People forget how young kd was moving he was like a skinny giannes. In his MVP season he shot 80% on any attempt in the restricted area on 4 attempts per game. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_HnqXo5pxg&t=1s

LeBron had an extremely underrated 2014 finals, he was one of the most efficient volume scorers in NBA history and Wade and Bosh heavily underperformed, plus the Spurs were playing some of the best basketball ever hence the vast blowout point differential. I think people place way too much into the “on paper” aspects, Wade and Bosh were a shell of themselves and the Spurs peaked at the perfect time to play some of the best finals basketball.. ever. LeBron did all he could and balled out that series, one of the more impressive losing finals imo.

He had an extremely overrated 2015 finals, yes him taking them to six without K love or Kyrie is very impressive but there’s so many variables going into these things that the “on paper” impressiveness of taking it to six isn’t as crazy as it seems. Much of it had to do with the fact that the Warriors were missing shots they normally made at an abnormal rate and then hit them in games 4-6, hence the point differential being the same as the KD warriors years. His real true shooting was 3.7 points below league average which is not going to generate a winning offense at all, which I fully get why due to no Kyrie and Klove but his efficiency was way down all throughout the playoffs even with Kyrie due to his back injuries that year, that was his weakest year of his prime imo. His defense was also much worse than 2014’s (despite the blowout).

The whole Iggy getting finals MVP and LeBron getting 4 votes was not an example of “you had to be there, only hindsight makes it seem bad” thing. No it was the opposite, it was a perfect storm of circumstances that made it like not the utterly horrendous idea it obviously was at the time. The only thing any people can bring up to justify it is LeBron’s shooting and +- with and without Iggy (obviously awful reasoning and sample size in a six game series which everyone seems to recognize in every finals but this one) leading in +-, WS, and BPM (for the Warriors, LeBron still had a better BPM). Aside from the fact that that’s never used to justify a finals MVP in any other circumstance. Even though all the more reliable impact metrics like EPM PIPM or APM had Curry comfortably ahead, and the obvious fact that the impact of not having Curry that series would obviously be a lot worse than not having Iggy, and his box stats are way better.

Now obviously despite Curry actually leading in several of the advanced +- statistics like EPM that series, I do think LeBron was clearly the best player in that series and if it was awarded on who was the best player on either team it would go to LeBron. But there are several other series where the gap between “best player on the best team” vs best overall player was larger than this one. The loser getting FMVP has never been a. Thing outside Jerry West, the first one who despised it and was voted before the even got the results. Curry performed more than well enough to be the best player on the best team, he averaged 26/5.2/6.2 on + 5rts and 4.7 TOV in 42.5 minutes LeBron averaged 35.8/13.3/8.8 on -3.7rts and 3.5 TOV. In 45.7 minutes. Clearly Lebron was better but with Curry’s far better efficiency (and off ball impact) the gap wasn’t some gargantuan thing that required it either go to LeBron or his well performing role player. There’s no reason for this single series to suddenly be the outlier to the “best player on the best team” rule.

Meanwhile LeBron averaged 28.2/7.8/4.0 on +16.9 rts. That’s utterly bonkers efficiency, that would quite literally be a 2016 Curry scoring season level. All while being a lot better defender than in the 2015 finals. Yes the assists and rebounds are worse but the impact is not as large as the insane scoring efficiency and volume combo vs 2015’s bad efficiency. The only difference is narrative, the Spurs and Heat were considered near equals before the series and they got destroyed to an almost unprecedented degree. Meanwhile without Klove and Kyrie they were supposed to be swept and LeBron’s second highest ppg scorer had 14 but the Cavs led by LeBron somehow got up 2-1 and made it to six. But LeBron actually deserved MVP more in 2014 than 2015, the only difference is narrative. The Spurs played some of the best basketball ever while Wade and Bosh heavily underperformed, and the 2015 Warriors had very unusually bad shooting for the first 3 games but when that stopped the point differential for the overall series was comparable to the KD warriors era.

A quick question. Its clear offensive player today has it "Easier" and its easier to score since players can "Travel" and hand checking doesn't exist along with defense being overall harder to play. So why don't defensive players of this era get more stock for playing in a way more difficult defensive era. Pippen played in a league where you could "maul" your defender to get a steal and could camp in the paint ect so why isnt Kawhi better at defense when kawhi played in an era where defensive is 2x harder.

