View Full Version : The NBA Thread
chrisnu
11-01-2007, 11:50 PM
Only appropriate. :D
Bulls GM Paxson Denies Kobe to Chicago Trade Rumors (http://www.nba.com/nba_news/kobe_bulls_071101.html)
This either means that trade talks are happening, or they aren't happening.
*scratches chin*
See you folks at the fantasy draft.
Kurosawa Fan
11-01-2007, 11:51 PM
Only appropriate. :D
Bulls GM Paxson Denies Kobe to Chicago Trade Rumors (http://www.nba.com/nba_news/kobe_bulls_071101.html)
This either means that trade talks are happening, or they aren't happening.
*scratches chin*
See you folks at the fantasy draft.
I was going to post this link, but couldn't in good conscience start the NBA thread. I was hoping you'd show up before someone else did the honors. :)
Kurosawa Fan
11-02-2007, 01:48 AM
Bad News for Bobcats Fans (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3090412)
They should really get this figured out. Immediately.
chrisnu
11-02-2007, 02:12 AM
Bad News for Bobcats Fans (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3090412)
They should really get this figured out. Immediately.
Deng, Gordon, and Iguodala also did not get contract extensions. Bad deal.
chrisnu
11-02-2007, 02:31 AM
Is the draft fucking up for anyone else? Damn it.
MadMan
11-02-2007, 02:53 AM
Only appropriate. :D
Bulls GM Paxson Denies Kobe to Chicago Trade Rumors (http://www.nba.com/nba_news/kobe_bulls_071101.html)
This either means that trade talks are happening, or they aren't happening.
*scratches chin*
See you folks at the fantasy draft.The Bulls better figure out shit soon. I think its become a distraction for the team.
Kurosawa Fan
11-02-2007, 03:17 AM
This draft is a minor disaster. Luckily I've escaped fairly unscathed.
Justin
11-02-2007, 03:46 AM
Of course it lags out when it is my turn to pick.
chrisnu
11-02-2007, 03:47 AM
The whole thing is screwing up now. I regret doing this. I'm sorry.
Justin
11-02-2007, 03:48 AM
Anybody know who I picked?
chrisnu
11-02-2007, 03:51 AM
Use the queues, if you can...
Kurosawa Fan
11-02-2007, 03:54 AM
I suggest we use Yahoo! next year.
chrisnu
11-02-2007, 04:03 AM
Yes. This horrible draft application alone makes this unacceptable in the future.
Kurosawa Fan
11-02-2007, 04:12 AM
I can't even get to the Fantasy section on nba.com. When does the season start? I'd like to set my lineup so I don't forget.
Justin
11-02-2007, 04:13 AM
I can't even get to the Fantasy section on nba.com. When does the season start? I'd like to set my lineup so I don't forget.
Try it now, it just started working for me.
Kurosawa Fan
11-02-2007, 04:14 AM
Try it now, it just started working for me.
Nothing.
Justin
11-02-2007, 04:17 AM
Umm, are you able to set lineups for individual days? (I am not talking specifically to you KF, just in general, I don't see a way to do it)
Kurosawa Fan
11-02-2007, 04:23 AM
I still can't get to the Ultimate Fantasy Commissioner page. Heh.
Kurosawa Fan
11-02-2007, 04:30 AM
Finally got in. I don't see a way to set your lineup day by day without going to the site every day to make the change.
Mr. Valentine
11-02-2007, 04:30 AM
luckily it only messed up for me on one of my picks. it made me pick Kaman when i wanted Jameer Nelson but it was a late pick so i'm not too upset.
chrisnu
11-02-2007, 05:13 AM
I bet Steve Francis regrets not signing with the Clippers. He would possibly be starting in LA. In Houston, he's out of the rotation. Rafer Alston is starting, and Mike James, Bonzi Wells, and Luther Head are playing ahead of him on the bench.
Justin
11-02-2007, 05:16 AM
So I take it this is a weekly league and not a daily league(where you can change up your starters for every day)?
chrisnu
11-02-2007, 05:30 AM
So I take it this is a weekly league and not a daily league(where you can change up your starters for every day)?
It should have been a daily league. You should be able to edit your rosters day-by-day now.
Mr. Valentine
11-02-2007, 05:34 AM
what day does our games start counting on?
chrisnu
11-02-2007, 05:39 AM
what day does our games start counting on?
Tomorrow. You can edit your starting lineups up to 5 minutes before the start of the first game that day.
Mr. Valentine
11-02-2007, 05:40 AM
yeah just figured that out, thanks.
Justin
11-02-2007, 05:46 AM
It should have been a daily league. You should be able to edit your rosters day-by-day now.
Awesome, thanks for the heads up.
MadMan
11-02-2007, 07:37 PM
Bill Simmons NBA predictions column is awesome. My favorite part:
16. Not only will Phoenix NOT trade Shawn Marion, but stories will start trickling out that Grant Hill defused the entire situation, took Marion under his wing and did everything short of legally adopting him.:D
chrisnu
11-02-2007, 08:04 PM
Sorry, Sonics fans:
Sonics file notice of intent to move SuperSonics, Storm (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3091416)
Also, Sasha Pavlovic signed a three-year contact with the Cavaliers during Wednesday's game. No such deal for Anderson Varejao yet.
Kurosawa Fan
11-02-2007, 08:39 PM
Bummer for Seattle fans. It's really a shame. When I hear the words Oklahoma City, I just don't think "sports". Perhaps I'm being short-sighted.
MadMan
11-02-2007, 08:41 PM
Is Oklahoma City even big enough to support a sports team? I for one oppose the move, as its clearly screwing Supersonics fans.
chrisnu
11-02-2007, 09:04 PM
I know that the OK fans liked in when the Hornets were playing there off and on. I'm not sure if the market would support a full-time NBA franchise.
However, making money isn't why the Sonics owners want to move the team, anyway. They have stated in interviews that they planned to relocate the team before they bought it, and if they were to break even in OK, they would be happy.
Interesting read:
Arenas sounds off on his critics and questions Kobe (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/ian_thomsen/11/02/arenas/index.html)
"So it's like your situation is not changing. Unless somebody's going to trade you a one-for-one player, he's not going to be in a happy situation there either.
"I've never seen [Michael] Jordan act like that. I didn't even see AI [Allen Iverson], when he was going through them bad days, you know? They were always talking about trading him, and he was like, 'If they trade me, they trade me; if they don't, they don't; but this is my city.' And I don't understand how Kobe doesn't feel that about L.A. -- it's his city.''
Yes, this does make some sense.
As someone who watches the Clippers, I also liked this tidbit:
"If you have a player who plays dead for five years of his contract, and then he has a blow-up year, that's called false advertisement. I don't think you should pay him. Because you pay him, what do you think he's going to do? He's going to go back into hibernation.''
I asked if he was talking about the Clippers' Tim Thomas, for example.
"Yeah,'' he said. "Thank you.''
I think it was a Clipper blog that questioned whether it would be possible for Tim Thomas to miss an entire season due to not caring.
MadMan
11-02-2007, 10:12 PM
Arenas is dead on about Kobe. That bastard is beyond egotistical and selfish, and yet teams still want him because of his basketball talent. The Bulls should be thankful they didn't pick him up, and they should stop trying to get him. He'll only rip that team apart and Chicago would be giving up some players who may end up being key components down the road.
Mr. Valentine
11-03-2007, 12:45 AM
Arenas calling Kobe egotistical is hilarious. Arenas is like the Kanye West of the NBA and Kobe dominated him in the allstar game last year.
Mr. Valentine
11-03-2007, 12:57 AM
I'm watching the Wizards-Celtics game and the announcers just said that Arenas guaranteed the Wizards would win tonight on his blog.
chrisnu
11-03-2007, 01:32 AM
I'm watching the Wizards-Celtics game and the announcers just said that Arenas guaranteed the Wizards would win tonight on his blog.
And they're down by 22. :D
Mr. Valentine
11-03-2007, 01:37 AM
Steven A. Smith is funny, they asked what would possess Arenas to say something like that and he answers "stupidity".
Mr. Valentine
11-03-2007, 02:58 AM
Kwame Brown is officially the most worthless player in the league.
MadMan
11-03-2007, 03:01 AM
Pre-season silly Finals prediction: Dallas over Boston in 5 games
Mr. Valentine
11-03-2007, 03:09 AM
Pre-season silly Finals prediction: Dallas over Boston in 5 games
San Antonio over Boston in 7.
Ezee E
11-03-2007, 03:15 AM
Chicago over Phoenix in Six.
chrisnu
11-03-2007, 03:15 AM
Kwame Brown is officially the most worthless player in the league.
I think that Brian Cook is more worthless. Kwame is good at man-to-man defense, and that's it. Cook does nothing well.
San Antonio over Boston in 6.
MadMan
11-03-2007, 03:26 AM
More than likely it will be SA, but they haven't won in an odd year yet. This may end up being the year that changes.
Milky Joe
11-03-2007, 05:05 AM
As a Suns fan, that was pretty brutal to watch.
Was Amare hurt or something?
Milky Joe
11-03-2007, 06:01 AM
Not hurt, he was just struggling mightily. Nash only had 3 assists, which has got to be the lowest assist stat he's had in ages. Not to mention the Lakers shooting absurdly well.
rocus
11-03-2007, 01:22 PM
I just love watching Garnett play. He's amazing and just so intense.
Kurosawa Fan
11-03-2007, 01:43 PM
I just love watching Garnett play. He's amazing and just so intense.
I'd rep you for this, but I've given out too much already. Garnett is my favorite player to watch. His intensity is unmatched.
Kurosawa Fan
11-03-2007, 02:06 PM
When does a week end in our fantasy league? Does the new week start on Monday?
chrisnu
11-03-2007, 03:53 PM
When does a week end in our fantasy league? Does the new week start on Monday?
Correct. The next scoring period is from Nov. 5 - Nov. 11.
MadMan
11-03-2007, 05:52 PM
I'd rep you for this, but I've given out too much already. Garnett is my favorite player to watch. His intensity is unmatched.I'm very happy that he now has a chance to reach the NBA Finals. He's one of the best players of the current generation and he didn't deserve to be stuck in that Minnesota hell hole. If he plays like he did last night all season long there's no question he'll be the regular season MVP.
chrisnu
11-04-2007, 02:22 AM
After three games:
Surprises: Indiana. Mike Dunleavy and Hedo Turkoglu scoring over 20 points a game. Kelenna Azubuike more than filling in for Jason Richardson.
Disappointments: Chicago and Washington. Arenas and Jamison combined are shooting under 30% from the field. The Bulls are not only losing, but losing to teams which suck. Vince Carter sleepwalking.
MadMan
11-04-2007, 03:05 AM
After three games:
Surprises: Indiana. Mike Dunleavy and Hedo Turkoglu scoring over 20 points a game. Kelenna Azubuike more than filling in for Jason Richardson.
Disappointments: Chicago and Washington. Arenas and Jamison combined are shooting under 30% from the field. The Bulls are not only losing, but losing to teams which suck. Vince Carter sleepwalking.I donno what's up with the Wizards, but the Bulls probably are distracted by the whole Kobe trade talks thing. Once they get over that, they'll right the ship and get back on track. The season is still relatively young.
The Bulls will be better than they've played out of the gates, but I don't think they'll live up to a lot of the pre-season hype. I've heard them mentioned by many as finals picks, but to me they are way too young and don't have an established star. Deng or Gordon could get there soon. Boston, on the other hand, looks to be for real.
I wouldn't worry about the Wizards. Antawn and Arenas will shoot a lot better.
chrisnu
11-04-2007, 03:39 AM
I hope I'm not alone in thinking that the Suns' radioactive orange jerseys (with the GREY trim) that they wore the other night were absolutely atrocious. The only jerseys more unappealing are New Orleans and Indiana's mustard yellow.
MadMan
11-04-2007, 04:31 AM
I think the Celtics will reach the Finals. If the Pistons can be defeated by one very good rising star in Lebron what the hell is going to happen to them when they're faced by the three headed monster of Garnett, Pierce, and Allen? But that team isn't built to win a championship. The Spurs, Suns, Marvicks, Jazz, Rockets and Nuggets are all far deeper and better. I don't see the West not taking it against this year, and I kind of like this way because the East still doesn't measure up to the West. Even with the budding Baby Bulls, D-Wade, Lebron, the rebuilt Celtics and the aging experienced Pistons in the conference.
Mr. Valentine
11-04-2007, 04:16 PM
"Jason Collins, who is New Jersey's starter at power forward, has not scored in the season's first three games, extending his regular-season scoreless streak going back to last season to 10 games."
How the hell is that even possible? Especially at power forward when he should be getting rebounds, tip ins, post points.
chrisnu
11-04-2007, 04:22 PM
Because he's Jason Collins. I still have no idea why he's starting ahead (and getting much more PT) than Jamaal Magloire.
He also doesn't start at power forward, he starts at center. Nenad Krstic starts at power forward.
chrisnu
11-04-2007, 10:02 PM
Sad news:
Celtics coach Rivers leaves team after father's death (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2007-11-04-boston-toronto_N.htm)
TORONTO (AP) — Celtics coach Doc Rivers left the team before Boston's game Sunday against the Raptors after his father died in Chicago.
The Celtics said Rivers left Toronto on Sunday morning. Grady Alexander Rivers Sr. was 76. There was no immediate word on the cause of death.
Assistants Tom Thibodeau and Armond Hill handled the coaching duties in Rivers' absence.
Thus, the assistants coached this game (http://www.nba.com/games/20071104/BOSTOR/boxscore.html). :eek:
Justin
11-05-2007, 01:53 AM
Well my Bobcats are 2-0, so I am happy, but I do not like how Vincent is not using the bench at all. Matt Carrol and Hermann are seeing little to no minutes after both of them had great numbers during the last month or two of last season.
chrisnu
11-05-2007, 02:58 AM
Shaq has been looking old and creaky, but had a pretty solid night tonight.
I will agree that Vincent playing Jeff McInnis more than Herrmann and Carroll is disturbing. I do see that he is experimenting with playing Okafor at center, which I think is a good idea.
Tough loss for the Hawks tonight. I like that they are starting Horford at center.
He may not be a great player, but I am glad to see Theo Ratliff actively contributing again, after all those injuries.
I can't understand at all why they aren't playing Carroll more. He is the perfect type of bench player energize a team and he has the talent to make it happen. Herrmann played well in a replacement role last year, but I wouldn't say he offers enough to worry about his minutes. Nice to have for when your big guy gets hurt or in foul trouble.
Good to see Felton and Richardson playing well together in the early going.
Barring injury, this team has an outside chance at a playoff slot.
chrisnu
11-05-2007, 03:33 AM
I know that it's going to be a gradual process, but Jordan Farmar needs to be worked into the Lakers' starting lineup. Fisher knows he's a stopgap, and will be willing to see his minutes decrease as Farmar continues to prove himself. Crittenton needs to be sent to the D-League is he's not going to get the playing time. Two DNP's so far. Better for the Lakers to allow him to develop by playing, rather than riding pine.
rocus
11-06-2007, 01:43 AM
Random question for you NBA fans:
Which is the better song to play before a jump ball, "Jump Around" from House of Pain or "Jump" from Kriss Kross (or however they spell their name)? I lean toward "Jump Around".
Gizmo
11-06-2007, 01:46 AM
Random question for you NBA fans:
Which is the better song to play before a jump ball, "Jump Around" from House of Pain or "Jump" from Kriss Kross (or however they spell their name)? I lean toward "Jump Around".
