*NBA THREAD* Abe will be missed (3 Viewers)

[Spartans Rule]

At least Bosh can guarcd guys 1 on 1, but James is going to have to crash the boards a bunch. It will be interesting to see how they play. I could see them being anywhere from the #1 seed in the East and crushing everyone to the #4 seed behind Orlando, Boston, and Chicago.

Not the #1 seed? Crazy talk. Barring a rash of injuries, I can't see the Heat winning less than 65 games. They're going to be the best offensive team in the history of the NBA. They have 3 players that demand double teams and will always have a shooter out there with them. They'll be unstoppable on the break. They'll be shooting over 50% from the floor, likely over 40% from 3, and getting to the free throw line at record rates.If they're even average defensively, they'll be unstoppable. And they've got a 1st teamer and 2nd teamer all-defense on the perimeter. They'll be flying around the passing lanes.Bosh was 6th in the NBA in rebounds per game and LeBron qualified for the leaderboard. Anthony's terrible on the glass so it may not be a strength but it won't be a glaring weakness.I foresee a lot of 120-100 type games.

 

[shake zula]

CLE fans are understandably hurt by LeBron's departure. But jersey burning and vilifying him??? That's silly, but fans are often irrational. I know I have been over some events.I hope in the near future CLE fans will be able to look back and be thankful for the seven great years LBJ gave them. He single handedly made that team relevant in recent years.

I understand Cleveland fans to a certain extent. Lebron did them wrong with the way he waited this out. Made it impossible for Cleveland to make any other FA move. In hindsight I don't think he ever considered going back to Cleveland. He showed some serious disdain for Cleveland the way he talk about them.

 

[RenoHightower]

No problem with Lebron leaving the Cavs, but the way he did it was embarrassing.

 

[timschochet]

At least Bosh can guarcd guys 1 on 1, but James is going to have to crash the boards a bunch. It will be interesting to see how they play. I could see them being anywhere from the #1 seed in the East and crushing everyone to the #4 seed behind Orlando, Boston, and Chicago.

Not the #1 seed? Crazy talk. Barring a rash of injuries, I can't see the Heat winning less than 65 games. They're going to be the best offensive team in the history of the NBA. They have 3 players that demand double teams and will always have a shooter out there with them. They'll be unstoppable on the break. They'll be shooting over 50% from the floor, likely over 40% from 3, and getting to the free throw line at record rates.If they're even average defensively, they'll be unstoppable. And they've got a 1st teamer and 2nd teamer all-defense on the perimeter. They'll be flying around the passing lanes.Bosh was 6th in the NBA in rebounds per game and LeBron qualified for the leaderboard. Anthony's terrible on the glass so it may not be a strength but it won't be a glaring weakness.I foresee a lot of 120-100 type games.

This is exactly right. It's going to be the 1980s Showtime Lakers on crack.

 

[saintfool]

so with beasley off to Minnesota that likely means that AlJeff is the next player to be traded. Where does he go?

 

[Cliff Clavin]

so with beasley off to Minnesota that likely means that AlJeff is the next player to be traded. Where does he go?

Jefferson for Hedo?

 

[saintfool]

so with beasley off to Minnesota that likely means that AlJeff is the next player to be traded. Where does he go?

Jefferson for Hedo?

are you a raptors fan?

 

[Spartans Rule]

I honestly believe that only the Lakers have a chance to beat the Heat in a 7 game series. And I'm not at all sure they will. The NBA is all about talent, and the Miami Heat are now the most talented team on the planet.

And the Lakers are going to need a healthy Bynum to do it. Not a sort of healthy, playing 20 minutes at 80% Bynum like they've gotten away with the past two postseasons. They need 30+ minutes of the monster this guy has been in stretches. Then they might be able to exploit the Heat's deficiency at center, control the glass and the tempo and grind out some wins.

 

[Redwes25]

I honestly believe that only the Lakers have a chance to beat the Heat in a 7 game series. And I'm not at all sure they will. The NBA is all about talent, and the Miami Heat are now the most talented team on the planet.

And the Lakers are going to need a healthy Bynum to do it. Not a sort of healthy, playing 20 minutes at 80% Bynum like they've gotten away with the past two postseasons. They need 30+ minutes of the monster this guy has been in stretches. Then they might be able to exploit the Heat's deficiency at center, control the glass and the tempo and grind out some wins.

