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

[Mr. PadresLakers]

Looks like w/ the sign and trade for Lebron and Bosh Miami will have more money than initially thought. They may have enough for Haslem AND Miller.

I'm curious to see which picks they still have going foward. Two 1st to Toronto, 2 1st to Cleveland, what else?

They've got $8 mill. to spend before they have to go all minimum. It'd be amazing if they got both Miller and Haslem. There's still plenty of reasons to be skeptical though. Both players are 30 years old and this very well could be the last meaningful contract they get. The lockout's coming. Half the NBA is a ton of unused cap space. With Felton/Korver/Redick signed or close to signed, we might be talking about the 2 best remaining free agents (unless there's someone I'm missing, it's not close).

Asking both of these guys to essentially take half of what Drew Gooden and Travis Outlaw got feels like an awful lot to ask, even for a trip to the Conference Finals.

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong here, I'm going to use rounded numbers to make the math a little easier....The NBA Cap is at 58 million, The Heat currently have 4 players under contract at 14.5, 14.5, 14, and 1 million plus have 9 cap holds at .5 million a piece to fill out the roster. This gives them 9.5 million in cap plus the cap holds which will also be used for signing players.

So.... this would give the Heat something like one player at 5 million and a player at 5.5 million, or a player at 6 million (reported Mike Miller contract) and one at 4.5 million or two at 2.5 a piece. Its possible they could still field a decent starting lineup, and if you use exact numbers their "free" cap is actually .5 million higher so they have 10 million. The Heat management have done a fantastic job with all this cap management.

You guys are awesome. The Heat have 3 of the top 5 players in the league, and they only have a shot at fielding a "decent" starting lineup. GOLD JERRY, GOLD!!!

I meant the remaining starting lineup, people keep talking that they are gonna be 3 guys and a bunch of scrubs, that shouldn't be the case.A supporting cast of Chalmers, Miller, Big Z (vet minimum), Brad Miller (2 mill or so), Micheal Finley (vet minimum), Mbenga/Petro/Anthony (A guy to play good D against centers and use 6 fouls), Q Rich (2 mill or so), Jason Williams, plus two rookies isn't the worst 4-13 I've ever seen.

Brad Miller and Big Z for 3 million combined? I will believe it when I see it. Too many teams with cap space right now. I don't see them opting for Brian Cook money.

 

[pollardsvision]

They could get Theo Ratliff for the minimum.

Can Ben Wallace be had for the minimum? A Theo/Wallace rotation at C would be pretty entertaining (or the exact opposite, I guess). It could be the perfect combo for the Heat.

Heck, throw in Adonal Foyle and you'd have 107 years worth of centers. 1 for every dollar of Wade's new contract.

 

[Kev4029]

Brad Miller and Big Z for 3 million combined? I will believe it when I see it. Too many teams with cap space right now. I don't see them opting for Brian Cook money.

Maybe not....Here is a good article on their cap situation

The biggest thing I was missing when I was looking at their cap situation was James Jones partially guaranteed contract, and Larry Coon is including Joel Anthony's cap hold into their cap situation (probably right short of 1 million) so they do only have 8.3 million to spend.

 

[Steelfan7]

Looks like w/ the sign and trade for Lebron and Bosh Miami will have more money than initially thought. They may have enough for Haslem AND Miller.

I'm curious to see which picks they still have going foward. Two 1st to Toronto, 2 1st to Cleveland, what else?

They've got $8 mill. to spend before they have to go all minimum. It'd be amazing if they got both Miller and Haslem. There's still plenty of reasons to be skeptical though. Both players are 30 years old and this very well could be the last meaningful contract they get. The lockout's coming. Half the NBA is a ton of unused cap space. With Felton/Korver/Redick signed or close to signed, we might be talking about the 2 best remaining free agents (unless there's someone I'm missing, it's not close).

Asking both of these guys to essentially take half of what Drew Gooden and Travis Outlaw got feels like an awful lot to ask, even for a trip to the Conference Finals.

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong here, I'm going to use rounded numbers to make the math a little easier....The NBA Cap is at 58 million, The Heat currently have 4 players under contract at 14.5, 14.5, 14, and 1 million plus have 9 cap holds at .5 million a piece to fill out the roster. This gives them 9.5 million in cap plus the cap holds which will also be used for signing players.

So.... this would give the Heat something like one player at 5 million and a player at 5.5 million, or a player at 6 million (reported Mike Miller contract) and one at 4.5 million or two at 2.5 a piece. Its possible they could still field a decent starting lineup, and if you use exact numbers their "free" cap is actually .5 million higher so they have 10 million. The Heat management have done a fantastic job with all this cap management.

You guys are awesome. The Heat have 3 of the top 5 players in the league, and they only have a shot at fielding a "decent" starting lineup. GOLD JERRY, GOLD!!!

No way is Bosh top 3 player. Bosh is only slightly better than David Lee, in fact he's not even in Lee's neighborhood in terms of rebounding.

 

[Mile High]

Brad Miller and Big Z for 3 million combined? I will believe it when I see it. Too many teams with cap space right now. I don't see them opting for Brian Cook money.

