*NBA THREAD* Abe will be missed (4 Viewers)

[Cliff Clavin]

Not sure if anyone has noticed, but Anthony Carter is really, really bad. He's a -23.4 on/off net. Just awful.

 

[Kev4029]

Not sure if anyone has noticed, but Anthony Carter is really, really bad. He's a -23.4 on/off net. Just awful.

He felt that bad for four years in Denver. Hes touted as a defensive PG, but I've never seen a worse team defender at the point in my life. He was constantly drifting to double whoever was at the top of the key leaving his man free to roam anywhere he pleased. The rest of the team would rotate and eventually somebody would end up wide open and then he would scowl at whoever left the guy open.Plus he does nothing offensively other than dribble up the court because his man would sit at the free throw line and beg him to shoot.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Not sure if anyone has noticed, but Anthony Carter is really, really bad. He's a -23.4 on/off net. Just awful.

He felt that bad for four years in Denver. Hes touted as a defensive PG, but I've never seen a worse team defender at the point in my life. He was constantly drifting to double whoever was at the top of the key leaving his man free to roam anywhere he pleased. The rest of the team would rotate and eventually somebody would end up wide open and then he would scowl at whoever left the guy open.Plus he does nothing offensively other than dribble up the court because his man would sit at the free throw line and beg him to shoot.

Yup. Not a single good thing about his game. Just about cost Toronto another game tonight... not that I mind if they lose a lot this year.

 

[Kev4029]

Not sure if anyone has noticed, but Anthony Carter is really, really bad. He's a -23.4 on/off net. Just awful.

He felt that bad for four years in Denver. Hes touted as a defensive PG, but I've never seen a worse team defender at the point in my life. He was constantly drifting to double whoever was at the top of the key leaving his man free to roam anywhere he pleased. The rest of the team would rotate and eventually somebody would end up wide open and then he would scowl at whoever left the guy open.Plus he does nothing offensively other than dribble up the court because his man would sit at the free throw line and beg him to shoot.

Yup. Not a single good thing about his game. Just about cost Toronto another game tonight... not that I mind if they lose a lot this year.

He single handily cost the Nuggets the conference finals a couple years ago.He is a moderately effective man defender and he usually knows his role, but he has a low basketball IQ and no basketball skills so it kind of cancels that out. I would still take him over Mike Bibby though.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Not sure if anyone has noticed, but Anthony Carter is really, really bad. He's a -23.4 on/off net. Just awful.

He felt that bad for four years in Denver. Hes touted as a defensive PG, but I've never seen a worse team defender at the point in my life. He was constantly drifting to double whoever was at the top of the key leaving his man free to roam anywhere he pleased. The rest of the team would rotate and eventually somebody would end up wide open and then he would scowl at whoever left the guy open.Plus he does nothing offensively other than dribble up the court because his man would sit at the free throw line and beg him to shoot.

Yup. Not a single good thing about his game. Just about cost Toronto another game tonight... not that I mind if they lose a lot this year.

He single handily cost the Nuggets the conference finals a couple years ago.He is a moderately effective man defender and he usually knows his role, but he has a low basketball IQ and no basketball skills so it kind of cancels that out. I would still take him over Mike Bibby though.

Bibby can at least shoot. I have yet to see this effectiveness on D. He may know what he needs to do but he doesn't have the physical ability to do it.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Kobe Bryant (wrist) practiced fully Monday.

If Bryant's wrist or knees are bothering him, it's not showing on the court. He's played in every game this year, racking up 27.6 points per game on 36.1 minutes per night. Bryant's willingness to practice fully the day after a night game speaks volumes.

This from a guy with a completely torn ligament in his wrist taking injections before EVERY game.I know I'm seen as a Kobe apologist, a Kobe **** sucker, etc., but I hope that some of you hardcore fans understand why us hardcore Laker fans absolutely love this guy. Is he an ####### who at times takes too many shots? Of course. But the dude is a tireless worker and an absolute warrior.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Kobe Bryant (wrist) practiced fully Monday.

If Bryant's wrist or knees are bothering him, it's not showing on the court. He's played in every game this year, racking up 27.6 points per game on 36.1 minutes per night. Bryant's willingness to practice fully the day after a night game speaks volumes.

This from a guy with a completely torn ligament in his wrist taking injections before EVERY game.

I know I'm seen as a Kobe apologist, a Kobe **** sucker , etc., but I hope that some of you hardcore fans understand why us hardcore Laker fans absolutely love this guy. Is he an ####### who at times takes too many shots? Of course. But the dude is a tireless worker and an absolute warrior.

 

[pollardsvision]

Kobe Bryant (wrist) practiced fully Monday.

If Bryant's wrist or knees are bothering him, it's not showing on the court. He's played in every game this year, racking up 27.6 points per game on 36.1 minutes per night. Bryant's willingness to practice fully the day after a night game speaks volumes.

This from a guy with a completely torn ligament in his wrist taking injections before EVERY game.I know I'm seen as a Kobe apologist, a Kobe **** sucker, etc., but I hope that some of you hardcore fans understand why us hardcore Laker fans absolutely love this guy. Is he an ####### who at times takes too many shots? Of course. But the dude is a tireless worker and an absolute warrior.

Any basketball fan should be thankful for Kobe. He brings it every night and he's the opposite of everything the idiots that hate the NBA think the NBA is.I chuckled watching that Heat-Hawks game when Lebron and Wade were both sitting. Barkley went on about how it was very smart to stay rested up through the regular season and how seeding didn't matter in a season like this (and of course, he's right). Reggie snapped back something like, "Meanwhile the guy out in LA's playing every night with a busted wrist."

 

[TobiasFunke]

Kobe Bryant (wrist) practiced fully Monday.

If Bryant's wrist or knees are bothering him, it's not showing on the court. He's played in every game this year, racking up 27.6 points per game on 36.1 minutes per night. Bryant's willingness to practice fully the day after a night game speaks volumes.

