The only question bothering me .. is why did the champion Warriors give the Rockets a win in this series ???
The GSW 9 Man rotation performance in the post-season are STRONG and healthy enough to sweep its way to the FINALS !!!
2019 NBA Playoffs
- Thread starter tiger0330
- Start date
The only question bothering me .. is why did the champion Warriors give the Rockets a win in this series ???
The GSW 9 Man rotation performance in the post-season are STRONG and healthy enough to sweep its way to the FINALS !!!
Chris Paul would've been making much more than he's earning now .. if the NBA league didn't stop the Chris Paul trade to (Phil & Kobe) Lakers in 2010. CP3 career of getting injured when the postseason arrive became a NBA league conspiracy SMH !!!
Steph is too good not to get untracked, even if he doesn't and continues shooting less than 30% the Dubs have enough fire power to beat the Rox. Still want the Rox to win this series, tired of seeing the Warriors in the finals every year.
Last year at the start of the off-season on draft night the 76ers made poor move after poor move throughout the entire off-season, i did not expect the 76ers (Embiid Simmons Rddick) to get pass the first round of the playoff, until they made the trade for Butler in the regular season. Plus the 76er's added some high premium fuel on the trade deadline by trading for Tobias Harris to have an ALL-Star starting lineup to make it to the ECF.
The Raptors making the trade for super-star Kawhi, plus Siakam having the best improve performance in the NBA, gave the Raptors 2 super-star forwards to work their way to the ECF. Today afternoon game, the Raptors put Ibaka at the PF, and Gasol at the center and closed out the win in the 4th quarter to Tie the series at 2-2.
Truth be told .. the Blazers would have gone fishing without Kanter.
It wasn't just Curry missing a fast break layup in the 4th quarter, than missing the OT dunk .. it was the Rockets pitiful defense throughout the entire game. JVG debat to Mark Jackson kept mentioning throughout the game how the Dubs keep missing all these wide open shots to the Rockets poor defensive-effort are the only reason for the Rock's holding the lead at the end of the first 3 quarter.
The Bucks over Celtics 113 - 101 .. Bucks lead Series 3-1 .. Giannis is a believer 39 pts, 16 rb, 4 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk !!!
Boston's star role-player Smart & Rozier didn't have a good game playing spot-minutes .. Hayward was shut-down!
And Kyrie Irving 23 pts on 7-22 fga in 44 minute .. has Ainge buying Kyrie's one-way ticket to NY early LMAO
Tonight, I'm looking for the champs GSW to win the 4th game too !!!
Boston's star role-player Smart & Rozier didn't have a good game playing spot-minutes .. Hayward was shut-down!
And Kyrie Irving 23 pts on 7-22 fga in 44 minute .. has Ainge buying Kyrie's one-way ticket to NY early LMAO
Tonight, I'm looking for the champs GSW to win the 4th game too !!!
In the 3rd qtr of the Rox/Dubs game I heard someone yell NY Knicks and I said why would a Knicks fan be in Houston watching this game and about 10 minutes later Reggie explained it was directed at KD because of the rumors of him going to the Knicks. Apparently the whole country knows he's coming so he better come.
Good game down in Houston with 11 secs left and the Rox up 3. Durant takes a long 28 ft 3, misses but gets the long rebound, passes the rock to Steph who also takes a 28fter and misses. Rockets tie the series 2-2.
Rox won the game with their 3 pt shooting but almost lost it when their 3 pt shooting went cold at the end. Just looked at the box score and the Rox were 17-50 from 3 for 34%. The Dubs were 8-33 24% with the Splash Bros. cold again going for a combined 5-20. Interesting that D'ants committed to an ultra small ball lineup with Tucker at the 5 and 4 guards even in crunch time in a close game. Even with this lineup they managed to out board the Dubs.
Good game down in Houston with 11 secs left and the Rox up 3. Durant takes a long 28 ft 3, misses but gets the long rebound, passes the rock to Steph who also takes a 28fter and misses. Rockets tie the series 2-2.
Rox won the game with their 3 pt shooting but almost lost it when their 3 pt shooting went cold at the end. Just looked at the box score and the Rox were 17-50 from 3 for 34%. The Dubs were 8-33 24% with the Splash Bros. cold again going for a combined 5-20. Interesting that D'ants committed to an ultra small ball lineup with Tucker at the 5 and 4 guards even in crunch time in a close game. Even with this lineup they managed to out board the Dubs.
