*NBA THREAD* Abe will be missed (1 Viewer)

[Kev4029]

Shaq is an interesting hype case. While he wasn't world famous as a teenager like some of the other names we've bandied about, he came into the pros without ever playing the NCAA regional semifinals, even with another lottery pick at PG and a another future NBA player up front. How many rap albums, movies, video games, and commercials was that guy in before doing anything historically significant on the court?

Where would you put Shaq in the all time physical gifts category? 2nd to LeBron? That's where I'd probably rank him.

I think he may be number 1, nobody close to his size has ever moved like he could.

 

[Kev4029]

Shaq is an interesting hype case. While he wasn't world famous as a teenager like some of the other names we've bandied about, he came into the pros without ever playing the NCAA regional semifinals, even with another lottery pick at PG and a another future NBA player up front. How many rap albums, movies, video games, and commercials was that guy in before doing anything historically significant on the court?

Where would you put Shaq in the all time physical gifts category? 2nd to LeBron? That's where I'd probably rank him.

I think he may be number 1, nobody close to his size has ever moved like he could.

Kareem would be in contention for that number one spot as well.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Uh, in case you didn't know, hockey is pretty big in Canada. Sidney has had a ridiculous amount of hype surrounding him since he was 11-12.

Freely conceding the hype was unfair to both guys, how would you say Eric Lindros and Sidney Crosby lived up to their unrealistic expectations? My perception is Lindros didn't even come close, and Crosby is a bit behind pace with a lot of time left to catch up.

Both were/are hampered by injuries and has prevented them from living up to their full hype. IMO, you're correct on Lindros but a bit off on Crosby. Crosby has been arguably the best player since he set foot in league. He'll never match the offensive output of guys like Gretzky or Lemeuix simply because it is a different game now and points are much, much harder to come by. Kind of like comparing Howard's rebound numbers to Russell's. He's 4th all-time in points per game behind only Gretzky, Lemieux and Bossy. He's won everything he could in his career; WJHC, Olympics and a Stanley Cup. Not sure you could ask for much more from the guy other than better health (which is more luck than anything). And to top it all off, he is actually a whinny little girl and not a man.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

LeBron, Harper, Adu and Tiger were dealing with something totally different than the rest of those guys as far as the US market goes. Crosby would be the same if anyone cared about hockey, but they don't.

Uh, in case you didn't know, hockey is pretty big in Canada. Sidney has had a ridiculous amount of hype surrounding him since he was 11-12.

See bolded.

Yep. Read that a little too quickly.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

I would argue Crosby hasn't come as close to living up to the hype as Lebron. Lebron has been mentioned in the same breath as Jordan for years now. Nobody would do the same with Crosby to even someone like Mario Lemieux.

As much as I dislike Crosby, IMO, he's in that same category and should be mentioned with Mario and Gretzky by the time his career is done (health permitting of course). Just as LeBron, Crosby in the best player in the league. People will try to make arguments for Kobe or Durant and Datsyuk or Ovechkin but they just don't hold up.

 

[Hang 10]

Shaq is an interesting hype case. While he wasn't world famous as a teenager like some of the other names we've bandied about, he came into the pros without ever playing the NCAA regional semifinals, even with another lottery pick at PG and a another future NBA player up front. How many rap albums, movies, video games, and commercials was that guy in before doing anything historically significant on the court?

Where would you put Shaq in the all time physical gifts category? 2nd to LeBron? That's where I'd probably rank him.

I think he may be number 1, nobody close to his size has ever moved like he could.

Wilt?

 

[Ghost Rider]

Crosby is great, but he has only finished in the top 10 in goals scored once (when he led the league in '09-'10), and having not won the Hart Trophy the last six years makes it difficult to make the "He's the best player" case over that long haul.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Crosby is great, but he has only finished in the top 10 in goals scored once (when he led the league in '09-'10), and having not won the Hart Trophy the last six years makes it difficult to make the "He's the best player" case over that long haul.

Crosby has the 4th highest active goals per game and leads in assists per game in a big way. He's barely played a half season in the last 3 years but when he is on the ice he is hands down the best player.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Crosby is great, but he has only finished in the top 10 in goals scored once (when he led the league in '09-'10), and having not won the Hart Trophy the last six years makes it difficult to make the "He's the best player" case over that long haul.

