*NBA THREAD* Abe will be missed (8 Viewers)

[Celph Titled]

The other team (besides the Lakers) that I think really presents problems for Miami with that lineup (James, Wade, Bosh, Haslem, point guard??, with Miller off the bench) is Orlando. Boston beat Orlando because Perkins played great man defense on Howard and that stifled the Magic's offense. I know Howard is not the greatest offensive threat, but even so he should have his way with the Heat.

I think Chicago and OKC could pose issues as well. IMO, the Bulls are trying to add outside shooting depth so no lead is safe for the opposition. And OKC could offer problems with the athleticism of Green, Harden, etc.

You know, everyone seems to think that by next season, Oklahoma City is going to be the second best team in the west. I don't see it; I still don't think they are a particulary good team. They provided some matchup problems for the Lakers; particularly Westbrook on Fisher. But for all Westbrook's speed I don't believe he knows what he's doing yet, and for all Durant's great skills he's still an outside jump shooter who can score a lot of points. I think this team is a few years away, and I'm not sure they will ever get there- who knows?Denver and Dallas are the teams that really should challenge the Lakers in the West- they remain, IMO, the two best teams other than Los Angeles.

How many games do you think OKC is going to win next year? Last year they won 50, everyone is coming back, and they're all very young with room to get better?

 

[Masked Vigilante]

The other team (besides the Lakers) that I think really presents problems for Miami with that lineup (James, Wade, Bosh, Haslem, point guard??, with Miller off the bench) is Orlando. Boston beat Orlando because Perkins played great man defense on Howard and that stifled the Magic's offense. I know Howard is not the greatest offensive threat, but even so he should have his way with the Heat.

I think Chicago and OKC could pose issues as well. IMO, the Bulls are trying to add outside shooting depth so no lead is safe for the opposition. And OKC could offer problems with the athleticism of Green, Harden, etc.

You know, everyone seems to think that by next season, Oklahoma City is going to be the second best team in the west. I don't see it; I still don't think they are a particulary good team. They provided some matchup problems for the Lakers; particularly Westbrook on Fisher. But for all Westbrook's speed I don't believe he knows what he's doing yet, and for all Durant's great skills he's still an outside jump shooter who can score a lot of points. I think this team is a few years away, and I'm not sure they will ever get there- who knows?Denver and Dallas are the teams that really should challenge the Lakers in the West- they remain, IMO, the two best teams other than Los Angeles.

How many games do you think OKC is going to win next year? Last year they won 50, everyone is coming back, and they're all very young with room to get better?

Lakers, Thunder and Trail Blazers will be the three best teams in the West next year.

 

[timschochet]

The other team (besides the Lakers) that I think really presents problems for Miami with that lineup (James, Wade, Bosh, Haslem, point guard??, with Miller off the bench) is Orlando. Boston beat Orlando because Perkins played great man defense on Howard and that stifled the Magic's offense. I know Howard is not the greatest offensive threat, but even so he should have his way with the Heat.

I think Chicago and OKC could pose issues as well. IMO, the Bulls are trying to add outside shooting depth so no lead is safe for the opposition. And OKC could offer problems with the athleticism of Green, Harden, etc.

You know, everyone seems to think that by next season, Oklahoma City is going to be the second best team in the west. I don't see it; I still don't think they are a particulary good team. They provided some matchup problems for the Lakers; particularly Westbrook on Fisher. But for all Westbrook's speed I don't believe he knows what he's doing yet, and for all Durant's great skills he's still an outside jump shooter who can score a lot of points. I think this team is a few years away, and I'm not sure they will ever get there- who knows?Denver and Dallas are the teams that really should challenge the Lakers in the West- they remain, IMO, the two best teams other than Los Angeles.

How many games do you think OKC is going to win next year? Last year they won 50, everyone is coming back, and they're all very young with room to get better?

Around the same number, I would guess. They'll move up in the playoff picture, but not to 2nd seed. Maybe 4th or 5th.

 

[timschochet]

Lakers, Thunder and Trail Blazers will be the three best teams in the West next year.

I really don't get the thought process that dismisses the Nuggets and the Mavs so easily. The best player in the west not named Kobe is named Carmelo. Dirk is still probably the best shooter in the west, and he still has a better collection of talent around him than does Durant.

 

[Celph Titled]

The other team (besides the Lakers) that I think really presents problems for Miami with that lineup (James, Wade, Bosh, Haslem, point guard??, with Miller off the bench) is Orlando. Boston beat Orlando because Perkins played great man defense on Howard and that stifled the Magic's offense. I know Howard is not the greatest offensive threat, but even so he should have his way with the Heat.

I think Chicago and OKC could pose issues as well. IMO, the Bulls are trying to add outside shooting depth so no lead is safe for the opposition. And OKC could offer problems with the athleticism of Green, Harden, etc.

