% .443)

NURKIC- (14.3 PPG- 9 RPG- 1.8 AST- 1.41 BLK- FG% .505)

CLOSE: AMINU- (9.3 PPG- 7.6 RPG- 1.3 AST- 3P% .369 FG% .395) SHABAZZ- 8.7 PG- 2.3 RPG- 2 AST- 3P% .376 FG% .420) HARKLESS- (6.5 PPG- 2.7 RPG- 3P% .415) ZACH COLLINS

1st Round pick: Anfernee Simmons

1st team all NBA player in Dame but they get SWEPT by a team who few thought had a chance to win the series (I bet the upset, just saying... +240 :) I've seen Dame courtside (nbd) and have watched probably 15 of his games- he is a special player. But Holiday and Moore + Rondo had his number four games straight... He can score anywhere offensively, and has a streaky hot 3 ball with range of "pick your choice sir" (career .368% ). Looks like a NFL MLB in person, seriously the guy is THICK. His Robin CJ is a baller, im just not sure if hes Jamal Crawford or Reggie Miller (not kidding- I looked- thats his path rn) Career .408% from 3 averaging 4.7 attempts a game!! THESE NUMBERS SCREAM MODERN DAY PLAYER. But with a 1st team pg and a ok cast why did you loose in the first round? Are they the Raptors? Win.. Dont like the 1st round pick (haven't seem him really play- but didnt hear spectacular things about him) and I dont know if Nurkic can be on the floor in the playoffs. Great stars, but how big is the cast of nebula's.