Crosby has the 4th highest active goals per game and leads in assists per game in a big way. He's barely played a half season in the last 3 years but when he is on the ice he is hands down the best player.

I agree, but I am just saying, he is not dominating the league statistically the way Wayne or Mario ever did. Even with scoring not being as high as it was back then, he still isn't (otherwise he would leading the league in scoring almost every year, like those guys did). That is all I am saying.

 

[Pick]

What does Miami's offseason look like? Are they going after anyone? I gotta think they want a Kendrick Perkins type.

 

[Buck Bradcanon]

Really like the Spurs chances in game 8 tomorrow night.

:keephopealive:

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Crosby is great, but he has only finished in the top 10 in goals scored once (when he led the league in '09-'10), and having not won the Hart Trophy the last six years makes it difficult to make the "He's the best player" case over that long haul.

Crosby has the 4th highest active goals per game and leads in assists per game in a big way. He's barely played a half season in the last 3 years but when he is on the ice he is hands down the best player.

I agree, but I am just saying, he is not dominating the league statistically the way Wayne or Mario ever did. Even with scoring not being as high as it was back then, he still isn't (otherwise he would leading the league in scoring almost every year, like those guys did). That is all I am saying.

I think that is just the difference in the game. With much lower scoring, there is going to be a much smaller gap between him and his peers. Maybe some math wiz could (probably has) flesh it out a bit more. Crosby will go down as one of the top 5 players in history of game (again, provided he stays healthy) when he is done. Gretzky, Orr, Mario, Bossy then Crosby. If that isn't living up to the hype, I don't know what is. And I say again, I really dislike him. Such a whiny brat.

 

[Kev4029]

Hey, Canadians, take that hockey #### elsewhere.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

What does Miami's offseason look like? Are they going after anyone? I gotta think they want a Kendrick Perkins type.

Funny you should mention it, apparently there's mutual interest with Oden.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

What does Miami's offseason look like? Are they going after anyone? I gotta think they want a Kendrick Perkins type.

Funny you should mention it, apparently there's mutual interest with Oden.

Lebron probably knows him from Ohio.

I guess the decision for the Heat is what they can afford to pay tax-wise and when. Bosh is the best 3rd man role player ever probably, but can they accomplish the same thing with others for less money and get younger?

 

[sporthenry]

What does Miami's offseason look like? Are they going after anyone? I gotta think they want a Kendrick Perkins type.

Funny you should mention it, apparently there's mutual interest with Oden.

If that goes through, things might just not be fair. Although what can they afford to pay for him? Even being out of the game for so long, I'd imagine a team would pony up some decent money for the chance to get a potential #1 pick in free agency. I know the Cavs were very interested and it made a ton of sense (although with the #1 pick probably being a C maybe less so).

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Here is the Lebron interview with Magic, Bill Simmons, and Jalen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVV78JJllzI

 

[rodg12]

Here is the Lebron interview with Magic, Bill Simmons, and Jalen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVV78JJllzI

Thanks.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

What does Miami's offseason look like? Are they going after anyone? I gotta think they want a Kendrick Perkins type.

Funny you should mention it, apparently there's mutual interest with Oden.

If that goes through, things might just not be fair. Although what can they afford to pay for him? Even being out of the game for so long, I'd imagine a team would pony up some decent money for the chance to get a potential #1 pick in free agency. I know the Cavs were very interested and it made a ton of sense (although with the #1 pick probably being a C maybe less so).

Heat can only offer the minimum.

 

[Pick]

Maybe they could get birdman fatter and off drugs and he could be that guy.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Awesome series, great game.

Credit Lebron for overcoming a weakness and making it a strength in a game 7. Impressive.

What weakness was that?

Wide open jump shots?

When was that a weakness? Like four years ago?

Posts like this and the one from tobias really make me wonder how much you guys actually watch the games. If you can't acknowledge that LeBron's jumper was his weakness, prior to this year, you're just being obtuse.