But it's all about the rings now. The 3 amigos have shown the light to the rest of the NBA. Soon the NBA will have 6-8 super star teams where 3 guys earn 85% of the money and the rest peanuts. Every year replace the peanut guys to spread the rings around.

 

[Kev4029]

They could get Theo Ratliff for the minimum.Can Ben Wallace be had for the minimum? A Theo/Wallace rotation at C would be pretty entertaining (or the exact opposite, I guess). It could be the perfect combo for the Heat.

At this point I think Ratliff and Anthony are very similar players, but Anthony is 10 years younger, I imagine they stick with Anthony. Ben Wallace played for the minimum last year, and he still looked like a fairly good post defender, I think he would be a great pickup. Wade James and Bosh don't need him to do anything more than defend the opposing center and rebound, otherwise stay out of the way.

 

[the moops]

No way is Bosh top 3 player. Bosh is only slightly better than David Lee, in fact he's not even in Lee's neighborhood in terms of rebounding.

Bosh isn't even a top 10 player, although he is close, and I'm sure there are arguments that he is in it, but I think these 10 are above Bosh right now.Lebron, Kobe, Durant, Paul, Wade, Howard, Carmelo, Deron, Nowitzki, Gasol.Bosh does slide right in behind these guys though.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

I assume the top-5 is something like LeBron, Howard, Bryant, Wade, and Anthony with guys lilke CPaul, DWilliams, and Durant close. Bosh doesn't belong in that group, but he's not that far off is he? 5-time all star in his 7 years in the NBA. Maybe top-15 at worst?

 

[D'OHtis]

Z would be a nice pickup. I don't think he'll play for the min. I certainly like him or Wallace better than Shaq in Miami.

They'll find a couple of decent role players for the min/near it. (The worst move Miami can make is signing AI to min -- he's proven he's incapable of being a role player. I personally think he's a cancer & will be viewed by myself as one of the most overrated NBA players of all time). He was a very good individual player during the whole Me Generation. There's a reason that he, Marbury, Steve Francis went out ungracefully -- they never matured nor reinvented themselves as players/people.

 

[Mr. PadresLakers]

Luther Head going to New Orleans, agent Mark Bartelstein says. Head to receive two-year, $2.3 million deal with player option for Year 2

 

[Abraham]

Luther Head going to New Orleans, agent Mark Bartelstein says. Head to receive two-year, $2.3 million deal with player option for Year 2

Excellent signing. Head is underrated as a player.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

I assume the top-5 is something like LeBron, Howard, Bryant, Wade, and Anthony with guys lilke CPaul, DWilliams, and Durant close. Bosh doesn't belong in that group, but he's not that far off is he? 5-time all star in his 7 years in the NBA. Maybe top-15 at worst?

Wouldn't Durant be in the top 5? Watching him play, I think he might be #3 right now and he might just be taking the MVP home three or four times in the next six years.

 

[Clash of the Titans]

after watching all this go down.................no question your #1 fantasy player heading into next season is Durant.................

 

[Kev4029]

Z would be a nice pickup. I don't think he'll play for the min. I certainly like him or Wallace better than Shaq in Miami.They'll find a couple of decent role players for the min/near it. (The worst move Miami can make is signing AI to min -- he's proven he's incapable of being a role player. I personally think he's a cancer & will be viewed by myself as one of the most overrated NBA players of all time). He was a very good individual player during the whole Me Generation. There's a reason that he, Marbury, Steve Francis went out ungracefully -- they never matured nor reinvented themselves as players/people.

Here is the one thing I've never understood about the criticism that Iverson has taken.... Hes a selfish cancer.You have never heard one teammate from the Nuggets or 76ers once say anything ill about the guy, he seems to be one of the most well liked players in the NBA by other players. People have also always talked about him being a greedy ball hog. For a shooting guard he has had an assist rate of around 20 for his entire career, for comparison the selfless great passers of Wade and Lebron were at almost exactly similar numbers with nearly exactly similar usage rates. To compare him to Marbury and Francis as talents may be fair, but AI was far more successful and well liked and he always came to play, giving it all he had.

 

[shake zula]

Z would be a nice pickup. I don't think he'll play for the min. I certainly like him or Wallace better than Shaq in Miami.They'll find a couple of decent role players for the min/near it. (The worst move Miami can make is signing AI to min -- he's proven he's incapable of being a role player. I personally think he's a cancer & will be viewed by myself as one of the most overrated NBA players of all time). He was a very good individual player during the whole Me Generation. There's a reason that he, Marbury, Steve Francis went out ungracefully -- they never matured nor reinvented themselves as players/people.

GREAT post re AI, Marbury, and Francis. I'll add 100% certain that shaq is persona non grata in Miami. He left Miami under the worst and most unforgivable conditions. Rumor has it that it almost became physical between Shaq and Riley towards the end. Not to mention he underhandedly ripped Wade. I like the idea of Wallace coming of the bench ala Bruce Bowen. Shot I'd want Bruce Bowen to be honest.

 

[Kev4029]

I assume the top-5 is something like LeBron, Howard, Bryant, Wade, and Anthony with guys lilke CPaul, DWilliams, and Durant close. Bosh doesn't belong in that group, but he's not that far off is he? 5-time all star in his 7 years in the NBA. Maybe top-15 at worst?

