Ty's 2024-2025 NBA Preview: Do Not Be Surprised to See Us in the Finals Division

Welcome to day five of my 24-25 NBA countdown. We are in the top 10 now.

At number 10 I have the Phoenix Suns. This team's front end talent is amazing. Kevin Durant is one of the best players ever in the NBA. He has been everything the fans and front offices have wanted since day one. He is an incredible scorer and a willing defender when called upon. He gets it. He is a surefire hall of fame player. I just hope he doesn't ask for another in season trade. Devin Booker shined in the Olympics. He really found an excellent role for himself there. I wonder if any of that will carry over to this season. If he can be that good of a passer, to go along with his scoring ability, watch out. Bradley Beal is a great shooter. He has been a very good scorer since his rookie year. He can be a first option if needed. He has got to find a way to stay healthy though. He is so often off the court now. Hopefully he gets that part figured out. After these three guys, it's a mismatched roster. Josh Okogie is a good rebounder, but not much else. Grayson Allen is much better than he has any right to be, but he is a zero on defense. Tyus Jones had to take the league minimum, but he should be a much better backup point guard than they had last year. I think I'm going to have to give up on Bol Bol. It isn't working out. Jusuf Nurkic is very average, but he is a good trash talker. Mason Plumlee is a deep bench guy now. And Damion Lee is one of those fun bench guys that never really see the floor. The Suns got a good coach in Mike Budenholzer, but it won't matter if the top three guys barely ever see the floor. At least we can count on Kevin Durant to do amazing things year after year.

At number 9 I have the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs most likely have their last shot to make a deep playoff run this season. This team might look very different next year. For now, Donovan Mitchell is a legit all star. He is a very good scorer, can find his spots and has hops to get to the rim. Darius Garland really struggled last year, and was in every trade rumor, but he is bound to have a better year. He is too good a basketball player not to have a better year. Evan Mobley got paid, and if he can start hitting threes, he will be worth every dime. He is already an elite defender and rebounder, he just has to round out his offensive game. Jarrett Allen is one of the best rim protectors in the league, and he is being reunited with Kenny Atkinson. Allen may explode this season. Caris Levert is a very good bench scorer, but he lacks defensively. Isaac Okoro has flashes, but it doesn't seem like he is going to be the starter and contributor they hoped he could be. Max Strus was a great addition. Emoni Bates intrigues me. And Dean Wade is overrated. The Cavs have a new coach and they paid important guys. They need to show growth on the floor this season, and I think they will.

At number 8 I have the Dallas Mavericks. They made a run all the way to the finals last year. It was a shock to me and plenty of other people. I don't think it will happen again this year, but they will be a solid regular season team. Luka Doncic is the most annoying, whiny and aggressively douchey player in NBA history. But the dude can score the basketball. He is also a decent passer. He plays no defense and he has got to shut up talking to the refs. But the dude is an elite offensive guy. Kyrie Irving is a wizard with the basketball. He has insane handles and he can contort his body like no one else to score in the paint. He is also a lethal 3 point shooter. But, he is insane and bound to get unhappy at the drop of a hat. Derrick Lively is legit. He announced himself last year and I see a leap coming this year. PJ Washington got out of Charlotte and shined. His shot reverted back to normal for him after a torrid start, but the dude looks to have new life in Dallas. They signed Klay Thompson this offseason, and while it adds another shooter, Thompson is definitely on the back end of his career and his defense has really dropped off. Daniel Gafford is a perfect rim runner and low post defender in this system. Quentin Grimes is an interesting addition here. Spencer Dinwiddie never really found a role and Maxi Kleber is more injured than not now. The Mavs are built to win in the regular season, but that run last year felt very, very, very fluky. I don't see it happening again.

At 7 I have the Milwaukee Bucks. Damian Lillard and Giannis Antentekoumpo have had a full year now to figure it out. I loved this trade last year, but it didn't work. I know there were extenuating circumstances, but now they have zero excuses. I fully expect Giannis to be amazing, this is on Dame. Khris Middleton just cannot get over the injury bug. He may have had another procedure while I write this. That is how hurt he is now. Brook Lopez is still very playable, but he is old and has for sure lost a step. I like that they got both Taurean Prince and Gary Trent Jr for the veteran league minimum. Those guys will definitely help. Pat Connaughton is a low rent Grayson Allen. That's not a compliment. Bobby Portis brings a ton of energy and he is a fan favorite. He has carved out a nice place here. The Bucks need a big time bounce back this season. They have got to figure it out because if they don't, Giannis may ask out.

The final team for the day, at 6 I have the Denver Nuggets. They seem to be having some front office and coach disconnect. And Jamal Murray was hurt and bad in the Olympics. And people are crushing Michael Porter Jr right now. But, this team is very well constructed and very talented. Nikola Jokic is boring, not as good as people want him to be and it baffles me that he has more MVP awards than Shaq. But, he is an elite modern NBA center. He doesn't seem to care about defense, and gets way too much credit, but he is good offensively. Whatever anyone wants to say about Jamal Murray, the dude shows up in big games. He is clutch in big moments. He is an elite shooter and a very capable point guard. Michael Porter Jr has his issues, but he is a very tall, very good outside shooter. He may not do much more, but he isn't asked to in Denver. Aaron Gordon is such a good defender and one of the best leapers in the history of the NBA. He has also become a great cutter and an okay shooter. I am not a fan of Russell Westbrook here. I like him so much, but this feels like a bad fit. Christian Braun will be asked to do too much now due to some players leaving. Julian Strawher seems like he is going to be a viable bench scorer. And Zeke Nnaji may never get real minutes, but the guy can shoot. The Nuggets may come out with a fire in their bellies after being ousted before the West Finals last year. They also have a very well put together roster and a solid head coach. The Nuggets are good and will bounce back.

That's it for the week. Come back Monday for the top five teams. Enjoy your weekend. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing, the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast, and the greatest basketball writer on the internet.

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Ty Ranks the 2023 - 2024 NBA Teams - Watching Your Favorite Act Perform in a Stadium with 100,000 of Your Closest Friends Division

Welcome back to my preseason NBA countdown. This is the final day of the countdown. I will be giving you my top five teams heading into the season. I'll do awards and postseason predictions tomorrow to wrap it all up. Now, to the final five teams.

At 5 I have the Philadelphia 76ers. I don't know that a team with this much offseason turmoil is deserving of this high of a ranking, but the team on paper is very, very good. They have really good, star players. Hiring Nick Nurse was a home run as well. This team is stacked, if they stick it out. James Harden is still here, much to his chagrin. He is becoming more and more of a baby, but when he is dedicated and trying hard, he is a 25 ppg guy and a double digit assist guy. Joel Embiid is the reigning MVP. He is the best big in the NBA. He is as smooth as it gets on offense and a total menace near the rim on defense. Embiid is awesome, except for the playoffs. He needs to stay healthy during the playoffs and perform better. Tyrese Maxey is an up and coming star. He is on the path to being an all star. He is also a knockdown shooter and excellent shot creator. Tobias Harris is solid. He may not be worth his contract, but he is steady. I also watched him live twice last year and was super impressed. PJ Tucker is still a very feared defender, but he is an absolute goose egg on offense. De'Anthony Melton proved to be a great offseason addition last year. Danuel House Jr can still shoot a bit too. They also revamped their bench this offseason. I think Patrick Beverly will prove to be a good vet to have in the locker room. Kelly Oubre will bring extra offense. Mo Bamba can give five or six decent minutes a night. Danny Green looks okay. The 76ers have a very good team. Their season will all depend on how they come together, but they have the talent to win, and win big.

At 4 I have the Phoenix Suns. The Suns went for it all last season and ate it hard against the eventual champs. They decided to make some changes this offseason. Devin Booker is still here and still awesome. He is fast becoming one of the top players in the NBA. He is very good. Kevin Durant will have a full season with Booker now and hopefully he doesn't get hurt in warmups again. He is still an upper echelon player on both ends. They moved on from Chris Paul and went out and got Bradley Beal. Beal is a good player. He had big moments in Washington. I am still concerned how he fits here, but either way he brings scoring. Then they decided to make more changers. They got Jusuf Nurkic in a trade. He is not as good as Deandre Ayton, but if he is on the floor he will set hard screens. Eric Gordon brings three point shooting. So does Yutu Wantanabe. He has made a mark for himself in the NBA. Bol Bol will be interesting here if he plays at all. Keita Bates-Diop may start, but he will be a screen setter as well. Grayson Allen is here, but who cares. Damion Lee and Josh Okogie stuck around, which will help with some continuity. The Suns have a weird roster, but they will score in bunches. They need to hope for health since they are so top loaded, and if that happens, they will be lethal.

At 3 I have the Boston Celtics. This team almost fully changed their roster and yet they look even better than they have the past couple years. Jayson Tatum is awesome. He is elite. He is one of the best overall players in the NBA. He may be the future face of the league. Jaylen Brown, while solid, is not as good as Tatum. He is not as dependable either. But he got paid and I wonder if the security of his massive contract will let him play more freely. Derrick White is a very good perimeter defender and 3 point shooter. Al Horford, while old, is still one of the better big man defenders in the NBA. He can slow down almost any other center. The Celtics went out and traded for Kristaps Porzingis. He had a career year last year. If he can stay on the floor he may put up very big numbers. They also got Jrue Holiday who may be the best perimeter defender in the NBA. He can also bring extra scoring. And guys like Oshae Brissett, Lamar Stevens and Wenyen Gabriel are better bench guys than they had last year. The rich changed, got richer and got better. The Celtics are going to win a ton of games this year.

At 2 I have the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks made the deal of the offseason. I fully understand that they traded Jrue Holiday and Grayson Allen, two starters from last season's team, but they got Damian Lillard. Lillard brings everything they need on offense. He is a knockdown shooter, can create and can get to the line. He will also give Giannis an open lane. Speaking of Giannis, Antetokounmpo is the best basketball player in the world. He is a do it all machine and he is very good at almost everything on both sides of the floor. Khris Middleton, if healthy, will get crazy wide open looks playing alongside Giannis and Lillard. He will be astonished at how open he will be. He is also a very solid defender. Brook Lopez is one of the best defensive players in the league and he can really shoot the 3. Jae Crowder is back, and I think with a more defined role he will look like his old self. Bobby Portis is one of the best bench and role players in the NBA. Pat Connaughton, if he can get out of his own head, can stroke the three and be a defensive menace. I love that they brought in Cam Payne to backup Lillard. And I am very curious to see MarJon Beauchamp get some run. He crushed in summer league. The Bucks are a very good team who got much better by adding Lillard. I cannot wait to watch them play this season.

My number 1 team going into this season should be no surprise. The number 1 team is the Denver Nuggets. They have it all and are coming off a dominant playoff run that ended in a title. They were barely even pushed. Expect more of that this season. Nikola Jokic is a great basketball player. I'm sick of all the coverage and love and how people like the "curmudgeon" he is, but the dude can play. Jamal Murray is very awesome. I think he will finally get on the all star team this year. I feel like he is really going to announce himself super loud this season. Aaron Gordon fits perfectly here. He is a great pick and roll guy, he is their best defender and he can still jump out of the gym. Michael Porter Jr is almost unguardable from the perimeter and he is a solid shot creator. But he is always hurt and kind of took a step back last season. Christian Braun played a nice bench role as a rookie. I'm sure he will get more minutes. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope continues to produce and win wherever he plays. Reggie Jackson seems to have finally bought into being a backup and it fits for him. Peyton Watson should get more time this year. Zeke Nnaji is an interesting player. And Justin Holiday was a solid pickup. The Nuggets should be overwhelming favorites heading into the season. They have pretty much everyone back and they are ready to go.