They gotta play music before the jump ball? What happened to just tossing the ball in the air?
I'd lean toward "Jump Around" also
Can I go with Van Halen's Jump instead?
rocus
11-06-2007, 01:58 AM
Can I go with Van Halen's Jump instead?I guess that's better than the Pointer Sisters' "Jump (for My Love)"
MadMan
11-06-2007, 03:04 AM
Can I go with Van Halen's Jump instead?No. That song blows. "Jump Around" rocks.
chrisnu
11-06-2007, 03:18 AM
Definitely "Jump Around". I hate it when they play that Van Halen song during games.
Mr. Valentine
11-06-2007, 04:13 AM
Jump Around is just as lame as the Van Halen song. i vote for Kris Kross.
Justin
11-06-2007, 05:29 AM
I have new found respect for Matt Bonner.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2001/1879925536_70f8064d46_o.jpg
That is him at the fun fun fun fest (courtesy of http://gorillavsbear.blogspot.com/, featured artists include; Battles, Cat Power, New Pornos, Celebration, Busdriver, Ted Leo, and Final Fantasy.
Ivan Drago
11-06-2007, 05:35 AM
Chrisnu, check your PMs.
DavidSeven
11-06-2007, 04:31 PM
'Cash-Us Clay' tries to KO Seattle fans (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=caple/071102&sportCat=nba)
By
Jim Caple, ESPN.com Page 2
It's official. Art Modell, Robert Irsay, Donald Sterling and Jeffrey Loria are off the hook. The worst owner in sports history is Clay Bennett.
I know, I know. There is a lot of competition for that distinction. Why, to even achieve the honor of worst owner in Seattle sports history you have to beat out Ken Behring, George Argyros, Jeff Smulyan and Howard Schultz. But Bennett, or as my friend Rod calls him, "Cash-Us" Clay, accomplished it in a little more than a year. Just consider his most recent move.
The minute he was welcomed as an NBA owner in 2006, Clay Bennett, center, started asking for a new arena.
Showing all the public relations and marketing savvy that has marked his tenure as owner so far, Bennett formally announced his intention to move the Sonics to Oklahoma City less than a day after the tip-off to the team's home opener. "Welcome to the 2007-08 season, Sonics fans! And will the owner of a Prius hybrid please move your car -- you're blocking the owner's U-Haul vans." Cash-Us Clay released a statement declaring he will move the team as soon as he can break his lease at Seattle's KeyArena or when he next sheds his skin, whichever comes first.
"From the beginning," Bennett says in the release (we assume with a straight face), "it has been my absolute hope and expectation that we would be able to secure the necessary governmental commitments to build a successor venue to KeyArena."
This would sound a lot more convincing had his partner and minority owner, Aubrey McLendon, not already revealed to an Oklahoma paper earlier this year that: "We didn't buy the team to keep it in Seattle; we hoped to come here." (McLendon, by the way, was a big donor to the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, which gives you some idea of this group's tactics.)
Bennett's whole beef with Seattle is that so far the area has declined to agree to build him a $500 million arena to replace KeyArena, which was renovated before the 1995-96 season for more than $100 million (which at the time, seemed like a lot of money for a basketball arena). This is a pretty typical reaction for an owner. Pay far too much for a team -- Bennett's group paid $350 million, the fourth most ever for an NBA franchise -- then blame the taxpayers when you don't instantly make as much money as you would like. What is needed is not better players and a winning team but a new arena.
I'm not sure how Bennett determined the $500 million price, but I do know he has carved it in stone. Now, if you were going to remodel your home or build a new one, I think you might take bids from several contractors and consider all sorts of options in order to get most of what you want at the lowest price. And that's how sports owners would do it as well if they actually had to pay for the construction. But since they simply stick the taxpayers with the financing, they don't care what the cost is. In fact, the more it costs the better, because then it allows the next owner to ask for an even more expensive arena and on and on until everyone is playing in $2 billion stadiums built by Halliburton.
"The region is still in need of a modern building," Bennett goes on in his release, laying it on even thicker, "not just for the Sonics and Storm, but also for the broad commercial and quality of life benefits such facilities provide."
He's right, it has been soooooo difficult living in a city without a modern performance venue. When local residents paid for the Seattle Center renovations a decade ago, I knew they should have insisted on indoor plumbing rather than outhouses. And the tar paper roof, which must have had some appeal at the time, turned out to be a mistake. No wonder the only acts that have played the arena in the past couple years are such B-list, puppet-show opening acts as U2, the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Christina Aguilera, The Police and Elton John.
The point is, the area doesn't need a new arena, the Sonics do not NEED a new arena, and they certainly do not need one that costs $500 million. What the Sonics do need is an owner who is willing to honestly and realistically negotiate.
(And while I'm venting, how about a little venom for Howard Schulz? Here's a guy who built a worldwide coffee empire from Seattle and he rewards the city by selling the Sonics to an out-of-town buyer. Thanks a lot. This was pretty much Schulz's attitude at the time of the sale: "I am committed to finding a local owner who will keep the Sonics in Sea... -- WHAT? $350 MILLION!!! DON'T LET BENNETT OUT OF THE OFFICE WITHOUT HIS SIGNATURE ON THE BOTTOM OF A BINDING CONTRACT!!" Good grief. You own Starbucks! How much money do you need?)
Anyway, that's where David Stern comes in. I know the NBA commissioner is employed by the owners and part of his job is to help secure these ridiculous arena deals. But in this case Stern needs to step up and tell Cash-Us Clay that the league has enough problems already and has no interest in moving a successful franchise in the 13th-largest media market to the 40th-largest market. That Bennett knew the financial layout when he bought the team for $350 million. That he has been going about this poorly. That if he wants to stay in the league, he'd better take some responsibility and clean up his mess here.
Because despite what Cash-Us Clay would have you believe, the problem is not a city where the team has successfully operated for 40 years but rather the carpetbagger owner who has been around for barely a year.
Ivan Drago
11-06-2007, 04:47 PM
Robert Irsay was mentioned in that article, and that reminds me - how did he literally move the Baltimore Colts to Indianapolis overnight in a semi-truck? What is there to move?
chrisnu
11-06-2007, 05:00 PM
I find this story amusing:
http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/273853
Raptors ready to ring a few bells?
Nov 06, 2007 04:30 AM
Dave Feschuk
On the final play of overtime against the Celtics on Sunday, the Raptors got outsmarted by a couple of masterful veterans. Ray Allen, the Celtics guard who has played in slightly fewer than 800 NBA games, grabbed Anthony Parker, the Raptors guard who has played in a little more than 100, and shoved him into the chest of Kevin Garnett, the Celtics forward who, barring injury, will play his 1,000th NBA game this season. And even after Parker absorbed the contact, Garnett's arms further impeded Parker's futile attempt to follow Allen to the left corner.
A beat later, Allen was draining the winning shot. The Raptors were ruing their first loss of the season. And observers were wondering: What could the home team have done differently?
"The thing we talked to Anthony and all our guys about – if you're going to grab me, there's some things that I can do," said Sam Mitchell, the Raptors coach. "The officials do a great job, but they're not going to see everything ... So you've got to learn how to protect yourself.
Protect oneself how?
"It's mean, dirty and low-down and y'all already think I'm crazy," said Mitchell. "I don't want to read in the paper the next day, `Mitchell tells `em to ...'"
The coach didn't finish the sentence, but you can extrapolate the gist. Mitchell, after all, played 13 seasons in the NBA and only led the league in one statistical category: Fouls. So he knows a thing or two about the unsavoury techniques of the NBA trenches. And he tells a decent story about one particularly low blow.
On the night in question Karl Malone, the Utah Jazz legend, was setting illegal screens that too often ended with Malone's elbow in the face of Terry Porter, Mitchell's Minnesota Timberwolves teammate. Pleas to the referees went unheeded and soon enough, Porter's fist was planted in the Mailman's sub-drawstring.
"Terry didn't hit him hard ... You ain't got to hit `em hard. All you've got to do is graze `em ... Just tap `em. Just ring the little bells," said Mitchell. "And Karl Malone just dropped. He was screaming, `Ahh! He hit me in the balls! He hit me in the balls!'
"The next pick Karl Malone set ... he kept those arms in. I'm telling you, there's things you can do."
It was suggested to the coach that Toronto's current roster doesn't count among its ranks such fiendish characters. Mitchell smiled and shook his head, claiming ignorance of his team's potential for ignominy. Time will tell, perhaps.
Today's players certainly get criticized by their predecessors for being too soft, although below-the-belt assaults aren't foreign to the era. Bruce Bowen, the Spurs defensive specialist, kneed Steve Nash in the groin during last spring's playoffs. A couple of post-seasons ago Reggie Evans, then a Nugget, now a Sixers forward, allegedly grabbed a handful of Chris Kaman's privates. (Some observers lamented that Evans wasn't suspended, although, as Phoenix coach Mike D'Antoni joked at the time, Evans did get all ball).
Like a lot of crimes, though, one suspects these offences are committed more frequently than they're reported. Garnett, once mentored by Mitchell, was accused of ringing the little bells belonging to Francisco Elson in a playoff series a few years back. Elson called Garnett "gay." Apologies to the gay and lesbian community soon followed. The Toronto coach said he wasn't encouraging any such ridiculousness.
"I tell my players," he said, "to play by the rules."
Implicit in the rulebook, of course, is that the refs can't call what they can't see, no matter how much the other guy writhes in agony.
Ivan Drago
11-07-2007, 12:36 AM
Alright, to the guys in our fantasy league: Who wants Andrei Kirilenko?
Mr. Valentine
11-07-2007, 03:27 AM
Alright, to the guys in our fantasy league: Who wants Andrei Kirilenko?
edit: i just picked up some free agents and am overloaded on SF's.
chrisnu
11-07-2007, 04:51 AM
Peja Stojakovic had 10 threes tonight, and Luke Walton keeps leaving him wide open.
Chris Paul also had a Hornets' record 21 assists tonight, with only two turnovers.
David West hit two threes. :eek:
If the Hornets stay healthy, I think they are a playoff team.
Ivan Drago
11-07-2007, 01:37 PM
edit: i just picked up some free agents and am overloaded on SF's.
Are you saying that you have too many SFs and don't want Kirelinko? Or that you can trade a couple of your SFs to me for Kirelinko? And I can give you another player that isn't a small forward, if you want. I'm wanting to trade Brevin Knight (PG, Clippers) as well.
Kurosawa Fan
11-07-2007, 02:05 PM
Cripe. I forgot to change my lineup last night and had Dwight Howard on the bench.
*slaps self*
I already went through and did the whole week. I'm an idiot.
chrisnu
11-07-2007, 04:59 PM
Steve Nash is a dirty SOB. Check out what he did to Raymond Felton in this video:
http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/nba/nbacom/recaps/recap08_044_phxcha.asx
Check out what happens after 1:08. Absolutely deliberate, and deserves a suspension. Of course, no one's gonna touch the NBA's Golden Boy.
Thankfully, X-rays on Felton's knee were negative, and the MRI suggests he'll be OK.
Kurosawa Fan
11-07-2007, 05:02 PM
That did look pretty bad, especially since he put his hand up immediately after Felton hit the floor. Plus, I have Felton on my fantasy team, so Nash definitely deserves a suspension for endangering my season.
chrisnu
11-07-2007, 05:12 PM
I have Nash on one of my fantasy teams, and I'm still piping mad. :evil:
Kobe would already be suspended for three games.
DavidSeven
11-07-2007, 05:32 PM
Hm. He obviously meant to trip him, but intentional tripping happens a lot. I don't think he meant to seriously hurt him. It doesn't seem quite as malicious as dropping a forearm across someone's face or sliding under someone while they're shooting.
Milky Joe
11-07-2007, 05:43 PM
Hm. He obviously meant to trip him, but intentional tripping happens a lot. I don't think he meant to seriously hurt him. It doesn't seem quite as malicious as dropping a forearm across someone's face or sliding under someone while they're shooting.
Yeah, or kneeing somebody in the balls. *cough*
The Celts are really taking it to the Nuggs. The more I see them play, the more I think they look like a championship caliber team. People always talk about the big 3, but they have a lot more talent than meets the eye. In fact, they had so much young talent before the trade that they probably would have been good the next few years anyway by building a team around Al Jeff (who is a stud, btw).
Even after the trade, they still have some impressive young players left, like Rondo and Allen. Kendrick Perkins is a terrific role player, especially now that he really isn't needed to score at all. House & Posey are good veteran bench players. The only thing this team really lacks is a true point guard, but they might not need one.
chrisnu
11-08-2007, 01:17 AM
Good God! Celtics up by 40!
chrisnu
11-08-2007, 01:31 AM
And the Hawks beat the Suns. :) They may be a team to look out for this year. In the weak East, they have a shot at the playoffs.
MadMan
11-08-2007, 01:49 AM
The Celts are really taking it to the Nuggs. The more I see them play, the more I think they look like a championship caliber team. People always talk about the big 3, but they have a lot more talent than meets the eye. In fact, they had so much young talent before the trade that they probably would have been good the next few years anyway by building a team around Al Jeff (who is a stud, btw).
Even after the trade, they still have some impressive young players left, like Rondo and Allen. Kendrick Perkins is a terrific role player, especially now that he really isn't needed to score at all. House & Posey are good veteran bench players. The only thing this team really lacks is a true point guard, but they might not need one.You know, when the Big 3 of the Celtics appeared on the cover of SI I thought they were being jinxed and they wouldn't mesh well. Then I noted their play in the pre-season and I started to believe. After their first two games I immediately stated (if not here than elsewhere) that they were going to to the Finals. Everyone in the Eastern Conference should be scared of that team. And some Western Teams should be worried as well.
God the Suns suck right now. We need Stodmaire back. But its not just that. I think trading Kurt Thomas was a mistake.
The Hawks could be a sleeper, but I wouldn't read too much into them beating the Suns without Amare.
Combined line of the big 3 tonight:
28-41 shooting, 21 rb, 18 assists, 11 steals, 1 block, 71 points.
How can you beat that?
chrisnu
11-08-2007, 02:39 AM
God the Suns suck right now. We need Stodmaire back. But its not just that. I think trading Kurt Thomas was a mistake.
The Suns essentially switched Kurt Thomas with Brian Skinner because their owner wanted to avoid the luxury tax. It certainly wasn't done as a way to improve the team.
MadMan
11-08-2007, 03:33 AM
The Suns essentially switched Kurt Thomas with Brian Skinner because their owner wanted to avoid the luxury tax. It certainly wasn't done as a way to improve the team.That doesn't surprise me :|
chrisnu
11-08-2007, 05:54 AM
This is priceless:
Coach Frank breaks down Jason Collins (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGSGarO22_o)
"Does he score? No. Does he rebound? No. Does he block shots? No. So those are the things he doesn't do."
"Can someone else... split the difference defensively?"
HELLO! You signed Jamaal Magloire for a reason!
Ezee E
11-08-2007, 04:17 PM
That smiley is getting annoying Chrisnu. Don't make me Neg Rep you!
DavidSeven
11-09-2007, 12:52 AM
The master of public relations, David Stern, is at it again. Way to kick us while we're down, buddy.
Stern criticizes city, state governments in Sonics dealings (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3100691)
Associated Press
PHOENIX -- NBA commissioner David Stern warned Thursday that if the SuperSonics leave Seattle he sees no way the league would ever return to the city.
chrisnu
11-09-2007, 01:46 AM
It looks like Lawrence Frank has finally seen the light, at least for one game. Magloire has played 28 minutes and grabbed 12 rebounds, while Collins has played 12 minutes with no rebounds.