You know, everyone seems to think that by next season, Oklahoma City is going to be the second best team in the west. I don't see it; I still don't think they are a particulary good team. They provided some matchup problems for the Lakers; particularly Westbrook on Fisher. But for all Westbrook's speed I don't believe he knows what he's doing yet, and for all Durant's great skills he's still an outside jump shooter who can score a lot of points. I think this team is a few years away, and I'm not sure they will ever get there- who knows?Denver and Dallas are the teams that really should challenge the Lakers in the West- they remain, IMO, the two best teams other than Los Angeles.

How many games do you think OKC is going to win next year? Last year they won 50, everyone is coming back, and they're all very young with room to get better?

Around the same number, I would guess. They'll move up in the playoff picture, but not to 2nd seed. Maybe 4th or 5th.

So a team whose star player is 21, next two best players are 23 and 21 (Green and Westbrook), two recent first-rounders who are 20 and 21 (Harden and Aldrich), and whose role players are 20, 26 and 26 (Ibaka, Sefolosha and Krstic) is going to spin its wheels?

 

[FatMax]

Lakers, Thunder and Trail Blazers will be the three best teams in the West next year.

I really don't get the thought process that dismisses the Nuggets and the Mavs so easily. The best player in the west not named Kobe is named Carmelo. Dirk is still probably the best shooter in the west, and he still has a better collection of talent around him than does Durant.

You're talking out you ### again, Tim. Durant was better than Anthony in nearly every statistical category, including (but not limited to) PPG, FG%, 3pt%, REB, and BLK. Carmelo had a very slight advantage in assists and steals. Per game of course, because he has also managed to miss 13+ games in three out of the last four seasons.ETA: Durant is also better at the line. Both in attempts per game and percentage. His PER is also higher.

 

[Premier]

Quentin Richardson has agreed in principle to a multi-year contract with the Orlando Magic, a league source tells Y! Sports.

Very nice signing for the Magic. Now, when Carter mails it in they have someone to put in in his place who can score some points. The Magic aren't going to be nearly as easy to beat as Miami fans may think.

So does that indicate they may not match the Bulls offer to Reddick?

So another blurb says the Richardson signing addresses the 3 (not the 2) and that Barnes is probably on the street as a result, but that they're still mulling over resigning Reddick.

Otis Smith said this weekend that he "anticipates" re-signing JJ. Am I the only one who doesn't like the Richardson signing for the Magic? Isn't he kind of soft? Do they really need more players like him? I really hope they are planning to play Bass and/or Gortat more this year. Otherwise it seems like more of the same.

 

[TommyGilmore]

Lakers, Thunder and Trail Blazers will be the three best teams in the West next year.

I really don't get the thought process that dismisses the Nuggets and the Mavs so easily. The best player in the west not named Kobe is named Carmelo. Dirk is still probably the best shooter in the west, and he still has a better collection of talent around him than does Durant.

Vegas odds to win the west:Los Angeles Lakers 6-5Oklahoma City Thunder 11-2Dallas Mavericks 7-1Denver Nuggets 9-1Portland Blazers 9-1

 

[Gr00vus]

Otis Smith said this weekend that he "anticipates" re-signing JJ. Am I the only one who doesn't like the Richardson signing for the Magic? Isn't he kind of soft? Do they really need more players like him? I really hope they are planning to play Bass and/or Gortat more this year. Otherwise it seems like more of the same.

It seems odd with LeBron entering the division. So now you're going to try and D up the Heat with Richardson on James and Carter on Wade? Or they're just saying #### perimeter D, we're going to live or die with our 3 point shooting and it's bombs away for everybody not named Howard all the time.

 

[pollardsvision]

The Decision we've all been waiting for: http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=5374659&a...egoryid=5092967

 

[gump]

A major retailer sold thru 67% of their James/Heat product that was delivered on Sat late morning by Sunday night.

 

[TommyGilmore]

The Decision we've all been waiting for: http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=5374659&a...egoryid=5092967

"Bill Simmons wants to see playoff games"

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

Wow saw the Josh Childress deal. Great value for the Suns getting Childress for 5yrs/34 (6.8 per year), at that price I wish the Warriors had traded for him using Vlad Radmonvic's expiring deal. Now that Morrow and Childress have contracts I would like to ask which would you rather have?

Rudy Gay 5/80 (16 per year)

or

Josh Childress 5/34 (6.8 per year)

Anthony Morrow 3/12 (4 per year)

The Grizz could have solidified themselves if they had let Gay go and signed these two instead, IMO. They were roughly 11 million under the cap so they could have signed these guys outright and/or worked out a sign in trade for their services and whatever they get in return for Gay. Oh well.

And you're moving Mayo to PG?

He was recruited as a PG out of HS and played there at USC. He is more of a 2/1 then a 1/2 combo guard but it's worth a shot IMO for the improved defense since he's smaller then most SGs. For what it's worth he's getting time there in summer league. If anything bringing Morrow off the bench would help the team a lot and I don't think there is a drop if any between Gay and Childress.

Two over the top statements here, imo. Mayo worth trying at PG. :bigredx:

No drop off between Gay and Childress. :biggerredx:

I'm sure you'll come up with some Greek League stats to "prove" me wrong though.