This from a guy with a completely torn ligament in his wrist taking injections before EVERY game.I know I'm seen as a Kobe apologist, a Kobe **** sucker, etc., but I hope that some of you hardcore fans understand why us hardcore Laker fans absolutely love this guy. Is he an ####### who at times takes too many shots? Of course. But the dude is a tireless worker and an absolute warrior.

FWIW, I think part of the reason people hate Lakers fans and Kobe is because they seem to be under the mistaken impression that Kobe is the only professional athlete that does this. A lot of guys play through pain and work really hard; Kobe's just the only one who goes out of his way to make sure everybody knows that he's doing it.At this point he's almost like Cal Ripkin at the end of the streak. His need to maintain his warrior persona is hurting his team. This season's condensed schedule is brutal- do you honestly think he'll be as good in April as he would have been if he took some time off to heal? I certainly don't.

 

[saintfool]

What is the root cause of the Wizards funk?

Coaching or the players are just lazy? They ave some talent in Wall and McGee.

Flip Saunders is still their coach, right?

 

[pollardsvision]

Kobe Bryant (wrist) practiced fully Monday.

If Bryant's wrist or knees are bothering him, it's not showing on the court. He's played in every game this year, racking up 27.6 points per game on 36.1 minutes per night. Bryant's willingness to practice fully the day after a night game speaks volumes.

This from a guy with a completely torn ligament in his wrist taking injections before EVERY game.I know I'm seen as a Kobe apologist, a Kobe **** sucker, etc., but I hope that some of you hardcore fans understand why us hardcore Laker fans absolutely love this guy. Is he an ####### who at times takes too many shots? Of course. But the dude is a tireless worker and an absolute warrior.

FWIW, I think part of the reason people hate Lakers fans and Kobe is because they seem to be under the mistaken impression that Kobe is the only professional athlete that does this. A lot of guys play through pain and work really hard; Kobe's just the only one who goes out of his way to make sure everybody knows that he's doing it.At this point he's almost like Cal Ripkin at the end of the streak. His need to maintain his warrior persona is hurting his team. This season's condensed schedule is brutal- do you honestly think he'll be as good in April as he would have been if he took some time off to heal? I certainly don't.

He'd better not take too much time off. Otherwise, it won't matter how good he is in April.

 

[No. 16]

Thought this quote was funny. From the SF newspaper talking about a recent practice with the Heat before they play the Dubs tonight:

James was part comedian and part teacher during a post-practice drill in which he mentored the team's young big men in a series of post moves. He has scored at least 30 points in six straight road games and is leading the league in scoring with 30.1 points per game on 60.1 percent shooting.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/01/09/SPDJ1MMKL0.DTL#ixzz1j4C2SB3t

 

[tommyGunZ]

Kobe Bryant (wrist) practiced fully Monday.

If Bryant's wrist or knees are bothering him, it's not showing on the court. He's played in every game this year, racking up 27.6 points per game on 36.1 minutes per night. Bryant's willingness to practice fully the day after a night game speaks volumes.

This from a guy with a completely torn ligament in his wrist taking injections before EVERY game.I know I'm seen as a Kobe apologist, a Kobe **** sucker, etc., but I hope that some of you hardcore fans understand why us hardcore Laker fans absolutely love this guy. Is he an ####### who at times takes too many shots? Of course. But the dude is a tireless worker and an absolute warrior.

FWIW, I think part of the reason people hate Lakers fans and Kobe is because they seem to be under the mistaken impression that Kobe is the only professional athlete that does this. A lot of guys play through pain and work really hard; Kobe's just the only one who goes out of his way to make sure everybody knows that he's doing it.At this point he's almost like Cal Ripkin at the end of the streak. His need to maintain his warrior persona is hurting his team. This season's condensed schedule is brutal- do you honestly think he'll be as good in April as he would have been if he took some time off to heal? I certainly don't.

What other NBA players are receiving injections before every game in order to play through completely torn ligaments?

 

[JMon348]

Kobe Bryant (wrist) practiced fully Monday.

If Bryant's wrist or knees are bothering him, it's not showing on the court. He's played in every game this year, racking up 27.6 points per game on 36.1 minutes per night. Bryant's willingness to practice fully the day after a night game speaks volumes.

This from a guy with a completely torn ligament in his wrist taking injections before EVERY game.I know I'm seen as a Kobe apologist, a Kobe **** sucker, etc., but I hope that some of you hardcore fans understand why us hardcore Laker fans absolutely love this guy. Is he an ####### who at times takes too many shots? Of course. But the dude is a tireless worker and an absolute warrior.

FWIW, I think part of the reason people hate Lakers fans and Kobe is because they seem to be under the mistaken impression that Kobe is the only professional athlete that does this. A lot of guys play through pain and work really hard; Kobe's just the only one who goes out of his way to make sure everybody knows that he's doing it.At this point he's almost like Cal Ripkin at the end of the streak. His need to maintain his warrior persona is hurting his team. This season's condensed schedule is brutal- do you honestly think he'll be as good in April as he would have been if he took some time off to heal? I certainly don't.

 

[JMon348]

Not sure if anyone has noticed, but Anthony Carter is really, really bad. He's a -23.4 on/off net. Just awful.

He felt that bad for four years in Denver. Hes touted as a defensive PG, but I've never seen a worse team defender at the point in my life. He was constantly drifting to double whoever was at the top of the key leaving his man free to roam anywhere he pleased. The rest of the team would rotate and eventually somebody would end up wide open and then he would scowl at whoever left the guy open.Plus he does nothing offensively other than dribble up the court because his man would sit at the free throw line and beg him to shoot.

Yup. Not a single good thing about his game. Just about cost Toronto another game tonight... not that I mind if they lose a lot this year.

He single handily cost the Nuggets the conference finals a couple years ago.He is a moderately effective man defender and he usually knows his role, but he has a low basketball IQ and no basketball skills so it kind of cancels that out. I would still take him over Mike Bibby though.

The same Anthony Carter who averaged 10 minutes a game, was the reason the Nuggets lost 4-2 to the Lakers?

You say some outlandish stuff, but come on. He made one bad pass, that wasn't entirely his fault, and it was game 1. Odom was great on defending the play and Billups didn't come to the ball, horrible draw up by Karl too.

