Hoop Ties

Who should be ranked #1, Nikola Jokic or Joel Embiid? Can we really talk about greatness without Championship hardware…regular season vs post season matters. Do you have Christian Wood on your radar, now that he’s playing with Luka don’t be surprised if he’s in the running for Most Improved! Does Deandre Ayton make the cut?

#1 is easy, its Giannis. AD when healthy is scary and there's not many in the league who are better when he’s locked in. The first three picks are unanimous, especially with Zion #3. Where does Ben Simmons fall? Pascal Siakam is an NBA Champion and can't be looked over. Do we have Karl-Anthony Towns in the category or is he a center? Does Draymond make the cut?

Is Giannis a small forward? We get into the most anticipated position starting with Kevin Durant! Kawhi is a lock for the top-5 irrespective of him missing a year. Is Tatum in your top-5?

Let's get it! Top 5 Shooting Guards heading into the season. Let's clarify who fits the bill. Devin Booker is leading the charge and has shown it in his development, all he's missing is a Chip. Where does Anthony Edwards land? Is James Harden going to have a redemption year?

Before we start…Nikola Jokic is a DOG! The Denver Nuggets are in the mix this season. Let’s jump into our top-5 point guards ranked in order for this upcoming season. Are Luka and James Harden point guards? Starting with the unanimous #1 in Steph Curry through to the guys who are on the fringe. The East is tough! 

Where does Manu stand? Are there players he should be ahead of in the NBA Top-75? The international Top-25 is heavy with the likes of Luka, Giannis, Embiid, etc. James Harden and Manu Ginobili comparisons need to stop. Manu is stamped but he wasn't leading a championship team as the #1 option. Congrats on the Hall of Fame. 

Quality tank jobs don't happen often, outside of Philly what other teams come to mind. It’s September, and we get to thank international basketball for some great entertainment. What's the difference between the best player vs most dominant player? Shaq was the best and most dominant player in the league during the Laker's 3-peat, is Giannis? Is there pressure for Ben Simmons to score? Cap or No Cap, will Brandon Ingram will a Chip before his career is over?

Who are we congratulating the Cleveland Cavaliers or Donovan Mitchell? Does anyone in the East really scare you outside of Milwaukee? Spida has proved that he can be the #1 option but now he has help that will allow him to thrive. Will he be the #1 option on this Cavs team? How deep are these Cavs and do they have what it takes to challenge in the playoffs?

Happy Birthday Donovan Mitchell 

Shout out to James Harden who just turned 33! Where does he rank all-time offensively? Does he deserve to be in the conversation with the likes of Jordan, Kobe and even Curry? Also, Ahmad and Theus cover what truly makes Giannis so special and what players can turn it on come playoff time. Come check out the NPF pod to hear the best basketball banter.   Ahmad Smith on Instagram Theus McBee on Instagram  

We're back! Patrick Beverley is LA-bound; what does that mean for Russ? Is this Ben Simmons' best team fit so far in his career? Are the New Orleans Pelicans taking the next step?   Ahmad Smith on Instagram Theus McBee on Instagram