That is it for my countdown. As I said earlier, tomorrow I will have my postseason predictions and my awards predictions. The regular season is almost here everyone. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing, the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast, and the greatest basketball writer on the internet.

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Bradley Beal Going to the Suns Doesn't Move the Needle Much

Bradley Beal and the Wizards are finalizing a trade to the Suns for Chris Paul, Landry Shamet and three second round picks and pick swaps. The Wizards will also send a few other players to the Suns, but Beal and Paul are the big names here. I already wrote about where I think CP3 should go next. Today I want to talk about Beal's fit with the Suns.

On paper it appears that the Suns have a coveted "big three". Beal will soon be teamed up with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. Deandre Ayton is still a Sun for now. Josh Okogie will fill out the starting five. But, on paper, this looks like a very good, very high octane offense. The Suns now have a ton of firepower. They could score in bunches. Those three will be hard to defend. Booker and KD are solid defensively. Ayton, when engaged, is a very good pick and pop guy and an okay rebounder. Okogie is, probably, the best guard rebounder in the NBA. And Frank Vogel can coach up some defense.

The accolades stop there for me on this trade. The Suns now have three ball dominant scorers. KD has proven he can play off the ball and spot up if need be, but he is best with the ball in his hands. Booker has learned how to be a true scoring guard playing next to CP3 the past couple seasons. But when Paul went out in the playoffs last season and they let Booker run the show, he got a taste of being the main guy with the ball in his hands. And he seemed to enjoy it. He was the only Suns player who really showed up against the Nuggets, and he played well running the show. And Beal, ever since John Wall got hurt and then traded, has not had to share with anyone on the Wizards. Kristaps Porzingis didn't need to handle the ball. Kyle Kuzma is best suited as a spot up shooter. Johnny Davis couldn't get on the court. Deni Avjida was much more of a defender than anything else. Beal got to do what he wanted when he wanted in Washington. And he produced points, a lot of them, but not too many wins. The Wizards were a purgatory type team, but Beal was getting stats. Now he is going to a team that wants to win. In fact, I think the Suns need to win. This is a team that has title aspirations and they don't want to flame out in the postseason again. But how well will these three guys share the ball remains to be seen. Also, Ayton will be looking for touches too. I also do not like the injury history. Beal would play a decent amount of games for the Wizards, but any time any little thing would flare up, he'd sit. KD cannot stay healthy. He always seems to get hurt and miss 20 plus games now. Booker is coming off two seasons that have been cut down due to injury. And Ayton is soft as they come. The Suns will also have to scrounge for a bench. They only have five guys under contract. Those five players are KD, Booker, Ayton, Cam Payne and Bradley Beal. And they all make a good chunk of money. The Suns are going to have to settle for mid level guys, vets looking to ring chase and G League guys. And if the big stars get hurt, those types of dudes are going to have to play real minutes against the best the NBA has to offer. Just ask the Clippers how that worked out for them last season. Injury risk should be of very high concern in Phoenix.

All in all the trade was going to be made. The Wizards got a solid guy in Shamet, I'm sure they will waive CP3 and picks. But compared to a trade like Rudy Gobert last season, the Wizards didn't get nearly as much. They are clearly going to rebuilding mode and it makes sense for them to get off this contract. The Suns, they might be stuck. They might not get the reward they are searching for with this trade. They may have to settle for 4 or 5 seeds for the foreseeable future. I'm not as jazzed for this deal as I thought I was going to be when Beal eventually did get traded. But the Suns will be fun to watch when all these guys play together. They just might not be that dominant. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing, the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast, and the greatest basketball writer on the internet.

Come and support Ty and the podcast on Patreon.

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Ty's 2022 - 2023 NBA Season Preview: Suns, Celtics, 76ers

Welcome to day nine of my 22-23 NBA countdown. These are my top teams. These are the teams that I would bet on to win it all if I were a betting man. Any of these teams could win it all and I wouldn't bat an eye.

At number 6 I have the Phoenix Suns. This team had quite the offseason. They got blown out in the West Semis. Then they waited forever to re-sign Deandre Ayton. Then he said he hadn't talked to his coach. Then Robert Sarver was suspended and eventually said he was selling the team. Then Jae Crowder asked to be traded. And they still came out, erased a 22 point lead and beat the Mavs on opening night. That is why I will not give up on this team yet. Devin Booker is a star. He is such a good scorer and is becoming a decent defender. Chris Paul is still one of the best point guards to ever play the game. He keeps getting older but his game stays relatively the same. Deandre Ayton, for all the offseason drama, is still a 20 and 10 guy, still plays sound defense, is still a solid rim runner and can stretch the defense. Mikail Bridges is awesome. He is going to win defensive player of the year soon, maybe even this season. He is becoming a reliable scorer. He goes up against the opponent's best player every night. Cam Johnson has earned his starting spot. He can shoot and is a solid team defense guy. Damion Lee just hit a game winner and looks like a solid bench guy. Dario Saric is back and he adds a ton to this roster. Cam Payne has proven to be a top tier backup point guard. Bismack Biyombo brings energy and defense. I like the Josh Okogue signing. The Suns have a very good roster, with a very good coach and will win a ton of games this year. They are still a legit threat.

At number 5 I have the Boston Celtics. Here is another team with some offseason drama who won their opener in very convincing fashion. Ime Udoka was doing some wild stuff this offseason, got suspended and who knows what is going to happen. Joe Mazzulla has stepped in, and the Celtics looked very good Wednesday night. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum just keep getting better and better. They are incredible wing defenders, they can get their own shots, they can get to the hoop and they are becoming one of the better duos in the league. I don't like the Celtics, but I like Brown and Tatum. Getting Malcolm Brogdon only makes this team deeper. He can score, pass and defend. He is a perfect fit. Blake Griffin doesn't add much of anything except experience. Robert Williams is hurt, but when he gets back he is a top level rim protector and lob threat. Marcus Smart is the reigning DOP and he looked every bit the part the other night. He can shoot too. Al Horford is still good and still contributes. Derrick White was a great acquisition. Grant Williams has been surprisingly decent in the NBA. The Celtics were in the Finals last season, won a few games and could very easily be back there this season and win it all. As much as I dislike this team, they are very, very good.

The final team for the day, coming in at number 4 I have the Philadelphia 76ers. They have a very good, very enticing roster. This team has fooled me in the past, maybe they will do it again, but I really, really like what they have going on. James Harden is in shape, looked good the other night and looks like he could be an all star again. He just needs to do it when it counts. Joel Embiid is awesome. He is one of my favorite players. He should have won MVP last season and has as good a shot to win it this season. He is just an awesome, awesome player. Tyrese Maxey is exploding on the scene. He is lightning fast and can shoot the lights out. I love the PJ Tucker addition. He is going to make this team tougher and he can hit corner threes at a very high rate. De'Anthony Melton was an underrated offseason addition. He is going to be wonderful off the bench for the 76ers just like he was in Memphis. I'm going to miss him. Tobias Harris still has nights where he can fill it up. Matisse Thybulle is a great defender. Montezl Harrell will bring energy off the bench. Danuel House can shoot and lock down perimeter players. This team is good. They have the potential to be great. They could win the title this year. They could do a lot. They just have to do it now.

That is it for today. Come back tomorrow for my last three teams, the top three. See you tomorrow.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing, the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast, and the greatest basketball writer on the internet.

Come and support Ty and the podcast on Patreon.

Follow Ty on instagram and twitter.

Ty's 2021-2022 NBA Preview: Celtics, Suns, Jazz, Lakers

Welcome to day seven of my 2021 NBA countdown. This is it. These are the best of the best. These are the teams that can truly win it all. They are not at the level of my top two teams, which get a full blog tomorrow, but they have the goods to win it all.

At number 6 I have the Boston Celtics. I do not like the Celtics, I never have, and their offseason was weird, but they have a very good team. This team was in the East Finals in the Bubble. Jayson Tatum is on the verge of becoming a super star. He has it all, and he is still very young. He has had COVID, I think he is now vaxxed and that will only help him stay on the floor. He is great. Marcus Smart, who was just suspended for some unknown reason, is one of the best perimeter defenders in the league. He is also becoming a better, not reliable, but better three point shooter. Jaylen Brown is coming off an injury, but he was an all star before he got hurt. He is a very, very good basketball player. And watching the playoffs last year, seeing him so nervous and angry that he couldn't play, that made me like him even more as a player. I like the Dennis Schroeder signing. He messed up by not taking the deal with LA early in the season, but now he is on a one year "prove it" deal, and he is a very skilled player. Al Horford is back, and while he is older, he is still a solid defender and can stretch the defense. I loathe Payton Pritchard, I have since he was at Oregon, but the dude is a good role player. Robert Williams has the talent to be a very good center, he just has to stay on the floor. I like the toughness of the bench that Bruno Fernando brings. Enes Kanter is still a top level offensive center. Jabari Parker played well in spurts. Grant Williams took a little step back, but he is still a rock solid defender. And Romeo Langford and Aaron Nesmith bring youth and athleticism to this squad. I actively root against the Celtics, but they have the talent to make a deep run. Last season was definitely an anomaly.

At 5 I have the Phoenix Suns. They were in the Finals last year. They had a 2-0 lead. They looked really good in getting that lead. And they return pretty much the exact same roster. Chris Paul is back, and he just continues to be one of the best point guards the NBA has ever seen. He is so good at running an offense and making a young team grow up real fast. Devin Booker is an elite shooter, he is starting to get super star calls and his offensive game is lethal. The way he cuts and hits that mid range jumper is impressive. He even got a little better on D last season. Deandre Ayton needs to be more assertive, but he is a highly skilled big and is going to be a double double machine. I wish he had a bit more anger to his game, but maybe that will come with time. Mikail Bridges is like Spiderman on defense, and he hit some big shots in the playoffs. Cam Johnson is great off the bench. Jae Crowder is not afraid of any moment or any player. He is a perfect fit next to CP3. Cam Payne looked better than he ever has in the league as a backup. I like the addition of Javale McGee for defense. I like the acquisition of Landry Shamet. He is a good shooter off of the pick and roll. Elfrid Payton doesn't bring much to their offense, but he is a solid perimeter defender. Dario Saric fits in nice there. And Frank Kaminsky flashed a few times in the Finals. The Suns are a very good team, and if this core can stay together, they are going to be a problem in the West for the next decade.

At number 4 I have the Utah Jazz. The Jazz are the NBA's version of the Seattle Mariners with more success. They were the one seed in the West last year. They dominated the regular season. And then they blew a 2-0 to the Kawhi less Clippers. Donovan Mitchell is awesome. He is a budding MVP candidate. He is a scoring machine. He is better than Luka Doncic and Trae Young. He is legit. Rudy Gobert is the best defensive center in the league. He swallows up drivers and makes it next to impossible for centers to score on him. They should use him more in the pick and roll on offense. Joe Ingles is an ass, but the dude can stroke it. He is a very good shooter. Jordan Clarkson is an electric bench scorer. He is amazing on offense. I really like the additions of Eric Paschall and Rudy Gay. Gay adds a veteran with real postseason experience and Paschall is a very skilled post player. Royce O'Neal is their second best defender, and he takes on the perimeter's opposition best player every night. Udoka Azubuike should get a few more minutes, and I think he will add a nice little bench element at center. And their rookie Jared Butler shot lights out at Baylor last season. The Jazz will be a top 3 seed again, they just have to make a real playoff run for me to take them real seriously.

