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Daniel Kaufman

Immediate Contributors vs. Projects: 2020 Draft

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With any selection in a draft, a given team must weigh the pros and cons of players who figure to be ready to contribute right away, versus guys who will undoubtedly require some time to develop before they can help their teams win games. Let's take a look at 5 players who should be ready to contribute to winning basketball from the jump versus 5 players who are long-term … [Read more...] about Immediate Contributors vs. Projects: 2020 Draft

NBA Finals Preview!

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After one of the more remarkable playoff runs in recent memory, the Miami Heat have reached the finals, where Lebron and the mighty Lakers await them. While taking the Heat to win this series has become a sexy underdog pick, I really don’t see it happening. For me, the Heat’s biggest weakness is LA’s exact strength: lack of size on the interior. Miami was able to use their … [Read more...] about NBA Finals Preview!

Predictions for the Conference Finals

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Now that the Western Conference Finals are officially set, and the Eastern Conference Finals are already under way, let's make some predictions. Celtics vs. Heat (written after game 1) Swing points to watch for: -I think Marcus Smart unequivocally must be in the closing lineup for Brad Stevens. Despite his erratic offensive tendencies, his value both on the defense … [Read more...] about Predictions for the Conference Finals

We’re In Luka’s World Now

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For those who were fortunate enough to tune in to today's game 4 matchup between the Mavericks and Clippers, you just watched an event that has little historical precedent. Luka Dončić, on a bad ankle, without his best running mate, against a finals favorite, after playing 46 minutes, hit a shot beyond belief at the buzzer to tie the series against the Clippers, capping off a … [Read more...] about We’re In Luka’s World Now

Let’s Dance: Previewing the West’s First Round Matchups

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It's finally here--the playoffs start today! Let's preview the West's first round and make some predictions. (1) Lakers vs. (8) Blazers The hottest team in the bubble faces off against perhaps the coldest. The Blazers come surging into the postseason after a remarkable 9-game rampage by Dame and co. The Lakers have looked somewhat off for the entire restart, and really … [Read more...] about Let’s Dance: Previewing the West’s First Round Matchups

Let’s Dance: Previewing the East’s First Round Matchups

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  Get ready folks, the playoffs are right on the horizon! Now that the Eastern conference first round matchups have been officially locked in, let’s take a look at the action to come and make some predictions. (1) Bucks vs. (8) Magic I can’t imagine too many fans are eager to tune in to this series; Orlando is outmatched in basically every way, as they face the … [Read more...] about Let’s Dance: Previewing the East’s First Round Matchups

Yes, It’s Time to Be Concerned About the Lakers

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Among all the disappointments that surrounded the NBA’s suspension back in March, perhaps none loomed larger for the average NBA viewer than the prospect of Lebron not getting what appeared to be his best shot at a 4th ring. Before the shutdown, he was leading the Lakers on a rampage through the Western Conference, going 11-2 in their final 13 games, including statements wins … [Read more...] about Yes, It’s Time to Be Concerned About the Lakers

Reactions from re-opening weekend at the NBA bubble

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It was quite a weekend of action from the NBA bubble down in Orlando. Lots to address, we did our best to trim down our mess of notes, thoughts and reactions.  Bucks vs. Celtics -The Bucks’ defense just leapt off the screen for me. I cannot recall a single attempt Boston had around the basket that was not met by two leaping long-armed men from Milwaukee—and this was … [Read more...] about Reactions from re-opening weekend at the NBA bubble