Kyle Korver signs with Mike’s Milwaukee Bucks
Bucks fan Mike is delighted with this signing. Not only do the Bucks add an all time sharp shooter but they keep him away from the 76ers who appear to be the biggest challenger to the Bucks in the East in 2019/20. My guess is Wes Mathews will start at the 2 guard backed up by Donte and Pat or Sterling will be the primary backup to Khris at the 3 but I expect the Bucks to find 10-12 minutes per game for Korver at either the 2 or 3 spot-Nice to have depth!
Best free agents still available
We would expect the following players to be signed between now and the beginning of training camp. Point Guard: Jamal Crawford (39 years old but three time 6th man of the year can still shoot); Wings: JR Smith for offense and Iman Shumpert for defense; Power Forwards/Centers: Vince Carter (the cameleon) who played 94% of his time at power forward and shot 39% from 3 and Thabo Sefolosha who can defend multiple positions.
NBA Western Conference: X factors that will impact the last two playoff spots
We are very excited about the 2019/20 NBA season given the parity that emerged post free agency with a number of strong teams and a few dynamic duos but no super team. While the top 6 in the West look clear: Denver; Utah; Houston; The 2 LA teams and Golden State (Brian has them as an eight seed but Mike is blogging today so he will put them in the top 6), the fight for the last two spots will be intense and may come down to the X factors on each team. We see 6 teams legitimately battling for the last two spots. Portland: How well does Whiteside play until Nurkic returns and how does he then adapt back on the bench? Note we still believe Kevin Love to Portland will happen some time next season. Mavericks: Surprisingly quiet this summer X factor (beyond Kristap’s health) may be Seth Curry’s shooting % but Dallas is somewhat of a mystery to us. Pelicans: Frankly we can’t wait to see how the rotations work on this team. The X factor has to be JJ Redick and how his elite 3 point shooting translates into playing time (and how it rubs off on their younger guys.) Spurs: Dejonte Murray’s health and whether he can share the court with the emerging Derrick White (are we seeing a changing of the guard in San Antonio and how do DeRozan and Aldridge adapt?) Timberwolves: Their X factor is not if but when do they trade Andrew Wiggins for DeAngelo Russell and what else do the Wolves need to add? Kings: Brian is very high on this team as they appear to be adding some veteran leadership (re-signed Barnes, added Dedmon, Corry Joseph and Ariza) to their young core of Fox; Hield and Bagley, their X factor may bethe health of often injured Harry Giles.
The Denver Nuggets look set up for a 5+ year playoff run?
As our podcast listeners know, Brian picked the Denver Nuggets to win the NBA tile in 2019/20. He is expecting a break out performance from Michael Porter Jr (very sorry he was injured in the last practice before summer league so we did not see him at all in Vegas). Based upon info from the Ringer, ESPN and the Athletic, Denver leads the league in number of impact players under 25 years old: Jokic,is an all star, Murray is a potential all star, Porter could be “rookie” of the year, Morris and Beasley are key back ups and Bol Bol is in the house (likely start in G league). Even if you think next year is too early for the Nuggets to win it all, as the Vegas odds do, the Nuggets look to be a top 4 team in the West for a number of years.