I know you are bagging on him, but single handily cost the Nuggets the series?,LOL. The Nuggets weren't good enough to beat the Lakers, we destroyed you in Game 6 in Denver. We were winning the championship that year.

 

[Zeff]

Kobe Bryant (wrist) practiced fully Monday.

If Bryant's wrist or knees are bothering him, it's not showing on the court. He's played in every game this year, racking up 27.6 points per game on 36.1 minutes per night. Bryant's willingness to practice fully the day after a night game speaks volumes.

This from a guy with a completely torn ligament in his wrist taking injections before EVERY game.I know I'm seen as a Kobe apologist, a Kobe **** sucker, etc., but I hope that some of you hardcore fans understand why us hardcore Laker fans absolutely love this guy. Is he an ####### who at times takes too many shots? Of course. But the dude is a tireless worker and an absolute warrior.

FWIW, I think part of the reason people hate Lakers fans and Kobe is because they seem to be under the mistaken impression that Kobe is the only professional athlete that does this. A lot of guys play through pain and work really hard; Kobe's just the only one who goes out of his way to make sure everybody knows that he's doing it.At this point he's almost like Cal Ripkin at the end of the streak. His need to maintain his warrior persona is hurting his team. This season's condensed schedule is brutal- do you honestly think he'll be as good in April as he would have been if he took some time off to heal? I certainly don't.

What other NBA players are receiving injections before every game in order to play through completely torn ligaments?

When you have completely torn ligaments in your wrist, you don't hold a coffee mug, much less play professional basketball. This is what's laughable about the Kobe "warrior" persona. Every year, he has a phantom "injury" that would sideline a young Ronnie Lott. And he doesn't just tough it out. He plays through it with zero dropoff in his performance. Often, with a boost.It's laughable. He's that guy on every high school team in the country who always desperately needs just a little bit more props and attention, so he's eternally suffering in some mysterious way that demands a great deal of weeping and wailing, but falls just short of hampering performance in any measurable way.

Nobody outside Southern California believes Kobe has completely torn wrist ligaments. He's the boy who cried wolf, except he's on wolf #47 for his career. *yawn*

"Wow. What a warrior."

He's a great player, but he's a great player and a drama queen. Not a great player and a Spartan.

 

[tommyGunZ]

When you have completely torn ligaments in your wrist, you don't hold a coffee mug, much less play professional basketball. This is what's laughable about the Kobe "warrior" persona. Every year, he has a phantom "injury" that would sideline a young Ronnie Lott. And he doesn't just tough it out. He plays through it with zero dropoff in his performance. Often, with a boost.It's laughable. He's that guy on every high school team in the country who always desperately needs just a little bit more props and attention, so he's eternally suffering in some mysterious way that demands a great deal of weeping and wailing, but falls just short of hampering performance in any measurable way.Nobody outside Southern California believes Kobe has completely torn wrist ligaments. He's the boy who cried wolf, except he's on wolf #47 for his career. *yawn*"Wow. What a warrior."

Thanks Dr. Zeff. It appears that other Dr's disagree.

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant sustained a torn lunotriquetral ligament in his right wrist in Monday's exhibition against the Clippers. His status is considered day-to-day.He will not play in Wednesday's exhibition game against the Clippers, according to the Lakers. An MRI exam revealed the injury.Bryant had 22 points, making 12 of 15 free-throw attempts in the Lakers' 114-95 loss. He practiced Tuesday with the team and did not reveal any major discomfort to reporters afterward but went for an MRI exam Wednesday.The lunotriquetral ligament stabilizes two of the smaller wrist bones on the outside part of the wrist. It was unclear if it was a complete or partial tear."If it's a complete tear, it's more problematic," said Keith Feder, a Manhattan Beach sports medicine specialist. "Without being privy to the MRI, these types of injuries can take anywhere from several days to several weeks to heal completely, but depending on the pain level and with support, the athlete could play."

 

[JMon348]

I can't believe I'm still shocked by people on this board, but......

 

[tommyGunZ]

I can't believe I'm still shocked by people on this board, but......

I think tobias is fishing.I get the feeling Doc Zeff is being serious.

 

[SoCalBroncoFan]

When you have completely torn ligaments in your wrist, you don't hold a coffee mug, much less play professional basketball. This is what's laughable about the Kobe "warrior" persona. Every year, he has a phantom "injury" that would sideline a young Ronnie Lott. And he doesn't just tough it out. He plays through it with zero dropoff in his performance. Often, with a boost.

It's laughable. He's that guy on every high school team in the country who always desperately needs just a little bit more props and attention, so he's eternally suffering in some mysterious way that demands a great deal of weeping and wailing, but falls just short of hampering performance in any measurable way.

Nobody outside Southern California believes Kobe has completely torn wrist ligaments. He's the boy who cried wolf, except he's on wolf #47 for his career. *yawn*

"Wow. What a warrior."

Thanks Dr. Zeff. It appears that other Dr's disagree.

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant sustained a torn lunotriquetral ligament in his right wrist in Monday's exhibition against the Clippers. His status is considered day-to-day.

He will not play in Wednesday's exhibition game against the Clippers, according to the Lakers. An MRI exam revealed the injury.

Bryant had 22 points, making 12 of 15 free-throw attempts in the Lakers' 114-95 loss. He practiced Tuesday with the team and did not reveal any major discomfort to reporters afterward but went for an MRI exam Wednesday.

The lunotriquetral ligament stabilizes two of the smaller wrist bones on the outside part of the wrist. It was unclear if it was a complete or partial tear.

"If it's a complete tear, it's more problematic," said Keith Feder, a Manhattan Beach sports medicine specialist. "Without being privy to the MRI, these types of injuries can take anywhere from several days to several weeks to heal completely, but depending on the pain level and with support, the athlete could play."

Well, the guy he did quote as corroboration did say that he didnt even see the MRI. You might want to quote someone who actually did.Do I believe his wrist is hurt? Yeah.

