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

[Masked Vigilante]

Rumor: Miami Heat at Cleveland Cavaliers season opener

Link

I love it.

 

[Juxtatarot]

Rumor: Miami Heat at Cleveland Cavaliers season opener

Link

I love it.

No way they do this.

 

[Major]

Rumor: Miami Heat at Cleveland Cavaliers season opener

Link

I love it.

No way they do this.

especially if the Heat trade Wade to the Rockets for Aaron Brooks

 

[Abraham]

Rumor: Miami Heat at Cleveland Cavaliers season opener

Link

I love it.

No way they do this.

especially if the Heat trade Wade to the Rockets for Aaron Brooks

I'm confused. Where has anyone suggested something as absurd as that?

 

[Major]

Rumor: Miami Heat at Cleveland Cavaliers season opener

Link

I love it.

No way they do this.

especially if the Heat trade Wade to the Rockets for Aaron Brooks

I'm confused. Where has anyone suggested something as absurd as that?

Zaxxon said it was a real possibility

 

[JMon348]

Rumor: Miami Heat at Cleveland Cavaliers season opener

Link

I love it.

That would be awesome, but I don't think Stern has the balls.

 

[Bobcat10]

For sure LeBoob will pull something during the preseason and miss the first week.

 

[Walton Goggins]

The Dream Shake – ‘How Will Yao’s Return Affect the Rockets Offense’: “With Yao back in the paint, the Rockets will have a legitimate post threat. Notice I say ‘threat’ and not ‘player.’ Yao should be plenty effective in the post, but his presence on the block will likely open up options for spot-up shooting and general spacing. That said, I expect the Rockets to focus less on the spot-up jumper. Many of these shots took ample time to produce – the Rockets would like to employ a more free-flowing offense that doesn’t use up nearly as much clock… While Yao’s presence will likely result in a slower pace for the Rockets, they should be a much better defensive team. Trevor Ariza and many other perimeter defenders should be able to take more gambles and cause more turnovers with Yao in the paint. This will lead to plenty of fast-break attempts, which are usually more successful than normal transition attempts. I expect the Rockets to have far less transition attempts in 2010-11, but I also expect them to convert at a higher rate… Having Yao as a second or third option on the pick and roll should improve the shot selection and effectiveness of the ball handler. Aaron Brooks has become a much better passer and finisher on the drive. Even if the Rockets decide to use the pick and roll with Scola, having Yao on the opposite block should give Brooks a one-on-one matchup or an easy passing target should the defense double him off the screen. Many of the pick and roll plays in which Brooks kept the ball led to a three-point shot (converted 30.5% of the time). With added talent surrounding Brooks this season, shooting a three off the dribble would be a less-than-desirable way to end a possession. This is the common theme throughout the post: Yao’s presence itself opens up the offense and provides more options. This same philosophy can be applied in the isolation game. More options and more space should aid Brooks in the iso game… Despite how well the Rockets shot from three-point land last year, they should look to reduce those numbers in 2010-2011. Kyle Lowry should be shooting less threes, as should Shane Battier and Trevor Ariza. Instead, the bulk of the outside shooting will fall on Kevin Martin and Aaron Brooks… Look for similar conversion rates, if not higher conversion rates from the Rockets, but on less attempts.”

 

[Walton Goggins]

