*NBA THREAD* Abe will be missed (2 Viewers)

[pollardsvision]

deng likley to miami. Heat decide to play this year.

Hearing 2 yrs/19 million. Just a few months ago when asked about a possible return to Chicago, he said sarcastically: "Yeah, maybe they'll offer me 3 years at 30 million" (the extension he rejected that led to him being traded.)

Real smooth Cliff.......

He picked the wrong season, that's for sure.

In 2014, any non-C that isn't a good 3P shooter is seen as being as useless as a poopy flavored lollipop.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

deng likley to miami. Heat decide to play this year.

Hearing 2 yrs/19 million. Just a few months ago when asked about a possible return to Chicago, he said sarcastically: "Yeah, maybe they'll offer me 3 years at 30 million" (the extension he rejected that led to him being traded.)Real smooth Cliff.......

?

"Sixteen Candles"

 

[tommyGunZ]

I have convinced myself the rockets will match but are simply waiting for deng to be off the market to screw Dallas.

They have zero incentive to match until the 71st hour. That's exactly what they should do.

 

[pollardsvision]

When's HOU's deadline?

I suspect that happens, with Lance to DAL news following within an hour after that.

 

[Abraham]

When's HOU's deadline?

I suspect that happens, with Lance to DAL news following within an hour after that.

11pm.

 

[Juxtatarot]

I think they keep parsons and use the MLE and BAE to add more people. Plus the Asik deal apparently isn't complete yet. They are also working on a deal with Troy Daniels.

I don't understand how the Rockets get these exceptions if they go under the cap to sign Ariza.

 

[pollardsvision]

BTW, how does the Warriors picking up Blake Griffin 2.0 as an undrafted FA affect the West Playoff picture?

 

[Slapdash]

Marvin Williams to Hornets, 2 years 14 mil.

Perfect amount of time to see if Zeller or Vonleh will develop.

 

[pollardsvision]

Any idea when Eric Bledsoe's max offer is coming?

PHX isn't going to get lucky and have every team with max room spend it away before making PHX match a max, are they?

 

[pollardsvision]

Marvin Williams to Hornets, 2 years 14 mil.

Perfect amount of time to see if Zeller or Vonleh will develop.

Speaking of Vonleh, it's funny seeing Hornets fans get worked up about an 0 for 13 game from him. They are focused on the number on the left, but I was just surprised and excited to see the number on the right.

The big worry with Vonleh is he might be too passive, but he's 6'10" with a good stroke. If he's aggressive, finds and takes good looks, very, very good things are going to happen (not hard to find good looks in a Summer League game, but still).

I hope he goes 2-15 tonight. I don't want to see the reaction if Stauskas drops 25 though.

 

[Abraham]

I think they keep parsons and use the MLE and BAE to add more people. Plus the Asik deal apparently isn't complete yet. They are also working on a deal with Troy Daniels.

I don't understand how the Rockets get these exceptions if they go under the cap to sign Ariza.

I'm assuming g they match parsons.

 

[tommyGunZ]

BTW, how does the Warriors picking up Blake Griffin 2.0 as an undrafted FA affect the West Playoff picture?

McAdoo oozes potential. Would love for the Lakers to have signed him.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Any idea when Eric Bledsoe's max offer is coming?

PHX isn't going to get lucky and have every team with max room spend it away before making PHX match a max, are they?

Everything Ryan McDonough has done has turned to gold so it wouldn't be surprising.

If Gordon Hayward is getting 4/63, Eric Bledsoe should get it. Anything less is a bonus for the Suns. I'm sure someone like the Bucks/Pistons/Magic will come out of the woodwork. (As you mentioned, the # of teams that can offer it and have the PG need are dwindling)

 

[Juxtatarot]

I think they keep parsons and use the MLE and BAE to add more people. Plus the Asik deal apparently isn't complete yet. They are also working on a deal with Troy Daniels.

