NBA Mailbag: Can Warriors make deep playoff run? Picks for All-NBA?
If the season were to end today, Stephen Curry and LeBron James would face each other in the Play-In Tournament.
The NBA Mailbag is here to answer your questions throughout the 2023-24 season! Have a question for Jamal? Submit it at the bottom of this edition of the NBA Mailbag.
Do the Golden State Warriors have a legitimate shot at a deep playoff run?
– from Carter in Flower Mound, TX
Having Curry on your team always gives you a fighting chance. They can prove lethal with the correct opposition and a touch of fortune. By fortune, I refer to the unpredictability of their last championship win before the playoffs commenced. They’ve demonstrated their ability to embark on those fortunate streaks when it’s crucial.
What is your current All-NBA first team?
– from Eli in Dallas, TX
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- Luka Doncic
- Jayson Tatum
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Nikola Jokic
Thoughts on Kyrie’s game-winner against the Nuggets? Can you remember another buzzer-beater like that?
– from Sam in Cleveland, OH
No, I’ve never seen a buzzer-beater like that. The closest one I can think of is Kobe’s game-winner against D-Wade. That was another unorthodox shot. But Kyrie’s was a whole other level. To shoot it left hand, over Joker, on the run? I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a shot like that, and I’ve definitely never seen one like that to win a game.
Kyrie Irving secures the game with a left-handed floater, amazing!
SPECIAL. #TissotBuzzerBeater#YourTimeDefinesYourGreatness pic.twitter.com/NJiVbYtV7p
— NBA (@NBA) March 17, 2024
What’s the key for Minnesota to keep winning with Karl-Anthony Towns sidelined?
– from Michael in Sioux Falls, SD
Anthony Edwards needs to continue trusting his abilities to lead the team. He’s playing at an elite level and still finding ways to keep teammates involved. Naz Reid also remains key to filling the void without Towns. And Jaden McDaniels needs to continue doing what he does on defense while finding ways to contribute offensively until Towns is back.
What team are you most looking forward to seeing play in the playoffs?
– from Ben in Blenheim, New Zealand
I’m interested in seeing if the Nuggets can replicate their success. Not only do they showcase top-tier basketball during the playoffs, but their synergy on the court is also truly enjoyable to watch.
Jamal, nobody talks about the Most Improved Player award. Who do you think will win it?
– from Leon in Brooklyn, NY
Maxey appears to be the favored one, and I’m quite fond of him. His improvement in leaps and bounds is impressive. However, my choice would be Alperen Sengun. I admire his playing style and believe he’s destined to become an NBA superstar.
Why does OKC seem so bad at rebounding? Is this on Chet or the team structure/coaching?
– from Jason in Melbourne, Australia
Their struggle with rebounding is due to a need for another larger player, preferably a veteran, to be paired with Chet. Their coaching, particularly by coach Daigneault, whom I greatly admire, is phenomenal. Their organization is also commendable. However, they lack an additional robust player to assist in securing rebounds.
When people analyze a team, sometimes they say ‘This team won’t win a championship because their players don’t have playoff experience.’ Is the game really that different in the playoffs than the regular season, and if so in what way? What do players with playoff experience bring to the table as opposed to a young team without playoff experience?
– from Devin in Minnesota
The playoffs and regular season are vastly different. The intensity is heightened, every move counts, and you become as familiar with the opposing team’s strategies as your own. Success hinges on minutiae. This is why having players with prior experience is beneficial; they comprehend that each match is a unique challenge within the larger competition. It’s crucial not to become overly excited by a victory or disheartened by a defeat. Some youthful teams, such as Golden State during their initial successful stretch, grasp this concept. Therefore, sometimes ignorance can be an advantage.
If you had to make a starting 5 of the best bench players in the league right now, what would it be?
– from Flex in Massachusetts
- Malik Monk
- Norman Powell
- Jordan Clarkson
- Bobby Portis
- Naz Reid
What’s your take on LaMelo Ball’s future after these first few years?
– from Braxton in Denham Springs, LA
The primary focus is maintaining his health. He’s an exceptional player with a deep understanding of the game. Undeniably, he’s an emerging star. It is crucial to assemble a strong team around him to expose him to the playoff environment. The advice that coaches give him may resonate differently once he understands what it takes to secure a victory in the NBA.
Who’s the best pure scorer you’ve played with?
– from Alex in Bay City, MI
This is the first time I’ve been asked this question! If I’m to choose based on the players who were at their peak while playing with me, not necessarily during their prime, then my choices would be these three:
- Stephon Marbury
- LaMarcus Aldridge
- Joe Johnson
Stephon Marbury sits down with Jamal Crawford for an extensive discussion on his career, his time playing in China, and other subjects.
What was your favorite NBA season that you played in?
