NBA 2012-2013 Offseason and onwards

[Hyperglide]

Well the draft for the NBA starts tonight. Whose excited? I can't wait to see some trades and new players come into the league. Who does Charlotte take at 2nd? MKG or Thomas Robinson? Who do you want your team to take? Are you excited for this years free agency crop?

I am hoping the Raptors pick up Damian Lillard or Dion Waiters. Harrison Barnes, Jeremy Lamb Austin Rivers are backups, depending on who drops and who is taken where.

[Hyperglide]

Fuck this shit I'm out. No longer a fan.

[pomeroy]

Heh. Toronto strikes again!

Really hoping that Royce White falls to the Celtics.

[Hyperglide]

I'm seriously QQ right now. Colangelo is a fuckin' moron. They could've traded down for Ross if they wanted him. Ship out Drummond and trade down if you wanted Ross. Ugh.. Well he looks like an okay player but man Rivers and Lamb would've looked great in a Raps jersey.

Toronto has to be the worst sports town in NA. Raptors suck, Leafs suck, Jays suck. I have not ONE team to cheer for. Urggh..

[pomeroy]

Cleveland holds that crown.

[Cyndair]

Cleveland holds that crown.

HEY! Yeah, OK, we perpetually suck... At least we got almost half of a good season out of the Indians this year.

Oh, and I'm miffed about our draft pick as well. How do you take Dion Waiters (without a workout or interview) when Robinson and Barnes are available? I'm still hoping there is some magical trade in the works that will have this whole thing make sense, but I doubt it.

[Hyperglide]

Waiters is actually pretty good. I'd rather have him over Ross. Trade ya!

I gotta admit though after that tirade I had earlier I cooled down a bit and got my panties out of a twist. I saw a couple of Ross, interviews, mixes and combine vids of him, looks like he's going to be a pretty good player. Just not 8th pick good. There was really no one else there at 8 though. Fuck the NBA for making us lose that coin toss and losing out on HB.

I really can't see this being the only move for the Raps. I heard rumours this pick was a precursor to Nash signing with the Raps and Calderon maybe being amnestied.

[Hyperglide]

Cleveland holds that crown.

uOof20Ej4eo Enjoy lol.. Raps fans got it tough. Even though I gotta admit losing the best player in the world stings.

[Hyperglide]

Thought this was pretty funny. Some random kid whose a fan of the Nets (obviously) reaction to their 2nd round pick in the draft.

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1213616/netskid_medium.gif

[Cyndair]

Yeah, I cooled off a bit after making my post and did some reading. I'm cautiously optimistic about Waiters. I had convinced myself that Barnes was the next best after Beal but with starters minutes, Waiters actually looks better stat-wise.

That video was hilarious. I will freely admit that it's harder to be a Raptors fan than a Cavs fan, but if you look at Cleveland sports as a whole over the last 50 years, it's a bit uncanny. What hurts is that we've come so close and then blown it in spectacular fashion on several occasions. Ugh... I feel ill just thinking about it. Oh well, back to hoping that Irving and Waiters are dynamic enough a core to get us to the next level in a few years...

[pomeroy]

I understood the Sullinger pick.

I don't know how to feel about Fab Melo. But...he does have a sweet name. So there's that.

[Hyperglide]

KG re-upped for 3 years/34.

Ohh 1.5 more hours and FA opens up! Really hope Nash comes to the Raps. I want playoff basketball in Toronto again.

[Hyperglide]

Apparently a massive blockbuster trade (if you want to call it that) involving the Brooklyn Nets (still getting used to that) and Atlanta Hawks is going to go down but it is contingent on Deron Williams re-signing with the team.

The deal is thus:

Johnson, who is still owed $89.3 million over the next three years, was dealt for Anthony Morrow; Jordan Farmar, who will be bought out at Atlanta's expense; Jordan Williams, Johan Petro, a signed-and-traded DeShawn Stevenson and the Rockets 2013 lottery protected first round pick.

More here:

http://www.netsdaily.com/2012/7/2/3132537/nets-trade-for-joe-johnson-keep-green-brooks-draft-pick

Dwight's gonna be pissed. Looks good on him for handcuffing the Magic. NO way they can sign him now with Deron, Crash and Johnson being there, unless he wants to play for the MLE.

More news:

Raptors met with Steve Nash on Sunday and offered him an alleged 3 year, $36 million dollar contract.

Omar Asik has apparently agreed in principal to sign Houstons offer sheet of $25 million over 3 years. The deal would be heavily backloaded and the third year would be paying out $15 million.

That's insane for a backup Center.

Speaking of Centers Portland has also made a massive max offer to Roy Hibbert of the Pacers. 4 years and $58 million. It will be interesting to see of the Pacers match. Not a lot of good young Centers out there.

More on Centers. Apparently recent #1 Overall pick of the Hornets, Anthony Davis has a major ankle sprain and is expected to miss the Olympics in London. No news on who his replacement will be but it's rumoured to be Roy Hibbert or DeMarcus Cousins.

[Hyperglide]

I hope there's no Atlanta Hawks fans on this board. Looks like that team is being dismantled. First Joe Johnson now Marvin Williams.

Just going online and on SportsCenter: Hawks have agreed in principle to deal Marvin Williams to Utah for Devin Harris to shed even more $


https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine/status/219927921786241024

[pomeroy]

I hope there's no Atlanta Hawks fans on this board.

Man, there's no Hawks fans at Hawks games. I don't think we have to worry about the board.

[Urizen]

The Asik deal is interesting. They are only looking to get two productive years out of him. His third year will only be as valuable as his expiring contract which will be an asset to any team looking to shed salary.

Joe Johnson is a mistake for Brooklyn. If it wasn't for abominations like Arenas and Rashard Lewis, his would be the worst contract in the league. Lots of players are overpaid and underproduce (SEE: Phoenix Suns), but few contracts can so cripple a franchise.

If I was Deron Williams, I'd run like a futhamucka from any team with Joe Johnson. Should be interesting if the Celtics can add a couple of pieces, like Camby or Dalembert to help their awful rebounding.

Al Jefferson is what the Jazz should shop around after his defeatist attitude against the Spurs. And I hate Dwight Howard more than I do any other athlete in the world right now, and it's not even close. I hope he never wins another game.

[Hyperglide]

Oh FML. Landry Fields signed a 3 year/$19 million dollar offer sheet from the Raptors on Tuesday. Hate this move.

Apparently it's a desperation move by Bryan Colangelo to get Steve Nash in a Raptors uniform. Knicks were planning on using Fields as a pawn for a S&T to attempt to woo Steve Nash to a Knicks uniform from Phoenix.

This RFA signing makes it harder now for the Knicks (unless they want to part with another piece probably Shumpert which I doubt they want to move and they still need to lock up Lin) to S&T trade for Nash.

It was a nice cockblock by Colangelo but the Knicks are not going to match that outrageous contract and Nash isn't worth it from a basketball point of view to sign a backup up SF/SG to a term of AAV $6.33 million. The contract is heavily backloaded like the Asik trade at Houston. Apparently $10 million dollars to be used as an attractive expiring.

[Hyperglide]

Jason Terry is jetting off to Boston. Terry is a 13 year vet.

The Celtics and Jason Terry have agreed to a three-year deal for the mid-level exception.

Terry has been with the Mavericks since 2004.

[Urizen]

Terry is a good signing. Jeff Green is coming back. And they signed their three draftees.

If they can get some rebounding, and resign Ray Allen, they are shoe-in for the Conference Finals against Miami again. That said, I as a fan of Ray Allen, I would totally understand him going to Miami. He'd get a lot more shots and time there.

[Hyperglide]

Terry is a good signing. Jeff Green is coming back. And they signed their three draftees.

If they can get some rebounding, and resign Ray Allen, they are shoe-in for the Conference Finals against Miami again. That said, I as a fan of Ray Allen, I would totally understand him going to Miami. He'd get a lot more shots and time there.

I think the Terry signing means Allen is as good as gone.

[pomeroy]

I think the Terry signing means Allen is as good as gone.

But with less money. I really hope he stays, but you're probably right. :(

[Hyperglide]

But with less money. I really hope he stays, but you're probably right. :(

I've been wrong before. Who knows maybe he stays? With the way the contracts and moving parts have been shifting so far this offseason anything is possible. *to steal a quote from KG*

[Hyperglide]

The Landry Fields RFA cockblock apparently failed. Raps aren't gonna get Steve Nash. Apparently the New York Knicks are the frontrunners for a S&T and then about a $10 million a year contract with Iman Shumpert going back to Phoenix.

On the fire BC bandwagon. Hack GM sick of him running this team and the Raps being known as a destination for retirement, a D-League farm team and hotbed for 3rd tier talent getting overpaid.

EDIT:

The 76ers and Spencer Hawes have reached agreement on a two-year, $13 million extension, according to sources.

Philadelphia also re-signed Lavoy Allen this week.

Via Adrian Wojnarowski/Yahoo! Sports (via Twitter)

Eric Gordon and the Suns have agreed to a maximum four-year, $58 million offer sheet.

The Hornets are expected to match.

"I strongly feel (the Suns) are the right franchise for me," said Gordon. "Phoenix is just where my heart is.''

Via Chris Broussard/ESPN (via Twitter)

[Hyperglide]

It's official Steve Nash is going to be an LA Laker. It's a S&T deal with Phoenix for a couple of 1st rounders. Rich get richer.

The Lakers have agreed to acquire Steve Nash from the Suns in a sign-and-trade.

Nash will receive a three-year, $25 million deal as he can be absorbed using the trade exception created by trading Lamar Odom to the Mavericks. The Suns will receive a package of future draft picks after eventually relenting to trade Nash within the Pacific Division.

The Knicks, Raptors and Mavericks also pursued Nash.

Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! reports that Nash was deciding between the Knicks and Raptors until the Lakers became a legitimate option two days ago.

[Urizen]

"Rich get richer" is an oversimplification. It's Nash, not Rondo or Rose. If a 38-year old consummate professional and 2-time MVP is an unrestricted free agent and can't pursue a Championship with the team of his choice, then let's go all live in Communist China.

Lakers probably have the best starting five in the league, regardless of who is at the 3. They still have no bench. I don't think Bynum's knees and Gasol's mind are suddenly made of cast iron. They are also the worst perimeter defense team in the league - bar none. I'd still take the Spurs, Clippers, OKC and Memphis over them in a series.