I don't think Mayo can be a true PG but he averages 3 ast per game playing off the ball. He can be a better version of Derek Fisher, IMO, who plays the PG but his function is more SG. Mayo plays decent defense but he's outmatched by the bigger SGs... then again Morrow is terrible so it's probably a net equal Conely/Mayo vs Mayo/Morrow on the defensive end and likely worse. No need to look at Greek League stats just a simple comparison of NBA stats.

Gay vs Childress

Aside from PPG, look at the stats advanced or basic and let me know where the drop off is? Also note that Childress did it in 4 mpg less than Gay. Then you add to that that Childress is a + defender vs Gay and I don't think it's an outlandish statement.

The extra points Gay produced took EXTRA SHOTS and with him gone those shots would spread between Mayo, Z-Bo, Marc Gasol, Childress, and Morrow. All these guys shoot more efficiently then Gay and it would only take a TOTAL OF 4 FGM/game spread between those 5 players to make up the 11 ppg vs 18 ppg between Childress and Gay. That's an extra shot or 2 for each player which shouldn't decrease their efficiency much.

Again those guys shoot it more efficiently than Gay so in the end it will help improve their team (efficiency and more offensive options). Points in an NBA game is the easiest thing to do/find (see Golden State Warriors) but finding guys who score efficiently AND play defense is the holy grail.

So now that you see the stats are similar aside from PPG and how easy the Grizzlies can make up that 7 ppg difference... is that such an outlandish statement?

I guess my short answer to this is that I don't believe that Childress will be as efficient as he was as mainly a bench player in ATL if he's required to be on the floor more and take more shots. We probably won't get to find out this year because he'll be backing up Grant Hill, right? Doesn't that alone say something about him?Also, I do believe Gay can still improve. I don't believe it's guaranteed by any means, but there's a chance a guy that's not yet 24 can get better. I'll grant you there's no trend in his stats over the last 3 years indicating such.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

The Decision we've all been waiting for: http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=5374659&a...egoryid=5092967

Awesome.

 

[No. 16]

I don't think Mayo can be a true PG but he averages 3 ast per game playing off the ball. He can be a better version of Derek Fisher, IMO, who plays the PG but his function is more SG. Mayo plays decent defense but he's outmatched by the bigger SGs... then again Morrow is terrible so it's probably a net equal Conely/Mayo vs Mayo/Morrow on the defensive end and likely worse.

No need to look at Greek League stats just a simple comparison of NBA stats.

Gay vs Childress

Aside from PPG, look at the stats advanced or basic and let me know where the drop off is? Also note that Childress did it in 4 mpg less than Gay. Then you add to that that Childress is a + defender vs Gay and I don't think it's an outlandish statement.

The extra points Gay produced took EXTRA SHOTS and with him gone those shots would spread between Mayo, Z-Bo, Marc Gasol, Childress, and Morrow. All these guys shoot more efficiently then Gay and it would only take a TOTAL OF 4 FGM/game spread between those 5 players to make up the 11 ppg vs 18 ppg between Childress and Gay. That's an extra shot or 2 for each player which shouldn't decrease their efficiency much.

Again those guys shoot it more efficiently than Gay so in the end it will help improve their team (efficiency and more offensive options). Points in an NBA game is the easiest thing to do/find (see Golden State Warriors) but finding guys who score efficiently AND play defense is the holy grail.

So now that you see the stats are similar aside from PPG and how easy the Grizzlies can make up that 7 ppg difference... is that such an outlandish statement?

I guess my short answer to this is that I don't believe that Childress will be as efficient as he was as mainly a bench player in ATL if he's required to be on the floor more and take more shots. We probably won't get to find out this year because he'll be backing up Grant Hill, right? Doesn't that alone say something about him?Also, I do believe Gay can still improve. I don't believe it's guaranteed by any means, but there's a chance a guy that's not yet 24 can get better. I'll grant you there's no trend in his stats over the last 3 years indicating such.

- Sure Childress efficiency WILL drop if he's asked to score more points BUT he's already WAY ahead of Rudy gay as far as efficiency. Rudy Gay - 15 FGA:53 TS%

Childress - 8 FGA: 59.9 TS%

So Childress SHOULD experience a drop in efficiency with increased FGA (only a fool would think otherwise), but just b/c he takes twice as many shots doesn't mean he'll decrease his efficiency in half. No way to find the exact curve but FGA:% should be on some type of curve. In the end, I don't think the drop is big enough that IF Childress takes as many shots as Gay his efficiency would DROP BELOW that of Gay's.

- Now let's look at this Player vs Player and Team stand point.

Player vs Player: actual production.

- Gay: + volume scoring

- Childress: + defense, + efficiency, +/= everything else in 4mpg less over their careers.

So if you look at what they offer on the court it goes to offense vs defense regarding your preference (mine is obviously efficiency and defense).

- I don't know if you overlooked it or felt the increased FGA:decrease % argument was enough but I don't think you addressed the team impact of replacing Childress for Gay.