MadMan
11-09-2007, 05:01 AM
It looks like Lawrence Frank has finally seen the light, at least for one game. Magloire has played 28 minutes and grabbed 12 rebounds, while Collins has played 12 minutes with no rebounds.Maybe he also realized that he needs to start doing something to save his job.
David Stern is an idiot. I can't decide who's worse: him or Bud Selig.
Justin
11-09-2007, 05:13 AM
If Golden State and Dallas keep having games like this it could become a good rivalry.
Ivan Drago
11-09-2007, 01:02 PM
Good God! Celtics up by 40!
Damn Boston. STOP BEING GOOD AT EVERYTHING!
MadMan
11-09-2007, 07:31 PM
Damn Boston. STOP BEING GOOD AT EVERYTHING!*Shows Ivan the last 4 covers of SI. Watches him explode*
Ivan Drago
11-09-2007, 09:46 PM
*Shows Ivan the last 4 covers of SI. Watches him explode*
:explodes:
Fucking media.
MadMan
11-09-2007, 10:19 PM
Hey they're just doing their job. Boston is right now a hugely successful sports town, and all of their teams have been doing good. It can't be helped. What is SI supposed to do, send out reporter hit men to take out Tom Brady? :P
Dude reporter hit men sound kind of cool but also kind of lame. I smell an idea for a Hollywood blockbuster.
Thirdmango
11-10-2007, 12:47 AM
I'm doing fantasy for the first time this year on yahoo and it's pretty decent over there, though I am doing it with random people as I don't really know any NBA fans. Of course I'm only a casual watcher but I must admit, that Suns Lakers game was very dissappointing.
Justin
11-10-2007, 03:02 AM
Looks like Sam Vincent reads matchcut, Matt Carroll got 12 points tonight and played 26 minutes. And other bench players got some solid PT.
chrisnu
11-11-2007, 01:28 AM
Raja Bell is killing my fantasy team. He's shooting 33%, and had a DNP - coach's decision tonight. Meanwhile, Barbosa started and had a career-high 39 points tonight. UGH.
Raja Bell is killing my fantasy team. He's shooting 33%, and had a DNP - coach's decision tonight. Meanwhile, Barbosa started and had a career-high 39 points tonight. UGH.
Bell was out tonight because of a sprained ankle. Last I heard he'll be playing Tuesday.
Mr. Valentine
11-11-2007, 01:28 PM
anyone else having a problem with the nba website? i've been trying since last night to log in and it lets me log in with my username on their main page but then it asks if i want to join a league and the fantasy login is just a broken link. i even had my fantasy page on "my favorites" and now that just comes up as if i want to join or create a league and when i click login it takes me to a dead page.
chrisnu
11-11-2007, 03:00 PM
anyone else having a problem with the nba website? i've been trying since last night to log in and it lets me log in with my username on their main page but then it asks if i want to join a league and the fantasy login is just a broken link. i even had my fantasy page on "my favorites" and now that just comes up as if i want to join or create a league and when i click login it takes me to a dead page.
I've only gotten it to work in Internet Explorer. I've stopped trying in Firefox. The login screen never appears.
Kurosawa Fan
11-11-2007, 04:31 PM
It's working fine right now for me with Firefox, though I've had problems in the past.
Mr. Valentine
11-11-2007, 08:35 PM
it's still not working on my desktop which uses internet explorer but it is working with firefox on my wifes laptop. annoying.
chrisnu
11-12-2007, 12:13 AM
I've been reading speculation (I think that's a level below a rumor) that Minnesota may be looking to move Theo Ratliff. The suggestion was that the Lakers trade Kwame Brown for Ratliff. There are several reasons why such a trade would work:
1. Minnesota is into luxury tax territory, due to the trade with Miami. Swapping Ratliff for Kwame would reduce the team's salary to below the luxury tax threshold. It's become quite clear with several recent salary dumps (Jason Richardson, Kurt Thomas) that teams are willing to lower their talent level to avoid paying luxury tax.
2. Minnesota wants to lose as many games as possible. Hence, the Miami trade (which was also done for salary purposes). The Lakers would get an instant upgrade on the defensive end. Ratliff, when healthy, is one of the best defensive players in the league, and he appears to be healthy right now.
3. Ratliff would be more likely to re-sign with the Lakers for less money than Kwame would. Minnesota lets Kwame walk, which they would be doing with Ratliff, except no luxury tax.
Ivan Drago
11-12-2007, 12:41 AM
Boston Celtics - 73 wins. I'm calling it.
Justin
11-12-2007, 01:39 AM
Went to the Bobcats/Rockets game tonight, Yao is a pretty remarkable player. We had absolutely no answer to him as he pretty much did whatever he wanted to. Was still a good game though.
Kurosawa Fan
11-12-2007, 02:49 AM
Boston Celtics - 73 wins. I'm calling it incorrectly.
Fixed.
MadMan
11-12-2007, 03:12 AM
The Celtics will probably get 50-60 wins. Considering how terrible they were last season 50 wins would be huge for the team. I think with that trio they can do it. Thinking they'll reach 73 wins though is just crazy talk.
chrisnu
11-12-2007, 03:54 AM
50 - 52 wins sounds about right for the Celtics, if the Big Three don't have any health problems. To think that their squad could win 73 is laughable.
Mr. Valentine
11-12-2007, 03:59 AM
i think 60 wins is realistic for the Celtics to win in the east.
i think 60 wins is realistic for the Celtics to win in the east.
Barring injury, I think 60 is within reason. 73 wins is crazy talk.
Ivan Drago
11-12-2007, 01:16 PM
Uh, it's Boston. Nuff said.
Kurosawa Fan
11-12-2007, 01:47 PM
Uh, it's Boston. Nuff said.
No. It's not.
chrisnu
11-14-2007, 05:13 AM
What the hell?
Marbury Misses Practice (http://www.nypost.com/seven/11132007/sports/knicks/stephon_marbury_bolts_from_kni cks_408228.htm)
November 13, 2007 -- Knicks point guard Stephon Marbury contacted The Post late this afternoon and in two text messages said he got permission from Isiah Thomas to leave the team in Phoenix this morning.
Marbury had bolted in a huff, flying for home amid an apparent feud with Thomas over his starting role, leaving his future as a Knick in serious doubt.
Marbury landed in New York about 4 p.m. and said in the message to The Post, "I have one thing to say, and that's I got permission to leave. I would never leave my team on my own. What I’m telling you is that I got permission to leave from Isiah. He said I could go home. God bless. Peace be with you."
Marbury added he was not expecting to join the team in Los Angeles tomorrow night.
"No, I'm not coming to LA as of now," he said.
After Marbury missed the morning shootaround, Thomas was vague about the mysterious disappearance, the coach claiming he wasn't sure if Marbury skipped town, but a source confirmed he had.
"This is an in-house matter," Thomas said. "He's not here at shootaround. We hope he's at the game. If not, make no mistake about it, we do want him as a member of this basketball team. He is welcome back, and we want him as a member of this team."
Marbury's abrupt departure could lead to the end of his Knicks career. He told The Post over the summer he planned to play in Italy in two years when his contract expires. He has two years and $42 million left on his pact, and the Knicks may feel it's now time for a buyout.
If Marbury is correct that he had permission to return to New York, it is unlikely Thomas would suspend him for fine him.
Thomas and Marbury spoke Monday about his role on the team and Thomas was set to reduce Marbury's minutes, and potentially bring him off the bench tonight, because of his lax defense.
"We need leadership in the organization and he's capable of doing that, and we want him back," Thomas said.
Possibly reminiscent of last year, when Allen Iverson was inactive for two weeks, and subsequently traded to the Nuggets. Marbury's contract is poison; I'm not sure a trade could be worked out at this point. Multiple-for-one trades don't work well when your rosters are already set.
chrisnu
11-14-2007, 05:16 AM
I think this is a trade that McHale and Thomas would make. :twisted:
http://tinyurl.com/326gr3
This Starbury/Isiah feud is getting juicy. Check out Stephon's quote from this morning:
"Isiah has to start me," Marbury fumed, according to the source. "I've got so much (stuff) on Isiah and he knows it. He thinks he can (get) me. But I'll (get) him first. You have no idea what I know."
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/2007/11/14/2007-11-14_stephon_marbury_threatens_t o_dish_info_a.html
I can't wait for this to unravel.
Kurosawa Fan
11-14-2007, 05:05 PM
Awesome.
MadMan
11-14-2007, 05:31 PM
NY basketball drama makes the media world go round and round.
shaun
11-14-2007, 05:47 PM
I hate that my love of the John Starks/Charles Oakley Knicks has been replaced with Zeke's Flying Circus.
No one has been more inept at their job in history. Maybe one, but that would be his boss Jim Dolan.
DavidSeven
11-14-2007, 06:51 PM
This might be a celebrity meltdown of Britney proportions.
Report: Marbury fined more than $180K for skipping game (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3110086)
Marbury caused the Knicks some more headaches this [past] summer.
He behaved erratically during a televised interview, then testified in a sexual harassment trial against Thomas and Madison Square Garden that he had a sexual encounter in his truck with a team intern, smiling and singing on his way out of the courthouse.
chrisnu
11-14-2007, 06:59 PM
The NBA All-Star ballot has been announced:
NBA ALL-STAR 2008 EASTERN CONFERENCE BALLOT
EAST GUARDS (24)
Ray Allen, Boston
Gilbert Arenas, Washington
Chauncey Billups, Detroit
Vince Carter, New Jersey
Jamal Crawford, New York
Raymond Felton, Charlotte
T.J. Ford, Toronto
Ben Gordon, Chicago
Richard Hamilton, Detroit
Kirk Hinrich, Chicago
Larry Hughes, Cleveland
Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia
Joe Johnson, Atlanta
Jason Kapono, Toronto
Jason Kidd, New Jersey
Stephon Marbury, New York
Andre Miller, Philadelphia
Jameer Nelson, Orlando
Anthony Parker, Toronto
Michael Redd, Milwaukee
Jason Richardson, Charlotte
Jamaal Tinsley, Indiana
Dwyane Wade, Miami
Maurice Williams, Milwaukee
EAST FORWARDS (24)
Andrea Bargnani, Toronto
Chris Bosh, Toronto
Caron Butler, Washington
Luol Deng, Chicago
Mike Dunleavy, Indiana
Kevin Garnett, Boston
Drew Gooden, Cleveland
Danny Granger, Indiana
Udonis Haslem, Miami
LeBron James, Cleveland
Antawn Jamison, Washington
Richard Jefferson, New Jersey
Kyle Korver, Philadelphia
David Lee, New York
Rashard Lewis, Orlando
Antonio McDyess, Detroit
Andres Nocioni, Chicago
Paul Pierce, Boston
Tayshaun Prince, Detroit
Zach Randolph, New York
Josh Smith, Atlanta
Hedo Turkoglu, Orlando
Charlie Villanueva, Milwaukee
Gerald Wallace, Charlotte
EAST CENTERS (12)
Andrew Bogut, Milwaukee
Eddy Curry, New York
Samuel Dalembert, Philadelphia
Dwight Howard, Orlando
Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Cleveland
Nenad Krstic, New Jersey
Emeka Okafor, Charlotte
Jermaine O’Neal, Indiana
Shaquille O’Neal, Miami
Zaza Pachulia, Atlanta
Ben Wallace, Chicago
Rasheed Wallace, Detroit
WEST GUARDS (24)
Leandro Barbosa, Phoenix
Raja Bell, Phoenix
Mike Bibby, Sacramento
Kobe Bryant, LA Lakers
Baron Davis, Golden State
Monta Ellis, Golden State
Michael Finley, San Antonio
Randy Foye, Minnesota
Manu Ginobili, San Antonio
Allen Iverson, Denver
Jarrett Jack, Portland
Stephen Jackson, Golden State
Kevin Martin, Sacramento
Tracy McGrady, Houston
Cuttino Mobley, LA Clippers
Steve Nash, Phoenix
Tony Parker, San Antonio
Chris Paul, New Orleans
Luke Ridnour, Seattle
Brandon Roy, Portland
Jerry Stackhouse, Dallas
Jason Terry, Dallas
Antoine Walker, Minnesota
Deron Williams, Utah
WEST FORWARDS (24)
Carmelo Anthony, Denver
Ron Artest, Sacramento
Shane Battier, Houston
Carlos Boozer, Utah
Bruce Bowen, San Antonio
Nick Collison, Seattle
Kevin Durant, Seattle
Rudy Gay, Memphis
Al Harrington, Golden State
Grant Hill, Phoenix
Josh Howard, Dallas
Al Jefferson, Minnesota
Andrei Kirilenko, Utah
Corey Maggette, LA Clippers
Shawn Marion, Phoenix
Mike Miller, Memphis
Nêne, Denver
Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas
Lamar Odom, LA Lakers
Luis Scola, Houston
Peja Stojakovic, New Orleans
Wally Szczerbiak, Seattle
Luke Walton, L.A. Lakers
David West, New Orleans
WEST CENTERS (12)
LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland
Andris Biedrins, Golden State
Marcus Camby, Denver
Tyson Chandler, New Orleans
Erick Dampier, Dallas
Tim Duncan, San Antonio
Pau Gasol, Memphis
Chris Kaman, LA Clippers
Brad Miller, Sacramento
Mehmet Okur, Utah
Amaré Stoudemire, Phoenix
Yao Ming, Houston
Who I would vote for thus far:
Eastern Conference
PG: Jason Kidd
SG: Ray Allen
SF: LeBron James
PF: Kevin Garnett
C: Dwight Howard
Reserves: Andre Iguodala, Joe Johnson, Chauncey Billups, Chris Bosh, Richard Jefferson, Paul Pierce, Zydrunas Ilgauskas
Western Conference:
PG: Chris Paul
SG: Kobe Bryant
SF: Shawn Marion
PF: Carlos Boozer
C: Yao Ming
Reserves: Steve Nash, Kevin Martin, Tracy McGrady, Josh Howard, Al Jefferson, Tim Duncan, Marcus Camby
Agree 100% with your East starters.
I'd say flip a coin between Chris Paul, Steve Nash and Deron Williams for PG. I would put McGrady in as SG starter instead of Kobe now, but that'll probably change.
chrisnu
11-15-2007, 12:37 AM
Actually, substitute Kevin Martin for Iverson. I forgot about him.
ROFL:
League addresses Jackson's 'poor taste' remarks after Lakers' loss (http://sportsline.com/nba/story/10473231)
NEW YORK -- The NBA has spoken with the Los Angeles Lakers about a sexual reference coach Phil Jackson made in a comment following Tuesday night's game in San Antonio.
The Spurs made 13 3-pointers in their 107-92 victory, and Jackson was asked if too much penetration was leading to open outside shooters.
"We call this a 'Brokeback Mountain' game, because there's so much penetration and kickouts," Jackson said. "It was one of those games."
The 2005 film, which won three Oscars, depicts two cowboys who conceal their homosexual affair.
"The remarks are in poor taste, and the Lakers have assured us such remarks will not occur in the future," league spokesman Brian McIntyre said.
chrisnu
11-16-2007, 02:44 AM
Phil Jackson Apologizes for Gay Remarks (http://youtube.com/watch?v=C-m0xfdID34)
:lol:
chrisnu
11-16-2007, 07:58 PM
Chris Webber may sign with the Magic, for their $2.6 million injury exception. If he's signed, Keith Bogans would probably be out of the starting lineup. The front-court of Howard, Lewis, and Turkoglu would each move down a notch.