Do I believe it is as bad as they are making out? No.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

When you have completely torn ligaments in your wrist, you don't hold a coffee mug, much less play professional basketball. This is what's laughable about the Kobe "warrior" persona. Every year, he has a phantom "injury" that would sideline a young Ronnie Lott. And he doesn't just tough it out. He plays through it with zero dropoff in his performance. Often, with a boost.

It's laughable. He's that guy on every high school team in the country who always desperately needs just a little bit more props and attention, so he's eternally suffering in some mysterious way that demands a great deal of weeping and wailing, but falls just short of hampering performance in any measurable way.

Nobody outside Southern California believes Kobe has completely torn wrist ligaments. He's the boy who cried wolf, except he's on wolf #47 for his career. *yawn*

"Wow. What a warrior."

Thanks Dr. Zeff. It appears that other Dr's disagree.

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant sustained a torn lunotriquetral ligament in his right wrist in Monday's exhibition against the Clippers. His status is considered day-to-day.

He will not play in Wednesday's exhibition game against the Clippers, according to the Lakers. An MRI exam revealed the injury.

Bryant had 22 points, making 12 of 15 free-throw attempts in the Lakers' 114-95 loss. He practiced Tuesday with the team and did not reveal any major discomfort to reporters afterward but went for an MRI exam Wednesday.

The lunotriquetral ligament stabilizes two of the smaller wrist bones on the outside part of the wrist. It was unclear if it was a complete or partial tear.

"If it's a complete tear, it's more problematic," said Keith Feder, a Manhattan Beach sports medicine specialist. "Without being privy to the MRI, these types of injuries can take anywhere from several days to several weeks to heal completely, but depending on the pain level and with support, the athlete could play."

Well, the guy he did quote as corroboration did say that he didnt even see the MRI. You might want to quote someone who actually did.Do I believe his wrist is hurt? Yeah.

Do I believe it is as bad as they are making out? No.

Clearly this is the most painful, debilitating injury ever suffered by a person.

 

[TobiasFunke]

I can't believe I'm still shocked by people on this board, but......

I think tobias is fishing.I get the feeling Doc Zeff is being serious.

Maybe my tone had a fishing element to it, but I definitely believe that:-He goes out of his way to sure everyone knows about his injuries and how hard he works. If you can't see that you're simply blinded by fan loyalty.-If the team can make the playoffs with Kobe sitting 5-10 games, they'd be better off if he did so.

 

[Captain Quinoa]

FWIW, I think part of the reason people hate Lakers fans and Kobe is because they seem to be under the mistaken impression that Kobe is the only professional athlete that does this. A lot of guys play through pain and work really hard; Kobe's just the only one who goes out of his way to make sure everybody knows that he's doing it.

Those other guys are also less rapey.

 

[Premier]

Not sure if anyone has noticed, but Anthony Carter is really, really bad. He's a -23.4 on/off net. Just awful.

He felt that bad for four years in Denver. Hes touted as a defensive PG, but I've never seen a worse team defender at the point in my life. He was constantly drifting to double whoever was at the top of the key leaving his man free to roam anywhere he pleased. The rest of the team would rotate and eventually somebody would end up wide open and then he would scowl at whoever left the guy open.Plus he does nothing offensively other than dribble up the court because his man would sit at the free throw line and beg him to shoot.

Yup. Not a single good thing about his game. Just about cost Toronto another game tonight... not that I mind if they lose a lot this year.

He single handily cost the Nuggets the conference finals a couple years ago.He is a moderately effective man defender and he usually knows his role, but he has a low basketball IQ and no basketball skills so it kind of cancels that out. I would still take him over Mike Bibby though.

The same Anthony Carter who averaged 10 minutes a game, was the reason the Nuggets lost 4-2 to the Lakers?

You say some outlandish stuff, but come on. He made one bad pass, that wasn't entirely his fault, and it was game 1. Odom was great on defending the play and Billups didn't come to the ball, horrible draw up by Karl too.

I know you are bagging on him, but single handily cost the Nuggets the series?,LOL. The Nuggets weren't good enough to beat the Lakers, we destroyed you in Game 6 in Denver. We were winning the championship that year.

They couldn't have done it without your hard work and effort.

 

[Gr00vus]

I'm amazed he's playing with the torn ligament (yes he actually has a torn ligament). But to say it's not affecting him is false. His ball handling/security (ha ha) is worse than it already was, and he's struggling when he shoots free throws. It's obvious. He's still scoring, and so far he's had a decent percentage more often as not.

 

[tommyGunZ]

When you have completely torn ligaments in your wrist, you don't hold a coffee mug, much less play professional basketball. This is what's laughable about the Kobe "warrior" persona. Every year, he has a phantom "injury" that would sideline a young Ronnie Lott. And he doesn't just tough it out. He plays through it with zero dropoff in his performance. Often, with a boost.

It's laughable. He's that guy on every high school team in the country who always desperately needs just a little bit more props and attention, so he's eternally suffering in some mysterious way that demands a great deal of weeping and wailing, but falls just short of hampering performance in any measurable way.

Nobody outside Southern California believes Kobe has completely torn wrist ligaments. He's the boy who cried wolf, except he's on wolf #47 for his career. *yawn*

"Wow. What a warrior."

Thanks Dr. Zeff. It appears that other Dr's disagree.

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant sustained a torn lunotriquetral ligament in his right wrist in Monday's exhibition against the Clippers. His status is considered day-to-day.

He will not play in Wednesday's exhibition game against the Clippers, according to the Lakers. An MRI exam revealed the injury.

Bryant had 22 points, making 12 of 15 free-throw attempts in the Lakers' 114-95 loss. He practiced Tuesday with the team and did not reveal any major discomfort to reporters afterward but went for an MRI exam Wednesday.

The lunotriquetral ligament stabilizes two of the smaller wrist bones on the outside part of the wrist. It was unclear if it was a complete or partial tear.

"If it's a complete tear, it's more problematic," said Keith Feder, a Manhattan Beach sports medicine specialist. "Without being privy to the MRI, these types of injuries can take anywhere from several days to several weeks to heal completely, but depending on the pain level and with support, the athlete could play."

