NBA Mailbag: Can Warriors make deep playoff run? Picks for All-NBA?
If the season ended today, Stephen Curry and LeBron James would encounter 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
As long as Curry is on your side, you always stand a chance. The right matchup and a touch of magic can make them a formidable force. By magic, I’m referring to the unpredictability of their success, as evidenced by their unexpected championship win last time around. They have demonstrated their ability to pull off miraculous runs when it’s most crucial. (The pun was unintended.)
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 wins the game 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 want to see if the Nuggets can replicate their performance. They play basketball at an exceptional level during the playoffs and I enjoy observing their synergy on the court.
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 am quite fond of him, especially given his significant improvement in jumping. Nevertheless, my choice would be Alperen Sengun. His style of play is appealing to me and I foresee him becoming 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 an additional big player, preferably a veteran, to pair with Chet. Their coaching, under coach Daigneault whom I greatly admire, is exceptional, and their team structure is solid. The only missing element is another physical presence to assist in 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 disparity between playoffs and the regular season is vast. The intensity is cranked up, each possession is crucial, and you become as familiar with the opponent’s tactics as your own. Hence, attention to detail becomes crucial. Having seasoned players is advantageous because they comprehend that every match is a separate smaller series. It’s important not to get overly excited from a win or terribly downcast from a loss. Some novice teams, such as Golden State on their initial run, manage to grasp this. Thus, sometimes ignorance can 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 exceptional player with an in-depth understanding of the game. Undoubtedly, he’s a rising star. The focus should be on building a strong team around him to help him experience playoff atmosphere. The coaching instructions may resonate differently with him once he witnesses 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 first-time question for me! If we’re considering players who were at their peak during the time I played alongside them, without necessarily being in their prime, then I would choose these three:
- Stephon Marbury
- LaMarcus Aldridge
- Joe Johnson
Stephon Marbury teams up with Jamal Crawford for an extensive discussion about his career, his experience 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 felt like a surreal performance. It seemed as if every actor and entertainer I admired was there, observing me on my own stage. That was an experience I was encountering for the first time, 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 would exhibit some inconsistency during the regular season, yet their formidable strength would shine through in the playoffs, making them the toughest opponents in their respective conferences and potential contenders in the Finals. Defensively, both teams would employ a slow-paced game plan. They could also potentially incorporate more attempts at 3-pointers to align with the current offensive style. Recalling past encounters with the Pistons, a 10-point lead often felt like a 20-point lead due to their strategic game-slowing methods. Both they and the Spurs would continue to effectively employ this strategy in the current 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 is presently a high school coach 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
I believe that spectators often think that a player can observe a move once and then execute it. Indeed, a few individuals are capable of doing so (raises hand). However, mastering a move takes numerous years. Take, for instance, when I performed the through-the-legs alley-oop to Blake – I acquired that move at the age of 8. Thus, I had 20 years of practice with that move before I used it in a match. Gaining the confidence to perform some of these actions on the NBA stage requires years of practice. Everything must be flawless, and this is achieved through impeccable 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 with the addition of Shaq. This would create vast opportunities for Steph, and given that there are still no players in the league capable of slowing down Shaq in his prime, this team would be almost 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 we will see an increase in high school athletes transitioning directly to the NBA now that it’s once again permitted. The significance of the 3-point shot is undeniable and it’s here to stay, as it allows for a diverse range of athletes to participate in the game. Height and athleticism are no longer the sole prerequisites for making it to the NBA. All it takes is dedication to honing your skills. This should pave the way for more athletes worldwide to seize opportunities.
Should the NBA get rid of defensive 3-second violations?
– from Adam in Connecticut
Initiating measures to enhance defenses could certainly provide them with a competitive edge. Yet, I would prefer to see alterations permitting more physicality at the perimeter. This would compel an offensive player to concentrate more on scoring, making it less easy for them. Such a change would potentially elevate the standard of play, as players would need to step up their game. The fundamental goal of basketball is to get the ball through the hoop, which ought to be the most challenging aspect of the game. 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
Definitely a hesitation pull-up, choosing either left or right based on the defense’s position.
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 younger participants have successfully taken the lead and are striving to inspire the next generation. The only improvement could be the return of the Sonics.
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 exercises! What I mainly did was carry a basketball 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 calms and relaxes you. When I confront difficulties or hardship, playing music allows me to reset. I would advise you to discuss your problems with a trustworthy individual who is a good listener. Keeping your struggles bottled up can lead to increased frustrations and challenges. Thus, even in dire situations, communicating your troubles can provide relief and possibly teach you a fresh approach to overcome and learn from them.
Have A Question For Jamal? Submit It Below!
Check back on Tuesdays throughout the 2023-24 season for more editions of the NBA Mailbag!