DavidSeven
11-16-2007, 08:11 PM
Chris Webber may sign with the Magic, for their $2.6 million injury exception. If he's signed, Keith Bogans would probably be out of the starting lineup. The front-court of Howard, Lewis, and Turkoglu would each move down a notch.
Not sure about this move. Howard could probably use more help up front, but they got a really good inside/outside dynamic going on with the frontline of Howard/Lewis/Turkoglu. Bogans has also been putting up decent numbers in a role player position. From watching Lewis for years, I can tell you that he thrives on the break. He's mediocre at best in the half court. Turkoglu seems to be the same. Webber would just slow their game down. They need to remain an up-tempo team.
chrisnu
11-16-2007, 09:14 PM
Wade says struggling O'Neal needs to get motivated (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/basketball/heat/sfl-flspheat16sbnov16,0,7062198.st ory)
Miami - Pat Riley said there would be no lineup changes, at least not yet, and deflected speculation that he was talking about Shaquille O'Neal when he hinted at a shakeup after the Heat's latest loss.
"This is not about Shaquille," Riley said in defending his struggling center.
Perhaps not, but Dwyane Wade called on O'Neal to do more to help the Heat out of the funk that has it 1-7 to start the season after its 104-95 loss to previously winless Seattle on Wednesday night.
"Probably this year more so than any year I have been more vocal with Shaq, talking to him and trying to motivate him," Wade said Thursday before the Heat left for a game at Boston tonight. "But the main thing is Shaq has got to be self-motivated. He has got to be willing and ready to do it."
O'Neal, coming off the least productive of his 16 seasons, remains an efficient scorer but overall has been ineffective more often than dominant. He played four minutes of the first half against Seattle due to foul trouble and heard scattered boos from fans at AmericanAirlines Arena when he went to the bench.
Dwyane Wade calls Shaq out, it's constructive criticism. Kobe calls Shaq out, he's a megalomaniac.
Spinal
11-16-2007, 09:19 PM
Phil Jackson Apologizes for Gay Remarks (http://youtube.com/watch?v=C-m0xfdID34)
:lol:
I think it was silly to make a big deal out of it, but it was a pretty lame joke.
Derek
11-16-2007, 09:23 PM
Wade says struggling O'Neal needs to get motivated (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/basketball/heat/sfl-flspheat16sbnov16,0,7062198.st ory)
Dwyane Wade calls Shaq out, it's constructive criticism. Kobe calls Shaq out, he's a megalomaniac.
But Kobe was doing it when Shaq was still putting up consistently great numbers. Plus, Wade has a way of saying things without, you know, coming off like a complete douchebag.
chrisnu
11-16-2007, 09:31 PM
Shaq was at 370 lbs. during his final season with the Lakers, and his PER was the lowest it had been since his rookie season. It was only after Shaq joined Miami that he got back into shape, and his numbers went back up. That didn't last long.
DavidSeven
11-16-2007, 11:07 PM
And yet, he took the team to a Pacific Division title and to the championship series. His numbers dropped that last year because he was sharing touches with the newly acquired Payton and Malone. Even then, you're still looking at 21.5 PPG, 11.5 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and a 58% field gold percentage. Who in their right mind could complain about those kind of numbers from their starting center? Even Kobe's numbers slumped to 24 PPG during that final season.
chrisnu
11-17-2007, 01:11 AM
You can't complain about those numbers from an All-Star center, but a Shaq is a once-in-an-era talent. He could've been the most dominant player ever, but he wasn't.
He and Kobe did take that team to a Pacific Division title, but that was only because a declining Payton and Malone fell into the Lakers' lap. Check out the year before for what Shaq and Kobe could do by themselves. They could've easily won five straight titles, if the Lakers' FO had brought in a single impact player through the draft or free agency. But that's another story. :)
DavidSeven
11-17-2007, 01:22 AM
The problem with that year was Phil Jackson's obsession with the triangle offense, which works best with a couple superstars and a bunch of mediocre players surrounding them. You can't put guys like Payton and Malone in that offense when you already have Kobe and Shaq on the floor. They could have ran pick-and-rolls with Payton/Malone every night and dominated every team. Jackson just didn't know how to coach this team to its full effectiveness. I mean, during the finals, he benched one of the greatest point guards to step on the hardwood (Payton) for Derek Fischer because his one dimensional skill set is better suited for Jackson's offense.
chrisnu
11-17-2007, 01:30 AM
The triangle offense also explains the drafting of Brian Cook, Luke Walton, and Sasha Vujacic, and bringing Fisher back, of course. Even though I like Fish, what infuriated me was that we could've had Charlie Bell for less money, if we wouldn't have jumped the gun and overpaid Fisher, who wasn't exactly in high demand. We then extend Luke Walton for six years, when we could've had Ruben Patterson for much less. We don't need more "heady" players, we need atheletes who can defend well.
Justin
11-17-2007, 05:40 AM
I really am surprised at how drastically improved my fantasy team is now, especially since Artest is playing now. It was just a frantic scramble to pick up some good free agents.
chrisnu
11-17-2007, 06:46 AM
Three of my fantasy players scored 40+ points tonight, with two scoring career highs. :)
MadMan
11-17-2007, 06:59 AM
I really am surprised at how drastically improved my fantasy team is now, especially since Artest is playing now. It was just a frantic scramble to pick up some good free agents.I have Artest on my fantasy team as well. I signed up for a Yahoo public league and am doing it just for fun. I should post my team sometime.....
chrisnu
11-18-2007, 01:07 AM
I didn't expect this reaction:
Shaq says Wade's criticism was on the mark (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3115232)
Shaquille O'Neal didn't have a problem with teammate Dwyane Wade calling him out in the media earlier this week. In fact, he welcomed it.
After Friday's game, Shaq said Wade was right.
"We have that kind of relationship where we could talk to each other like that," O'Neal told reporters. "He was right. We're fine."
Heat coach Pat Riley also praised Wade for speaking out, though Riley said his star guard's comments would have been better kept in-house, according to the Miami Herald.
''We can't walk around on eggshells when we're playing this way,'' Riley said before Friday's game, according to the Herald. "If somebody's not getting it done, I can't be the only voice to always reprimand. I think it's time everybody holds each other accountable, but not publicly."
chrisnu
11-19-2007, 03:24 PM
Man, the Bulls really suck. They were run off the court by the Lakers' second unit.
http://my.lakers.com/blogs/2007/11/18/lakers-vs-bulls-post-game/
The Lakers bench scored 73 points, the most points Lakers reserves have scored since April 24, 1988. In all, five bench players scored in double figures, the first time that has happened since March 9, 1985.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap;_ylt=ArtzQX9M7ng1HtRg5m8 PVxi8vLYF?gid=2007111813
Los Angeles blew the game open by scoring 18 straight points to finish the third quarter and start the fourth for an 81-60 lead with 9:45 remaining. All 18 points were scored by reserves.
The Bulls weren't closer than 15 points after that, and suffered their most lopsided loss ever to the Lakers. The previous record margin was 27 points in 1968.
Justin
11-19-2007, 04:37 PM
Is our fantasy league counting Sunday games? Because last night I was leading 8-1 after all the games were finished but now it says I won 6-4 and it didn't count any of the stats from Sunday.
Raiders
11-19-2007, 05:17 PM
Damn. I had forgotten all about the fantasy league. I have made a few moves and set up my roster for the week, so hopefully that and Dwayne Wade's return should give me a boost in performance.
chrisnu
11-19-2007, 05:27 PM
Is our fantasy league counting Sunday games? Because last night I was leading 8-1 after all the games were finished but now it says I won 6-4 and it didn't count any of the stats from Sunday.
I do believe the games are being counted. Under your team results, players are listed multiple times if they are played at multiple positions. For example, Kobe Bryant played 3 games at G, and 1 game at SG. Kobe did play four games during the last period, 11/12 - 11/18, counting last night's game.
chrisnu
11-20-2007, 04:53 AM
I said a while back that Theo Ratliff is one of the best defensive players in the league, when healthy. Well, that didn't last long. He injured his knee on Friday, and the latest news is that he's going to have an MRI. He may be out for a while. I just don't like to see folks go down. Unfortunate how injuries have derailed his career.
Another guy who just can't stay healthy:
http://my.lakers.com/blogs/2007/11/19/kwame-brown-injury-update/
Lakers Center Kwame Brown had his injured knee examined by team Doctor Steve Lombardo Monday. The MRI showed that Brown has suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his left knee. He will be sidelined indefinitely.
Brown left Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bulls three minutes into the first quarter after colliding with Ben Wallace and going down in a heap. He had to be helped off the court and did not return.
Kwame missed 41 games last season and spent the off-season recovering from surgery to both his right shoulder and left ankle (for which he continues to wear a brace during games).
Brown will be re-evaluated in a week.
I imagine that Jackson is going to start Mihm at center, but Bynum will get a majority of the playing time.
What makes this even worse is it happened on a play where Ben Wallace flopped to exaggerate a call. Flopping is getting people hurt. I really hope this get addressed by the league, but I don't have my hopes up.
chrisnu
11-20-2007, 05:08 AM
Some good news for Blazers fans:
Big, bad Oden (http://blog.oregonlive.com/behindblazersbeat/2007/11/big_bad_oden.html)
Posted by Jason Quick November 15, 2007 21:22PM
I have been awed recently by the sight of Greg Oden, who has been practically living in the Blazers weight room now that he is off his crutches.
The first thing that pops out is his upper-body. His shoulders are bursting, and his biceps are now cut and defined.
And get this: A high-ranking Blazers source told me that Oden today still has the same body-fat percentage (7.8 percent) as he did when the Blazers drafted him, yet he has gained nearly 30 pounds, bringing him near 280 pounds.
Translation: That's 30 pounds of muscle that has been attached to his upper-body (he hasn't been able to do any lower body weight training because of his knee surgery).
And I tell you, it's noticeable when you see him in short sleeves. He's not quite Karl Malone ripped, but his body has definitely taken to the weight program of Bobby Medina. And remember, Oden wasn't able to lift during college because he was recovering from a wrist injury. So imagine what this kid is going to look like after 10 months more of working out in the weight room.
Yikes.
--Quick
He is gonna be a beast. :eek:
chrisnu
11-20-2007, 05:13 AM
Or maybe not. ;)
http://tinyurl.com/3x9ky4
That's too much weight to carry on a surgically repaired knee and McMillan is mildly concerned.
"I would much rather have him be wiry strong than bulky, especially coming off a surgery," McMillan said. "When you're talking about putting on extra weight and having to carry that weight on a surgically repaired leg, that's not good. We want to be really careful with the weight training with him."
Oden, who only recently shed his crutches, can't run and is limited to cardio work or pumping iron. McMillan said the change in the physique has been noticeable and wants Oden to back off just a bit and work more on being toned than having his muscles pop out of his suit.
McMillan envisions a build more like David Robinson or Alonzo Mourning than a Karl Malone.
"We want him to be quick and athletic as opposed to bulky and big," McMillan said.
DavidSeven
11-20-2007, 05:33 PM
McMillan envisions a build more like David Robinson or Alonzo Mourning than a Karl Malone.
Hm... Robinson and Mourning were plagued by injuries their entire careers. Malone was the definition of durability and rarely missed a game in his first 18 seasons in the league. Bad examples.
chrisnu
11-20-2007, 06:11 PM
Oden already reminds me of Patrick Ewing. Creaky knees.
Corey Maggette is out for two to three weeks. Damn. He's been having the best season of his career, and the Clippers desperately need his scoring. The tailspin begins now.
That Oden story is great. Seriously, this kid has the attitude and the work ethic that the NBA needs. Just hope his body can keep up.
chrisnu
11-21-2007, 12:22 AM
The Lakers traded Brian Cook and Maurice Evans to the Magic for Trevor Ariza! :)
This trade works for both teams. Ariza is a defensive SF with crazy athleticism, who was receiving zero playing time this year. The Magic needed a big body and a real backup shooting guard (sorry Keyon Dooling), and got both. This also means increased playing time for Javaris Crittenton, likely at the 2.
I am so happy Brian Cook is gone! :pritch:
Mr. Valentine
11-21-2007, 12:27 AM
The Lakers traded Brian Cook and Maurice Evans to the Magic for Trevor Ariza! :)
This trade works for both teams. Ariza is a defensive SF with crazy athleticism, who was receiving zero playing time this year. The Magic needed a big body and a real backup shooting guard (sorry Keyon Dooling), and got both. This also means increased playing time for Javaris Crittenton, likely at the 2.
I am so happy Brian Cook is gone! :pritch:
nice. i'm not happy with either Cook or Evans so anybody else has to be a step up. now if only we could get rid of Kwame the Lakers would be set.
chrisnu
11-21-2007, 12:30 AM
If the Lakers can't find a taker for Kwame in a trade, they can always let him walk. Or, they can offer to re-sign him for considerably less money. He has some value, just not $9 million worth.
Mitch Kupchak, making an in-season trade, and pillaging another team. The world is coming to an end.
Mr. Valentine
11-21-2007, 12:32 AM
i wouldn't mind Kwame being on the team at the end of the bench but for some reason Phil Jackson starts him and that's my problem. if their going to make such a big deal about not wanting to trade Bynum they better start getting him some minutes.
chrisnu
11-21-2007, 12:34 AM
Bynum's actually averaging more minutes than Kwame and Chris Mihm, he's just not starting. Jackson likes the second unit the way it is, although Ariza obviously shakes things up.
EDIT - And Bynum started tonight!
EDIT - And Bynum started tonight!
And put up a nice line. I don't see Kwame starting again for awhile.
MadMan
11-21-2007, 02:31 AM
That Oden story is great. Seriously, this kid has the attitude and the work ethic that the NBA needs. Just hope his body can keep up.I'm pissed that he got injured this season. I really wanted to watch him play. I still need to watch Durrant in action as well.
chrisnu
11-21-2007, 03:54 AM
And put up a nice line. I don't see Kwame starting again for awhile.
He definitely got it done. So did Jordan Farmar. Looking back, I am glad we didn't trade these guys.
Cook showed up for the game tonight, and was talking with Kobe on the sidelines. That showed some class. He's going to a good team, where he will likely see more playing time.
chrisnu
11-21-2007, 06:39 PM
Cool quotes from Kobe and Phil Jackson regarding Andrew Bynum after last night's game, from 20 Second Timeout (http://20secondtimeout.blogspot.com/) (emphasis added):
Bryant's teammates respect what he says because Bryant puts in the time to understand the nuances of the game--and that leads us straight to the leadership that Bryant demonstrated before the game. It was no accident that Bynum blocked O'Neal's shot twice in rapid succession; Bynum explained after the game, "Working with Kobe before the game, he told me how to play Jermaine; he likes to go to his right shoulder a lot and then he spins back. I was just trying to be ready to bother his shot and I got a couple of them." Some people might assume that a shooting guard can't help a post player's development but clearly this is not true, at least in Bryant's case. This kind of leadership may not earn any p.r. points--unless the media chooses to report it--but it builds team chemistry and helps to win games.
When Bryant emerged from the training room for his postgame standup, I mentioned what Bynum had said and asked Bryant to describe his mentoring relationship with the young center. Bryant replied, "It's just trying to help us win a ball game. He's very bright, so the information that I pass on to him he can quickly process, register and then go out and execute it. He did a great job of it tonight. I just try to continue to guide him. He has a lot of promise and I am trying to help him along as much as I can." Later, Bryant said of Bynum, "He's very competitive. He's quiet but he has a lot of fire inside. When he has matchups like this (against former All-Star O'Neal) or matchups with Yao Ming, he really steps forward and takes the challenge personally and I like to see that. I take a lot of pride in my defense. I've spent many nights studying players, so when he has a big matchup against Jermaine--a person who I've known since I was 16--I have to help him out as much as I can and pass along the little nuances about defense and how he should view playing certain players so he is not just playing with his physical ability but he's using his head as well."