Well, the guy he did quote as corroboration did say that he didnt even see the MRI. You might want to quote someone who actually did.Do I believe his wrist is hurt? Yeah.

Do I believe it is as bad as they are making out? No.

The LA TImes and every other major news paper's sports page are reporting that the MRI revealed a torn ligament. We can't even believe newspaper reports these days?

 

[Captain Quinoa]

Tyreke can be absolutely unstoppable at times. With Rudio emerging in Minn, a deal for Ridnour makes a ton of sense. Ty is an All Star caliber 2.

wow...not a minute later - Tyreke has to be helped off the court - not able to put any weight on his left ankle, looks bad. Gdddmittttt

fastest Gunz-ing evah

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Kobe Bryant (wrist) practiced fully Monday.

If Bryant's wrist or knees are bothering him, it's not showing on the court. He's played in every game this year, racking up 27.6 points per game on 36.1 minutes per night. Bryant's willingness to practice fully the day after a night game speaks volumes.

This from a guy with a completely torn ligament in his wrist taking injections before EVERY game.I know I'm seen as a Kobe apologist, a Kobe **** sucker, etc., but I hope that some of you hardcore fans understand why us hardcore Laker fans absolutely love this guy. Is he an ####### who at times takes too many shots? Of course. But the dude is a tireless worker and an absolute warrior.

Any basketball fan should be thankful for Kobe. He brings it every night and he's the opposite of everything the idiots that hate the NBA think the NBA is.I chuckled watching that Heat-Hawks game when Lebron and Wade were both sitting. Barkley went on about how it was very smart to stay rested up through the regular season and how seeding didn't matter in a season like this (and of course, he's right). Reggie snapped back something like, "Meanwhile the guy out in LA's playing every night with a busted wrist."

Pride has always been one of Kobe's problems.

 

[tommyGunZ]

I can't believe I'm still shocked by people on this board, but......

I think tobias is fishing.I get the feeling Doc Zeff is being serious.

Maybe my tone had a fishing element to it, but I definitely believe that:-He goes out of his way to sure everyone knows about his injuries and how hard he works. If you can't see that you're simply blinded by fan loyalty.-If the team can make the playoffs with Kobe sitting 5-10 games, they'd be better off if he did so.

Re #1: Maybe. Or maybe it's your bias. After all, Kobe is one of the most followed/watched athletes in the world, so anything that he does is going to be reported over and over and over. I don't doubt that Kobe wants everyone to know how hard he works or that he plays through pain - both are admirable qualities - doesn't everyone want to be perceived that way? I just don't know how "out of his way" he goes. He doesn't have to go far, since his every move is analyzed. #2 - Agreed. I think in a few weeks, that may be an option. Right now, that isn't an option. Bynum missed the first 4 games, so it's hard to see the Lakers winning any of those had Kobe sat out as well. With a new coach, several new players in the rotation, and the loss of a team leader (Odom), now isn't a good time for Kobe to sit either.

 

[TobiasFunke]

I can't believe I'm still shocked by people on this board, but......

I think tobias is fishing.I get the feeling Doc Zeff is being serious.

Maybe my tone had a fishing element to it, but I definitely believe that:-He goes out of his way to sure everyone knows about his injuries and how hard he works. If you can't see that you're simply blinded by fan loyalty.-If the team can make the playoffs with Kobe sitting 5-10 games, they'd be better off if he did so.

Re #1: Maybe. Or maybe it's your bias. After all, Kobe is one of the most followed/watched athletes in the world, so anything that he does is going to be reported over and over and over. I don't doubt that Kobe wants everyone to know how hard he works or that he plays through pain - both are admirable qualities - doesn't everyone want to be perceived that way? I just don't know how "out of his way" he goes. He doesn't have to go far, since his every move is analyzed. #2 - Agreed. I think in a few weeks, that may be an option. Right now, that isn't an option. Bynum missed the first 4 games, so it's hard to see the Lakers winning any of those had Kobe sat out as well. With a new coach, several new players in the rotation, and the loss of a team leader (Odom), now isn't a good time for Kobe to sit either.

I agree with you on both points. You and I have found common ground in a discussion of Kobe Bryant. My faith in mankind is restored. Now that I have seen that all things are possible, I expect the Wizards to win a basketball game tonight. Home against the Raptors- doesn't get much more friendly than that.

 

[tommyGunZ]

I agree with you on both points. You and I have found common ground in a discussion of Kobe Bryant. My faith in mankind is restored. Now that I have seen that all things are possible, I expect the Wizards to win a basketball game tonight. Home against the Raptors- doesn't get much more friendly than that.

Agreeing with me is a great way to find common ground. I've actually attended more Wizards games in my life than Laker games, so I have a soft spot in my heart for Les Boulez. But not only are they terrible, there aren't even likeable. Wall is entertaining, but as Hollinger pointed out, he's the lone #1 over the last 4 years who hasn't translated his skills to team success. Personally, I don't think it's his fault (I love Wall's game) and I hope that his lack of success w/re to his jumper doesn't become a long term confidence problem. If I'm Wizards management, I seriously consider cleaning house and bringing in a few new faces before Singleton, Wall, Seraphin, Crawford, Mack, and Booker become zombies. That means bye-bye Rashard, Blantche, and Young. Just take whatever you can get for those headaches, regardless of whether it's pennies on the dollar. Addition by subtraction.

 

[TobiasFunke]

I agree with you on both points. You and I have found common ground in a discussion of Kobe Bryant. My faith in mankind is restored. Now that I have seen that all things are possible, I expect the Wizards to win a basketball game tonight. Home against the Raptors- doesn't get much more friendly than that.

Agreeing with me is a great way to find common ground. I've actually attended more Wizards games in my life than Laker games, so I have a soft spot in my heart for Les Boulez. But not only are they terrible, there aren't even likeable. Wall is entertaining, but as Hollinger pointed out, he's the lone #1 over the last 4 years who hasn't translated his skills to team success. Personally, I don't think it's his fault (I love Wall's game) and I hope that his lack of success w/re to his jumper doesn't become a long term confidence problem. If I'm Wizards management, I seriously consider cleaning house and bringing in a few new faces before Singleton, Wall, Seraphin, Crawford, Mack, and Booker become zombies. That means bye-bye Rashard, Blantche, and Young. Just take whatever you can get for those headaches, regardless of whether it's pennies on the dollar. Addition by subtraction.