Wouldn't Durant be in the top 5? Watching him play, I think he might be #3 right now and he might just be taking the MVP home three or four times in the next six years.

IMO the order is Lebron, Wade, CP3, then whoever out of Howard, Melo, Williams, Kobe, Durant you would like, then another tier of Bosh, Dirk, Gasol, Duncan, Nash and possibly Roy. So I would have Bosh somewhere between 9 and 14.

 

[Abraham]

I assume the top-5 is something like LeBron, Howard, Bryant, Wade, and Anthony with guys lilke CPaul, DWilliams, and Durant close. Bosh doesn't belong in that group, but he's not that far off is he? 5-time all star in his 7 years in the NBA. Maybe top-15 at worst?

Wouldn't Durant be in the top 5? Watching him play, I think he might be #3 right now and he might just be taking the MVP home three or four times in the next six years.

Durant is easily in the top three. My thoughts (heavily weighted against older guys)....Kobe, lebron, durant.Wade, Howard, paul, anthony, dirk, williamsRose, gasol, roy,boshAmare, boozer, westbrook, lee, johnson.Using my list (which probably contains a glaring omission two)Heat have 3 of top 18.Thunder, bulls, and lakers have two.Ellis would be in the top 25 I would think, which would put the warriors next with two. Same goes for the blazers with aldridge and the hawks (smith)

 

[Kev4029]

I assume the top-5 is something like LeBron, Howard, Bryant, Wade, and Anthony with guys lilke CPaul, DWilliams, and Durant close. Bosh doesn't belong in that group, but he's not that far off is he? 5-time all star in his 7 years in the NBA. Maybe top-15 at worst?

Wouldn't Durant be in the top 5? Watching him play, I think he might be #3 right now and he might just be taking the MVP home three or four times in the next six years.

Durant is easily in the top three. My thoughts (heavily weighted against older guys)....Kobe, lebron, durant.Wade, Howard, paul, anthony, dirk, williamsRose, gasol, roy,boshAmare, boozer, westbrook, lee, johnson.Using my list (which probably contains a glaring omission two)Heat have 3 of top 18.Thunder, bulls, and lakers have two.Ellis would be in the top 25 I would think, which would put the warriors next with two. Same goes for the blazers with aldridge and the hawks (smith)

I'm not sure I would put Ellis in the top 50, with the top guys you have on there I would figure Billups, Josh Smith, and David West are all better wing men. In fact I think those three are probably all better players than Boozer and Lee (especially Billups and Smith).

 

[Jewell]

I assume the top-5 is something like LeBron, Howard, Bryant, Wade, and Anthony with guys lilke CPaul, DWilliams, and Durant close. Bosh doesn't belong in that group, but he's not that far off is he? 5-time all star in his 7 years in the NBA. Maybe top-15 at worst?

Wouldn't Durant be in the top 5? Watching him play, I think he might be #3 right now and he might just be taking the MVP home three or four times in the next six years.

Durant is easily in the top three. My thoughts (heavily weighted against older guys)....Kobe, lebron, durant.Wade, Howard, paul, anthony, dirk, williamsRose, gasol, roy,boshAmare, boozer, westbrook, lee, johnson.Using my list (which probably contains a glaring omission two)Heat have 3 of top 18.Thunder, bulls, and lakers have two.Ellis would be in the top 25 I would think, which would put the warriors next with two. Same goes for the blazers with aldridge and the hawks (smith)

You appear to have an anti-Celtic bias. I can think of two of them that could make that list.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

I assume the top-5 is something like LeBron, Howard, Bryant, Wade, and Anthony with guys lilke CPaul, DWilliams, and Durant close. Bosh doesn't belong in that group, but he's not that far off is he? 5-time all star in his 7 years in the NBA. Maybe top-15 at worst?

Wouldn't Durant be in the top 5? Watching him play, I think he might be #3 right now and he might just be taking the MVP home three or four times in the next six years.

IMO the order is Lebron, Wade, CP3, then whoever out of Howard, Melo, Williams, Kobe, Durant you would like, then another tier of Bosh, Dirk, Gasol, Duncan, Nash and possibly Roy. So I would have Bosh somewhere between 9 and 14.

I'm not an NBA expert by any stretch, but Durant is so long and quick he is almost impossible to defend. He is a great free throw shooter, rebounds, blocks shots, plays very good D, can shoot the three and takes it to the hoop with the best of them. I don't see a weakness in his game and he's 9 inches taller than Paul making his ceiling as a player a lot higher IMO. Paul is awesome, no doubt but if I'm starting a franchise right now I take Durant over everyone but Lebron and if I had the #3 pick I'd be really pissed.

 

[Abraham]

I assume the top-5 is something like LeBron, Howard, Bryant, Wade, and Anthony with guys lilke CPaul, DWilliams, and Durant close. Bosh doesn't belong in that group, but he's not that far off is he? 5-time all star in his 7 years in the NBA. Maybe top-15 at worst?

Wouldn't Durant be in the top 5? Watching him play, I think he might be #3 right now and he might just be taking the MVP home three or four times in the next six years.