Yeah, they need both Gasol and Bynum playing like beasts to but they have a chance if they can eat them up inside.

 

[Masked Vigilante]

At least Bosh can guarcd guys 1 on 1, but James is going to have to crash the boards a bunch. It will be interesting to see how they play. I could see them being anywhere from the #1 seed in the East and crushing everyone to the #4 seed behind Orlando, Boston, and Chicago.

Not the #1 seed? Crazy talk. Barring a rash of injuries, I can't see the Heat winning less than 65 games. They're going to be the best offensive team in the history of the NBA. They have 3 players that demand double teams and will always have a shooter out there with them. They'll be unstoppable on the break. They'll be shooting over 50% from the floor, likely over 40% from 3, and getting to the free throw line at record rates.If they're even average defensively, they'll be unstoppable. And they've got a 1st teamer and 2nd teamer all-defense on the perimeter. They'll be flying around the passing lanes.Bosh was 6th in the NBA in rebounds per game and LeBron qualified for the leaderboard. Anthony's terrible on the glass so it may not be a strength but it won't be a glaring weakness.I foresee a lot of 120-100 type games.

This is exactly right. It's going to be the 1980s Showtime Lakers on crack.

XTaking crack before playing basketball won't make them play better. The short-term physiological effects of cocaine include: constricted blood vessels; dilated pupils; and increased temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. Large amounts (several hundred milligrams or more) intensify the user's high, but may also lead to bizarre, erratic, and violent behavior. Large amounts can induce tremors, vertigo, muscle twitches and paranoia.

 

[Frostillicus]

The Heat will now be turning to the And 1 guys to fill the rest of the 5 spots they need to fill

The Professor would be perfect running the show.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

so with beasley off to Minnesota that likely means that AlJeff is the next player to be traded. Where does he go?

Jefferson for Hedo?

are you a raptors fan?

No. I'm a long time Heat fan.

 

[JMon348]

Ill take under 65 wins for anyone who wants to bet.

 

[Hang 10]

The funny thing is, as assembled right now, MIA has the same problems CLE had. There isn't anyone to guard Rondo (though Chalmers is a noted improvement over Mo Williams), and there isn't anyone to guard Dwight Howard.When BOS traded for Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, they were able to establish a team culture with an emphasis on defensive effort and excellence, led by Garnett on the court and Tom Thibodeau on the bench. They key with Miami Thrice will be establishing a similar culture.

Won't fantastic offensive production mask any modest defensive problems? I just don't see any team being able to effectively defend these guys.

Lakers should be able...Kobe on Wade, Artest/Odom on James with Gasol on Bosh.

It's that simple, huh?

 

[Frostillicus]

The Heat will now be turning to the And 1 guys to fill the rest of the 5 spots they need to fill

The Professor would be perfect running the show.

Not seeing what the problem is here. Hot Sauce is a poor man's Rafer Alston. Spyda and 1/2 Man 1/2 Amazing could fill the lanes on the break.

You're telling me Escalade couldn't fix their interior issue?

 

[pollardsvision]

It's easy for the rest of us to say CLE fans are silly to be burning LeBron jerseys, but come on. Given the scenario, the angry reactions make sense. I assume it'll take more than 24 hours to go from "angry" to "thank you for 7 wonderful years". To expect Cavs fans to feel thankful last night is silly and patronizing.

It's nice to see some anger from somebody. As evidenced last night, the NBA has become quite the love-fest.

As I mentioned before, the Heat still have quite a bit of work to do to start reeling off titles. Unless there's a decent big to be had for the minimum that I'm not thinking of (or preferably 2), I have a hard time seeing the Heat being better than the Lakers right now. What happens if the Bulls land Carmelo next year? The Magic and Celtics will still present quite a problem for the Heat for the next couple of years too.

I don't see how we can start penciling the Heat in for Finals sweeps.

Not to mention that their window might be smaller than people seem to think right now with Wade's age, miles, injury history, and style of play. It wouldn't be unreasonable for Wade to only have 2-3 elite years left. If Wade starts getting nicked-up more and more, whatever flaws the Heat have in the roster will be greatly magnified.

