Game Thread 2025-26 GAME #13 - BLAZERS @ MAVERICKS - SUNDAY - NOVEMBER 16, 2025 - 4:30 PM - KUNP - BLAZERVISION

[Rastapopoulos]

3. He hasn't done anything in the NBA to show he's going to make any appreciable difference from Rupert.

Have you checked their respective NBA stats? I'll wait.

 

[Rastapopoulos]

* I think people writing off Flagg as not worthy of a #1 pick are well off base. 21-8-5 with 0 turnovers was an impressive game considering he's still 18 years old. He's good on defense too. A 2-way player already. Yeah, needs improvement but from what I've seen he'll almost certainly get there

Speaking as one of the writer-offers, in my defense I did it at halftime when he had 2 points.

I don't think he's going to be a huge scorer in this league. He got a good chunk of his points by overpowering little guys and throwing up kind of ugly bunnies. He's going to be sick of hearing Luka's name if the Mavs continue to struggle (they don't get to play us every night).

 

[PCmor7]

Have you checked their respective NBA stats? I'll wait.

It was the first thing I did. Basically, they are a wash, just like I thought. Neither has appreciable numbers in any way. Rayan is better in some, Jones is in others, but they're pretty much the same guy, except one is 3 years older.

Do you really not check stuff out before you post or is this still because you can't handle someone being rational about your man-crush, Kris Murray?

 

[PCmor7]

 

[PCmor7]

I hope that was worth the wait.

 

[wizenheimer]

Just asked my engineer. A handheld camera like the one you saw get hit tonight costs about $35,000. The “up-cams” that are showing you the whole court during the game are a little over $200,000 on average.

thanks! I'd be nervous just picking one up

 

[wizenheimer]

Speaking as one of the writer-offers, in my defense I did it at halftime when he had 2 points.

I don't think he's going to be a huge scorer in this league. He got a good chunk of his points by overpowering little guys and throwing up kind of ugly bunnies. He's going to be sick of hearing Luka's name if the Mavs continue to struggle (they don't get to play us every night).

he scored on Camara and Grant a few times though. Essentially, at the draft combine. w/o shoes he was 6'8 & 220 lbs with a 7'0 wingspan. And he was 18.5 years old at the time. He's still 18 for the next month and I'd imagine he might have grown since then and will add more mass as he matures

more than that is he can handle the ball with either hand and can dribble-drive in traffic. His conversion rates in the 3 zones inside 17 feet are excellent. His perimeter shooting outside 16', not good. His assist/turnover/floor-vision game is remedial, at best, but that will improve with experience and recognition. 80% on FT's and he gets to the line at a decent rate. He's a above average rebounder for a perimeter player; and he plays solid defense. He's a two-way player but no 3&D threat yet. This is all good news for an 18 year old player. I was impressed watching him yesterday against the Blazers but Portland does have an ability to make mediocre players look like all-stars

 

[PCmor7]

he scored on Camara and Grant a few times though. Essentially, at the draft combine. w/o shoes he was 6'8 & 220 lbs with a 7'0 wingspan. And he was 18.5 years old at the time. He's still 18 for the next month and I'd imagine he might have grown since then and will add more mass as he matures

more than that is he can handle the ball with either hand and can dribble-drive in traffic. His conversion rates in the 3 zones inside 17 feet are excellent. His perimeter shooting outside 16', not good. His assist/turnover/floor-vision game is remedial, at best, but that will improve with experience and recognition. 80% on FT's and he gets to the line at a decent rate. He's a above average rebounder for a perimeter player; and he plays solid defense. He's a two-way player but no 3&D threat yet. This is all good news for an 18 year old player. I was impressed watching him yesterday against the Blazers but Portland does have an ability to make mediocre players look like all-stars

The one thing I think when I watch Flagg's game is where is he going to improve?

It's not that he isn't very good -- he is, and he'll become more consistent. But he also looks to me a lot like a player already near his ceiling.

My neighbor in fifth grade was 5-8 and I swear he was starting a mustache. He dominated against kids his age. Other team's parents thought he was 14. He knew he'd probably peaked physically a lot quicker than other kids and went to a lot of good camps to develop his guard skills because he was physically coordinated enough to accept that training and we knew he wasn't going to grow into a forward, judging by his physical maturity and the rest of his family.

In seventh grade football, he went like 70 yards for a TD his first carry. On his first reception, he went 60 yards for a TD. It about his eighth basketball game as a freshman, he hit a 3 at the buzzer to take a game to overtime that we ended up winning over a pretty good team.

He was always good, but he didn't get better. He ended up having a good career as a college baseball player and left sports behind entirely after that. Doesn't even play rec ball or anything for fun, although all his daughters are exceptional athletes.

When I look at Flagg, I just think I'm seeing something similar. He's not raw athleticism. He's a very good athlete who has been able to develop advanced skills because he matured early. He's not going to get quicker, and I don't know that he'll get much bigger. He's getting treated like a star by the refs already to some extent.