Durant is easily in the top three. My thoughts (heavily weighted against older guys)....Kobe, lebron, durant.Wade, Howard, paul, anthony, dirk, williamsRose, gasol, roy,boshAmare, boozer, westbrook, lee, johnson.Using my list (which probably contains a glaring omission two)Heat have 3 of top 18.Thunder, bulls, and lakers have two.Ellis would be in the top 25 I would think, which would put the warriors next with two. Same goes for the blazers with aldridge and the hawks (smith)

You appear to have an anti-Celtic bias. I can think of two of them that could make that list.

I said I probably left some off. Pierce should definitely be on there. Disagree on biliups. I think lee is very underrated.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

I assume the top-5 is something like LeBron, Howard, Bryant, Wade, and Anthony with guys lilke CPaul, DWilliams, and Durant close. Bosh doesn't belong in that group, but he's not that far off is he? 5-time all star in his 7 years in the NBA. Maybe top-15 at worst?

Wouldn't Durant be in the top 5? Watching him play, I think he might be #3 right now and he might just be taking the MVP home three or four times in the next six years.

Durant is easily in the top three. My thoughts (heavily weighted against older guys)....Kobe, lebron, durant.Wade, Howard, paul, anthony, dirk, williamsRose, gasol, roy,boshAmare, boozer, westbrook, lee, johnson.Using my list (which probably contains a glaring omission two)Heat have 3 of top 18.Thunder, bulls, and lakers have two.Ellis would be in the top 25 I would think, which would put the warriors next with two. Same goes for the blazers with aldridge and the hawks (smith)

You appear to have an anti-Celtic bias. I can think of two of them that could make that list.

Rondo has ZERO outside shot. Peirce/Allen/Garnett are older then dirt.Who is this mysterious player?

 

[timschochet]

I know I'm in the minority, but I still would, at this point, rather have Carmelo Anthony than Kevin Durant. Anthony is still really young, has yet to reach his peak, and I think he is a better all-around player.

 

[Kev4029]

I assume the top-5 is something like LeBron, Howard, Bryant, Wade, and Anthony with guys lilke CPaul, DWilliams, and Durant close. Bosh doesn't belong in that group, but he's not that far off is he? 5-time all star in his 7 years in the NBA. Maybe top-15 at worst?

Wouldn't Durant be in the top 5? Watching him play, I think he might be #3 right now and he might just be taking the MVP home three or four times in the next six years.

IMO the order is Lebron, Wade, CP3, then whoever out of Howard, Melo, Williams, Kobe, Durant you would like, then another tier of Bosh, Dirk, Gasol, Duncan, Nash and possibly Roy. So I would have Bosh somewhere between 9 and 14.

I'm not an NBA expert by any stretch, but Durant is so long and quick he is almost impossible to defend. He is a great free throw shooter, rebounds, blocks shots, plays very good D, can shoot the three and takes it to the hoop with the best of them. I don't see a weakness in his game and he's 9 inches taller than Paul making his ceiling as a player a lot higher IMO. Paul is awesome, no doubt but if I'm starting a franchise right now I take Durant over everyone but Lebron and if I had the #3 pick I'd be really pissed.

Durant's biggest weakness is his passing ability, which is mediocre at best, and he lack of athleticism and strength. He more than makes up for his lack of athleticism and strength with the fact that hes so tall and lanky. I agree with you that hes the second best NBA "prospect" but I'm not sure he is there yet, and for the time being I don't think hes top 3, but by next year he could very well be the second best player in the NBA.

 

[the moops]

I assume the top-5 is something like LeBron, Howard, Bryant, Wade, and Anthony with guys lilke CPaul, DWilliams, and Durant close. Bosh doesn't belong in that group, but he's not that far off is he? 5-time all star in his 7 years in the NBA. Maybe top-15 at worst?

Wouldn't Durant be in the top 5? Watching him play, I think he might be #3 right now and he might just be taking the MVP home three or four times in the next six years.

Durant is easily in the top three. My thoughts (heavily weighted against older guys)....Kobe, lebron, durant.Wade, Howard, paul, anthony, dirk, williamsRose, gasol, roy,boshAmare, boozer, westbrook, lee, johnson.Using my list (which probably contains a glaring omission two)Heat have 3 of top 18.Thunder, bulls, and lakers have two.Ellis would be in the top 25 I would think, which would put the warriors next with two. Same goes for the blazers with aldridge and the hawks (smith)

You appear to have an anti-Celtic bias. I can think of two of them that could make that list.

Rondo has ZERO outside shot. Peirce/Allen/Garnett are older then dirt.Who is this mysterious player?

While I am down on Rondo, and dont rate him as highly as some, he is most definitely on any top 20 list. Dwight Howard has no outside shot and ho offensive game to speak of, yet he is very deserving of his top 7 status because of the other things that he does amazingly well. Same goes for Rondo. As maddening as it is that he cant hit a 18 foot jump shot, his superb passing, rebounding, getting to the rim, and defense overshadow his poor shooting.

 

[Kev4029]

I assume the top-5 is something like LeBron, Howard, Bryant, Wade, and Anthony with guys lilke CPaul, DWilliams, and Durant close. Bosh doesn't belong in that group, but he's not that far off is he? 5-time all star in his 7 years in the NBA. Maybe top-15 at worst?