I think it's safe to say Childress >= Gay in every aspect BUT volume scoring. Check the stats. Also Childress actually plays defense. So the only thing Grizz need to do is making up the 7 point difference in their career scoring average.

Again, that can be done if the TEAM AS WHOLE can find a way to add +4 FGM per game. You could assume Mayo, Marc Gasol, Childress, and Z-Bo can each take an EXTRA 2 shots per game (make 1: miss 1). It is also good to note these 4 all had TS% higher than Gay's. Do you think an extra two shots per game will reduce their efficiency by that much? I don't think so.

Voila, the team has improved their defense AND efficiency simply by swapping out Childress for Gay. They would also get Morrow off the bench and more cap room! Also down the line it would be easier to trade 2 small contracts (Childress/Morrow) vs 1 huge one (Gay).

 

[Green94]

The Decision we've all been waiting for: http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=5374659&a...egoryid=5092967

 

[Zaxxon]

Sure, everybody loves Derek Fisher NOW. Anybody remember the Oklahoma City series when TGunz and a few other Laker fans ripped him to shreds on a regular basis? Dump him, leave him on the bench, they said. I defended Fish (though I wasn't the only one).

I was one of these people "ripping" Fisher. He makes a much better option coming off of the bench than he does starting. He is a turnstile on defense and makes his living as a spot up shooter. Blake needs to start.

 

[Gr00vus]

Stern talks about LeBron's decision.

Stern's fining Gilbert/Cavs $100,000 for Gilbert's "letter."

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

I don't think Mayo can be a true PG but he averages 3 ast per game playing off the ball. He can be a better version of Derek Fisher, IMO, who plays the PG but his function is more SG. Mayo plays decent defense but he's outmatched by the bigger SGs... then again Morrow is terrible so it's probably a net equal Conely/Mayo vs Mayo/Morrow on the defensive end and likely worse.

No need to look at Greek League stats just a simple comparison of NBA stats.

Gay vs Childress

Aside from PPG, look at the stats advanced or basic and let me know where the drop off is? Also note that Childress did it in 4 mpg less than Gay. Then you add to that that Childress is a + defender vs Gay and I don't think it's an outlandish statement.

The extra points Gay produced took EXTRA SHOTS and with him gone those shots would spread between Mayo, Z-Bo, Marc Gasol, Childress, and Morrow. All these guys shoot more efficiently then Gay and it would only take a TOTAL OF 4 FGM/game spread between those 5 players to make up the 11 ppg vs 18 ppg between Childress and Gay. That's an extra shot or 2 for each player which shouldn't decrease their efficiency much.

Again those guys shoot it more efficiently than Gay so in the end it will help improve their team (efficiency and more offensive options). Points in an NBA game is the easiest thing to do/find (see Golden State Warriors) but finding guys who score efficiently AND play defense is the holy grail.

So now that you see the stats are similar aside from PPG and how easy the Grizzlies can make up that 7 ppg difference... is that such an outlandish statement?

I guess my short answer to this is that I don't believe that Childress will be as efficient as he was as mainly a bench player in ATL if he's required to be on the floor more and take more shots. We probably won't get to find out this year because he'll be backing up Grant Hill, right? Doesn't that alone say something about him?Also, I do believe Gay can still improve. I don't believe it's guaranteed by any means, but there's a chance a guy that's not yet 24 can get better. I'll grant you there's no trend in his stats over the last 3 years indicating such.

- Sure Childress efficiency WILL drop if he's asked to score more points BUT he's already WAY ahead of Rudy gay as far as efficiency. Rudy Gay - 15 FGA:53 TS%

Childress - 8 FGA: 59.9 TS%

So Childress SHOULD experience a drop in efficiency with increased FGA (only a fool would think otherwise), but just b/c he takes twice as many shots doesn't mean he'll decrease his efficiency in half. No way to find the exact curve but FGA:% should be on some type of curve. In the end, I don't think the drop is big enough that IF Childress takes as many shots as Gay his efficiency would DROP BELOW that of Gay's.

- Now let's look at this Player vs Player and Team stand point.

Player vs Player: actual production.

- Gay: + volume scoring

- Childress: + defense, + efficiency, +/= everything else in 4mpg less over their careers.

So if you look at what they offer on the court it goes to offense vs defense regarding your preference (mine is obviously efficiency and defense).

- I don't know if you overlooked it or felt the increased FGA:decrease % argument was enough but I don't think you addressed the team impact of replacing Childress for Gay.

I think it's safe to say Childress >= Gay in every aspect BUT volume scoring. Check the stats. Also Childress actually plays defense. So the only thing Grizz need to do is making up the 7 point difference in their career scoring average.

Again, that can be done if the TEAM AS WHOLE can find a way to add +4 FGM per game. You could assume Mayo, Marc Gasol, Childress, and Z-Bo can each take an EXTRA 2 shots per game (make 1: miss 1). It is also good to note these 4 all had TS% higher than Gay's. Do you think an extra two shots per game will reduce their efficiency by that much? I don't think so.