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jimkcchief88
All Star
Yup I?m not really a believer in Milwaukee, but if them winning sends Kyrie into our arms then I?m good with it.
jimkcchief88
All Star
Congrats to the Rox win in game 4!!! U know the Rox are kicking themselves for not stealing game 1 and being up 3-1 at this point. But boy watching Durantula is crazy. Dude is unstoppable!!!! I hope the fan yelling ?NY Knicks? is right!!! Hopefully GS loses as well and KD and Kyrie fall right into our laps!!!
Not sure we should be signing KI to a max deal with his injury history along with this abysmal playoff performance he's having. Maybe Butler would be better or a combination of Rozier and Tobias Harris for 38M combined salary.
Celtics losing two consecutive games in Boston says, Ainge will hand Kyrie's one way ticket to NY tomorrow night in Milwaukee LMAO ..
I'm the Knick fan that does not want another poor postseason performance star player on the Knicks roster (Kyrie = Melo).
Kyrie is a great regular-season star player .. it's to bad Kyrie does not know how to change-up his star-performance in a series.
I'm not afraid to admit the post-season Celtics last year without Kyrie & Hayward were more of a 2-Way sweep-threat to their opponents than this season 50-50 Celtics. `
I wonder? Would Knicks fans still want Kyrie, if coach Stevens let Rozier run the point for 30 + minute tomorrow for a Celtics win in Milwaukee ???
The under-cover confusion Kyrie caused this season in Boston, plus his final season with Cleveland .. he's not worth any Max money.
Like i mention before .. I would go after Rozier in FA before Kyrie !!!
Then I hope the Raptors lose the series to the 76er's so we could go after Kawhi on July 1st.
mafra
Legend
I believe Klay and Kawhi have LAC on their minds and hearts. They are LA kids;
Kyrie and Kemba local kids and KD is from East Coast.
I agree, tho, that KL would be my top choice... by a wide margin. And, I truly hope Perry and plopplop Fiz-Fiz go full court press and try to convince KL to consider NYK.
Will we get Zion, RJ or Ja?
Will we get 2 of KL, KD, KT, KI, KW?
Do we hold the line and not hand out near max money to guys like Harris, Bledso, Rozier and whomever?
Gonna be a fun few months... I?m trying to remain positive, but 2 decades of misfortune has worn away the soul.... let?s hope 33 years of draft futility ends next Tues.
If we get a top 3 pick... we are in business.
If Mills/Perry and (LMAO) pop-pop Fiz-Fiz had a B.Ball brain .. while all the rumor of Durant/Kyrie going around, I would go under the table to let Klay Thompson and Kawhi know the Knicks organization wants you two more than Durant/Kyrie.
The Knicks receiving the 1st to 3rd draft pick would not matter if the Knicks were able to swing Klay & Kawhi into signing on in the offseason .. all the Knicks 1st, 2nd, and 3rd season players would improve their performance throughout next season 82 games having 3 star vets in Klay, Kawhi, and resigning DJ as the starting center.
The Raptors beat the 76er's tonight 125 - 89 .. By changing their tactics to take full control of the game in the 2nd & 3rd qtr. playing team-defense to the final second of the game holding the 76ers team under 90 points .. Kenny Smith said this was Lowry's best career playoff game .. Lowry scored 19 pts off 5-9 fga, grabbed 6 rb, gave out 5 Dimes, 1 stl, 1 blk, and 3 turnovers in 34 minute of PT .. 13 year vet SMH
Raptors lead series 3-2
The Denver Nuggets beat the Blazers 124 - 98 .. holding the Blazers offense under 100 points tonight in Denver. The Blazers had no answer tonight against Denver Nuggets Dynamic 3 players in super-star Jokic's dynamic performance scoring 25 pts, 19 rb, 6 ast. plus Millsap's 2-Way hustle performance in the paint for 24 pts, 8 rb, 2 ast, 1 stl, and 2 blks, and having a speedy play-maker Murray changing the transition of the game to outscore the Blazers the first 3 qtrs to stretch the lead to 25 points plus score 18 pts, 5 rb, and 9 Dimes to give Denver the lead of the series 3-2
Bucks close out Celtics who barely showed up for Game 5.
What now for the Celtics? They accumulated all these assets and couldn?t finish putting together a team that could get the job done. Kyrie likely to leave in free agency. Do they go full-on rebuild again and start trading guys away?
What now for the Celtics? They accumulated all these assets and couldn?t finish putting together a team that could get the job done. Kyrie likely to leave in free agency. Do they go full-on rebuild again and start trading guys away?