The final team for today, at number 3 I have the LA Lakers. They have LeBron James. He is the second best player to ever play in the NBA. He is an amazing basketball player, an even better person and he seems as locked in as he has been since the Bubble. He is awesome and I will never count a team out that he plays on. They also have Anthony Davis. The dude simply cannot stay healthy, but when he is on the floor he is amazing. At both ends of the floor. AD could be one of the top 5 players in the league if he could not get hurt. Then the roster gets real weird. They have Russell Westbrook. He is as athletic a player as I have ever seen, but he is older. He is coming off injuries. He got COVID. He is a turnover machine and he shoots way too much for a guy that isn't a great shooter. I love Russ, I am a big fan, always have been, but he is on the other side of the cliff in his career. They also have Carmelo Anthony. Melo looked fine in Portland, but he got to play how he wanted. In LA he is going to have to buy in on defense, which he has never done, and he is going to have to come off the bench, which we all know he doesn't like. Dwight Howard and Deandre Jordan are their picks for center. Howard looked pretty bad last season in Philly, but he looked great in the Bubble with the Lakers. Deandre Jordan didn't see the floor in games that mattered in Brooklyn last year, and he doesn't have the lift he used to while with the Clippers. I like that they got Malik Monk and Kendrick Nunn for the mid level exception. Monk has never been as good a shooter in the NBA as he was his one year at Kentucky, and Nunn lost a ton of minutes last season in Miami. Time will tell with those two. Rajon Rondo is back, and unless he returns to playoff Rondo, I do not see him taking real minutes from Russ. Kent Bazemore was a good addition as a shooter, but he is also older and on the back end of his career. Talen Horton Tucker is young and skilled. He'll need minutes, but he also just got injured and will miss some weeks. Trevor Ariza is also older and hurt. Wayne Ellington used to be good, we will see here. The Lakers have the names. They have former MVP's and all stars on this team. They have LeBron and AD. But they are old, not too rich at shooting guard and will have a tougher time on defense. They will still be a very good team. But when the rubber meets the road, when they need a big three or a defensive stop, I'd be reluctant to say that they have the guys to do it. The playoffs will be the true test of this roster construct.

That is it for today. Come back tomorrow for my top two teams.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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Ty Watches the NBA Finals

The Milwaukee Bucks won their first NBA championship in 50 years last night. This series was a ton of fun for me to watch. I kept picking the Suns to win. First I had them in six, then that shifted to seven, but I was rooting for the Bucks the whole time. I am not necessarily a fan, but my dad has been one since their last title, when he was 21. He will be 71 in October. I wanted him to have a team he likes to win something big. We are both Michigan and Green Bay Packer fans. Neither has won anything of importance in about a decade. He is a Brewers fan, and while they are good right now, I do not know when they last won a World Series, if ever. So for a NBA team he likes, a team he has liked for years, wins a championship his happiness makes me happy.

From the jump though this series was very competitive and very well played. When the Suns burst out to a 2-0 lead it looked like they were going to sweep, or win in five. They looked really good those first two games, Chris Paul and Devin Booker were shooting lights out, Deandre Ayton was playing really well, the role players were clutch and Milwaukee looked gassed. Giannis was also coming off a hyperextended knee and I did not know if he was fully healthy. The Suns were on a magical run and they seemed destined to win it all. Giannis even put in 40 plus in game two and that wasn't enough. The Suns pulled away late and they were in the driver's seat.

Then the series shifted to Milwaukee. The Bucks wouldn't lose another game. They won game three by 20 plus. That was the only game that wasn't relatively close. They came out and blitzed the Suns and took the game with ease. I kind of expected this. This usually happens in a finals series. The team that is down goes home and gets that game. It happens a ton.

Game four was great. The game went back and forth. Devin Booker couldn't miss. Ayton grabbed 17 rebounds. CP3 wasn’t scoring, but he was being a pest. But Milwaukee kept coming. They made a push, due to Giannis and Khris Middleton, and they ended up winning that crucial game four. The block Giannis had on Ayton was one of the most athletic things I've ever seen. He came out to overhelp on Booker, who saw Ayton wide open for an alley oop, Booker threw the pass and Giannis somehow recovered to block the shot and pretty much seal the game for the Bucks. That block is right up there with Lebron's chase down block against the Warriors in 2016.

Game five was another delight. Booker, again, was on fire. He made tough shot after tough shot. He was pestered by Jrue Holiday, more on him in a moment, and PJ Tucker all night. But he just kept making really hard shots. The only problem, the rest of his team did not show up. Ayton had the most quiet 20 point 10 rebound game I have ever seen. CP3 was silent. Jae Crowder couldn't hit the ocean. They got nothing from their bench. Mikail Bridges was the only other dude they played well. The Bucks, on the other hand, got all three of their stars involved. Khris Middleton went for 40. Jrue Holiday scored 27 points, dished out 13 assists and played some of the best defense this side of Kawhi. He was so good on defense this whole series that any bad offensive night does not matter. He was absolutely worth every single pick and player they traded before the season started. The Bucks won that trade by a mile. And Giannis went for 30 plus and double digit rebounds and a great alley oop to seal the game. That play was amazing. The Suns had it with a chance to take the lead with less than 30 seconds left. Booker found a spot in the middle of the floor, tried to spin for a shot and Holiday was right there with the help defense to rip the ball away. Then he and Giannis ran the floor and instead of pulling the ball out and running clock and shooting free throws, Holiday threw a perfect pass and Giannis dunked all over CP3's head. He would miss the free throw, but that was a wrap on game five. Giannis had two great moments in two consecutive games.

Then we got his masterpiece last night. Game six was kind of a slog in the first half. It was 47-42 Suns at halftime. Then Giannis, who had 17 points in the first half, went for 20 in the third quarter. And he did it by plowing his way to the hoop, making a few jumpers and hitting his free throws. At one point he had something like 37 of the Bucks 65 points. He was their offense. He continued this in the fourth quarter. He "only" had 13 points in the quarter, but he simply could not be stopped. He was an absolute freight train. Deandre Ayton would slide out of the way or foul him. Jae Crowder was getting beat off the dribble consistently. Mikail Bridges is too skinny. Frank Kaminsky has no business being on the same floor as Giannis. Everything the Suns threw at Giannis he swatted away and scored with ease. He would not allow the Bucks to be beat last night. At the end of the night he had 50 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 blocks. He left it all on the floor and pretty much single handedly won this game. He had 50 of their 105 points. That is so impressive. And it wasn't just his offense. He hustled all night up and down the floor, made smart passes, pulled down boards, played great defense, he was awesome. It was an absolute joy to watch him play last night. It was one of those games that I was so happy I watched in real time. He was the Finals MVP, of course, and that game last night pushed him to the top three players in the league. Giannis is amazing.

All in all this was a super fun finals, it was close, it was exceptionally played and it had a great outcome. The NBA pulled this weird season off and it ended with the proper champ. Now go enjoy this title Milwaukee. You deserve it.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing, the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast, and the greatest basketball writer on the internet.

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This Year's NBA Finals is Legendary

The Bucks tied the NBA Finals at two games last night. That was the best game of the series so far. Devin Booker went off. So did Khris Middleton. Jae Crowder and Cam Johnson hit big shots, but so did Pat Connaughton and Brook Lopez. Deandre Ayton has been a rebounding beast. And Giannis has been absolutely superb. Chris Paul has had a rough past couple of games, and Jrue Holiday has not found his shot yet, but both guys are doing other things very well right now.

I know the first three games looked like blowouts with the final score, but they were a lot closer. Last night's game was how I have felt this whole series has been so far. These two teams deserve to be where they are right now. I don't want to hear about injuries or the shortened season or any of that nonsense. The Bucks and the Suns are rightfully where they belong. And now with Milwaukee tying it up, this series has the chance to be one for the ages. This looks like it is going to go the full seven.

I think the rest of the games are going to be a ton of fun. I think both teams have each other figured out as much as they can and now it is going to be pure talent that wins out. The Bucks have the best player, but the Suns have a more complete team. The Suns have home court advantage, but the Bucks beat Brooklyn when they had the same advantage. Neither team is very deep, but I trust Phoenix's bench more. Both coaches are nearing that elite level, but Mike Budenholzer has been a head coach longer, although I do adore Monty Williams. I do not see any super clear advantage going forward. I do not know how to handicap the rest of the Finals. I truly do not know who is going to win. I picked Phoenix in six, and after the first two games I said on the pod that they may sweep. Then the Bucks did what they have done all playoffs and grinded their way to two important victories. I simply have no clue what is going to happen in the next two or three games. Ayton hasn't been scoring a ton, and I expect that to change. Jrue Holiday has been way off the mark, but he is due to bounce back very soon. Booker shot his way out of his slump last night, and he is liable to go for 40 any night. Giannis has been an absolute stud the whole Finals. He "only" scored 26 last night. He had been putting up 40 with regularity. Chris Paul is not going to turn the ball over like he has the past three games. But Khris Middleton now looks like he found his scoring touch once again. There are too many things happening right now that make the rest of this series hard to pick but super fun to watch.

I thoroughly enjoyed the game last night. It is so much fun not having any skin in the game and just watching for entertainment. And last night was a prime example of why I love the NBA so much. The game went back and forth all night. Big time players made big time plays. Incredibly difficult shots were going in with regularity. I fully expect the same for the final three games. And I am here for it. I cannot wait.

If I were forced to pick again, to make up my mind right at this moment, I still think I am going with the Suns. They have home court. Their bench is a bit better. CP3 will play better. Devin Booker is hitting shots again. And Deandre Ayton is going to start scoring. But Milwaukee is going to make it super duper tough. Giannis is playing on a whole other level right now. He is Shaq with a jumper. He is making free throws. He is unstoppable. Middelton is making shots. Jrue Holiday will play better on the offensive end, and has been fantastic on defense. Brook Lopez is doing all the little things asked of him. The Bucks just do not have the roster to hold up for two more wins, in my opinion. I'm rooting for Milwaukee, I want them to win, I love Giannis and I thought the Holiday trade was perfect. But Phoenix is having one of those special seasons and I think they will finish it off with a title. It will take seven, but I think they will do it.

I cannot wait to watch more of these games. They have been a blast and the rest will continue to be as much fun. At least I hope.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing, the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast, and the greatest basketball writer on the internet.

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The Suns Will Do It

The NBA Finals are set and they start tomorrow night. Today I have my preview and prediction for you. I feel like we got the two best teams this season in the Finals.

There were times when it looked like it may be the Lakers or Nets or 76ers or Jazz or Nuggets. But the Suns and Bucks earned their way. The Suns beat both LA teams and Denver. And before you talk to me about all the injuries, just go back to last week when I wrote about the Suns making it to the Finals. They did what they were supposed to do. The Bucks beat the presumptive favorite, the Nets, in round two and finally beat the Cinderella Hawks in the conference finals without Giannis. Middleton and Jrue Holiday and Brook Lopex really stepped up when Giannis went down. These two teams beat the teams in front of them, sometimes the better team on paper, and now they are here.