Wouldn't Durant be in the top 5? Watching him play, I think he might be #3 right now and he might just be taking the MVP home three or four times in the next six years.

Durant is easily in the top three. My thoughts (heavily weighted against older guys)....Kobe, lebron, durant.Wade, Howard, paul, anthony, dirk, williamsRose, gasol, roy,boshAmare, boozer, westbrook, lee, johnson.Using my list (which probably contains a glaring omission two)Heat have 3 of top 18.Thunder, bulls, and lakers have two.Ellis would be in the top 25 I would think, which would put the warriors next with two. Same goes for the blazers with aldridge and the hawks (smith)

You appear to have an anti-Celtic bias. I can think of two of them that could make that list.

I said I probably left some off. Pierce should definitely be on there. Disagree on biliups. I think lee is very underrated.

I left Rondo off of my short list, but he should probably be on there with the Nash's and Gasol's of the world. Pierce I completely disagree with, I don't see why he should be ranked anywhere near the top 25 for anything but reputation. He's pretty much just a jumpshooting SF with little else to offer, I think his contract was a terrible mistake.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

I assume the top-5 is something like LeBron, Howard, Bryant, Wade, and Anthony with guys lilke CPaul, DWilliams, and Durant close. Bosh doesn't belong in that group, but he's not that far off is he? 5-time all star in his 7 years in the NBA. Maybe top-15 at worst?

Wouldn't Durant be in the top 5? Watching him play, I think he might be #3 right now and he might just be taking the MVP home three or four times in the next six years.

IMO the order is Lebron, Wade, CP3, then whoever out of Howard, Melo, Williams, Kobe, Durant you would like, then another tier of Bosh, Dirk, Gasol, Duncan, Nash and possibly Roy. So I would have Bosh somewhere between 9 and 14.

I'm not an NBA expert by any stretch, but Durant is so long and quick he is almost impossible to defend. He is a great free throw shooter, rebounds, blocks shots, plays very good D, can shoot the three and takes it to the hoop with the best of them. I don't see a weakness in his game and he's 9 inches taller than Paul making his ceiling as a player a lot higher IMO. Paul is awesome, no doubt but if I'm starting a franchise right now I take Durant over everyone but Lebron and if I had the #3 pick I'd be really pissed.

Durant's biggest weakness is his passing ability, which is mediocre at best, and he lack of athleticism and strength. He more than makes up for his lack of athleticism and strength with the fact that hes so tall and lanky. I agree with you that hes the second best NBA "prospect" but I'm not sure he is there yet, and for the time being I don't think hes top 3, but by next year he could very well be the second best player in the NBA.

Durant lacks athleticism? This is the first I'm hearing of this.

 

[cubd8]

No way is Bosh top 3 player. Bosh is only slightly better than David Lee, in fact he's not even in Lee's neighborhood in terms of rebounding.

Bosh isn't even a top 10 player, although he is close, and I'm sure there are arguments that he is in it, but I think these 10 are above Bosh right now.Lebron, Kobe, Durant, Paul, Wade, Howard, Carmelo, Deron, Nowitzki, Gasol.Bosh does slide right in behind these guys though.

Miami is going to be a great "team" with the Big 3. Those 3 (obviously particularly James and Wade) are so much better than anyone else outside of Kobe that they will be able to win games by themselves. Saying that, I don't see how this team doesn't give a lot of points unless they are able to get solid play in the interior from somebody like a Ben Wallace, who would make a ton of sense. Chris Bosh and D.Wade are not known for their defense so a slashing point guard or a team with low post threats are going to do a lot of damage to this "team", but, for now at least, Miami looks intersted in adding shooters around them (Miller and maybe Fisher).Is Wade going to start at PG or does Chalmers do this to allow James/Wade less to worry about even though we know these guys will have the ball a ton OR is Miller going to start with Chalmers off the bench?

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

I assume the top-5 is something like LeBron, Howard, Bryant, Wade, and Anthony with guys lilke CPaul, DWilliams, and Durant close. Bosh doesn't belong in that group, but he's not that far off is he? 5-time all star in his 7 years in the NBA. Maybe top-15 at worst?

Wouldn't Durant be in the top 5? Watching him play, I think he might be #3 right now and he might just be taking the MVP home three or four times in the next six years.

IMO the order is Lebron, Wade, CP3, then whoever out of Howard, Melo, Williams, Kobe, Durant you would like, then another tier of Bosh, Dirk, Gasol, Duncan, Nash and possibly Roy. So I would have Bosh somewhere between 9 and 14.

I'm not an NBA expert by any stretch, but Durant is so long and quick he is almost impossible to defend. He is a great free throw shooter, rebounds, blocks shots, plays very good D, can shoot the three and takes it to the hoop with the best of them. I don't see a weakness in his game and he's 9 inches taller than Paul making his ceiling as a player a lot higher IMO. Paul is awesome, no doubt but if I'm starting a franchise right now I take Durant over everyone but Lebron and if I had the #3 pick I'd be really pissed.