Danny Ainge would be crazy to give Kyrie a 5 yr max deal after what he did in the playoffs. Keep him out of NY also, Mills and Perry would be bozos to sign him with the depth we have at the position and the lack of leadership and selfishness he showed in the playoffs. Here's Bobby Marks take on what happens with the Celts.
- What happens with Kyrie and AD will decide Boston's future now
- Bobby Marks ESPN
The All-Star point guard's decision to re-sign or go elsewhere will dictate Boston's plans in free agency, Anthony Davis trade talks and a Jaylen Brownextension.
And Irving isn't the Celtics' only free agent. A mass exodus is possible, with Al Horford (player option), Marcus Morris, Terry Rozier (restricted) and Aron Baynes potentially hitting the market.
Now eliminated from the postseason, let's look ahead to the free agency, draft and trade decisions facing the Celtics this offseason as they try to rebound and build a title contender.
The future of Kyrie Irving
There is no negotiating when it comes to a new contract for Irving after he declines his player option for next season. Either the Celtics are going to offer the point guard a five-year, $189 million max contract or Irving is going to sign with a team that has cap space. Unlike in 2018, when the market was squeezed, more than 10 teams will have room, including the New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets and both teams in Los Angeles.
There are also wild cards: The Dallas Mavericks could pitch teaming up Irving with Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis.
Here is the breakdown of an Irving contract in Boston compared to signing elsewhere:
Kyrie Irving Max Contract Options
| SEASON | BOS | NEW TEAM | AGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-20 | $32.7M | $32.7M | 27-28 |
| 2020-21 | $35.3M | $34.3M | 28-29 |
| 2021-22 | $37.9M | $36.0M | 29-30 |
| 2022-23 | $40.5M | $37.6M | 30-31 |
| 2023-24 | $43.1M | 31-32 | |
| Total | $189.7 | $140.6 |
Keep in mind that signing with the Celtics does not guarantee that Irving finishes his career (or even the 2019-20 season) in Boston. We saw with the LA Clippers in 2018 how they turned Blake Griffin's new $171.2 million contract into draft assets and competitive players with trade value.
The roster without Irving
What does it mean if the Celtics pass on re-signing Irving? Boston would be deciding that Irving and his $189.7 million salary for the next five years are not conducive to building a championship roster.
The Celtics knew what the expectations would be when they acquired Irving in 2017 -- if the point guard remained healthy and produced at the same level from his days in Cleveland, a full max offer would be expected on July 1, 2019. Even head of basketball operations Danny Ainge confirmed that in February.
"The way I viewed the situation is that I think a lot of people, because of Kyrie's announcement at the beginning of the year, thought that it was a marriage," Ainge said on Boston station 98.5 The Sports Hub. "And I think that it's more like an engagement. And we're going to get married on July 1. I think that engagement is still on, as far as I know."
But what would the roster look like if the engagement dissolved?
For starters, the Celtics would have to make a decision about point guard. They would need to think that Rozier, a restricted free agent, is the point guard of the future, that Marcus Smart can be a full-time PG, that they can find that player in the draft with their collection of picks or that they can trade one of those picks for a starter.
Irving leaving would give the Celtics financial relief toward the luxury tax but not the cap space to find his replacement in free agency. Counting Horford's $30.1 million contract that he will likely opt into, Boston is $500K below the luxury tax when factoring in three first-round picks and the cap holds of Rozier, Morris and Daniel Theis.
In the unlikely scenario that Horford does leave and Baynes opts out, the Celtics would have $13 million in room to use on free agents before addressing Rozier and Morris.
And next summer would present an unclear picture. Though the cap ledger shows a projected $25 million in room before a Brown extension, that number does not take into consideration a new Rozier contract and replacements for Horford and Morris.
The Celtics' other free agents
Irving is not the only pressing issue for Boston this offseason. After an uneventful 2018 summer, the Celtics are now looking at the possibility of half the roster hitting free agency.
Here is a breakdown for each player and what to expect this summer:
Al Horford
Expect Horford's decision on his $30.1 million player option to extend until the June 18 deadline. From now until mid-June, agent Jason Glushon will peruse the teams that have cap space for a potential landing spot if Horford does elect to become a free agent.
What he will find is that teams have a strong interest in the veteran, but for most teams as a Plan B if the desired targets of Irving, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Kemba Walker, Klay Thompson and Jimmy Butler are not available.
The Brooklyn Nets or Indiana Pacerscould fit well, but their interest might not be solidified until July 4. Because of that, free agency presents high-stakes risks that will likely end up with Horford opting into his deal.