I like this matchup if Giannis is healthy. If Giannis is out, this is a sweep by the Suns, and it would not even be that close. Milwaukee will hopefully get good news this evening or tomorrow morning about Giannis' availability. I'm going to go ahead and assume that he will play.

I also like the fact that only one guy, Jae Crowder, has any experience in the Finals. He's been there the past two seasons, everyone else is a big fat zero. We finally have some new blood playing for the chip. In basketball it is usually very chalky. We know the three or four best teams. For the past decade plus it has been whatever team LeBron is on and any mixture of Golden State or San Antonio. The team that wins it this year will have their franchise's first title in my lifetime. That rules. I enjoy the fact that Giannis is there for the first time. Chris Paul, after 16 great seasons, is there for the first time. Devin Booker, who is going to be a scoring champ and MVP very soon, is there for the first time. Deandre Ayton and Mikail Bridges are getting their first taste. Brook Lopex has never been, Neither has Jrue Holiday or Khris Middleton. It will be very nice to see new faces on the floor playing for their first ring. That is cool. It allows for more parity. It shows that the major markets do not need to always be in the spotlight. This is a good thing.

As for on the court, these teams match up nice. Jrue Holiday will not fall for Chris Paul's shenanigans. Mikail Bridges will make life hard on Khris Middleton. Brook Lopez will be facing a younger, bouncier athlete in Deandre Ayton. Jae Crowder will most likely get the Giannis draw, and if Giannis is healthy, watch out Jae Crowder. And Devin Booker will face a myriad of defenders, but will most likely score on them as he has scored on everyone else all season long. The benches each go about three or four guys deep, so that will be interesting to see who is on who when they play.

But this series is about the stars. This is all about Giannis and Middleton going up against Booker and CP3. I think, and again this depends on Giannis' health, this will be a 6 or 7 game series. I think no matter what though the Suns are going to win. They are having one of those magical seasons. They have beaten all the big guns on their way. They played a tougher regular and postseason schedule. They are the more tested team. This is their title. Milwaukee can make it interesting, but in the end I think the Suns are the better, and more healthy team. I also think Booker will play a better series, but Chris Paul will have a few good games and he will win Finals MVP. It is his first trip there and the powers that be want him to have that MVP. If they cannot get New York or LA in the Finals, they will make sure that CP3 gets that MVP.

Anyway, I think the Suns will win the title and it will take them six games to do it. I cannot wait to watch.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing, the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast, and the greatest basketball writer on the internet.

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The Suns Actually Did It

Last night the Phoenix Suns beat the Clippers in game six of the West Finals to advance to their first Finals since 1993. This is quite the feat.

I have seen all the stuff online about how this is fake. They got the Lakers when LeBron and AD were hurt. The Nuggets did not have Jamal Murray. And the Clippers were without Kawhi. While that is all true, the only series I thought they might not win was the Lakers series. The Lakers had a 2-1 lead, then the injuries happened and then they imploded. But LeBron was still there. They were still the defending champs. As for the Nuggets, while not with Murray, they still had the league's MVP. Jokic was still in the lineup. So was Michael Porter Jr, Will Barton, Austin Rivers and all their subs. And Jokic was great. He did his thing. But that is what the Suns wanted. They let Jokic eat and dared the other players to beat them. They did not. The Suns swept them.

Then we have the Clippers. First off, all the Clipper fans complaining about the lack of "love" they get, or that everyone that doesn't root for them are "haters" or that Paul George and the rest of the team gets too much hate, get over it. I am a Michigan football fan. I do not want to hear about it. I have heard it my whole life. Michigan has a ton of fans, but there are more people that hate them, and I guarantee they hate Michigan football much, much more than anyone hates the Clippers. And for the fans that claim this season a "success", that is the deepest form of sports regret. This team should have at least gone to the Finals once. I picked them to go twice. This team was built around star power that has playoff success, and the best they have done is a six game series in the West Finals. This experiment hasn't worked yet, there is time, but so far it has not been great. They flamed out in the bubble, and they got beat easily, granted without Kawhi, by the Suns.

This was all to simply give the Suns their flowers. Now, I do want to say that I do not like their bandwagon fans. That idiot with the "Suns in 4" shirt that started a fight, he is the worst of the worst. Most of their other fans are not so great people. I disagree with a lot of their ideals and beliefs. They are bad, mean people. But for players like Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, Mikail Bridges, Dario Saric, Cam Payne and, especially Chris Paul, this is awesome. They have been mostly healthy all season. They have played exceptional team defense. Their offense is very good. Monty Williams has done a hell of a job in his first year as their head coach. This team deserves to be here. They have been one of the best teams in the league all season, they were the two seed, they had one of the harder paths to get here and they did it. They did it with relative ease in fact. They are as solid a team as the NBA has right now. They remind me of the Spurs teams that were led by Tim Duncan, except they are more fun. Devin Booker is a knock down shooter. He is every bit as advertised. He is going to lead the league in scoring very soon. Deandre Ayton is a great, great modern big. He can stretch the floor a bit, he is a great rebounder, he is great around the rim, he is proving he was worth the number one pick. Mikail Bridges was an absolute steal when they traded for him on draft night. He can shoot and he plays great defense with his long arms.

This season is all about Chris Paul for me. He was the missing piece. I have been hard on CP3 his whole career too. He never made it to the big stage, until now. He is still a flopper, but it has worked so far. He has always been dirty, but that has played to his benefit. Just look at what Patrick Beverly did to him last night. He shoved him in the back when Paul wasn't even looking. That is not a good look, but we all know CP3 did something, and Beverly reacted wrong. Beverly will be, and should be, suspended for what he did. But to me it just proved that CP3 was in his head. His talking got to him and neutralized him. He did exactly what he wanted. And it worked. Chris Paul has been everything that the Suns needed and hoped and now he, and the franchise, are reaping the benefits. They are back in the Finals. I actually think they will win. I believe the gambling places have them as the odds on favorites. That is due to the young guys accepting their roles, and the addition of CP3. The Suns did it. They are in the Finals. Now they have to wait for their opponent. But again, I think they will win it all.

Congrats to the Suns.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing, the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast, and the greatest basketball writer on the internet.

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Ty's 2020-2021 NBA Preview: The One or Two Round Playoff Teams

Now we are getting to the good teams, the playoff teams. I would personally write these teams down in pen. Now, injuries, COVID positives and other random stuff can come up, and possibly will. But with the way these teams rosters are constructed now, it would have to be a major blow to move them out of the playoffs. They would have to lose star players for ample amounts of time. I don't think that will happen with these teams, and that is why I have them as "locks" for the playoffs.

At number 15 I have the Atlanta Hawks. Too high you say. Not enough defense you say. Won't mesh you say. I disagree with all of that. I also think Lloyd Pierce is going to prove how good of a head coach he is this year, and the Hawks will be back in the mix. Trae Young is great. No he is not Luka Doncic, and he can't shoot like Steph, but he has range for days, and he will find any way to score a bucket. His defense is lacking, and if he put some effort in it, a la Steph Curry, it would make a difference. But he is liable to go off for 30 plus any given night. I will take any day. I love John Collins. I do not want Atlanta to trade him either. I think he and Young are a good duo, and after admitting he didn't put in enough effort on D last year, he turned it around near the end of their season. He is also a bruiser in the paint. If Clint Capela can stay healthy, I don't see why he isn't the exact same player he was in Houston. Trae is a more willing passer than Harden, and Capela is going to get all the lob dunks he could ever want. He is also an okay enough rim protector. They ended up signing Bogdan Bogdanovic after the Milwaukee trade fell through. He adds even more space, and he is a solid shot creator. If DeAndre Hunter can play a little better defense, he is their version of Draymond or Kawhi. Kevin Huerter may lose minutes to Bogdanovic, but he is going to be instant offense off the bench, and I feel like he will light up second units. I could say the same for Cam Reddish. He lost some luster at Duke, but now he is being given the time and effort to do his own thing, and he is a very solid player, with room to grow. Rajon Rondo adds super intelligence and Danilo Gallinari is a very solid player when healthy. Kris Dunn is a bull dog on defense, and if that kid from USC they drafted is brought along slowly, he could be a solid bench guy. The Hawks went all in this offseason, and I applaud them for it. They will be in the playoffs this year.

At number 14 I have the Phoenix Suns. Here is another team that went all in, and it only took one guy to put them there. Getting Chris Paul was a humongous deal. After seeing what he did in OKC last year, while I may not like him as a player, I respect the hell out of his game. He is also going to be playing next to a younger, less ball hoggy version of James Harden, with Devin Booker. Booker is on the cusp of stardom. The kid can flat our score, he has improved his handles and he at least tries on defense. Booker wanted the Suns to make a push, and they certainly did when they traded for Paul. Deandre Ayton got better as the year went on, and was very good in the bubble. If he continues on this trajectory, he is going to fit in just fine with Booker and Paul. He is also a threat from outside, which is super useful for a 7 footer. Mikal Bridges had a very good rookie year, he can shoot and his arms are as long as any person's I have ever seen. He is going to be a very good NBA starter. Jalen Smith was a solid draft pick. He was a good big at Maryland, he is built and he hustles his ass off. Picking up Jae Crowder was quietly a great move. He adds shooting and defense, and an edge this team has lacked. Dario Saric seemingly refound his game in the bubble. And Elie Okobo might be ready to be a good bench contributor. The Suns had one of the better off seasons I can remember, and the sheer addition of Paul is enough for me to make them a playoff team, even with playing in the West.

At number 13 I have the Houston Rockets. Now, all of this depends on if they keep Harden, or what they get in trade. Houston is a mess, but Harden is the definition of a walking bucket, he is a perennial MVP candidate, and if he plays, Houston will find a way to make the playoffs. But if he is gone, they go way, way down on my list. Adding John Wall was puzzling, I wrote about that last week. He hasn't played in two years, seems like he is in okay shape, but I do not have any clue how he is going to look, and how he will coexist with Harden. PJ Tucker is awesome, I love watching him play, and he goes hard every night. But it seems like he wants out too, and losing him would really hurt this team. Eric Gordon is a very good three point shooter, and when he locks in on D he is good. But it seems like he may want out also. Singing Christian Wood was a good move. He was, lowkey, a very solid scorer in the post, and he can stretch defenders to the three. He fits in nice here. Tyson Chandler is on this team, but he rarely sees the floor. They signed Boogie Cousins, and while I love the reunion of him and Wall, Cousins is slow, and coming off two very brutal injuries himself. Gerald Green and Ben McLemore are fine bench guys, but they don't move the needle. And I like the addition of Thabo Sefolosha, but he isn't the lockdown defender he was in OKC. Houston's playoff hopes ride on Harden's shoulders. If he stays, and they don't have to trade him, they are in. But, if he leaves, if he gets traded, this will be a whole different conversation.

