*NBA THREAD* Abe will be missed (5 Viewers)

[Gr00vus]

Shaq added to the TNT studio analyst cast. Seems like one loudmouth too many, but we'll see.

 

[JMon348]

If I were a Hornets fan, I would much rather see my team win 45 games for the next 3 years than 20 or 25 while hoping to strike it big with in the crap shoot of the NBA lottery.

I dont see their team being any worse now. And I dont think either iteration is anywhere near a 45 win team.

They just signed Landry to a 1 year - $9mil contract, so that will help them out a little, but this years team is going to be really really really bad.

If we call Gordon and Martin a wash (not that I agree).Scola, Odom, and Dragic are not substantially better than Landry, Kaman and Aminu

If you really believe that, I'm not sure what you tell you.

The Hornets team with Odom/Martin/Scola are most definitely a playoff team.

But like I said before they got a better deal to go younger and cheaper.

 

[pollardsvision]

Shaq added to the TNT studio analyst cast. Seems like one loudmouth too many, but we'll see.

That sucks. I'd rather they McHale or Webber on full-time. Both of those guys are great.

 

[Todem]

Baron Davis......come on down to South Florida.

Fingers crossed.

 

[Gr00vus]

Shaq added to the TNT studio analyst cast. Seems like one loudmouth too many, but we'll see.

That sucks. I'd rather they McHale or Webber on full-time. Both of those guys are great.

Well McHale is otherwise occupied now. I don't know what Webber's deal is - I did like him on the broadcast. I guess he'll show up there some times along with his NBA TV gig.

 

[Todem]

Norris Cole looks fantastic tonight in our red and black scrimmage.

Now I realize it's a scrimmage. But the kid is a player. He will be a nice surprise for us.

 

[sycamore]

Anyone know of a good site for fantasy NBA discussion? or a site with good keeper rankings?

 

[Bobcat10]

Norris Cole looks fantastic tonight in our red and black scrimmage. Now I realize it's a scrimmage. But the kid is a player. He will be a nice surprise for us.

I hate he went to the Heat...but you jerkies are gonna like him.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

I don't believe for one second that Stern looked over the Lakers' trade and said, "We can do better than that."

Seriously? Kevin Martin, Scola, Odom, and a mid-first round pick for the top point guard in the game? The first offer to come across the table was so obviously the best they could do before anyone else had evne gotten involved?

Jesus Christ, Mary, and Joseph, enough with Martin and Scola already.They're both decent players on offense. Neither so much on defense. They also cost a lot of money combined. Taking them on would saddle NO with quite a bit of money without giving them any sort of shot at becoming an elite WC team. And the Clippers had a better pick.Gordon is young, a star, and cheap. AFA is young, talented, and cheap. The 2012 draft pick will undoubtedly be young, talented, and cheap. And Kaman...his contract expires after this year. It's a great haul.It's not a lot of money, and it's a lot of room to grow. I think Stern was incredibly out of line, but Stern serves the owners. We all know this. And while he should have done the right thing and not egregiously committed such a massive conflict of interest, which was completely unfair to LAL, he got the best deal for New Orleans. Only a fool would argue otherwise.

 

[pollardsvision]

Shaq added to the TNT studio analyst cast. Seems like one loudmouth too many, but we'll see.

That sucks. I'd rather they McHale or Webber on full-time. Both of those guys are great.

Well McHale is otherwise occupied now. I don't know what Webber's deal is - I did like him on the broadcast. I guess he'll show up there some times along with his NBA TV gig.

Oh ####, forgot about the Rockets job. I'd rather he stick to TV. I'm sure Rocket fans will feel the same way soon.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Shaq added to the TNT studio analyst cast. Seems like one loudmouth too many, but we'll see.

That sucks. I'd rather they McHale or Webber on full-time. Both of those guys are great.

Hated Webber. Guy just tried waaaay to hard. McHale was solid. It should be interesting to see Shaq and Charles go at it.

 

[Abraham]

Does anyone have a list of remaining ufa that are worth playing time?