Kelly Dwyer - ‘Chris Bosh says he went hard. We saw something else’: “While the Raptors were bad at the start of last season — league-worst bad in defensive efficiency — Bosh wasn’t terrible. But after his February injury and the All-Star meeting, he was as bad as the rest of teammates down the stretch. If you want to go with stats, go with stats: Bosh is a 6-foot-11 guy with major hops and long arms who blocked six shots in his last 17 games as a Raptor. He’s also a lefty, and lefties are better at blocking shots because their strong hand pairs up with their man’s usual strong shooting hand.Just a quick look at one of the Behind the Box Scores from that time reminded me how terrible his pick-and-roll defense was. Box score stats don’t pick that up. I’m sorry, but he took it easy. On both ends. Once again, “taking it easy” results in about 22 points and nine rebounds per game for Bosh. He’s a terrific player, even when his transmission’s gummed and he’s stuck in second gear… This wasn’t a tank job. And it certainly wasn’t every game. Maybe not even every other game. This was just Chris at about 85 percent of what we saw from him earlier that season (and his contributions agree with that percentage), and about 90 percent of what we’ve seen from him for his career. This wasn’t Carter. It wasn’t even Pau Gasol in his last year with the Grizzlies. But Bosh wasn’t going as hard in March. Especially on defense. And when you act the way you’ve acted? Soliciting free-agent suggestions over Twitter on April 30 even though you’re still technically a member of the Toronto Raptors until July 1? Following Dwyane Wade around North America like a tagalong little brother? The Hamptons nonsense? The All-Star admission? Just being in the same picture as LeBron James, who has become public enemy No. 1? It allows for those with long memories and nothing to do on a Tuesday night in March to recall what went down. That’s what you’re left with, Chris. And you’re best served not protesting too much. Better to let this slip away. Kind of like you did with the Raptors’ season.”

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Bosh tails off every season toward the end. This year was a little more obvious because of the teams massive collapse and his upcoming free agency.

 

[TommyGilmore]

Bosh tails off every season toward the end. This year was a little more obvious because of the teams massive collapse and his upcoming free agency.

His career splits only show a slight decline in March and April (slightly lower points and assists, but more rebounds). His 2010 splits do show a clear decline in the 2nd half of the season, but that could be a reflection of his February injury. His worst month, historically, is December.I wonder if his PER stats would show similar numbers for his career splits.

 

[Masked Vigilante]

Lebron thanks Akron

 

[Bobcat10]

Lebron thanks Akron

Beyond hilarious at this point.

 

[wadegarrett]

LeBron James to face Cleveland Cavaliers in Cleveland on Dec. 2 and March 29

Cleveland Plain Dealer

Brian Windhorst

August 3, 2010

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- LeBron James and the Miami Heat will make their first of two visits to Quicken Loans Arena on Dec. 2, The Plain Dealer has learned.

The first game with Miami will be a nationally televised broadcast on TNT.

The Cavs will also play host to the Heat on March 29. The Cavs will play in Miami on Dec. 15 and Jan. 31.

James announced his decision to sign with the Heat last month, joining fellow free agents Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. A week later, long-time Cavs center Zydrunas Ilgauskas also signed with the Heat.

The NBA will announce several highlight games for the 2010 schedule tonight in a broadcast on NBA TV. The entire NBA schedule is expected to be announced next week.

The Plain Dealer has also learned that the Cavs will open the season at home on Oct. 27 against the Boston Celtics.

Link

 

[Shtaym Syek]

Lebron thanks Akron

Beyond hilarious at this point.

Because he thanked his hometown?I wouldn't thank the Cleveland franchise either after everything Gilbert has said/done. Despite LeBron's actions, Gilbert went even lower.

 

[Bobcat10]

Lebron thanks Akron

Beyond hilarious at this point.

Because he thanked his hometown?I wouldn't thank the Cleveland franchise either after everything Gilbert has said/done. Despite LeBron's actions, Gilbert went even lower.

It's August 3rd . These guys (LRMR) are making fools of themselves, especially with this being right before his bike thing in Akron. I know people will fall for it and stumble on what his true intentions are, I fell for alot of this stuff for years.To your 2nd point, if that's your opinion fine, I'll just disagree 100%. I believe you take the higher road for the fans and the city of Cleveland, not the franchise, that supported you for your entire NBA career to this date. He thanked the people of Akron, did he not? And you do it right after you leave with some class. But that went out the window with "Teh Decision". It's all deliberate imo.

 

[JMon348]

Lebron thanks Akron

Beyond hilarious at this point.

Because he thanked his hometown?I wouldn't thank the Cleveland franchise either after everything Gilbert has said/done. Despite LeBron's actions, Gilbert went even lower.

So because the owner is a doosh, he's suppose to ignore the whole city of Cleveland from now on? He has still not thanked his teammates since leaving either.I think everyone should listen to Bill Simmons latest podcast(part 1).

 

[Bobcat10]

MJ/Bird/Magic

 

[Shtaym Syek]

Lebron thanks Akron

Beyond hilarious at this point.