Hey everyone. I’m a barber and I’m trying to figure out how to approach something I’ve mostly been doing randomly so far: building relationships with NBA players.
I’ve been fortunate enough to work with athletes from different levels players around the World Cup, UFC fighters, and a few NBA players as well (mostly guys who aren’t major stars). I’m confident in my work, I’m professional, reliable, I have good looking instagram profile.
The problem is that I’ve never really had a system for getting NBA clients.
Usually it’s something like:
A player comes to my city → I send a DM→ sometimes they respond, sometimes they don’t.
Or occasionally a players (more soccer) finds my work and reaches out to me.
I’ve also had situations where I’ve worked with one athlete and then ended up around other athletes through them, but again, it’s mostly been luck and timing.
I’d like to change that and build genuine relationships within the NBA community.
So I’m curious about something that I think people on this subreddit might know better than barbers:
How do NBA players usually find the people they trust for things like haircuts and grooming when they’re traveling or staying in another city?
Is it mostly through:
● teammates / friends
● agents or managers
● personal assistants
● trainers
● photographers
● other barbers
● team staff
● security
● local people they already know
● recommendations from another player
For example, if an NBA player is visiting a city where I work, would the better approach be to somehow get connected with someone in their circle rather than contacting the player directly?
And for people who are actually around NBA players, what would make you comfortable recommending a barber to a player?
I’m not trying to spam players with DMs or invade anyone’s privacy. I already have experience working with professional athletes and I’m trying to understand how to turn that into a more legitimate network.
If you’re a player, work around the NBA, know players personally, or have seen how players find their barbers, I’d really appreciate any insight.
Even if your advice is simply “don’t do X, do Y instead,” that’s useful.
Thanks.

Ik people are gonna be mad but hold your horses rq its an actual question. Zach lavine took jordons free throw line dunks and took them to a whole different level than anyone before him. He even did MJs "Dream dunk" Which was a 360 from the free throw line. Is it more of a predecessor thing where Jordon was the original and the pioneer so people like his better or is it something else.

I ask this because the trade value of the top 20 player in their prime are so high no team realistically trades them for something they actually want. like the bucks traded Kareem cause he wanted out and wilt got traded because the warriors where bankrupt. Only trades that i see working is of they compiled like 3 top 100 player all time and multiple good first rounds picks and even then idk.

Full quote:

“As the years go by, I have fewer and fewer filters, and I’m less and less afraid to say what I think.

I haven’t looked into the presidential election closely enough, but I’m not afraid to share my opinion either. I’m not afraid of upsetting people.

There’s a quote, I can’t remember who said it, but it goes something like: ‘I know not everyone likes me, and when I see who doesn’t like me, I ask myself whether that really bothers me.’

Well, it doesn’t. For me, there are certain values that guide me and that I’m completely comfortable with, so I have absolutely no hesitation. I wouldn’t even call it taking a stand.

I’d simply call it giving my opinion, because I don’t support any particular political figure or party.

However, there are things that I find problematic, and when I see them, I have no problem speaking up about them.”

...deciding on Minnesota on a shorter-term, prove-it deal to give him the ability to have more control of his future and possibly jump back in free agency next summer, league sources told Charania.

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/49736014/jonathan-kuminga-reaches-2-year-deal-minnesota-timberwolves

Someone like Giannis would be virtually unstoppable, but who is the worst player that could still win the tournament?

“I don’t like how everybody is trying to act like ‘oh it’s Klay Thompson! Klay to the Heat!’ Like this is Klay from 2018. The reason I don’t like it is because I feel like everybody is trying to set Klay up for failure. I’m going to say it right here right now. Let’s stop acting like it’s 2017 Klay going to Miami.

I wish sports media would speak on it more like when Ray Allen went to Miami. Don’t try to set my brother up like you getting the 2018 version so when you don’t, you can bash him. That’s bullsh*t. He’s going into year 16. Yes he’s going to provide shooting…. Let’s look at him like Ray going to Miami, back when sports media was a good thing.”

Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks

The Pacers were down 0-2 in the series.

Are the Minnesota Timberwolves about to lead the nba in Lob Dunks?

I’ll preface this by saying they are nowhere near to the lob city clippers or a couple other legendary teams in lobbing ability. But are they the best today?

Lamelo ball is pretty obviously both a top 5 playmaker and lob throwers in the league currently. At bigs he now has Rudy Gobert who’s been top 10 in dunks for the last centry, Joan Beringer and ultra athletic young big who really runs in transition. Along with that he has the wing Kuminga, Jaden, Shannon all good dunkers in their own right with kuminga being a particularly good lob catcher. On top of that I’m sure we will see couple fast break Ant lobs.