As the other reporters drifted away to file their stories, I asked Bryant this follow-up: "At one point, you were in Andrew's position on the team--you were the young guy out of high school on a veteran team and now this is almost a role reversal. What did you learn from your experience of being the young player on a veteran team that helps you know what to say, when to say it and how to say it to Andrew? It's not just giving the right information; how you present it to him affects how open he will be, as a young person, to receiving it." Bryant answered, "I understand how to communicate to him a little bit more because I was in that position and a lot of times I felt like people really talked down to me, you know what I mean? 'This kid this' and 'this kid that,' that sort of thing, and it just rubbed me the wrong way. So, from my experience of going through that I understand now that I don't want to put him in that position. I want him to feel like he can come in and contribute, that he is valued on this ball club and that all I am trying to do is help him out to be the best that he can be."
I then asked Bryant, "Do you give him advice about how to relate to other players, from your own experience as a young player that maybe you did things, not intentionally, that rubbed veterans the wrong way in some sense?"
Bryant replied, "It's funny, because when I came into the league the age range was completely different. If I came into the league nowadays out of high school I never would have had that problem (because there would be plenty of other young players to interact with). People don't understand that's how young kids behave. This team is different (than the Lakers team that Kobe first joined). We have a lot of young guys here and also I'm here to help him out a lot. We bring him into the group; if we go out to dinner or whatever we do we include him in it and that is part of it."
Next, I asked, "Do you feel like you weren't included as much when you were a young player? Was that partially because the age difference was much greater?"
Bryant answered, "It's all about age difference. Those guys were 28, 29, 30 years old, married--and I was 17, 18 years old, couldn't go anywhere. A lot of times I felt like I was a burden to a lot of guys and they didn't want to deal with that burden. I don't want Andrew to feel that way."
During Phil Jackson's pregame standup, I asked him, "In a way, the kind of team that you have now is almost the opposite of the team that you had when you first came to L.A. Back then, you had a veteran center and a young guard coming straight out of high school; now you have a veteran guard and a young center who you are trying to mold into a top player. What did you learn from the earlier experience of coaching the veteran Shaq and the young Kobe that you apply coaching an almost reverse situation now?"
Jackson replied, "Andrew was such an inexperienced player when he came here that everything is just a learning experience for him. Last year was an opportunity for him to play a lot because of the unfortunate situation of our two centers being injured--he was forced into the action, but that gave him a lot of experience and it gave him a lot of opportunities to find out what it is all about. He has worked hard in the offseason to help himself out, to get stronger and to be a better conditioned player. Our players who are around him are very encouraging and very supportive of him. I think that both Kobe and Derek Fisher talk to him a lot about his game and try to help him out a lot. Players look for him because he is a big advantage for us inside."
Way to go Kobe and Fish! :)
I guess that means Kobe doesn't wanna be traded? (who can tell)
Hopefully they can spread the love to Crittenton too, who I think came out at least a year too early.
chrisnu
11-22-2007, 12:37 AM
Bad news for Wizards fans: Gilbert Arenas had knee surgery, and is going to be out for three months. Their playoff hopes are over, and that's going to be the end of their Big Three. Don't expect Jamison to be re-signed.
MadMan
11-22-2007, 01:19 AM
As crazy as it sounds, I don't think the Bulls should trade for Kobe if it means giving up a young group of players who may be the bulk of the team later on down the line. Sure they're having a bad season but I read somewhere that Scott Skiles (it might have been noted in one of Bill Simmons' columns) is not creating the right line up for the team and such. But then I don't really think Scott Skiles is a good coach. Calling him a good coach would be like calling Eddie Jordan or Mike Brown a good coach.
Milky Joe
11-22-2007, 01:36 AM
The Suns scored 47 points in the first quarter against the Kings tonight. That's just sick.
chrisnu
11-22-2007, 02:18 AM
As crazy as it sounds, I don't think the Bulls should trade for Kobe if it means giving up a young group of players who may be the bulk of the team later on down the line. Sure they're having a bad season but I read somewhere that Scott Skiles (it might have been noted in one of Bill Simmons' columns) is not creating the right line up for the team and such. But then I don't really think Scott Skiles is a good coach. Calling him a good coach would be like calling Eddie Jordan or Mike Brown a good coach.
Skiles is on the hot seat. If the Bulls aren't playing better by December, he may be on his way out.
Trading for Kobe isn't going to help their primary need: interior scoring. They have none. They have plenty of young bigs, but none are consistent impact players yet.
MadMan
11-22-2007, 03:49 AM
The Suns scored 47 points in the first quarter against the Kings tonight. That's just sick.Whoa I wish I had gotten to see that. Damn.
Skiles is on the hot seat. If the Bulls aren't playing better by December, he may be on his way out.
Trading for Kobe isn't going to help their primary need: interior scoring. They have none. They have plenty of young bigs, but none are consistent impact players yet.I predict he'll be fired by December if not before than.
Also I agree that they have interior scoring problems. However I think those young players will pay off down the stretch. And hopefully under a much better coach.
DavidSeven
11-22-2007, 03:55 AM
The Bulls couldn't make a deal for Kobe even if they really wanted to. The Lakers want both Deng and Gordon, and Kobe has no interest in going to Chicago if both those guys are traded away. Since he has the 'no trade' clause, there isn't much either side can do to make it work.
Kurosawa Fan
11-22-2007, 03:55 AM
Am I crazy or didn't Chicago start out this same way last season, and everyone wrote them off and said Skiles was all but finished?
chrisnu
11-22-2007, 04:02 AM
Am I crazy or didn't Chicago start out this same way last season, and everyone wrote them off and said Skiles was all but finished?
Under Skiles, they started last season 3-9, and finished 49-33. They started out the '04/'05 season 2-13, and ended up 47-35. That's why I think Skiles isn't in jeopardy unless their record hasn't improved in a few weeks.
DavidSeven
11-22-2007, 04:12 AM
What Skiles has been able to accomplish with a bunch of "pretty good" players for the last few years is remarkable. Skiles doesn't know how to manage the line ups? Are you kidding me? As if how he arranged a bunch of above average players would even make a difference.
The blame for Chicago's woes go squarely on the GM, Jim Paxon. His first mistake was letting go of Tyson Chandler and giving Ben Wallace a boat of money. Chandler has been outperforming Wallace since the trade, and that money could have been used on the "impact" player that Bulls desperately need rather than a guy who's an offensive liability whenever he's on the floor. His second mistake was not putting a package together for Kevin Garnett. Every GM in the league should have been putting their best deal together as soon as he became available, and The Bulls probably had the most to feasibly offer. Finally, his biggest mistake was entertaining the idea of trading for Kobe Bryant right before his team's season started. How does he expect his young players to play hard for him if they don't even know what jersey they'll be wearing in a week? Add the constant "We Want Kobe" chants they've been receiving from the home crowd and it's a wonder that they've won any games at all this season.
chrisnu
11-22-2007, 05:27 AM
Microfracture surgery for Arenas.
http://www.nba.com/wizards/news/arenas_surgery_071121.html
"I repaired a partial tear of Gilbert's left medial meniscus," said Connell. "In addition, he had a nonweight-bearing articular surface defect in the trochlea treated by microfracture. We are optismitic that he will be able to return to action in three months."
So, Arenas' recovery time is at least three months. Thankfully, the procedure was not as drastic at that performed on Amare Stoudemire.
Ivan Drago
11-22-2007, 09:49 PM
I'm fucked in our fantasy league now that Arenas is gone.
chrisnu
11-23-2007, 12:38 AM
I'm fucked in our fantasy league now that Arenas is gone.
There's always the possibility for trades. :)
chrisnu
11-23-2007, 03:26 AM
Jermaine O'Neal is now out indefinitely, and is going to have an MRI on the same knee where he had off-season surgery. Not good.
O'Neal sits down with knee problems (http://tinyurl.com/2l28y3)
By Mike Wells
Jermaine O'Neal was forced to miss Wednesday night's game at New Orleans with swelling in his left knee, and there's no definitive return date for the Indiana Pacers forward.
Pacers coach Jim O'Brien said the team plans to sit O'Neal until an answer is found for the constant swelling.
"It doesn't help him or help us to have him on the court at 60 percent," O'Brien said. "We have to get him corrected and we'll do whatever we have to do to get that done."
O'Neal said he will undergo an MRI on his knee Friday.
"The biggest concern is why my knee is swelling at the rate it's swelling at," he said. "When you have fluid in your leg, it eliminates all strength in it."
O'Neal had surgery shortly after last season. He missed most of this preseason after injuring the same knee when he collided with teammate Shawne Williams in practice and hyperextended it after slipping on a wet spot in a preseason game.
O'Neal is averaging 13.2 points and shooting a career-worst 39 percent.
The six-time All-Star recently talked to Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas about how to deal with knee problems. Arenas will miss about three months after undergoing surgery.
Ivan Drago
11-23-2007, 02:58 PM
There's always the possibility for trades. :)
Who will take Arenas now that he's hurt? I seriously doubt that'll happen.
Mr. Valentine
11-23-2007, 08:56 PM
Who will take Arenas now that he's hurt? I seriously doubt that'll happen.
if having one injured player destroys your team then you didn't have a good team to begin with.
Ivan Drago
11-24-2007, 05:52 AM
if having one injured player destroys your team then you didn't have a good team to begin with.
You may be right. I'm thinking too much like this is like fantasy football.
chrisnu
11-24-2007, 06:11 PM
D-Fenders for Lakers' rookies? (http://www.dailynews.com/lakers/ci_7545418)
By Elliott Teaford, Staff Writer
Article Last Updated: 11/24/2007 02:10:04 AM PST
BOSTON - Javaris Crittenton's minutes have been few and far between so far in his rookie season. The same goes for Coby Karl.
Crittenton has played in a grand total of three games and scored six points.
Karl has played in two games and scored two points.
With the NBA's developmental league starting this week, it would seem a natural move for the Lakers to assign their young guards to the D-Fenders, their NBDL affiliate, in order to get them more playing time.
Jordan Farmar played several games for the D-Fenders when he was a rookie last season. And Farmar, who even played in a D-Fenders game in the afternoon and for the Lakers later that night, has emerged as a valuable backup to point guard Derek Fisher.
"That's in our thoughts," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said Friday.
"I haven't broached the topic with Javaris yet, but that's definitely in our thoughts. Coby was drafted by (the Idaho Stampede), but he's on our roster.
"I think as long as he's on our roster, we can send him to our affiliate. I'm not up to speed on the rules."
Crittenton, a former standout at Georgia Tech, was the Lakers' first-round draft pick.
Karl, the son of Denver Nuggets coach George Karl, signed with the Lakers in the summer as a free agent out of Boise State.
Crittenton, in particular, has been disappointed by his lack of playing time, said Jackson, who has tried to counsel him to be patient.
"I tell kids when they come into the team that rookies are lower than plankton, and they have to understand that," Jackson said. "There's an entitlement about this game. There's a learning process. We've talked about that.
"We want (Crittenton) to be a learner right now. He's talented. We're trying to encourage him to learn in practice and develop his game and keep his head up even though it's discouraging for him."
Please? I particularly want to see Crittenton get more playing time to develop. Given the emergence of Jordan Farmar, and Vujacic/Ariza taking Evans' minutes at SG, I don't see that happening with the Lakers. I would be please if Crittenton were allowed to develop in the D-League. I haven't seen enough of Coby Karl to have an opinion on his game, but I think it would be better to be playing in the D-League than remaining on the inactive list the entire season.
chrisnu
11-25-2007, 06:13 AM
Ray Allen, with ice water in his veins, one more time.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=LvdJoT18nAs
DavidSeven
11-25-2007, 07:28 AM
Ray Allen is so money. Always has been.
Our Aurora
11-25-2007, 08:08 AM
Ray Allen is so money. Always has been.
Indeed... Pierce as well. The C's are so fun to watch this year, it seems almost too good to be true. I don't mean to state the obvious but, damn it's good to be a Boston fan right now. :pritch:
Justin
11-25-2007, 01:48 PM
I swear we are cursed against the Celtics, we have still not beaten them and they have had like 3 buzzer beaters on our team. Grr.
MadMan
11-25-2007, 08:20 PM
Ray Allen, with ice water in his veins, one more time.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=LvdJoT18nAsThat was badass, Micheal Jordan style. The Celtics are mighty impressive right now, what with that three headed monster and all.
DavidSeven
11-26-2007, 11:10 PM
One of the best sports quotes of the year:
"We suck in practice, too." - Andre Igoudala evaluating his team, The 76ers, after a blowout loss to the Wizards.
Ivan Drago
11-27-2007, 01:36 AM
Hey chrisnu, I accepted the trade.
One of the best sports quotes of the year:
"We suck in practice, too." - Andre Igoudala evaluating his team, The 76ers, after a blowout loss to the Wizards.
They're talking about practice, man. Not a-not a game, not a GAME...NOT A GAME...but practice!
chrisnu
11-27-2007, 03:48 AM
Hey chrisnu, I accepted the trade.
They're talking about practice, man. Not a-not a game, not a GAME...NOT A GAME...but practice!
:) I have to post this.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=eGDBR2L5kzI
MadMan
11-27-2007, 04:02 AM
:) I have to post this.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=eGDBR2L5kzIThat video is classic and very funny.
Also Lebron James is carrying his team on his back right now. The last player to go 30-10-10 in two straight games was Micheal Jordan in 1989. Crazy.
chrisnu
11-27-2007, 06:29 AM
Seriously. The dude's putting up Oscar Robertson numbers right now.
Here's an article about a teammate of his - or not:
Varejao on Cleveland: 'I don't want to play there anymore' (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3128446)
He's waiting for the lucrative contract he thought he'd sign this offseason.
And waiting for Cleveland general manager Danny Ferry to "show me that he values my contribution to the team," Varejao told ESPN.com by phone in a rare interview.
"I just want to be treated fairly and I don't think Danny's done that."
Varejao expected to be helping the Cavs defend their East crown by now.
"I wanted to come back," he said. "I love the fans and I really love my teammates. But there are others there that have made it very difficult. It's gotten to the point that I don't want to play there anymore. I'm just hoping for a sign-and-trade at this point."
Ferry isn't ready to give up on bring Varejao back.
"We fully understand that negotiations can be emotional," Ferry told ESPN.com. "As for Anderson's potential to remain a Cavalier and put this behind us, we value his presence in this organization, on and off the court, and that has not changed."
The Memphis Grizzlies flirted with making Varejao a big offer in July, but when the Cavs threatened to match and leave Memphis empty-handed, the Grizzlies went after unrestricted free agent Darko Milicic instead.
Several other teams told ESPN.com they would have offered Varejao their full midlevel exception (starting at $5.356 million per season), but Varejao has not been willing to sign for that amount because he believes (a) the Cavs would match, and (b) he's worth more.
The Cavs' popular forward wants considerably more than the team is offering. He turned down the Cavs' one-year, $1.2 million tender offer. (To retain a restricted free agent, a team must make a tender offer.) He also refused Cleveland's opening offer of five years, $20 million, and then its latest offer of five years, $32 million, with a starting salary slightly below the midlevel exception.
In October, Ferry made a surprise visit to see Varejao at his parents' home in Brazil in an attempt to convince him to sign.
