The addition of Bradley Beal brings a new dimension to the Suns’ star power.
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.
Who do you think is the top player in the league at the moment?
– from Alexander in Scotland
The Joker. Fresh off a championship, Nikola Jokic is the best player entering this season.
Do you think the Suns are gonna be able to mesh with all those stars over there?
– from Michael in Long Island, NY
Yes, they’ll be able to mesh together. Kevin Durant looks more in rhythm with this group. Booker is Booker and has been on a complete tear over the last few seasons, continually upping his level. Then Beal coming in gives a new energy as well being a guy who hasn’t been as far in the playoffs as the other two stars so he has a different type of hunger. But he’s still in his prime. And I think Frank Vogel will do a great job with that group as well.
Who’s your pick to come out of the Western Conference?
– from Marland in Los Angeles, CA
I know it’s not the popular pick, but I’m going with Phoenix. I like the way Beal has looked with the group. I was wondering who would be the one to sacrifice a little bit more. So far, he’s showing the right level of aggressiveness. So I like the Suns to come out of the West.
Do you believe Dame Lillard and Giannis can co-exist in Milwaukee?
– from Kyle in Sanford, MI
Yes, it’s a beautiful fit. Not only on paper as two members of the NBA 75th Anniversary team, but their games and personalities are a great match for each other as well. They’ll be as successful as everyone predicts and I think they’ll make it to the Finals this season.
Damian Lillard talks with Chris Haynes on Media Day about the transition to Milwaukee.
If the ECF is between the Bucks and Celtics, who do you think will win?
– from Mohammad in Spain
I would pick the Bucks. A lot of times with super teams, the stars are brought together and you just assume it’s going to work like it’s 2K. But these guys are a perfect fit together, which should make them tough to beat.
Who do you have winning the championship?
– from Quintin in Maryville, TN
I’m picking Phoenix to win the title.
How does CP3 impact the Warriors and can they get away with starting him and only having one true big on the floor?
– from Jacob in Milwaukee, WI
They can definitely get away with having him and only one true big on the court. He brings a different element than they’ve had in the past. Besides his obvious skills, he brings another thinker … another high-IQ guy who can slow things down if they’re getting a little out of control. Or he can just bring a calm to what they already do. And that will be a great balance. It remains to be seen how he will actually fit, but I see why they made the move.
Who has the best starting 5 in the league right now?
– from Colter in Mesa, AZ
On paper to start the season, Boston.
Who do you think will have a breakout year?
– from Camren in Atlanta, GA
Anthony Edwards will have a complete breakout year where the whole world finds out how good he is. He’s one player I expect to reach a new level.
NBA TV's Steve Smith breaks down why Anthony Edwards is ready to rise.
Which team do you think will make a surprise Play-In/playoff push?
– from Ahmad in Delano, CA
The Orlando Magic because Paolo will take the next step to stardom as well. He had a great rookie year – averaged 20 points – but I feel like he’ll be even more well-rounded and driven to be great this season, especially after playing with Team USA this summer.
Who’s winning MVP this season?
– from Kalvin in South Africa
My pick is Jokic.
Who are your top 3 contenders for Rookie of the Year?
– from Anaya in Washington, D.C.’
Chet, Wemby, Scoot.
NBA TV analyzes what to expect from the rookie class.
Who do you think is going to be this season’s Sixth Man of the Year?
– from Yabi in Spain
Malik Monk. He’s the perfect balance of being on a really good Kings team and his role is needed. He’s carved out who he is – an explosive scorer off the bench.
Who is most likely to make their first All-Star appearance during the 2023-24 season?
– from Corey in Canal Winchester, OH
Jalen Brunson.
Will Wemby make the All-Star game as a rookie?
– from Jake in Whittier, CA
If he plays to his potential, I could easily see the fans voting him in.
WHAT A DUNK BY WEMBY 😱
HE'S TAKING OVER IN SAN ANTONIO.#NBAPreseason | Live on TNT pic.twitter.com/hGfvd5Ih5L
— NBA (@NBA) October 14, 2023
If both Wemby and Zion stay healthy this season, who’s going to have a larger impact on court?