 

[timschochet]

It should be interesting to see Shaq and Charles go at it.

Hopefully, but I wouldn't hold my breath. It's certainly possible that Shaq will able to translate his colorful basketball personality into a colorful TV personality, but I'm skeptical because so many other celebrities have failed at doing this. It takes a certain amount of skill at being entertaining as a television commentator. Barkley is able to do it, but its rare. Can Shaq give honest opinions about basketball, be colorful, engage in good debate with the other guys there, get his point across, make insightful comments, etc? We'll find out.

 

[Abraham]

I think shaq will be awesome.

 

[Kev4029]

Does anyone have a list of remaining ufa that are worth playing time?

Key: ® = Restricted free agent1. Nene, PF/C, NuggetsUpdate: Sources: Nene, Nuggets agree on deal2. Rodney Stuckey, G, Pistons ®3. Samuel Dalembert, C, Kings4. Andrei Kirilenko, F, Jazz5. Carl Landry, PF, HornetsUpdate: Landry, Hornets agree6. Jamal Crawford, G, HawksUpdate: Crawford, Blazers agree7. Arron Afflalo, SG, Nuggets ®8. Chauncey Billups, PG, KnicksUpdate: Billups headed to Clippers9. Kris Humphries, PF, Nets10. Gilbert Arenas, G, Magic11. Richard Hamilton, G/F, PistonsUpdate: Bulls sign Hamilton12. Nick Young, SG, Wizards ®13. Yi Jianlian, F, Wizards14. Josh McRoberts, F, PacersUpdate: McRoberts agrees with Lakers15. Reggie Williams, G/F, WarriorsUpdate: Bobcats sign Williams16. Josh Howard, F, Wizards17. Kwame Brown, C, BobcatsUpdate: Brown, Warriors agree on deal18. Shawne Williams, F, KnicksUpdate: Williams signs with Nets19. Craig Smith, PF, Clippers20. Julian Wright, F, TorontoOther notables: Troy Murphy, Celtics; Al Thornton, Warriors; Peja Stojakovic, Mavs; Charlie Bell, Warriors; Erick Dampier, Heat; Michael Redd, Bucks; DeShawn Stevenson, Kelenna Azubuike, Knicks; Morris Peterson, Thunder; Jamario Moon, Clippers; Willie Green, Hornets; Solomon Jones, Pacers; D.J. Mbenga, Hornets; Jason Smith, Hornets; Dante Cunningham, Bobcats ®; Hamed Haddadi ®, Grizzlies; Kyrylo Fesenko, Jazz; Leon Powe, Grizzlies; Darnell Jackson, Kings; Ben Uzoh, Nets; Joe Smith, Lakers; Etan Thomas, Hawks; Maurice Evans, Wizards; Marcus Banks, Hornets; Reggie Evans, Raptors; Malik Allen, Magic; Alexis Ajinca, Raptors.

 

[Apple Juice]

Shaq is going to suck in the studio. I don't find him funny to begin with, but when he starts "analyzing" teams and games in his mumbled monotone voice it's going to be painful. Chuck makes the people around him funnier than they are, so they'll have a couple funny exchanges, but he's going to bring down the show overall IMO.

 

[tommyGunZ]

It should be interesting to see Shaq and Charles go at it.

Hopefully, but I wouldn't hold my breath. It's certainly possible that Shaq will able to translate his colorful basketball personality into a colorful TV personality, but I'm skeptical because so many other celebrities have failed at doing this. It takes a certain amount of skill at being entertaining as a television commentator. Barkley is able to do it, but its rare. Can Shaq give honest opinions about basketball, be colorful, engage in good debate with the other guys there, get his point across, make insightful comments, etc? We'll find out.

I agree tim, I have my doubts. I thought Webber was excellent - but Webber's an extremely bright guy anyway, so it wasn't a surprise that he was good. I see Shaq being more like Magic. Charismatic and great in small doses, but exposed when given enough time.