I don't understand how the Rockets get these exceptions if they go under the cap to sign Ariza.

I'm assuming g they match parsons.

I don't understand why that matters. They signed Ariza with normal cap space, right?

 

[NutterButter]

BTW, how does the Warriors picking up Blake Griffin 2.0 as an undrafted FA affect the West Playoff picture?

McAdoo oozes potential. Would love for the Lakers to have signed him.

Christ, didn't realize he went undrafted. Didn't he leave early? He was such a big prospect coming in to UNC but never really developed.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Biting the hook here on Cliff-shtick, but Pau kinda took money over winning too, no?

 

[thecatch]

Marvin Williams to Hornets, 2 years 14 mil.

Perfect amount of time to see if Zeller or Vonleh will develop.

Speaking of Vonleh, it's funny seeing Hornets fans get worked up about an 0 for 13 game from him. They are focused on the number on the left, but I was just surprised and excited to see the number on the right.The big worry with Vonleh is he might be too passive, but he's 6'10" with a good stroke. If he's aggressive, finds and takes good looks, very, very good things are going to happen (not hard to find good looks in a Summer League game, but still).I hope he goes 2-15 tonight. I don't want to see the reaction if Stauskas drops 25 though.

Stauskas has a pure stroke and the summer league green light, he will get his.

 

[NutterButter]

Biting the hook here on Cliff-shtick, but Pau kinda took money over winning too, no?

This is nothing like Melo staying in NY. It all depends on Rose, but Chicago might be the favorite in the east. Only place he could've gone that has a better chance is SA or maybe OKC.

 

[GoBirds]

Exactly. There are rarely more than a handful of "all time greats" at any point. If so, the only current guys to make it would be James, Dirk, Kobe, Duncan, and Nash. There are many many other players worthy of a place in history like wade, pierce, Garnett, bosh, gasol, etc.

Gasol just cause he collected rings I guess barf.

 

[pollardsvision]

Marvin Williams to Hornets, 2 years 14 mil.

Perfect amount of time to see if Zeller or Vonleh will develop.

Speaking of Vonleh, it's funny seeing Hornets fans get worked up about an 0 for 13 game from him. They are focused on the number on the left, but I was just surprised and excited to see the number on the right.The big worry with Vonleh is he might be too passive, but he's 6'10" with a good stroke. If he's aggressive, finds and takes good looks, very, very good things are going to happen (not hard to find good looks in a Summer League game, but still).I hope he goes 2-15 tonight. I don't want to see the reaction if Stauskas drops 25 though.

Stauskas has a pure stroke and the summer league green light, he will get his.

He's going to help send Hornets fans into a full on depression. Every draftee with pulse is lighting it up. Tonight, Vonleh/Hairston will lay another egg while getting torched by Stauskas. A few hours later, the reality that Marvin Williams really was the big FA signing will set in when DAL signs Lance.

 

[GoBirds]

BTW, how does the Warriors picking up Blake Griffin 2.0 as an undrafted FA affect the West Playoff picture?

McAdoo oozes potential. Would love for the Lakers to have signed him.

Christ, didn't realize he went undrafted. Didn't he leave early? He was such a big prospect coming in to UNC but never really developed.

Wow he went undrafted. How do you come out early and have that happen someone needs to advise him better.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Biting the hook here on Cliff-shtick, but Pau kinda took money over winning too, no?

This is nothing like Melo staying in NY. It all depends on Rose, but Chicago might be the favorite in the east. Only place he could've gone that has a better chance is SA or maybe OKC.

Knicks are DOA next year, sure. But they are pretty much a blank slate after that. That's not as good of a situation as the Bulls, but it's not hopeless. It's just unknown.

And he's staying home, in some sense, which is what we all loved Lebron for.

 

[pollardsvision]

Biting the hook here on Cliff-shtick, but Pau kinda took money over winning too, no?

This is nothing like Melo staying in NY. It all depends on Rose, but Chicago might be the favorite in the east. Only place he could've gone that has a better chance is SA or maybe OKC.