Crawford is part of the problem, but otherwise I agree. I usually downplay stuff like "team chemistry" and attitude and all that because I'm a numbers guy, but the reports and the quotes are just too much to ignore. Those guys are poisonous.Poor Chris Singleton is apparently just miserable. The Post beat reporter talks about it quite a bit, he's a really competitive guy and just looks completely heartbroken after every game. I'm heading to my first Wiz game soon, gonna do my part to support the guy. He was one of my all time favorite non-UNC players in the ACC, and he's been exactly what I hoped he'd be for the Wiz so far. Too bad he's the only one.

 

[tommyGunZ]

I agree with you on both points. You and I have found common ground in a discussion of Kobe Bryant. My faith in mankind is restored. Now that I have seen that all things are possible, I expect the Wizards to win a basketball game tonight. Home against the Raptors- doesn't get much more friendly than that.

Agreeing with me is a great way to find common ground. I've actually attended more Wizards games in my life than Laker games, so I have a soft spot in my heart for Les Boulez. But not only are they terrible, there aren't even likeable. Wall is entertaining, but as Hollinger pointed out, he's the lone #1 over the last 4 years who hasn't translated his skills to team success. Personally, I don't think it's his fault (I love Wall's game) and I hope that his lack of success w/re to his jumper doesn't become a long term confidence problem. If I'm Wizards management, I seriously consider cleaning house and bringing in a few new faces before Singleton, Wall, Seraphin, Crawford, Mack, and Booker become zombies. That means bye-bye Rashard, Blantche, and Young. Just take whatever you can get for those headaches, regardless of whether it's pennies on the dollar. Addition by subtraction.

Crawford is part of the problem, but otherwise I agree. I usually downplay stuff like "team chemistry" and attitude and all that because I'm a numbers guy, but the reports and the quotes are just too much to ignore. Those guys are poisonous.Poor Chris Singleton is apparently just miserable. The Post beat reporter talks about it quite a bit, he's a really competitive guy and just looks completely heartbroken after every game. I'm heading to my first Wiz game soon, gonna do my part to support the guy. He was one of my all time favorite non-UNC players in the ACC, and he's been exactly what I hoped he'd be for the Wiz so far. Too bad he's the only one.

Perhaps including Crawford in a deal is a way to unload one of the other headaches. Rashard is virtually untradeable until next Feb. Maybe suspend him with pay to keep him away from the team? Perhaps making him inactive would create leverage to force him into considering a buy-out? I'd think Young would be semi-attractive to a contender who needs bench scoring from a guy who can create his own shot(LA?). Blantche certainly has trade value.

 

[TobiasFunke]

I agree with you on both points. You and I have found common ground in a discussion of Kobe Bryant. My faith in mankind is restored.

Now that I have seen that all things are possible, I expect the Wizards to win a basketball game tonight. Home against the Raptors- doesn't get much more friendly than that.

Agreeing with me is a great way to find common ground. I've actually attended more Wizards games in my life than Laker games, so I have a soft spot in my heart for Les Boulez. But not only are they terrible, there aren't even likeable. Wall is entertaining, but as Hollinger pointed out, he's the lone #1 over the last 4 years who hasn't translated his skills to team success. Personally, I don't think it's his fault (I love Wall's game) and I hope that his lack of success w/re to his jumper doesn't become a long term confidence problem.

If I'm Wizards management, I seriously consider cleaning house and bringing in a few new faces before Singleton, Wall, Seraphin, Crawford, Mack, and Booker become zombies. That means bye-bye Rashard, Blantche, and Young. Just take whatever you can get for those headaches, regardless of whether it's pennies on the dollar. Addition by subtraction.

Crawford is part of the problem, but otherwise I agree. I usually downplay stuff like "team chemistry" and attitude and all that because I'm a numbers guy, but the reports and the quotes are just too much to ignore. Those guys are poisonous.

Poor Chris Singleton is apparently just miserable. The Post beat reporter talks about it quite a bit, he's a really competitive guy and just looks completely heartbroken after every game. I'm heading to my first Wiz game soon, gonna do my part to support the guy. He was one of my all time favorite non-UNC players in the ACC, and he's been exactly what I hoped he'd be for the Wiz so far. Too bad he's the only one.

Perhaps including Crawford in a deal is a way to unload one of the other headaches. Rashard is virtually untradeable until next Feb. Maybe suspend him with pay to keep him away from the team? Perhaps making him inactive would create leverage to force him into considering a buy-out? I'd think Young would be semi-attractive to a contender who needs bench scoring from a guy who can create his own shot(LA?). Blantche certainly has trade value.

I'm sure in theory they'd love to move them, but you gotta replace them with something. The offense is bad enough as it is, I don't think starting Mack/Crawford, Singleton and Booker alongside Wall and McGee is gonna help those guys improve on the offensive end. You need some sort of firepower, weak as it may be.My guess is that they take they either take their medicine with Rashard Lewis and amnesty Blatche after this season if he doesn't improve (I don't know if anyone is willing to pay $8 million per through 2015 for the guy at the moment), or try to trade him if he does improve and then amnesty Lewis after the season. That clears a ton of money, and then you've got a 22 year old Wall and Javale McGee (they'll reup with him I'm guessing) and a bunch of role players and room at the 2, 3 and 4 for a free agent and a guy like Harrison Barnes or Michael Kidd-Gilchrist next year. That's not a good team, but it's watchable. If they happen to luck into the #1 or #2 overall pick, maybe they can trade down and add a second pick or some other asset. The draft is ridiculously deep this year.

The missing part of the discussion is Jan Vesely. I have absolutely no idea what the story is with that guy, and neither does anyone else apparently.

 

[tommyGunZ]

I agree with you on both points. You and I have found common ground in a discussion of Kobe Bryant. My faith in mankind is restored.

