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 means you always stand a chance. Given the right matchup and the correct formula, they can pose a serious threat. By ‘formula,’ I refer to the unpredictability of their last championship win, which was unexpected before the playoffs began. Hence, they’ve demonstrated their ability to pull off impressive streaks 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 victory with a left-handed floater, oh my goodness!
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 performance. I adore watching them play basketball during the playoffs, as they perform at an exceptional level and display great team synergy.
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. His progress in jump shot is exceptional. However, my selection would be Alperen Sengun. His style of play is impressive, and I believe he has the potential 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 suffering as they require an additional tall player, preferably an experienced one, to pair with Chet. The coaching they have is phenomenal – I have a high regard for coach Daigneault. Their structure is also commendable. The only thing they lack is an extra physical presence to assist in crashing the glass.
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 worlds apart, with everything becoming more intense. Each possession counts, and you become as familiar with your opponent’s plays as you do with your own. Attention to detail becomes crucial. Having veterans on the team can be beneficial because they’ve experienced this intensity and understand that each game is a separate battle. They know not to get overly excited after a win or too disheartened after a loss. Some inexperienced teams, like Golden State during their initial run, manage to understand 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 the top priority. He’s an extraordinary player with a deep understanding of the game. There’s no doubt that he’s a rising star. It’s essential to support him with a strong team so he can experience the playoffs. The advice from coaches might be perceived differently once he understands what it takes to succeed 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 I am to choose based on the players’ performance when I played alongside them, rather than during their peak years, then my choices would be these three:
- Stephon Marbury
- LaMarcus Aldridge
- Joe Johnson
Jamal Crawford welcomes Stephon Marbury for an extensive discussion about his career, his time playing in China, and more.
What was your favorite NBA season that you played in?
– from Ethan in Los Angeles, CA
My inaugural year with the Knicks was a surreal experience. All the actors and entertainers I admired seemed to be in the audience, watching me perform on my own stage. I had never experienced anything like it before, and it was incredible.
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 exhibit some inconsistency during the regular season. However, upon reaching the playoffs, each would become formidable opponents within their respective conferences, leading me to anticipate a showdown in the Finals. On the defensive front, both teams would adopt a strategy of significantly slowing the game pace. Additionally, I believe they could adjust their offensive strategies to incorporate more 3-point attempts, aligning with the current offensive style. My past experiences playing against the Pistons come to mind; being ten points behind felt like a twenty-point deficit due to their skilled execution of slowing the game pace. I am confident that both they and the Spurs could effectively employ this tactic in today’s game.
What former players who recently retired do you think will make good coaches?
– from Elan in Denver, CO
Andre Iguodala has the potential to be an exceptional coach. Similarly, Brandon Roy, who is currently a high school coach in Seattle, would also make a great coach.
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 that fans often assume that a player only needs to see a move once to be able to replicate it (raises hand). While some individuals might be able to do so, the perfection of a move typically requires years of relentless practice. For instance, the through-the-legs alley-oop I executed to Blake is a technique I mastered when I was just 8 years old. I had practiced this move for two decades before I confidently performed it during a game. It takes continuous practice over many years to gather the confidence required to execute these moves on the grand NBA stage. The execution needs to be flawless, and the only way to achieve this is 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’d choose the Warriors along with Shaq. This would create numerous opportunities for Steph, and there are still no players in the league capable of slowing down a prime Shaq. Thus, this team would be practically 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 we will see an increase in players transitioning directly from high school to the NBA now that it’s permitted again. The dominance of the 3-point shot is a lasting phenomenon, particularly as it introduces a diverse range of potential athletes into the game. Being 6-foot-8 and highly athletic is no longer a strict requirement to make it in the NBA. Simply honing your skills could be enough. This should create more opportunities for athletes globally.
Should the NBA get rid of defensive 3-second violations?
– from Adam in Connecticut
Initiating defenses would indeed provide a fairer competition. However, I’d prefer to see alterations that permit more physicality on the boundaries. This would compel an offensive player to concentrate on scoring, making it less effortless. This, in turn, would enhance the quality of the game, as players would have to strive to reach a higher standard of play. The essence of basketball is to get the ball in the basket, which should ideally be the most challenging part. Currently, we are 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
A hesitation pull-up is a must, with the direction – left or right – depending on the defense’s setup. But without a doubt, a hesitation pull-up is required.
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 admirably taken on the responsibility, attempting to inspire the following generation. The one thing that could further improve it is the return of the Sonics here.
What are your top three must-do dribbling drills for high school basketball players?
– from Matt in Minnesota
Sorry, I’ve never conducted dribbling drills! What I primarily 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
Identify a method that brings you tranquility. Personally, when I face difficulties or am navigating through a challenging situation, I resort to playing music as it provides me with a chance to reset. However, for you, it is crucial to discuss your problems and feelings with someone you confide in, someone who listens well. I would advise against bottling up your emotions as it only invites greater difficulties and frustrations. Thus, even in adverse situations, conversing about it with someone could potentially alleviate your distress and provide a fresh perspective to overcome and learn from it.
Have A Question For Jamal? Submit It Below!
Check back on Tuesdays throughout the 2023-24 season for more editions of the NBA Mailbag!
