*NBA THREAD* Abe will be missed (7 Viewers)

[Kiddnets]

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.

Coaching and culture last year wa horrific - on paper the Nets should have been much better but as Parcells says - you are what you are.....I like the group in place now as a base - add that one missing star piece and this team will be very good - as it is constituted though I think it has a chance to be in the mix for the 8 seedFavors vs Cousins - Favors dominated some summr league games too - they couldnt go with Cousins as he wouldnt mesh with Lopez - plus way too risky IMO - I support the Favors pick.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

Splitter's officially in camp for the Spurs.

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

Wow. Great deal at that rate.

 

[saintfool]

Splitter's officially in camp for the Spurs.

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

Wow. Great deal at that rate.

Definitely. this really caps a great offseason for the spurs...1. they got a skilled, young SG in anderson in the draft;

2. they did something about RJ's contract; and

3. signed Splitter.

if they could somehow add another player, especially at SF, then i would be thrilled. ronnie brewer, marquis daniels, or matt barnes are guys that i would target at this point.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

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!

I would think the lineup would be as followsG: Devin Harris/J Farmer SG: Lee/Morrow/RossSF: T Will/Outlaw/D. JamesPF: Humphries/FavorsC: Lopez/Petro/ZoubekAt least they're young, right? I suppose there's a chance Favors starts, but Humphries played pretty well for them last year, right? Seems like they need to hope T-Will develops into a star.

 

[saintfool]

At least they're young, right? I suppose there's a chance Favors starts, but Humphries played pretty well for them last year, right? Seems like they need to hope T-Will develops into a star.

i think he's got great potential. not exactly a super-star but he can be very productive.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

At least they're young, right? I suppose there's a chance Favors starts, but Humphries played pretty well for them last year, right? Seems like they need to hope T-Will develops into a star.

i think he's got great potential. not exactly a super-star but he can be very productive.

Agree. I like him a lot. I'm just trying to say they need to do everything possible for him to be all he can be.

 

[TommyGilmore]

I would think the lineup would be as follows:

PG: Devin Harris/J Farmer

SG: Lee/Morrow/Ross

SF: T Will/Outlaw/D. James

PF: Humphries/Favors

C: Lopez/Petro/Zoubek

At least they're young, right? I suppose there's a chance Favors starts, but Humphries played pretty well for them last year, right? Seems like they need to hope T-Will develops into a star.

 

[Frostillicus]

I suppose there's a chance Favors starts, but Humphries played pretty well for them last year, right?

Hate that guy.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

I suppose there's a chance Favors starts, but Humphries played pretty well for them last year, right?

Hate that guy.

Why? Because he wanted 1st round money instead of a ####ty Gopher hoops team?

 

[saintfool]

At least they're young, right? I suppose there's a chance Favors starts, but Humphries played pretty well for them last year, right? Seems like they need to hope T-Will develops into a star.

i think he's got great potential. not exactly a super-star but he can be very productive.

Agree. I like him a lot. I'm just trying to say they need to do everything possible for him to be all he can be.

he has to be for that team. he can't be just another rotation guy for them. he's got to be the *other* guy in the offense after lopez.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

I would think the lineup would be as follows:

PG: Devin Harris/J Farmer

SG: Lee/Morrow/Ross

SF: T Will/Outlaw/D. James

PF: Humphries/Favors

C: Lopez/Petro/Zoubek

At least they're young, right? I suppose there's a chance Favors starts, but Humphries played pretty well for them last year, right? Seems like they need to hope T-Will develops into a star.

Yeah, I agree with you. Some development needed, which is why I threw Frosty's bud in there instead.

 

[Frostillicus]

I suppose there's a chance Favors starts, but Humphries played pretty well for them last year, right?

Hate that guy.

Why? Because he wanted 1st round money instead of a ####ty Gopher hoops team?

Not because he left. Because of how he played when he was here. Not numbers-wise, team and fun-killing wise.

 

[saintfool]

Splitter's officially in camp for the Spurs.

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

Wow. Great deal at that rate.

Definitely. this really caps a great offseason for the spurs...1. they got a skilled, young SG in anderson in the draft;

2. they did something about RJ's contract; and

3. signed Splitter.

if they could somehow add another player, especially at SF, then i would be thrilled. ronnie brewer, marquis daniels, or matt barnes are guys that i would target at this point.