The move backfired.
Ferry showed up without telling Fegan, and working around an agent is a no-no in the NBA. While GMs are allowed to talk with players without an agent present, it is customary that all contract talk goes through an agent.
"I was shocked," Varejao said. "He showed up and wanted me to sign a contract. I told him he's got to talk to my agent. He didn't even up his offer. I guess he thought if he just showed up, I would just sign whatever he gave me."
Ferry walked away with no deal and with an angry free agent on his hands.
He defends his decision to appeal directly to Varejao.
"From the start of free agency, we told Anderson and his agent that the ability to communicate with him directly was going to be very important to the process," Ferry said. "The trip was done because our communication with Anderson was no longer available to us."
Since that incident, there hasn't been much trust or movement on either side.
Two GMs told ESPN.com they believe Varejao would agree to a five-year, $45-million deal in a sign-and-trade, if such an offer were made.
"If that's the price, or close to it, I think Danny [Ferry] will get some offers that make sense for the Cavs," one GM said. "I'm not sure he'll get equal value, but right now he has nothing and I don't see it changing."
If Varejao leaves, it will be a bitter ending for both parties. But at this point, that might be the most workable option.
"I'm willing to go and play in Europe if that's what it takes," Varejao said. "I know it's a risk and I'll be a restricted free agent next year, but at least I'd be happy. I don't think I'll be happy in Cleveland knowing that I was [almost] the lowest-paid player there for three years and am still paid much less than players on the team that I outperform. Life's too short to be unhappy."
Varejao rejected an offer which would have paid him almost $7 million a year? Two GMs would accept a $9 million average salary? He'd be making more money than Drew Gooden, who Varejao certainly hasn't outperformed. For someone who doesn't even start, that's really unheard of (unless they're dead weight like Darius Miles or Raef LaFrentz). The Cavaliers overpaid Eric Snow, Damon Jones, and Larry Hughes, and they're not going to make the same mistake. They don't want the possibility of the next Erick Dampier - who contributed much more in his "contract year" than Varejao did for the Cavaliers last year.
MadMan
11-27-2007, 06:58 AM
Yeah there's no reason the Cavs should pay him that kind of money. Period. I'm glad they're being smart about it this time instead of making another mistake.
DavidSeven
11-27-2007, 07:07 AM
I can't make sense of a GM who would willingly pay Varejao $8-10 million per year if his name isn't Isiah Thomas.
chrisnu
11-29-2007, 01:00 AM
Mother of Warriors' Barnes dies at age 52 (http://www.sacbee.com/kings/story/526379.html)
Ann Barnes, 52, the mother of former Del Campo High School star and current Golden State Warriors swingman Matt Barnes, died in Sacramento early Tuesday after a brief battle with cancer, a team spokesman said Tuesday night.
Brutal. So young. :sad: My thoughts are with the Barnes family.
chrisnu
11-30-2007, 02:05 AM
Phil Jackson signs for 2 more years (http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-lakerep30nov30,1,1755633.story ?coll=la-headlines-sports)
I don't like it. Phil Jackson is not the right coach for a very young team (second-youngest in the league, thanks to the Ariza trade), rebuilding on-the-fly. This also means at least two more years of Luke Walton and Sasha Vujacic. Oh joy.
DavidSeven
11-30-2007, 02:26 AM
Is anyone witnessing what The Celtics are doing to the Knicks right now? Geez.
Milky Joe
11-30-2007, 02:46 AM
A big hearty guffaw to Nate Robinson nailing a 50 footer at the very end. At least they can come away with that. Otherwise... wow.
Quentin Richardson's quote from earlier today. Apparently the Celtics heard it:
“It’s not that big a deal to us,” Richardson said of facing the 11-2 Celtics. “It’s like the media makes more of The Big Three and all of them. We’re not in awe of them. They ain’t won no championships. They have a good record right now, but that don’t matter. Dallas showed that [last season].”
“They’re not that deep of a team,” Richardson said. “After those three, there’s a significant dropoff.”
104-59. Nice.
Justin
11-30-2007, 03:31 AM
The thing I loved is that Boston didn't even take a shot at the end, they just took the shot clock violation.
MadMan
11-30-2007, 02:43 PM
Is anyone witnessing what The Celtics are doing to the Knicks right now? Geez.That game was an ass kicking. What's even more scary is that Garnett only had 8 points and 11 rebounds, and Boston still beat the shit out of the Knicks. Wow.
chrisnu
11-30-2007, 08:34 PM
The news shows repeatedly showed a Knicks fan throwing away his jersey in disgust. Rightfully so. What an embarrassment for the NBA that team has become.
Meanwhile, P-Jax could've told Riles this was going to happen. The stupidity speaks for itself. The dude has talent, he's just completely clueless.
Parker inactive as team investigates tussle with valet (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/basketball/heat/sfl-flspheatnote30sbnov30,0,566415 0.story)
By Michael Cunningham | South Florida Sun-Sentinel
November 30, 2007
Miami - Heat coach Pat Riley said guard Smush Parker would be inactive while the team investigates an allegation that Parker twisted a woman's arm during an argument over a valet parking fee.
Parker wasn't at practice Thursday and won't be with the team tonight against Boston. Riley later issued a statement saying that Parker would be away from the team until it completed its investigation of the incident.
"He has not been suspended and is currently on our inactive list," Riley said in the statement. "This is a legal matter and we will have no further comment until the legal process runs its course."
Yomara McKenzie, 41, told police Parker injured her left arm Tuesday morning at a condo building at 355 Biscayne Blvd. According to a Miami police report, Parker was told he owed a $12 fee but said he paid the night before. The valets could not find a ticket for the car.
McKenzie's attorney, Ron Guralnick, said he would file a complaint with the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office this morning. Guralnick, a personal injury attorney, said he also would file a civil suit against Parker "for assault and battery, seeking compensatory and punitive damages."
Parker's agent, Bill Ceisler, couldn't be reached for comment Thursday. On Wednesday, Ceisler said Parker, in a hurry to make Heat practice, didn't have cash on hand and couldn't find a working ATM within walking distance.
Police said Parker, denied his keys until the debt was settled, knocked over a podium out of frustration. McKenzie then told Parker he would have to pay for damaging the podium, the police report said.
Parker, 24, tussled with McKenzie in an attempt to retrieve the keys, according to the report. Guralnick said McKenzie went to the hospital Tuesday and was treated for "severe scratches" on her left arm, reported a "tingling sensation" in her fingertips and also complained of back and neck pain.
Miami Police Officer Martha Carbana said Parker received no special treatment and that normal police procedure was followed. She said a simple battery case that is not witnessed by an officer and where no weapon is alleged doesn't usually result in an arrest on the scene. While McKenzie normally couldn't get a copy of the police report for at least a week, Carbana said she was free to contact the State Attorney's Office to press charges in the meantime.
"This is not about who it is [being accused]," Carbana said. "It was the circumstances of the case."
In July, Parker signed a contract with the Heat for two years and $4.68 million with a player option for the second season. He's averaging 4.8 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists and has struggled to play the point-guard position to Riley's satisfaction.
MadMan
12-02-2007, 05:56 AM
My current fantasy bball team (I'm playing in a public league on Yahoo):
Andre Miller, PG for Philly
Jerry Stackhouse, SG/SF for Dallas
Paul Pierce, SG/SF for Boston
Ron Artest, SF for Sac
Andres Nocioni, SF/PF for Chicago
Darko Milicic, PF/C for Memp
Chris Wilcox, PF/C for Seattle
Samuel Dalembert, C for Philly
Deron Williams, PG for Utah
Shawn Marion, SF/PF for Pho
Josh Smith, SG/SF/PF for ATL
Jason Williams, PG for Miami
Monta Ellis, PG/SG for Golden State
chrisnu
12-02-2007, 04:07 PM
My Yahoo Fantasy club:
Steve Nash, PG
Devin Harris, PG
Kirk Hinrich, PG/SG
Joe Johnson, PG/SG
Mike Dunleavy, SG/SF
Corey Maggette, SG/SF
Ronnie Brewer, SG/SF
Marvin Williams, SG/SF
Pau Gasol, PF/C
Al Jefferson, PF/C
Emeka Okafor, PF/C
Al Horford, PF/C
Dwight Howard, C
Zydrunas Ilgauskas, C
chrisnu
12-02-2007, 09:54 PM
Uh oh. Tim Duncan went down with a knee injury during the Spurs' rout over Portland today. No word on how serious the injury is, as of yet.
chrisnu
12-03-2007, 01:02 AM
Apparently, Duncan has a bruised right knee and a sprained right ankle. He's going to have an MRI tomorrow, but the injury thankfully does not appear to be season-ending. He will miss some playing time, however.
MadMan
12-03-2007, 04:06 AM
I'd rather see Parker or Manu go down instead. I actually like Duncan and think he often doesn't get enough respect considering he's one of best of the big men in the league. Besides the Spurs make their push late in the season anyways so I don't think this will hurt them at all.
chrisnu
12-03-2007, 03:59 PM
Ron Artest's daughter has kidney cancer (http://www.sacbee.com/kings/story/537972.html) and Stephon Marbury's father passed away (http://www.nba.com/nba_news/marbury_loss_071202.html) during the Knicks' game yesterday. :sad: Kings coach Reggie Theus is going to let Artest dictate his own schedule, regarding his return to the team. Not sure about Marbury; the Knicks don't play again until Wednesday.
Marbury's father had a heart attack at the game. Oh, gosh.
Ivan Drago
12-04-2007, 04:13 PM
They ain’t won no championships.
The guy obviously didn't major in English.
Kurosawa Fan
12-04-2007, 07:24 PM
76ers GM and President Billy King Fired (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3140824)
How did it take this long?
chrisnu
12-04-2007, 09:08 PM
76ers GM and President Billy King Fired (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3140824)
How did it take this long?
Seriously. The Webber trade was awful for both sides. He could've gotten more value for Allen Iverson. Samuel Dalembert, Kyle Korver, and Willie Green receive contract extensions, and Andre Iguodala does not.
Also, the Bobcats have agreed on a three-year offer sheet for Anderson Varejao (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3141032). He's be making the mid-level exception of $5.8 million each season. There is an opt-out clause after the second year. That's less than the three-year, $21 million Cavs offer that Varejao rejected. The Cavaliers have a week to match the offer sheet, or Varejao becomes a Bobcat.
I still think that's over-paying for a high-energy role player, but the Kings' signing of 32-year-old Mikki Moore for about the same money didn't help things.
chrisnu
12-04-2007, 09:36 PM
T-Mac rips his teammates:
Rockets stars could use more help (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/5349057.html)
Of all the amazing things Tracy McGrady can do with a basketball, the one trick he can't perform is to put the ball into the hoop for his teammates.
"They've got to shoot it," he said.
And make it. Which hasn't happened nearly enough this season for the Rockets.
It's one thing to miss. It's another to lose confidence and become reluctant to pull the trigger.
"Absolutely. I see it every day," McGrady said. "Every game I see it. Guys are hesitant on the offensive end. The only thing I can do is keep advising them to shoot the ball."
The season is a little more than a month old, and the Rockets have firmly established themselves in the lower levels of the NBA, ranking just 22nd in shooting.
They are an even lower 27th in 3-point shooting.
"We're just not making shots," McGrady said. "Guys are getting shots. It's evident that teams are putting more focus on myself and Yao to try to take us out of the game and make those guys make shots. Right now, we're just missing them. We're shooting poorly from all over the place.
"I can go out and get 40. Yao can play great. It's really not going to matter. Until everybody else contributes, we get bench production, we'll be a mediocre team."
chrisnu
12-05-2007, 04:18 AM
Trevor Ariza! 15 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals in 26 minutes, while playing very good defense. Please give Ariza all of Luke Walton's minutes, Mr. Jackson.
And this happened (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yP5TRRoBhFQ) tonight. Ewwww. *grimaces*
chrisnu
12-05-2007, 05:27 PM
Gah! Well, maybe John Salmons is happy, now that he'll be back in the starting lineup.
Big win, bigger loss for Kings (http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/544193.html)
It was a one-quarter practice run, if you will, an involuntary experiment of sorts to see if the Kings could continue playing well without Kevin Martin.
And for a night, the reality of being without their leading scorer wasn't so bad. The Martin-less Kings hit 11 of 14 fourth-quarter shots and seized yet another win over an upper-echelon team at home in downing Utah 117-107 Tuesday at Arco Arena with an announced 12,688 on hand.
They entered attack mode in the final period, just after Martin left with a groin injury, with John Salmons taking over by scoring 13 consecutive Kings points. A 19-of-22 effort from the free-throw line in the quarter helped them improve to 7-3 at home.
But not until long after the Kings' locker room was empty did the air in the room officially seep out: Martin's strained right groin will keep him out four to six weeks.
Martin, who had 25 points, appeared to strain the groin on the final play of the third quarter, when Jazz guard Ronnie Brewer crossed him up before rising for a jumper at the buzzer to put Utah up 77-74.
Kurosawa Fan
12-05-2007, 06:09 PM
Cavs matched the offer sheet on Varajao.
chrisnu
12-05-2007, 06:23 PM
Interesting. They're paying dollar-for-dollar in luxury tax for the entirety of Varejao's contract. I guess they think he's that valuable.
DavidSeven
12-05-2007, 06:26 PM
Hurray for overpaid big men who can't do anything. Cavs should turn around and trade him now while he still has value.
chrisnu
12-06-2007, 05:28 PM
Oh boy!
SOURCES: 'ON-STRIKE' KIDD DECIDES TO SIT OUT (http://www.nypost.com/seven/12062007/sports/nets/sources__on_strike_kidd_decide s_to_sit_o_808437.htm?page=1)
December 6, 2007 -- Jason Kidd was "on strike," last night several team sources claimed, and he essentially called in sick, perhaps in an effort to force a trade from the Nets or get a contract extension.
Coach Lawrence Frank said Kidd phoned him complaining of a migraine yesterday at about 2 p.m. Kidd never showed for last night's 100-93 defeat against the Knicks, also short-handed, in the Meadowlands.
Maybe it was the contract extension he sought and did not receive. Maybe it is the general state of the team. Maybe it is a desire for a trade. Whatever the reason, whatever the cause, Kidd chose a game against the division rival Knicks to state his case. And the Nets certainly proved how much they need Kidd, losing to the 6-11 Knicks who were without Eddy Curry and Stephon Marbury.
"He's on strike," on team source said.
Kidd's teammates were tight-lipped, though one claimed, "I can't picture Jason doing that. I would be disappointed if he did."
But another source said the Nets were planning on - if not already - talking to Dallas, the Lakers and perhaps Cleveland about a trade. Kidd nearly was traded to the Lakers last February.
Asked after the game about Kidd, Frank said, "Right now my thoughts are with this game."
The Nets (9-10, 4-7 at home) were drastically short-handed all evening and played the first half with eight available bodies. Josh Boone, down with a migraine - he has a history of the ailment - was on the bench for the second half but did not play. Jamal Crawford scored 29 and Zach Randolph had 25 for the Knicks. Richard Jefferson scored 31 points and Vince Carter had 19 for the Nets.
Kidd's absence immediately caused some consternation within the organization because of the All-Star's recent unhappiness over the Nets rejecting his camp's bid for a one-year, $13 million contract extension. Kidd vented about the team recently in Utah, claiming the club possessed a glass jaw while expressing doubts about the future. After a sit-down with team president Rod Thorn, Kidd backed off and proclaimed all was fine.
Capitalize now, Mitch! Trade Odom and Fisher for Kidd!