At number 12 I have the Portland Trailblazers. The Trailblazers are like the Magic, but they do have playoff success, just not as much as they would like. Damian Lillard is otherworldly. For me, he has surpassed Steph as the best pure scorer. He is Allen Iverson with a jumper. He is also a killer, which I love. Lillard is a star, and I will not hear otherwise. CJ McCollum is a perfect sidekick to Lillard. He is a great shooter, he can create, and he is a super smart player. He doesn't make any mistakes. Neither of them are great defenders, but they are so good offensively that it makes up for that. Jusuf Nurkic is back healthy, and he was a force in the bubble. I didn;t respect his game as much as I should, and that is on me. That dude is tenacious and solid and just a good NBA player. Carmelo re signed, and for as much flak as I might give him, he seemed to buy into being a bench guy and playing like "Olympic Carmelo". He can still put it up with the best of them. Getting Robert Covington helps with their defense, which is what this team lacks most. He can also space the floor, and will not allow teams to double Lillard or McCollum. I like Derrick Jone Jr too. He is probably the most athletic player in the league that you have never heard of, and he will do some highlight reel things for Portland. Zach Collins is coming off an injury, but if he is 75 percent of what he was prior to his injury, that is great for their second unit. Rodney Hood is also back after missing a year with injury. He is a good scorer and shot creator and should lead the second unit. Anfernee Simons is young, and coveted by other teams. I would keep him, but it is nice to have that in your back pocket. And adding Enes Kanter and Harry Giles makes them bigger and will give them a bit more flexibility. The Trailblazers will not be fighting for a playoff spot this year, they will firmly be in that 4, 5 or 6 range.

And at number 11 I have the Dallas Mavericks. Look, I am not a fan of this team. I think they whine and complain too much, and I do not like how major media outlets are so quick to point out their white savior in Luka Doncic. That being said, Doncic is awesome. He is a good shooter, a better passer and an excellent shot creator. He is as smart as advertised and the dude is legit. Kristaps Porzingis hasn't live up to the hype. But being the second or third guy seems to suit him just fine. He isn't a bruiser for how big he is, but he can sure shoot the ball. Tim Hardaway Jr has carved out a nice niche in the NBA for himself. He is a lockdown shooter, and I don't think he gets enough credit for his defense. Josh Richardson is another outside shooter for this team, and I think a change of scenery will certainly help. James Johnson is one of the baddest dudes in the league. He makes Jae Crowder look meek, and I think the Mavericks will like having him on their team. Boban is Boban. He is goofy, runs weird and was in "John Wick 3". But, you cannot teach height, and he is something like 7'6. Trey Burke seems to have found a home as a second unit scorer, and he fits in nicely. Willie Cauley Stein is a good pick and roll guy. And, if healthy, Dwight Powell adds depth. The Mavericks are a playoff lock now because of Doncic. He isn't as great as everyone says yet, but he is good enough to lead this team to the playoffs yearly.

That is it for today. Come back tomorrow for the next five teams.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing, the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast, and the greatest basketball writer on the internet.

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Devin Booker was Always an All Star

When it was announced that Damian Lillard was going to miss the All Star game this weekend, I assumed the NBA was going to be lame, cop out and put Paul George in in his place. I’m not saying George isn’t a great player. He’s one of my favorite players in fact. I love his two way game, his athletic ability, the way he goes hard all the time, I am a fan. But, he’s missed a ton of games, and he hasn’t had an All Star season this year. That’s facts.

So, when I saw that Devin Booker got the nod instead, I was pleasantly surprised. He is averaging over 27 points per game, he is in full control of the Suns offense and he deserves to be in this game. I know his team isn’t great record wise, but the Suns are far better than they have been in quite some time. They started the year hot too, winning 7 of their first 11 games. They are a long shot, but they’re still, technically, in the playoff race in the Varsity conference. And it’s because of Booker’s play. Not only is Booker doing his thing offensively, but he’s gotten far better on the defensive end this season as well. He is, at the very least, putting in effort. He’s trying to make plays. He’s getting steals here and there.

This nod is much deserved for Booker. I mean, the fact that he wasn’t picked as a reserve is puzzling to me. Jayson Tatum has had a great season so far, and the Celtics are good, but I’d take Booker before him. Brandon Ingram is having his best season to date, but his team has pretty much the same record as Phoenix, and Booker’s been this good since he got in the league. I am a humongous Russell Westbrook guy, but Booker is having an overall better year, full stop. Damontas Sabonis is a fine player, but if I’m starting a team tomorrow, I’d take Booker way before Sabonis. Even a guy like Trae Young, and I know he was voted a starter, I think Booker is a better overall player. Young is a great shooter, and a wizard with the ball. Booker would own him in a one on one matchup. He’s just as good a shooter, can handle the ball, is a solid passer and a far superior defender. His team is also wildly better, due to him, than Young’s team is right now.

I guess it goes without saying that I’m a Booker fan, but still, he shouldn’t have to be a replacement All Star. It’s not like last year when D’Angelo Russell was added right before the game. Devin Booker is a much more deserving player, and it shouldn’t have even come to this. As I have said, he’s gotten better every year. He goes into the gym and works on where he needs improvement, and also adds to his game. He’s become one of the leaders of a very, very young Suns team that may be better sooner than we thought. This is long overdue for Booker. I think this is also one of many All Star games he will be a part of. He’s earned this. He’s paid his dues. I mean, this wouldn’t even be a question if he was in the East. I bet he’d be voted an All Star starter if he was on a team like Orlando. But since he plays in the West, on the Suns, he has to be picked as a replacement.

Bright side, at least Devin Booker’s there, and will continue to be as long as he keeps improving and being the catalyst on a soon to be perennial playoff team.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing, the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast, and the greatest basketball writer on the internet. 

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Ty's 2019-2020 NBA Preview: Suns, Bulls, Thunder, Mavericks

Day 2 of my NBA countdown has done usual suspects that fall low on my list, but also a new team that is trying to rank it seems.

Coming in at number 26 I have the Phoenix Suns. I proclaimed them as my new favorite team, but after this offseason, I may have to jump ship. I don’t get some of the moves they made. Why did they sign Frank Kaminsky? Couldn’t they get more fit Josh Jackson? What is going on with that front office? The Suns have a good amount of problems right now. That being said, they still have Devin Booker, and that dude can score. He is a walking bucket. But isn’t he just a poor man’s Brad Beal? He could go for 30 a night, but will it really matter? I still have high hopes for Deandre Ayton. I think he can be really good if he fully buys in. Yes he was a rookie, but he looked lost and preoccupied at times last year. He also got eaten up by bigger centers. I still have faith in him though. I think Ricky Rubio was a solid signing, they just gave him too much money. Booker could thrive with a point guard like Rubio, but Rubio has never really lived up to the hype. He’s been solid, but never great. I also am not a fan of them letting TJ Warren leave as a free agent. They need guys like him. Guys like Kelly Oubre are good and well for a solid game here and there. But, he’s not consistent like Warren. The Suns have 2 really solid building blocks, but they have a ton of work to do. And they need to win if they want to keep Booker.

At number 25 I have the Chicago Bulls. This may seem far too low for some, I’ve heard some people say they can push for the playoffs, but i think that says more about the East than the Bulls. They have okay players, but that’s it, they’re just okay. Zach Lavine is not a guy you want to build around. He’s an average scorer, an excellent leaper and a so so defender. That’s it. Lauri Markanen can shoot, but he’s soft. Kris Dunn is a bust. I love Coby White, and I want him to be good, but it will take time. Wendell Carter was playing okay, but he got hurt. I just feel like the Bulls have far more questions than answers. And, if they do make the playoffs, I’d be stunned. They still seem a ways off.

At number 25 I have the OKC Thunder. This is another team that I don’t know what they’re doing, but smart people, smarter than me about the NBA, seem to think they could push for the playoffs. I say no way, especially in the West. The Thunder need to fully embrace the rebuild. Their stars are gone. All of them. They’ve moved on. And I know they acquired Chris Paul in the Westbrook trade, but he’s old and has been on the decline for the past couple years. And, I don’t think he’ll be on the team come All Star break. Same goes for Steven Adams. I don’t think he’s going to want to be around on a team that’s rebuilding. He’s getting to the back end if his career, and for a player that’s been in the playoffs every season, I think he will want to keep that streak alive. What this team needs to do is give the keys to Shai Gilgeous Alexander. Build around him. He’s young, he’s good and looks like a team leader. He had big moments last year in LA, and looks ready to take the next step. You can pair any number of the other young guys, like Terrance Ferguson for example, with SGA, and start a rebuild from there. They also have about a million draft picks in the next couple drafts. The Thunder are in a perfect position for a good rebuild. Take that route, use picks, trade old vets for more picks and younger players and be ready to be a threat in 3 or 4 years. That’s what I would do anyway.

My final team for today, coming in at number 23, I have the Dallas Mavericks. Here’s another team that will win 35-40 games, but are just not ready to compete in the West. Not yet anyway. Luka Doncic was every bit as good as advertised. Now he just needs to keep it up. Keep getting better, stay in shape and improve the little things. The Mavs traded for Kristaps Porzingis last year, of which he played zero games, and they seem to think he will come out on fire this year. I think it’s going to take time for him to get back to his good days with the Knicks, and don’t forget, he was accused of sexual assault this past offseason. Some people may have forgotten that, I didn’t. Outside those 2 guys, this team is cobbled with an odd mixture. Tim Hardaway Jr is still there, and he will have a 25 point game here and there, but he’s much more prone to scoring 12 points on 3 of 15 shooting. JJ Barea is somehow still in the league even though he seems like he’s 60 years old. Boban is on the team, but he’s more of a spectacle than a player of circumstance. They have the less talented Curry. Courtney Lee is there to shoot threes and be trade bait. Jalen Brunson is fine, but he’s a bench player at best. And Justin Jackson left Sacramento, where he was a non factor, to come ride the bench here. The Mavs will win games, and Luka is legit, but I don’t but them as a playoff team. They have work to do, but they’re on the right track.

That’s it for today. Come back tomorrow for the next 4 teams.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing, the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast, and the greatest basketball writer on the internet. 

Follow Ty on instagram and twitter.

SeedSing is funded by a group of awesome people. Join them by donating to SeedSing.

Now We are Waiting on Russell Westbrook's New Team

On Monday I talked about Kawhi's decision, and my opinion of the current state of the NBA. I talked a bit about the Clippers not only getting Kawhi, but also getting Paul George. I mentioned that I had heard rumors that the Thunder were now exploring trades for Russell Westbrook. Today I want to talk about my feelings on that, and which team, or teams, I think would be a good fit for him.

First off, my thoughts on the idea of trading Russ away from OKC. I think the time has come for both parties to move on. Russ has done all he can do for that team and that city. He ran the show when it was him, KD and Harden. When Harden left, he changed his game to play with KD. Some people don't agree with this, they are wrong. KD is an iso guy, and the fact that Russ was so important to watch while on defense, he made it easier for KD to get his. Then KD left, and all Russ did was lead a terrible cast of players, with a new coach, to the playoffs, won the MVP and averaged a triple double. Again, idiots will say he was a stat hunter and only cared about himself. I say, he absolutely had to do this in order for that particular Thunder team to win.

Then they acquired Paul George and Carmelo Anthony. That did not work out, but they still made the playoffs, and Russ and PG seemed to like one another. They liked one another so much, Russ convinced PG to sign a deal with OKC that offseason. Last season, one of Russ' worst, as far as stats go, the Thunder made the playoffs again, Russ averaged a triple double for the third straight year, and helped PG become an MVP candidate, before he got hurt. But, they lost in the first round again, and it was all blamed on Westbrook.

