Blue Devils in the NBA 2024-2025

[CrazyNotCrazie]

Zion has apparently parted way with CAA, the huge agency that represents him.

Zion Williamson, CAA parting ways: Sources

It is not immediately clear why Williamson and CAA are splitting.

www.nytimes.com

That same Athletic article notes that Zion faces a risk -- albeit a small one -- of being waived by the Pels after this season. The team has got to be frustrated at him constantly being injured. His contract has a series of clauses that guarantee portions of his salary based on the numbers of games played and based on him meeting various weight goals... a large number of those guarantees are in danger as a result of his current long-term injury status.

As for the weight clause... this was released over the weekend of Zion getting a huge new back tattoo... he has a quite noticeable bump in his stomach that would seem to indicate he has not been keeping the weight off during his injury time.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1860050627117961306

Interesting piece of nuance here. You wrote "Zion has apparently parted way with CAA" while the article says "Zion and CAA are parting ways." Your version makes it sound like it was Zion's choice. The article is less clear on that, though it does have an explanation of what happens when a client fires an agency. One would assume that you are right and Zion ended the relationship. But given all the drama around Zion, I would not be totally shocked if CAA ended it. This is unlikely, but possible.

I am less concerned with others about his weight. I'm not happy about it. But I understand that for some, eating is an addiction and that is hard to fight. Yes, he has a lot at stake (pardon my pun), but he also has a fortune in the bank (hopefully). I am concerned with what seems to be his general lack of maturity. His youthful joy is part of what made many of us love him at Duke, but at some point he has to grow up and surround himself with better people. And surrounding yourself with good people and having fun are not mutually exclusive. I'm assuming the Brotherhood has tried to help, but you can lead a horse to water...

 

[blazindw]

Zion has never had washboard abs, and I’ve never been concerned about his weight. The concern has always been his inability to stay healthy. No matter his weight, that has been the constant, so that should be the focus.

 

[budwom]

I fear his ultra muscular physiology is just prone to injury, because it seems that he's making the effort to keep his weight reasonable.

 

[brevity]

ESPN singles out a few Duke names when sizing up the NBA season so far.

Surprise ROY? Repeat MVPs? Expert picks for NBA early-season awards

Our NBA insiders break down their choices for the six major awards based on players' and coaches' performances one month into the 2024-25 NBA season.

www.espn.com

MVP:

1. Nikola Jokic, DEN
2. Anthony Davis, LAL
3. Jayson Tatum, BOS
4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC
T5. Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL
T5. Stephen Curry, GS

Rookie:

1. Jared McCain, PHI
2. Dalton Knecht, LAL
3. Zach Edey, MEM
T4. Stephon Castle, SA
T4. Jaylen Wells, MEM
T4. Zaccharie Risacher, ATL
T7. Alex Sarr, WAS
T7. Reed Sheppard, HOU

Improved:

1. Dyson Daniels, ATL
2. Jalen Williams, OKC
3. Cam Thomas, BRK
T4. Evan Mobley, CLE
T4. Jalen Johnson, ATL
6. LaMelo Ball, CHA
T7. Ty Jerome, CLE
T7. Cade Cunningham, DET
9. Alperen Sengun, HOU
T10. Norman Powell, LAC
T10. Bennedict Mathurin, IND
T12. Franz Wagner, ORL
T12. Ochai Agbaji, TOR

Coach:

1. Kenny Atkinson, CLE
2. Joe Mazzulla, BOS
3. Steve Kerr, GS
T4. Ime Udoka, HOU
T4. JJ Redick, LAL
6. Jamahl Mosley, ORL
7. Mark Daigneault, OKC
8. J.B. Bickerstaff, DET
9. Michael Malone, DEN

 

[phaedrus]

ESPN singles out a few Duke names when sizing up the NBA season so far.

Surprise ROY? Repeat MVPs? Expert picks for NBA early-season awards

Our NBA insiders break down their choices for the six major awards based on players' and coaches' performances one month into the 2024-25 NBA season.

www.espn.com

MVP:

1. Nikola Jokic, DEN
2. Anthony Davis, LAL
3. Jayson Tatum, BOS
4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC
T5. Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL
T5. Stephen Curry, GS

Geez, imagine leading the league in scoring, sporting a higher PER than Lebron or MJ ever did, being an All-NBA defender... and coming in tied for fifth in the MVP race.

(And Giannis once reportedly said he wished he played for Duke, if you object to the relevance of this post.)

 

[sagegrouse]

I fear his ultra muscular physiology is just prone to injury, because it seems that he's making the effort to keep his weight reasonable.

Amen, budwom, amen. In Zion we have a physical specimen and set of basketball capabilities unique in the history of basketball. We should not leap to make claims against his own efforts and dedication to his craft, when there is no one to compare him to. Maybe that body is not made for high-intensity basketball.