Not crazy about Daniels, but he would be the most economical choice of the three. I like Brewer on SAS. Active defender who can guard big SGs and small SFs, good shot selection. Not much of a 3PT shooter, a feature SAS usually likes to have with the chorus, but he can get out and run a little with Parker and get the team some easy baskets.

I really like Barnes on SAS. He plays with a bit of a chip on his shoulder, and Pop tends to get a lot out of that style of player. His shot is a bit feast-or-famine, but his playoff 3PT shooting is outstanding for a guy who also plays defense.

daniels virtue is his versatility. if he plays like he did for the pacers then he's a solid bench player. if he plays like he did for boston then he's a waste of a roster spot. he is never healthy though.brewer learned fundamentals from sloan, so you can trust him a little.

barnes is another guy in the bruce bowen mold. SA wanted keith bogan to be that but that didn't work. barnes would be a classic Spurs signing.

 

[Northern Voice]

Raptors/Bobcats deal is off.

 

[Britney Spears]

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.

Oof.What exactly is Kobe Bryant then?

 

[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.

Oof.What exactly is Kobe Bryant then?

I'm meeting you at the iAirport to see if you'll join us, GB.

 

[JMon348]

Splitter's officially in camp for the Spurs.

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

Wow. Great deal at that rate.

Definitely. this really caps a great offseason for the spurs...1. they got a skilled, young SG in anderson in the draft;

2. they did something about RJ's contract; and

3. signed Splitter.

if they could somehow add another player, especially at SF, then i would be thrilled. ronnie brewer, marquis daniels, or matt barnes are guys that i would target at this point.

They are also very interested in Raja Bell. Kobe is trying his hardest to get him to LA, but all indications is that he wants more money. Bell would be their new Bruce Bowen.

 

[saintfool]

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.

Oof.What exactly is Kobe Bryant then?

i like looking at hoopdata for player stats. they even breakdown how players score. durant shoots a ton of shots (20+ a game) but he also shoots from all over the floor. almost half of his shots come from 15 ft or closer. he's still growing into his body. once he fills out some more i think he'll be a much more physical player, much more willing to mix it up in the paint. he'll be nasty once that happens.

 

[JMon348]

Raptors/Bobcats deal is off.

Hey Jose, WELCOME BACK!

 

[saintfool]

They are also very interested in Raja Bell. Kobe is trying his hardest to get him to LA, but all indications is that he wants more money. Bell would be their new Bruce Bowen.

i saw that earlier today. i sort of expected him to sign with LA. i guess SA can offer him a little more money and something approaching starter minutes.

 

[Abraham]

Raptors/Bobcats deal is off.

NO!@!@!@!@!

 

[FatMax]

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.

Oof.What exactly is Kobe Bryant then?

i like looking at hoopdata for player stats. they even breakdown how players score. durant shoots a ton of shots (20+ a game) but he also shoots from all over the floor. almost half of his shots come from 15 ft or closer. he's still growing into his body. once he fills out some more i think he'll be a much more physical player, much more willing to mix it up in the paint. he'll be nasty once that happens.

He was tied with Lebron for the league lead last season in free throw attempts per game. You can't do that without working inside quite a bit.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Splitter's officially in camp for the Spurs.

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

Wow. Great deal at that rate.

Definitely. this really caps a great offseason for the spurs...1. they got a skilled, young SG in anderson in the draft;

2. they did something about RJ's contract; and

3. signed Splitter.

if they could somehow add another player, especially at SF, then i would be thrilled. ronnie brewer, marquis daniels, or matt barnes are guys that i would target at this point.

They are also very interested in Raja Bell. Kobe is trying his hardest to get him to LA, but all indications is that he wants more money. Bell would be their new Bruce Bowen.

“I have no respect for him. I think he’s a pompous and arrogant individual.”

 

[JMon348]

“I have no respect for him. I think he’s a pompous and arrogant individual.”

"Maybe he wasnt hugged enough as a kid"

 

[JMon348]

Free-agent buzz: Lakers, Spurs chase Bell

By Adrian Wojnarowski and Marc J. Spears, Yahoo! Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers have long targeted Raja Bell(notes) in free agency, and now one of his biggest boosters within the two-time defending champions – Kobe Bryant(notes) – will be working to close a deal with an old, fierce rival, league sources told Yahoo! Sports

Bell is traveling to Los Angeles later this week for a visit that sources said is expected to include an audience with Bryant. After helping to keep Derek Fisher(notes) with a three-year, $10.5 million contract on Monday, the Lakers have one available spot in their rotation that comes down to Bell and Shannon Brown(notes).