[Hyperglide]

"Rich get richer" is an oversimplification. It's Nash, not Rondo or Rose. If a 38-year old consummate professional and 2-time MVP is an unrestricted free agent and can't pursue a Championship with the team of his choice, then let's go all live in Communist China.

Lakers probably have the best starting five in the league, regardless of who is at the 3. They still have no bench. I don't think Bynum's knees and Gasol's mind are suddenly made of cast iron. They are also the worst perimeter defense team in the league - bar none. I'd still take the Spurs, Clippers, OKC and Memphis over them in a series.

He goes to one of the few elite stacked teams in the league and he's still playing at a high level even at his advanced basketball age. How the hell is this not a case of rich getting richer? They didn't have to trade any significant assets to get him (a couple of late 1sts??? pff). Keep on wearing your homer glasses.

Also nice contradiction. You say they have the best starting 5 in the League then go on to say that Bynum and Gasol are risks of being injured and also have low IQ's and no perimeter defense. lol which one is it? :D

[pomeroy]

Again, Urizen is a Celtics fan. Not a homer, really.

[Zero]

I don't know any Lakers fan that would say any team could beat them, much less 4 West teams. What a ridiculous statement, Hyperglide.

[Urizen]

I take it as a huge compliment to my objectivity that someone can say I'm partial to a team whose losses I enjoy immensely.

[TheEpicOfTyler]

The old gettin' older.

[Stmfuller]

do we have a team in Detroit still? I can't remember.
it's been too long since the Pistons were on the radar.

[Hyperglide]

Raptors got Kyle Lowry. Squeeee I'm happy as a lil' bird! And only for a conditional 1st and Gary Forbes. Love this move. And last night I was ready to tar and feather Colangelo. The young get younger.

Again, Urizen is a Celtics fan. Not a homer, really.

Sorry I can't remember even remember who I'm a fan of sometimes. I sure as hell can't remember who everyone on this board cheers for. I figured cause he's in LA that he was a Laker fan.

I don't know any Lakers fan that would say any team could beat them, much less 4 West teams. What a ridiculous statement, Hyperglide.

Ridiculous statements. I'm full of them. I was in a pissy mood last night. Not so tonight :D

[Urizen]

Disappointed that Brandon Roy went to 'Sota. Not sure what he's playing for. Half a dozen teams would have signed him, and the leagues best fitness gurus work for the Suns. I thought that would have been good for him.

The Lin thing is interesting. He's going to be profitable for virtually every team in the league. I'm surprised the Rockets are the only ones who put forward big money. How many promising players does D'Antoni have to run into the ground before they can sue his ass?

[Urizen]

Well, Jesus Shuttlesworth is going to Miami, and now I so desperately want to see a Heat-Lakers playoff series. Shame it would have to wait until the Finals.

This is going to be a great season. This could have been the best time in the league ever, if there were just two or three less teams. The European talent is still not rich enough to account for the mid-90s over expansion. But the number and diversity of elite players is a problem because they choose to make deals together.

Let's contract a few teams, and have the greatest season ever.

[Hyperglide]

Dwight Howard is a Laker. Cancel the 2012 season. Just let the Heat and Lakers play in October for the championship.

[Zagrash]

Dwight Howard is a Laker. Cancel the 2012 season. Just let the Heat and Lakers play in October for the championship.

But if you cancel the season, then the Bulls can't sell out every game while spending absolutely nothing on the team...you can't just win the Financial Championship without a season! Reinsdorf certainly isn't interested in winning an actual NBA championship. It's sad that they can't even be cheap very well, they've really pretty much screwed up the entire offseason, as well as the next few years. hooray?

[pomeroy]

Dwight Howard is a Laker. Cancel the 2012 season. Just let the Heat and Lakers play in October for the championship.

While I'm not happy about this (hate the Lakers, it's a part of my fandom), no need to cancel the season. Both Nash and Howard have back issues, and it remains to be seen how they'll complement with Kobe and his ball hogging ways.

[Urizen]

But if you cancel the season, then the Bulls can't sell out every game while spending absolutely nothing on the team...you can't just win the Financial Championship without a season! Reinsdorf certainly isn't interested in winning an actual NBA championship. It's sad that they can't even be cheap very well, they've really pretty much screwed up the entire offseason, as well as the next few years. hooray?

Exaggeration aside, this is a great point. The Bulls were so close to being a juggernaut. If they had got any of the 2010 marquee free agents, they'd be golden right now. Instead, they are slipping away. Their great depth, especially defensively, is gone. If only they had kept Alridge, instead of trading him for Tyrus Thomas. Then this financial championship would have had a banner to go with it.

I can't see anyone but the Celtics and the Heat in the East Finals, barring crazy injury. The Lakers have weaknesses, like no 3-pt shooting, but their biggest weakness was their perimeter defense. The historically awful defensive duo of Kobe and Nash have unmatched coverage. If Popovich has any tricks in his bag, they include being able to Shaq-type force out of the game mentally with hacks and shooting centers, and countering Nash's running game.

My bet is OKC still keeps the #1 seed, Lakers and Spurs behind them. The Lakers can't eliminate both of them, and then go take out the Heat.

[Zanzibar]

Not to mention that Mike Brown is now relegated to the 5th biggest ego on the team, and he's insecure to begin with. I love the Lakers, but I can't stand Mike Brown. This team is gonna fold at the first sign of trouble.

That was the thing about Phil Jackson, you always knew that no matter what the players were upset about, Phil could handle them and find ways to keep them in line.

[Hyperglide]

Seasons starting too and I'm excited. Who else is with me?

[Imagump]

I'm excited for the season to get started. Huge Spurs fan but I'm hoping for anyone, ANYONE to dethrone the Heat!

[Urizen]

The West starts with OKC and is a mess after that. If the Lakers somehow draw the Spurs before the WCF, they'll be a very tough out.

The Heat control the east but if there is any slip-up, like a Bosh injury or a hobbled Wade like last season, the Celtics will beat them. There's no 3rd team in the East.

Really amped for the season to kick off.

[Imagump]

The Lakers will have to score points like crazy because of Nash being a liability on defense. Not to mention that Nash is only effective offensively when he controls the ball. I can't see Bryant letting that happen.
I still think the Bulls will contend in the east and the Pacers took huge steps forward last year.

I see top 3 in East as:
Miami
Chicago
Indiana

West:
Oklahoma
San Antonio
Lakers

[pomeroy]

Any East list that doesn't have Boston on it is invalid.

[Imagump]

Not trying to diss the Celtics,

If I had listed the top 4 of each Conference, Boston would be there.

I'm not fond of Jason Terry, but he is twice the player Ray Allen is at this point in their careers.

Best thing about the NBA is that how good teams are now will be entirely different in April.

[Urizen]

I'm not expecting much out of Chicago, if and when Rose returns. I say 'if' because it might not be the same Rose we saw before the injury. Not trying to be negative, but for someone who relies so much on explosiveness, it could be a death sentence to the player he was.

I think Philly and Washington will both seed higher than the Pacers.

In the West, I'd like to see the Grizz/Clips throw a wrench in everyone's predictions, as unlikely as that is. Both teams are undone by silly front offices, on-court brain farts and injuries. I'd like for them to be as healthy and focused as possible for a season just to see what their ceiling really is. Not a single guy on either roster I dislike, which says a lot.

Also, I think I hate Dwight more than I do Kobe, with the whole rape/sexual assault being the only thing making it close.

[Urizen]

Well, with Harden in Houston, the Thunder just lost big. I guess they're keeping Eric Maynor, presumably because they couldn't get much for him.

I don't think they're going to keep K-Mart, either. He's just an expiring contract to sell someone. Should be interesting to see how this pans out. OKC was a lock for the 1-seed a few hours ago. Not any more.

Houston might make the playoffs this year now - Lin, Harden, Asik.

[Hyperglide]

Please don't laugh at me but this is the most excited I've been as a Raptors fan in a long time. Very high hopes and hoping to see playoffs this year. Especially after a strong pre-season (I know it doesn't mean crap).

EDIT: Wow Harden to Rockets? Big move! I'm a huge Harden fan.

[Zero]

Well, with Harden in Houston, the Thunder just lost big. I guess they're keeping Eric Maynor, presumably because they couldn't get much for him.

I don't think they're going to keep K-Mart, either. He's just an expiring contract to sell someone. Should be interesting to see how this pans out. OKC was a lock for the 1-seed a few hours ago. Not any more.

Houston might make the playoffs this year now - Lin, Harden, Asik.

If I hear "small market team" uttered by billionaires ever again, I'm going to scream.

Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk 2

[Urizen]

It's not a complete myth. Just one example, the Lakers get a quarter billion a year from their TV deal, but OKC gets $15M.

But it's stupid that owners think a sports franchise is a way to growth their wealth. If anything, it costs tons of money, and you should be prepared to face massive losses. Every single win, regardless of the league or sport, is expensive. But the billionaires just love being in these exclusive owners' clubs, and they jump in for the excitement.

Unfortunate, really.

[Imagump]

Please don't laugh at me but this is the most excited I've been as a Raptors fan in a long time. Very high hopes and hoping to see playoffs this year. Especially after a strong pre-season (I know it doesn't mean crap).

The Raptors are very interesting. They have a nice young team and a coach that is big on defense. From the pre-season, it looks like they might have a pretty good center too. I forget his name ATM but he looked pretty good for a rookie. The Atlantic division is full of teams that are borderline of being either real good or real bad so they could make some noise if they can play defense.

EDIT: Wow Harden to Rockets? Big move! I'm a huge Harden fan.

Speaking as a life-long Spurs fan, when I heard about this trade I screamed like a little girl. Breaking up the team that smoked the Spurs last year can only be taken as great news!

[Hyperglide]

The Raptors are very interesting. They have a nice young team and a coach that is big on defense. From the pre-season, it looks like they might have a pretty good center too. I forget his name ATM but he looked pretty good for a rookie. The Atlantic division is full of teams that are borderline of being either real good or real bad so they could make some noise if they can play defense.

Jonas Valanciunas. He was taken 5th overall last season but couldn't come over cause of his contract with his former team in Europe. If he was taken this year he was slated to go 2nd overall behind Anthony Davis. Kids a stud.

Speaking as a life-long Spurs fan, when I heard about this trade I screamed like a little girl. Breaking up the team that smoked the Spurs last year can only be taken as great news!

