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NBA Discussion -- High Quality NBA Discussion

r/nbadiscussion

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Posted by9 days ago

Weekly Questions Thread: March 06, 2023

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Posted by2 days ago

Weekly Questions Thread: March 13, 2023

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Posted by2 hours ago

Do you think there ever was a point where a college team could beat an NBA team? If so, what is the last possible year?

I’m asking this question in the spirit of March Madness.

Obviously, this answer is an easy no today. However, back in the day, top players used to stay 3-4 years. There were definitely college players who were better than NBA players (there are still a few today but not as much and it’s usually only vs. against the young rookies like Brandon Miller vs. Caleb Houstan). Historically though, there were plenty of examples. For example, Tim Duncan was probably easily a top 25 player in the world by the time he was a senior at Wake Forest. Both MJ/Hakeem were probably top 20 players (maybe top 10) in the world by their last year in college.

However, do you think there was ever a team that could beat an NBA team, and when was the latest year you think this was possible?

I would imagine maybe the UCLA teams with Kareem and later Walton (alongside other great players like Marques Johnson), but do you think MJ’s 1984 team (which didn’t even win a national championship) could beat the 1983-84 Pacers? I’m just throwing out some examples, but obviously maybe you can find better examples. Or perhaps you think the answer has always been no.

To be clear, let’s say that “could” beat an NBA team = favorite in a 1 game playoff. Obviously, anything “could” happen, but to define it more clearly, let’s say they would be the favorite in a 1 game playoff.

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Posted byu/[deleted]2 days ago

Joel Embiid and James Harden are on pace to do something no duo has done since 1982

Joel Embiid is leading the league in points per contest at 33.4. James Harden leads the league in assists per contest at 10.8.

The last time two players on the same team led the league in those categories were George Gervin (32.2 PPG) and Johnny Moore (9.6 APG) in the 1981-82 season

This duo has a chance to go down as one of the best one-two punches the NBA has ever seen, not just because of their individual dominance but also how seamlessly they fit together. Where do you think they’ll end up in terms of all-time duo rankings once their careers are over?

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Posted by2 days ago

If the Sacramento Kings pull off the impossible and go from 16 straight missed playoffs to a 1 seed, does that become the biggest turnaround in sports history?

The nuggets are collapsing, and the Grizzlies are right on their heels. But the Kings are closing in slowly on the 1 seed. I’m not even considering the possibility of winning a championship. I already know I’m going to cry when I see our team in a playoff home game with those sacramento fans cheering their hearts out. But back to the question…

Is this potentially already one of the biggest turnarounds (for the better) in sports history??

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Posted by1 day ago

Statistical Analysis

Does TS% Over-Weight Free Throws?

No stat is very good in isolation. However, TS% is not passing the "eye test" for me.

I am posting this to hear your thoughts on TS%—how well it measures shooting efficiency, if other stats measure shooting efficiency better, if TS% formula can be improved, if I need to sleep more sleep and take fewer stimulants—and for the pure, visceral thrill of participating in an online discussion forum

Background

TS% (True Shooting Percentage) is a measure of shooting efficiency that takes into account field goals, 3-point field goals, and free throws.

Formula: TS% = PTS / (2 * TSA) where TSA (True Shooting Attempts) = FGA + 0.44 * FTA

Example—Steph Curry's TS%

First we find Steph's TSA: (20.0 + (0.44 * 5.3)) = 22.3
Then TS%: (29.8 / (2 * 22.3)) = 66.8% TS

Why I brought this up

To me, it is odd that Klay Thompson and Trae Young have the exact same true shooting percentage, despite Klay Thompson shooting 3Ps on a significantly higher percentage while taking more attempts per game.

I am probably reading into it too much, but it made me question if TS% weights free throws too much. To me, the ability to get to the free throw line—while extremely valuable in the NBA—should not be weighted such that Klay Thompson and Trae have the same TS% despite Klay shooting significantly better this season.

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Posted by1 day ago

Draft/Pick Analysis

Scoot Henderson destinations where he would be a fit

Considering we have Victor Wembanyama destinations, Scoot Henderson is literally right there when it comes to superstar potential and as a guard at his size, he literally could do it all. He can pass, shoot and rebound. Athleticism is there but also the potential is there too so that being said, where does Scoot fit?

Houston Rockets would be the ideal landing spot for Scoot. Why? Because he would be paired up with Jalen Green, another young emerging star in this league and they would definitely make a great front court duo in Houston. Henderson at the 1 playing point guard and Green playing at 2 guard. But add Scoot into that offense with Green, Porter Jr, Jabari Smith Jr and Sengun, then Houston has a pretty bright future.
San Antonio would also make sense for Scoot Henderson. It gives them that franchise star that they can build around especially after they lost DeMar DeRozan and Dejounte Murray. Even though they have Keldon Johnson who has shown promise as a #1 in San Antonio, is he a true #1 option kind of player? Plus Scoot would be playing for an iconic coach in Pop who will get the best out of him. Pair Scoot up with Keldon and Vassell and Sochan, then San Antonio may not be such a bad team going forward.
Charlotte Hornets would also be a great landing spot even if they do have LaMelo Ball playing the 1, you can easily have Scoot play 2 guard or even move LaMelo to 2 guard. But either way a front court duo with LaMelo and Scoot is actually pretty damn interesting. But then most likely you would have to get rid of Rozier. But either way Charlotte would have a pretty bright future under MJ especially with Scoot.
Detroit Pistons would they make sense as a landing spot for Scoot? I can't say yes to this. Why? Because at the 1 you have Cade Cunningham who is pretty much your #1 option. Then at 2 guard, you are set with Jaden Ivey. Unless you move Scoot all the way to the wing and have him play the 3 but that's not going to happen.

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