The Miami Heat are tying to recruit Bell, but it appears the Lakers and San Antonio Spurs could be the two top remaining suitors for Bell.

The Lakers have a little less than $1.8 million of their midlevel exception left to pay Bell after agreeing to a four-year, $16 million contract with point guard Steve Blake(notes).

After agreeing with 2007 first-round pick Tiago Splitter(notes) on a three-year, $10.9 million contract, the Spurs have nearly $2.4 million left in the midlevel exception to offer Bell.

The Spurs had Bell in training camp in 2001, and always regretted cutting him before the season. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich helped persuade Larry Brown to sign Bell later that season with the Philadelphia 76ers and Bell helped guard Kobe Bryant in the NBA Finals.

Bell, 33, was dealt to the Golden State Warriors in November as part of the Stephen Jackson(notes) trade with the Charlotte Bobcats. Bell missed all but six games last season.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AgFU...agentbuzz071310

 

[JMon348]

Derrick Caracter has another good game yesterday. Double-double, I think 16-10. He's moved up to #1 on the rookie ladder. His low post game has been terrific, and he's played with great energy for all three games. Ebanks struggled with his shot yesterday but still did a lot of the "little things"

 

[Mr. PadresLakers]

Juwan Howard apparently poised to be the next free agent to jump aboard the Wade-Bosh-'Bron train with the Heat. Link

CHAMPIONSHIP

 

[Mr. PadresLakers]

Wolves to trade Jefferson to Jazz for future 1st rd pick, 1st rd pick from Mem in Brewer trade and a trade exception, Y! Sports has learned.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

Wolves to trade Jefferson to Jazz for future 1st rd pick, 1st rd pick from Mem in Brewer trade and a trade exception, Y! Sports has learned.

PUMPED

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

Derrick Caracter has another good game yesterday. Double-double, I think 16-10. He's moved up to #1 on the rookie ladder. His low post game has been terrific, and he's played with great energy for all three games. Ebanks struggled with his shot yesterday but still did a lot of the "little things"

8 turnovers or 10? I can't remember.

 

[JMon348]

So the Wolves traded Jefferson and 2 2nds for Beasley and 2 1sts essentialy.

And signed their 21st PG, Luke Ridnour, to a 4 year deal.

You just got KAHHHNED!

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

So the Wolves traded Jefferson and 2 2nds for Beasley and 2 1sts essentialy.And signed their 21st PG, Luke Ridnour, to a 4 year deal.You just got KAHHHNED!

LUUUKE! Maybe they can dump Flynn to Cleveland now.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Looks like Jordan is who nixed the bobcats-raptors deal.

 

[EYLive]

He was tied with Lebron for the league lead last season in free throw attempts per game. You can't do that without working inside quite a bit.

I didn't see a lot of Thunder games, but based on the Playoff series vs. LA, we saw him swing the ball low through the D's hands on jumpshots and get calls. I don't remember seeing Durant geting fouled a whole lot attacking the rim.

 

[pollardsvision]

Raptors/Bobcats deal is off.

Good. Now the Bobcats don't have to give up a good player (Diaw) and great asset (Chandler's contract) just to bring in a poor man's Raymond Felton (who's older and makes more money).

 

[JMon348]

Raptors/Bobcats deal is off.

Good. Now the Bobcats don't have to give up a good player (Diaw) and great asset (Chandler's contract) just to bring in a poor man's Raymond Felton (who's older and makes more money).

LOLChandler and Ajincia just traded to Dallas for Dampier, Najera, and CarrollDoesn't make sense for either team IMO

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

Ilgauskas is close to accepting a contract offer from the Heat, Brian Windhorst of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

 

[JMon348]

Cavs continue to get heartbroken. Big Z signing with the Heat.

Chalmers

Wade

James, Miller

Bosh, Haslem

Anthony, Illgauskas

Uh oh

 

[Gr00vus]

Raptors/Bobcats deal is off.

Good. Now the Bobcats don't have to give up a good player (Diaw) and great asset (Chandler's contract) just to bring in a poor man's Raymond Felton (who's older and makes more money).

LOLChandler and Ajincia just traded to Dallas for Dampier, Najera, and CarrollDoesn't make sense for either team IMO

If that's true it's one less team Shaq could play for.

 

[saintfool]

Raptors/Bobcats deal is off.

