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 off 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
As long as Curry is on your side, there’s always a chance. They can prove to be a formidable force given the right conditions and a bit of luck. By ‘luck’, I imply that nobody predicted their last championship win before the playoffs began. Hence, they’ve demonstrated their capability to embark on those spectacular streaks when it’s most crucial. (The initial sentence wasn’t a pun.)
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.
Wow, Kyrie Irving secures the game victory with a left-handed floater! Incredible!
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 eager to see if the Nuggets can replicate their previous successes. I’m particularly fond of their playoff performances, where they exhibit top-notch basketball. What I love most is their unity and how well they play as a team.
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 preferred choice, and I am fond of him. His improvement has been significant. However, my selection would be Alperen Sengun. I admire his playing style and believe he is destined to become an NBA star.
Why does OKC seem so bad at rebounding? Is this on Chet or the team structure/coaching?
– from Jason in Melbourne, Australia
Their rebounding performance has been under par due to the lack of an additional sizable player, preferably an experienced one, to pair with Chet. The quality of their coaching is outstanding, with coach Daigneault being someone I highly admire. Their team structure is commendable. However, they’re short of one more physically imposing player to bolster their glass-crashing efforts.
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 the regular season are vastly different. The intensity and stakes are higher. Every play counts and you become as familiar with your opponent’s strategies as your own. It boils down to the minor details. Having seasoned players is beneficial because they’ve experienced this scenario and comprehend that each match is a standalone mini-series. It’s crucial not to become overly confident with a win or too discouraged by a loss. Occasionally, younger teams like Golden State during their initial run, manage to decipher this. Sometimes, ignorance can also be a blessing.
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 essential factor is to maintain his health. He is an exceptional player with a strong comprehension of the game. Without a doubt, he is a rising star. It is crucial to have a supportive team around him to help him experience the thrill of the playoffs. The advice from his coaches may be perceived differently once he understands what it takes to secure a win in the NBA.
Who’s the best pure scorer you’ve played with?
– from Alex in Bay City, MI
This is a question I’ve never encountered before! If we consider the best players during the time I was their teammate, not necessarily during their peak performance, then I would choose the following three:
- Stephon Marbury
- LaMarcus Aldridge
- Joe Johnson
Jamal Crawford engages Stephon Marbury in a comprehensive conversation about his career, his time playing in China, and other topics.
What was your favorite NBA season that you played in?
– from Ethan in Los Angeles, CA
My initial year with the Knicks felt as if I was performing on my own stage with all the actors and entertainers I admired as my audience. It was an amazing experience, a first for me.
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 would display a degree of inconsistency during the regular season, but their performance would ramp up in the playoffs, making them the hardest teams to beat in their respective conferences. Hence, I anticipate a face-off in the Finals. Both teams would employ a defensive strategy that slows down the game significantly. Additionally, I believe they would each manage to integrate more 3-point attempts into their offensive strategies, aligning with the current offensive style. Recalling past encounters with the Pistons, a 10-point lead felt like 20 due to their deliberate game-slowing approach. I am confident that the Pistons and Spurs could successfully employ this tactic in the present era.
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, as would Brandon Roy, who’s currently coaching high school basketball in Seattle.
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
Many fans believe that a player can observe a move once and then replicate it. Indeed, some individuals have that ability (raises hand). However, mastering a move requires years and years of practice. Take, for instance, when I executed the through-the-legs alley-oop to Blake, I learned that move at the age of 8. Hence, before executing it in that particular game, I had practiced it for two decades. Achieving the confidence to perform certain moves on the NBA stage necessitates years of practice. Everything needs to be flawless, and this perfection is achieved through rigorous 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. Opting for the Warriors combined with Shaq seems the best choice. This would vastly enhance Steph’s game, and considering there are no current players who can hinder 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 that the transition of players straight from high school into the NBA will become increasingly prevalent now that it is permitted once more. The significance of the 3-point shot continues to grow, particularly as it introduces a multitude of potential athletes to the sport. The NBA is no longer exclusive to those standing at 6-foot-8 with athletic prowess. If you hone your skills, you could indeed secure a spot. This should pave the way for an influx of athletes worldwide.
Should the NBA get rid of defensive 3-second violations?
– from Adam in Connecticut
Initiating defenses with a stronger competitive edge would be a good beginning. However, I’d prefer modifications that permit more physicality on the sidelines. This would compel an offensive player to concentrate more on scoring and not attain points too effortlessly. This change would, in turn, enhance the game’s quality as players would need to elevate their performance levels. The ultimate objective of basketball is to score, thus, it should present the greatest challenge. Currently, we’re making it too simple.
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
A hesitation pull-up is the move, shifting either left or right based on the defense’s formation. But without a doubt, it’s a hesitation pull-up.
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’s in an excellent position. The junior players have performed admirably in picking up the mantle and striving to inspire the subsequent generation. The only improvement would be the return of the Sonics to this place.
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! What I mainly did was carry 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
Discover an activity that soothes you. Personally, I find solace in playing music when I’m dealing with difficulties or undergoing a challenging period. It provides me with a moment to regroup. For you, it’s crucial to communicate your issues with a trusted individual, one who is an excellent listener. I would advise against suppressing your feelings and allowing them to accumulate as this can lead to increased frustration and challenges. Hence, even in difficult circumstances, discussing it with someone might help you feel more at ease. Moreover, it might offer a fresh perspective on overcoming the situation and fostering 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!