Ya I think OKC actually kind of won that trade. K-Mart while not a superstar is an electric scorer and will thrive with that team coming off the bench, also he's an expiring (good asset to have). Jeremy Lamb is a blue chipper and many said was the 2nd best SG taken in the draft, oh and they got 2 1st rounders (one of which is the Raptors 1st for the Kyle Lowry trade, the other is the Mavericks pick) and a 2nd (which is basically a high 1st as it's Charlottes), for essentially a rental player who was strong arming the team and could've walked at the end of the year as an RFA.

Sorry didn't mean to burst your bubble. I don't think the trade was as one-sided as others do that's all.

[pomeroy]

I don't blame Harden a bit for not wanting to take less money. It's not his fault Presti thought that Serge Ibaka was worth that much. Really, it's on Presti at this point. You just broke up a team that was in the Finals last year. Good luck, buddy.

[Fubl]

Go Xbox adding the broadband option for the nba package. Be picking that up on payday. Have no cable and to get all the channels for sports it's just to much money.

[Imagump]

Ya I think OKC actually kind of won that trade. K-Mart while not a superstar is an electric scorer and will thrive with that team coming off the bench, also he's an expiring (good asset to have). Jeremy Lamb is a blue chipper and many said was the 2nd best SG taken in the draft, oh and they got 2 1st rounders (one of which is the Raptors 1st for the Kyle Lowry trade, the other is the Mavericks pick) and a 2nd (which is basically a high 1st as it's Charlottes), for essentially a rental player who was strong arming the team and could've walked at the end of the year as an RFA.

Sorry didn't mean to burst your bubble. I don't think the trade was as one-sided as others do that's all.

I can't believe how much OKC got back in that trade but we'll see how it goes. One thing OKC had going for it last year(besides being the most athletic team in the West) was chemistry. It will be interesting to see how they handle their rotation now that Harden is gone. Like I said earlier, it's a looooong way until April and soo many things will be different by then.

[Urizen]

The sacrifice OKC made doing this 4 days before the opener was chemistry. And you're going to need chemistry if you plan on contending for the 1-seed. If OKC loses the 1-seed by giving up Harden, they gave up too much.

I know I'm projecting 82 games ahead, but I've got the Spurs inched ahead in the West. The Lakers won't care too much about their seed, but they're going to play a dangerous game trying to take on the likes of the Grizzlies, Spurs and Thunder in a single postseason.

[Hyperglide]

The sacrifice OKC made doing this 4 days before the opener was chemistry. And you're going to need chemistry if you plan on contending for the 1-seed. If OKC loses the 1-seed by giving up Harden, they gave up too much.

I know I'm projecting 82 games ahead, but I've got the Spurs inched ahead in the West. The Lakers won't care too much about their seed, but they're going to play a dangerous game trying to take on the likes of the Grizzlies, Spurs and Thunder in a single postseason.

How will this hurt their chemistry? It helps it if anything. If they made this trade at the deadline then K-Mart and Lamb would only have a few months of acclimating themselves to the Thunders system before a deep playoff run. To do this trade now only helps them as now Lamb and K-Mart have more time to gel with the team and it's early enough in the season for them to work out the kinks and get a higher seeding if they struggle early.

Also you totally left out the Clippers, and Nuggets as potential threats in the post season to the Fakers.

[Imagump]

Also you totally left out the Clippers, and Nuggets as potential threats in the post season to the Fakers.

I'm on board with Denver. I think they will be real tough and a sure playoff team.

I'm not sold on the Clippers though. Unless Billiups and G. Hill can get and stay healthy. Odom is a shell IMO. I think they make the playoffs but will be a non-factor.

Also:I'm sitting here watching Heat vs. Celtics and I'm realizing that it's not Lebron James that makes me hate the Heat nearly as much as Dwayne Wade. I can't stand that freaking baby........

[Imagump]

How about those Lakers, huh?

I hope Mike Brown is renting.

[Urizen]

This Princeton offense is a dumb idea. If they had just let Nash from Phoenix been the Nash in LA, their offense would have been solved for everyone except Kobe.

Kobe has become the ball-stopping grind it out player that everyone was criticizing Melo for in Denver and NY.

The defensive problems are another issue. It's like their opponents keep grtting fast break points in the half court. As sad as it sounds, the Dwight isn't enough of a beast to cover how slow their backcourt is.

[Hyperglide]

How about those Lakers, huh?

I hope Mike Brown is renting.

Good to see Kobe is still sharing the rock too. 4 assists in 3 games. :cool:

Nash injured too..

Loving this.

[Fubl]

Sinc ei picked up the league pass been watching a bunch of nuggets games. They look good but they need some defensive presence their defense right now is just try scoring more points. Houston went from a non event in my mind to a team that can play a huge role in the west if they keep harden and Lin healthy. Philly looks decent. Atlanta looks good but I think they will be easy to defend they struggle getting into the paint.

[Urizen]

So long, Mike Brown. I don't think he got a fair shake this season, but the way he misused Gasol throughout last season was unconscionable. Nash goes down, and Ron Artest from Preseason turns into Metta from last season.

[Hyperglide]

So long, Mike Brown. I don't think he got a fair shake this season, but the way he misused Gasol throughout last season was unconscionable. Nash goes down, and Ron Artest from Preseason turns into Metta from last season.

Writing was on the wall, especially with that death stare Kobe gave him after the Utah loss. The Princeton offense wasn't working as it totally nullified Nash's usefullness. Also their defense is atrocious.

This made me chortle

http://i.imgur.com/17Zf0.gif

I hear rumors that Pringles is gonna be the next coach. Oh please I hope that's true so the nightmare can continue. :D

More funnies.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/A7O5ypdCEAE4bZR.jpg

http://i48.tinypic.com/29bd81y.jpg

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/3606/lolbrown.jpg

http://i50.tinypic.com/29dvaqd.jpg

http://gifs.gifbin.com/122010/1291663863_kid-owned-playing-basketball.gif

[Imagump]

Wow, just heard about this. Mike Brown was a terrible fit in LA anyway, I was surprised they hired him in the first place.

Bickerstaff could coach circles around Brown, IMO. He will get them playing better for sure, but I wonder what else they will do when they realize they still have no one to play defense.

Also, it will be interesting to see how they will handle the Steve Nash failure there. He is a worse fit for that team than Mike Brown was. Well, at least with Bickerstaff they will make the playoffs now.

There is also talk about Phil Jackson. I doubt that, even if Jackson were interested in coaching again that he would come in mid-season like this.

[Zanzibar]

If Phil Jackson could come in and save the day, once again proving his legacy, he'd do it. Particularly with this talent-loaded team.

I think he's gonna do it.

I always knew Mike Brown was the weakest link in the chain this year, I'm just glad it snapped early.

[Urizen]

Weird how everyone is pissing on Brown right now but LeBron and the Cleveland LeBronnaires made him look like a genius from 2008 to 2010, wrapping up Coach of the Year in the process.

If anything, this whole 71-game Mike Brown experiment makes LBJ that much more impressive. As we write legacies, let's never forget that Kobe is a coach-killer.

[Khrymsyn]

The Phil Jackson rumors are definitely gaining steam. Apparently he's been calling around recruiting assistant coaches...

[Hyperglide]

I'm officially on suicide watch. *smdh, facepalm*

[Zanzibar]

...And it's Mike D'Antoni (http://sports.yahoo.com/news/agent-lakers-hire-mike-dantoni-084923037--nba.html;_ylt=Aj9qRHcurptploQMr7Vvvuc5nYcB;_ylu=X3 oDMTRscDZ2MXNvBG1pdANMSVNUUyBNaXhlZCBMaXN0IEZQIEhl YWRsaW5lcwRwa2cDNzVjYmYxNjYtNWYxZC0zZmY0LTg0MDEtNT M4NDRiZTdiMzVjBHBvcwMxBHNlYwNNZWRpYUJMaXN0TWl4ZWRM UENBVGVtcAR2ZXIDZTg1ODFmMjAtMmNkZC0xMWUyLWJkYmItYz FmNmQzODkxNTMz;_ylg=X3oDMTFpNzk0NjhtBGludGwDdXMEbG FuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rp b25z;_ylv=3). Apparently I didn't consider that Phil Jackson would be a dick (http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--lakers-resist-phil-jackson-s-power-grab-11051709.html) about it.

[pomeroy]

I love sports coaching. It's one of the few professions where you can fail upward.

[Imagump]

Well, at least we know the Lakers still wont be playing any defense.....

I predict Kobe will be complaining in a couple months because D'Antoni will want Nash to have the ball all the time and that's not gonna fly in LA.

THIS IS GREAT!!!

[Urizen]

I'm officially on suicide watch. *smdh, facepalm*

The 3OT game tonight was crazy entertainment. Sorry for the final score.

The Lakers are crazy. If Phil Jackson had said he needed two more weeks to decide, you give him two more weeks. The franchise is run by a headless chicken, though. Mike Brown was brought in as a defense-first coach because the Lakers got killed on the pick-and-roll by the likes of J.J.Barea two playoffs ago. They fire him and hire who? Mr. No-D 'Antoni, who is almost as overrated as another guy they interviewed, Dunleavy.

D'Antoni is also responsible for running his starters into the ground everywhere he goes. Look for players to start breaking down under the stress, especially with this current Lakers team that has no bench.

LeBron killed it tonight. He's supposedly suffering from soreness.

[Cyndair]

Aaaaaaaand Irving is out a month with a broken finger. Time to shoot for a top three pick again, I guess. All time low for Cleveland sports right now and that's saying something. I think I need to step away for a bit.

[Hyperglide]

Aaaaaaaand Irving is out a month with a broken finger. Time to shoot for a top three pick again, I guess. All time low for Cleveland sports right now and that's saying something. I think I need to step away for a bit.

Cleveland knows how to tank well. I wish the Raptors would learn how to do this. Oh wait Lowry and Fields are injured. :cool:

Honestly hope Uncle Drew comes back soon I love watching that kid play he's awesome. You also got Varejao playing out of his mind right now and Dion Waiters is a special talent. It's just to bad you drafted Tristan Thompson. You could've had the guy in my avatar. Then the Cavaliers would've been sweet to watch for the next 5-10 years with all that young talent coming into their primes.

