Once Again, The NBA Is Fantastic

Vendors (l-r) Russell Adams, John Hagan, and Donald Morris chat with Patrick Edwards about the world of sports.

Once Again, the NBA is Fantastic!

Patrick: Hey there, fellas. I know we’ve discussed the NBA quite a bit this year, but with all of this draft and free agency deals going around, the landscape is changing big time. What do you guys have?

Russ: Well, it’s time to wheel and deal. First up for me is Boston. The Celtics, by trading for Kristaps Porzingis, could be competing for a championship come June 2024. In the process, however, they lost Marcus Smart, which could hurt, but with him, they've yet to get over the hump.

Patrick: Yeah, the Marcus Smart departure from the Celtics, I believe, could change the NBA landscape more than any other move— even though he’s not a superstar.

Donald: I remember playing with cats like this when I was a shorty; no one wanted to play against that dude, but we all wanted him on our squad.

Russ: Right, wanted to elbow him, but in the end, we all respected him.

John: I agree with that. I don't believe that's the one trade that changes the landscape, but it is important. The Phoenix Suns, Washington Wizards, and Golden State Warriors trade is the one that will change the landscape. Chris Paul was traded from the Suns to the Wizards for Bradley Beal—a very good deal for the Suns in my opinion. Then, Chris Paul was traded to the Golden State Warriors, teaming him with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson.

Patrick: Could be good…

John: Golden State does lose Jordan Poole, but by subtraction, they could end up adding. According to many reports—including the viral punch given to him by teammate Draymond Green earlier in the season—Poole was not a fit with the players on the team vibe-wise.

Donald: Draymond has been going off on people since he’s been in the league. He could actually be the reason for the team’s stagnation.

John: And that trade made them older big time.

Russ: It does. With Phoenix, I believe they have the ability to possibly do big things with the addition of Bradley Beal from the Wizards.

Patrick: I wonder about that. It is a helluva trio, but I somewhat believe it may be too many similar players. They’re all jump shooters—Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, plus Beal—so it could get clogged out there.

Donald: What about John Lillard? Where do you guys think he’ll go?

John: He is only talking about the Miami Heat as his preferred destination. So, that could be tough, in my opinion, especially because Miami is definitely not going to trade Jimmy Butler or Bam Adebayo, which is probably the reason Lillard wants to come there.

Patrick: Agreed. I, personally, believe he has other options that would serve him well. I believe the Chicago Bulls would be a good move. The Los Angeles Lakers have looked at him as an option.

Russ: If he does get to the Heat, it could go well. I’m not sure if it’ll get them over the hump, but it could possibly help.

Patrick: My favorite landing spot for him is the Philadelphia 76ers. I haven’t heard a ton about this option, but I would love to see Lillard and center Joel Embiid duo it up. That would be an awesome thing, I believe. I know I would be a fan. I fell for Embiid over the last quarter of this past season, and adding the good guy Lillard would only help matters.

Donald: I’m ready for this season.

John: It’s definitely going to be interesting.

Russ: I’m in.