Because he thanked his hometown?I wouldn't thank the Cleveland franchise either after everything Gilbert has said/done. Despite LeBron's actions, Gilbert went even lower.

So because the owner is a doosh, he's suppose to ignore the whole city of Cleveland from now on? He has still not thanked his teammates since leaving either.I think everyone should listen to Bill Simmons latest podcast(part 1).

Stop.Bobcat actually has some decent points. You just want to push your own agenda, no matter how thin your argument.

He doesn't need to thank anyone - it was fairly decent of him to show support for Akron.

Cleveland fans are burning his jersey and cursing him. Not sure I'd want to thank them either.

 

[Shtaym Syek]

Lebron thanks Akron

Beyond hilarious at this point.

Because he thanked his hometown?I wouldn't thank the Cleveland franchise either after everything Gilbert has said/done. Despite LeBron's actions, Gilbert went even lower.

It's August 3rd . These guys (LRMR) are making fools of themselves, especially with this being right before his bike thing in Akron. I know people will fall for it and stumble on what his true intentions are, I fell for alot of this stuff for years.To your 2nd point, if that's your opinion fine, I'll just disagree 100%. I believe you take the higher road for the fans and the city of Cleveland, not the franchise, that supported you for your entire NBA career to this date. He thanked the people of Akron, did he not? And you do it right after you leave with some class. But that went out the window with "Teh Decision".

Seems to me you're caught up on the timing. I can see it either way. Doing it now, instead of right away - might have a little more impact since the 'shock' of him leaving is gone, they might be a little more accepting and open to the thanks. I wouldn't have done it now, but I can see the argument for doing it this way.

 

[JMon348]

Lebron thanks Akron

Beyond hilarious at this point.

Because he thanked his hometown?I wouldn't thank the Cleveland franchise either after everything Gilbert has said/done. Despite LeBron's actions, Gilbert went even lower.

So because the owner is a doosh, he's suppose to ignore the whole city of Cleveland from now on? He has still not thanked his teammates since leaving either.I think everyone should listen to Bill Simmons latest podcast(part 1).

Stop.Bobcat actually has some decent points. You just want to push your own agenda, no matter how thin your argument.

He doesn't need to thank anyone - it was fairly decent of him to show support for Akron.

Cleveland fans are burning his jersey and cursing him. Not sure I'd want to thank them either.

Yes because a few ignorant fans represent all Cavs fans.

 

[Shtaym Syek]

Yes because a few ignorant fans represent all Cavs fans.

Having been to Cleveland since this all happened - I can say with good certainty that the majority of them feel this way.

 

[Dexter Manley]

Yes because a few ignorant fans represent all Cavs fans.

You haven't been paying attention. Some guy had to get escorted from an Indians game the other day for his own safety because he was wearing a LeBron Heat jersey! The city of Cleveland wants LeBron's head stuck on a pike!

 

[Bobcat10]

Thank you, Big Z!

Class.

 

[wadegarrett]

Yes because a few ignorant fans represent all Cavs fans.

You haven't been paying attention. Some guy had to get escorted from an Indians game the other day for his own safety because he was wearing a LeBron Heat jersey! The city of Cleveland wants LeBron's head stuck on a pike!

Hanged, drawn, and quartered actually.

 

[Bobcat10]

Lebron thanks Akron

Beyond hilarious at this point.

Because he thanked his hometown?I wouldn't thank the Cleveland franchise either after everything Gilbert has said/done. Despite LeBron's actions, Gilbert went even lower.

It's August 3rd . These guys (LRMR) are making fools of themselves, especially with this being right before his bike thing in Akron. I know people will fall for it and stumble on what his true intentions are, I fell for alot of this stuff for years.To your 2nd point, if that's your opinion fine, I'll just disagree 100%. I believe you take the higher road for the fans and the city of Cleveland, not the franchise, that supported you for your entire NBA career to this date. He thanked the people of Akron, did he not? And you do it right after you leave with some class. But that went out the window with "Teh Decision".