DavidSeven
12-06-2007, 06:08 PM
Capitalize now, Mitch! Trade Odom and Fisher for Kidd!
Rod Thorn would have to be as dumb as Mitch Kupchak to make that move. Any deal with The Lakers would have to include Farmar or Bynum and a combination of expiring contracts and draft picks. Also, Fisher moved back to L.A. for the sake of his daughter. The team would have to be completely soulless to move him now.
I'd say Kidd's most likely destination is Cleveland. The timing works out perfectly with the resigning of Varejao. They can keep him off the floor, so he maintains some value and package him in a deal with Daniel Gibson and draft picks. That will be a lot more attractive than anything L.A. can put together (assuming they still have a death grip on Bynum).
Plus, there's also this:
Kidd and Lebron Daydream of Playing Together in Cleveland (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/ian_thomsen/11/28/kidd/)
Kidd admits that he and James daydream about contending for championships together in Cleveland. "There's a little talk,'' Kidd said. "But I told him, 'What-ifs can get you in trouble. You go out there and do your thing, and if I don't get to play with you until this summer [at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing], then that's the way it's meant to be. But the big thing is for you to go out there and lead your team.' And that's what he's doing.''
chrisnu
12-06-2007, 06:59 PM
The Cavs would likely have to give up Drew Gooden in a Kidd trade, and here's their only legitimate starting PF. Starting Kidd and Varejao instead of Gibson and Gooden is a step backwards.
Odom + Farmar + Vujacic works. The Lakers weren't willing to trade Bynum last season, and they certainly won't now.
chrisnu
12-06-2007, 07:00 PM
Kidd says he really was sick (http://blogs.nypost.com/sports/nets/archives/2007/12/kidd_says_he_re.html)
In a damage-control move, Jason Kidd today denied reports he was unhappy with the Nets and maintained that his surprising absence from Wednesday's loss to the Knicks was due to a migraine headache.
"I didn't miss a game due to unhappiness, that's the first thing. I was sick," Kidd said.
"It baffles me. I was sick. The only thing I did was have a sick day. Everyone [else] says I don't want to be here."
Sources maintain to The Post that Kidd's absence was designed to call attention to his unhappiness over the recent denial of a contract extension and to perhaps to force a trade.
Team president Rod Thorn told The Associated Press he did not believe reports that Kidd boycotted the game to force the team to give him a new contract or trade him.
“He was sick,” Thorn said in a telephone interview with The AP, adding that he spoke with Kidd this morning. “He was very hurt about some of things in some of the articles and he plans to address it.”
Thorn said Kidd sent a text message to trainer Tim Walsh around noon Wednesday, informing him that he had a migraine and would get back to him later in the day.
At around 4 p.m. — 3-1/2 hours before the game the Knicks won 100-93 — Kidd sent a second text message telling Walsh he would not be able to play, Thorn said.
“I think that raised some suspicions,” Thorn said, adding that he doubted Kidd would desert his teammates to make a personal point. “He has played with so many injuries over the course of his time with us that some people think he’s an automaton.”
Kidd, who played last season with a cracked rib and sore back, was the subject of rumors at the trading deadline in February, with the speculation he would be shipped to the Lakers.
Kidd is under contract through the end of next season, making $19.7 million this year and $21.3 million next.
Kurosawa Fan
12-06-2007, 07:09 PM
Much like the last two years, my prediction is that Kidd will still be a Net at the end of this season.
chrisnu
12-07-2007, 01:59 AM
Entertaining read by Bill Simmons:
How to get Kidd out of Jersey (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/blog/071206)
MadMan
12-07-2007, 04:17 AM
Entertaining read by Bill Simmons:
How to get Kidd out of Jersey (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/blog/071206)Guys like Simmons exist to work these things out and then present them to guys like me who really don't think at all about trades. Heh. Good stuff.
chrisnu
12-07-2007, 06:02 PM
Article on Riley's karmic situation in Miami. Can't say it isn't right.
Van Gundy living the life of Riley (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/7528296?MSNHPHMA)
Pat Riley must know he is locked inside a prison of his own design. At 62, he appears destined to finish his Hall-of-Fame career in the bowels of a conference that might be ruled by a man he fired.
No, Riley didn't officially fire Stan Van Gundy in Miami. The Heat president just made the Heat coach uncomfortable enough for Van Gundy to surrender 21 games into the 2005-06 season and trade in Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade for more quality time with the wife and kids.
Van Gundy didn't miss his family any more than he missed it the year before or the year before that. But since Riley offered him no love and support in the workplace, Van Gundy desperately needed more of both at home.
The hostile takeover of his old job complete, Riley went on to steal Stan's championship ring. Van Gundy refused to file any public charges over this first-degree basketball felony. He checked into Riley's witness relocation program, cashed his consultant's paycheck, and waited for a job and a team that would win back his ring.
This morning, Van Gundy's Orlando Magic are 16-4 and in first place in the Southeast Division, 10½ games ahead of Riley's 4-13 Heat. Van Gundy has a team built around a franchise star a few days away from his 22nd birthday, Dwight Howard, a center with a frightening upside.
Riley has a team built around the mummified remains of Shaquille O'Neal.
The Heat still have the surgically repaired Wade, the ultimate guy who gets it. But Wade's professional approach and Everyman demeanor should not be mistaken for weakness. He's not about to waste too much of his prime alongside a broken down and barely interested Shaq. If Miami's roster doesn't significantly improve over time, bet on Wade opting out of his contract in three years.
Riley will probably beat him to the door, because history says he's rarely long for the fight. He followed a 36-win season with a 25-win season before dumping his sorry Heat into Van Gundy's lap, sparing his own career winning percentage another round of nuclear strikes.
But a funny thing happened on the way back to the draft lottery. Van Gundy overcame an 0-7 start and made the playoffs. The following year, after Riley traded for O'Neal, Van Gundy led the Heat to Game 7 of the conference finals.
"Pat was upstairs in a private suite when Stan first started losing," said one NBA source close to Van Gundy. "When the winning started, Pat moved downstairs, closer to the floor. I don't know if Pat missed the coaching as much as he missed the limelight."
Riley drew blood after that Game 7 loss to Detroit, after Van Gundy was accused of failing to secure enough touches for Shaq. The team president declared he would take a more "active participation" in the running of the Heat. Asked if Van Gundy would be his coach the following season, Riley said, "That's a loaded question."
Just not half as loaded as the answer.
Riley didn't realize what he had in Wade when he drafted him. He knew precisely what he had in Shaq when he traded for him.
The big man who could win him his one for the thumb.
Van Gundy was the hurdle separating Riley from a title that would enhance a legacy shaped by Magic Johnson's hands. Everyone knew Stan didn't stand a chance.
"Pat just made every step along the way difficult and challenging for Stan after that," the source close to Van Gundy said. "What Pat would have absolutely detested in a president and general manager is exactly what he became — a second-guesser who wouldn't get out of the coach's way.
"Bosses can make your jobs miserable in many different ways. It doesn't have to be just with a firing. Sometimes they can make you more miserable by keeping you employed."
Riley told Van Gundy he was considering replacing him, but retreated after assessing the extensive public-relations damage he'd likely absorb. In the end, Van Gundy caved to the inevitable. Riley swooped in and scored that parade he'd promised on arrival from New York in 1995.
Van Gundy finally resurfaced last off-season as the lead candidate to coach the Sacramento Kings. But after Billy Donovan bailed on Orlando, the Magic offered Van Gundy a chance to stay closer to home.
Only Riley wanted no part of that. He had enough trouble dealing with his brutal playoff losses to Stan's brother, Jeff. He didn't need another Van Gundy in the same division.
Riley demanded a first-round pick and $1 million from Orlando as compensation. Funny, but in a different lifetime, Riley was furious at the Knicks for demanding a first-round pick and $1 million from Miami when he wanted to run the Heat.
Orlando ultimately convinced the Heat to take the 39th pick and a lottery-protected right to exchange first-round choice. Riley is surely regretting that concession.
The Magic spent $118 million on Rashard Lewis and $85 million on an extension for Howard, who only entered the league predicting he could someday be the equal of LeBron James. He wasn't kidding.
Riley has nothing but an old Shaq and an old Alonzo Mourning to throw at Howard. Like O'Neal, the Heat are in rapid decline. Riley said his team played "an absolute abysmal game" in a recent blowout loss to Denver. He would complain about the "gimmicks" he needed to use to cover for Miami's various defensive flaws.
O'Neal's $20 million wage isn't coming off the books any time soon, so the capped-out Heat won't have any big free-agent bucks to play with in the summer. All in all, Riley and his team are stuck with each other.
Meanwhile, Orlando is having a free-wheeling blast as it challenges Boston for conference supremacy, averaging 104.45 points per game — or 15 points more than the Heat. On Nov. 24, after the Magic beat Miami by a 120-99 count, Van Gundy would say he didn't want his players "trying to win one for the Gipper."
Riley is the one who needs the Knute Rockne speeches now. The aide he fired, Van Gundy, is breaking into the Eastern Conference clear.
Welcome to the back end of Riley's one-for-the-thumb Faustian deal. The Magic are poised to dominate the Southeast Division.
The Heat are poised to watch them.
MadMan
12-07-2007, 06:36 PM
I read that article back when it first came out. Good piece, and hits the nail right on the head. I'm also happy to see the Magic doing good again as I've had a soft spot for them since the Penny and Shaq days when they made the Finals only to lose to the stinkin' dirty Rockets.
chrisnu
12-08-2007, 12:22 AM
Gilbert Arenas' blog is hilarious, and true:
Let’s Talk Contracts (http://my.nba.com/forum.jspa?forumID=400032200)
I know a lot of people, you know, you hear about the Bulls team and why they’re losing because of their players entering free agency … You know, I want to say something to some of the young players out there in this game today. Especially somebody like Luol Deng who turned down that big contract. You don’t turn down $12 million. Period. That’s me, personally. I learned when I did my deal: Don’t look at other people’s money when you do your deal. Unfortunately, that’s what this league is about. They see a player that they think they’re better than, and they try to jump over them.
So now, Luol, you’re over here in a contract year and you’re not doing so well as a team. You get paid as a team. Now you’re going to be a free agent, and if you keep this up, that $12 million might not be on the table. So he turned down $12 million, Okafor said he wants Dwight Howard’s money … I mean, you ain’t Dwight Howard. It’s like them two had a discussion together about turning down the $12 million. Then Iguodala turned down $12 million … What is going on in the NBA? Iggy, you’re from Arizona, baby. You don’t turn down that much money. I don’t know who your agent is, but Agent Zero says you don’t turn down that $12 million.
I just don’t understand it. Then Varejao, he has for $60 million and ends up with three years for $17 million. You could have got that contract last summer! You done missed 20 games of the season getting paid the same money you could have got last summer. For the deal you just signed, you could have got that this summer from the Cleveland Cavaliers without losing no basketball time. By the time you’re playing again and are ready back in your form, I’m going to be playing again! It’s a damn shame.
If I was they parents … Whooo! They would get some nice little butt whippings. Not trying to be funny here, but what’s the difference between 12 and 13 or 14? I mean, I know they’re all looking for max deals … but it’s like Charles Barkley says, max players put people in them seats. If you’re not putting people in them seats, you are not a max player.
If you average 15-16 points, you’re not a max player. It ain’t just about scoring, but I know Okafor is asking for Dwight’s money, but he’s doing what Dwight does. If you did what Dwight does, then that’s an argument, but you don’t. So don’t ask for Dwight money, $12,000,000 is what you get.
Same thing with Luol. I love the way Luol plays, but right now if you’re not better than Tayshaun and Carmelo and the best threes out there, if you aren’t valuable to your team like that … I mean he’s valuable to the Bulls, but not in the ways that those guys are. So, $12,000,000 is what you got.
Same thing with Iguodala. I know after A.I. left, you were supposed to be that No. 1 guy, but, the way he plays the game, he doesn’t have that. He’s not that type of player. He’s a second guy. An assistant coach told me a great story about him. When he was in Arizona, he said he was like 9-for-11 from the field and he apologized to the team for shooting 11 shots. From that day on, I just called him Scottie Pippen. He’s a Scottie Pippen type of player. A great, overall player. He’s your glue player. You need a superstar and then you need him. So $12 million is good for you. Nothing more and nothing less. Be happy with the $12 million.
...It ain’t about just Iggy, Deng and Emeka, it’s about everyone. It’s about all young players out there who are going into negotiating and who are be going to do it in the future. If somebody offers you $12 million and you think you’re worth more than that, somebody should punch you in your face if you turn down that money. What if you get hurt and you can’t play basketball again? You just lost $60 million. You just threw away a great lottery ticket. That’s what people don’t understand.
chrisnu
12-08-2007, 04:27 AM
Yet more bad news for Kings fans:
Abdur-Rahim has season-ending surgery (http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/sports/kings/archives/009509.html)
Kings forward Shareef Abdur-Rahim underwent season-ending arthroscopic surgery today at the UC Davis Medical Center to remove bone spurs and joint lining from his right knee, the Kings announced on Friday.
The procedure was performed by Dr. Richard Marder, and it was the second time since June Abdur-Rahim has undergone arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. Abdur-Rahim's recovery from the first procedure was never complete, as he missed the early part of October training camp and returned to action late in the preseason. But while Kings coach Reggie Theus gave Abdur-Rahim only limited playing time in the first few games, it became apparent quickly that the knee was not fully healed. Abdur-Rahim experienced swelling in the knee numerous time, and the 12-year veteran is believed to have had it looked at by at least three doctors.
“This has been personally and emotionally frustrating not being able to help my teammates,” Abdur-Rahim said by phone. “However, we all have different challenges in life and this one is mine. God willing I can find a way to still contribute and help my teammates while I work to get healthy.” - Sam Amick
chrisnu
12-08-2007, 06:27 PM
Riley not happy with wearing microphone (http://www.miamiherald.com/594/story/335628.html)
BY MICHAEL WALLACE
mwallace@MiamiHerald.com
PORTLAND, Ore. --
Count Pat Riley among NBA coaches who don't like wearing a microphone during nationally televised games.
Riley was one of the league's test cases when the Heat played the Trail Blazers on Thursday. As part of the NBA's deal with broadcast partners TNT and ABC/ESPN, both coaches and one player from each team will wear microphones.
''It's good for television, but it's an invasion of my privacy and our privacy, when it comes to saying whatever you want to say without being exposed,'' Riley said. ``Coaches are going to be very inhibited. I won't be able to deal with it very well, so I'll be mute.''
I think it's pretty pointless to have coaches and player miked, unless you have an alternate broadcast where the R-rated dialogue isn't edited out. Otherwise, you're going to be left with pretty mundane stuff like "keep it up, fellas!"
chrisnu
12-09-2007, 04:41 PM
RJ wants changes to fix what ails Nets (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3 dnFlZUVFeXkxMjgmZmdiZWw3Zjd2cW VlRUV5eTcyMzE3NDQmeXJpcnk3Zjcx N2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2)
Sunday, December 9, 2007
By AL IANNAZZONE
STAFF WRITER
WASHINGTON – Richard Jefferson has a few things to say today that could give coach Lawrence Frank a headache, if he doesn't have one already.
Jefferson took some of the attention off of Jason Kidd's migraine controversy Saturday by continuing to voice his displeasure about the Nets' play.
The small forward said he has some "personal theories" on how to fix the struggling Nets, who have been down double digits in 15 of 20 games this season.
Jefferson said those theories would "remain personal," but later revealed some that he plans to share before the Nets (9-11) play the Wizards tonight. They're game-plan suggestions.