To LeBron's credit, he took his only weakness (although it was a big one), and made it a strength. The biggest bucket of the game last night was his contested mid-range jumper with ~ 27 seconds left. That's a shot that teams were happy to live with previously, and often LeBron seemed very hesitant to take in late game situations. LeBron has put in the work and now when he takes that shot, I think most expect it to go in. That wasn't the case last year. The book was to make him beat you from the outside. He won a title from the outside last night. IMO, it's not last night's title that cemented his GOAT status, but the way that he won last night's Game 7. Assuming his jumper remains this wet, or even improves slightly, there is absolutely no way to defend him, at all. No one has ever had this complete of a package.

From 16-23 feet:

Player A:

2009 - 42%

2010 - 41%

2011 - 38%

2012 - 41%

2013 - 40%

Player B

2009 - 40%

2010 - 40%

2011 - 45%

2012 - 39%

2013 - 46%

 

[Good Posting Judge]

I think they need to make a big move to keep it going. But for Parker's hammy, I think they miss it this year. That's probably trading off Bosh for a good-but-less-expensive player and freeing up some money.

 

[Abraham]

I think they need to make a big move to keep it going. But for Parker's hammy, I think they miss it this year. That's probably trading off Bosh for a good-but-less-expensive player and freeing up some money.

Asik and Thomas Robinson?

 

[Good Posting Judge]

I think they need to make a big move to keep it going. But for Parker's hammy, I think they miss it this year. That's probably trading off Bosh for a good-but-less-expensive player and freeing up some money.

Asik and Thomas Robinson?

Morey's smarter than this. Opposing teams would literally make 100% of their layups against Houston if this trade went down.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I think they need to make a big move to keep it going. But for Parker's hammy, I think they miss it this year. That's probably trading off Bosh for a good-but-less-expensive player and freeing up some money.

Asik and Thomas Robinson?

Morey's smarter than this. Opposing teams would literally make 100% of their layups against Houston if this trade went down.

He's probably going for a harden, Howard, bosh big 3.

 

[Abraham]

I think they need to make a big move to keep it going. But for Parker's hammy, I think they miss it this year. That's probably trading off Bosh for a good-but-less-expensive player and freeing up some money.

Asik and Thomas Robinson?

Morey's smarter than this. Opposing teams would literally make 100% of their layups against Houston if this trade went down.

Well, the idea would be that they need to move Asik since they have another center on the roster that they've signed via free agency.

Seriously - Harden, Bosh, Parsons, and Howard would be awesome. I could run point and we'd win 50 games.

That said, I don't see any way they trade Bosh.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I think they need to make a big move to keep it going. But for Parker's hammy, I think they miss it this year. That's probably trading off Bosh for a good-but-less-expensive player and freeing up some money.

Parker and Wade injuries cancel out IMO. Plus, Parker got incredibly lucky game 1 on that buzzer shot and Green isn't the kind of 3pt shooter or player, as evidenced by games 6-7, that he looked like earlier in the series.

 

[Abraham]

I think they need to make a big move to keep it going. But for Parker's hammy, I think they miss it this year. That's probably trading off Bosh for a good-but-less-expensive player and freeing up some money.

Parker and Wade injuries cancel out IMO. Plus, Parker got incredibly lucky game 1 on that buzzer shot and Green isn't the kind of 3pt shooter or player, as evidenced by games 6-7, that he looked like earlier in the series.

Good thing, too. Because if he had missed it the SPURS

WOULD HAVE BEEN AHEAD BY TWO POINTS.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote'data-author="Abraham" data-cid="15673285" data-time="1371851518"><p><p><blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Leeroy Jenkins" data-cid="15673278" data-time="1371851391"><p> So a 1 v 2 possession game.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

I think they need to make a big move to keep it going. But for Parker's hammy, I think they miss it this year. That's probably trading off Bosh for a good-but-less-expensive player and freeing up some money.

Parker and Wade injuries cancel out IMO. Plus, Parker got incredibly lucky game 1 on that buzzer shot and Green isn't the kind of 3pt shooter or player, as evidenced by games 6-7, that he looked like earlier in the series.