Good. Now the Bobcats don't have to give up a good player (Diaw) and great asset (Chandler's contract) just to bring in a poor man's Raymond Felton (who's older and makes more money).

LOLChandler and Ajincia just traded to Dallas for Dampier, Najera, and CarrollDoesn't make sense for either team IMO

chandler and ajinca have more upside than damp & co. charlotte gets someone to man the 5 for 82 games.

 

[oneohh]

Derrick Caracter has another good game yesterday. Double-double, I think 16-10. He's moved up to #1 on the rookie ladder. His low post game has been terrific, and he's played with great energy for all three games. Ebanks struggled with his shot yesterday but still did a lot of the "little things"

Maybe you should get a twitter account.

 

[saintfool]

If that's true it's one less team Shaq could play for.

at some point tis offseason shaq is going to decide between playing for the globetrotters, guondong province clippers or AC olympiakos...

 

[Gr00vus]

Raptors/Bobcats deal is off.

Good. Now the Bobcats don't have to give up a good player (Diaw) and great asset (Chandler's contract) just to bring in a poor man's Raymond Felton (who's older and makes more money).

LOLChandler and Ajincia just traded to Dallas for Dampier, Najera, and CarrollDoesn't make sense for either team IMO

chandler and ajinca have more upside than damp & co. charlotte gets someone to man the 5 for 82 games.

You think they'll keep Dampier? I thought the enticing thing about him was his non-guaranteed contract.

 

[pollardsvision]

Raptors/Bobcats deal is off.

Good. Now the Bobcats don't have to give up a good player (Diaw) and great asset (Chandler's contract) just to bring in a poor man's Raymond Felton (who's older and makes more money).

LOLChandler and Ajincia just traded to Dallas for Dampier, Najera, and CarrollDoesn't make sense for either team IMO

Nothing exciting about that deal, but I somewhat like it for the Bobcats. I don't really care about Chandler/Dampier, but Dampier's expiring contact is bigger. Maybe Najera can be a cheap contributor. Most importantly, Matt Carroll would be coming back to where he spent his best seasons and was, briefly, everything we ever hoped Adam Morrison would be. I expect Carroll to blossom under Captain Jack's tutelage.I could care less about the 7-foot Frenchman.

 

[saintfool]

You think they'll keep Dampier? I thought the enticing thing about him was his non-guaranteed contract.

dampier is an upgrade over diop or mohammed, if you can believe it. i just don't see how they could roll into next year with either of those turds on the floor.that said, they can cut dampier i suppose. they could try to trade nazr's too. he's in the last year of a contract for $6m.

 

[Yo Mama]

So the Wolves traded Jefferson and 2 2nds for Beasley and 2 1sts essentialy.And signed their 21st PG, Luke Ridnour, to a 4 year deal.You just got KAHHHNED!

LUUUKE! Maybe they can dump Flynn to Cleveland now.

Would Cleveland still want to deal with LeBron's LRMR (or whatever it is called) group for Flynn? I always assumed that was their last ditched effort to keep LeBron in town.

 

[Yo Mama]

You think they'll keep Dampier? I thought the enticing thing about him was his non-guaranteed contract.

dampier is an upgrade over diop or mohammed, if you can believe it. i just don't see how they could roll into next year with either of those turds on the floor.that said, they can cut dampier i suppose. they could try to trade nazr's too. he's in the last year of a contract for $6m.

I wouldn't be surprised if Dampier gets moved again to someone who would take advantage of the expiring deal.

 

[Celph Titled]

Ilgauskas is close to accepting a contract offer from the Heat, Brian Windhorst of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Are they burning Z jerseys in the streets yet?

 

[top dog]

Ilgauskas is close to accepting a contract offer from the Heat, Brian Windhorst of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Are they burning Z jerseys in the streets yet?

Not unless Z tries to put together a "The Decison 2" show....

 

[the moops]

You think they'll keep Dampier? I thought the enticing thing about him was his non-guaranteed contract.

dampier is an upgrade over diop or mohammed, if you can believe it. i just don't see how they could roll into next year with either of those turds on the floor.that said, they can cut dampier i suppose. they could try to trade nazr's too. he's in the last year of a contract for $6m.

I wouldn't be surprised if Dampier gets moved again to someone who would take advantage of the expiring deal.

WojYahooNBA The Bobcats are "very likely" to waive Dampier and his non-guaranteed $13 million salary for next season, a source tells Y!