 

[Premier]

Never understood why the feel like they need a 4th in studio. Show is perfect with the 3.

 

[Voltaire]

They should just get the guy who does Bill Walton's fake twitter. Hilarious.

 

[Apple Juice]

Never understood why the feel like they need a 4th in studio. Show is perfect with the 3.

Correct.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

It should be interesting to see Shaq and Charles go at it.

Hopefully, but I wouldn't hold my breath. It's certainly possible that Shaq will able to translate his colorful basketball personality into a colorful TV personality, but I'm skeptical because so many other celebrities have failed at doing this. It takes a certain amount of skill at being entertaining as a television commentator. Barkley is able to do it, but its rare. Can Shaq give honest opinions about basketball, be colorful, engage in good debate with the other guys there, get his point across, make insightful comments, etc? We'll find out.

I agree about most former players but Shaq loves the camera and Charles should bring out the best/worst in him.

 

[Kev4029]

They should just get the guy who does Bill Walton's fake twitter. Hilarious.

Or Mikhail Prokhorov's.

 

[Time Kibitzer]

Shaq is going to suck in the studio. I don't find him funny to begin with, but when he starts "analyzing" teams and games in his mumbled monotone voice it's going to be painful. Chuck makes the people around him funnier than they are, so they'll have a couple funny exchanges, but he's going to bring down the show overall IMO.

Shaq is hard to handle in small doses. Can't imagine having to listen to him talk over a significantly longer time frame. He's got a good personality and all, but his voice is hard to listen to and he's not particularly bright. I struggle envisioning this working out well.

 

[Voltaire]

They should just get the guy who does Bill Walton's fake twitter. Hilarious.

Or Mikhail Prokhorov's.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Hope Shaq doesn't last long in the studio there. Don't want to hear him mumble his "insight". Like the studio with EJ/Kenny/Charles.

 

[proninja]

They should just get the guy who does Bill Walton's fake twitter. Hilarious.

 

[Daywalker]

Hedo Turkelo is not a match for the Lakers trade exception correct? Repeatedly hear analysts bring up that possiblity when discussing Howard to LA.

 

[Juxtatarot]

Hedo Turkelo is not a match for the Lakers trade exception correct? Repeatedly hear analysts bring up that possiblity when discussing Howard to LA.

From John Hollinger:

And if you're thinking the trade exception from Dallas will help them swallow Hedo Turkoglu's contract, it doesn't. The Lakers get an exception for $8.9 million; Hedo makes $10.6 million. Lakers fans keep asking me whether the Odom exception can be combined with the earlier exception from dealing Vujacic; it can't. So the best the Lakers can do, as far as helping Orlando's cap situation, is receive Jameer Nelson or J.J. Redick with the Odom exception and then swallow Chris Duhon with the Vujacic exception.

 

[Kev4029]

Hedo Turkelo is not a match for the Lakers trade exception correct? Repeatedly hear analysts bring up that possiblity when discussing Howard to LA.

The media doesn't let facts get in the way of a good story.

 

[pollardsvision]

Anybody else think Portland could make a run to the Western Conf. Finals this season?

Outside of the Thunder, it's hard to see a dominant team in the West.

I'd hate to underrate the Spurs, but that age has to catch up with them.

Lakers are falling apart.

Dallas should be very good. Odom was a great add, but losing Chandler will hurt (though it was smart). Also, Vince Carter is on the roster. That never works out well.

Clippers certainly could be the 2nd best team in the West, but they're sure to have some hiccups this season.

Memphis lost hungry Gasol/Randolph and replaced them with satiated Gasol/Randolph.

If Aldridge continues on the path to being a stud, there's an awful lot to like around him. Perfect complements on the frontline with Camby, Wallace, and now Thomas. Hell, maybe the get something out of Oden. They've got a bunch of guards that can get really hot for stretches. If you don't have a truly elite guard, you could do alot worse than Felton/Matthews/Batum/Crawford, I think.

Portland's one of the deeper teams in the league and I like the way they are put together.