Voila, the team has improved their defense AND efficiency simply by swapping out Childress for Gay. They would also get Morrow off the bench and more cap room! Also down the line it would be easier to trade 2 small contracts (Childress/Morrow) vs 1 huge one (Gay).

First, I don't know that Childress is a better defender than Gay. Gay has a bit more size and gets steals and blocks. Looks like Childress also gets a decent amount of steals and blocks. Looking at your per36 mins above, steals are about the same and blocks are slightly higher for Gay. You say he's a + defender and maybe he is...but is Gay considered a bad defender?In an ideal world, sure, everyone shares the ball. However, in that lineup Mayo and Zach Randolph would consume most of the shots vacated by Gay. Especially if you have Mayo with the ball in his hands at PG. He may never let it go! Talk about bad efficiency.

A final point: Childress is much more of a wild card than you make it seem. He's spent two years in Greece, who knows what kind of player he is now. For instance, it's weird that his FT% is all in the 60s now. Trapezoid lane messing with him?

How do you think he'll do on the Suns? Think he'll eventually start there? I admit you make a compelling argument even though I don't fully agree, I'm interested to see how he plays now.

 

[timschochet]

Sure, everybody loves Derek Fisher NOW. Anybody remember the Oklahoma City series when TGunz and a few other Laker fans ripped him to shreds on a regular basis? Dump him, leave him on the bench, they said. I defended Fish (though I wasn't the only one).

I was one of these people "ripping" Fisher. He makes a much better option coming off of the bench than he does starting. He is a turnstile on defense and makes his living as a spot up shooter. Blake needs to start.

Blake will get plenty of playing time, especially during the regular season. I would not be surprised if he even splits time with Fisher as the year goes along. But for the sake of the psychology and confidence of the team, Fisher needs to remain the starter, so that he can lead the team in the postseason as he has done.

 

[Steelfan7]

Calderon to BobcatsTyson Chandler and Diaw to Raptors

Calderon to replace Felton is a good move. He needs a change of scenery but can definitely run the point. I like this move for Charlotte.Chandler/Diaw = Yawn. Chandler is in a contract year so he'll probably be productive I guess.

Calderon and his crappy defense will give Larry Brown a stroke.

 

[Don't Noonan]

Lakers, Thunder and Trail Blazers will be the three best teams in the West next year.

I really don't get the thought process that dismisses the Nuggets and the Mavs so easily. The best player in the west not named Kobe is named Carmelo. Dirk is still probably the best shooter in the west, and he still has a better collection of talent around him than does Durant.

I think the Mavs will be good. Nuggets will be okay but they are declining. I'm a self-confessed Blazer homer but I think they would have challenged the lakers for the 1 seed last year if they hadn't lost so many people with injuries. If Oden is healthy, and that is a big if, Portland should contend for the Lakers in the West. If I had to project the standings next year it would be:1) Lakers2) Blazers3) Mavs4) Nuggets5) Rockets6) Thunder7) Suns8) JazzTeams like Portland and Houston are not getting enough respect and the Thunder are getting too much respect. We shall see.

 

[datonn]

FYI, the final deal between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Miami Heat is reportedly in (and through) the league office:

Minnesota receives:

PF Michael Beasley

Miami receives:

2nd round pick in 2011

2nd round pick in 2014

Cash considerations

No first round pick swap included in the final deal. EEEEEEE!

 

[Kev4029]

Lakers, Thunder and Trail Blazers will be the three best teams in the West next year.

I really don't get the thought process that dismisses the Nuggets and the Mavs so easily. The best player in the west not named Kobe is named Carmelo. Dirk is still probably the best shooter in the west, and he still has a better collection of talent around him than does Durant.

I think the Mavs will be good. Nuggets will be okay but they are declining. I'm a self-confessed Blazer homer but I think they would have challenged the lakers for the 1 seed last year if they hadn't lost so many people with injuries. If Oden is healthy, and that is a big if, Portland should contend for the Lakers in the West. If I had to project the standings next year it would be:1) Lakers

2) Blazers

3) Mavs

4) Nuggets

5) Rockets

6) Thunder

7) Suns

8) Jazz

Teams like Portland and Houston are not getting enough respect and the Thunder are getting too much respect. We shall see.

Has there ever been a successful team that had a shoot first point guard starting to the level of Brooks? The only team that I can think of was the early 00s 76ers if you want to consider AI a PG. I don't think the Rockets deserve any respect when their best player may never be any good again and their PG is a poor man's Iverson. On top of that, I think that Scola is likely gone. One odd thing that i see on their team, which isn't necessarily good or bad, is most of their players are either +offense - defense players (Brooks, Martin, Yao, Budinger) or -offense +defense players (Jefferies, Battier, Ariza, Hayes).

 

[JMon348]

Rumor is the TWolves and Mavs are talking trade for Al Jefferson, with the Mavs not giving up much in return.

Kidd

Butler

Marion

Nowitski

Jefferson

Very nice.

Well now RealGM says this:

The Jazz have taken the lead in their pursuit of trading for Al Jefferson.

