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 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 team, there is always a chance of winning. With the correct matchup and a dash of luck, they can pose a significant threat. By ‘luck,’ I’m referring to the unexpected. Not many predicted their last championship win before the playoffs began, showing their capacity for surprising victories when it counts.
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 win with a left-handed floater – how 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 interested in seeing if the Nuggets can repeat their previous success. I appreciate their top-tier basketball performance during the playoffs and enjoy observing their strong team cohesion.
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 top pick, and I’m quite fond of him. His improvement is remarkable. However, my choice would be Alperen Sengun. I admire his style of play 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 shortcomings in rebounding are a result of lacking another sizeable player, preferably an experienced one, to pair with Chet. Their coaching is exceptional, with coach Daigneault earning my admiration. They have an excellent structure, but what they lack is an additional 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 playoffs and regular season are worlds apart. The intensity is cranked up a notch, every move counts, and you grow to understand your adversary’s tactics as well as your own. Thus, it all boils down to minute details. Having players with veteran experience is advantageous since they comprehend that each game is like its own brief series. It’s important not to get overly excited from a win or overly disappointed from a loss. Some inexperienced teams, such as Golden State on their initial run, manage to comprehend this. Hence, 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 primary focus is to maintain his health. He’s an extraordinary player with an in-depth understanding of the game. He’s undoubtedly a rising star. It’s critical to build a strong team around him to expose him to the playoff environment. The advice from coaches may resonate differently with him once he experiences 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 a question I’ve never been asked before! If I’m to select based on the skill levels of players during the period I played with them, not necessarily their peak periods, then my choice would be these three:
- Stephon Marbury
- LaMarcus Aldridge
- Joe Johnson
Jamal Crawford welcomes Stephon Marbury for an extensive discussion about his career, his experience 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 like being in the spotlight with all the actors and entertainers I admired watching my performance. It was my initial 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
In the regular season, both teams might exhibit some inconsistency. However, they would prove to be formidable opponents once they reach the playoffs, potentially making them the hardest to beat in their respective conferences. Therefore, a meeting in the Finals would not be surprising. On the defensive side, both teams would decelerate the game significantly. Moreover, they might enhance their game plan by incorporating more 3-point attempts to keep pace with the contemporary offensive style. I recall our games against the Pistons; when they held a 10-point lead, it seemed as if they were 20 points ahead due to their strategic approach to slow down the game. Even in today’s era, the Pistons and Spurs would maintain this capability.
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 currently coaching high school 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 supporters often assume that a player can observe a move once and instantly replicate it. Some individuals may possess this skill (raises hand), but typically, perfecting a move requires numerous years. For instance, the through-the-legs alley-oop pass I gave to Blake was a skill I picked up when I was 8. Therefore, I had practiced that move for two decades before executing it in a game. Gaining the confidence to perform such feats on the NBA stage requires years of practice. Everything must be flawless, but this is achieved through meticulous 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 choose the Warriors and Shaq. This would greatly benefit Steph, and there are still no players in the league who can effectively counteract prime Shaq. Therefore, that team would be practically 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 we’ll see an increase in athletes transitioning straight from high school to the NBA, now that such a move is permissible again. The prominence of the 3-point shot isn’t going anywhere and in fact, it invites a broader range of potential athletes to the sport. The NBA isn’t exclusive to those standing 6-foot-8 with an athletic physique. Instead, if you focus on honing your skills, you too could have a shot at the NBA. This should pave the way for more athletes from different parts of the globe.
Should the NBA get rid of defensive 3-second violations?
– from Adam in Connecticut
It would be a good beginning to provide defenses with a better opportunity to compete. However, I would prefer to see adjustments that permit more physicality on the outer edges. This would compel an offensive player to concentrate on scoring and not make scoring so effortless. This would also enhance the quality of the game as players would be required to elevate their level of play. The objective of basketball is to score, so it should be the most challenging aspect of the game. 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
Certainly, a pull-up with hesitation is the move, choosing either left or right based on the defense setup. Undeniably, 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 taking the lead and attempting to inspire the succeeding 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 practiced dribbling drills! The primary thing I 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 a method to relax yourself. When I am dealing with difficult situations or undergoing trials, I find solace in playing music, which helps me regain my balance. You should ensure that you always confide in someone trustworthy and a good listener. It’s not advisable to bottle up your feelings as it can lead to greater frustrations and challenges. Hence, even in difficult times, discussing your problems with someone can provide relief, potentially offering a new perspective to overcome the situation and evolve 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!
