*NBA THREAD* Abe will be missed (13 Viewers)

[thecatch]

Derrick Williams measured out at 6-9, with a 7-1 wingspan and 9 ft standing reach, making him bigger than Blake Griffin & Kevin Love, and right there with guys like Greg Monroe and Enes Kanter. I think he'll be able to play the 4 without too many problems (and probably has more value there).

 

[Statorama]

Lots of banging in the Bulls/Heat series. I don't know of I've ever seen a series where the officials "let them play" more than this one. If anyone goes to the basket on either side of the floor they're getting elbowed, slapped, grabbed, kicked and chopped like they're getting "beat into" a gang. Sadly for the Bulls, this means that the team that makes their jumpers will win.

In case I didn't make it clear in that statement, the refs are letting things go on both sides. Very consistent.

 

[LHUCKS]

Derrick Williams measured out at 6-9, with a 7-1 wingspan and 9 ft standing reach, making him bigger than Blake Griffin & Kevin Love,

 

[thecatch]

Derrick Williams measured out at 6-9, with a 7-1 wingspan and 9 ft standing reach, making him bigger than Blake Griffin & Kevin Love,

Length wise

 

[boubucarow]

Lots of banging in the Bulls/Heat series. I don't know of I've ever seen a series where the officials "let them play" more than this one. If anyone goes to the basket on either side of the floor they're getting elbowed, slapped, grabbed, kicked and chopped like they're getting "beat into" a gang. Sadly for the Bulls, this means that the team that makes their jumpers will win.In case I didn't make it clear in that statement, the refs are letting things go on both sides. Very consistent.

Yeah, for the most part this series has been brutal.

 

[TobiasFunke]

DraftExpress: Heard Cleveland offered Memphis their #4 pick in exchange for Rudy Gay (w/help of their trade exception). Memphis rejected

From DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com/#ixzz1NCMg6bOh

Can the have-nots start talking NBA Draft yet?I like Kawhi Leonard for my Wizards. He's undersized, but his 7'3" wingspan leads me to believe he can play the 3 and the 4 as needed, and we definitely need more effort and intensity in the frontcourt. With only 1.5 pieces of the eventual puzzle in place in Wall and possibly McGee, he seems like a great fit. We're not gonna get an elite wing scorer in this draft, so this seems like the next best option. Add Leonard this year, pray for Harrison Barnes next year.

 

[tommyGunZ]

DraftExpress: Heard Cleveland offered Memphis their #4 pick in exchange for Rudy Gay (w/help of their trade exception). Memphis rejected

From DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com/#ixzz1NCMg6bOh

Would be a fantastic get for the Cavs - no surprise the Griz turned them down. Really shoots down the ridiculous argument that the Griz are "better off w/o Gay" that some in this thread were trumpeting.

 

[tommyGunZ]

DraftExpress: Heard Cleveland offered Memphis their #4 pick in exchange for Rudy Gay (w/help of their trade exception). Memphis rejected

From DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com/#ixzz1NCMg6bOh

Can the have-nots start talking NBA Draft yet?I like Kawhi Leonard for my Wizards. He's undersized, but his 7'3" wingspan leads me to believe he can play the 3 and the 4 as needed, and we definitely need more effort and intensity in the frontcourt. With only 1.5 pieces of the eventual puzzle in place in Wall and possibly McGee, he seems like a great fit. We're not gonna get an elite wing scorer in this draft, so this seems like the next best option. Add Leonard this year, pray for Harrison Barnes next year.

If Kawhi plays the 3 for you guys for any length, the Wiz may be the worst perimeter shooting team of all time. I loved watching his hustle and his hands are like magnets for loose balls/offensive boards, but he'll struggle offensively in the league. Think Corey Brewer.

 

[tommyGunZ]

DraftExpress: Heard Cleveland offered Memphis their #4 pick in exchange for Rudy Gay (w/help of their trade exception). Memphis rejected

From DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com/#ixzz1NCMg6bOh

Can the have-nots start talking NBA Draft yet?

We're not have nots Tobias, we're "conference finals challenged".

 

[Shtaym Syek]

Are Laker fans really trying to downgrade Lebron after a 22 point, 10 assist night with 0 turnovers in which he was all over the court on defense while taking a 2-1 lead on the #1 seed?Seems logical.