Sources told ESPN.com that the Jazz and Timberwolves are engaged in serious discussions on a deal that would slot Jefferson's contract into the $14 million trade exception.

Minnesota wants multiple first round picks and no additional salary in exchange for Jefferson.

The Dallas Mavericks were widely believed to be the most serious suitor for Jefferson in recent days, but the sides have been unable to agree on the terms of a deal

Read more: http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives.../#ixzz0tWfg7LCd

Id rather have Big Al than Boozer.

 

[Balance]

Rumor in San Antonio is Shaq may be interested. He'd have to take the vet minimum since they gave the mid-level exemption to Tiago Splitter (woop-de-doo)... so i doubt this happens.

But I'd take him in a heart beat.

 

[Walton Goggins]

Lakers, Thunder and Trail Blazers will be the three best teams in the West next year.

I really don't get the thought process that dismisses the Nuggets and the Mavs so easily. The best player in the west not named Kobe is named Carmelo. Dirk is still probably the best shooter in the west, and he still has a better collection of talent around him than does Durant.

I think the Mavs will be good. Nuggets will be okay but they are declining. I'm a self-confessed Blazer homer but I think they would have challenged the lakers for the 1 seed last year if they hadn't lost so many people with injuries. If Oden is healthy, and that is a big if, Portland should contend for the Lakers in the West. If I had to project the standings next year it would be:1) Lakers

2) Blazers

3) Mavs

4) Nuggets

5) Rockets

6) Thunder

7) Suns

8) Jazz

Teams like Portland and Houston are not getting enough respect and the Thunder are getting too much respect. We shall see.

Has there ever been a successful team that had a shoot first point guard starting to the level of Brooks?

The only team that I can think of was the early 00s 76ers if you want to consider AI a PG. I don't think the Rockets deserve any respect when their best player may never be any good again and their PG is a poor man's Iverson. On top of that, I think that Scola is likely gone. One odd thing that i see on their team, which isn't necessarily good or bad, is most of their players are either +offense - defense players (Brooks, Martin, Yao, Budinger) or -offense +defense players (Jefferies, Battier, Ariza, Hayes).

And that's why I see a great chance that Brooks will be dealt in some sort of trade this year. Morey knows this. Scola will only be gone in a deal as well.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

FYI, the final deal between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Miami Heat is reportedly in (and through) the league office:

Minnesota receives:

PF Michael Beasley

Miami receives:

2nd round pick in 2011

2nd round pick in 2014

Cash considerations

No first round pick swap included in the final deal. EEEEEEE!

:FISTPUMP:

 

[the moops]

First, I don't know that Childress is a better defender than Gay. Gay has a bit more size and gets steals and blocks. Looks like Childress also gets a decent amount of steals and blocks. Looking at your per36 mins above, steals are about the same and blocks are slightly higher for Gay. You say he's a + defender and maybe he is...but is Gay considered a bad defender?

Unless CHildress picked up some bad habits in Europe, he is a + defender. Gay is average at best. Steals and blocks tell little about someone's defense.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

First, I don't know that Childress is a better defender than Gay. Gay has a bit more size and gets steals and blocks. Looks like Childress also gets a decent amount of steals and blocks. Looking at your per36 mins above, steals are about the same and blocks are slightly higher for Gay. You say he's a + defender and maybe he is...but is Gay considered a bad defender?

Unless CHildress picked up some bad habits in Europe, he is a + defender. Gay is average at best. Steals and blocks tell little about someone's defense.

Well, they tell that they can get steals and blocks. I've never heard much bad about Gay defensively though.Edit: Their respective DRtg on the link No. 16 posted is 110 for each of them, whatever that means.

 

[Frostillicus]

Can the Heat get by without a traditional center on the floor?

Jarvis. Varnado.

 

[Courtjester]

Just to insert a completely meaningless point, I am in Vegas with the family for a couple days here and there are a bunch of NBA types walking around. Now I am terrible with faces and these are obviously summer league guys, but there was this group of guys today at the Palms (we were there seeing a movie at the Brendan--which is a completely amazing theater BTW) all with NBA summer league shirts on and each one of them was huge. I am six foot and these guys could rest their elbows on my head. If I had a few more in me I would have walked up to them and asked them which team they were with, but I am not sure that would have ended well and if one of them told me he was Dwight Howard, I probably would have bought it since I have been

 

[boubucarow]

Can the Heat get by without a traditional center on the floor?

Jarvis. Varnado.

Can the Heat get by without a traditional center on the floor?

 

[Eephus]

Rumor in San Antonio is Shaq may be interested. He'd have to take the vet minimum since they gave the mid-level exemption to Tiago Splitter (woop-de-doo)... so i doubt this happens.But I'd take him in a heart beat.

Why do they need Shaq if they bring Splitter over?

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

Can the Heat get by without a traditional center on the floor?

Jarvis. Varnado.

Can the Heat get by without a traditional center on the floor?

Dexter. Pittman.