Green is one of the top 3 point shooters in the league. 43% this year, good enough for 7th best. Yes, games 1-5 were outside his norm, as were games 6 and 7.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote'data-author="Cliff Clavin" data-cid="15673292" data-time="1371851650"><p><p><blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Leeroy Jenkins" data-cid="15673278" data-time="1371851391"><p>He set the all time 3s made in a final series in only 5 games. I think that's more than just a little above his average.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

I think they need to make a big move to keep it going. But for Parker's hammy, I think they miss it this year. That's probably trading off Bosh for a good-but-less-expensive player and freeing up some money.

Parker and Wade injuries cancel out IMO. Plus, Parker got incredibly lucky game 1 on that buzzer shot and Green isn't the kind of 3pt shooter or player, as evidenced by games 6-7, that he looked like earlier in the series.

But it was close. By no means was that series the formality that everyone thought it would be when Miami was running off that streak of games.

Lebron, by all accounts, is a really nice guy. But as The Decision taught us, he's also a front-runner. If Wade's getting pouty, screwing up the offense, and relying alarmingly more on mid-range jumpers, and Bosh is still not rebounding anything, who's to say he doesn't bolt again? A year from now, are Wade and Bosh as good as Irving and a healthy Nerlens Noel?

If I'm Riles, I'm looking to be proactive and keep setting this team up to stack titles as long as possible. At some point that's going to mean shedding the guys who aren't earning their $20m a year.

 

[Premier]

@TheOnion: Heat Fans Wake Up To Learn Team Won Game 7 http://t.co/9phcvjaJsJ

 

[Kev4029]

What does Miami's offseason look like? Are they going after anyone? I gotta think they want a Kendrick Perkins type.

Funny you should mention it, apparently there's mutual interest with Oden.

If that goes through, things might just not be fair. Although what can they afford to pay for him? Even being out of the game for so long, I'd imagine a team would pony up some decent money for the chance to get a potential #1 pick in free agency. I know the Cavs were very interested and it made a ton of sense (although with the #1 pick probably being a C maybe less so).

Heat can only offer the minimum.

They can offer the tax payer mid level exception of a smidgen more than $3M, I think.

 

[Abraham]

Correct. The spurs, on the other hand could give oden something more attractive, for example.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Great series. Great last 2 games. Game 6 was the best sports contest I've ever attended and probably ever will.

As far as the Heat needing a "Kendrick Perkins", Heat already have their version that never leaves the bench in Joel Anthony. Perkins is pitiful. He got abused in Round 1 by Asik. So much for that defensive reputation. Can't believe OKC won't amnesty him. Perkins should be making no more than Joel is right now.

Oden would be a nice fit. Even with bad knees, I expect him to be better than Perkins on both sides of the ball. Perkins is a 6'10 guy that plays like he's a half a foot shorter, can't shoot, isn't a great rebounder or defensive presence. I think it's more likely he signs elsewhere and Heat do little, but he'd be a nice addition.

 

[Kev4029]

Correct. The spurs, on the other hand could give oden something more attractive, for example.

A bench role?

 

[Pick]

I really don't see the Spurs needing to do much personnelwise.

 

[Abraham]

Correct. The spurs, on the other hand could give oden something more attractive, for example.

A bench role?

What would be wrong with being the first big man off the bench for a contender?

 

[the moops]

Here is the Lebron interview with Magic, Bill Simmons, and Jalen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVV78JJllzI

Thanks.

Yea. That's a great interview.

 

[gump]

Heat celebrate on SoBe with Drake, Gabrielle Union, and 100 bottles of champaign:

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/heat-celebrate-2013-nba-title-at-miami-club-story-with-drake--champagne--pizza--cussin---photos--videos--173107759.html

 

[Ghost Rider]

I don't know where this Finals will rank all-time, but I haven't had so much fun watching a Finals in a very long time.

Pistons/Lakers in '88 was probably the last one that was as good as this year's. Knicks/Rockets in '94 was good, too.

 

[Abraham]

93 and 94 stick out. Been a while since one this good.

 

[Britney Spears]

I've never understood the hate for Lebron. I can understand if you are in Cleveland but even then I don't understand the level of hate with them.

He isn't a doosh or ball hog like Kobe or Iverson.

the decision may have been the most monumental pr blunder in sports. I can't think of one close although I admittedly haven't given it much thought. It angered everyone outside of Miami because even non Cleveland fans saw him as kicking them in the crotch on the way out the door. It could not have been worse.

