Team Ricky Rundown
Even before he wrote this I just KNEW, Barlow was an AU guy.
The Embiid in/out situation and his generally not-so-good play has brought us to a head.
Finds from Around the League
Chris Paul’s return to the Clippers ended in ugliness, and although I’ve never been a CP3 guy, I can’t say I’m totally unsympathetic. He came back hoping to bow out with dignity, but instead got unceremoniously shown the door — and it’s on the Clippers’ front office for mishandling the whole thing and really that whole roster. However! That 2028 pick is looking like straight Scrooge McDuck gold right now in the Morey war chest.
I think the Sixers are in the right tier here. Maxey is 1000% off-limits and these kinds of trades rarely pay off mid-season, so you’d essentially be making this move for what you could be looking like next year. That said, if it costs me one and not both of VJ and McCain and PG, Clippers 1st etc. I’d probably be all in.
Absolutely maddening how the Mavs have handled Dereck Lively, dating back to last year. I really hope he gets back right soon. A big guy that young already having to go under the knife multiple times for foot problems is never good.
Interesting that Sam Presti is doing what we all hoped Sam Hinkie would do, even using the same methods to get there, just not getting the same vitriol because he flashed a smile and shook some hands.
Just TJ doing TJ shit, man.
5 Things to Take Away
-Lane Kiffin is an absolute asshole, always has been, always will be, but strictly from a timing standpoint, if you’re upset as to WHEN he took the job, that’s a college football thing. Ohio State just lost their Wide Receivers coach in the middle of their playoff run as well. A truly shitty system needs some regulation.
-Basketball sons are ruling the world right now. I feel like in basketball specifically, the hit rate on genetics is out of this world. I’ll see your Marcus Jordan and raise you Kiyan Anthony and Boozer twins.
-Tyrese Maxey’s PPG average has climbed progressively every season. I’m choosing to just appreciate him for what he’s doing now and what he will do later, life in the league isn’t easy and he’s making it look like a breeze.
-VJ Edgecombe is so good. He’s an archetype the Sixers have sorely needed. Extremely athletic, knows when to use it and not afraid to, and a quick learner. I don’t care about the points — they will come — right now I’m more concerned with getting him comfortable in various situations and Nick Nurse and staff helping him find that balance between relying on athleticism vs trusting his court acumen.
-As if we collectively haven’t discussed the football team in this town enough, my two cents, they just don’t look comfortable doing anything on offense. Maybe that is fixed over the next five weeks, we hope at least. I’m not sure it gets any better but I do think it’ll be good enough to stop the sinking out in Cali. Birds 24 Chargers 14.
Presti deserves an article like that after winning it all. He definitely learned not what to do from Hinkie.