 

[saintfool]

Gay vs Childress

Aside from PPG, look at the stats advanced or basic and let me know where the drop off is? Also note that Childress did it in 4 mpg less than Gay. Then you add to that that Childress is a + defender vs Gay and I don't think it's an outlandish statement.

The extra points Gay produced took EXTRA SHOTS and with him gone those shots would spread between Mayo, Z-Bo, Marc Gasol, Childress, and Morrow. All these guys shoot more efficiently then Gay and it would only take a TOTAL OF 4 FGM/game spread between those 5 players to make up the 11 ppg vs 18 ppg between Childress and Gay. That's an extra shot or 2 for each player which shouldn't decrease their efficiency much.

Again those guys shoot it more efficiently than Gay so in the end it will help improve their team (efficiency and more offensive options). Points in an NBA game is the easiest thing to do/find (see Golden State Warriors) but finding guys who score efficiently AND play defense is the holy grail.

So now that you see the stats are similar aside from PPG and how easy the Grizzlies can make up that 7 ppg difference... is that such an outlandish statement?

players that score on putbacks, dunks and around the rim are always more efficient than players that don't. childress was that player in ATL whose athleticism masked his lack of all-around game. over half of his shots came at the rim. he took less than a single 3-pt shoot in each game for his NBA career. it's pretty easy to be efficient when you don't take shots from beyond 10 feet of the rim. gay, for all his faults, has a more complete offensive game. childress was never saddled with the responsibility of being the #1 guy during the years with the Hawks either like Gay has at some points in his for Memphis. maybe childress has changed his game playing overseas? i know the euroleagues make 3pt shooting easier. maybe he'll become a starter again for Phoenix? he only has to supplant the aging richardson, hill or hedo.

is childress a better bargain? a role player with some upside for $7mm? yeah, okay, that seems to be the going rate this year. rudy's the face of the franchise, which they desperately needed, and is paid accordingly. oh well, there is plenty of silly money going around...

 

[saintfool]

Rumor in San Antonio is Shaq may be interested. He'd have to take the vet minimum since they gave the mid-level exemption to Tiago Splitter (woop-de-doo)... so i doubt this happens.But I'd take him in a heart beat.

Why do they need Shaq if they bring Splitter over?

they don't. this rumor has been floating around over the last week. they might take a chance with him if they didn't get splitter. as it stands, pretty much every team is now being considered by shaq and his people. it's getting a little sad, i think.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

Watching WAS/LAC summer league ball. Why isn't Griffin there? Still not 100%? I was thinking this would be a nice tune up for him.

 

[Kiddnets]

So it looks like the Nets are about done barring a trade or a Scola signing - they missed out on all the major FAs which made this offseason a disaster but I must say I think they did ok with the direction they took of young talent with upside for semi reasonable deals - looking at the roster:

PG: Devin Harris/J Farmer - solid starter and a real nice backup - very solid IMO

SG: Lee/T Will - too young - T Will showed some promise - need him to develop - weak

SF: Outlaw/Morrow - athletic and good shooters - I can live with this for now

PF: Favors/Humphries - the kid better grow up quick - rumors of a Scola offer would really help - Houston likely to match though

C: Lopez/Petro - not a bad combo

So I am off the ledge - certainly not a team to compete with the Heat....but with some gelling this team could compete for a playoff spot and should be fun to watch oldest player is 27 - better to be young then old I guess= if they land Scola and we are talking definite playoff team - any analysis out there to make me feel better....or worse!

 

[the moops]

So it looks like the Nets are about done barring a trade or a Scola signing - they missed out on all the major FAs which made this offseason a disaster but I must say I think they did ok with the direction they took of young talent with upside for semi reasonable deals - looking at the rosterG: Devin Harris/J Farmer - solid starter and a real nice backup - very solid IMOSG: Lee/T Will - too young - T Will showed some promise - need him to develop - weakSF: Outlaw/Morrow - athletic and good shooters - I can live with this for nowPF: Favors/Humphries - the kid better grow up quick - rumors of a Scola offer would really help - Houston likely to match thoughC: Lopez/Petro - not a bad comboSo I am off the ledge - certainly not a team to compete with the Heat....but with some gelling this team could compete for a playoff spot and should be fun to watch oldest player is 27 - better to be young then old I guess= if they land Scola and we are talking definite playoff team - any analysis out there to make me feel better....or worse!

There is no chance in hell they are competing for a playoff spot with that roster.

 

[Kiddnets]

So it looks like the Nets are about done barring a trade or a Scola signing - they missed out on all the major FAs which made this offseason a disaster but I must say I think they did ok with the direction they took of young talent with upside for semi reasonable deals - looking at the rosterG: Devin Harris/J Farmer - solid starter and a real nice backup - very solid IMOSG: Lee/T Will - too young - T Will showed some promise - need him to develop - weakSF: Outlaw/Morrow - athletic and good shooters - I can live with this for nowPF: Favors/Humphries - the kid better grow up quick - rumors of a Scola offer would really help - Houston likely to match thoughC: Lopez/Petro - not a bad comboSo I am off the ledge - certainly not a team to compete with the Heat....but with some gelling this team could compete for a playoff spot and should be fun to watch oldest player is 27 - better to be young then old I guess= if they land Scola and we are talking definite playoff team - any analysis out there to make me feel better....or worse!