– from Lim in New Jersey
Wemby will have more opportunity to have a larger impact. Obviously, the team is more centered around him whereas Zion has Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, Herb Jones and other really good pieces. So I would say Wemby.
If LeBron wins a title this year in year 21 and receives Finals MVP, will the GOAT conversation be revisited for you?
– from Jabar in Charlotte, NC
LeBron is so great, he’ll always be in the GOAT conversation. But for me, due to the era I grew up, there’s nothing he could do to overtake Jordan in my mind.
Is Anthony Edwards a top 10 NBA player?
– from Evan in Lakeville, MN
Not yet for me, but let’s revisit this question in a year.
What place do you think the Cavs will get in the East this year?
– from Russell in Cleveland, OH
I think they’ll be in the same 3-6 range as last year. But for them, they’re focused more on what they can do after the regular season.
Who is the most underappreciated player in the league?
– from Noah in Northbrook, IL
LeBron / Steph / KD / Westbrook
I believe Immanuel Quickley can have a similar effect on the game as you and Lou Williams. Do you see the similarities and would you work with him?
– from Troy in Lawrenceville, GA
I definitely see pieces of his game that are similar. And I will work with any player who wants to get better and is serious about their game.
How far do you think the Oklahoma City Thunder will go this year?
– from Lori in Minnesota
They can get to the playoffs and actually win a round depending on the matchup. You have the potential Rookie of the Year in Chet Holmgren. You have two up-and-coming studs in Josh Giddey and Jalen Williams. And you have a potential MVP candidate in SGA. Their future is bright .. very bright (Blake Griffin voice from the Kia commercial).
With D-Rose in Memphis now, what do you see his usage rate being pre-Morant, and with Morant?
– from Travis in Michigan
Obviously, he will have more opportunity while Ja is out. And I’m sure that opportunity will be scaled back once Ja is back. But by that point, D-Rose will already be in rhythm. I think he’ll help push this team forward on and off the court. And I love to see him just happy playing basketball again.
What’s Seattle native Jaden McDaniels gonna do this season, and what is his ceiling?
– from Vetle in Norway
He’s going to show people he’s so much more than just a defender. He can score as good as anybody out there. He’s just been doing what he needs to do to get on the court and he takes pride in defense. But he’s such a well-rounded player. I see him having a low-key quiet breakout year as well.
How far do you think the Clippers will make it this year if healthy?
– from Joseph in Santa Maria, CA
If healthy, they’ll be a very tough out in the playoffs. They can play a slow game. They have big-shot makers. They have guys who are battle-tested. They have great leadership. So IF healthy, they’ll be a tough out.
As an NBA player, how do you prepare your body for the long season?
– from Aiden in Martinsburg, WV
Well, I think my routine was different from a lot of NBA players. You’re told to take time off to let your body rest and recover in the summer. I did the opposite. I actually played even more. And I did that because I wanted my body to stay in shape .. stay in rhythm. I always felt like if you take a long time off and then you come back, your body is in shock. And I hated that shock. So I just kept my engine running and played almost every day. That helped me stay in basketball shape the whole summer and into the season.
How can I (at 44 years old) develop handles like you? And the ability to score at will?
– from Mikeeey in Houston, TX
Dribble the ball as much as you can. Keep that ball with you and your handles will naturally improve. Dribble and shoot as much as possible.
How do I eliminate thumb flick?
– from Ali in Virginia
Shoot with your shooting hand and put one hand behind your back. That will help you control the ball and just shoot straight up. If you do that enough, hopefully, that will get your shot mechanics back on track.
What is the best lesson you learned from basketball?
– from Milen in Bulgaria
That basketball is a universal language. You can go to a different country and you don’t speak the same language. But basketball will have you on the same page!
Have A Question For Jamal? Submit It Below!
Check back throughout the 2023-24 season for more editions of the NBA Mailbag!