Then the Kawhi stuff happened. I mean, what else, sans winning a title, can Russ do for the Thunder? He has really given them his all, has played through injury, willed this team back to the playoffs constantly, kept them afloat when KD left and is a blast to watch play. So, I think, if he wants one final chance to be on a competitive team, he has earned that right.

This leads me to which teams I think would be good fits for him. One, I would love, LOVE, to see him go to Phoenix. Sure, they aren't a title contender, but to replace Ricky Rubio with Russ, and put him next to Devin Booker, and an athletic big like Deandre Ayton, that would push them to a possible playoff team, even in the West. He would sell tickets there as well. Also, Phoenix could take on the last 2 years of his contract because they have so much young talent that is clogging spots for other players. They could make this deal happen, and I wish they would.

I like the fit with Chicago. He could go there, be a stop gap for Coby White, who I think is going to be really good, and help a team with Zach Lavine, Lauri Markenan and Wendell Carter definitely get into the playoffs in the East. The Bulls also have guys with easy contracts to trade, and they have picks.

Detroit was odd for me at first, but I think sending him there for Reggie Jackson and Luke Kennard, plus picks, would make the Pistons fun. Russ and Blake Griffin, along with Andre Drummond could be a devastating pick and roll combo. And put him next to Derrick Rose, while not a great shooting back court, it would be explosive. I also think he would love to play for Dwayne Casey.

Then, my final team, the Miami Heat. I know the Thunder already have some of their picks, and trading Russ there would possibly take the picks out of the lottery, but they could get a good return of players, that they can turn into picks, and teaming Russ with Jimmy Butler could be a match made in heaven. Those 2 are cut from the same cloth, they will rip your will out of you, they would look cool as hell in those Miami vice jerseys, and Erik Spolestra has already shown he can coach mega stars to titles. Jimmy Butler and Russ may not be the duo you need to win a title, but in the East, who knows. I would love to see them playing against the Celtics or 76ers or Bucks. They would throw the hell down. This is what I hope, and want, to happen for Russ. I think it is almost too perfect.

Anyway, whatever what happens to Russ, I hope he gets a chance to compete, and that people stop blaming him for everything that has happened in OKC. It is not his fault. He has stayed tried and true to that team, and he can now do what he wants. He has earned that. I am fully team Russ.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing, the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast, and the greatest basketball writer on the internet. 

Follow Ty on instagram and twitter.

SeedSing is funded by a group of awesome people. Join them by donating to SeedSing.

The NBA Coaching Carousel is Starting Up

I'm going to talk about the NBA today, but I want to wait until we are fully set with the East and West Finals before I talk about the playoffs. What I want to touch on is some recent head coaching news.

First, I think the Suns, who seem to be a real mess right now, which is a bummer for me since I pledged my fandom to them earlier this year, made a solid head coaching hire in Monty Williams. If he is given the extent of his contract, which I believe is 5 years, I think he can turn them into a playoff team. They have 2 young guys that have a shot to be all stars, Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton. They just need to fill the team out with solid role players, and they seem to have some on the roster right now. Josh Jackson may never live up to the hyper coming out of college, but he has shown flashes. Mikail Bridges is the prototypical NBA role player. Kelly Oubre looks like he is ready to take the next step into full time, reliable starter. TJ Warren is a solid NBA player. And I really like their rookie from last year, Elie Okobo. They kept him in the G League for most of the year, a very smart move, and now, I think he is ready for the NBA. The Suns have some pieces, and I feel like Williams can succeed if given a real chance.

But, the main head coach rumor I want to talk about is Ty Lue possibly to the Lakers. I have mixed feelings on this move. For one, I am very conflicted because I think, from a player standpoint, this is a good move. Lue has shown that he doesn't back down to LeBron. He challenged him when they were in Cleveland together. He didn't put up with all of his demands. He, along with Erik Spoelstra, may be the only coaches that actually have LeBron;s respect. I also think it would be good for them to bring over a former player, a former champion at that, that wasn't a super star. This isn't like hiring Magic. Lue isn't Byron Scott. He is so much better than Kurt Rambis. What those guys had was star power as players, and I think the Lakers brass thought they could bring that over to coaching. What Lue has is coaching prowess, titles as a player and coach, but he was a role guy. He knew what he needed to do, did it and won. I think that is a smart choice as far as head coach.

The problem I keep having with the possibility of the Lakers hiring him is the roster construct of this iteration of the team. Lue is a solid coach that knows how to deal with a big time star like LeBron. But, while in Cleveland he also had other stars like Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving. The rest of that roster had vets. They had guys that had been around for awhile in the NBA, had playoff experience and knew how to live the NBA life. Outside of LeBron, and a very few others, the Lakers do not have that. They are filled with young talent. They are filled with players that haven't fully grown into their NBA bodies yet. They are filled with a bunch of young guys that don't trust the front office after the whole Anthony Davis thing last year. It is a roster filled with the unknown, and I don't know how, or if, Lue can handle that. How is he going to deal with his three young guys that they were supposed to build this team around before LeBron signed there? Will Brandon Ingram be okay with becoming a very rich man's JR Smith? I think that is what LeBron and Lue want, but Ingram is so much better creating that just waiting for open shots. Lonzo Ball, while a much better defender, is no Kyrie Irving on offense. He is also hurt constantly. How is he going to perform when Lue completely turns the offense over to LeBron? He has a broken jumper, he doesn't get to the line and he is a much, much better passer than shooter. He needs to run the offense to be as effective as he can be. That won't happen when Lue is coach and he defers to LeBron. Kyle Kuzma, while being a very streaky shooter, is not Kevin Love or even, I mention him again, JR Smith. Kuzma can score, sometimes at will. But, he can be ice cold as well. He also doesn't rebound or outlet pass like Love does. He also isn't a great spot up shooter like Smith. Say what you will about JR Smith, but he was good at finding open spots while playing with LeBron, and hitting shots when he needed to. Kuzma isn't there yet, but I think Lue and LeBron will expect that now.

Outside of those three guys, and whoever they get in the late lottery, they don't have much in the way of solid veterans. JaVale McGee completely regressed last year. Lance Stephenson is washed. Mike Muscala is very blah. Josh Hart is okay, but he stumbled at the end of the year. Moe Wagner is nearly unplayable because he is a horrendous defender. I mean, they don't really have the guys, especially in the West, to compete. That is where I stop and really question if Lue is the guy to turn this Lakers team around. I will say that the roster could be vastly different after July 1. But for now I have to go with what they have. And what they have doesn't fit a LeBron led team coached by Ty Lue. They are not the 2016 and 17 Cavs. That was a roster built by LeBron for Lue to coach. This Lakers roster was totally messed up by what Magic and Rob Pelinka did this past offseason, and it isn't one that I put a lot of faith in with a 35 year old LeBron and Ty Lue. I think they are a playoff team, but no more than a 5 or 6 seed, at best, in the West. It is a whole different game in that conference.

All this hire truly shows me is that LeBorn and Klutch Sports are now in full control of the Lakers. While that may have been great 3 or 4 years ago, it doesn't hold the weight it once did. LeBron is old, and the AD thing really showed me a lot about Klutch when they don't get their way. Ty Lue is a solid, championship winning NBA head coach. I just don't think he is a good fit with this Lakers team the way it is constructed as of today. We will have to wait and see.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing, the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast, and the greatest basketball writer on the internet. 

Follow Ty on instagram and twitter.

SeedSing is funded by a group of awesome people. Join them by donating to SeedSing.

Ty's 2018-2019 NBA Preview: Nets, Bulls, Suns

On to day 2 of my NBA countdown. We are still at the bottom of the barrel, but a few of these teams today I think could be kind of fun to watch. They will not win many games, but they will produce highlights, and I will enjoy watching one of these teams for sure. Lets get to it.

At number 27 I have the Brooklyn Nets. This team is still getting hammered by the trade they made with the Celtics years ago. They gave up so many high picks at the chance of getting a title with an old Paul Pierce, and an old and injured Kevin Garnett. They still haven't recovered from that horrific trade. They also gave Joe Johnson an absurd amount of money, and risked a ton of young talent when they signed Deron Williams to a huge deal. They have made bad mistakes, and they are really paying for it now. When I look at the current roster, and while there are some players I like, they are not a well constructed team, and they will not win many games. I love Caris Levert. He played at Michigan. I got to see his talent for 4 years. But, he is oft injured, just like he was in college, and he just cannot seem to stay on the court. Jarrett Allen is a good big man to build around, but I have heard and read things saying that basketball isn't the most important thing in his life. They signed Allen Crabbe, but his best days are behind him. There is a reason the Nets, and no one else offered him much. DeMarre Carroll had one great year in Atlanta, turned that into a big deal in Toronto, and then they offloaded him to the Nets, where he has majorly regressed. Spencer Dinwiddie is quietly a good player, and I hope he gets traded to a team that is in contention that needs a player like him. Kenneth Faried is there now, and while I used to bang the drum for him as a player, he has never really been more than a high motor guy. Rondae Hollis Jefferson is their best player, and if he and Levert and Dinwiddie could get some solid vets, maybe this team could push for a 7 or 8 seed in the East. Until then though, the Nets are bound to stay in this purgatory that they created. This team is still a long way away from being a playoff contender. Hell, they have a way to go to push for 35 wins.

At number 26 I have the Chicago Bulls. I will be the first to admit that I was completely wrong on Lauri Markanen. That kid played so much better in his rookie year than he did in his one season at Arizona. He stepped out and hit threes, went to the rim and played well in the post. But, he is still pretty awful on defense, and he needs to put on muscle. Kris Dunn played better with the change of scenery, but he was not a top point guard by any stretch. He was a guy I believed in coming into the league, but it just hasn't translated. Cristiano Felicio needs to get in shape and if he does, I think he could be okay. But, he is just soft right now. The decrepit remains of Omer Asik is there now. How is that dude still in the league? Justin Holiday is a solid shooter, and he plays hard, but he is just a mid to lower level guard in the NBA. They signed Jabari Parker, and while he can score, he plays no defense, doesn't rebound, isn't a very good passer and has 2 torn ACL's. Bobby Portis' game has not equaled success in the NBA. He is more known for beating the shit out of Nikola Mirotic than anything he has ever done on an NBA floor. Denzel Valentine is a bust. Cam Payne is a bust, who should be in the G League. And they gave Zach Lavine a near max contract. Why? What has he done to earn that? Isn't he pretty much the exact same player as Aaron Gordon? They are both hyper athletic dunkers, but that is it. He is also just one year removed from a torn ACL. The Bulls are not good, but with all the shade I just threw at them, I think, if they can stay moderately healthy, they might be fun to watch. Lavine is a highlight reel dunker, I love Wendell Carter, who they drafted in one of their smarter draft choices, Markanen is a solid modern big and Kris Dunn is a bull dog. I will watch them the rare occasion they are on TV. But, they will not win many games.