Now that I have seen that all things are possible, I expect the Wizards to win a basketball game tonight. Home against the Raptors- doesn't get much more friendly than that.

Agreeing with me is a great way to find common ground. I've actually attended more Wizards games in my life than Laker games, so I have a soft spot in my heart for Les Boulez. But not only are they terrible, there aren't even likeable. Wall is entertaining, but as Hollinger pointed out, he's the lone #1 over the last 4 years who hasn't translated his skills to team success. Personally, I don't think it's his fault (I love Wall's game) and I hope that his lack of success w/re to his jumper doesn't become a long term confidence problem.

If I'm Wizards management, I seriously consider cleaning house and bringing in a few new faces before Singleton, Wall, Seraphin, Crawford, Mack, and Booker become zombies. That means bye-bye Rashard, Blantche, and Young. Just take whatever you can get for those headaches, regardless of whether it's pennies on the dollar. Addition by subtraction.

Crawford is part of the problem, but otherwise I agree. I usually downplay stuff like "team chemistry" and attitude and all that because I'm a numbers guy, but the reports and the quotes are just too much to ignore. Those guys are poisonous.

Poor Chris Singleton is apparently just miserable. The Post beat reporter talks about it quite a bit, he's a really competitive guy and just looks completely heartbroken after every game. I'm heading to my first Wiz game soon, gonna do my part to support the guy. He was one of my all time favorite non-UNC players in the ACC, and he's been exactly what I hoped he'd be for the Wiz so far. Too bad he's the only one.

Perhaps including Crawford in a deal is a way to unload one of the other headaches. Rashard is virtually untradeable until next Feb. Maybe suspend him with pay to keep him away from the team? Perhaps making him inactive would create leverage to force him into considering a buy-out? I'd think Young would be semi-attractive to a contender who needs bench scoring from a guy who can create his own shot(LA?). Blantche certainly has trade value.

I'm sure in theory they'd love to move them, but you gotta replace them with something. The offense is bad enough as it is, I don't think starting Mack/Crawford, Singleton and Booker alongside Wall and McGee is gonna help those guys improve on the offensive end. You need some sort of firepower, weak as it may be.My guess is that they take they either take their medicine with Rashard Lewis and amnesty Blatche after this season if he doesn't improve (I don't know if anyone is willing to pay $8 million per through 2015 for the guy at the moment), or try to trade him if he does improve and then amnesty Lewis after the season. That clears a ton of money, and then you've got a 22 year old Wall and Javale McGee (they'll reup with him I'm guessing) and a bunch of role players and room at the 2, 3 and 4 for a free agent and a guy like Harrison Barnes or Michael Kidd-Gilchrist next year. That's not a good team, but it's watchable. If they happen to luck into the #1 or #2 overall pick, maybe they can trade down and add a second pick or some other asset. The draft is ridiculously deep this year.

The missing part of the discussion is Jan Vesely. I have absolutely no idea what the story is with that guy, and neither does anyone else apparently.

Yeah, I didn't mention Vesely b/c I don't know anything about him. But if you could paint a nightmarish situation for a young, raw, skinny, Russian to walk into, it would probably look exactly like the 2011 Wizards.

 

[tom22406]

Did you check out the Mike Wise article on the Wixards today?

I don't usually agree with much he says but I think he's got a good point or two in this one.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards/washington-wizards-an-embarrassment-by-design/2012/01/09/gIQAByFdmP_story.html?tid=pm_sports_pop

 

[thecatch]

Booker could be a rotation player for a good team. He is a decent role player being wasted right now. Vesely is the worst euro I've seen since Nik Tskitishvili.

 

[Moe.]

I agree with you on both points. You and I have found common ground in a discussion of Kobe Bryant. My faith in mankind is restored.

Now that I have seen that all things are possible, I expect the Wizards to win a basketball game tonight. Home against the Raptors- doesn't get much more friendly than that.

Agreeing with me is a great way to find common ground. I've actually attended more Wizards games in my life than Laker games, so I have a soft spot in my heart for Les Boulez. But not only are they terrible, there aren't even likeable. Wall is entertaining, but as Hollinger pointed out, he's the lone #1 over the last 4 years who hasn't translated his skills to team success. Personally, I don't think it's his fault (I love Wall's game) and I hope that his lack of success w/re to his jumper doesn't become a long term confidence problem.

If I'm Wizards management, I seriously consider cleaning house and bringing in a few new faces before Singleton, Wall, Seraphin, Crawford, Mack, and Booker become zombies. That means bye-bye Rashard, Blantche, and Young. Just take whatever you can get for those headaches, regardless of whether it's pennies on the dollar. Addition by subtraction.

Crawford is part of the problem, but otherwise I agree. I usually downplay stuff like "team chemistry" and attitude and all that because I'm a numbers guy, but the reports and the quotes are just too much to ignore. Those guys are poisonous.

Poor Chris Singleton is apparently just miserable. The Post beat reporter talks about it quite a bit, he's a really competitive guy and just looks completely heartbroken after every game. I'm heading to my first Wiz game soon, gonna do my part to support the guy. He was one of my all time favorite non-UNC players in the ACC, and he's been exactly what I hoped he'd be for the Wiz so far. Too bad he's the only one.

Perhaps including Crawford in a deal is a way to unload one of the other headaches. Rashard is virtually untradeable until next Feb. Maybe suspend him with pay to keep him away from the team? Perhaps making him inactive would create leverage to force him into considering a buy-out? I'd think Young would be semi-attractive to a contender who needs bench scoring from a guy who can create his own shot(LA?). Blantche certainly has trade value.

I'm sure in theory they'd love to move them, but you gotta replace them with something. The offense is bad enough as it is, I don't think starting Mack/Crawford, Singleton and Booker alongside Wall and McGee is gonna help those guys improve on the offensive end. You need some sort of firepower, weak as it may be.My guess is that they take they either take their medicine with Rashard Lewis and amnesty Blatche after this season if he doesn't improve (I don't know if anyone is willing to pay $8 million per through 2015 for the guy at the moment), or try to trade him if he does improve and then amnesty Lewis after the season. That clears a ton of money, and then you've got a 22 year old Wall and Javale McGee (they'll reup with him I'm guessing) and a bunch of role players and room at the 2, 3 and 4 for a free agent and a guy like Harrison Barnes or Michael Kidd-Gilchrist next year. That's not a good team, but it's watchable. If they happen to luck into the #1 or #2 overall pick, maybe they can trade down and add a second pick or some other asset. The draft is ridiculously deep this year.