Lay off Melo. He at least flirted with the idea of going to a solid team that's ready to win now and taking less money. LeBron did not.

 

[DrJ]

Exactly. There are rarely more than a handful of "all time greats" at any point. If so, the only current guys to make it would be James, Dirk, Kobe, Duncan, and Nash. There are many many other players worthy of a place in history like wade, pierce, Garnett, bosh, gasol, etc.

Gasol just cause he collected rings I guess barf.

It's because of his international play.

 

[DrJ]

Also, Ralph Sampson made the HOF mostly based on his college play. So there's a myriad of factors. Might as well put Christian Laettner in at this point. Grant Hill too.

 

[NutterButter]

Biting the hook here on Cliff-shtick, but Pau kinda took money over winning too, no?

This is nothing like Melo staying in NY. It all depends on Rose, but Chicago might be the favorite in the east. Only place he could've gone that has a better chance is SA or maybe OKC.

Lay off Melo. He at least flirted with the idea of going to a solid team that's ready to win now and taking less money. LeBron did not.

Huh, didn't Lebron actually do that when he went to Miami?

 

[pollardsvision]

Biting the hook here on Cliff-shtick, but Pau kinda took money over winning too, no?

This is nothing like Melo staying in NY. It all depends on Rose, but Chicago might be the favorite in the east. Only place he could've gone that has a better chance is SA or maybe OKC.

Lay off Melo. He at least flirted with the idea of going to a solid team that's ready to win now and taking less money. LeBron did not.

Huh, didn't Lebron actually do that when he went to Miami?

I'm not here to talk about the past.

 

[NutterButter]

Biting the hook here on Cliff-shtick, but Pau kinda took money over winning too, no?

This is nothing like Melo staying in NY. It all depends on Rose, but Chicago might be the favorite in the east. Only place he could've gone that has a better chance is SA or maybe OKC.

Knicks are DOA next year, sure. But they are pretty much a blank slate after that. That's not as good of a situation as the Bulls, but it's not hopeless. It's just unknown.

And he's staying home, in some sense, which is what we all loved Lebron for.

Not sure how you mention Pau but defend Melo. The former is at least going to be competing for an eastern conference championship and maybe beyond. And Pau already has his rings.

 

[pollardsvision]

Yeah, Pau's move is approved by "Do They Really Care about Winning" Committee.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Do you guys care if your company is #1 in the industry or whether you make the money and have the lifestyle you want to be happy?

 

[NutterButter]

Biting the hook here on Cliff-shtick, but Pau kinda took money over winning too, no?

This is nothing like Melo staying in NY. It all depends on Rose, but Chicago might be the favorite in the east. Only place he could've gone that has a better chance is SA or maybe OKC.

Lay off Melo. He at least flirted with the idea of going to a solid team that's ready to win now and taking less money. LeBron did not.

Huh, didn't Lebron actually do that when he went to Miami?

I'm not here to talk about the past.

Can't blame you. It doesn't fit the narrative.

 

[pollardsvision]

Biting the hook here on Cliff-shtick, but Pau kinda took money over winning too, no?

This is nothing like Melo staying in NY. It all depends on Rose, but Chicago might be the favorite in the east. Only place he could've gone that has a better chance is SA or maybe OKC.

Lay off Melo. He at least flirted with the idea of going to a solid team that's ready to win now and taking less money. LeBron did not.

Huh, didn't Lebron actually do that when he went to Miami?

I'm not here to talk about the past.

Can't blame you. It doesn't fit the narrative.

I'm not ripping LeBron at all. I love the move he made.

It's just that he and Melo made very similar decisions. Yet LeBron is a hero and Melo only cares about money.

 

[NutterButter]

Do you guys care if your company is #1 in the industry or whether you make the money and have the lifestyle you want to be happy?