Terry Rozier
The 2018-19 season has been a learning experience for Rozier. The point guard went from starting 19 games and averaging 36.6 MPG in the playoffs last year to a reserve role; he was a nonfactor in the second-round loss to Milwaukee.
"I felt like I went from the passenger seat to the trunk," Rozier recently told ESPN's Jackie MacMullan. "Everybody tells you, 'Don't think about the contract, don't think about the money.' I always tell myself, 'I'll get what I deserve one day. Maybe not this day, but one day.'"
What Rozier will see this summer is the consequences of an inconsistent season combined with the complications of restricted free agency. Once pegged as a player in the $14 million to $16 million range -- comparable to the Bucks' Eric Bledsoe -- the market has shrunk. Rozier might have to settle for the $9.3 million midlevel exception or even sign the $4.3 million qualifying offer and enter free agency in 2020.
Of course, that number could increase if Irving leaves and the Celtics lose leverage.
Marcus Morris
The Celtics have the advantage with Horford's and Rozier's free agencies, but that isn't the case with Morris.
Coming off a four-year, $20 million contract -- one that many in the NBA consider the best bargain in the league -- Morris will see a significant pay increase this summer. At a minimum, Morris' starting salary next season should begin at the $9.3 million midlevel exception.
For playoff teams like Brooklyn, Indiana and the Clippers that miss out on their top targets, Morris will be an ideal candidate for a one-year contract in the $15 million to $20 million range.
The Anthony Davis timeline
The prevailing thought after the trade deadline was that the Celtics were in the driver's seat when it came to a potential Davis trade. But two things have changed since then.
First: The Pelicans have a new head of basketball operations, David Griffin, who made it clear that he's going to try to convince Davis to remain in New Orleans.
"We have a very long and successful history together with Klutch Sports," Griffin said at his introductory news conference. "Rich Paul [Davis' agent] and I have spoken about Anthony, and I think we're both excited about what we can potentially build here."
Second: The uncertainty surrounding Irving after losing in the second round. How aggressive can Ainge be in AD trade talks without a long-term commitment from Kyrie? Should the team still plan on pursuing a deal if Irving walks?
In any case, the logistics of any Davis trade (with or without Irving on the roster) would focus on Boston's collection of draft picks. In the event that the framework of a deal is worked out before the June 20 draft begins, Boston would be selecting for the Pelicans in the first round.
When it comes to players involved, Boston would need to send out $25 million in salary for Davis alone. That number would shrink to $22 million if Davis waived his $4 million trade bonus.
What happens with the player options of Horford and Baynes will decide who is available. If both are free agents, the available pool of players shrinks to a combination of Gordon Hayward, Marcus Smart, Jayson Tatum, Brown and Guerschon Yabusele. In any trade, Hayward or Smart would have to be involved because of their salary.
Keep in mind that acquiring Davis does not come with a long-term commitment. Davis would be eligible for a four-year, $145.7 million extension six months after the trade is consummated. That number would grow to $150 million in the summer of 2020 by signing with a team that has room or $202 million by re-signing in Boston.
The finances of the roster
Boston would see its payroll skyrocket if Irving returns on a max, with new deals for Brown and Tatum still on the way. The Celtics do get some cap relief in 2020 when Horford's deal is set to expire, and Hayward will be up the following year.
If the core returns, Boston is projected to have a $157 million payroll with $63.8 million in luxury tax payments, bringing the roster price to $220.8 million. In 2018-19, the team cost $130 million total.
Those numbers factor in a conservative $12 million annual cap hit for Morris, three draft picks, minimum players and letting Rozier walk. Signing Rozier to a $10 million contract would cost the Celtics an additional $44 million toward the tax.