Not that I think they will be the 2nd or 3rd best team in the West, but I wouldn't find it terribly shocking either.

 

[Kev4029]

Anybody else think Portland could make a run to the Western Conf. Finals this season?Outside of the Thunder, it's hard to see a dominant team in the West.I'd hate to underrate the Spurs, but that age has to catch up with them.Lakers are falling apart. Dallas should be very good. Odom was a great add, but losing Chandler will hurt (though it was smart). Also, Vince Carter is on the roster. That never works out well.Clippers certainly could be the 2nd best team in the West, but they're sure to have some hiccups this season.If Aldridge continues on the path to being a stud, there's an awful lot to like around him. Perfect complements on the frontline with Camby, Wallace, and now Thomas. Hell, maybe the get something out of Oden. They've got a bunch of guards that can get really hot for stretches. If you don't have a truly elite guard, you could do alot worst than Felton/Matthews/Batum/Crawford. Portland's one of the deeper teams in the league and I like the way they are put together.

Oden is done for the year (big setback for the knee), Camby is done from a basketball ability standpoint (he shot UNDER 40% last year as a ####### 7 footer), Aldridge has a heart problem which could be serious (off the top of my head something like Wolfe-Parkinson-somethinsomething syndrome), Wallace is on the decline, Felton sucks (gotta trust me on this one) but I do like Matthews/Batum/Crawford as good set of role players. I would bet against them even making the playoffs and I actually find them to be a very shallow team (Aldridge/Camby at center, Wallace being a full time PF - he'll be hurt A LOT, Batum getting most of the SF minutes and a shallow backcourt rotation of Matthews/Felton/Crawford). They really only have two back ups and have big injury (or health in Aldridge's case) concerns with all three of super skinny C/PF rotation. If they hit .500 I'll be surprised.

 

[pollardsvision]

Anybody else think Portland could make a run to the Western Conf. Finals this season?Outside of the Thunder, it's hard to see a dominant team in the West.I'd hate to underrate the Spurs, but that age has to catch up with them.Lakers are falling apart. Dallas should be very good. Odom was a great add, but losing Chandler will hurt (though it was smart). Also, Vince Carter is on the roster. That never works out well.Clippers certainly could be the 2nd best team in the West, but they're sure to have some hiccups this season.If Aldridge continues on the path to being a stud, there's an awful lot to like around him. Perfect complements on the frontline with Camby, Wallace, and now Thomas. Hell, maybe the get something out of Oden. They've got a bunch of guards that can get really hot for stretches. If you don't have a truly elite guard, you could do alot worst than Felton/Matthews/Batum/Crawford. Portland's one of the deeper teams in the league and I like the way they are put together.

Oden is done for the year (big setback for the knee), Camby is done from a basketball ability standpoint (he shot UNDER 40% last year as a ####### 7 footer), Aldridge has a heart problem which could be serious (off the top of my head something like Wolfe-Parkinson-somethinsomething syndrome), Wallace is on the decline, Felton sucks (gotta trust me on this one) but I do like Matthews/Batum/Crawford as good set of role players. I would bet against them even making the playoffs and I actually find them to be a very shallow team (Aldridge/Camby at center, Wallace being a full time PF - he'll be hurt A LOT, Batum getting most of the SF minutes and a shallow backcourt rotation of Matthews/Felton/Crawford). They really only have two back ups and have big injury (or health in Aldridge's case) concerns with all three of super skinny C/PF rotation. If they hit .500 I'll be surprised.

I didn't know Aldridge's heart issue was a serious issue (in terms of basketball in the short-term). Obviously, if he can't get it done, they won't do anything. I know Camby's days are numbered, but I was wondering if the Thomas addition might help him squeeze out another decent defensive year.

 

[timschochet]

Anybody else think Portland could make a run to the Western Conf. Finals this season?

Outside of the Thunder, it's hard to see a dominant team in the West.

I'd hate to underrate the Spurs, but that age has to catch up with them.