1) there's no comparison between your company being #1 in its industry and winning a major championship 2) you can have both you know

 

[NutterButter]

Biting the hook here on Cliff-shtick, but Pau kinda took money over winning too, no?

This is nothing like Melo staying in NY. It all depends on Rose, but Chicago might be the favorite in the east. Only place he could've gone that has a better chance is SA or maybe OKC.

Lay off Melo. He at least flirted with the idea of going to a solid team that's ready to win now and taking less money. LeBron did not.

Huh, didn't Lebron actually do that when he went to Miami?

I'm not here to talk about the past.

Can't blame you. It doesn't fit the narrative.

I'm not ripping LeBron at all. I love the move he made.

It's just that he and Melo made very similar decisions. Yet LeBron is a hero and Melo only cares about money.

Lebron's team will be competing for an eastern conference championship while Melo will be watching the competition unfold.

 

[Premier]

Headline in the Houston paper today said "unable to land a star free agent, the Rockets bring Ariza back"

WELCOME HOME

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Biting the hook here on Cliff-shtick, but Pau kinda took money over winning too, no?

This is nothing like Melo staying in NY. It all depends on Rose, but Chicago might be the favorite in the east. Only place he could've gone that has a better chance is SA or maybe OKC.

Knicks are DOA next year, sure. But they are pretty much a blank slate after that. That's not as good of a situation as the Bulls, but it's not hopeless. It's just unknown.

And he's staying home, in some sense, which is what we all loved Lebron for.

Not sure how you mention Pau but defend Melo. The former is at least going to be competing for an eastern conference championship and maybe beyond. And Pau already has his rings.

Oh I think Melo took the money over winning too. But I think that could be said of almost anyone who's not signing with the Spurs.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Do you guys care if your company is #1 in the industry or whether you make the money and have the lifestyle you want to be happy?

1) there's no comparison between your company being #1 in its industry and winning a major championship 2) you can have both you know

Everybody can work for the #1 company or team and be able to make what they desire and live how and where they want? Damn life is simple.

 

[Balco]

Detroit should make Bledsoe a max offer or work a sign and trade involving Bledsoe for Greg Monroe.

 

[Christo]

Do you guys care if your company is #1 in the industry or whether you make the money and have the lifestyle you want to be happy?

I'm arguing a motion for summary judgment tomorrow against an attorney who I know makes more than I ever will. Given the choice between his salary or winning for my client, I choose winning.

 

[pollardsvision]

I'm not ripping LeBron at all. I love the move he made.

It's just that he and Melo made very similar decisions. Yet LeBron is a hero and Melo only cares about money.

Lebron's team will be competing for an eastern conference championship while Melo will be watching the competition unfold.

Maybe, but 95% of the reason for that is the difference between LeBron and Melo himself.

I like LeBron's spot, but there's a ton of unknown. At the end of the day, he's joining a 33 win team who's other big addition is still a rookie. He's not maximizing his chance to win a ring in 2014-15.

But I'm really talking about Melo. That team could absolutely go win 45 games this year.

In the East, 45 wins means you might host a Playoff series (if Wiggins doesn't develop really quickly, it's no guarantee that the Cavs win a ton more than that, btw).

Melo can play meaningful Playoff games this year, and beginning the following year, he's in NYC with Phil and capspace. That's a scenario that you can absolutely win with.

Hell, if LeBron had chosen the Knicks, we'd probably be talking about how honorable it is that he chose to accept the challenge of bringing a Title to MSG (after folks stopped crying for CLE fans, of course).

 

[NutterButter]

I'm not ripping LeBron at all. I love the move he made.

It's just that he and Melo made very similar decisions. Yet LeBron is a hero and Melo only cares about money.

Lebron's team will be competing for an eastern conference championship while Melo will be watching the competition unfold.

Maybe, but 95% of the reason for that is the difference between LeBron and Melo himself.

I like LeBron's spot, but there's a ton of unknown. At the end of the day, he's joining a 33 win team who's other big addition is still a rookie. He's not maximizing his chance to win a ring in 2014-15.