This thing feels a bit strange, but it will be very entertaining. The NBA having "super teams" isn't anything new. That doesn't bother me. The NBA has pretty much always been that way. The difference is and the problem now is that we have too many teams. There will always be a small handful of elite teams like we have now and more total teams just means more hopeless teams and weaker middle of the road teams. It pains me to say, as a Bobcats fan, but the NBA would be much better off contracting about 4 teams.

 

[Spartans Rule]

Ill take under 65 wins for anyone who wants to bet.

I'm considering this.They're definitely good enough to win 65, but injuries are a concern. So is mailing April in after locking up home court at 60-12.

 

[Wu-banger]

Ill take under 65 wins for anyone who wants to bet.

I'm considering this.They're definitely good enough to win 65, but injuries are a concern. So is mailing April in after locking up home court at 60-12.

IDK ... I might take the over 65 , I think the Heat will be looking to prove a point in their first regular season together.

 

[saintfool]

so with beasley off to Minnesota that likely means that AlJeff is the next player to be traded. Where does he go?

Jefferson for Hedo?

are you a raptors fan?

No. I'm a long time Heat fan.

then why in the hell would the twolves help toronto with that deal? the twolves are trying to pull themselves out of sharp decline despite kurt rambis' best efforts to the contrary...

 

[shake zula]

It's easy for the rest of us to say CLE fans are silly to be burning LeBron jerseys, but come on. Given the scenario, the angry reactions make sense. I assume it'll take more than 24 hours to go from "angry" to "thank you for 7 wonderful years". To expect Cavs fans to feel thankful last night is silly and patronizing.It's nice to see some anger from somebody. As evidenced last night, the NBA has become quite the love-fest. As I mentioned before, the Heat still have quite a bit of work to do to start reeling off titles. Unless there's a decent big to be had for the minimum that I'm not thinking of (or preferably 2), I have a hard time seeing the Heat being better than the Lakers right now. What happens if the Bulls land Carmelo next year? The Magic and Celtics will still present quite a problem for the Heat for the next couple of years too. I don't see how we can start penciling the Heat in for Finals sweeps.Not to mention that their window might be smaller than people seem to think right now with Wade's age, miles, injury history, and style of play. It wouldn't be unreasonable for Wade to only have 2-3 elite years left. If Wade starts getting nicked-up more and more, whatever flaws the Heat have in the roster will be greatly magnified. This thing feels a bit strange, but it will be very entertaining. The NBA having "super teams" isn't anything new. That doesn't bother me. The NBA has pretty much always been that way. The difference is and the problem now is that we have too many teams. There will always be a small handful of elite teams like we have now and more total teams just means more hopeless teams and weaker middle of the road teams. It pains me to say, as a Bobcats fan, but the NBA would be much better off contracting about 4 teams.

I'd start w/ Minnesota, New Jersey, and Oklahoma City

 

[rodg12]

Any chance the Heat start Lebron at PG if they end up getting say Mike Miller??? Something I was kicking around last night after the announcement.

 

[Bobcat10]

oooooof

 

[shake zula]

oooooof

This is considerably more reasonable than burning jersey's and crying like a baby at the bars last night.

 

[FatMax]

oooooof

This is considerably more reasonable than burning jersey's and crying like a baby at the bars last night.

Dan Gilbert is the most reasonable of all. GB that guy.

 

[Bobcat10]

Any chance the Heat start Lebron at PG if they end up getting say Mike Miller??? Something I was kicking around last night after the announcement.

For sure. A traditional type point guard is going to be worthless with the combo they've built. If anything, it will just be a spot up shooter. I'm sure they are already counting the days for Paul to show up though.

 

[pollardsvision]

Ill take under 65 wins for anyone who wants to bet.

If I bet on anything with less than 4 legs, I'd take that.I'm skeptical of the Heat's ability to win rings, but there's no doubt in my mind they will absolutely dominate the regular season.

 

[Masked Vigilante]

Can Lebron guard PG like Rose and Rondo? Or will DWade be doing that?

 

[boubucarow]

Can Lebron guard PG like Rose and Rondo? Or will DWade be doing that?

