u/GoodNinja18

In the MLB, there was a likability score by fanbase vs other teams. To no surprise, many Yankee fans do not like Red Sox fans. But then you have some surprises like Mariners vs Blue Jays fans. Historically on paper, they're supposed to be teams that root for each other or at least not aggressive towards each other. Because they are both expansion franchises that debuted on the same year. And they both suffered through lots of pain. And both had Canadian fans cheer for those teams. Unfortunately, the relationship turned really sour after 2025.

What are some examples of this in the NBA? Two franchise fanbases that weren't supposed to clash with each other but ended up disliking each other.

Let's suppose 5 shooting guards faced off against 5 centers. Assume the following criteria:

• Both teams have average-level players of their respective positions.
• Both teams draft 5 different players of their position.
• If a player is both classified as both a shooting guard and center as their primary/secondary positions, they may play for either team.
• Both teams are have sizes that are relative to the averages for either positions.
• Games will be 4 quarters. Subs will be extra copies of that player.

So which team is more likely to win? Shooting Guards? Or Centers?

What do these teams have in common despite playing different sports?

• Both were heavy underdogs heading into the playoffs.
• Both were solid teams that underperformed during the regular season.
• Both made incredible playoff runs that shocked the world.
• Both had historically worst (or near-worst) regular season records to win it all.

So which was more impressive? 1995 Rockets (NBA) or 2006 Cardinals (MLB)?

In 2022, Aaron Judge won MVP and had a historically great season. Unfortunately, when the playoffs rolled, he effectively disappeared. So much so that fans were questioning whether he was able to perform in moments that mattered or not. Even his own fans booed him that year in the playoffs.

What were some NBA examples of this? What was the biggest playoff dropoff?

What characteristics do you think a top 15 NBA player should look like? In your opinion. And who do you consider a top 15 NBA player?

Earlier this year, a former MLB superstar, Josh Donaldson, was called in to sub for a men's softball team north of Toronto, Canada. Despite his monstrous performance on both sides of the field, his men's softball team still ended up losing 12-9. Obviously it's just a 1 game sample and not to mention chemistry could've been something to improve on.

What if the NBA equivalent of Josh Donaldson joined a basketball tournament team? Could that player singlehandedly win it all?

It feels like the stepback shot has evolved to basically be the gather hop-backwards and shoot. But in the past did NBA players just step with 1 foot backwards and shoot the ball? Or has the stepback shot always been like what we see with players such as Doncic or Harden?

We don't know if Lebron could make it this far. But should he do so, he would've played in the 2000s, 2010s, 2020s, and 2030s decade. Vince Carter is the first and currently only player to play in 4 different decades. But also, he would break Nat Hickey's record for being the oldest NBA player to ever appear in a game.

I decided to make a portmanteau for this. Like a Power Forward that plays both guard positions. Who are examples of Power Guards in the NBA?

In the MLB, you have the 2017 Dodgers. They finished the year with 104 wins out of 162. However, they could've done a lot better because while having a historically strong record into August, they had a 1-17 stretch.

What are some NBA examples of this? What was the best team in the league that went through a really cold stretch?

What are some NBA players that were poor on defense early in their careers but greatly improved a lot as they aged?

In the MLB, you have Luis Arraez. He was one of the worst defensive players for most of his career. Then this past year, he has become one of the best defensive players you can imagine, all thanks to coaching.

What are some NBA examples of this?

In the MLB, Tarik Skubal is about to get traded to the Dodgers. Guess what they had to give up for arguably the best pitcher? Just two top tier prospects that haven't proven anything in the MLB level. It's kinda like 2-3 first round picks.

Yet in the NBA, on average, most superstars command way more value. Like Jaylen Brown, you need multiple first round picks, and hope at least one lands in the lottery for this to be worth it. Some even take a superstar for superstar for this.

Why is that the case? Why do NBA superstars command more value than MLB superstars?

In the MLB, Jackson Holliday was drafted #1 overall back in 2022. Since then, he's struggled to adapt to the MLB. Now he's in his 3rd MLB season, although he's shown signs of promise, he's still far from the player he was projected to be.

Now if this was in the NBA, would NBA teams just give up on him? Would he be labeled a bust by this point?

What do these two athletes have in common despite playing baseball and basketball respectively?

• Both were drafted in the 2020 draft of their respective sport.
• Both were drafted 2nd overall.
• Both had high expectations to become a superstar.
• Both haven't made any impact in their respective sport.

Who was the bigger bust? Kjerstad or Wiseman?

How did a Euroleague star fail in the NBA? I get he was 30 years old. But still. Like in the MLB, the Blue Jays signed a 30-year-old Japanese star player named Okamoto. And so far he's not a superstar but he's got a ton of promise.

Was age the reason Teodosic failed? While no MLB fan thinks Okamoto is too old to be a star in the MLB.

Offseason thread.

Let's suppose I activated Super Polymerization. What Fusion monster has the most Fusion Materials?

Example: Lebron James Harden. Chris Paul George Hill.

Many past players have had inspiration of kids modeling their game after. Like Jordan. Then Kobe. Then Lebron and ongoing. And Luka. Curry.

But yet, players like Tim Duncan, Shaq, or Giannis get left out in this. Even though they are clearly superstars that have fairly elite two-way playstyle.

Why is that the case? What makes players like Shaq less marketable? I mean didn't he have a ton of charm and charisma?

Let's suppose you have a player that can play both Small Forward and Center at a high level.

• Can create his own shot like Brandon Ingram. Can score from anywhere with a jumper.
• Can rebound and play defense like prime Andre Drummond. Also loves catching lobs and rolling to the rim like a center.

How valuable do you think this player would be? You don't see many players that are elite at both SF/C.