This is why back when there was talk before the draft that he might spend another year at Duke and join this 2026 draft, I didn't think he would simply because there are players in this draft pool as good but with more upside.

I'll be anxious to see how he develops, what direction he chooses to take his game. I think he's going to be a good player that will eventually make any team for which he plays better than the sum of its parts, but my eyes aren't telling me "He's unbelievable. He's going to be a superstar."

 

[Rastapopoulos]

We already have Dillon Jones.

All right then TRISTEN NEWTON!

 

[THE HCP]

The kid doesn’t turn 19 until around Christmas. What do you mean where will he improve. Shit he might still grow a few inches as well. Dude is amazing out there……for an 18 year old.

 

[Hoopguru]

He was pushing off big time, on his dribble drives and refs let it go. He is a hand full already and not afraid to mix it up, imagine what he will be like after a couple years. Very impressed with his abilities so far!

 

[wizenheimer]

He was pushing off big time, on his dribble drives and refs let it go. He is a hand full already and not afraid to mix it up, imagine what he will be like after a couple years. Very impressed with his abilities so far!

The one thing I think when I watch Flagg's game is where is he going to improve?

It's not that he isn't very good -- he is, and he'll become more consistent. But he also looks to me a lot like a player already near his ceiling.

My neighbor in fifth grade was 5-8 and I swear he was starting a mustache. He dominated against kids his age. Other team's parents thought he was 14. He knew he'd probably peaked physically a lot quicker than other kids and went to a lot of good camps to develop his guard skills because he was physically coordinated enough to accept that training and we knew he wasn't going to grow into a forward, judging by his physical maturity and the rest of his family.

In seventh grade football, he went like 70 yards for a TD his first carry. On his first reception, he went 60 yards for a TD. It about his eighth basketball game as a freshman, he hit a 3 at the buzzer to take a game to overtime that we ended up winning over a pretty good team.

He was always good, but he didn't get better. He ended up having a good career as a college baseball player and left sports behind entirely after that. Doesn't even play rec ball or anything for fun, although all his daughters are exceptional athletes.

When I look at Flagg, I just think I'm seeing something similar. He's not raw athleticism. He's a very good athlete who has been able to develop advanced skills because he matured early. He's not going to get quicker, and I don't know that he'll get much bigger. He's getting treated like a star by the refs already to some extent.

This is why back when there was talk before the draft that he might spend another year at Duke and join this 2026 draft, I didn't think he would simply because there are players in this draft pool as good but with more upside.

I'll be anxious to see how he develops, what direction he chooses to take his game. I think he's going to be a good player that will eventually make any team for which he plays better than the sum of its parts, but my eyes aren't telling me "He's unbelievable. He's going to be a superstar."

Blazers have one of the most physically punishing offensive players in Deni, so they can't complain much about another team's player being physical

when I was watching Flagg last night I was reminded a lot of 19 year old Josh Giddey. Same styles of play only Flagg is bigger and stronger while Giddey was more polished as a ball-handler and passer

 

[PCmor7]

The kid doesn’t turn 19 until around Christmas. What do you mean where will he improve. Shit he might still grow a few inches as well. Dude is amazing out there……for an 18 year old.

I explained that in the post.

 

[Hoopguru]

Blazers have one of the most physically punishing offensive players in Deni, so they can't complain much about another team's player being physical

when I was watching Flagg last night I was reminded a lot of 19 year old Josh Giddey. Same styles of play only Flagg is bigger and stronger while Giddey was more polished as a ball-handler and passer

If Sharpe extended push off like Flagg was, he’d been called.

 

[wizenheimer]

If Shape extended push off like Flagg was, he’d been called.

homer

 

[PCmor7]

Blazers have one of the most physically punishing offensive players in Deni, so they can't complain much about another team's player being physical

when I was watching Flagg last night I was reminded a lot of 19 year old Josh Giddey. Same styles of play only Flagg is bigger and stronger while Giddey was more polished as a ball-handler and passer

Was the thing about Flagg being a physical player directed at me? I don't recall saying anything about that or complaining about it.

I think the Flagg/Giddey comparison is interesting. I don't see the same thing as you do about the style of play ... I really think Flagg's calling card will be more with his defense and his IQ on that end of the court, but I think your idea is pretty fascinating in that it definitely could happen and it made me think and consider it. It's an original thought and it makes sense. We need more of that around.

 

[wizenheimer]

Was the thing about Flagg being a physical player directed at me? I don't recall saying anything about that or complaining about it.

I think the Flagg/Giddey comparison is interesting. I don't see the same thing as you do about the style of play ... I really think Flagg's calling card will be more with his defense and his IQ on that end of the court, but I think your idea is pretty fascinating in that it definitely could happen and it made me think and consider it. It's an original thought and it makes sense. We need more of that around.

at hoopguru

I tried to keep the replies separated but the wonky format here was stronger than me

 

[PCmor7]

I was thinking of this a bit while taking my cat outside for a walk (he hasn't been feeling well the last couple of days and wanted to go outside and eat some grass), and I was thinking, is Flagg a guy that I could envision being an MVP or the Finals MVP, and he just doesn't jump out at me as that kind of player. I don't see him as Kawhi level or Jaylen Brown ... just in my mind a little below that. Igoudala? You know, I could see that.