Summer cap breakdown
Celtics' Projected Cap Sheet
| PLAYER | 2019-20 SALARY |
|---|---|
| 1. Gordon Hayward | $32,700,690 |
| 2. Al Horford | (player option) $30,123,013 |
| 3. Marcus Smart | $12,553,571 |
| 4. Jayson Tatum | $7,830,000 |
| 5. Jaylen Brown | $6,534,829 |
| 6. Aron Baynes | (player option) $5,453,280 |
| 7. Guerschon Yabusele | $3,117,240 |
| 8. Robert Williams | $1,937,520 |
| 9. Semi Ojeleye | (non-guaranteed) $1,618,520 |
| 10. First-rounder (Own) | (first-round hold) $2,376,840 |
| 11. First-rounder (via SAC) | (first-round hold) $3,454,080 |
| 12. First-rounder (via LAC) | (first-round hold) $2,578,800 |
| 13. Kyrie Irving1 | (free agent hold) $30,148,784 |
| 14. Marcus Morris1 | (free agent hold) $10,212,500 |
| 15. Terry Rozier2 | (free agent hold) $9,151,170 |
| 16. Daniel Theis3 | (free agent hold) $1,803,638 |
| 17. Jonathan Gibson3 | (free agent hold) $1,818,486 |
| 18. Brad Wanamaker4 | (free agent hold) $1,643,842 |
| 19. RJ Hunter4 | (free agent hold) $1,443,842 |
| 20. PJ Dozier4 | (free agent hold) $1,443,842 |
| Demetrius Jackson | (waived) $92,857 |
| Total | $168.0 million |
| Luxury tax | $132.0 million |
| 1. Bird | |
| 2. Restricted Bird | |
| 3. Restricted early-Bird | |
| 4. Restricted non-Bird |
Celtics' Projected Depth Chart
| PG | SG | SF | PF | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M. Smart | J. Brown | J. Tatum | A. Horford (P) | |
| G. Hayward | R. Williams | A. Baynes (P) | ||
| S. Ojeleye (NG) | G. Yabusele | |||
| (P)= Player option | ||||
| (NG)= Non-guaranteed |
- The draft: Present and future picks
- Cash to buy draft picks
- Own free agents
- Trade assets: Brown, Tatum and Smart
- Cap exceptions: Minimum and tax midlevel
Dates to watch
• The three Celtics with player options -- Irving, Horford and Baynes -- have mid-June deadlines to decide between opting in or hitting free agency. Irving and Baynes have until June 13, while Horford has until June 18.
• The Celtics have until June 29 to tender one-year qualifying offers to Rozier ($4.3 million), Theis ($1.8 million), Jonathan Gibson ($1.9 million) and Brad Wanamaker ($1.6 million). Each player will become a restricted free agent if an offer is extended. The Celtics would have until July 13 to pull the offer without the consent of the player.
• Boston has until July 1 to guarantee the $1.6 million contract of Semi Ojeleye. The former second-round pick played in 56 games this season, including three starts.
Restrictions
• Even if Irving opts out in June, Boston will still be ineligible to trade for Anthony Davis officially until July 1, based on the designated rookie extension rule.
• The Celtics sent out $2.5 million cash in two trades that saved $3.4 million toward the luxury tax. As a result, Boston has $2.8 million cash to buy a pick the night of the draft or use in a trade up until June 30. The full amount of $5.6 million cash will replenish starting on July 1.
• Horford and Hayward each have 15 percent trade bonuses in their contracts. Hayward's bonus would be voided in a deal since he will make the maximum salary. Horford, who will be eligible to be traded immediately if he opts in, would receive $4.5 million if he were dealt.
Extension candidates
Boston's wave of rookie extension candidates starts this summer with Brown. How the Celtics proceed will be determined by future finances and what transpires in Davis trade talks. For example, extending Brown at the onset of free agency would deem him ineligible to be traded because of the poison pill restriction in his contract.
Brown will have a $19 million cap hold as a free agent in 2020, a number that should be comparable to his projected cap hit in the first year of his new deals. If Irving returns and Brown signs for that approximate amount, the Celtics would have $90 million tied up in three players for 2020-21: Irving, Brown and Hayward. The following summer, Tatum is in line for his own extension.
Since Ainge was hired to lead the Celtics, only two first-round picks have been extended: Rajon Rondo in 2009 and Kendrick Perkins in 2006. The Smart negotiations -- which extended into restricted free agency -- show that Boston typically prefers to let the market dictate a new deal.
Hayward, Horford and Ojeleye are also extension eligible.
The draft assets
Boston will have multiple first-round picks in June, including its own and the Clippers'. The Celtics are also likely to receive the Sacramento Kings' pick (unless it jumps up to No. 1) and they'll get the Memphis Grizzlies' selection if it drops out of the top eight.
The Sacramento pick is expected to land No. 13 on average, with just a 1.0 percent chance of ending up No. 1. The Memphis pick has a 44.4 percent chance of conveying to Boston (otherwise it rolls over to next season, when it will be top-6 protected).
These first-round picks give the Celtics inexpensive insurance policies in case they need to move on from their impending free agents.
Here's how ESPN's Jonathan Givony and Mike Schmitz have Boston selecting in June:
- No. 14 (via Sacramento): Brandon Clarke | F | Gonzaga
- No. 20 (via LA Clippers): Nickeil Alexander-Walker | G | Virginia Tech
- No. 22 (own): Keldon Johnson | F | Kentucky
- No. 51 (own): Shamorie Ponds | PG | St. John's
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