NBA Mailbag: Can Warriors make deep playoff run? Picks for All-NBA?
If the season concluded 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
With Curry on your team, you always stand a chance. They can become formidable given the right rival and the right circumstances. By circumstances, I’m referring to the unpredictability factor. No one really predicted their most recent championship win before the playoffs commenced. Hence, they’ve demonstrated their capability to make unexpected, impressive strides when it’s most 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, astonishing!
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 repeat their success. I also enjoy watching them play basketball in the playoffs because they perform at an elite level and their team cohesion is impressive.
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 quite fond of him, especially considering his impressive leap in performance. However, my selection would be Alperen Sengun. His style of play is something I admire greatly, and I believe he has the potential to shine as a star in the NBA.
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 lacking due to the need for another large player, preferably an experienced one, to pair with Chet. Their coaching is exceptional – I greatly admire Coach Daigneault. Their team structure is also impressive. The only thing they’re lacking is an additional physical presence to assist with rebounding.
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 gap between the playoffs and regular season is significant. The intensity is heightened, every play is critical, and understanding the opponent’s strategy becomes as essential as knowing your own game plan. It’s the little details that eventually make the difference. This is why having seasoned players can be advantageous; they comprehend that every game is a separate mini-challenge. It’s crucial not to get overly excited from a victory or excessively discouraged from a loss. Some novice teams, like Golden State during their initial surge, have managed to grasp this. Therefore, 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
Maintaining his health is paramount. He’s an extraordinary player with a deep understanding of the game. Without a doubt, he’s a rising star. The next step is to build a supportive team around him that can help him experience playoff-level competition. The advice from coaches could resonate differently with him once he understands what it takes to achieve victory 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 been posed before! If we are to consider the players who were at their peak while I was their teammate, rather than when they were at the height of their careers, then I’d select the following three:
- Stephon Marbury
- LaMarcus Aldridge
- Joe Johnson
Stephon Marbury and Jamal Crawford engage in a comprehensive discussion about Marbury’s 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
Experiencing my first year with the Knicks was exhilarating. It seemed as though all the entertainers and actors I admired were in the audience, watching me perform on my stage. This was a new experience for me 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 squads might exhibit a degree of inconsistency during the regular season. However, upon reaching the playoffs, each would become the most formidable opponents in their respective conferences, making a finals meeting highly probable. On defense, both teams are capable of significantly slowing the game’s pace. Furthermore, I believe they could both adapt their offensive strategies to incorporate more 3-point attempts, aligning with the current offensive style. Recalling the times we played against the Pistons, a mere 10-point lead felt like a 20-point lead due to their strategic slowing of the game. I believe the Pistons and the Spurs could still effectively apply this strategy in today’s 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. Similarly, Brandon Roy, who is currently coaching high school basketball 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
I believe fans often assume that a player can observe a move once and then replicate it. While some individuals may have that ability (raises hand), perfecting a move requires years of practice. An example of this is the through-the-legs alley-oop I performed to Blake. I first learned that move at the age of eight and practiced it for two decades before executing it during a game. Gaining the confidence to perform certain moves on the NBA stage requires years of practice. Everything must be executed flawlessly, which can only be 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. I would definitely choose the Warriors with the addition of Shaq. This would create numerous opportunities for Steph, and considering there are still no players who can effectively halt prime Shaq, this team would be almost unbeatable.
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 the trend of athletes proceeding straight from high school to the NBA will increase now that the rules permit it again. The influence of the 3-point shot is not going anywhere, particularly as it attracts a wider variety of potential players to the game. Being 6-foot-8 and athletic is not a prerequisite to join the NBA. All you need to do is hone your skills and you could potentially make it. This should pave the way for more opportunities for athletes globally.
Should the NBA get rid of defensive 3-second violations?
– from Adam in Connecticut
Initiating defenses would certainly give them a competitive edge. However, I would prefer to see amendments that permit more physicality on the edge. This would compel an offensive player to concentrate on scoring and not make it so effortless. This would subsequently enhance the quality of the game as players would need to step up their game. The main objective of basketball is to get the ball in the basket, hence it should be the most challenging task. Currently, we are making it too straightforward.
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 either left or right based on the defense’s setup.
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 situated in an excellent position. The younger players have excelled in taking the lead and attempting to inspire the next generation. The one thing that could enhance it further would be bringing back the Sonics.
What are your top three must-do dribbling drills for high school basketball players?
– from Matt in Minnesota
Sorry, I’ve never practiced dribbling drills. Instead, I always 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 what soothes you. Personally, playing music provides me with a reset button when I’m grappling with difficulties. I encourage you to constantly discuss your problems with a trustworthy person who listens well. Bottling up your feelings can lead to heightened frustrations and challenges. Therefore, even in tough circumstances, sharing your experiences with someone can potentially lighten your burden and equip you with a fresh perspective to overcome and learn from the situation.
Have A Question For Jamal? Submit It Below!
Check back on Tuesdays throughout the 2023-24 season for more editions of the NBA Mailbag!