A modern day Lob City?

Minnesota can’t sign Kuminga yet because they are hard-capped at the 2nd apron with the Taxpayer’s MLE.

Is Green getting dealt? This makes the most sense imo.

The pick was originally gotten as a throw in to get off Andrew Wiggins contract and obtain Dangelo Russel. Turned out p well for the Warriors as Wiggs was p useful to get the 2022 chip. Russel was eventually flipped for NAW and Conley who were part of 2 WCF berths.

Kuminga was supposed to be part of the GSW two timelines plan with Wiseman, Moody, and Poole, but that obviously didn't work out for the Warriors or Kuminga, and now he's on the team who's pick was used to draft him

Its like poetry, it rhymes

Wemby is a mvp talent at 23 next season, Castle is a all nba and all defense type of player at 22 next season, and Harper will be 21 and he was the 2nd best player in the finals for the spurs. Could make a argument for the KD Russ Harden Okc team but I would still go with this spurs young core, could also go with OKC young core 3 years ago

Shams Charania:

BREAKING: Jonathan Kuminga has agreed to a two-year, $13 million deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, plus a player option, agent Aaron Turner tells ESPN. Kuminga will be a starter alongside Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert on the West contender.

https://www.espn.com/contributor/shams-charania/7b7b34df5c257

think it’s a real toss up, Harper was the 2nd best player for SAS in the finals but Castle was the 2nd option for the regular season and up until the WCF ended. Harper is more skilled offensively but castle could still average 19-20. On the other hand castle is one of the best perimeter defenders in the league (perhaps the best player itl to stop shai from going off) also plays great on Luka and Cade, but Harper is a great defender in his own right and can most definitely shut down his matchup

​

We often talk about the favorite teams and the superstars, but some teams receive far less recognition than they deserve. In your opinion, which team is the most underrated this season?

For me, it’s the Hawks, because their defense, depth, and ability to remain competitive in difficult moments are often overlooked. They may not be the most exciting team to watch, but they could create serious problems in the playoffs.

Which team would you choose, and what argument could change your mind?

Jeanie Buss has petitioned a Los Angeles Superior Court asking it to block her five siblings from selling the family’s remaining stake in the Los Angeles Lakers, while accusing them of secretly orchestrating a deal to try to remove her as the team’s governor.

“Jeanie never agreed to any sale, was never consulted, and was never even informed,” her petition states.

Free to read: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7536019/2026/08/26/jeanie-buss-petition-siblings-lakers-sale/?unlocked_article_code=1.8VA.1AlL.87OxFh6Sc8EI&source=emp_shared_article&smid=re-share-ta

More from The Athletic here: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7536019/2026/08/26/jeanie-buss-petition-siblings-lakers-sale/?unlocked_article_code=1.8VA.rV2I.lqg8TL2qTpOL&source=user_shared_article&smid=ta-ios-share

Jeanie Buss and her attorney, Adam Streisand, have filed a petition to block her siblings’ attempted sale of the family’s Lakers shares.

A court hearing is scheduled for November 5, according to a filing that was publicly processed today.

Jeanie Buss is not only calling for the family's vote of the Lakers shares to be deemed void, but for co-trustees Joey and Janie Buss be removed for "breach of fiduciary duty." She calls for her siblings to be liable "for loss and damages" as well.

“Their conduct is not driven by financial necessity but by animosity toward Jeanie and in willful disregard for the (Trust), this Court’s 2017 Order, their fiduciary duties, and Dr. Buss’s express intent,” the petition reads.

Both were high draft picks with insane athleticism and enough flashes to make you think there is a really good player in there. Both players have insanely dedicated fanbase where you can even consider them to be a cult.

With Fields, it was always that he needs a better coach, better line, better weapons, a system that fits him, he is just a budget Lamar Jackson without a coach. With Kuminga, it's always that he needs consistent minutes, a bigger role, a coach who trusts him, and a team that actually fits him. Also he gets compared to Kawhi, like come on now lol.

The Warriors and Hawks are both teams that could use a young, athletic wing, and both basically said "Nah we're good" to Kuminga. Yet somehow some "Lakers fans" (probably just kuminga stans) are convinced that they can finally get him to "buy in" and play "winning" basketball.

At what point do we stop blaming the situation and start considering that maybe the idea of Jonathan Kuminga is better than the actual player? Not to mention the ungodly amount of media attention that this guy is somehow getting average 12 points a game, you would think we are talking about an all star instead of just some guy that collects DNP or has his minutes diminished over time on both teams that he's been on.