They could give it a go since they aren't the end all be all on offense anymore. I don't think either would be able to consistently guard Rose or Rondo. Also they still can't do anything about Howard or Gasol/Bynum. It will be interesting to see how they plug those defensive holes and if not, could any of those player be their downfall.

 

[shake zula]

Does Lebrons family move from Ohio? Does anyone think he can ever go back?

 

[Sammy3469]

The funny thing is, as assembled right now, MIA has the same problems CLE had. There isn't anyone to guard Rondo (though Chalmers is a noted improvement over Mo Williams), and there isn't anyone to guard Dwight Howard.When BOS traded for Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, they were able to establish a team culture with an emphasis on defensive effort and excellence, led by Garnett on the court and Tom Thibodeau on the bench. They key with Miami Thrice will be establishing a similar culture.

Won't fantastic offensive production mask any modest defensive problems? I just don't see any team being able to effectively defend these guys.

Lakers should be able...Kobe on Wade, Artest/Odom on James with Gasol on Bosh.

It's that simple, huh?

No, but it's not like the Lakers (or Magic or Celtics or Chicago or OKC) are exactly chopped liver here especially come playoff time especially for this year (2012 is a different story since Miami will be able to make some more moves).

 

[Leroy Hoard]

ODDS TO WIN THE 2010-11 NBA FINALS

Team Open Current

L.A. Lakers 7/2 4/1

Miami 25/1 6/1

Orlando 5/1 6/1

Boston 5/1 7/1

Denver 10/1 10/1

Chicago 18/1 12/1

Oklahoma City 15/1 12/1

Cleveland 8/1 15/1

New York 25/1 18/1

Phoenix 20/1 20/1

San Antonio 20/1 20/1

Dallas 20/1 20/1

Houston 25/1 25/1

Portland 25/1 25/1

Utah 25/1 25/1

 

[Bobcat10]

Does Lebrons family move from Ohio? Does anyone think he can ever go back?

He said Akron will continue to be his home last night. He won't come back to Cleveland for a long time besides hotel--Q--hotel on game day.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Miami Heat - Total wins in the 2010-2011 NBA Regular Season

Team must play 82 Regular Season Games for wagers to have action.

Over 65½ (-105)

Under 65.5 (-125)

 

[Spartans Rule]

ODDS TO WIN THE 2010-11 NBA FINALS

Team Open Current

L.A. Lakers 7/2 4/1

Miami 25/1 6/1

Orlando 5/1 6/1

Boston 5/1 7/1

Denver 10/1 10/1

Chicago 18/1 12/1

Oklahoma City 15/1 12/1

Cleveland 8/1 15/1

New York 25/1 18/1

Phoenix 20/1 20/1

San Antonio 20/1 20/1

Dallas 20/1 20/1

Houston 25/1 25/1

Portland 25/1 25/1

Utah 25/1 25/1

Huh. Big moves for MIA and CLE. I wonder what happened.

I should get in on Cleveland at 15/1. Gilbert promised they'd win before Miami. :freemoney:

 

[TommyGilmore]

ODDS TO WIN THE 2010-11 NBA FINALS

Team Open Current

L.A. Lakers 7/2 4/1

Miami 25/1 6/1

Orlando 5/1 6/1

Boston 5/1 7/1

Denver 10/1 10/1

Chicago 18/1 12/1

Oklahoma City 15/1 12/1

Cleveland 8/1 15/1

New York 25/1 18/1

Phoenix 20/1 20/1

San Antonio 20/1 20/1

Dallas 20/1 20/1

Houston 25/1 25/1

Portland 25/1 25/1

Utah 25/1 25/1

Huh. Big moves for MIA and CLE. I wonder what happened.

Miami seems too low and Cleveland seems too high. Miami should be around 4/1 and Cleveland should be around 30/1.Is there any way I can wager against these numbers??

 

[rodg12]

Any chance the Heat start Lebron at PG if they end up getting say Mike Miller??? Something I was kicking around last night after the announcement.

Right now, LeBron is the best offensive PG on the roster. He played PG for CLE for when Mo Williams was hurt last season, and averaged 10 assists per game during the stretch. If LeBron ever wanted to lead the league in assists, that goal might be on the table here.ETA: in case I've never mentioned it before, your avatar is just . She has the top spot on my "List of Five".