Seems to me you're caught up on the timing. I can see it either way. Doing it now, instead of right away - might have a little more impact since the 'shock' of him leaving is gone, they might be a little more accepting and open to the thanks. I wouldn't have done it now, but I can see the argument for doing it this way.

I can live with that I suppose.But, that doesn't really address the 2nd item. You can blame the burning jersey fans, etc, all you want, but Lebron is doing it to himself.

 

[TobiasFunke]

MJ/Bird/Magic

Funny.However, as someone pointed out in the Kobe/LeBron thread: of those guys, only MJ can be said to have chosen to stay in place and build a team around him. In fact, Magic came right out and admitted that the only reason he left Michigan State was because the Lakers got his draft rights and had all-time great Kareem already in the fold- if the Bulls had gotten the #1 pick that year, he would have gone back to school. Sounds pretty LeBron-like to me. As far as Bird, he caught a huge break with the McHale/Parrish trade. But then the league reneged on plans to implement a hard salary cap to allow the Celtics to keep their Big Three together even though their salaries alone were well in excess of the salary cap. He basically lucked into a great situation, and when the rules seemed destined to split up the powerhouse Celts, the league changed the rules.

Just goes to show you- there is MJ, and then there is everyone else.

 

[Bobcat10]

MJ/Bird/Magic

Funny.However, as someone pointed out in the Kobe/LeBron thread: of those guys, only MJ can be said to have chosen to stay in place and build a team around him. In fact, Magic came right out and admitted that the only reason he left Michigan State was because the Lakers got his draft rights and had all-time great Kareem already in the fold- if the Bulls had gotten the #1 pick that year, he would have gone back to school. Sounds pretty LeBron-like to me. As far as Bird, he caught a huge break with the McHale/Parrish trade. But then the league reneged on plans to implement a hard salary cap to allow the Celtics to keep their Big Three together even though their salaries alone were well in excess of the salary cap. He basically lucked into a great situation, and when the rules seemed destined to split up the powerhouse Celts, the league changed the rules.

Just goes to show you- there is MJ, and then there is everyone else.

I just love the picture...but good post indeed.

 

[Shtaym Syek]

But, that doesn't really address the 2nd item. You can blame the burning fans all you want, but Lebron is doing it to himself.

I don't disagree. "The Decision" was monumentally stupid. I just happen to think the reaction to thanking Akron is severely overblown.

 

[Shtaym Syek]

MJ/Bird/Magic

Funny.However, as someone pointed out in the Kobe/LeBron thread: of those guys, only MJ can be said to have chosen to stay in place and build a team around him. In fact, Magic came right out and admitted that the only reason he left Michigan State was because the Lakers got his draft rights and had all-time great Kareem already in the fold- if the Bulls had gotten the #1 pick that year, he would have gone back to school. Sounds pretty LeBron-like to me. As far as Bird, he caught a huge break with the McHale/Parrish trade. But then the league reneged on plans to implement a hard salary cap to allow the Celtics to keep their Big Three together even though their salaries alone were well in excess of the salary cap. He basically lucked into a great situation, and when the rules seemed destined to split up the powerhouse Celts, the league changed the rules.

Just goes to show you- there is MJ, and then there is everyone else.

I just love the picture...but good post indeed.

I'd like to second this.

 

[JMon348]

So nobody thinks LeBron writing a letter, or releasing a statement basically saying:

He understands everyone is upset but wants to thank the city, franchise, and fans for 7 years of support

Explain why he left, giving no specifics

That wouldnt help his image and help ease some of the Cavs fans pain?

I think LeBron is past that and is now accepting the villain role. When Eddie House signed last week, he tweeted "Welcome to Team John Dillinger"

 

[Bobcat10]

Maybe LeBoob should sign with The Omada Group:

http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_new...9;s-not-welcome

2 miles from his home, that's getting the job done. :chuckle:

 

[Masked Vigilante]

So nobody thinks LeBron writing a letter, or releasing a statement basically saying: He understands everyone is upset but wants to thank the city, franchise, and fans for 7 years of supportExplain why he left, giving no specificsThat wouldnt help his image and help ease some of the Cavs fans pain?I think LeBron is past that and is now accepting the villain role. When Eddie House signed last week, he tweeted "Welcome to Team John Dillinger"

Lebron isn't a wordsman and neither are his handlers. Any sort of "explanation" will only make things worse for him. He needs to lock himself away in a closet until season starts. Let his play do the talking I guess.

