Roar Rookie
Joined April 2017
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Just meaning that no one has ever averaged that many points, rebounds and assists in a season. You’re right about Wilt, and you could say that his season’s were statistically “better,” but no one has had Antetkounmpo’s specific stat line across a season before.
The pleasant and unpleasant surprises from early NBA action
Definitely not a Hinkie move– whether you see that as good or bad is another matter! I think it’s all about getting those injury protections in the contract, even if they are very specific and seem quite minor.
Extending Embiid is a risk the Sixers had to take
I can definitely understand that, the guaranteed portion of the contract makes it a big risk! I think the main reason for extending him now was the injury protections, once he hit restricted free agency it would become harder to work them into the contract. Even if he struggled with injury this year, it’s hard to imagine no one making a full max offer to him that the Sixers would then have to match– the Nets come to mind as a team willing to take the risk.
Extending Embiid is a risk the Sixers had to take
He’s definitely an MVP-level talent, and he’s the kind of player that would get the attention of voters too. Not sure he’ll play enough games or enough minutes to be considered for a couple of seasons– the Sixers will have him in cotton wool, even if he stays injury free. Fingers crossed he can get there at some stage!
Extending Embiid is a risk the Sixers had to take
Didn’t include him because he’s one of the favourites this year and has been talked about a lot as a contender, so he didn’t fit the “dark horse” category. He’ll be right up there!
Dark horse candidates for NBA Most Valuable Player
It’s a great asset for them to have since it gives them a whole new set of options, whether they trade it or keep it. I still don’t mind Boston giving it up though— Brooklyn won’t be making huge improvements, but I think they’ll be better than a lot of people expect, and the Celtics don’t have much room to take on more young players. It’ll be interesting to see what the Cavs do with it!
Kyrie Irving's trade a rare win-win
I only saw Jackson in a couple of games last season but he was really impressive, I love the way he can create shots off the dribble at his size. The reports of how he tested the waters before the draft last year, then went back to UNC and worked really hard on his flaws are also promising- I think that work ethic is often the key to adapting in the NBA.
Monk is definitely the steal of the draft, I’m still not sure how he dropped so far! I almost had him in the first team but the weird mix in Charlotte is what stopped me. I’m not sure if he’ll get big minutes straight away unless they blow it up and trade guys like Batum, Walker and Kidd-Gilchrist. He’ll be a great player for them though!
Post-draft predictions for the NBA All-Rookie First Team
I definitely think Ntilikina is a good chance to be a star, haven’t seen much of him but from all reports he’ll be great! Part of the reason I left him off is that I have no idea what the direction of the Knicks is, it would be typical if they buried him on the bench or somehow stunted his growth. Outside of that though he should be a good long-term prospect!
Post-draft predictions for the NBA All-Rookie First Team
Ah, my bad- the Basketball Reference play finder must’ve gone haywire on me! I might have to get you on board as my editor from now on.
The pleasant and unpleasant surprises from early NBA action