Thx man. She's right at the top for me too. I know there might be some defensive difficulties for Lebron guarding an opposing PG at times, but wouldn't that be more than offset by that PG trying to guard him on the other end?? I mean, could you imagine the Rose's/Holliday's/Nelson's/Rondo's of the world trying to match-up with Lebron? Just filthy.

 

[Walton Goggins]

Which city has more bugs?

Nice avatar. Always nice to talk basketball with a fellow diehard Miami HEAT fan.

I am sure I'm going to start to meet a TON of "diehard Heat fans".

 

[Spartans Rule]

ODDS TO WIN THE 2010-11 NBA FINALS

Team Open Current

L.A. Lakers 7/2 4/1

Miami 25/1 6/1

Orlando 5/1 6/1

Boston 5/1 7/1

Denver 10/1 10/1

Chicago 18/1 12/1

Oklahoma City 15/1 12/1

Cleveland 8/1 15/1

New York 25/1 18/1

Phoenix 20/1 20/1

San Antonio 20/1 20/1

Dallas 20/1 20/1

Houston 25/1 25/1

Portland 25/1 25/1

Utah 25/1 25/1

Huh. Big moves for MIA and CLE. I wonder what happened.

Miami seems too low and Cleveland seems too high. Miami should be around 4/1 and Cleveland should be around 30/1.Is there any way I can wager against these numbers??

I rarely bet but that 6/1 had me rushing out to various book sites. I can't find anything close to that.

 

[Northern Voice]

Bosh's website updated

 

[saintfool]

Bosh's website updated

well done, chrissy...

 

[JMon348]

oooooof

Welcome

 

[Bobcat10]

Bosh's website updated

Lebron's website updated

 

[Leroy Hoard]

These look more up to date, from BoDog:

Odds to win 2011 NBA Championship All wagers have action.

Atlanta Hawks

25/1

Boston Celtics

12/1

Charlotte Bobcats

50/1

Chicago Bulls

15/1

Cleveland Cavaliers

60/1

Dallas Mavericks

18/1

Denver Nuggets

18/1

Detroit Pistons

100/1

Golden State Warriors

75/1

Houston Rockets

45/1

Indiana Pacers

100/1

Los Angeles Clippers

100/1

Los Angeles Lakers

11/4

Memphis Grizzlies

50/1

Miami Heat

7/4

Milwaukee Bucks

35/1

Minnesota Timberwolves

150/1

New Jersey Nets

150/1

New Orleans Hornets

35/1

New York Knicks

35/1

Oklahoma City Thunder

25/1

Orlando Magic

10/1

Philadelphia 76ers

100/1

Phoenix Suns

35/1

Portland Trailblazers

35/1

Sacramento Kings

150/1

San Antonio Spurs

28/1

Toronto Raptors

150/1

Utah Jazz

30/1

Washington Wizards

50/1

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

oooooof

Welcome

Cleveland . . . 45 years . . . no nothing.

 

[Bobcat10]

oooooof

Welcome

 

[Northern Voice]

A raptors fan's perspective (from another message board) - the last one is my favourite.

Believe me this is good for the NBA not good for Basketball. We already know that referees are fixing calls, making bets, and players get certain calls. It seems like the NBA is quickly becoming the new WWE/WWFThings to look out for next yearMo Williams hitting Lebron with a fold up chairBosh being the guest ref in a Heat/Lakers gameWade going on the mic at the beginning of basketball games, asking the fans if they smell what Dwades cookingBargnani pretending to be dead, and Jay triano holding an urn that controls him

 

[jeter23]

Sounds like NYK GM Donnie Walsh will be retiring. Health issues and missing on LBJ mentioned as the reasons and Kevin Pritchard already being mentioned as his replacement.

 

[Warehouse Nasty]

Bosh's website updated

Lebron's website updated

There's an option to donate?

 

[Hang 10]

Bosh's website updated

Lebron's website updated

There's an option to donate?

He did take less to take his talents to south beach.

 

[Bobcat10]

So how do you think Stern sets up opening night?

Lakers @ Heat (probably xmas, in LA)

Heat @ Cavs

Celts/Bulls/Magic @ Heat