– from Ethan in Los Angeles, CA
My inaugural year with the Knicks felt as though I was performing on my own stage, watched by all the actors and entertainers I admired. It was my first encounter with such an experience and it was fantastic.
How far do you think the 2004 Pistons and the 2014 Spurs go this year in the NBA?
– from DN in Boston, MA
Both teams might show some inconsistency during the regular season, but once they qualify for the playoffs, they would be the toughest contenders in their respective conferences, making it probable for them to clash in the Finals. Defensively, both teams would adopt a strategy to slow down the game. Additionally, I believe they could modify their offensive strategies to incorporate more 3-point attempts, aligning with the current offensive style. I recall when we played against the Pistons, even a 10-point lead felt like a 20-point one due to their tactical approach to slow the game. In this era, they along with the Spurs, would still be capable of employing this strategy.
What former players who recently retired do you think will make good coaches?
– from Elan in Denver, CO
Andre Iguodala would make an excellent coach. Similarly, Brandon Roy, who is currently a high school coach in Seattle, would also be great.
J-Will once said he practiced the elbow pass about 30,000 times and got two off successfully. What’s a misconception that fans may have about just how many years of your life you have to spend practicing these moves that we see in the highlight reels?
– from Jack in Birmingham, AL
It is a common misconception amongst fans that a player can master a move just by seeing it once. While some individuals may possess this ability (I’m one of them), the perfection of a move generally requires years of practice. Take the through-the-legs alley-oop that I performed with Blake for instance; I first learned that move when I was 8 years old. So, it took two decades of practice before I was able to execute it during a game. Confidence to perform such maneuvers on the NBA stage comes from years of diligent practice. Everything must be flawless, but this level of precision is only achieved through perfect practice.
Out of the 4 teams listed below, which one do you think would be the best?
- Current Warriors with Shaquille O’Neal
- Current Bucks with Kobe Bryant
- Current Lakers with Larry Bird
- Current Nuggets with Michael Jordan
– from Bradley in New York
Impressive. My choice would be the Warriors, plus Shaq. This would tremendously enhance Steph’s game, and since there are still no players in the league who can match up with prime Shaq, this team would be virtually invincible.
Which three NBA cities did you most look forward to traveling to, considering everything from arenas to hotels to food scenes?
– from Brett in Milwaukee, WI
New York, Miami and Seattle.
If you played in today’s NBA, what are the top 3 teams you would be interested in playing for?
– from Andre in Wilmington, DE
Lakers, Suns and Knicks.
You have watched the league develop and you have even been a valuable part of the development, but what do you think the league will be like in 30 years? Do you have any impressions on the league’s many changes and what the league should do to grow?
– from Francois in Sandusky, OH
I believe it will become increasingly common for players to transition directly from high school to the NBA now that it is permitted again. The 3-point shot remains a significant aspect of the game, attracting a wide range of potential athletes. It’s not obligatory to be 6-foot-8 and athletically gifted to make it to the NBA. Simply hone your skills, and you could get there. This should pave the way for more athletes worldwide to have opportunities.
Should the NBA get rid of defensive 3-second violations?
– from Adam in Connecticut
A good beginning would be to give defenses a fairer opportunity to compete. However, I would prefer to see modifications that permit more physical contact on the perimeter. This would compel an offensive player to concentrate on scoring and not make it so effortless. This would enhance the quality of the game as players would need to elevate their level of performance. The aim of basketball is to score points by putting the ball in the basket, thus, that should be the most challenging aspect. We are currently making it too easy.
Game on the line … you have to hit a dribble move to win the game. What do you go with?
– from Steven in Orlando, FL
Definitely a hesitation pull-up, veering left or right depending on the defense’s formation.
What’s your opinion on the hoops community in Seattle right now? What do you want to see change?
– from Dan in Seattle, WA
It is positioned very well. The younger participants have excellently assumed their roles and are striving to inspire the next generation. The sole improvement that could be made is the return of the Sonics to this location.
What are your top three must-do dribbling drills for high school basketball players?
– from Matt in Minnesota
Sorry, I’ve never engaged in dribbling drills! Instead, I carried a basketball with me wherever I went.
I’m 16, and I’m trying to manage juggling the physical grind while trying to balance mental health, too. Any advice?
– from Sonnie in Greenville, SC
Seek out activities that aid in releasing your tension. Personally, I find solace in playing music when I’m working through challenges as it serves as a therapeutic pause. For you, it’s crucial to communicate your concerns with a trustworthy individual who can actively lend an ear. Suppressing your feelings may result in an accumulation of frustration and complicate matters further. Therefore, irrespective of the gravity of the situation, discussing it with someone else could provide relief, present fresh perspectives, and ultimately contribute to your personal growth.
Have A Question For Jamal? Submit It Below!
Check back on Tuesdays throughout the 2023-24 season for more editions of the NBA Mailbag!