 

[Major]

Put Aaron Brooks in Cleveland and he'll soon have them forgetting about Lebron.

 

[Dexter Manley]

MJ/Bird/Magic

Funny.However, as someone pointed out in the Kobe/LeBron thread: of those guys, only MJ can be said to have chosen to stay in place and build a team around him. In fact, Magic came right out and admitted that the only reason he left Michigan State was because the Lakers got his draft rights and had all-time great Kareem already in the fold- if the Bulls had gotten the #1 pick that year, he would have gone back to school. Sounds pretty LeBron-like to me. As far as Bird, he caught a huge break with the McHale/Parrish trade. But then the league reneged on plans to implement a hard salary cap to allow the Celtics to keep their Big Three together even though their salaries alone were well in excess of the salary cap. He basically lucked into a great situation, and when the rules seemed destined to split up the powerhouse Celts, the league changed the rules.

Just goes to show you- there is MJ, and then there is everyone else.

No. MJ was just as lucky as Bird, if not luckier. The Bulls got Scottie Pippen and ended up with the greatest coach of all time (remember the hiring of Phil Jackson was seen as a huge gamble at the time as he had only been a head coach).Obviously, all 3 guys ended up in great situations. Magic required the least amount of luck, however, as all he needed to do was win a coin flip.

P.S. Also, Jordan didn't choose to stay in place and have a team built around him. He wasn't a FA in his prime until he was winning titles.

 

[Mr. PadresLakers]

#Celtics appear to be close to signing Shaquille O'Neal. Will have the story up shortly

http://twitter.com/SherrodbCSNDo it Celtics!

PHOENIX (AP)—Toronto’s Chris Bosh had an explanation for how Shaquille O’Neal scored 45 points: He cheated.

“He was just camping down in the lane,” Bosh said Friday night, after O’Neal’s biggest scoring night in six years led Phoenix to a 133-113 victory over the Raptors. “I mean, if they’re not calling three seconds—I thought it was a rule, but I guess not.”

 

[Wu-banger]

So nobody thinks LeBron writing a letter, or releasing a statement basically saying: He understands everyone is upset but wants to thank the city, franchise, and fans for 7 years of supportExplain why he left, giving no specificsThat wouldnt help his image and help ease some of the Cavs fans pain?I think LeBron is past that and is now accepting the villain role. When Eddie House signed last week, he tweeted "Welcome to Team John Dillinger"

Please provide a tally of all the NBA players who wrote letters to their fomrer town since it's so important.Stuff like this is only a big deal his people want to promote it as such... Did Gasol write a good bye letter to Memphis when he got paroled..? Kobe explain himself to the Charlotte fans for forcing his way to LA via their expense..?How about Bosh to Toronto..? Boozer to Utah (or Cleveland..??) ... Carmelo to Syracuse..?

 

[Bobcat10]

So nobody thinks LeBron writing a letter, or releasing a statement basically saying: He understands everyone is upset but wants to thank the city, franchise, and fans for 7 years of supportExplain why he left, giving no specificsThat wouldnt help his image and help ease some of the Cavs fans pain?I think LeBron is past that and is now accepting the villain role. When Eddie House signed last week, he tweeted "Welcome to Team John Dillinger"

Please provide a tally of all the NBA players who wrote letters to their fomrer town since it's so important.Stuff like this is only a big deal his people want to promote it as such... Did Gasol write a good bye letter to Memphis when he got paroled..? Kobe explain himself to the Charlotte fans for forcing his way to LA via their expense..?How about Bosh to Toronto..? Boozer to Utah (or Cleveland..??) ... Carmelo to Syracuse..?

Actually, Bosh did. And it was posted and discussed in here.Big Z was just posted here.Boozer to Cleveland? Laughable.I'm sure Carmello did something, at least issued a nice statement about his University.Gasol? Not sure, but I'm guessing this happens more than you think. Sabathia did it after he was traded from Cleveland.A quick google search also shows Pat Burrell did this to thank Phils fans, Kerry Wood to Cubs fans, Amare Stoudamire to Suns fans...shall I go on?CLASS.