Hey guys and gals, give Zion a break!

 

[patentgeek]

Geez, imagine leading the league in scoring, sporting a higher PER than Lebron or MJ ever did, being an All-NBA defender... and coming in tied for fifth in the MVP race.

(And Giannis once reportedly said he wished he played for Duke, if you object to the relevance of this post.)

Not unlike a guy who led his team in scoring and rebounding and was second in assists, on a team that had one of the best regular seasons in NBA history, yet finished 6th in the MVP voting last year. (Tatum). Same guy who led his team in points, rebounds and assists in the NBA Finals and wasn't named Finals MVP.

 

[DonerKebab]

Interesting piece of nuance here. You wrote "Zion has apparently parted way with CAA" while the article says "Zion and CAA are parting ways." Your version makes it sound like it was Zion's choice. The article is less clear on that, though it does have an explanation of what happens when a client fires an agency. One would assume that you are right and Zion ended the relationship. But given all the drama around Zion, I would not be totally shocked if CAA ended it. This is unlikely, but possible.

I am less concerned with others about his weight. I'm not happy about it. But I understand that for some, eating is an addiction and that is hard to fight. Yes, he has a lot at stake (pardon my pun), but he also has a fortune in the bank (hopefully). I am concerned with what seems to be his general lack of maturity. His youthful joy is part of what made many of us love him at Duke, but at some point he has to grow up and surround himself with better people. And surrounding yourself with good people and having fun are not mutually exclusive. I'm assuming the Brotherhood has tried to help, but you can lead a horse to water...

I have the issue with overeating. I started taking Rybelsus due to dr's recs and it works like a miracle. Can't imagine someone with 10s of millions not being able to get this. it literally eliminates the "addiction" part. He is amazing, but the food part can be solved at this day and age IMHO if one wants to do it.

 

[AZLA]

I have the issue with overeating. I started taking Rybelsus due to dr's recs and it works like a miracle. Can't imagine someone with 10s of millions not being able to get this. it literally eliminates the "addiction" part. He is amazing, but the food part can be solved at this day and age IMHO if one wants to do it.

I really just wonder if he’s also parted ways with his interior designer (in addition to CAA)?

Godfather II Tahoe designer called and he wants his set back.

I can’t comment too much on overeating because I’m on zoom meetings all day and my brain needs glucose to stay alert.

That being said I hear wonderful things about oh oh oh Ozempic…

But to your point, if I had access to a daily sports performance chef I’d look like Bo Jackson circa the Nike Bo Knows ad and I would dominate Zoom AND pickleball today!

 

[CrazyNotCrazie]

Really great article in The Athletic about the culture of the Orlando Magic, focusing primarily on the very close friendship of Wendell Carter and Jalen Suggs. Apologies if this is behind a paywall - I tried to find a way to do a gift link but didn't see one.

Jalen Suggs, Wendell Carter Jr.’s special friendship sets tone for Orlando Magic

Suggs' viral comforting of a crying Carter went deeper than it appeared. And it reveals what makes the Magic special.

www.nytimes.com

 

[DoubleBlue]

Really great article in The Athletic about the culture of the Orlando Magic, focusing primarily on the very close friendship of Wendell Carter and Jalen Suggs. Apologies if this is behind a paywall - I tried to find a way to do a gift link but didn't see one.

Jalen Suggs, Wendell Carter Jr.’s special friendship sets tone for Orlando Magic

Suggs' viral comforting of a crying Carter went deeper than it appeared. And it reveals what makes the Magic special.

www.nytimes.com

Here it is on a secondary (free) news feed:

Jalen Suggs, Wendell Carter Jr.’s special friendship sets tone for Orlando Magic - NEWS

Over the past four years, the Orlando Magic have been aware of a budding friendship between point guard Jalen Suggs and big man Wendell Carter Jr.“Those two have a great relationship,” forward Paolo Banchero said. “Ever since I’ve got here, they have that best-friend type of thing, where they...

www.netafox.com

 

[elvis14]

ESPN singles out a few Duke names when sizing up the NBA season so far.