My final team of the day, coming in at number 25, is my new favorite team, the Phoenix Suns. This team will not win more than 25-30 games. They are too young, too inconsistent and not ready for primetime, especially in the West. But man oh man will they run up and down the floor, score a ton of points and are super, super athletic. I love Deandre Ayton. I am fully buying in on him. Once he gets an okay jumper, he will be a terror. He is already great in the post. He can rebound, he can protect the rim and he has great footwork for a big man. He looks like he is going to be real good real soon. Devin Booker, who I know is recovering from wrist surgery, is already an elite level scorer. The kid can shoot from anywhere. You don't score 70 points in one game if you aren't elite. He can handle the ball as well. He doesn't play great defense, but he more than makes up for that with his offensive ability. He is one of the best young scorers in the game. I love the signing of Trevor Ariza. They need that veteran that has been to the highest of heights in the NBA. He is also a knock down shooter, plays solid defense and will be a great mentor for the young guys on the team. I'm not crazy about the addition of Ryan Anderson, that guy can only shoot threes, other than that he is useless. Tyson Chandler, who is one of my all time favorite players, is still there, but he is more so in the Garnett role when he went back to Minnesota at the end of his career. He is there to help out the young guys, and if he retires at the end of the year, I wouldn't be shocked if he immediately becomes a bench coach for the Suns. I love in the Anderson trade they also acquired DeAnthony Melton. This team is lacking a true point guard, and even though he is a rookie, he was a first round talent that fell to the second round. He plays solid defense, and he should start on opening night for this team. Josh Jackson is now the hands down 4 on the team. The Suns got rid of both Alex Len and Marquiss Chriss, and I think this will only benefit Jackson's development. He can already play solid defense, is hyper athletic, but he cannot shoot. He needs to figure that out. And I really like TJ Warren. He plays hard every night, and the dude is good. I also think Dragan Bender can still be decent, but he has to prove it this year, or I'm out on him. I also like Darrell Arthur for toughness and rebounding. The Suns are building something special I think, it will just a few more years. They will not win much this year, but they may be the most fun team to watch, outside of Golden State. They have a ton of young, bouncy talent. They also have a super star in the making in Devin Booker. And if Ayton hits like I think he will, they will be a dynamic one two punch. The Suns aren't great now, but they are on their way.

That's it for today. Come back tomorrow for my next three teams.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing, the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast, and the greatest basketball writer on the internet. 

Follow Ty on instagram and twitter.

SeedSing is funded by a group of awesome people. Join them by donating to SeedSing.

Ty Has Chosen the Phoenix Suns as His New NBA Team

Last week I came to my blog looking for help to find a new NBA team to root for. I had a few rules and stipulations as to the type of team I was looking to back. I have now pored over this for about a week, and I have found a new team. I got recommendations, some ridicule and, mainly, silence in social media. So, I went to my wife, a few friends and my dad for help. With their help, telling them all the things I was looking for in a team, I landed on the Phoenix Suns.

If you think about it, based on my own rules, the Suns are the perfect team. They were awful last year, and they have been for awhile. But, I feel like they are on the come up. They do play in the West, but I feel like, within a year or three, they can be a playoff team. If they continue to grow and develop, with all the young talent they have, I feel like they can leap frog current playoff teams like the Blazers, Timberwolves and, maybe, the Pelicans.

That’s another thing I like about them, how they are drafting and developing their players. They have clearly been tanking since they let Isiash Thomas and Goran Dragic and Eric Gordon leave. But, they have drafted quality guys to take their place. I love Devin Booker. That dude can fill up the stat sheet with points. He has scored 70 in a game already. I think Josh Jackson has potential to be a great second or third option, and he’s getting better on defense. If he can get any kind of a jump shot, he could become a fringe all star. I still have a little hope for Dragan Bender and Marquess Chriss. Bender is still so young, and I think he is kind of, sort of, figuring the game out. It seems to be slowing down a bit for him. Chriss just needs to stay in shape, and he can be their 4 of the future no problem. He is already a good rebounder and low post scorer, he just needs to lay off the fast food. I have given up on Alex Len though. They need to try and trade him just to get something. He isn’t going to figure it out. They also just added Trevor Ariza. I love love love this move. He will bring veteran leadership to this team, but he won’t be a diva about it. He will come in, hold down the locker room and do his thing on the floor. He is the consummate professional.

What put the Phoenix Suns over the top for me was drafting DeAndre Ayton number one overall. He was my second favorite player in the draft, behind only Colin Sexton. I do think he is the most NBA ready guy in the draft. He is a beast down low on both ends of the floor. He is so good on offense in the low post, and when engaged, he’s a solid defender. He is also enormous. He is so big, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets bigger. He still is a teenager, so he can still grow. He also has a little bit of a jumper, which will help stretch defenses from the start. He and Booker should make for a very potent one two punch.

I just really like this Phoenix Suns team, and where they are headed. They have a star, Booker. They have a great young center, Ayton. They have a solid vet, Ariza. And they could be a free agent destination. I have heard that Kyrie Irving likes it there, Blake Griffin took a meeting there and so did LaMarcus Aldridge. I feel like they can get someone. So, on this blog today, I declare myself a Suns fan. Let’s go.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing, the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast, and the greatest basketball writer on the internet. 

Follow Ty on instagram and twitter.

SeedSing is funded by a group of awesome people. Join them by donating to SeedSing.

With the Number One Pick, the Phoenix Suns Should Take...

The NBA had its draft lottery last night and the Phoenix Suns “won” the first pick. I did some research and found out this is the first time in the franchise’s history that they’ve ever gotten the first pick. I will do a mock draft when we get closer to the draft, but today, I just want to focus on what I think the Suns could, and should, do.

First off, there are maybe 5 guys that could be real good NBA players in this draft. The rest, some will be fine, have solid careers or be busts, as with every other draft. The 5 players that I think can be great are DeAndre Ayton, Jaren Jackson, Luka Doncic, Collin Sexton and Mo Bamba. I feel like these are the 5 guys the Suns should focus on. Also, they should not trade this pick for veterans. This team is young and building through the draft, and that is what they should continue to do. So, let’s take a closer look at these 5 guys.

First off, Mo Bamba. I like Bamba a lot. He is long and athletic. He is already a very good rim protector. He has the tools to get better on offense. But, he reminds me a little too much of Nerlens Noel. Now, Bamba will be better, he’s not so injury prone, but he is super skinny. He needs to bulk up, and to be honest, Josh Jackson is better, thicker and has a year under his belt. While I like Bamba, I do not think the Suns should take him first overall.

Next, Luka Doncic. Doncic is the European sensation that everyone loves. I don’t know much about this kid, but by all accounts, he has it all. He has also been playing professionally overseas for the past couple years. He has been playing against grown men, and playing well. He, by all accounts, is ready for the NBA right now. The problem in Phoenix, they already have Devin Booker, who plays the same position, and he is on his way to stardom. Booker is already awesome, can improve defensively and is an elite scorer. The Suns don’t need Doncic because they already have Booker. 

Number three guy, Jaren Jackson. He is the “safest” pick in the draft. He has an NBA body, can play defense, has a good high low game and is a solid rebounder. He is ready for the NBA. He has been prepping his whole life for the NBA. But, the Suns have a glut of guys at his spot. They could get rid of some of those guys, but why give up on them now? Dragan Bender hasn’t been great, but he’s like 20 years old. Marquiss Chriss is out of shape, but an offseason can change that. Josh Jackson had a solid rookie year and will continue to get better. It feels like I can go on and on. So, while Jackson is safe, the Suns don’t need him.

Number 4, DeAndre Ayton. Ayton is my personal favorite player in this draft. I know there’s questions about his defense, but this kid is an elite scorer. He is so big, so long and can stretch the floor. He is going to be a 20 plus point per night guy the moment he steps foot on an NBA floor. He is that good already. He is the new generation’s Patrick Ewing. I love Ayton. But, much like the case for Bamba, the Suns don’t need another big man. They have plenty. They make regret not taking him, but they don’t need him.

Which brings us to my last guy. He’s my dark horse. He won’t be drafted number one overall, but I think Collin Sexton is the best fit, by far, for the Suns. Sexton is an explosive point guard, who likes to pass as much as he likes to score. He’s also a solid defender. He is this year’s De’Aron Fox. He has all the tools to be a starting point guard right off the bat. And who do the Suns have at point guard you may ask? Outside of Tyler Ulis, who I like, I don’t know. So, why not take a chance on Sexton? He fits in perfectly with what they’re doing in Phoenix, and I feel like they’d love him there. Collin Sexton is who I think the Suns should go with number one overall. I know it won’t happen, but I think it’s what should happen.

Those are my thoughts on what the Suns should do with the number one pick.. We will have to wait until draft night to find out who they pick. I cannot wait.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing, the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast, and the greatest basketball writer on all the internet.

Follow Ty on instagram and twitter.

SeedSing is funded by a group of awesome people. Join them by donating to SeedSing.

There is Some Good, and Some Bad, in the Eric Bledsoe Trade

Eric Bledsoe seems to be getting his wish. It was reported earlier today that a trade was being finalized that would send him to the Bucks for Greg Monroe and a first round pick. This trade is both good and bad in my opinion.

Let’s go with the good first. The Bucks are floundering a bit now. It’s only 8 or 9 games, but they are currently below .500. I’m sure they’ll put it all together, I mean, they have Giannis, and he is amazing. What they are lacking though is a true point guard. That is Eric Bledsoe. This dude gets after it when he has something to play for. He is a bull dog on defense. He’s great at setting teammates up, and if you need him to score, he’ll go out and get you 20. He is easily the best point guard they have now. They’ve tried Matthew Dellavedova. He stinks. I’ve never been a fan of his, and since leaving Cleveland, he’s done nothing. They tried Michael Carter Williams, and he’s not even on the team anymore. They’ve tried Malcolm Brogdon, and he is so much better at the 2. Hell, they’ve even put Giannis at point guard, but that led to overuse. Bledsoe comes in and there is no question as to who the point is now. I also think he stabilizes this team. Giannis won’t have to do so much. He’ll be able to get to his spots now, and Bledsoe can set him up. This also opens things up for Brogdon. He can be the true spot up shooter and ball hawk defender. When Jabari Parker gets back from injury, he will be able to get multiple open looks. I can see Thon Maker being a great pick and roll guy with Bledsoe. Overall, this really helps out a Bucks team that needs it. Bledsoe will come in determined to prove Phoenix wrong, and that could help the Bucks push to a 4, possibly even 3, seed in the East. I think this trade puts the Bucks up there with the Wizards and Raptors in the East.

Now, the bad. I do think Bledsoe will be motivated, but what if the Bucks swoon continues? Will he want out, just like he did in Phoenix? Will he tweet, “I don’t want to be here anymore”, and claim it’s from a salon in Milwaukee? He’s done this before on a bad team. Who’s to say he won’t do it again. Bledsoe also needs to know going in that this is Giannis’ team. Guys like Brogdon, Maker and Parker have bought in. Bledsoe was “the guy” in Phoenix until all the complaining. Will he accept his second banana role? Time will tell. I think he will though. He also needs to learn the plays. This is an easy thing to do, but it takes time. The Bucks might not start winning right away, but eventually, they should right the ship. While the East isn’t filled with great teams, there are some great point guards that Bledsoe will have to face. He’ll match up with Kyrie, John Wall, Kyle Lowry and even guys like Ben Simmons, who looks incredible right now. That’s a tall order.

But my final “bad” news thing, I wish he had gone to the Nuggets. I love what the Nuggets are doing, but they need a true point guard to be any kind of threat. I would have loved to see him paired up with Kenneth Faried, Nikola Jokic, Paul Milsap and Jamal Murray. That would’ve been a hyper athletic, smooth passing and well run machine of an offense. He would have fit in so perfectly in Denver. I suppose the Bucks offer was better, but man it would have been fun to see him in a Nuggets uniform.

