My concern for Jaylen Brown is that he has all the physical tools to be a star but ends up missing something, sort of like Jeff Green.

On the other hand, I feel like he might have something in common with me. As a poker player, I would describe myself as not instinctive and had to learn how to simulate aggression that does not come naturally. My default is a nit who doesn't like to gamble. And I've had to learn how to play on a short bankroll which required caution.

Brown doesn't seem to have great instincts as a player, but it feels like he is learning and he has a lot of intelligence and self-awareness. He's either going to take a huge leap when everything clicks or he is never going to improve that much, tantalizing several future teams with his physical gifts that he comes close to harnessing but never quite gets there.

This contract is a bet that he has the will and the character to get it done. That's something that I think is possible, but it's unknowable for people like us who are exterior to the process. Ainge's track record as a GM suggests that the Celtics aren't drawing dead on Brown being worth it. The best comparison is probably Avery Bradley. He signed a contract that had many people laughing at Ainge, claiming that he was negotiating against himself and overpaying, but it soon turned into a contract that was considered a positive.

Wasn't aware that 12M of Brown's contract was bonuses, had read just straight 4/115. So closer to only 10M more than Buddy. Still prefer Buddy.

give him the security of a tenth of a billion. let him know the C's value you. and look, you know these other poker players are playing bad. you lost 2000 dollars. your girl doesnt get it. i get it. they suck. sure your QQ went allin with AA, but u dont understand, a girl also called allin with 77, and hit! listen the AA could have had like well any big hand honey but the 77's...that was jaylen last year.

and jaylen is like man...but baby, these cats cant f with me...every shot in and out...ffff.. but now...jaylens world . the court arises from his mind. oh...there is a ball. ball in hoop. on d, mind meld with teammates...move body to stop ball in hoop. easy game with a tenth of a billion.

West

1. Denver
2. Utah
3. Clippers
4. Lakers
5. Houston
6. Portland
7. Golden State
8. San Antonio
9. Sacramento
10. New Orleans
11. Dallas
12. Oklahoma City
13. Minnesota
14. Phoenix
15. Memphis

East

1. Milwaukee
2. Philadelphia
3. Toronto
4. Boston
5. Indiana
6. Miami
7. Orlando
8. Detroit
9. Brooklyn
10. Atlanta
11. Washington
12. Chicago
13. Charlotte
14. New York
15. Cleveland

Playoffs

Lakers > Denver
Clippers > Golden State
Milwaukee > Boston
Philadelphia > Toronto

Lakers > Clippers
Philadelphia > Milwaukee

Lakers > Philadelphia

did OG Annoby showcase the ability to do anything on offense other than dunks and 3s during the preseason? asking for a friend who is playing DFS tomorrow

going to be interesting to see how boston and toronto adjust

i'm thinking LAL/LAC won't be all that interesting with all the load managing afoot

I really like the Nuggets image in the OP

DFS deep sleeper call - N. Melli on the Pels is going to get some minutes and he is going to shoot every time he gets the ball. Their only bigs without Zion are Favors, Okafor, and Jaxson Hayes. This Euro dude is a total black hole and will get garbage time stats and run.

have him as top pels option at forward... that's not saying much though 9th favorite option salary blind forward in a 2 game slate but definitely has upside

It’s game day!

Brown is almost 23
Hield is almost 27

Worst case with this contract, they should be able to get out of it without issue. I think an Otto Porter comp is fair, and that contract was easily movable for expirings (and if you think Brown isn't as good as Porter, that's fine, I won't argue).

I do think the Jeff Green comparison is fair - Jaylen doesn't have court sense, or awareness or whatever you call it, so I don't think his ceiling is an all star. But I think he cares more than Jeff Green, and is probably already as good as Jeff Green ever was.

I do think the Buddy contract is probably a little better, but that 4 year age difference matters.

Celtics are huge sleepers this year. Celtics in finals/win finals is free money.

Who are biggest obstacles to Celtics making/winning finals?

Lakers: Lebron is going to get booed all season, it's going to be hell for him and lakers cause of his china bullshit. They may win finals but it will be against celtics. Also Lebron is old and also focusing on a big movie.

Nets: LOL no

Bucs: Just my opinion but they ran way over EV+ last year. Other than Giannis they are trash.

Sixers: wow they got Horford who has broken knees. Sixers are very over rated.

Rockets: This is a question mark. Harden always plays really well against celtics so they could be trouble. But we wouldn't play them until finals.

Without Kyrie Celtics players are gonna be way more comfortable. I wouldn't be surprised if Tatum and Gordon go off. The sims have celtics going 41-41 LOL. Not even close.

Was just about to say Warriors a good bet at 12:1.

Now: no.

THE MAVS ARE UNDEFEATED!!!!

are the warriors good wthout klay and durant?

Biggest obstacle are the Celtic players. They are a roster of third and fourth bests.

Jaylen sucks and Buddy is a SuperStar

yeah he's terrible that's why Ainge signed him to a long term deal.

Well I bet on my opinions, Danny boy will be fine regardless. Kemba is lit af though

buddy's a career bench warmer. finally got some run on a no D bad team and hit a few buckets. jaylen is a stud!

when u win one outta four rangz thay thay for damn near a century u ask a little more outta your guys than lollygagging around gunning up threes. a little something the C's like to call hustle.

Hopefully Doogie Howser's NBA injury update of the week becomes a regular thing ITT.

NBA coming to MEXICO CITY in December and trying to decide on which game to attend.

Dallas v. Detroit
Phoenix v. Spurs

Seems like Luka/Staps vs. Blake is the obvious choice, no?

Neither game is good but Luka/Staps by a mile and hope Blake plays. That other game is putrid