Go back to the 2008, 2009, and 2010 NBA threads and you should realize the inside story here.

How many games has Kobe scored more than 20, had 10 assists, no turnovers, and been the best defender on the floor?

37

In a row?

 

[TobiasFunke]

DraftExpress: Heard Cleveland offered Memphis their #4 pick in exchange for Rudy Gay (w/help of their trade exception). Memphis rejected

From DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com/#ixzz1NCMg6bOh

Can the have-nots start talking NBA Draft yet?I like Kawhi Leonard for my Wizards. He's undersized, but his 7'3" wingspan leads me to believe he can play the 3 and the 4 as needed, and we definitely need more effort and intensity in the frontcourt. With only 1.5 pieces of the eventual puzzle in place in Wall and possibly McGee, he seems like a great fit. We're not gonna get an elite wing scorer in this draft, so this seems like the next best option. Add Leonard this year, pray for Harrison Barnes next year.

If Kawhi plays the 3 for you guys for any length, the Wiz may be the worst perimeter shooting team of all time. I loved watching his hustle and his hands are like magnets for loose balls/offensive boards, but he'll struggle offensively in the league. Think Corey Brewer.

I wonder if he can play the 4. The bulk's clearly not there, but everything else is, including length. And everything else you describe; i.e. "his hustle and his hands are like magnets for loose balls/offensive boards" is just what the doctor ordered for my team. The Wizards are, to use the politically correct terminology, "effort-challenged."

 

[tommyGunZ]

DraftExpress: Heard Cleveland offered Memphis their #4 pick in exchange for Rudy Gay (w/help of their trade exception). Memphis rejected

From DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com/#ixzz1NCMg6bOh

Can the have-nots start talking NBA Draft yet?I like Kawhi Leonard for my Wizards. He's undersized, but his 7'3" wingspan leads me to believe he can play the 3 and the 4 as needed, and we definitely need more effort and intensity in the frontcourt. With only 1.5 pieces of the eventual puzzle in place in Wall and possibly McGee, he seems like a great fit. We're not gonna get an elite wing scorer in this draft, so this seems like the next best option. Add Leonard this year, pray for Harrison Barnes next year.

If Kawhi plays the 3 for you guys for any length, the Wiz may be the worst perimeter shooting team of all time. I loved watching his hustle and his hands are like magnets for loose balls/offensive boards, but he'll struggle offensively in the league. Think Corey Brewer.

I wonder if he can play the 4. The bulk's clearly not there, but everything else is, including length. And everything else you describe; i.e. "his hustle and his hands are like magnets for loose balls/offensive boards" is just what the doctor ordered for my team. The Wizards are, to use the politically correct terminology, "effort-challenged."

He'll definitely help with effort tobias, especially if he and Wall develop chemistry. Although in fairness, Kawhi's motor hasn't been tested in Wizard-like conditions. Which is another reason I love Wall - watching him go hard at all times is what you want from your most talented player. Even highly motivated folks can be beaten down in bad situations.

 

[JMon348]

Are Laker fans really trying to downgrade Lebron after a 22 point, 10 assist night with 0 turnovers in which he was all over the court on defense while taking a 2-1 lead on the #1 seed?Seems logical.

Go back to the 2008, 2009, and 2010 NBA threads and you should realize the inside story here.

How many games has Kobe scored more than 20, had 10 assists, no turnovers, and been the best defender on the floor?

37

In a row?

Oh, in a row. 21.

 

[TobiasFunke]

DraftExpress: Heard Cleveland offered Memphis their #4 pick in exchange for Rudy Gay (w/help of their trade exception). Memphis rejected

From DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com/#ixzz1NCMg6bOh

Can the have-nots start talking NBA Draft yet?I like Kawhi Leonard for my Wizards. He's undersized, but his 7'3" wingspan leads me to believe he can play the 3 and the 4 as needed, and we definitely need more effort and intensity in the frontcourt. With only 1.5 pieces of the eventual puzzle in place in Wall and possibly McGee, he seems like a great fit. We're not gonna get an elite wing scorer in this draft, so this seems like the next best option. Add Leonard this year, pray for Harrison Barnes next year.