All in all though, this was a good trade. The Suns dumped an extremely unhappy guy to a playoff ready team with the best young player in the league. And they got a decent big, Greg Monroe, to group with their young talent, and a first round pick. The Bucks got a true point guard that can defend, and is out to prove another organization wrong. I’m excited to see him play his first game with the Bucks. I’ve always been a fan of a fully engaged Eric Bledsoe.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing, the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast, and the greatest basketball writer on the internet. 

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Ty's 2017-2018 NBA Preview: Lakers, Knicks, Suns

Day 3 of my NBA countdown begins with one of the most overrated teams coming into this season. People are expecting way, way too much from this team just because of who they drafted number 2 overall in the most recent draft. Need I remind fans of this team, they just traded away a point guard that they drafted second overall 2 years ago, so maybe they should temper their expectations.

The team I am talking about is my number 24 team, the Los Angeles Lakers. Now first I have to say, I do like the direction they are headed in. I love the hiring of Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka. These may be the 2 guys that can lure stars back to the Lakers. But, for people expecting a possible playoff push from this team, calm the hell down. This team is way too young and way too inconsistent. People seem to love the pick of Lonzo Ball. As I mentioned before, people also loved the pick of D'Angelo Russell. Now, from what I have seen so far, Ball is a better passer than Russell, but that is it. Ball has one of the most awkward jump shooting forms I have ever seen. That shot is going to get blocked so much by real NBA defenders. He isn't much of a defender himself yet either. People need to calm the hell down on the Lonzo Ball talk. He could be good, but he will have a TON of rough patches. He is a teenager and a rookie after all. He is not the savior that the Lakers faithful are expecting. Brandon Ingram looks like he has put on some weight, but the comparisons to KD need to stop. Just because he is long and can kind of shoot doesn't mean he is going to be KD. There is only one KD. I feel like if he played for any other team, he would be compared to a third or fourth option type player, or even a bench player. But, since he is in a Lakers uniform, he will forever get unfairly compared to KD. Julius Randle comes and goes. One night he looks great, the next, he looks like he doesn't care. He could be really good, but he needs to fully commit. I do think Kyle Kouzma could be good, but again, people need to calm down. He is not the next Steph or Dirk just because he has been filling it up in Summer League and preseason. I want to see him do it against the best of the best before I give him my full attention. Some people think the Kentavious Caldwell Pope signing is a big deal. I see it more as a ho hum deal. He was not that great in Detroit, so why would he all of the sudden be a great shooter for the Lakers? Doesn't add up. I do like Jordan Clarkson. He is a proven scorer and he could be pretty good for awhile. They got Brook Lopez in a trade, and while he is good, he is not a modern day NBA center. Again, I do not get the joy and all the big time talk by acquiring a player like Lopez. Who cares? Same with Andrew Bogut. How long until he gets hurt and misses the whole year. 10 games? Maybe 20? And while Larry Nance Jr is a great dunker, what else does he do, and how much playing time will he get? I can't answer that. People need to chill out on the Lakers. If they do get LeBron next year, then hype them up as much as you want. But with this current roster, I'd be shocked if they win 30 games this year.

At number 23 I have the New York Knicks. The Knicks finally, mercifully, traded Carmelo Anthony. What they got in return is not that big a deal though. Enes Kanter can score, but he is horrendous on defense, and Doug McDermott is worse than mediocre. His game has not translated. They gave Tim Hardaway Jr a ridiculous contract only 2 years after trading him. This deal was bizarre, but this is the same team that signed both Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose last year, so nothing they do should surprise me anymore. I like the French point guard they drafted, Frank Nkilitina, but I have never seen him play, so who knows how he will perform. I do love his cockiness and confidence though. Derrick Rose is gone, but unfortunately, they still have Noah and his outrageous contract. He is done as a player. Michael Beasley has been talking out of his ass this offseason, and he will be lucky if he gets 15 minutes a game on this horrid team. Courtney Lee deserves better than this. He could be a great 3 and D guy for a title contender, but he is in NBA purgatory. At least he will get a ton of minutes. Some people think that Guillermo Hernangomez is going to take a leap. I say, what gives you that impression? He hasn't really shown any flashes yet. Kyle O'Quinn is of no real consequence in the NBA anymore. And the rest of the roster is blah. What the Knicks do have is Kristaps Porzingis. He is one of the most unique players in the game right now. He can score, rebound and rim protect. What he can't do, stay healthy. He has gotten hurt every year he has been in the league. Also, I'll be interested to see how he handles being the top guy for an NBA team. Very interested. For the time being though, the Knicks will continue to struggle mightily.

The final team for today, coming in at number 22, the Phoenix Suns. The Suns are going to lose a ton of games this year, but they will also be a ton of fun to watch. I love the young players on this roster. Devin Booker is a born scorer. He scored 70 in a game last year, and he is only getting more and more confident. I love Tyler Ulis, who should take over for Eric Bledsoe at point guard. That is no slight to Bledsoe, I think he should be traded to a contender that needs a real point guard, but the time is now for Ulis to start, especially if the Suns are going to go the youth movement. Ulis is also lightning fast and a great passer. I LOVE Josh Jackson. He might be my favorite rookie this year. He can already defend. He can get to the rim. I know people are worried about his jump shot, but he can learn to shoot. You can't teach some of the gifts he already has. He is so long and so athletic. He is going to be a very good NBA player, and a multiple All NBA defender. Dragan Bender was awful last year, but maybe with an offseason of some work, he can be better. He is also super young. Marquess Chriss came into camp overweight, but he can play himself into shape, and when he is out there, he can rebound and score in the post. Alex Len is done. That dude is a bust. He has done ZERO in the NBA. Brandon Knight is still there, but he always gets hurt, and he should be traded so the Suns can go all youth. I'm a bit confused by the contract TJ Warren got, but the dude can play, and the Suns seem to like him. Derrick Jones Jr is electrifying, and with more playing time, he could become a real player. Tyson Chandler, who I love, needs to retire. I'm sure he likes being the veteran on a young team, but he just cannot get it done anymore. Look, the Suns will be awful, but when you get a chance, watch them because they will be a ton of fun. They will run up and down the court, and they will definitely get some highlight plays throughout the season.

That is it for today, come back tomorrow for the next three teams.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing, the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast, and the greatest basketball writer on the internet. 

Follow Ty on instagram and twitter.

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Ty Tells You How each NBA Team Can Win the Title: Suns, Magic, and Nuggets

Before I continue with my NBA countdown today, I want to wish my beautiful little baby girl a very happy first birthday. I can't believe that she is already one. Happy birthday princess, I love you.

Now, back to the countdown.

Coming in at number 27, the Phoenix Suns. First off, I heard some story yesterday that they are utilizing the "high five" because it will grow strength between teammates and make for a better work environment. They did a study on this. That statement alone should show you how far behind most of the league the Suns really are. Studying the good things about high fives. Yeesh. This was a team that just a few years ago barely missed out on the playoffs in the hyper competitive Western Conference. But now, that roster has been ravaged and there are only few holdovers. This was also the same team that went all in on LaMarcus Aldridge when no one thought they had a chance to sign him. Guess what, he signed elsewhere. The back court is the strength, but it is filled with untapped potential. Brandon Knight and Eric Bledsoe cannot stay healthy, and their style of play seem to clash when they are on the court at the same time. Devin Booker is a great, great shooter, but until he gets some more help, it will be for moot. But man, is he a great shooter. The rest of the roster is very mediocre and old. Tyson Chandler peaked about 4 years ago. I love Chandler, but he is done in the NBA. Jared Dudley, while being a good dude, he doesn't really have it anymore. PJ Tucker can't stay out of trouble on and off the court. Alex Len is a bust. And Archie Goodwin doesn't seem to have what it takes to make it in the NBA. They drafted Tyler Ullis and Dragan Bender. Ullis is lightning fast, but he is so tiny, and he couldn't really score that much in college. Bender may or may not be good, but this preseason, he has seemed more interested in his hair looking good as opposed to his jumper looking good. He also got owned by undrafted opponents in the summer league. The Suns are in the midst of a massive rebuild. They are pretty terrible, not as bad as the three teams from yesterday, but still pretty bad. They will win between 20-25 games.

So Ty, how will the Suns win the title? The Suns only shot at the title is if Bledsoe and Knight find a way to blend their skills and become all NBA caliber and the rest of the roster plays the best basketball of their lives. That isn't happening.

At number 26, I have the Orlando Magic. I thought that they may be on the up, but not so much after this offseason. Sure, they added Serge Ibaka, but is he a real threat anymore? Was he ever a threat? Now, he is the first option on this team. Yikes. Scott Skiles also quit on this team after one year. I think that speaks volumes on both ends. Skiles couldn't handle the new NBA, and the Magic didn't like his old school approach. They also traded away Victor Oladipo. While not great, he was still a double digit scorer and a very good defender. The Thunder won that trade. Aaron Gordon is a very good leaper, but he doesn't do much else. He needs to develop a jumper and play better defense. Elfrid Payton is just not living up to the hype. the game seems to fast for him. Nikola Vucivic is a stat stuffer, but that doesn't make him great. He fills the stat sheet, but it doesn't really matter. Evan Fournier is garbage. Mario Hezjona hasn't really had a real shot to prove himself. Jeff Green is a total anomaly, and one of the more frustrating players in the NBA. DJ Augustin is a career back up, and after that, all no names. I do like the Frank Vogel hiring, the dude is a good coach, but this team is a few years away from truly competing. 25-30 wins seems to be their ceiling. 

So Ty, how will the Magic win the title? The Magic can win the title if Ibaka returns to his old dominant self on defense, and stops settling for jumpers, and the rest of the team plays much, much better than they have since they've been in the league. The Magic are a team filled with players that have not lived up to their hype and draft position. Vogel will make a difference, but it will be in a year or two.

At number 25, I have the Denver Nuggets. I really, really like Kenneth Faried and Emmanuel Mudiay. The problem is with the rest of their roster, it is junk. Danilo Gallinari has never lived up to his expectations, and he is always hurt. Their first round pick, Jamal Murray, barely scored in college. I don't care that he made a bunch of un guarded jumpers in his workouts, what I saw in his short college career, he had a tough time scoring. Wilson Chandler is on the back end of his career, and the front end wasn't all that great to begin with. Mike Miller is one million years old. Why doesn't he just retire? Gary Harris is now getting into trouble left and right off the court. Jameer Nelson's career was over 3 or 4 years ago. And Darrell Arthur is a very below average NBA player. I like Faried and Mudiay, but my like for them is completely outweighed by my dislike for the rest of the roster. Mike Malone is a good coach, but I don't think even Gregg Poppovich could win with this roster. They may win 28 or 29 games, but that is it.

So Ty, how will the Nuggets win the title? The Nuggets could win the title if Faried develops a deadly offensive game, and Mudiay gets a legit jumper. Oh, and that dumpster fire of a roster actually plays good basketball. That is not happening.

That's it for today. Come back next week for my next 3 teams.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the X Millennial Man Podcast. His daughter is a prodigy since she is able to read at the age of one. Why else would Ty write a happy birthday message. Follow Ty on instagram and twitter.

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