[Imagump]

Cleveland knows how to tank well. I wish the Raptors would learn how to do this. Oh wait Lowry and Fields are injured. :cool:

THIS ^^^^^

I wish Detroit would figure this out. They continue to ram Prince, Stucky and Maxiell down our throats trying to win 30 games a year. JUST PLAY THE DAMN KIDS AND SEE WHAT YOU GOT!!!!!! We are tired of these retreads.

Kyle Singler played GREAT when Stucky was out with the flu and what is the headline we get in the paper here? "Stucky gives it up for the team, telling coaches he will come off the bench for the good of the team." WHAT????? The coaches should be telling him to sit at the end of the bench with Villanueva and STFU!!! He does nothing for this team but score and he can't even do that.

Is there any wonder a team struggles when their starting 2 guard is shooting 31% and averaging 9 points a game while hogging over 30 minutes a night??
Singler scores, rebounds, passes, makes steals and plays good defense. The only thing holding him back from becoming a productive NBA player is having Stucky wasting minutes he should be getting.

And don't even get me started on Andre Drummond. Yes, I like everyone else did not expect alot from him this year, but watching him play in the pre-season, and the limited minutes they are giving him, he could be a decent player and he seems to have a decent head on his shoulders. When he is on the floor he is blocking shots and rebounding better than any big we currently have on this roster, including Greg Monroe. But they continue to give him only about 15 minutes a night while we have to sit and watch Maxiell and Prince do the same old 10 points and 5 rebounds and 5 turnovers in 35 minutes a night routine.

It pisses me off and I don't even like the Pistons that much......

[Hyperglide]

Drummond is going to be a beast. I wish Raps had of drafted him instead of Terrence Ross. Dwane Casey is just as bad as Lawrence Frank with rotations and not letting the kids pay. The thing is that 8 teams passed on Drummond cause he's raw and a project and doesn't have basketball IQ. But if you aren't going to play them anyways what's the damn point?

[Imagump]

GRRRRRR....... watching Detroit down by 25 to Orlando with 5 minutes left and Prince and Maxiell are STILL PLAYING!!!! WTF???? No Drummond.........WHY???????????

[Fubl]

So who's betting the Washington wizards go 0-82

[Imagump]

So who's betting the Washington wizards go 0-82

Wizards have some decent players. Nene looks pathetic right now though. Things will get better when Wall is back but it can only help in the long run that rookies like Beal are getting a bunch of time. They really played well enough to beat Atlanta the other night.

[Superman's Dead]

250k for sitting your stars for the 4th game in 5 days is ridiculous

[Imagump]

250k for sitting your stars for the 4th game in 5 days is ridiculous


Pop is a great coach. A legend. Not many coaches in the league would have the balls to do what he did. How much better will San Antonio be later in the season because he got to see all those players for an extended amount of time against one of the league's best teams. They almost won the damn game too. It was worth every penny IMO.

Then to make it even look better for the Spurs, they need overtime last night to beat Memphis. One could argue that if the starters had played in Miami they could have easily lost that game and ran out of gas against Memphis and lost that too. It's common knowledge in the NBA that teams coming home from a long road trip like that usually lay an egg the first night back home. Gregg Popovich should be coach of the year right now.

Rested Tim Duncan looks like this:
http://www.nba.com/video/games/spurs/2012/12/01/0021200239-mem-sas-play1.nba

[Imagump]

I see top 3 in East as:
Miami
Chicago
Indiana

West:
Oklahoma
San Antonio
Lakers

OK, the season is almost 1/4 over so I need to re-visit this:

I was dumb enough to think Chicago was going to still be somewhat dominant in the weak eastern conference. I think at that time I also thought Derrick Rose was coming back much sooner than he actually is.
I still giggle at the Lakers problems even though I picked them to be better.

Here is my revised (I have actually seen the teams play) list:

East top 3:
Miami - No one in the conference should challenge them(even though I wish someone would destroy them)
Indiana - Yeah, they are off to a pretty slow start but they have played a TON of road games. They should win the Central by default but I think they will start playing better now that the schedule is getting better.
New York - They are playing great without Stoudamere, but many people think that is exactly why they are playing well. If they are still playing at this level when he is fully back I will feel better about this pick.

No, Boston is still not in my top 3 even though any other team in the conference could be 3....

West top 3:
Oklahoma City - They are playing alot better now than in the first few weeks of the season. OKC can go 2 ways, become a victim of the West being soo good, or push that much harder and become even better because they are in the West.
San Antonio - Spurs till I die. Tim Duncan is playing like he is 25. As long as the big 3 and Popp are there, they will contend.
Memphis - They might have gotten better by taking a step back last year, they seem more determined this year.

Others:
Lakers - BAWHAWHAWLMFAOLOLOL!
Clippers - I think they are at the stage Memphis was last year, and about to take a step back before taking 2 steps forward next year.

[Urizen]

Regarding Tim Duncan and Popgate (I think I saw that name somewhere), I've really grown to like and respect both Pop and Tim. I thought it was a little shady how Pop took over coaching duties from the front office as soon as he got Duncan, and I felt bad for the Celtics for not winning the Duncan sweepstakes after having the best chance at the #1 in the lottery. But seeing Duncan play this year has been a revelation. Especially his 'comeback' game after the Heat game. Dude played with a chip on his shoulder because he took Stern's fine personally.

If the Spurs had got blown out and Duncan stunk up the joint, the talking heads would have created a bunch of other nonsense stories, but they had to say, "Pop was right".

The Knicks are fool's gold. The wins where you happen to be on fire, and score 12+ 3s at better than 40% should have an asterisk next to them in the final analysis. You're not winning playoff series like that.

Any idea where Pau will end the season? I'm positive the Lakers shut him down for an imminent trade, regardless of what Kupchak says. I'm looking for the Lakers to get blown out by the Thunder tonight.

[Hyperglide]

Sorry guys I'm out for the season. Not injured. Just out. Fuck this shitty ass can team.

Poor Lowry..

http://snag.gy/kh28S.jpg

Fuck Westbrook and Durant...

http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx144/lillehammer/Turbo_Zone%20Sigs/Turbozone_Can.jpg

Man I spend way to much time at RealGM.

[Urizen]

RealGM is hilariously awesome. Lots of chaff, but I've mostly only lurked.

Westbrook played close to the game of his life last night, while I don't see that happening over and over in a 7 game series, it was a very impressive show. All night I felt like Durant was missing completely easy gimmes, but he ended up shooting 10-19 with 16 FTAs? It's like only his misses stand out because they are so unexpected.

The Thunder should use Perkins more in the second half and late in games, instead of always going smaller with Collison/Ibaka.

Ron Artest does not have mental health issues; He's just a crazy asshole.

[Imagump]

Any idea where Pau will end the season? I'm positive the Lakers shut him down for an imminent trade, regardless of what Kupchak says.

I always liked Pau's game.... before he was a Laker :D

I hope he gets moved for his benefit.

I got to witness Noah's personal raping of the Pistons last night in person. We also got treated to another huge helping of worthless Rodney Stucky and not enough Andre Drummand and Kyle Singler. I really like Lawrence Frank but he is beginning to frustrate me big time.....
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k314/katie892/1207122109.jpg
Sorry for the crappy resolution, my phone camera had been turned wayy down for some reason.

[Imagump]

Funny how everyone seems to think the Lakers will magically be fixed when Steve(I'm a horrible fit for this team) Nash comes back......

[Hyperglide]

Funny how everyone seems to think the Lakers will magically be fixed when Steve(I'm a horrible fit for this team) Nash comes back......

That's why they haven't traded Pau yet apparently. They want to see how he works with Nash. Well there seems to be this one guy, you might have heard of him, Kobe something. He seems to think he's gods gift to earth and everything needs to revolve around him including the universe.

Also I bet the Knicks felt great beating up their old coach. Pringles sucks. And this is coming from someone that has Dwane Casey as their headcoach.

[Imagump]

The Lakers would be better off with Nash playing only if Kobe was hurt. Bryant is actually the square peg in the round hole of that mess. I can see the rest of that roster doing pretty well offensively with a healthy Nash doing what he does but that is never gonna happen as long as Bryant is there. They are gonna suck defensively regardless because of their coach but even more so when Nash comes back.

I know this sounds crazy and would never happen, but if the Lakers wanted to be bold and get back to contending ASAP, I think they should try to trade Bryant right now. They could surely get a younger up-and-coming all star and another player or two in return. All that to go along with Nash, Howard and a Gasol with his head screwed on straight.

Honestly, I don't think they could win another championship with Bryant anyway. It would definitely be a bold move and I think the fastest way back into contention. Yes, I'll admit I don't like Kobe Bryant so my opinion is probably jaded.....

[pomeroy]

Even if the Lakeshow was going to trade Kobe Bean Bryant (which, as you said will never happen. Dude is the most important Laker since Magic, if not of all time), who the hell is taking on that contract? 27.8 million dollars! And he makes like 30 million next year.

[Imagump]

Well, they did trade Shaq who many considered the most important Laker since Magic. But that was kinda, Kobe's idea.....

And if I remember right, wasn't it just a year or 2 ago that Bryant was almost traded to Chicago?

It's also pretty obvious that Bryant wanted Phil Jackson back and not D'Antonio.....
I don't want it to happen trust me, I am loving every second of this.

Also:Could someone please come to Detroit and hit Rodney Stucky in the leg with a wooden mallet, PLEASE?

[pomeroy]

Kobe wanted that trade back in 2007. And instead, they got him Pau and he won two titles.

Getting to play with Shaq and Pau. How lucky can one guy be?

[Cyndair]

Way to outtank the Raps, Cavs... *groan*

[Hyperglide]

Way to outtank the Raps, Cavs... *groan*

Uncle Drew got some nice superstar calls though.

xOVF3uCqHV8

[Hyperglide]

T-Ross the boss sending this ball straight to heaven. Kaboom! This young man needs to be in the dunk contest. Man he gets up!

-O2m5pYEaSY

One of these dunks is top 3 of the year thus far.

[Cyndair]

Uncle Drew got some nice superstar calls though.

Yeah, that was ridiculous. It's kinda fun when it goes your way, but I'd prefer that crap didn't happen at all. Maybe it was the mask.

Cavs lost again last night to the Pacers and I expect them to do the same tonight against the bucks. With Varejao out injured, there is no chance of them winning a game against any opponent. They need at least one more draft.

[Imagump]

T-Ross the boss sending this ball straight to heaven. Kaboom! This young man needs to be in the dunk contest. Man he gets up!

