I think just a few improvements at the margins, mostly having a healthy PG and KL at the SG/SF positions does a lot to increase the overall length of the team. Mook probably should be moved (at least to the bench). If he’s shooting 47% from 3, maybe he’s worth keeping as a starter, but at 37% from 3, he just gives up in too many other areas. Zu is an average rebounder for a starting center. Hart is probably below average for a center, but maybe close to average for guys that just come off the bench so not absolutely terrible. I’d just be hesitant to make a big move to address rebounding when I really question how much it would help. I mean short of trading for Rudy Gobert is there a deal out there that you’d make to address rebounding that would improve the team? Try and get Drummond or Whiteside for the minimum?

That being said, Luka does plenty of flopping and whining too, so really I’m not rooting for either of the Suns or Mavs.

Rooting for the Warriors?! There’s no NBA team that I “hate” but they come as close to that for me as any team out there. I still have hope that Memphis can knock them out or at least wear them down for Phoenix. Might all be moot though after seeing what the Bucks did today. Some things in life aren’t fair and Giannis is one of them. As great as LBJ has been there were guys like KD and Kawhi in the conversation. There’s no one in the conversation when it comes to Giannis. In a class by himself.

BUT, I find myself not rooting for the Suns. I think their fans bugged me last playoffs. Some of the videos they post are downright corny, and I’m still down on how good of a team they are.

Before the playoffs, I was really high on Luka, and called the Mavs as maybe the second best team in the west. I am just such a believer in Luka as dragging his team to wins they have no right getting, where you see him like win the Euroleague championship, and probably overachieving with the Slovenian national team.

So I’m going to predict, Mavs in 7, and probably be rooting for the Mavs. Maybe also the fact that I really think the Clippers would’ve beaten the Suns if healthy last season. If the Suns lose to the Mavs this year, it would be further proof that the Clippers were the better team last year.

In the other post, I wondered if KAT would be available (and taking back DLo’s contract as a big price for getting KAT). I don’t see it happening, but there was a point this season where we saw some great moments of friendship between KAT and PG and I really found myself dreaming of how it would be to have the best big man shooter in the league (I’m not sure about all time, but at least it’s not a ridiculous statement) as like the 3rd piece with a KL/PG lead Clippers team. It’s probably still a dream, but some of those boneheaded plays by KAT at least makes me at least wonder if there is like a 10% chance of them shopping him.

The Sixers look like they may be toast because of Joel’s unfortunate injury

Hey, on the bright side, it gives Doc yet another excuse to use for not advancing further in the playoffs.