Lakers are falling apart.

Dallas should be very good. Odom was a great add, but losing Chandler will hurt (though it was smart). Also, Vince Carter is on the roster. That never works out well.

Clippers certainly could be the 2nd best team in the West, but they're sure to have some hiccups this season.

Memphis lost hungry Gasol/Randolph and replaced them with satiated Gasol/Randolph.

If Aldridge continues on the path to being a stud, there's an awful lot to like around him. Perfect complements on the frontline with Camby, Wallace, and now Thomas. Hell, maybe the get something out of Oden. They've got a bunch of guards that can get really hot for stretches. If you don't have a truly elite guard, you could do alot worse than Felton/Matthews/Batum/Crawford, I think.

Portland's one of the deeper teams in the league and I like the way they are put together.

Not that I think they will be the 2nd or 3rd best team in the West, but I wouldn't find it terribly shocking either.

Not really.

 

[pollardsvision]

Anybody else think Portland could make a run to the Western Conf. Finals this season?

Outside of the Thunder, it's hard to see a dominant team in the West.

I'd hate to underrate the Spurs, but that age has to catch up with them.

Lakers are falling apart.

Dallas should be very good. Odom was a great add, but losing Chandler will hurt (though it was smart). Also, Vince Carter is on the roster. That never works out well.

Clippers certainly could be the 2nd best team in the West, but they're sure to have some hiccups this season.

Memphis lost hungry Gasol/Randolph and replaced them with satiated Gasol/Randolph.

If Aldridge continues on the path to being a stud, there's an awful lot to like around him. Perfect complements on the frontline with Camby, Wallace, and now Thomas. Hell, maybe the get something out of Oden. They've got a bunch of guards that can get really hot for stretches. If you don't have a truly elite guard, you could do alot worse than Felton/Matthews/Batum/Crawford, I think.

Portland's one of the deeper teams in the league and I like the way they are put together.

Not that I think they will be the 2nd or 3rd best team in the West, but I wouldn't find it terribly shocking either.

Not really.

It's a shame really. I think Kobe's played his last home playoff series.

 

[JMon348]

Anybody else think Portland could make a run to the Western Conf. Finals this season?

Outside of the Thunder, it's hard to see a dominant team in the West.

I'd hate to underrate the Spurs, but that age has to catch up with them.

Lakers are falling apart.

Dallas should be very good. Odom was a great add, but losing Chandler will hurt (though it was smart). Also, Vince Carter is on the roster. That never works out well.

Clippers certainly could be the 2nd best team in the West, but they're sure to have some hiccups this season.

If Aldridge continues on the path to being a stud, there's an awful lot to like around him. Perfect complements on the frontline with Camby, Wallace, and now Thomas. Hell, maybe the get something out of Oden. They've got a bunch of guards that can get really hot for stretches. If you don't have a truly elite guard, you could do alot worst than Felton/Matthews/Batum/Crawford.

Portland's one of the deeper teams in the league and I like the way they are put together.

Oden is done for the year (big setback for the knee), Camby is done from a basketball ability standpoint (he shot UNDER 40% last year as a ####### 7 footer), Aldridge has a heart problem which could be serious (off the top of my head something like Wolfe-Parkinson-somethinsomething syndrome), Wallace is on the decline, Felton sucks (gotta trust me on this one) but I do like Matthews/Batum/Crawford as good set of role players. I would bet against them even making the playoffs and I actually find them to be a very shallow team (Aldridge/Camby at center, Wallace being a full time PF - he'll be hurt A LOT, Batum getting most of the SF minutes and a shallow backcourt rotation of Matthews/Felton/Crawford). They really only have two back ups and have big injury (or health in Aldridge's case) concerns with all three of super skinny C/PF rotation. If they hit .500 I'll be surprised.

How much?