If Kawhi plays the 3 for you guys for any length, the Wiz may be the worst perimeter shooting team of all time. I loved watching his hustle and his hands are like magnets for loose balls/offensive boards, but he'll struggle offensively in the league. Think Corey Brewer.

I wonder if he can play the 4. The bulk's clearly not there, but everything else is, including length. And everything else you describe; i.e. "his hustle and his hands are like magnets for loose balls/offensive boards" is just what the doctor ordered for my team. The Wizards are, to use the politically correct terminology, "effort-challenged."

He'll definitely help with effort tobias, especially if he and Wall develop chemistry. Although in fairness, Kawhi's motor hasn't been tested in Wizard-like conditions. Which is another reason I love Wall - watching him go hard at all times is what you want from your most talented player. Even highly motivated folks can be beaten down in bad situations.

Thanks for the insight. Early indications are it's either him or Vasely for the Wiz, unless Kanter drops.

 

[PizzaDeliveryGuy]

I won't speak for MPL, but hopefully it will shut up the "Bosh is awful" crowd and those who suggest that Bosh's line last night was for "ESPN highlight watchers" while real fans knew LBJ's performance was more impressive.

Bosh IS awful. Players can have nice games, even stretches of nice games, and that doesn't vindicate them from longer term woes.(Obviously Bosh is a "good" player. He's just not a "great" player and I HATE - absolutely HATE - that he behaves like he is one. If the guy were the least bit humble, I'd probably be cheering for the Heat because I love watching good basketball. But Bosh is such a punchbowl-turd that it makes it impossible.)

Depends on your definition of "great". Bosh just turned 27 and has been to 6 straight All Star games. His career PER is 45th best in NBA history. He's basically Pau Gasol, and I'd argue that most have argued that Pau is a "great" player the past few years.

He was great last night but throughout the year he has had no killer instinct and has played very soft. If he continues to be aggressive, I'll gladly eat my words but to all of a sudden say he is awesome after one game may be stretching it a bit. Also, when I say he is terrible, obviously that is a lot of hyperbole but to watch a guy get paid top dollar to sit by and watch while twiddling his thumbs is pretty infuriating.

I'm not saying Bosh is "great" due to yesterday's game. I'm pointing to 7 seasons of data that suggest he's great.

While just ignoring his play from this season? He simply hasn't been worth the money that they are paying him. If he continues on like he did last night and helps the Heat bring home a championship, I may change my tune but as of right now he hasn't lived up to the hype he got before the season started.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Thanks for the insight. Early indications are it's either him or Vasely for the Wiz, unless Kanter drops.

He's loved in SD for his effort and unique skills for a player his size, but many (myself included) think he'd have been better off developmental wise by staying another year and working on his jumper and all around offensive game. But I don't blame him one bit for leaving and taking advantage of the weak class. The fact that he's now a high lottery pick is mind boggling, and I actually like the guy. I hope he turns out better than I project in the long run - I love Wall and have a soft spot for the Wiz after seeing a lot of pro hoops at MCI while I lived in DC years ago.

 

[tommyGunZ]

I'm not saying Bosh is "great" due to yesterday's game. I'm pointing to 7 seasons of data that suggest he's great.

While just ignoring his play from this season? He simply hasn't been worth the money that they are paying him. If he continues on like he did last night and helps the Heat bring home a championship, I may change my tune but as of right now he hasn't lived up to the hype he got before the season started.

Do you have the same criticisms for James and Wade, b/c if "living up the preseason hype" is the standard, they've failed as well. Both of them had significant drops in PER this year, and let's be honest, the Heat disappointed overall in the regular season. Bosh has been the guy who sacrificed the most this season IMO, and much if not most of the criticism directed his way this entire season has been unwarranted.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Are Laker fans really trying to downgrade Lebron after a 22 point, 10 assist night with 0 turnovers in which he was all over the court on defense while taking a 2-1 lead on the #1 seed?Seems logical.

Go back to the 2008, 2009, and 2010 NBA threads and you should realize the inside story here.

How many games has Kobe scored more than 20, had 10 assists, no turnovers, and been the best defender on the floor?

37

In a row?

 

[Bogart]

Are Laker fans really trying to downgrade Lebron after a 22 point, 10 assist night with 0 turnovers in which he was all over the court on defense while taking a 2-1 lead on the #1 seed?Seems logical.