Judging by the last few years, being a great dunker makes you automatically ineligible for an NBA dunk contest.......

[Urizen]

I'd say the last few dunk contests have been really entertaining, even if the best dunks didn't always win.

You mist be thinking of the contest where Brent Barry, Kobe and Nate Robinson won. Kobe and Barry's win were worse than Cedric Ceballos'.

[Urizen]

What the Clips are doing right now is a little silly, maybe not because of the consistent quality of their opposition, but they have been destroying everyone while basically playing every other night.

16-0 in 30 days of December. Ridiculous.

They have a rough stretch with 4 games in 5 nights to kickoff January, and their opponents are going to be very well rested. I'd love to see them get through Denver, the Lakers and Golden State.

[Imagump]

The Clips are playing great right now. They are very entertaining to watch. Problem is, the run and gun way they are playing now is not how games are played in the playoffs. At least against the best teams.

My dream scenario would be to see the Clippers eliminate the Lakers in the playoffs(whatever the round). I would pay to see that happen....

[Imagump]

Supersonics could be back!

http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2013/01/09/report-sacramento-kings-being-sold-to-seattle-based-group/

[pomeroy]

Supersonics could be back!

http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2013/01/09/report-sacramento-kings-being-sold-to-seattle-based-group/

Happy for Seattle's fans, sad for Sacramento's.

[Hyperglide]

Raptors have won 10 out of their last 13 :D What the hell? Bargnani is not with the team, Lowry is healthy, Calderon is playing some of his best ball in years (contract year) and Fields isn't playing like a total scrub!!

WOO HOO! (at least until the next terrible losing streak)

[Imagump]

I just ............ don't understand this:

http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/i.m8NdVpqlBuLFhM2Ezaxg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTYzMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en/blogs/sptusnbaexperts/NOLAP12413.jpg

[Hyperglide]

That was a dope game winning shot by DeMar DeRozan tonight. What a prayer that was answered lol.. Love the sound in the arena from Magic fans. Good season sweep.

[Hyperglide]

This would make for a great signature. Too bad the forum won't allow gifs as signatures..

http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx144/lillehammer/Turbo_Zone%20Sigs/TURBOZONE_Calderon-Interview.gif

Credit goes to TurboZone at RealGM. Oh man he makes awesome gifs lmao.

[Imagump]

Sigh...... Talk about losers.

The Pistons are all talking about making the playoffs now that Rondo is injured. This while STILL ramming Villanueva, Stucky and Maxiel down our throats and Drummond playing only 18 minutes a night. I can see players making stupid remarks like that, but why would coaches and GM's state to the press they they are now going to push for the playoffs because someone on another team got injured? It's just stupid.

I used to love Lawrence Frank as a coach and I used to love Joe Dumars, but this franchise clearly has no idea what they are doing. I'm glad I have been a Spurs fan since the George Gervin days.

Pistons are off to a great start on this "playoff run" as they are currently getting gang raped by Milwaukee at home...
BTW - Drummond actually got a little bit of time tonight (27 min.) and has 18 points and 18 rebounds. This from a guy that they don't even run plays for.

[Hyperglide]

Sigh...... Talk about losers.

The Pistons are all talking about making the playoffs now that Rondo is injured. This while STILL ramming Villanueva, Stucky and Maxiel down our throats and Drummond playing only 18 minutes a night. I can see players making stupid remarks like that, but why would coaches and GM's state to the press they they are now going to push for the playoffs because someone on another team got injured? It's just stupid.

I used to love Lawrence Frank as a coach and I used to love Joe Dumars, but this franchise clearly has no idea what they are doing. I'm glad I have been a Spurs fan since the George Gervin days.

Pistons are off to a great start on this "playoff run" as they are currently getting gang raped by Milwaukee at home...
BTW - Drummond actually got a little bit of time tonight (27 min.) and has 18 points and 18 rebounds. This from a guy that they don't even run plays for.

At least you got Drummond :( We get stuck with Ross. Nice player but Drummond is gonna be a beast.

[Imagump]

At least you got Drummond :( We get stuck with Ross. Nice player but Drummond is gonna be a beast.

Ross isn't too bad. He might amount to something eventually. At least there is a reason he isn't playing a ton right now because he is behind Calderon, Fields and DeRozan.

Drummond is sitting in Detroit so retreads like Villanueva, Maxiel and Austin Day can play 25 minutes each and do nothing.

At least Toronto isn't stupid. Detroit has almost an identical record as the Raptors, but I bet no one there is running around saying they will make the playoffs right now.

Oh, and rumors have the Raptors the front runners for Rudy Gay. I hope they don't give up too much for him.

[Fubl]

trade going down that will probably make the 4th best team in the west worse.....grizzlies trading gay to the raptors for calderon and davis. then looking to trade calderon to another team ....... the wizards suck bad and now my 2nd team is playing money pincher in the middle o f a play off run

[Imagump]

Memphis got Detroit wastes Austin Day and Prince. Sorry Memphis. Day is a soft waste of space and Prince is a pro at eating minutes and doing nothing. His game was done 5 years ago. At least they got Ed Davis....

Detroit gets Calderon but with an expiring contract, he will just finish the year and be gone. (If he is smart)

Toronto should be able to turn things around if Gay has his head on straight.

[Fubl]

Max deals are really hurting the nba right now. Let's pay these guys what they are worth not what stops them from going to another team.

[Hyperglide]

Enjoy Calderon Detroit and Imagump. Total class act and one of my fave Raptors of all time. He just is a terrible defender and was overpaid as hell but you'll love him as a person and as a Pick and Roll guy.

I think the trade was bad at first but after thinking about it for it a bit we got a bonafide star SF for basically just Ed Davis and a 2nd round 2013 pick. It really fixes our SF position which as been terrible since probably Jorge Garbajosa left which was like 7 years ago. Is he overpaid? Hell yes. Does he have flaws? Yup. But he's a great scorer very athletic and it's a buy low situation which may turn out great for the Raps.

I also feel on the other hand though that's it's just another mediocre treadmill move for a team that has had no real future and banked a lot of time and effort into past star players who are over the hill (O'Neal, Marion, Turkoglu). But Gay is only 26 so that's one thing. Plus it's only for 2.5 years so we'll see hoe this plays out. Good or bad BC has to go. Sick of him constantly mortgaging the future with these rush job patchwork trades. Also him trading draft picks away like candy is very bothersome.

Looks like I'll be changing my Avatar soon once he's in a Raps Jersey officially and not some cheap Photoshop image.

One thing is for sure. The raptors won't be so bad that they can tank it out and get Wiggins next year.

[pomeroy]

Yeah, except that Toronto's now predicted to be six wins worse then before.

[Hyperglide]

Yeah, except that Toronto's now predicted to be six wins worse then before.

Hollingers ratings based on PER? Ya Davis is a good young player but he's a pretty crappy defender and the Raptors finally get a NBA calibur starting SF. I think both teams make out okay.

But there's way to much money being invested in DeRozan, Fields, Gay, Bargnani. Like $40 million to much. Raptors financial flexibility is ruined. But it's not like they were going to sign any big name superstar FA anyways. Teams like the Raps have to build either through trade or FA. They aren't going to sign big name players and the draft is a crapshoot and it's hard to get that 1st overall anyways with the way the draft and ping pong balls are rigged.

[Hyperglide]

Wow you could tell Jose took it tough. Toronto misses you already Numero Ocho!

ya8tBkwyQHE

[Imagump]

Calderon seems like a great guy. Detroit actually made out well in this deal. They got a real point guard and removed two pieces of dead weight that were eating up the other decent player's minutes. I think that behind the scenes, Detroit is actually saying with this deal that they don't think Brandon Knight is going to cut it as a point guard in this league. At least for now.

Toronto seems to have 2 other capable point guards so they should be ok. If DeRozan and Gay can co-exist I think the Raptors will do well.

I feel bad for Memphis. I felt they could actually contend in the West if they stayed healthy. San Antonio has always matched up poorly against them and I thought they were one of the few teams in the West that could handle the athleticism of OKC. They will find out soon enough that isn't the case anymore. They might like Prince for a bit, but they will soon realize how soft his game is now, and the big surprise will be when they realize he is actually a terrible defender.

At least it gives San Antonio even more of a chance to get out of the West.

[Hyperglide]

Calderon seems like a great guy. Detroit actually made out well in this deal. They got a real point guard and removed two pieces of dead weight that were eating up the other decent player's minutes. I think that behind the scenes, Detroit is actually saying with this deal that they don't think Brandon Knight is going to cut it as a point guard in this league. At least for now.

Toronto seems to have 2 other capable point guards so they should be ok. If DeRozan and Gay can co-exist I think the Raptors will do well.

I feel bad for Memphis. I felt they could actually contend in the West if they stayed healthy. San Antonio has always matched up poorly against them and I thought they were one of the few teams in the West that could handle the athleticism of OKC. They will find out soon enough that isn't the case anymore. They might like Prince for a bit, but they will soon realize how soft his game is now, and the big surprise will be when they realize he is actually a terrible defender.

At least it gives San Antonio even more of a chance to get out of the West.

Ima I thought the Detroit part of the deal was that they are going to have a huge amount of capspace now to build around Knight/Drummond/Stuckey/Monroe? Like $30 million in capspace. I hope Dumars doesn't blow it on another Charlie V/Gordon type deals. Maybe they go hard after Josh Smith in the summer to play SF? I hear Josh Smith wants the max though. Also hear Smith is better at PF and not sure that would work with Maxiell and Drummond there. I would assume Maxiell would have to go to maximize your assets.

Thanks for the Raps compliments. Ya it makes them better today for essential a 2nd pick (crapshoot) Ed Davis (great young player), and some cash and they finally get a bonafide starting star SF and probably top 10 at his position. But it ruins their cap space and now they are stuck with Bargnani at PF again. Raps still need to make a lot of moves to get under the luxury tax now and get rid of a lot of deadweight that no one will want to take (Fields, Kleiza, Bargnani and DeRozan to some extent).

About Memphis. Ya that sucks bad for their fans, they traded their star player and leading scorer (albeit at a terrible TS%). But they are a small market team and the realities of a salary cap world caught up with them. It's wierd timing that they pull this trade off now though. They just made that trade with Cleveland so they don't get penalized for the Luxury tax at this time. Maybe they had to sell now before they waited for the summer where they thought they could get even less assets?