At the #3 pick, you would probably get Durant if you wanted him. The #1 and #2 picks would be LeBron and Dwight Howard. If Durant wasn't available, you could take whoever was "left over" between LeBron and Howard.

I'd take Durant #1.I seriously question Howard and James' mental toughness. Durant is the single deadliest shooter in the league, hands down.

 

[Kev4029]

I assume the top-5 is something like LeBron, Howard, Bryant, Wade, and Anthony with guys lilke CPaul, DWilliams, and Durant close. Bosh doesn't belong in that group, but he's not that far off is he? 5-time all star in his 7 years in the NBA. Maybe top-15 at worst?

Wouldn't Durant be in the top 5? Watching him play, I think he might be #3 right now and he might just be taking the MVP home three or four times in the next six years.

IMO the order is Lebron, Wade, CP3, then whoever out of Howard, Melo, Williams, Kobe, Durant you would like, then another tier of Bosh, Dirk, Gasol, Duncan, Nash and possibly Roy. So I would have Bosh somewhere between 9 and 14.

I'm not an NBA expert by any stretch, but Durant is so long and quick he is almost impossible to defend. He is a great free throw shooter, rebounds, blocks shots, plays very good D, can shoot the three and takes it to the hoop with the best of them. I don't see a weakness in his game and he's 9 inches taller than Paul making his ceiling as a player a lot higher IMO. Paul is awesome, no doubt but if I'm starting a franchise right now I take Durant over everyone but Lebron and if I had the #3 pick I'd be really pissed.

At the #3 pick, you would probably get Durant if you wanted him. The #1 and #2 picks would be LeBron and Dwight Howard. If Durant wasn't available, you could take whoever was "left over" between LeBron and Howard.

If I recall, during our NBA draft we did, Howard went 1st (everybody agreed that was the wrong move), Lebron went 2nd, and Durant went 3rd. In the debate I recall a fair amount of people saying they would have picked Durant over Howard (not over Lebron).

 

[cubd8]

I assume the top-5 is something like LeBron, Howard, Bryant, Wade, and Anthony with guys lilke CPaul, DWilliams, and Durant close. Bosh doesn't belong in that group, but he's not that far off is he? 5-time all star in his 7 years in the NBA. Maybe top-15 at worst?

He's probably in the Top 15, but it will be interesting to see if he does the 24 and 10 again with this team. I don't doubt the rebounds will be there, but he's the 3rd guy now on this team although there is little depth and Wade/James will share the ball. I'm thinking he'll do about 19 or 20 points a game with 10-11 rebounds. He's more of a jump shooting big man from about the free throw line, and can attack the hoop, but he's not a good defender or a post up guy.

 

[Jewell]

I assume the top-5 is something like LeBron, Howard, Bryant, Wade, and Anthony with guys lilke CPaul, DWilliams, and Durant close. Bosh doesn't belong in that group, but he's not that far off is he? 5-time all star in his 7 years in the NBA. Maybe top-15 at worst?

Wouldn't Durant be in the top 5? Watching him play, I think he might be #3 right now and he might just be taking the MVP home three or four times in the next six years.

Durant is easily in the top three. My thoughts (heavily weighted against older guys)....Kobe, lebron, durant.Wade, Howard, paul, anthony, dirk, williamsRose, gasol, roy,boshAmare, boozer, westbrook, lee, johnson.Using my list (which probably contains a glaring omission two)Heat have 3 of top 18.Thunder, bulls, and lakers have two.Ellis would be in the top 25 I would think, which would put the warriors next with two. Same goes for the blazers with aldridge and the hawks (smith)

You appear to have an anti-Celtic bias. I can think of two of them that could make that list.

Rondo has ZERO outside shot. Peirce/Allen/Garnett are older then dirt.Who is this mysterious player?

No doubt that Rondo's outside shot is suspect, but his D, dimes, and driving all make him deserving of a spot on that list.And Pierce is old, but he's only a handful of months older than Dirk who's on the list. I think you're slighting Pierce. He was an awesome all-around player on crappy Celtic teams for years. His number drop-offs in recent years have as much to do with playing on a stacked team as they do his age.

 

[the moops]

Chris Bosh and D.Wade are not known for their defense

Correct about Bosh.Very wrong about Wade. He is a top 5 defender in the NBA at his position.

 

[Kev4029]

No way is Bosh top 3 player. Bosh is only slightly better than David Lee, in fact he's not even in Lee's neighborhood in terms of rebounding.

Bosh isn't even a top 10 player, although he is close, and I'm sure there are arguments that he is in it, but I think these 10 are above Bosh right now.Lebron, Kobe, Durant, Paul, Wade, Howard, Carmelo, Deron, Nowitzki, Gasol.Bosh does slide right in behind these guys though.

Miami is going to be a great "team" with the Big 3. Those 3 (obviously particularly James and Wade) are so much better than anyone else outside of Kobe that they will be able to win games by themselves. Saying that, I don't see how this team doesn't give a lot of points unless they are able to get solid play in the interior from somebody like a Ben Wallace, who would make a ton of sense. Chris Bosh and D.Wade are not known for their defense so a slashing point guard or a team with low post threats are going to do a lot of damage to this "team", but, for now at least, Miami looks intersted in adding shooters around them (Miller and maybe Fisher).Is Wade going to start at PG or does Chalmers do this to allow James/Wade less to worry about even though we know these guys will have the ball a ton OR is Miller going to start with Chalmers off the bench?

