Around the League: Week 16 1/28-2/3

[In2ition]

So, Jeremy Lin is getting bought out by Atl, but only to be signed by Toronto, who has Lowry and VanVleet, to be there 3rd pg. And then there are the Suns who are still without a decent 3rd string pg to be their starting pg. I know he is intrigued about being on a title contender, but this annoys me because he could really help this young team even more than Tyler Johnson can.

Who in their right mind would choose to play here over a good team?

I know, I know...I am just starved for some semi-decent news and good basketball to watch. I'm starting to think that the Suns would win the lottery and either trade the #1 pick for someone like Aaron Gordon or win it and then trade Book for the #2 or 3 and take RJ Barrett along with Tre Jones just to have 3 new rookies starting next year.

[carey]

Who in their right mind would choose to play here over a good team?

I had the same thought about Lin signing here. He'd immediately be the best PG on the roster and probably start. So he is choosing 10 minutes per game and injury insurance over starting for a team and really making a difference with some young players.

[Split T]

He wants to play in meaningful games. He had the whole make a difference for young players thing going for him in Atlanta. Why would he work a buyout if that’s what he wanted? He could have just stayed. I can’t fault him for wanting to play in Toronto. Lowry misses a lot of games, he’s insurance for those times Lowry sits out.

[Indy]

Losing sucks. It drains you. It depresses you. It makes it hard to come to work every day. He is near the end of his career. Why do that to yourself?

[Mori Chu]

I like Lin, but I don't think he is good enough to turn this thing around. Let him go contend for a title. That Toronto team is probably a lot of fun; lots of selfless nice guys, lots of interesting international players, lots of talent. Probably a really cheerful and friendly locker room without a lot of BS. And they're like to go to the ECF if not the Finals.

Side question: Do you guys like the Raps or the Bucks more to make the NBA Finals? Or some other team like Philly or Boston? I lean toward Toronto but could see Milwaukee getting there too due to the insanity of the season Giannis is having. I give the edge to the Raps because I think Giannis lack of 3-point shooting may hurt them, and I just like the balance of the roster in Toronto more.

[In2ition]

I like the starting 5 of Philly, but it seems like it's going to be toss up with 5 teams. Even Indy is playing well, but the Victor injury hurts them badly.

[Split T]

I think Milwaukee wins the East.

[Cap]

Yeah, I’m not betting against Giannis. The Bucks are my pick.

[carey]

We will see but Philly looks like the real deal ATM. Biggest issue for them now is their bench. They will likely be keeping a close eye on the buyout market.

[Flagrant Fowl]

Philly is experiencing the classic post-trade bump. We just went on the same sort of ride with Oubre.

We still have to see what happens in the playoffs when teams dare Simmons to beat them. I think the difference will be if Embiid can dominate a game when he's their only reliable option.

[In2ition]

In former All-time great Suns news;

[Drewsprocket]

Should have just signed Payton on a cheap deal. The only saving grace to all this is if they nab the number one pick and get Williamson.

[Flagrant Fowl]

If I were Chriss' agent I would've signed him up for mandarin classes months ago.

[Split T]

He’s actually having a decent game tonight

[TOO]

He’s actually having a decent game tonight

Hes better than Bender imo. Not that that means much.

[Flagrant Fowl]

A good game against the Knicks is the NBA version of a participation trophy.

[TOO]

A good game against the Knicks is the NBA version of a participation trophy.

So what is it when they do it against us?

[Split T]

He’s actually having a decent game tonight

Hes better than Bender imo. Not that that means much.

I agree. On both your points.

[Cap]

A good game against the Knicks is the NBA version of a participation trophy.

So what is it when they do it against us?

Automatic.