I know Golden State and Denver fans are ecstatic as it makes Memphis significantly weaker. Tayshaun is a good player still but he's not Rudy Gay and he's not the same as he was and the last piece of that championship team.

[Imagump]

Ima I thought the Detroit part of the deal was that they are going to have a huge amount of capspace now to build around Knight/Drummond/Stuckey/Monroe? Like $30 million in capspace. I hope Dumars doesn't blow it on another Charlie V/Gordon type deals. Maybe they go hard after Josh Smith in the summer to play SF? I hear Josh Smith wants the max though. Also hear Smith is better at PF and not sure that would work with Maxiell and Drummond there. I would assume Maxiell would have to go to maximize your assets.


Yes. Basically Detroit was looking at Calderon's expiring contract as well as dumping Prince and Day's overpriced salaries. It will be interesting to watch how Calderon fits in though, because Detroit hasn't had a real point guard since *gasp* the Isiah Thomas days. Even Chauncy Billiups was a SG forced to learn to play PG when he was here. Stucky and Will Bynam are seeing increased assists here just from throwing the ball up to Drummond for dunks. If Calderon uses Drummond to his advantage look out!

As far as Maxiel goes, no one here really cares if he stays or goes. He is a good hustle-type guy whose true role is off the bench for 10-15 minutes a night for a spark. Not a starter as they are trying to force now. If you watch Piston games closely, Maxiel is effective and can make things happen for about 10 minutes. Anything more than that he is just there doing nothing but hacking opponents and taking up space.

They are saying this is the big test for Joe Dumars with the new ownership. He is going to get this one last chance to build the team again. I hope he can do it because I like him and I put alot of his more current mistakes on the ownership situation being up in the air here. He doesn't have that excuse anymore.

[Hyperglide]

Don't take this personally Ima but I don't see Calderon staying past July 1st with Detroit. He's getting pretty old. I see him either coming back to Toronto or signing with a contending team for close to league minimum. Unless Detroit uses some of that capsace and overpays to keep him there.

Not sure if Dumars covets him that much though or if he truly just did this as a cap dump and nothing more.

No offense. Detroit is way ahead of T-Dot in it's development but I think Jose just wants to go to a contender or somewhere he's comfortable. He seemed to genuinely love Toronto. Same with Eddie Davis.

[Imagump]

Oh you're right. I don't see him staying here after this season ends. Thats why I said if he was smart he would be outta here.

What I meant was, once Detroit sees what a real point guard looks like, they might make a pitch to keep him here.

Lawrence Frank has already said that the rest of the season will be an "audition" for Calderon to see if he fits. If it was me hearing that, I would have already made up my mind to be gone ASAP. Treating an 8 year vet like he is a rookie is just plain dumb. Calderon shouldn't have to prove himself to anyone, especially this organization.

[Hyperglide]

They mad bro...

i6iTzXBjeZ0

Hilarious and low brow at the same time. Caron stat padding and showing no honor. J-Val making a rookie mistake. Raps fans pissed they didn't go for the pizza. So many lulz. These weird things always happen to the Raptors. And it's weird things like this that make me a fan.

[Imagump]

They mad bro...


Hilarious and low brow at the same time. Caron stat padding and showing no honor. J-Val making a rookie mistake. Raps fans pissed they didn't go for the pizza. So many lulz. These weird things always happen to the Raptors. And it's weird things like this that make me a fan.

That was a great clip! Clippers showing again why they aren't yet ready to contend in the West.
I hope this trade sparks the Raptors.

[Imagump]

Sleeves! Who would have thought?

http://img.gawkerassets.com/post/11/2013/02/imagedisplay.jpg

[Hyperglide]

Sleeves! Who would have thought?

http://img.gawkerassets.com/post/11/2013/02/imagedisplay.jpg

And I thought NOLA's away jerseys were ugly. What in the world is that? They look like muscle tee's. :confused:

[Imagump]

They are actually going to wear those in a game. Feb. 22 against the Spurs.

[Fubl]

Wondering which ex wizard will get a ring this season. Every year since they blew up he team in 08 An ex wizard has gotten a ring.

[Urizen]

My money is on Rashard Lewis.

[Hyperglide]

Terrence Ross is gonna win the dunk contest, book it.

[Hyperglide]

Called it! T-Ross for Prime Minister. Was a pretty boring overall weekend though thus far and the dunk contest needs to go away for a couple of years or they need a way to get the stars back in it.

[Imagump]

Good call on T-Ross.

Dunk contest was done 10 years ago but they still keep ramming it down our throats. Even though it sucks, dummies like me keep watching it though :D

[tball]

Good call on T-Ross.

Dunk contest was done 10 years ago but they still keep ramming it down our throats. Even though it sucks, dummies like me keep watching it though :D

True enough! The last ten years the dunks in the game have been more impressive than the actual contest. The whole NBA All-Star weekend is in need of a revamp.

[Cyndair]

As a Cleveland fan, it was exciting to see Irving get a lot of exposure this weekend. Crazy ankle breaking during the Rising Stars game, winning the 3 point competition, and looking like he belonged with the All-Stars. Great weekend for the 20 year old.

I'm torn on the rest of the season. I'm ready for the Cavs to start winning some freaking games, but I want one more high draft pick. Probably better for them to tank strong but it's so hard to watch.

[Imagump]

As a Cleveland fan, it was exciting to see Irving get a lot of exposure this weekend. Crazy ankle breaking during the Rising Stars game, winning the 3 point competition, and looking like he belonged with the All-Stars. Great weekend for the 20 year old.

I'm torn on the rest of the season. I'm ready for the Cavs to start winning some freaking games, but I want one more high draft pick. Probably better for them to tank strong but it's so hard to watch.

No one can tank like the Cavs can! They need another top pick, a wing who can score to go with Irving.

I wish Detroit would learn how to tank. Instead, they kill themselves trying to win 35 games for no reason. Then get another mid-level pick that they never let play anyway.

BTW:I think Kyrie Irving kick started the end of Brandon Knight's career this weekend. That kid's confidence is totally gone now.....

[Hyperglide]

As a Cleveland fan, it was exciting to see Irving get a lot of exposure this weekend. Crazy ankle breaking during the Rising Stars game, winning the 3 point competition, and looking like he belonged with the All-Stars. Great weekend for the 20 year old.

I'm torn on the rest of the season. I'm ready for the Cavs to start winning some freaking games, but I want one more high draft pick. Probably better for them to tank strong but it's so hard to watch.

You won't need another high draft pick if Lebron comes back. Kyrie and Lebron would be amazing. :eek:

[Urizen]

I'm convinced that teams who do well deserve a shot at the lottery. Not perennial playoff teams, but if you were out of the playoffs, and got a high draft pick, you should still have a 1/100 of getting another high draft pick for a 3 or 4 year window.

If LeBron's Cavs which relied so much on him, and were a lottery team before he came and after he left, they should have had a miniscule chance of winning the Greg Oden/Kevin Durant sweepstakes. There needs to be a workaround for especially small market teams to build around their star through the draft.

[Cyndair]

No one can tank like the Cavs can! They need another top pick, a wing who can score to go with Irving.

I wish Detroit would learn how to tank. Instead, they kill themselves trying to win 35 games for no reason. Then get another mid-level pick that they never let play anyway.

BTW:I think Kyrie Irving kick started the end of Brandon Knight's career this weekend. That kid's confidence is totally gone now.....

Yeah, they know how to tank strong. I understand it's necessary but it's still a painful process. They need to start winning next year though. Got to entice Kyrie to stick around and maybe lure Lebron back.

Brandon Knight shouldn't feel too bad. He has gotten the best of Kyrie a couple times in regular season games. Yeah, he fell over in the Rising Stars game but he ran right back down the court and blew past Kyrie no problem. Sucks to be on the wrong end of a highlight like that though. BK and Chris Bosh may need some counseling after this weekend.

You won't need another high draft pick if Lebron comes back. Kyrie and Lebron would be amazing. :eek:

It would be amazing but I'm trying not to get my hopes up. With two and a half years of perspective, looking back, I had an unhealthy amount of energy/emotion poured into Lebron and the Cavs at the time of "The Decision." I don't want to get burned like that again. Still... If he did return, I think it would not only be good for Cleveland but for Lebron's "legacy" overall. Especially if he managed to bring a championship home and end the 49 year curse.

In addition to that though, it really stinks that there is now a gaping black hole where seven years of the best basketball we've ever seen in Cleveland used to be. It feels like, since it's still taboo to talk/think positively about Lebron around here, we dare not remember how amazing it was to have a winning basketball team and back-to-back-to-back sell out crowds. It's getting better. Time heals all wounds... but having him come back here and team up with Kyrie would make a lot of things right again. That's why I dare not get my hopes up. We're cursed, afterall! :D

[Hyperglide]

Cleveland and Toronto are bidding for the 2016 NBA All-Star game. I hope Toronto gets it. Would be great to promote the game in Canada and Cleveland already had one :)

[Imagump]

Cleveland and Toronto are bidding for the 2016 NBA All-Star game. I hope Toronto gets it. Would be great to promote the game in Canada and Cleveland already had one :)

I'm guessing it will be Toronto because we all know the boner David Stern has for the international thing....


Also:I"m rooting for Cleveland to get another pick and win a championship without Lebron James. It would only be fitting if Cleveland beat Miami along the way too. Irving hitting a fade away over James to clinch the series, Cavs dedicate their title run to Lebron and beat the Supersonics in the finals!!

OK, it's a stretch....

[Hyperglide]

What a boring trade deadline. No big names got shipped out and the Raptors still have Bargnani.

Was expecting to see Boozer, Smith, Ellis, Jefferson or Millsap trying to be moved.

Ended up being the biggest player being shipped was JJ Reddick in an attempt to grasp hold tight the 8th seed in the east.

[Imagump]

What a boring trade deadline. No big names got shipped out and the Raptors still have Bargnani.

Was expecting to see Boozer, Smith, Ellis, Jefferson or Millsap trying to be moved.

Ended up being the biggest player being shipped was JJ Reddick in an attempt to grasp hold tight the 8th seed in the east.

Spurs were being rumored with trying to land Millsap and Reddick. Either would have been interesting. As they proved with last night's WTFPWN of the Clippers, only Memphis(barely) and OKC will be threats to them in the West......
The Piston's still have Stucky. :(
I would have taken a used bag of socks for him.
Also:As I predicted, talk around here is now about keeping Calderon and trading Brandon Knight.