Rape accusation (Kobe)? Accessory to murder (Ray Lewis)?

It's amazing what some people consider monumental.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

I don't know where this Finals will rank all-time, but I haven't had so much fun watching a Finals in a very long time.

Pistons/Lakers in '88 was probably the last one that was as good as this year's. Knicks/Rockets in '94 was good, too.

1988 was the first one that came to mind for me, too: tons of star power, clashes of styles and eras, uncertain outcome going into Game 7, and an extraordinary level of play.

I liked the 1993 Finals a lot, too. MJ and Barkley at the peak of their powers, road team won 5 games, several close ones including that phenomenal OT slobberknocker.

The Magic/Bird trilogy runs together on me. The 1985 Finals were crazy with BOS looking unstoppable out of the chute with the Memorial Day Massacre but LAL recovering to win the series. 1987 was probably a higher level of play, though: folks complain about "super teams" in today's game, but LAL brought Cooper and Thompson off the bench that postseason.

that 1988 series should of been over in game 6, but noooooo! phantom foul

2005 finals Pistons vs Spurs. game 5 Big shot Bob Horry, game 6 on the road Pistons handle business, Game 7 tied at the end of 3...Spurs eek it out.

amazing how few nba finals have gone 7 games.

 

[Abraham]

I think it's the format - if the home team wins the first two its not going 7. The second best team in the series winning 3 in a row is really near impossible. While it would seem impossible logistically and would probably be too punitive for the top seed, I always wondered if it would make for more interesting series if the road team won one if the first two then game three stayed there and game 6 switched locations, giving the number two team a chance to close out at home. So this series would have been three games in Miami and then three in San Antonio.

 

[Raider Nation]

Doc Rivers’s “intense dislike” for Rajon Rondo is the primary reason the coach wants to leave the Boston Celtics, according to Chris Sheridan of SheridanHoops.com.

The feud between Rivers and his point guard led to an incident during a team meeting in the locker room in which Rondo cursed at Rivers, who responded by trying to fight Rondo before the “fracas” was broken up, a source close to the team told Sheridan.

The report does not specify when the fight occurred.

No surprise here. Rondo is a punk b###h.

 

[Ghost Rider]

I don't know where this Finals will rank all-time, but I haven't had so much fun watching a Finals in a very long time.

Pistons/Lakers in '88 was probably the last one that was as good as this year's. Knicks/Rockets in '94 was good, too.

1988 was the first one that came to mind for me, too: tons of star power, clashes of styles and eras, uncertain outcome going into Game 7, and an extraordinary level of play.

I liked the 1993 Finals a lot, too. MJ and Barkley at the peak of their powers, road team won 5 games, several close ones including that phenomenal OT slobberknocker.

The Magic/Bird trilogy runs together on me. The 1985 Finals were crazy with BOS looking unstoppable out of the chute with the Memorial Day Massacre but LAL recovering to win the series. 1987 was probably a higher level of play, though: folks complain about "super teams" in today's game, but LAL brought Cooper and Thompson off the bench that postseason.

That Chi/Phx Finals was really good, but it kind of had that feeling of inevitably to it, as you just knew the Bulls were gonna win it when it was all said and done. That was what was great about so many of those 80s Finals: you just never knew who was gonna win from year to year.

 

[Abraham]

Doc Riverss intense dislike for Rajon Rondo is the primary reason the coach wants to leave the Boston Celtics, according to Chris Sheridan of SheridanHoops.com.

The feud between Rivers and his point guard led to an incident during a team meeting in the locker room in which Rondo cursed at Rivers, who responded by trying to fight Rondo before the fracas was broken up, a source close to the team told Sheridan.

The report does not specify when the fight occurred.

No surprise here. Rondo is a punk b###h.

This runs contrary to the notion peddled by stein (and others) the Rivers is the star of the organization. Either way, why not trade rondo? His trade value is probably higher right now than it will be again. Seriously, the pelicans wouldn't give Gordon and the 6 for him?

 

[got_nugs]

Norris Cole 2 years in the league...2 titles. This dude is gonna be handing out the finals MVP trophy one day