But I'm really talking about Melo. That team could absolutely go win 45 games this year.

In the East, 45 wins means you might host a Playoff series (if Wiggins doesn't develop really quickly, it's no guarantee that the Cavs win a ton more than that, btw).

Melo can play meaningful play-off games this year, and beginning the following year, he's in NYC with Phil and capspace. That's a scenario that you can absolutely win with.

Hell, if LeBron had chosen the Knicks, we'd probably be talking about he honorable it is that he chose to accept the challenge of bringing a Title to MSG (after folks stopped crying for CLE fans, of course).

A lot of unknowns there. Or he could've went and played for Chicago which did win 48 games last year and that's without himself and without Rose and a few other nice pieces. So yeah, he'd be pretty much be guaranteed to be playing in some meaningful playoff games this year and beyond rather than hoping they can fill out that roster in NY which probably ain't going to be happening until at least 2016 since next year is so devoid of talent.

 

[pollardsvision]

Not sure how you mention Pau but defend Melo. The former is at least going to be competing for an eastern conference championship and maybe beyond. And Pau already has his rings.

Oh I think Melo took the money over winning too. But I think that could be said of almost anyone who's not signing with the Spurs.

Melo's PR folk screwed up. Nowadays, when you take a max contract, you need to push the narrative that you did it for the good of future players.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Biting the hook here on Cliff-shtick, but Pau kinda took money over winning too, no?

This is nothing like Melo staying in NY. It all depends on Rose, but Chicago might be the favorite in the east. Only place he could've gone that has a better chance is SA or maybe OKC.

Knicks are DOA next year, sure. But they are pretty much a blank slate after that. That's not as good of a situation as the Bulls, but it's not hopeless. It's just unknown.

And he's staying home, in some sense, which is what we all loved Lebron for.

Not sure how you mention Pau but defend Melo. The former is at least going to be competing for an eastern conference championship and maybe beyond. And Pau already has his rings.

Oh I think Melo took the money over winning too. But I think that could be said of almost anyone who's not signing with the Spurs.

Exactly

 

[DrJ]

Do you guys care if your company is #1 in the industry or whether you make the money and have the lifestyle you want to be happy?

I'm arguing a motion for summary judgment tomorrow against an attorney who I know makes more than I ever will. Given the choice between his salary or winning for my client, I choose winning.

Melo can win at his position as well. A better analogy is making dude's salary and winning for your client, while being the only worthwhile talent at your crappy law office. Would you take that, or would you rather work for "the best law office there is" while taking a pile less money - and still winning for your client of course.

 

[pollardsvision]

I'm not ripping LeBron at all. I love the move he made.

It's just that he and Melo made very similar decisions. Yet LeBron is a hero and Melo only cares about money.

Lebron's team will be competing for an eastern conference championship while Melo will be watching the competition unfold.

Maybe, but 95% of the reason for that is the difference between LeBron and Melo himself.

I like LeBron's spot, but there's a ton of unknown. At the end of the day, he's joining a 33 win team who's other big addition is still a rookie. He's not maximizing his chance to win a ring in 2014-15.

But I'm really talking about Melo. That team could absolutely go win 45 games this year.

In the East, 45 wins means you might host a Playoff series (if Wiggins doesn't develop really quickly, it's no guarantee that the Cavs win a ton more than that, btw).

Melo can play meaningful play-off games this year, and beginning the following year, he's in NYC with Phil and capspace. That's a scenario that you can absolutely win with.

Hell, if LeBron had chosen the Knicks, we'd probably be talking about he honorable it is that he chose to accept the challenge of bringing a Title to MSG (after folks stopped crying for CLE fans, of course).