I don't feel like looking up awards or stats, but I think Wade has been 2nd team all defense on a few occasions and has either lead the league in steals or been very close for the last 5 years. He IMO should have been a 1st all defense this year, he is a far better defender than Kobe and does it more often. You are misinformed about his defense. And while Bosh isn't known for his defense (and he shouldn't be) he is an average defender against PFs and he won't be the root of their defensive problems.

 

[timschochet]

I'd take Durant #1.

I seriously question Howard and James' mental toughness. Durant is the single deadliest shooter in the league, hands down.

Did you watch when LeBron James single-handledly led the Cavs to the Finals a few years back? Did you watch when he single-handledly almost beat the Celtics two years back? I don't get how, after all that, anyone could question this guy's mental toughness.As for Durant, I'm not fully convinced. I like him, but Novitski is a great shooter too, and his all-around game is limited. Durant hasn't shown us everything yet. Carmelo is as much an offensive threat, plays better defense (when he wants to) and is much more physical. If I'm a GM, I'm drafting LeBron, Howard, and Carmelo all before Durant.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

No doubt that Rondo's outside shot is suspect, but his D, dimes, and driving all make him deserving of a spot on that list.And Pierce is old, but he's only a handful of months older than Dirk who's on the list. I think you're slighting Pierce. He was an awesome all-around player on crappy Celtic teams for years. His number drop-offs in recent years have as much to do with playing on a stacked team as they do his age.

Peirce was my second favorite player for years and certainly before he got the credit he deserved a few years ago, so I'm not slighting him in my mind. Those years playing on horrendous teams took their toll. Now he just doesn't have the legs. The guy has played forever, lost all his teeth, been stabbed, he's had it rough. I do miss the way him and Walker used to abuse people.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

I'd take Durant #1.

I seriously question Howard and James' mental toughness. Durant is the single deadliest shooter in the league, hands down.

Did you watch when LeBron James single-handledly led the Cavs to the Finals a few years back? Did you watch when he single-handledly almost beat the Celtics two years back? I don't get how, after all that, anyone could question this guy's mental toughness.As for Durant, I'm not fully convinced. I like him, but Novitski is a great shooter too, and his all-around game is limited. Durant hasn't shown us everything yet. Carmelo is as much an offensive threat, plays better defense (when he wants to) and is much more physical. If I'm a GM, I'm drafting LeBron, Howard, and Carmelo all before Durant.

Those guys are all considerably older then Durant. Durant hasn't even become half the player he is going to be.

 

[Abraham]

Not trying to stay a flame war, but the only flaw in durant's game is that he doesn't have enough experience in big moments. He is extremely athletic and has a ridiculous handle for a guy his size. He doesn't pass a ton because he doesn't have to since he can pretty much score at will. I can't imagine any team would put him any lower then third behind james and howard on their big board of guys too start a tann with tomorrow.

Agree that rondo would be in the to twenty.

 

[Kev4029]

No doubt that Rondo's outside shot is suspect, but his D, dimes, and driving all make him deserving of a spot on that list.And Pierce is old, but he's only a handful of months older than Dirk who's on the list. I think you're slighting Pierce. He was an awesome all-around player on crappy Celtic teams for years. His number drop-offs in recent years have as much to do with playing on a stacked team as they do his age.

He was an awesome all around player, he is now a below average rebounder, and an average passer, hes a jump shooter, not an all around talent anymore. What makes him a better player than a guy like Granger, Gay, Deng, or Wallace?

 

[Jewell]

No doubt that Rondo's outside shot is suspect, but his D, dimes, and driving all make him deserving of a spot on that list.And Pierce is old, but he's only a handful of months older than Dirk who's on the list. I think you're slighting Pierce. He was an awesome all-around player on crappy Celtic teams for years. His number drop-offs in recent years have as much to do with playing on a stacked team as they do his age.

Peirce was my second favorite player for years and certainly before he got the credit he deserved a few years ago, so I'm not slighting him in my mind. Those years playing on horrendous teams took their toll. Now he just doesn't have the legs. The guy has played forever, lost all his teeth, been stabbed, he's had it rough. I do miss the way him and Walker used to abuse people.

You're probably right. I think I'm letting my Pierce love blind me a little.

 

[shadyridr]

WTF did the Heat retire #23 for Jordan?

 

[Kev4029]

I'd take Durant #1.

I seriously question Howard and James' mental toughness. Durant is the single deadliest shooter in the league, hands down.

Did you watch when LeBron James single-handledly led the Cavs to the Finals a few years back? Did you watch when he single-handledly almost beat the Celtics two years back? I don't get how, after all that, anyone could question this guy's mental toughness.As for Durant, I'm not fully convinced. I like him, but Novitski is a great shooter too, and his all-around game is limited. Durant hasn't shown us everything yet. Carmelo is as much an offensive threat, plays better defense (when he wants to) and is much more physical. If I'm a GM, I'm drafting LeBron, Howard, and Carmelo all before Durant.