[Hyperglide]

Spurs were being rumored with trying to land Millsap and Reddick. Either would have been interesting. As they proved with last night's WTFPWN of the Clippers, only Memphis(barely) and OKC will be threats to them in the West......
The Piston's still have Stucky. :(
I would have taken a used bag of socks for him.
Also:As I predicted, talk around here is now about keeping Calderon and trading Brandon Knight.

Not sure why the Spurs would go after Millsap with Duncan there. I guess they want him to be the future replacement for him as Duncans career is winding down, during his twilight years.

How much does Stucky make? I would've gladly taken him over Sebastien Telfair (remember him? He was riding the pine on one of the worst teams in the league). Would you have taken Hamed Haddadi and a 2nd for him?

Why would you guys want to even keep Calderon? At this point in his career he's a backup and Knight is still young and a lottery pick with a lot of upside. Not sure what Dumars is thinking with that. I'd rather have Knight then Calderon at this point in their careers.

[Imagump]

How much does Stucky make? I would've gladly taken him over Sebastien Telfair (remember him? He was riding the pine on one of the worst teams in the league). Would you have taken Hamed Haddadi and a 2nd for him?

I think over 8 million per year. That's why no one will touch him, it's a joke.

Why would you guys want to even keep Calderon? At this point in his career he's a backup and Knight is still young and a lottery pick with a lot of upside. Not sure what Dumars is thinking with that. I'd rather have Knight then Calderon at this point in their careers.

I told you, It's been soo long since Detroit has seen a real point guard that they were bound to overreact to Calderon. The Pistons have already given up on Knight being a point guard. At least for this year. Good news is he is taking away Stucky's minutes being at the 2. Also if Detroit wanted to make any deals they have little to trade with except Knight. Monroe and Drummond are untouchable.

Look at Detroit's roster, Cory Maggette, Charlie Villanueva and Rodney Stucky are the highest payed players but are the worst 3 players on the team. Villanueva and Stucky each have 2 years left and for some unknown reason, Joe Dumars refuses to use his amnesty.....

[Cyndair]

Hard fought battle between the Cavs and Raps last night. Usually, you guys have our number, but the Cavs have been scrapping lately (despite their best efforts to tank by sitting Irving the last two games).

I've got to admit when I'm wrong and I was dead wrong about Dion Waiters. Initially, I hated the pick as it seemed to come out of nowhere and I had my heart set on Harrison Barnes. Chris Grant, the Cavs GM, has made nothing but stellar moves since he took over.

[Imagump]

I think it would be great if Cleveland could get good so that when Lebron James hints at coming back when his contract is up, the Cav's owner can say "no thanks"

[Zero]

No team could ever get good enough to say no thanks to Lebron.

[Cyndair]

I think it would be great if Cleveland could get good so that when Lebron James hints at coming back when his contract is up, the Cav's owner can say "no thanks"

I much as I would love the sweet justice of such a scenario...

No team could ever get good enough to say no thanks to Lebron.

... I'd love winning more.

[Acidpoptart]

RIP, Brandon Knight.

Fh0AQw3WFkE

[Imagump]

Poor BK7......

Between that and the Kyrie Irving Incident on All Star weekend I don't see how he can sleep at night without nightmares.

He is real young though so hopefully it is building some character.

[Zero]

If you watch the dunk in slo-mo, you can see the exact moment Brandon Knight's heart breaks.

[Zero]

http://withleather.uproxx.com/2013/03/deandre-jordan-may-have-killed-brandon-knight

Some of the pics in this article had me rolling.

[Imagump]

If you watch the dunk in slo-mo, you can see the exact moment Brandon Knight's heart breaks.


In Brandon Knight's defense, the poor kid shouldn't be punished for trying.

If you ask me, Greg Monroe and Charlie Villanueva should buy dinner for Knight for the rest of his career because of their shitty defense on that play. Knight was responsible for the guard that was in the lower corner of the screen but was there helping due to lack of anyone else actually playing defense on that play. Trust me, I've been to several games this year and watched everything else on TV. This is far from the first time someone has looked bad trying to make up for Villanueva's lame ass. It's a shame that BK will be forever posterized because of actually hustling on a play.

I've finally gotten my wish as at least the Piston players seem to be tanking it now. Monroe spoke out against his teammates desire last night after the game. This is how far this franchise has fallen. Monroe couldn't start for almost any other team in this league, yet in Detroit he is considered the best player on the team.

[Imagump]

Damn! Andrea Bargnani out the rest of the year.

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/226663/Bargnani-Out-For-Season-With-Elbow-Injury

[Imagump]

NBA stupidity.....

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/226695/NBA-Confirms-Referees-Missed-Call-When-Kobe-Was-Injured

Good defense is now a foul.

[Cyndair]

So I went to the Cavs/Heat game last night... Probably the most bizarre sporting event I've ever attended. A sellout crowd, tons of people wearing LeBron jerseys where, a year ago, you wouldn't be caught dead wearing one in Quicken Loans Arena, a team on a 23 game winning streak (the second largest in NBA history), a scoreboard malfunction that caused the whole monster contraption to be lowered to the court so that it could be repaired before the game could start, a baffling 27 point lead by the Cavs who were missing Irving, Waiters, and Varejao (their three best players), a monster comeback fueled by James who received a mix of boos and cheers that melted into a strange angry roar, a crazed fan who ran out onto the court wearing a shirt that said "We miss you, come back in 2014," a handshake and pat on the head for said crazed fan courtesy of Lebron as he was dragged out by security, the same Cavs who gave up a 27 point lead somehow overcoming a 9 point deficit in the last four minutes to get within one point of the Heat, a controversial out-of-bounds call that went Miami's way, and an attempted Cavs buzzer beating 3 that clanked off the rim that kept the winning streak alive.

Wow.

This circus was worth every cent that I paid for admission.

In a way, I was embarrassed of the people cheering for Lebron and the Heat last night. I made it a point not to boo for James last night (I'm over him leaving), but I'm a Cleveland fan first and foremost. I'm not going to cheer for a player who is playing against my team. If Lebron comes back here in 2014, I'll cheer for him. I'll still be cheering for the Cavs if he doesn't.

[Imagump]

The Heat's winning streak was one part them being good and the other part being every other team in the East sucks balls. I'm glad it's finally over, was tired of hearing about it.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--lebron-james-issues-call-for-justice-after-heat-s-27-game-winning-streak-ends-against-bulls-064538958.html

Just when I was finally starting to respect Lebron James, he goes off in a whiny fit about being fouled and refs not taking care of him. This guy gets EVERY call under the sun, it's almost illegal for anyone to touch him already. I'm back to hating him again.

[Zero]

Pat Riley Responds to Danny Ainge's comments about Lebron's foul comments. (http://deadspin.com/pat-riley-thinks-danny-ainge-should-shut-the-fuck-up-a-463189726)Danny Ainge needs to shut the fuck up and manage his own team. He was the biggest whiner when he was playing, and I know that because I coached against him.

[Hyperglide]

Imagump. GG bro. Still weird seeing Calderon in a Pistons Jersey. Will be fun to see him back in Toronto on Sunday! I hope our fans give him a standing O. But Raptors fans at games are usually lousy. The booing that went on towards Vince and McGrady years after they left was (or is in the case of Vince) pathetic.

Sorry for smacking around your Pistons tonight.

[Hyperglide]

Damn! Andrea Bargnani out the rest of the year.

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/226663/Bargnani-Out-For-Season-With-Elbow-Injury

Awesome news! :cool:

[Imagump]

Imagump. GG bro. Still weird seeing Calderon in a Pistons Jersey. Will be fun to see him back in Toronto on Sunday! I hope our fans give him a standing O. But Raptors fans at games are usually lousy. The booing that went on towards Vince and McGrady years after they left was (or is in the case of Vince) pathetic.

Sorry for smacking around your Pistons tonight.


Didn't McGrady and Carter demand to leave? Calderon really didn't have any choice, he wanted to stay. I think the fans will be ok with him.
I kind of get the impression that Toronto embraces the international players much more than the American players, and vice versa. The Spoiled Americans always seem to want to leave there asap.

And don't apologize for beating the Pistons. They are God-awful and need to lose every game they can.

[Hyperglide]

Didn't McGrady and Carter demand to leave? Calderon really didn't have any choice, he wanted to stay. I think the fans will be ok with him.
I kind of get the impression that Toronto embraces the international players much more than the American players, and vice versa. The Spoiled Americans always seem to want to leave there asap.

And don't apologize for beating the Pistons. They are God-awful and need to lose every game they can.

I don't wish bad on any team unless its the Lakers, Knicks, Celtics, Heat lol..

Toronto fans are terrible generally. They'll boo any player that leaves no matter how it's done. Also Calderon wasn't exactly a very popular player in Toronto and no Toronto fans don't treat their international players any better. This is a stigma. We treat Bargnani like shit. I doubt he's injured. He's got a bruised ego cause everytime he plays in Toronto and he touches the ball he gets booed.

Toronto fans can be great but we also have a classless bunch. Yes Vince and McGrady wanted out and Vince even phoned it in in the latter half of the season before he was shipped to the Nets for scraps (Alonzo didn't even report to the Raptors that piece of shit). But they didn't force anything. McGrady left as a FA after his ELC expired and said the reason he left was cause of playing time cause of Vince. Vince resigned and played his best years in Toronto. He only wanted out cause they couldn't build a contender around him (gee if McGrady had stayed and we kept Camby instead of trading for Oaktree).

Anayways, it was over 10 years ago and Toronto fans are notorious for holding grudges way longer then they should be.

Bosh getting booed still I can understand same with the Cavs booing Lebron. That just happened a couple of years ago.

[Hyperglide]

Bag 'em and Tag 'em.

http://i.minus.com/ihLrJ4yO2wicD.gif

[Urizen]

The Heat streak was amazing. I was rooting for them the whole way. Very rarely do I feel like I get the opportunity to witness genuine greatness, not just talking heads hype. The Heat beat a few very good West teams and have a better record against West teams over the course of the season.

Sure, it's easier for an East team to have a streak, but that's negligible. LeBron is owning the league. His defense has slipped a little as his offense has blossomed, but he's still still DPOY for his versatility.

I can't wait until the playoffs when he unleashes everything for 44 minutes a game. He's a pleasure and a joy to watch.