 

[Juxtatarot]

So nobody thinks LeBron writing a letter, or releasing a statement basically saying: He understands everyone is upset but wants to thank the city, franchise, and fans for 7 years of supportExplain why he left, giving no specificsThat wouldnt help his image and help ease some of the Cavs fans pain?I think LeBron is past that and is now accepting the villain role. When Eddie House signed last week, he tweeted "Welcome to Team John Dillinger"

Please provide a tally of all the NBA players who wrote letters to their fomrer town since it's so important.Stuff like this is only a big deal his people want to promote it as such... Did Gasol write a good bye letter to Memphis when he got paroled..? Kobe explain himself to the Charlotte fans for forcing his way to LA via their expense..?How about Bosh to Toronto..? Boozer to Utah (or Cleveland..??) ... Carmelo to Syracuse..?

Actually, Bosh did. And it was posted and discussed in here.Big Z was just posted here.Boozer to Cleveland? Laughable.I'm sure Carmello did something, at least issued a nice statement about his University.Gasol? Not sure, but I'm guessing this happens more than you think. Sabathia did it after he was traded from Cleveland.A quick google search also shows Pat Burrell did this to thank Phils fans, Kerry Wood to Cubs fans, Amare Stoudamire to Suns fans...shall I go on?CLASS.

It can be a classy move. When it done for damage control, however, it rings a little hollow.

 

[saintfool]

More schedule dates starting to trickle out.

Xmas doubleheader will be Celtics-Magic and Heat-Lakers.

i wonder if they'll show shaq's debut with some euro or chinese team?"on the Ocho, tonight! shaq-fu tears into the bejing ducks for another double-double..."

 

[Britney Spears]

Rotoworld had a different spin on the LeBron article:

LeBron James has taken out a full-page ad in the Akron Beacon-Journal, thanking the city of Akron for their support through the years.James will hand out 400 bikes on Saturday in Akron and then join a mile-long ride on South Main Street. "Akron is my home, and the central focus of my life," the ad reads. "It's where I started, and it's where I will always come back to. You can be sure that I will continue to do everything I can for this city, which is so important to my family and me." Maybe Maverick Carter finally had a good idea, although a better bet is this one probably came straight from LeBron.

 

[RedRaiders]

Rotoworld had a different spin on the LeBron article:

LeBron James has taken out a full-page ad in the Akron Beacon-Journal, thanking the city of Akron for their support through the years.James will hand out 400 bikes on Saturday in Akron and then join a mile-long ride on South Main Street. "Akron is my home, and the central focus of my life," the ad reads. "It's where I started, and it's where I will always come back to. You can be sure that I will continue to do everything I can for this city, which is so important to my family and me." Maybe Maverick Carter finally had a good idea, although a better bet is this one probably came straight from LeBron.

Yeah, the idea was "I don't want to get shot on Saturday so I better say something quickly since I'll be in town".

 

[timschochet]

As a Laker fan, I admit I was deeply bothered when Smush Parker left the team without so much as a word for the fans. But when Kwame Brown was traded and there was no letter of thanks, I was heartbroken.

 

[JMon348]

Anyone remember this:

Shaquille O'Neal will be playing basketball, one on one, against Hakeem Olajuwon in a pay-per-view promotion Saturday night near the boardwalk of Atlantic City, N.J. No, you cannot call in to vote on whether they should wear swimsuits. Nick Van Exel of the Lakers also will be there, for a little-guy contest against Kenny Anderson, as will a couple of raw NBA rookies, Joe Smith against the teen-aged Kevin Garnett, who isn't old enough to go into the Trump Taj Mahal to see the showgirls. How serious is this? Oh, not terribly, although frankly I can't find a thing wrong with it. This is no different from golf's Skins Game, or paid-admission tennis exhibitions between Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi, or other cute stuff, so who cares how serious it is? If it sounds like fun, watch it. If it doesn't, don't. O'Neal had a wild week in Los Angeles, wrapping up his starring role last Saturday as a rap-singing genie in the Disney film "Kazaam," talking hoops with President Clinton at a benefit in Orange County and sealing his deal with a candy bar bearing his likeness, called Mr. Big. For a 23-year-old, he's doing pretty well. Basketball camps open soon, so Shaq will go back to his goal of winning a championship, which he has never done, in college or professionally. He and Olajuwon went hand to spine last season in the NBA finals, won by the Houston Rockets over the Orlando Magic, at which point a friendly rivalry with Olajuwon began to bloom. Next came newspaper ads and TV spots, with the two centers sharing a bicycle built for two. Then came this one-on-one game, which confuses some people, seeing as how Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson were once denied permission to stage the same act. The NBA now says OK. Noted sportscasters Chick Hearn, Billy Packer and Bill Walton will even provide commentary. (If anyone says "analysis," tell them to get real.) And somewhere along the way, Patrick Ewing stopped being one of the two best centers in basketball. Shaq is asked, "Is Olajuwon the best center you've played?" He replies, "Of course! By far." By far? Hmmm. "He's a good player, a classy player," Shaq says of Hakeem. "He doesn't cry or complain." Olajuwon, who apparently aggravated a sore back Thursday and put the event in jeopardy, was to be examined by doctors this morning. In any case, O'Neal swears he is taking the match-up seriously. Someone wonders how he feels about all the pessimism. "Define pessimism," he says. Oh, shooting 10 two-minute rounds of hoops worth $100,000 each, insisting that the outcome really matters. . . . "I'm very serious about this," Shaq says. "I would do this if it was for $100,000 or for a quarter of a million dollars or for a quarter. I would still play." Hearn, a willing foil, leans over to O'Neal like, oh, Hank Kingsley to Larry Sanders. Chick: "Shaq, I believe you really mean that." Shaq: "Thanks, man." Everybody is obviously having fun with this, although everybody is obviously getting paid for this. The thing is, one-on-one competitions, once frowned upon by the league, might now become regular attractions. Leonard Armato, agent for both players and promoter of the event, sells it well, saying, "This is not a trash sport. This is not wheelbarrow racing." There are pages and pages of rules. There's a 12-second shot clock. There are two-point, three-point, even six-point shots. There will be one minute between rounds and a halftime after five. In any round that ends in a tie--same as a Skins Game--the money carries over. O'Neal says one on one is new to him. But after a lifetime of being triple-teamed, he can't wait. "It's just us. No [Nick] Andersons, no [Penny] Hardaways, no [Rudy] Tomjanovich, no Brian Hill," O'Neal says, recalling the cast from the NBA finals. And, maybe dunkmaster Shaq can even shoot a basketball? Shaq: "I don't know, man. I'm going for the better percentage shot. I'm a mathematician."

I know Hakeem got hurt a couple of days before, anyone know why they didnt reschedule? I forgot about the two undercards too.Could anything like this happen now?

 

[JMon348]

Rondo, Robinson, Bradley

Allen, Daniels, Wafer

Pierce, Finley

Garnett, Davis, Harangody

Shaq, J. ONeal, Perkins

If they stay healthy, I think they are the favorite and Shaq was a great signing. If any of their starters get hurt, they would be in big trouble.

 

[shake zula]

I still don't understand how anyone thinks shaq is a good signing for any team. He is toxic and what he has left in his wake evidences that.

 

[Mr. PadresLakers]

I still don't understand how anyone thinks shaq is a good signing for any team. He is toxic and what he has left in his wake evidences that.

He'd be the 2nd best big man for the paper champions down south. It wasn't his fault that LeBron decided to mentally check out in the middle of the series.

 

[the moops]

I still don't understand how anyone thinks shaq is a good signing for any team. He is toxic and what he has left in his wake evidences that.

For a minimum contract he is just about the best signing of this off season.

 

[trader jake]

I fell for alot of this stuff for years.

Turn the page Cleveland.

 

[Zigg]

I still don't understand how anyone thinks shaq is a good signing for any team. He is toxic and what he has left in his wake evidences that.

For a minimum contract he is just about the best signing of this off season.

Shaq was beyond terrible in the playoffs and I can't imagine he's going to improve.