There is no chance in hell they are competing for a playoff spot with that roster.

If Favors develops I dont see why not - you have an All Star Center, former all star PG and much better shooters/defenders - Favors is the key IMO. We are talking 8 seed in the East....30 games and you are in the mix.

 

[the moops]

We are talking 8 seed in the East....30 games and you are in the mix.

By 30 games, you mean a 30 game improvement on the 12 that the Nets won last year, right?

 

[Mr. Retukes]

So it looks like the Nets are about done barring a trade or a Scola signing - they missed out on all the major FAs which made this offseason a disaster but I must say I think they did ok with the direction they took of young talent with upside for semi reasonable deals - looking at the rosterG: Devin Harris/J Farmer - solid starter and a real nice backup - very solid IMOSG: Lee/T Will - too young - T Will showed some promise - need him to develop - weakSF: Outlaw/Morrow - athletic and good shooters - I can live with this for nowPF: Favors/Humphries - the kid better grow up quick - rumors of a Scola offer would really help - Houston likely to match thoughC: Lopez/Petro - not a bad comboSo I am off the ledge - certainly not a team to compete with the Heat....but with some gelling this team could compete for a playoff spot and should be fun to watch oldest player is 27 - better to be young then old I guess= if they land Scola and we are talking definite playoff team - any analysis out there to make me feel better....or worse!

They've got lots of good young pieces but they need way more than just Scola to become a playoff team (especially since Scola would just be taking away playing time from 2 of their latest young acquisitions). They either need a bigger "star" player, or they need one or two of the younger guys to develop into stars. Lopez is on the edge, but time will tell if he could put up 19/9 for a contender. Harris seems to have regressed. Favors is the obvious candidate for "star" status, but he'll need some of the other guys to mature along with him and I'm just not sure if it will happen.

 

[timschochet]

So it looks like the Nets are about done barring a trade or a Scola signing - they missed out on all the major FAs which made this offseason a disaster but I must say I think they did ok with the direction they took of young talent with upside for semi reasonable deals - looking at the rosterG: Devin Harris/J Farmer - solid starter and a real nice backup - very solid IMOSG: Lee/T Will - too young - T Will showed some promise - need him to develop - weakSF: Outlaw/Morrow - athletic and good shooters - I can live with this for nowPF: Favors/Humphries - the kid better grow up quick - rumors of a Scola offer would really help - Houston likely to match thoughC: Lopez/Petro - not a bad comboSo I am off the ledge - certainly not a team to compete with the Heat....but with some gelling this team could compete for a playoff spot and should be fun to watch oldest player is 27 - better to be young then old I guess= if they land Scola and we are talking definite playoff team - any analysis out there to make me feel better....or worse!

There is no chance in hell they are competing for a playoff spot with that roster.

If Favors develops I dont see why not - you have an All Star Center, former all star PG and much better shooters/defenders - Favors is the key IMO. We are talking 8 seed in the East....30 games and you are in the mix.

Miami, Orlando, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta- then I suppose it's pretty wide open after that. I have a feeling the Wizards can sneak in there with a healthy Arenas and Wall. But I don't see why the Nets couldn't. The East is pretty top heavy and there's a lot of room on the lower half of the seedings.

 

[timschochet]

I guess I'm forgetting about Milwaukee- they should be a playoff team.

 

[thecatch]

We are talking 8 seed in the East....30 games and you are in the mix.

By 30 games, you mean a 30 game improvement on the 12 that the Nets won last year, right?

The 8th seed, even in the East, won 41 games last year. The Nets won 12 and didn't make any dramatic upgrades. Favors is definitely a project. After watching Cousins eat people alive last night in summer league (yes, I know, summer league) I have a feeling the Nets are going to be regretting that pick, for this year at least.

 

[Bobcat10]

I thought Bosch wanted to play next to a legit center?

he said he had no interest in signing with a team and playing out of position. now that he's signed and the heat have become the favorites then maybe he won't mind as much. he could suck it up for a year. that said, it's not like they don't have options at C. if Z comes over for the vet minimum, for example. they still have pittman and varanado in their frontline rotation as well...

Bosh said a lot of things like not wanting to play center, not wanting to be anyone's sidekick and wanting a max deal. What he says doesn't mean much apparently.

My question really didn't need to be answered.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Calderon to BobcatsTyson Chandler and Diaw to Raptors

Looks like Reggie Evans is also going somewhere in this deal.

 

[saintfool]

Splitter's officially in camp for the Spurs.

The best news about this signing?Reportedly, 3 yrs/$10+ million!

 

[Bobcat10]

Western Conference executive: "LeBron has done more recruiting in the last five days than he did in the last 3 years."

I've always said I'd root for him when he leaves Cleveland, b/c I knew he would someday just not this soon, but every report I see out there just makes me go the other way. This has been in the works since before they all signed 3yr extensions. Gross.