Surprise ROY? Repeat MVPs? Expert picks for NBA early-season awards

Our NBA insiders break down their choices for the six major awards based on players' and coaches' performances one month into the 2024-25 NBA season.

www.espn.com

MVP:

1. Nikola Jokic, DEN
2. Anthony Davis, LAL
3. Jayson Tatum, BOS
4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC
T5. Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL
T5. Stephen Curry, GS

Rookie:

1. Jared McCain, PHI
2. Dalton Knecht, LAL
3. Zach Edey, MEM
T4. Stephon Castle, SA
T4. Jaylen Wells, MEM
T4. Zaccharie Risacher, ATL
T7. Alex Sarr, WAS
T7. Reed Sheppard, HOU

Improved:

1. Dyson Daniels, ATL
2. Jalen Williams, OKC
3. Cam Thomas, BRK
T4. Evan Mobley, CLE
6. LaMelo Ball, CHA
T7. Ty Jerome, CLE
T7. Cade Cunningham, DET
9. Alperen Sengun, HOU
T10. Norman Powell, LAC
T10. Bennedict Mathurin, IND
T12. Franz Wagner, ORL
T12. Ochai Agbaji, TOR

Coach:

1. Kenny Atkinson, CLE
2. Joe Mazzulla, BOS
3. Steve Kerr, GS
T4. Ime Udoka, HOU
T4. JJ Redick, LAL
6. Jamahl Mosley, ORL
7. Mark Daigneault, OKC
8. J.B. Bickerstaff, DET
9. Michael Malone, DEN

Great to see us have guys in these discussions. As much as I wish we still have McCain, he is obviously ready and playing so well. Hope I can catch a few of his game if they are televised.

 

[cato]

As someone who was watching the game as it happened, he was just feeding off the energy of the crowd and talking to them. This is a big nothingburger although I agree it is too early to make that kind of pronouncement…

Circumstances like this remind me of an on-court interview with Tyus Jones after a big win during the 2015 season. Quinn Cook, feeding off the energy as he walked off the court, interjected himself to proclaim “Best Backcourt!” to the reporter, the camera, the audience, and Tyus Jones.

I remember thinking at the time, “I love the enthusiasm but that’s a bold claim.”

Messieurs Cook and Jones were able to back up the enthusiasm with results. I’m pulling for our guy McCain to do the same.

 

[cato]

Not unlike a guy who led his team in scoring and rebounding and was second in assists, on a team that had one of the best regular seasons in NBA history, yet finished 6th in the MVP voting last year. (Tatum). Same guy who led his team in points, rebounds and assists in the NBA Finals and wasn't named Finals MVP.

Thanks patentgeek. All Tatum does is win.

How does he do this? Dedicating himself to his craft, seeking out opportunities to work with some of the best minds in basketball history, including Pop and K, and embracing the opportunity to bring championships back to Boston (one of the two most storied franchises in NBA history), all while subsuming his pursuit of personal glory to the overarching goal of team success.

It is unfortunate that his impressive accomplishments (so far) are not getting the broad recognition they deserve, but hopefully Jayson knows he’s got folks like us that are seriously impressed.

 

[King of Defense]

Three Duke alumni had nine assists each last night -- Jalen Johnson, Kyrie and the least surprising, Tyus.

Johnson also had 20 points, 3 rebounds and 3 blocks in a 107-104 Hawks win.

Not surprising that he's on the shortlist for Most Improved.

 

[DonerKebab]

Rough 6 days for McCain 2 for 20 in 3 points.

 

[bundabergdevil]

NBA superstar Kyrie Irving allegedly stiffs therapist for $400,000 after tragedy at family retreat

Exclusive details: Irving’s longtime therapist says in a new lawsuit that she went above and beyond for the pro baller, but has now “has lost confidence” in him, necessitating legal action

www.yahoo.com

What a strange Kyrie story.

 

[DonerKebab]

NBA superstar Kyrie Irving allegedly stiffs therapist for $400,000 after tragedy at family retreat

Exclusive details: Irving’s longtime therapist says in a new lawsuit that she went above and beyond for the pro baller, but has now “has lost confidence” in him, necessitating legal action

www.yahoo.com

What a strange Kyrie story.

Geesh. But 400k for 5 days for one person?

 

[cato]

NBA superstar Kyrie Irving allegedly stiffs therapist for $400,000 after tragedy at family retreat

Exclusive details: Irving’s longtime therapist says in a new lawsuit that she went above and beyond for the pro baller, but has now “has lost confidence” in him, necessitating legal action

www.yahoo.com

What a strange Kyrie story.

Initial thought: “That’s a high bar.”

Skims article.

Slightly more informed thought: “Yep. What a strange Kyrie story. Not a good sign for the Mavs.”

Geesh. But 400k for 5 days for one person?

But think of everything they did over those five days! Did you read about the ionic foot baths?!?

What I’d really like to see are the terms of the agreement and the detailed breakdown of the $400k that is claimed to be owed.

 

[King of Defense]

Initial thought: “That’s a high bar.”

Skims article.

Slightly more informed thought: “Yep. What a strange Kyrie story. Not a good sign for the Mavs.”

But think of everything they did over those five days! Did you read about the ionic foot baths?!?

What I’d really like to see are the terms of the agreement and the detailed breakdown of the $400k that is claimed to be owed.

“Irving, a vocal anti-vaxxer who has shared antisemitic conspiracy theories online and stated publicly that he believed the earth may be flat, …”

Ouch.