And there's no skillset of any individual player any fan could wish for.

[Imagump]

Hyper:

Losing to Detroit at home is a good way to get a free ticket onto the tank bus :D

[Hyperglide]

Hyper:

Losing to Detroit at home is a good way to get a free ticket onto the tank bus :D

I have no clue what this team is doing. They have no direction unlike the Jays and Leafs.

[pomeroy]

And there's no skillset of any individual player any fan could wish for.

Que? :confused:

[Imagump]

Spurs are performing their typical late season fade :(
Injuries are catching up again. Still hopeful though.

Pistons just suck, blow the whole damn thing up. I hope Lawrence Frank takes the Rutgers job.

Oh, and didn't I mention that the Kyrie Irving pwnage of Brandon Knight at All-Star weekend spelled the beginning of the end for him? That and getting killed by DeAndre Jordan, and now this:
WySPeEZLTQE

[Hyperglide]

Spurs are performing their typical late season fade :(
Injuries are catching up again. Still hopeful though.

Pistons just suck, blow the whole damn thing up. I hope Lawrence Frank takes the Rutgers job.

Oh, and didn't I mention that the Kyrie Irving pwnage of Brandon Knight at All-Star weekend spelled the beginning of the end for him? That and getting killed by DeAndre Jordan, and now this:
WySPeEZLTQE

Be a Philly fan. I'm sure you'll love it more cheering on that treadmill team. :D

I guess I shouldn't talk. Ya be a RAP fan! Then we can both wallow in misery together! Heh heh..

[Zero]

Spurs are performing their typical late season fade :(
Injuries are catching up again. Still hopeful though.

Pop ain't care! He'd take an 8 seed if it meant his players were all rested and healthy.

[Imagump]

Lawrence Frank fired today! I always liked him as a coach but the decisions he made while in Detroit border-lined on retarded.....

Also:Hyper, you must be kicking yourself over this story:

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/227280/Raptors-Quickly-Rebuffed-Valanciunas-For-Harden-Trade-Inquiry-From-Thunder

[Hyperglide]

Lawrence Frank fired today! I always liked him as a coach but the decisions he made while in Detroit border-lined on retarded.....

Also:Hyper, you must be kicking yourself over this story:

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/227280/Raptors-Quickly-Rebuffed-Valanciunas-For-Harden-Trade-Inquiry-From-Thunder

Ya I'm on RealGM and I saw that. Harden is the better player now but stud young centers are super rare nowadays. SG's aren't that hard to find. Plus DeRozan looks to be turning into a star himself. These last couple of games he torched the Nyets, Hawks and Celtics.

[pomeroy]

Because the last five games of the season matter...

[Imagump]

I can't wait for the playoffs to start this year. I'm still afraid of a Miami cake-walking through the entire East and usually the first round is pretty boring, but there are actually some great matchups this year.

The Spurs started getting banged up again and lost the #1 seed out West but still lucked into playing the Lakers anyway.
Houston, even with their total pants crap in LA, should still give OKC a little bit of trouble. Alot more than the Lakers would have anyway. (Good thing for SA)
Clips - Grizz and GS-Den are toss-ups if you ask me.
Same in the East with Brooklyn-Chicago.
NY-Bos will be entertaining but Celtics are finished.

The Indy-Atl and Miami-Milwaukee series seem to be the only snoozers in the first round.

I'm excited...

[Fubl]

Bulls look done. They just don't look like they have anyone to score the points needed.

I'm hoping the griz do better clips kept getting way up then the griz would then catch up.

Currently watching a replay of the GSw/den game. This looks like it could be a good series two good young teams going at it. Denver's strength is speed and weakness is defense.

[Hyperglide]

Kinda late now but does anyone wanna help me set up some playoff threads and do polls or what?

[tball]

Bulls look done. They just don't look like they have anyone to score the points needed.

I'm hoping the griz do better clips kept getting way up then the griz would then catch up.

Currently watching a replay of the GSw/den game. This looks like it could be a good series two good young teams going at it. Denver's strength is speed and weakness is defense
Warriors will really miss Lee if he is unable to go for the remainder of the series.

[Fubl]

Rockets so far have taken bad shots all around. Doink has been the best word to describe is game

[Urizen]

The Celtics needed G1 the way they hung around and came in well rested. Not to mention Boston Pride this week. They ended up crapping the bed in the 4th. I don't think they'll have much of a chance now, sadly.

Not really a Knicks fan, so I'll take the Pacers against them in the next round.

[Imagump]

I don't care what any of the TV talking heads say, the Spurs played like crap against the Lamers and still won fairly easily. Spurs have a nasty habit of playing down to competition at times. They will need to play much better or real Western teams will destroy them.

[Fubl]

I'm watching these games so far and I'm not seeing good defense I'm seeing third grade shot selection. What people don't want a ring they rather have a damn field day participation ribbon man up? It tonight's early game both teams almost didn't make it to 20 points in the first quarter there were 20 seconds left before the bulls got 20. Trust me it was not defense that stopped it from happening

[Hyperglide]

^ Fubl the east sucks. There are going to be a lot of stinkers these playoffs. I am not even going to watch till it gets to the conference finals.

[Fubl]

It's not even the east games. Saw it in the rockets vs okc game also which the final score did not truly tell you how bad the shooting was..

[Imagump]

Offense in the entire league has changed to stupid over the past couple years.
Every team in the league(except for SA)runs that stupid weave at the top of the key, or pick and roll from the top of the key. Run the shot clock down to 2 seconds while someone dribbles around then try to throw a skip pass to someone standing at the 3 point line. It's the same thing over and over and over. It's all about "floor spacing" now they say. I say it's all about being dumb and lazy.

No one cuts to the basket anymore, no back-door cuts. No movement away from the basketball. It is hard to watch at times. This is why I love the Spurs and always have, because they are the closest thing we have left to watching basketball the way it was meant to be played. Also, when someone hits a 3 in a SA uniform, they run back and play defense. There is no shooting off their imaginary hand guns, no discount double checks, no finger glasses with 3 fingers around the eyes. It's all about team and doing your job.

[Zero]

Russell Westbrook undergoes surgery for torn meniscus in his right knee. Did the West just get blown wide open? Or does the Thunder offense became the most efficient in the NBA?

[pomeroy]

Russell Westbrook undergoes surgery for torn meniscus in his right knee. Did the West just get blown wide open? Or does the Thunder offense became the most efficient in the NBA?

I always thought the Spurs had a good shot of winning the West.

Now that shot is better than good.

[Imagump]

Spurs sweep of Lamers couldn't have been any more fitting.

Pau Gasol said he would love to get a shot with the same roster again next year. I am in total agreement with this so we could laugh in their faces for another entire year.

[Zero]

OKC is boned. They may squeak by Houston but they're not beating the Clippers or the Grizzlies.

[Urizen]

I would love it for the talking heads to shit into their mouths for a week if Houston and Boston each won their first round series. If that happens, I think they both have good shots at getting past their next opponents.

Obviously Boston has a better shot than Houston, but still...

Really wish Rose would give us a few minutes off the bench. You have to believe he's resolved himself to sit out the rest of the season at this point. Why not step into a few minutes at the end of the first and third quarters with the bench squad?

Del Negro has cemented his place as the worst coach in the league, catapulting himself over D'Antoni. Why are these guys still working? D'Antoni is completely exposed now, and I really can't see him getting another fat job like the ones the Lakers have given him. Flip Saunders is done. Lawrence Frank is done. Mike and Vinnie have got to go...

[pomeroy]

Scottie Brooks hasn't done himself any favors, either.

[Urizen]

Scott Brooks unlocked Durant, but I can see him being moved out. Poor Durant had to endure a couple years under Carlesimo, who insisted on using him as an off-guard and turning a two-guard into a point man.

I've been a huge Westbrook detractor, but seeing the Thunder without him makes me almost regret what I've said in the past. Almost.

[Imagump]

Really wish Rose would give us a few minutes off the bench. You have to believe he's resolved himself to sit out the rest of the season at this point. Why not step into a few minutes at the end of the first and third quarters with the bench squad?

Rose coming back in game 7 to help win back the series would be stuff of legend. Too bad it looks like he is not going try though.....

Flip Saunders is done.

Actually, It looks like the T-Wolves are getting the band back together and bringing Flip in as President of BO. Maybe they will bring back KG to finish his career also? :D

[Zagrash]

Rose coming back in game 7 to help win back the series would be stuff of legend. Too bad it looks like he is not going try though.....

Rose isn't coming back because if he did, Reinsdorf couldn't collect the insurance money, and use it for a shitty middle reliever for the White Sox. The bulls have gotta win the Financial Championship somehow...

[pomeroy]

Maybe they will bring back KG to finish his career also? :D

Hell no. KG is a Celtic.

[Zero]

Just like Ewing was a Knick, Olajuwon was a Rocket and Jordan was a Bull.

[Imagump]

Lucky win for the Spurs but I'll take it. :D

After witnessing in person Jokaim Noah rape the Pistons single handedly earlier this season, and now watching the effect he has on the Bulls with all the little things he does to win, I'm now convinced that he is the best big man in the Eastern conference. I would take him in a SA uniform in a second.

[Imagump]

OK, OK, I get it!

The NBA is BORING. I love basketball more than anything else but I admit, flipping between NHL playoff hockey and the NBA playoffs makes it quite obvious.....

[Hyperglide]

OK, OK, I get it!

The NBA is BORING. I love basketball more than anything else but I admit, flipping between NHL playoff hockey and the NBA playoffs makes it quite obvious.....

Ya I can watch any NHL game and it not even being my team and be pumped and excited. I just can't get into NBA playoffs unless it's my team. It's just not as exciting.

Each goal, each penalty, each hit, each save could change a series in the NHL.

NBA is just the same crap as the regular season. Except for the final 2 minutes. NBA games should just be 2 minutes long when each score really matters.

[Zero]

I'm the opposite. I've watched nearly every minute of nearly every NBA series (sorry Indiana-Atlanta). The only NHL playoff game I've watched was game 7 of Anaheim-Detroit, and now that Anaheim is out, I likely won't watch another.

[Fubl]

All I can say is go grizzlies. They seem to be the team no one talks about yet they keep beating teams that are "better"

[Zero]

All I can say is go grizzlies. They seem to be the team no one talks about yet they keep beating teams that are "better"

They didn't beat a "better" Thunder team.

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