I think Flagg's ceiling is a Klay Thompson-level player, which is really good but not the absolute top level.

 

[PCmor7]

at hoopguru

I tried to keep the replies separated but the wonky format here was stronger than me

OK, got you.

Actually, I kind of thought that after I replied and went back and looked at some of the previous posts.

 

[BoBoBREWSKI]

Was Deni purposedly trying to recreate Dame's iconic shot and win the game?
If so, epic fail. WTF was he thinking taking that shot?!?

 

[kjironman1]

I think the rookies this year have been solid, but nothing "holy crap" worthy.

Nice to see that Coward has returned to earth.

Watching that game I absolutely love the way Flagg is playing. That kid is doing things with the confidence of a seasoned veteran.
He’s is absolutely going to be great IMHO.

 

[Hoopguru]

homer

Why Homer? just curious....one certainly can complain about an opposing player getting away with shit, even though a blazer players be as guilty. Deni does get physical for sure but I dont see him pushing off like Flagg was. My point was Flagg as a rook was getting away with something our young player wouldn't.

 

[MrDraftGuy]

Regarding Flagg....

Lebron didn't have very many dominant games in his first 13-15 games & was just averaging 14ppg on 43 FG% through those early 13 games (which is where Flagg is right now).

His 3rd ever game, against Portland, I remember Stoudamire shutting Lebron down on a few plays and making him look lost on both ends of the floor.

Of course, by the end of the season, Lebron started looking more like the real deal.

I'd wait until the end of the season to more accurately judge Flagg. I personally expected him to be more like Magic Johnson meets Scottie Pippen than Lebron 2.0 but 18 year olds don't often come into the NBA often and drop multiple 20 point games in the first month. Let's see if he can get a few 30 point games

 

[wizenheimer]

Why Homer? just curious....one certainly can complain about an opposing player getting away with shit, even though a blazer players be as guilty. Deni does get physical for sure but I dont see him pushing off like Flagg was. My point was Flagg as a rook was getting away with something our young player wouldn't.

sorry...it was a joke....bad one apparently

 

[kjironman1]

Who are you replacing him with? Is there someone available to take that roster spot that makes a difference with this team?

Your question made me go look at who is available still. There are a number of players that could potentially help the Blazers right now with both Scoot and Wesley out with injury and Jrue obviously dealing with too many minutes with a calf strain. The careful part about calf strains is they have recently been linked to Achilles Tendon problems and we don't want to go down that road with Holiday. He will be worth way too much at the deadline.

 

[kjironman1]

I tried telling ya. The word is out on Toumani sucking this year. I seen it very early on in the season

Toumani sucks

So you found a tweeter account that says the same things you say. Of course it's absolutely nobody. Kind of makes me think you are posting your own account from tweeter.
Nah only a troll would do such a thing. You would never do that. Right. Right?

 

[PCmor7]

Your question made me go look at who is available still. There are a number of players that could potentially help the Blazers right now with both Scoot and Wesley out with injury and Jrue obviously dealing with too many minutes with a calf strain. The careful part about calf strains is they have recently been linked to Achilles Tendon problems and we don't want to go down that road with Holiday. He will be worth way too much at the deadline.

Who did you have in mind? I think you'd agree "a number of players who could potentially help the Blazers right now with both Scoot and Wesley out" begs the answer who those number of players are.

It's a context thing.

Scoot shouldn't be out much longer. Jrue is probably day-to-day. Caleb Love is on the team. We aren't making noise in the playoffs this year. I'm trying to see the logic in cutting a 21-year-old to fill the 12th-14th spot on the roster that's going to potentially help us for a couple games before presumably not playing for long stretches again. So far, I've been given two names of guys that haven't even done as much as Rupert who are 3-4 years older than him. That just seems like an overreaction.

 

[BBert]

I don't speak "Kevin". What does "been free eats" mean?

 

[kjironman1]

Who did you have in mind? I think you'd agree "a number of players who could potentially help the Blazers right now with both Scoot and Wesley out" begs the answer who those number of players are.

It's a context thing.

Scoot shouldn't be out much longer. Jrue is probably day-to-day. Caleb Love is on the team. We aren't making noise in the playoffs this year. I'm trying to see the logic in cutting a 21-year-old to fill the 12th-14th spot on the roster that's going to potentially help us for a couple games before presumably not playing for long stretches again. So far, I've been given two names of guys that haven't even done as much as Rupert who are 3-4 years older than him. That just seems like an overreaction.

The first one I looked at was malik Beasley.
I think we all know Ben Simmons is available.
Then there was Markell Fultz
Here's a funny one Delano Banton is still available.
Lots of Guards that are okay but nothing special but I think they would produce better than Ruppert.

NBA Free Agent Tracker | NBA.com

www.nba.com