Go back to the 2008, 2009, and 2010 NBA threads and you should realize the inside story here.

How many games has Kobe scored more than 20, had 10 assists, no turnovers, and been the best defender on the floor?

37

In a row?

"Try not to score 20, have 10 assists and no turnovers while being the best defender on the floor going across the parking lot!!!"

 

[PizzaDeliveryGuy]

I'm not saying Bosh is "great" due to yesterday's game. I'm pointing to 7 seasons of data that suggest he's great.

While just ignoring his play from this season? He simply hasn't been worth the money that they are paying him. If he continues on like he did last night and helps the Heat bring home a championship, I may change my tune but as of right now he hasn't lived up to the hype he got before the season started.

Do you have the same criticisms for James and Wade, b/c if "living up the preseason hype" is the standard, they've failed as well. Both of them had significant drops in PER this year, and let's be honest, the Heat disappointed overall in the regular season. Bosh has been the guy who sacrificed the most this season IMO, and much if not most of the criticism directed his way this entire season has been unwarranted.

No. Wade and Lebron have still played at a high level. Lebron was in the running for MVP so I'm going to say that he earned max money. Something tells me you really didn't watch much of the Heat this year if you really think Bosh's criticism is unwarranted.

 

[Shtaym Syek]

37

In a row?

Oh, in a row. 21.

 

[Joe Summer]

Blazers fire GM Rich Cho after less than 1 year on the job

 

[thecatch]

Blazers fire GM Rich Cho after less than 1 year on the job

This organization is a mess, unfortunately

 

[Bogart]

I like the Mavs tonight by 10. I think OKC will come out and throw a huge punch early, have the crowd behind them and then realize after an amazing 1st quarter by them, they are only up by 4 or 5. Dirk will have a huge 2nd half and Westbrook will have some boneheaded moments late.

 

[Grady Wilson]

I like the Mavs tonight by 10. I think OKC will come out and throw a huge punch early, have the crowd behind them and then realize after an amazing 1st quarter by them, they are only up by 4 or 5. Dirk will have a huge 2nd half and Westbrook will have some boneheaded moments late.

I sure hope this is the case. Would love for the Mavs to take two in OKC. I just don't see it happening though. For one, OKC has yet to lose two games in a row in the playoffs, and two, they know it's a must win for them tonight. If the Thunder lose tonight, they are pretty much done. Teams with a 3-1 lead in a 7 game series win 96% of the series.

 

[No. 16]

Anyone want in on the Build a Basketball Franchise draft?

We have an MIA owner who is up for their 1st rounder and 2nd round picks.

 

[Instinctive]

Let's go Mavs!

 

[Dan Gladden's Mustache]

I like the Mavs tonight by 10. I think OKC will come out and throw a huge punch early, have the crowd behind them and then realize after an amazing 1st quarter by them, they are only up by 4 or 5. Dirk will have a huge 2nd half and Westbrook will have some boneheaded moments late.

Now imagine you're an OKC fan...

 

[Grady Wilson]

Looks like Dallas forgot to show up so far tonight.

 

[No. 16]

Still looking for an owner for the Build a Basketball Franchise draft.

 

[Bogart]

I like the Mavs tonight by 10. I think OKC will come out and throw a huge punch early, have the crowd behind them and then realize after an amazing 1st quarter by them, they are only up by 4 or 5. Dirk will have a huge 2nd half and Westbrook will have some boneheaded moments late.

Now imagine you're an OKC fan...

And why would I want to like anything from Oklahoma??

 

[Mr. Retukes]

I like the Mavs tonight by 10. I think OKC will come out and throw a huge punch early, have the crowd behind them and then realize after an amazing 1st quarter by them, they are only up by 4 or 5. Dirk will have a huge 2nd half and Westbrook will have some boneheaded moments late.

Now imagine you're an OKC fan...

And why would I want to like anything from Oklahoma??

I think his point was that your opinion was tainted by your fandom.

 

[Britney Spears]

I wish you guys wouldn't keep putting all of us Laker fans in the same group. LeBron James is the best NBA player on this planet. Kobe is a great player, a top 20 player of all time, but personally I don't think he's ever been as good as LeBron James is right now. Kobe takes too many shots and his shooting percentage is not tremendous. I have him in 5th place on my "greatest Lakers of all time list", behind Magic, Kareem, West, and Shaq.