With all the talk here is Colorado about Melo possibly leaving next year, Denver sports talk radio has been focusing too much on it, and we have some very dumb radio guys here on the big sports radio station (104.3), so there has been some ridiculous stuff said lately. Last week on the early local show (right after Jim Rome) we had a guy filling in for Scott Hasting (Orin) and he said that Melo is vastly over rated to the point he thinks we should trade him for Gilbert Arenas and start Joey Graham who is a better player. This dude think Joey Graham would average AT LEAST 19 and 10 for the Nuggets. The guy on air with him disagreed on the Arenas and Graham point, but also thought he was over rated and not likely in the top 15 players in the NBA. The show after that (Dmac and Alfred Williams) also pretty much agree that Melo is over rated and the Nuggs can't win a championship with him. It is no wonder why the dude wants to leave Denver with the terrible press he gets around town.ETA: this is one of the worst written "paragraphs" I have ever read. I feel like that was written by the 12 year old me.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

WTF did the Heat retire #23 for Jordan?

Because pat Riley recognizes greatness.

 

[cubd8]

No way is Bosh top 3 player. Bosh is only slightly better than David Lee, in fact he's not even in Lee's neighborhood in terms of rebounding.

Bosh isn't even a top 10 player, although he is close, and I'm sure there are arguments that he is in it, but I think these 10 are above Bosh right now.Lebron, Kobe, Durant, Paul, Wade, Howard, Carmelo, Deron, Nowitzki, Gasol.Bosh does slide right in behind these guys though.

Miami is going to be a great "team" with the Big 3. Those 3 (obviously particularly James and Wade) are so much better than anyone else outside of Kobe that they will be able to win games by themselves. Saying that, I don't see how this team doesn't give a lot of points unless they are able to get solid play in the interior from somebody like a Ben Wallace, who would make a ton of sense. Chris Bosh and D.Wade are not known for their defense so a slashing point guard or a team with low post threats are going to do a lot of damage to this "team", but, for now at least, Miami looks intersted in adding shooters around them (Miller and maybe Fisher).Is Wade going to start at PG or does Chalmers do this to allow James/Wade less to worry about even though we know these guys will have the ball a ton OR is Miller going to start with Chalmers off the bench?

I don't feel like looking up awards or stats, but I think Wade has been 2nd team all defense on a few occasions and has either lead the league in steals or been very close for the last 5 years. He IMO should have been a 1st all defense this year, he is a far better defender than Kobe and does it more often. You are misinformed about his defense. And while Bosh isn't known for his defense (and he shouldn't be) he is an average defender against PFs and he won't be the root of their defensive problems.

My bad on Wade. I stand corrected. I thought he wasn't known much for his defense, but my opinion has changed to reflect the reality. As for Bosh, he does not play good defense so I'll stand by that one. I do think the big issue with this team will be interior defense. Right now, they don't offer up anything to stop other teams with good post games.

 

[the moops]

I do think the big issue with this team will be interior defense. Right now, they don't offer up anything to stop other teams with good post games.

Probably need to wait to see what vets sign on for the minimum before you come to this conclusion.

 

[simmonjm]

The Knicks are close to acquiring Raymond Felton for 3 yrs 25 million with last year not being guaranteed. When I look at this roster it is markedly better than any roster the Knicks have had in the past 10 years with that being said is it realistic to expect playoffs with this bunch? I foresee a 7th or 8th seed.

Felton

Chandler

Gallo

Randolph

Amare

 

[timschochet]

The Knicks are close to acquiring Raymond Felton for 3 yrs 25 million with last year not being guaranteed. When I look at this roster it is markedly better than any roster the Knicks have had in the past 10 years with that being said is it realistic to expect playoffs with this bunch? I foresee a 7th or 8th seed.FeltonChandlerGalloRandolphAmare

Depends how they mesh, and how Randolph plays. Looks pretty good, though.

 

[Kev4029]

The Knicks are close to acquiring Raymond Felton for 3 yrs 25 million with last year not being guaranteed. When I look at this roster it is markedly better than any roster the Knicks have had in the past 10 years with that being said is it realistic to expect playoffs with this bunch? I foresee a 7th or 8th seed.FeltonChandlerGalloRandolphAmare

Depends how they mesh, and how Randolph plays. Looks pretty good, though.

I think they'll make the playoffs, and I also expect they'll start turiaf at center. With douglas buke and randolph on the bench they are fairly deep.

 

[whitem0nkey]

 

[pollardsvision]

The Knicks are close to acquiring Raymond Felton for 3 yrs 25 million with last year not being guaranteed. When I look at this roster it is markedly better than any roster the Knicks have had in the past 10 years with that being said is it realistic to expect playoffs with this bunch? I foresee a 7th or 8th seed.FeltonChandlerGalloRandolphAmare

I have no idea how good they will be, but there's a really good chance they'll be fun to watch, which must be a welcome change for Knicks fans.Randolph and Felton will determine how far they go.I love Felton and even though my dreams of him being in the same breath as CP3 and Deron are long gone, he's a solid PG and might flourish under D'antoni (or at least put up Martz-effect stats).