The missing part of the discussion is Jan Vesely. I have absolutely no idea what the story is with that guy, and neither does anyone else apparently.

Yeah, I didn't mention Vesely b/c I don't know anything about him. But if you could paint a nightmarish situation for a young, raw, skinny, Russian to walk into, it would probably look exactly like the 2011 Wizards.

It's a good thing that Vesely is Czech then.

 

[Gr00vus]

During the game Sunday, the Laker homer announcers were talking about trade rumors around Steve Nash. I was only half listening so it wasn't clear if other teams were instigating or the Suns were shopping and they didn't mention specific teams or players. Anyone else hear anything in regard to this? I'm sure it'll come up again in tonight's broadcast of the Suns/Laker game.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Yeah, I didn't mention Vesely b/c I don't know anything about him. But if you could paint a nightmarish situation for a young, raw, skinny, Russian to walk into, it would probably look exactly like the 2011 Wizards.

It's a good thing that Vesely is Czech then.

Czech, Russian, same thing. Like I said, I don't know anything about him.

 

[tommyGunZ]

During the game Sunday, the Laker homer announcers were talking about trade rumors around Steve Nash. I was only half listening so it wasn't clear if other teams were instigating or the Suns were shopping and they didn't mention specific teams or players. Anyone else hear anything in regard to this? I'm sure it'll come up again in tonight's broadcast of the Suns/Laker game.

Please don't let this happen for anything more than a salary dump.

 

[Gr00vus]

During the game Sunday, the Laker homer announcers were talking about trade rumors around Steve Nash. I was only half listening so it wasn't clear if other teams were instigating or the Suns were shopping and they didn't mention specific teams or players. Anyone else hear anything in regard to this? I'm sure it'll come up again in tonight's broadcast of the Suns/Laker game.

Please don't let this happen for anything more than a salary dump.

Let what happen?

 

[tommyGunZ]

During the game Sunday, the Laker homer announcers were talking about trade rumors around Steve Nash. I was only half listening so it wasn't clear if other teams were instigating or the Suns were shopping and they didn't mention specific teams or players. Anyone else hear anything in regard to this? I'm sure it'll come up again in tonight's broadcast of the Suns/Laker game.

Please don't let this happen for anything more than a salary dump.

Let what happen?

Giving up anything of value for Nash.

 

[Gr00vus]

During the game Sunday, the Laker homer announcers were talking about trade rumors around Steve Nash. I was only half listening so it wasn't clear if other teams were instigating or the Suns were shopping and they didn't mention specific teams or players. Anyone else hear anything in regard to this? I'm sure it'll come up again in tonight's broadcast of the Suns/Laker game.

Please don't let this happen for anything more than a salary dump.

Let what happen?

Giving up anything of value for Nash.

Nash has no value for any NBA team besides the Suns?

 

[tommyGunZ]

Nash has no value for any NBA team besides the Suns?

Obviously Nash would be a significant upgrade over the DLeague level PGs the Lakers are running out there currently. Any deal for Nash would have to include Gasol or Bynum. Do you want any part of a deal involving Nash and either of those two?

 

[Gr00vus]

Nash has no value for any NBA team besides the Suns?

Obviously Nash would be a significant upgrade over the DLeague level PGs the Lakers are running out there currently. Any deal for Nash would have to include Gasol or Bynum. Do you want any part of a deal involving Nash and either of those two?

They weren't talking specifically about Nash getting dealt to the Lakers. They were talking about vague rumors about Nash trades, like I said before, without mentioning specific players or teams. I was wondering if anyone else had heard anything - not necessarily involving the Lakers at all.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Nash has no value for any NBA team besides the Suns?

Obviously Nash would be a significant upgrade over the DLeague level PGs the Lakers are running out there currently. Any deal for Nash would have to include Gasol or Bynum. Do you want any part of a deal involving Nash and either of those two?

They weren't talking specifically about Nash getting dealt to the Lakers. They were talking about vague rumors about Nash trades, like I said before, without mentioning specific players or teams. I was wondering if anyone else had heard anything - not necessarily involving the Lakers at all.

Ah - I misread/interpreted your initial post.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Now that I have seen that all things are possible, I expect the Wizards to win a basketball game tonight. Home against the Raptors- doesn't get much more friendly than that.

Calderon (41), Derozan (38) and Bargnani (45) played big minutes last night and have another game tomorrow so it should be ugly

 

[TobiasFunke]

Now that I have seen that all things are possible, I expect the Wizards to win a basketball game tonight. Home against the Raptors- doesn't get much more friendly than that.

Calderon (41), Derozan (38) and Bargnani (45) played big minutes last night and have another game tomorrow so it should be ugly

Sweet. Wiz are 2.5 point favorites. Tonight could be the night!ETA: Remarkably, you can buy lower level center court tickets to this epic Clash of the Titans for $25.

 

[tommyGunZ]

oof...from Hollinger's power rankings out today:

No. 30: WashingtonThe shocking thing about the Wizards is not that they're 30th but how far they are out of 29th. Washington's 83.80 rating is more than seven points behind the No. 29 Nets' rate of 90.83, implying that the Nets would be favored by a touchdown on a neutral court. The difference between No. 29 New Jersey and No. 19 New Orleans is smaller than the difference between Washington and 29th.The really scary part for Washington is that it has played a weak schedule thus far. The average Wizards opponent has a .377 winning percentage when not playing Washington. That will change in a hurry: After tonight's tilt against Toronto, they play Chicago, Philly twice, the Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City and the Denver Nuggets. Thus, if they can't manage to handle the Raptors on a back-to-back in D.C., suddenly a record-tying 0-17 start is very much in the picture.