Unrelated NBA question: Magic or Kareem on the all-time list?

 

[drummer]

Not sure what any of that has to do with downgrading LeBron James' excellent performance last night and throughout these playoffs.

It means that they feel like "lakers haters" (as they would deem them) repeatedly downgraded Bryant no matter how good he played in those playoffs, so they are now gonna do the same to James. Pretty easy to figure out. And LOL at the ultimate Laker troll, MRPL, saying Bosh was better last night, but all he does is troll and fish, so that's to be expected.

But hasn't LeBron James been doing all the things that Bryant has been criticized for not doing lately, i.e. passing and playing lockdown defense and being more selective with his shot and coming up big in the final minute? Isn't this kind of like getting mad about people making fun of your wife and deciding to retaliate by pointing out the tiny mole on this woman's upper lip? I mean, sure, she's got a little mole there, but she's still way hotter than your wife.

Pretty much, but some of the the Lakers fans are an angry bunch who felt that their bratty superstar was entitled to another three-peat, and are pissed that, instead of that happening, they got their butts handed to them in a 2nd round sweep by a team that is/was known for underachieving in the playoffs, so you can almost understand their anger and frustration, both of which come out in almost every post they make. It's kind of sad, but not at all surprising.

This thread is Gold.

 

[drummer]

I wish you guys wouldn't keep putting all of us Laker fans in the same group. LeBron James is the best NBA player on this planet. Kobe is a great player, a top 20 player of all time, but personally I don't think he's ever been as good as LeBron James is right now. Kobe takes too many shots and his shooting percentage is not tremendous. I have him in 5th place on my "greatest Lakers of all time list", behind Magic, Kareem, West, and Shaq.

Don't worry. I won't even try to put you amongst Laker fans anywhere. Pretty embarrassing to see Laker fans apologizing in a thread where a lot of posters get Laker basketball wrong.

 

[drummer]

I wish you guys wouldn't keep putting all of us Laker fans in the same group. LeBron James is the best NBA player on this planet. Kobe is a great player, a top 20 player of all time, but personally I don't think he's ever been as good as LeBron James is right now. Kobe takes too many shots and his shooting percentage is not tremendous. I have him in 5th place on my "greatest Lakers of all time list", behind Magic, Kareem, West, and Shaq.

Unrelated NBA question: Magic or Kareem on the all-time list?

Kareem, no question.

 

[Britney Spears]

I wish you guys wouldn't keep putting all of us Laker fans in the same group. LeBron James is the best NBA player on this planet. Kobe is a great player, a top 20 player of all time, but personally I don't think he's ever been as good as LeBron James is right now. Kobe takes too many shots and his shooting percentage is not tremendous. I have him in 5th place on my "greatest Lakers of all time list", behind Magic, Kareem, West, and Shaq.

Unrelated NBA question: Magic or Kareem on the all-time list?

Kareem, no question.

Me too, and I don't think it's close, but I have a feeling that is not consensus.

 

[Britney Spears]

Man, Kidd is 250 years old, but still has incredible hands.

 

[Britney Spears]

That step back from Dirk was sick. He created like 6 feet of airspace out of nothing. Collison might still be trying to get his balance.

 

[drummer]

DAL needs to do a better job on the boards and get Dirk hot in these last few minutes to try and pull this one out. OKC getting the hustle plays in the 4th.

 

[Britney Spears]

That offensive board might have killed Dallas' chance.

 

[Britney Spears]

Uh, wasn't Dirk just hit on that?

 

[drummer]

Jason Terry

 

[Britney Spears]

Westbrook time?

 

[Britney Spears]

Jason Terry

He was really seeking out the bottom of the backboard. And he found it.

 

[Britney Spears]

Uh, wasn't Dirk just hit on that?

No, he wasn't.I wish the Lakers were back in the playoffs so there was more chat. : (I'm crushing this beer and this thread.

 

[Britney Spears]

That offensive board might have killed Dallas' chance.

Wrong, scrub.

 

[timschochet]

Cold shooting by the Thunder in the last couple of minutes. Quite a comeback for Dallas.

 

[drummer]

WOW

 

[Britney Spears]

Nowitski was awesome in Doonesbury.