A lot of unknowns there. Or he could've went and played for Chicago which did win 48 games last year and that's without himself and without Rose and a few other nice pieces. So yeah, he'd be pretty much be guaranteed to be playing in some meaningful playoff games this year and beyond rather than hoping they can fill out that roster in NY which probably ain't going to be happening until at least 2016 since next year is so devoid of talent.

What about the rings LeBron passed up not going to CHI?

 

[DrJ]

Me? I could care less about how well my company does. I care about my talents and how I'm rewarded for them first and foremost. The other stuff is icing.

The only reason these sorts of discussions happen is because idiots use titles as some sort of measuring stick in regards to individual achievement.

 

[NutterButter]

I'm not ripping LeBron at all. I love the move he made.

It's just that he and Melo made very similar decisions. Yet LeBron is a hero and Melo only cares about money.

Lebron's team will be competing for an eastern conference championship while Melo will be watching the competition unfold.

Maybe, but 95% of the reason for that is the difference between LeBron and Melo himself.

I like LeBron's spot, but there's a ton of unknown. At the end of the day, he's joining a 33 win team who's other big addition is still a rookie. He's not maximizing his chance to win a ring in 2014-15.

But I'm really talking about Melo. That team could absolutely go win 45 games this year.

In the East, 45 wins means you might host a Playoff series (if Wiggins doesn't develop really quickly, it's no guarantee that the Cavs win a ton more than that, btw).

Melo can play meaningful play-off games this year, and beginning the following year, he's in NYC with Phil and capspace. That's a scenario that you can absolutely win with.

Hell, if LeBron had chosen the Knicks, we'd probably be talking about he honorable it is that he chose to accept the challenge of bringing a Title to MSG (after folks stopped crying for CLE fans, of course).

A lot of unknowns there. Or he could've went and played for Chicago which did win 48 games last year and that's without himself and without Rose and a few other nice pieces. So yeah, he'd be pretty much be guaranteed to be playing in some meaningful playoff games this year and beyond rather than hoping they can fill out that roster in NY which probably ain't going to be happening until at least 2016 since next year is so devoid of talent.

What about the rings LeBron passed up not going to CHI?

Uh, Lebron already has 2 with a pretty good chance at winning some more. Melo, no rings and a gigantic unknown.

 

[pollardsvision]

I'm waiting for the HST's about Melo choosing destiny. About accepting the challenge of shepherding a young team in the hopes of maybe bringing a title home to the poor fans of the New York Knicks. Or New York in general. The state of sports in that area is a disaster. About not walking away when things get tough.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Do you guys care if your company is #1 in the industry or whether you make the money and have the lifestyle you want to be happy?

I'm arguing a motion for summary judgment tomorrow against an attorney who I know makes more than I ever will. Given the choice between his salary or winning for my client, I choose winning.

That's one game. If you truly wanted the best chance to win and compete at the highest level you'd be big law. You're selfish and want to work for yourself because you don't get the team concept. (Not how I feel about you, but the kind of crap people would say if we watched court proceedings like we do sports).

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Biting the hook here on Cliff-shtick, but Pau kinda took money over winning too, no?

This is nothing like Melo staying in NY. It all depends on Rose, but Chicago might be the favorite in the east. Only place he could've gone that has a better chance is SA or maybe OKC.

Knicks are DOA next year, sure. But they are pretty much a blank slate after that. That's not as good of a situation as the Bulls, but it's not hopeless. It's just unknown.

And he's staying home, in some sense, which is what we all loved Lebron for.

Not sure how you mention Pau but defend Melo. The former is at least going to be competing for an eastern conference championship and maybe beyond. And Pau already has his rings.

Oh I think Melo took the money over winning too. But I think that could be said of almost anyone who's not signing with the Spurs.

Gasol is at least going to a competitive team which Melo isn't. A healthy Bulls squad is a competitor for the next 3-4 years. The Knicks will be a trainwreck again this year and who knows about the future. They don't exaclty have a rich history of putting together quality teams in NY.

Nothing wrong with taking the money. It was a pretty much a lock that he would. That's Melo.