NBA: Hot takes but they keep getting hotter
By: Will Aimette
(Photo Credit: Orange County Register)
In the NBA, there have been many trade rumours, reviews, questions, and takes. For example, Lebron vs. Jordan is a classic. We will be answering these questions today with bold outlooks on the NBA.
Heat Level: 🔥
Lebron James is the greatest basketball player of all-time. Honestly, it’s not that crazy of a take. After 22 seasons in the NBA, it seems as every year that passes he makes a stronger case towards being the GOAT. I mean, he is the all-time scoring leader after all. I know, I know, all you Jordan lovers are gonna come after me. But seriously, Jordan had so many weapons around him, including longtime teammate and hall of famer, Scottie Pippen. Lebron didn't have an elite player like Pippen since he was in Miami and Cleveland. Furthermore, LeBron was held back statwise by a pandemic in 2020, resulting in a shortened season. Still, these two players clearly separate themselves from anyone else who has ever played the game, as LeBron has a deserving claim to be the greatest of all time.
Heat Level: 🔥🔥
James Harden is one of the most overrated players. His prime was short, and while he had his superstar-like moments, he never fully emerged into one of the best players in the NBA. While Harden was excellent on the Rockets, he was constantly hurt, and never took over a game like stars do today. Now, he is washed up in what has become an NBA retirement home, the Clippers, barely leading a mediocre team to the playoffs. I mean, he only averaged 16 PPG last season for the Clippers, while playing 34 minutes per game. It really isn’t too crazy to say Harden is overrated, just take a look at his statline.
Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥
Lamelo Ball is a top 10 NBA player. Now, this might sound like a crazier take than it really is, but the more you look into it, the more you realize it. And my job? To help you realize it. Let’s take a look at some of his stats. At only 23 years old, yes 23 YEARS OLD, he is averaging a whopping 26 PPG. His NYC streetball style of playing makes him so interesting and fun to watch. He obviously is a talented player. So, why isn’t he considered a top 10 player to most people? Well, first of all, injuries. Lamelo missed 22 out of his last 40 games due to injuries. His stats would be even more ridiculous at such a young age without injuries. Second of all, the Hornets. The Hornets stink. Sorry Hornets fans, you guys have no talent whatsoever outside of Lamelo Ball. This team desperately needs some talent around him, if Lamelo wants to get even close to the playoffs. But Lamelo is a deserving player who certainly has extreme talent, enough to be considered an elite player in the NBA.
Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
The Pistons are winning the NBA Finals. Now, this seems crazy. You might ask, are you talking about the previous 14-68 Pistons? Well yes, I am. This team went from by far the worst in the NBA to a playoff team in one season. Talk about a turnaround. And honestly, they’re pretty prepared for a playoff run. They have gone 9-1 in their last 10 games, and have been beating quality playoff teams, including the Celtics and Clippers. A young team of this quality led by superstar Cade Cunningham, or as the players like to call him, “Mellow Yellow,” certainly is poised to keep playing great basketball for the rest of the season. But the NBA Finals? Are the Pistons really the best? Well, the best team doesn’t necessarily win. Take the 2016 Warriors, who lost only 9 games, yes 9 games, in the regular season. Did they win? No, they got beaten by a team with lots of young talent, the Cavs. All I’m saying is the Pistons are one to watch out for. Don’t be too suprised if this team makes a deep run in the playoffs and ultimately ends up winning the Finals.
Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
The Mavericks won the Luka - Anthony Davis (AD) trade. Quietly. In fans eyes, it looked like a horrible deal. Now, I can see why. Trading away the face of your franchise is not a good look. Especially when it’s for veteran Anthony Davis, who is regressing at this point in his career. However, it’s all in the details. The Mavs also got SG Max Christie, a talented young guard that hasn’t yet blossomed on the Lakers. So far, 3 weeks after the trade, Christie is averaging 19 PPG, while Doncic is only averaging about 14 PPG. Now, I’m not saying Doncic will put up 14 PPG for the rest of the season, because a player of his caliber certainly won’t. However, I am saying that Max Christie looks like he is developing into a nice young star. Not to mention AD put up 26 points and 16 rebounds in his debut for the Mavericks, before a minor injury set him back a couple of games. So, the trade wasn’t as bad as you think, and in the future, if Christie keeps up this high-level of playing, I’d say the Mavericks won the Luka Doncic trade.
