HofstraBBall wrote:

HofstraBBall wrote:

Philc1 wrote:

HofstraBBall wrote:

fishmike wrote:

Knixkik wrote:

fishmike wrote:

Panos wrote:It occurred to me that we didn't have a goto Brunson thread, and dug this up.
This guy is such a warrior and a true leader of men with both his actions and words. Competes every night and knows how to deal with the NYC spotlight. Continues to get better.
It occurred to me that he reminds me of Tim Duncan in a PG. He is the "Little Fundamental".

we are just so lucky. You got teams tanking desperate for franchise talent. We go out and sign Brunson outright and trade for KAT using guys we signed outright followed by Bridges using a bunch of picks but still keeping a roster with a pipeline. Its just wild. We got 3 legit stars with 2 of the best role players in the league in Josh/OG.

Brunson is so genuine, smart and just likable. The chemistry between he and Hart is wildly enjoyable because it's all about winning. They are maniacs and I love them like sons

Getting Brunson for nothing and getting Hart for so cheap were the 2 moves that transformed the entire culture for the team. And you’re right about the KAT trade. We got him for 2 players signed outright. Just unbelievable roster management.

I would say getting Thibs and Randle were the two moves that changed the culture (although Jules was already here, he's the guy Thibs rode to elevate and he did). After that Brunson/Josh become cornerstones for sure.

Probably my favorite thing this FO has done was how well they pivoted from Kemba/Fournier. Mistakes that just didnt cost us or set us back. That's HUGE. No pride. That didnt work so move on.

IMHO, the key to our success is how Brunson and Towns distance themselves from the 1 and 1A thinking.
I have noticed several games where that exists over a team structure.
Feel it’s not being selfish but knowing when to let others/feed others who have it going,
JB, seems to take it on his shoulders too much.
Will also affect how Towns plays the game.
My feeling is that Towns truly felt he would be the main guy in NY.
Been a good soldier but as someone who played, I recognize the dynamic when it plays out on the court.
Hopefully both are committed to winning first and foremost. Think they are.

Everyone on this team has clearly bought into the team concept. No one is putting individual stats over wins and losses.

It’s a bit naive to think that individual success and affinity for being “the go to guy” is not high on an elite players radar.
In fact, It is the main reason many teams with multiple stars do not work out or have success.

But I am specifically talking about the ability to not buy into the 1/1A mold where players feel they always have to be the ones to get it done.
And yes, we have seen it with JB this and last season.
He needs to understand when to back off his offense and let/get others involved and excel.
If not, we won’t be at our best.

Best game of the year for JB.
7 dimes in 4th quarter.
Read how defense was overplaying him and got the ball to open shooters.
This is next level JB we can go deep with.

Agreed....His playmaking has definitely taken him to the next level and has/can make this team a legit threat in the east...

If we can stay healthy and Mitch, shamet, Deuce and Prec are also thats 9 deep and I think we that puts us with anyone talent wise.
Long way to go. Super fun season thus far.

Panos wrote:

Nalod wrote:Agree he is now elite.
We hoped if his scoring was down it was because the team was better. It is.
Why? OG is freaking brilliant! Last night he was clutch. He was hitting from the 3 when we needed a bucket.
The passing is automatic. He passes. Not like Frankie did, but OG is happy to feed his mates even when he has a good shot if they have an even better one.
The disruptions and defense is incredible. I don't think most of us really appreciate all he does. Including myself.
Lets be real, We loved DDV, but Mikal is so much more complete than he was.
And Then there is Jules. KAT is a willing passer, and rather good at it! This alone makes everyone better. Josh as a guard? His turnovers are fewer this year and his playmaking is vastly improved. He was "lost" but that is often when a player is tasked with something and has to think. Now, its instinct.
Contracts: Everyone has his bag for now. OG on paper is debatable but the intangibles make him a bargain.
"Thibs makes players better". We read this and there might be something to it. Jules is not meshing in with Minny well as one would have thought. DDV was coming around but he might have peaked with us both on the court and physically.
Remember some were freaking out over bridges and suggested in hast we trade him? Seems silly now but fans frustrations make for emotional comments.
Then there is KAT. Is he the best version of himself with Thibs? Seems like it. This dude is nearly peak Embiid from what I can see.
Hindsight is great. The KAT to NY thing was floated for a long time and I was on record as being highly intrigued by it. The contract is still scary and I figured Mitch, not DDV would have gone in the trade. Im not saying I predicted it because its been out there since Leon was hired.

If we can stay healthy and Mitch, shamet, Deuce and Prec are also thats 9 deep and I think we that puts us with anyone talent wise.
Long way to go. Super fun season thus far.

I know its not possible, but imagine this team with (last year's) DDV off the bench instead of Shamet or Cam. I think that's your championship squad right there.

Sure. Lets bring Grimes off the bench also.
But Grimes did not jive with Thibs, and DDV toe is an issue this season. I get it it but as you said its not possible.
Im thinking Shamet might still have a level that he can get back to. We know he can shoot, its the defense he is improving on.
Once its instinctive, the shot might come back.
Deuce has been hampered by the hammy and he is just starting to get to where he can be. He can do much of DDV did but is a better defender.
DDV without Jules and OG was forced to light it up. I don't know if DDV gets the breathing space to do that this year. I think he is a rhythm player.
Don't get me wrong, I was not happy he was traded, but thus far we made out like bandits!!!
Cam came and went in the deal for Josh. Josh is even better this year!
I'd like to see PNR with Deuce and Mitch.
Shamet getting kick outs
Precious down hill cuts....with Josh, OG, or Mikal staggered in as needed.
Like to see TJ Warren come in and light it up and Give Mikal an earlier rest.
TJ with Starters might be ok.

But lets see how the injury things plays out rest of the way.