"We've got to help ourselves," said Jefferson, who was seething after Friday's home loss to Houston. "All these slow starts, we've never started out the game coming out in zone, never started the game coming out in full-court press. We never started a game like that.
"After the first quarter we normally play even or better than our opponents, so what can we do to buy ourselves time? What can we do to change our mentality? What can we do to change the game up? We haven't done anything. We haven't done that once. Have you guys see us come out zone in the first quarter?
"We haven't done anything to muck up the game, to change the game, to buy ourselves time. Let's just play zone, let's see what that does. Let's pick up full-court and buy ourselves time, but let's stay in zone the whole first quarter. Why not?"
Frank has tried to change things. He's switched the starting lineup several times and used different rotations.
The coach is open to suggestions. He often seeks out players to get some ideas, but he may not appreciate that Jefferson told reporters his thoughts before talking to him.
"This is just a basketball player talking," Jefferson said. "We're all on the same page here. We're all trying to win, [no matter] what you guys write."
When asked what he thinks Frank's reaction will be, Jefferson said, "I don't know. I was going to do it regardless. Not zone, but I was going to pick up full-court anyway.
"I'm a starter so I'm as responsible as anybody. ... . This is on me, and every other person who's starting the game."
To press from the start, the Nets likely would need more athletic players such as rookie forward Sean Williams. Frank said he wasn't planning to change the starting five, which includes Jason Collins and Malik Allen.
Jefferson isn't the only Net upset. Many are disgusted with their play and want something to change. But if the results don't, there could be changes in the locker room.
Right now it would seem Kidd is the most likely to go. According to sources close to the team, owner Bruce Ratner doesn't want to trade Kidd, though, and is willing to give him a $10 million extension. Kidd is said to be looking for closer to $13 million.
But other sources said Kidd's agent, Jeff Schwartz, has been talking to Mavericks' owner Mark Cuban to help facilitate a trade to Dallas. Schwartz did not return phone calls.
For now, the Nets have to find the answers from within. They've been in a similar position the last two years and still have made it to the second round of the playoffs.
"The positive is we've always found our way out of it," Frank said. "The key is when and if, but the only people who can help is this group right here."
Hmm... maybe Nets management is going to soon realize that Lawrence Frank isn't working? The Nets are putting themselves at a disadvantage from the get-go by starting Malik Allen and Jason Collins. Starting Sean Williams and Jamaal Magloire would help those problems. They may not be huge offensive contributors, but it would help prevent lethargic starts to the game. Frank's love affair with Collins is one of the strangest things.
Kidd going to Dallas is ludicrous. The Mavericks decided on Harris as the PG of the future with the huge contract extension. He's not moving to the bench to make room for Kidd, nor is he going to be traded for Kidd.
shaun
12-09-2007, 04:59 PM
Thomas' job safe with Knicks, owner says
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3147670
I think Isaiah has Dolan's kids tied up in a basement or something.
chrisnu
12-09-2007, 05:26 PM
Perhaps Thomas, like Starbury, *whispers* knows things. :eek:
How about this headline:
Pacers' Tinsley unhurt after assault rifle shooting (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3147811)
...but he got the team equipment manager shot. Oh well.
INDIANAPOLIS -- Indiana Pacers guard Jamaal Tinsley and several companions were targeted in a shooting Sunday morning that wounded one person outside the Conrad Hotel downtown.
Police said Tinsley was not injured. Joey Qatato, identified as the team's equipment manager on the Pacers' Web site, was struck in both elbows as he sat with Tinsley in the player's Rolls Royce.
The 48-year-old Qatato was taken to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, where he was treated and released.
Police said the shooting involved an assault rifle and followed a confrontation that happened when Tinsley and his companions were leaving the "Cloud 9" club.
Authorities were called to the hotel about 3:40 a.m.
Sgt. Paul Thompson, a spokesman for the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, told the Indianapolis Star that two vehicles in Tinsley's group followed the shooters in a chase, and Tinsley's brother, James, returned fire at the attackers. It was unknown whether anyone was hit, and Jamaal Tinsley was not involved in the chase, Thompson told the newspaper.
Thompson told the Indianapolis Star the incident began when a group of people gave Tinsley's group a hard time about their cars -- a Mercedes, Rolls Royce and a Dodge Charger -- and their earnings.
After Tinsley and friends left Cloud 9, they realized they were being followed by a gray Chrysler and a dark pickup truck, Thompson told the newspaper.
Instead of going home, Tinsley's group pulled into the Conrad, where the shooting began. Tinsley's Rolls Royce was struck by several bullets, and five bullet holes were found in the Charger, Thompson told the Indianapolis Star.
Police are investigating and looking for the two vehicles.
Jamaal Tinsley and teammate Marquis Daniels are scheduled to go to trial Jan. 14 in a case stemming from a bar fight.
A grand jury indicted Tinsley on a felony charge of intimidation and misdemeanor counts of battery, disorderly conduct and intimidation in connection with the Feb. 6 fight. Daniels is charged with battery and disorderly conduct, both misdemeanors.
According to a police report, the bar manager said Tinsley threatened to kill him during the fight. The confrontation with the players followed another fight involving a person who employees thought was trying to steal coats from the coat check area, police said.
chrisnu
12-11-2007, 02:18 AM
Boykins Gets Call From Bobcats' Vincent (http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/49637/20071210/boykins_gets_call_from_bobcats _vincent/)
December 10, 2007 - 1:30 pm
Christopher Reina/RealGM -
Earl Boykins, one of the NBA’s most prominent remaining free agents, received a call on Thursday from Charlotte Bobcats ’ head coach Sam Vincent conveying interest in having the nine-year guard join his club. Boykins’ agent Mark Termini confirmed the call to RealGM.
The Bobcats are 7-12 and had lost seven games in row before beating Cleveland on Saturday.
Boykins would give Charlotte much needed depth at either guard position as he averaged 14.6 points and 4.4 assists last season.
Boykins became an unrestricted free agent on July 1st when he did not exercise his $3 million option for the 2007-2008 season with the Milwaukee Bucks . The Eastern Michigan product averaged 23.2 points per game during an 11-game stretch for Denver when the club was without suspended players Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith.
A source says that it is unlikely Boykins would sign for anything below the mid-level exception.
I wondered when Boykins was going to get the call, and thought he would be holding out from signing for monetary reasons. He shouldn't have opted out of the deal he had with Milwaukee.
Something very cool:
Kiki Vandeweghe's Wilt Chamberlain Story (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uejd03ogMug)
chrisnu
12-11-2007, 03:28 AM
Kings sign Dahntay Jones (http://www.sacbee.com/kings/story/557352.html)
The Kings announced today they have singed guard/forward Dahntay Jones and waived center Darryl Watkins.
Jones was a first-round pick of the Celtics in 2003 and has played four seasons playing for the Memphis Grizzlies. He played 221 games for Memphis and avreaged 5.1 points and 1.6 rebounds.
Watkins is a rookie from Syracuse. He played nine games for the Kings and averaged 1.3 points and 1.3 rebounds a game.
The move makes sense. Watkins was getting no playing time, and Jones can immediately contribute while Kevin Martin is out. He's a great athlete and a good defender; his downfall has been that he's never developed a jump shot.
chrisnu
12-12-2007, 02:16 AM
I have never seen the Nets look worse than tonight against the Clippers (that's because I didn't seen their second game against the Raptors). They lost 91-82 to the Clippers, at home. Their big Three shot a combined 14-46 from the field. The Clippers are 8-12, and the Nets are 9-13. They are 4-9 at home. If they don't make a turnaround very quickly, it's time to either fire Lawrence Frank, or blow up the team.
chrisnu
12-12-2007, 02:32 AM
The Mavericks had no talks with the Nets regarding Jason Kidd, the Bobcats are not pursuing Earl Boykins after all, and T.J. Ford went down with another injury. Al Horford (who received a flagrant 2 and was ejected from the game) hit Ford in the face, who crashed to the floor and hit his head, hard. He had to be carried out on a stretcher and wasn't moving. The game was almost over. It's very concerning, because he has a history of neck and spinal problems.
Justin
12-12-2007, 02:38 AM
Horford better get a hefty fine for that hit, I just saw it, totally uncalled for.
chrisnu
12-12-2007, 02:46 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FR5rbjY_ka0
I'm not certain that was intentional. Horford thought he was going straight up for the shot, and when he didn't he hit Ford's head, instead of the ball. It looked like Ford went limp almost immediately. Not good. I read that the team huddled and prayed after Ford was carted off the court. Seems appropriate.
Justin
12-12-2007, 02:51 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FR5rbjY_ka0
I'm not certain that was intentional. Horford thought he was going straight up for the shot, and when he didn't he hit Ford's head, instead of the ball. It looked like Ford went limp almost immediately. Not good. I read that the team huddled and prayed after Ford was carted off the court. Seems appropriate.
They showed a replay that was on the backboard that made it look pretty intentional.
chrisnu
12-12-2007, 03:07 AM
Found this information on another board:
He is at the hospital with Toronto medical staff and and personnel. They have not yet announced if he will be staying in the hospital in Atlanta, or if he will be able to fly back to TO tonight. He had feeling in his extremities during some of the tests, pre-hospital so, that was a very good sign. He was definitely panicked and scared as he was lying there, I am really hoping some of that panic took over and was more to blame than the actual injury.
chrisnu
12-12-2007, 03:15 AM
More video:
7 min of the injury (http://youtube.com/watch?v=yyJkeuJ6RTM)
You can clearly hear Sam Mitchell screaming "what the fuck was that shit, son?" after the play.
Watched the replay. :evil:
Parker and Bosh post game (http://youtube.com/watch?v=Vo5VnhI-mMg)
Horford post game (http://youtube.com/watch?v=p7genMBLmTk)
Mr. Valentine
12-12-2007, 06:27 AM
i've watched the replays from different angles and i still don't think it was intentional.
chrisnu
12-12-2007, 05:11 PM
Unfortunate, but not unexpected. Maybe he can land on a team that needs some help.
Heat to waive Penny Hardaway (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/basketball/heat/sfl-1212hardaway,0,659187.story)
By Ira Winderman | Sun-Sentinel.com
10:33 AM EST, December 12, 2007
Penny Hardaway's NBA comeback has come to an end with the Heat.
Hardaway was informed by the team that he would be waived in order to clear a roster spot for former Development League guard Luke Jackson.
The Heat is expected to make the formal announcement later today.
Hardaway, 36, signed a non-guaranteed, veteran's-minimum contract with the Heat in the offseason, after sitting out nearly two full years due to injuries.
While he worked his way back into eight starts in his 16 appearances, he struggled with his offense, averaging 3.8 points on .367 shooting.
He was replaced in the starting lineup last Thursday in Portland by Dorell Wright, after consecutive scoreless appearances.
The highlight of Hardaway's comeback was when he scored 16 points on 6-of-6 shooting, including 4-of-4 from behind the 3-point line, in a Nov. 17 victory in New Jersey. It was the lone double-figure performance in the comeback for a player who carried a career 15.4 scoring average into the season.
By rule, Hardaway will be made available to any other NBA team, at his minimum salary, for a 48-hour waiver period.
chrisnu
12-14-2007, 12:41 AM
Ford will sit out a week, before beginning basketball activity. Horford has been suspended for one game.
This comes as a surprise to me:
Clippers waive Patterson after he helps with rare win over Nets (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3153715)
LOS ANGELES -- The Clippers waived forward Ruben Patterson on Thursday, hours after he helped them beat the Nets in New Jersey for the first time in nearly 10 years.
Patterson and Tim Thomas led a 16-5 run that put the Clippers ahead for good in the third quarter of Wednesday night's 91-82 victory.
Patterson signed with the Clippers as a free agent on Aug. 29. He made five starts in 20 games this season, averaging 5.1 points and 3.2 assists.
The Clippers have been beset by injuries. Elton Brand is still recovering from an offseason Achilles' injury, Sam Cassell has missed seven consecutive games with a calf injury, and Quinton Ross sustained a lower back contusion when he fell in the third quarter Wednesday.
They're short-handed as it is. I suppose this opens the door for Al Thornton to receive more playing time.
I would be very pleased if the Lakers signed him, and waived Sasha Vujacic!
chrisnu
12-14-2007, 06:43 PM
"I told you so" seems like an appropriate response:
Parker on the way out (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/basketball/heat/sfl-flspheatnote14sbdec14,0,494782 0.story)
By Ira Winderman | South Florida Sun-Sentinel
December 14, 2007
MIAMI -
Smush Parker apparently has played his last game for the Heat.
Two sources familiar with the situation said Thursday the Heat is searching for trade options for the troubled point guard, who is eligible to be dealt starting Saturday.
Parker has been isolated from the team since a run-in with a valet-parking attendant last month.
For now, the Heat is listing Parker as inactive due to conditioning concerns.
However, word is there is an agreement with agent Billy Ceisler to deal Parker as soon as possible.
Ceisler would not confirm such talks.
"Obviously I work on Smush's behalf, and I want the best thing for my client," he said. "If it's finding a new home, then that's what I want.
"We've spoken about trying to get back to some sense of a good conclusion."
Ceisler said a buyout has not been discussed.
Players signed in the offseason can be dealt no earlier than Dec. 15.
When Parker was signed in July to a two-year deal that included a player option for the second season, the former Lakers starter was hyped by the team as a challenger for Jason Williams' starting position.
Instead, second-year guard Chris Quinn has emerged as a quality backup to Williams, with shooting guard Dwyane Wade also spending considerable time with ball-handling responsibilities.
Even before the valet-parking incident, Parker had grown into an ill fit, both in adjusting to the team's on-court approach and the rigid off-court policies established by coach Pat Riley.
The Clippers signed Richie Frahm to a non-guaranteed contract, to replace Ruben Patterson. They need help at guard, with Sam Cassell injured, Brevin Knight so injury-prone, Cuttino Mobley having elbow problems, and Quinton Ross just got injured.
Theo Ratliff underwent exploratory arthroscopic surgery on his knee. No timetable on his return; hope it's not serious.
chrisnu
12-14-2007, 08:06 PM
Six weeks into the season, here's my new All-Star choices:
Western Conference
PG: Chris Paul
SG: Kobe Bryant
SF: Josh Howard
PF: Carlos Boozer
C: Yao Ming
Reserves: Chris Kaman, Dirk Nowitzki, Amare Stoudemire, Shawn Marion, Tracy McGrady, Steve Nash, Deron Williams
Eastern Conference
PG: Jason Kidd
SG: Michael Redd
SF: LeBron James
PF: Kevin Garnett
C: Dwight Howard
Reserves: Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Chris Bosh, Antawn Jamison, Paul Pierce, Caron Butler, Ray Allen, Chauncey Billups
DavidSeven
12-14-2007, 08:24 PM
You'd seriously put Joe Johnson and Dwayne Wade in the game before Ray Allen? I hope that's just an oversight.
chrisnu
12-14-2007, 08:38 PM
You'd seriously put Joe Johnson and Dwayne Wade in the game before Ray Allen? I hope that's just an oversight.
Correct. I also forgot Paul Pierce. :) Either Pierce or Richard Jefferson, I'm having a hard time choosing.
Ezee E
12-14-2007, 09:26 PM
WEST
PG: Chris Paul
SG: Kobe Bryant
SF: Carmelo Anthony
PF: Carlos Boozer
C: Amare Stoudemire
EAST
PG: Michael Redd
SG: Ray Allen
SF: LeBron James
PF: Kevin Garnett
C: Dwight Howard
Me and Chrisnu are pretty close.
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