 

[Kev4029]

Anybody else think Portland could make a run to the Western Conf. Finals this season?Outside of the Thunder, it's hard to see a dominant team in the West.I'd hate to underrate the Spurs, but that age has to catch up with them.Lakers are falling apart. Dallas should be very good. Odom was a great add, but losing Chandler will hurt (though it was smart). Also, Vince Carter is on the roster. That never works out well.Clippers certainly could be the 2nd best team in the West, but they're sure to have some hiccups this season.If Aldridge continues on the path to being a stud, there's an awful lot to like around him. Perfect complements on the frontline with Camby, Wallace, and now Thomas. Hell, maybe the get something out of Oden. They've got a bunch of guards that can get really hot for stretches. If you don't have a truly elite guard, you could do alot worst than Felton/Matthews/Batum/Crawford. Portland's one of the deeper teams in the league and I like the way they are put together.

Oden is done for the year (big setback for the knee), Camby is done from a basketball ability standpoint (he shot UNDER 40% last year as a ####### 7 footer), Aldridge has a heart problem which could be serious (off the top of my head something like Wolfe-Parkinson-somethinsomething syndrome), Wallace is on the decline, Felton sucks (gotta trust me on this one) but I do like Matthews/Batum/Crawford as good set of role players. I would bet against them even making the playoffs and I actually find them to be a very shallow team (Aldridge/Camby at center, Wallace being a full time PF - he'll be hurt A LOT, Batum getting most of the SF minutes and a shallow backcourt rotation of Matthews/Felton/Crawford). They really only have two back ups and have big injury (or health in Aldridge's case) concerns with all three of super skinny C/PF rotation. If they hit .500 I'll be surprised.

I didn't know Aldridge's heart issue was a serious issue (in terms of basketball in the short-term). I know Camby's days are numbered, but I was wondering if the Thomas addition might help him squeeze out another decent defensive year.

Thomas is still a pretty good defender and a decent rebounder, but hes worthless offensively (6.4 points per 36 last year, 7.2 two years ago). Hes a really nice fit as a third center because he knows hes role and can defend, but if hes playing 15 minutes for every game this year that is a big problem.I don't know much about Aldridge's heart condition, but at 25 or 26 years old or whatever he is, having heart surgery is a scary thing and certainly not something that should be taken lightly. It sounds like its very likely that he'll be fine now that he's had surgery, but I'm sure its still going to be a worry for him for the rest of his life.

 

[Kev4029]

Anybody else think Portland could make a run to the Western Conf. Finals this season?

Outside of the Thunder, it's hard to see a dominant team in the West.

I'd hate to underrate the Spurs, but that age has to catch up with them.

Lakers are falling apart.

Dallas should be very good. Odom was a great add, but losing Chandler will hurt (though it was smart). Also, Vince Carter is on the roster. That never works out well.

Clippers certainly could be the 2nd best team in the West, but they're sure to have some hiccups this season.

If Aldridge continues on the path to being a stud, there's an awful lot to like around him. Perfect complements on the frontline with Camby, Wallace, and now Thomas. Hell, maybe the get something out of Oden. They've got a bunch of guards that can get really hot for stretches. If you don't have a truly elite guard, you could do alot worst than Felton/Matthews/Batum/Crawford.

Portland's one of the deeper teams in the league and I like the way they are put together.

Oden is done for the year (big setback for the knee), Camby is done from a basketball ability standpoint (he shot UNDER 40% last year as a ####### 7 footer), Aldridge has a heart problem which could be serious (off the top of my head something like Wolfe-Parkinson-somethinsomething syndrome), Wallace is on the decline, Felton sucks (gotta trust me on this one) but I do like Matthews/Batum/Crawford as good set of role players. I would bet against them even making the playoffs and I actually find them to be a very shallow team (Aldridge/Camby at center, Wallace being a full time PF - he'll be hurt A LOT, Batum getting most of the SF minutes and a shallow backcourt rotation of Matthews/Felton/Crawford). They really only have two back ups and have big injury (or health in Aldridge's case) concerns with all three of super skinny C/PF rotation. If they hit .500 I'll be surprised.

How much?

I'll bet you $20.IMO, Denver, OKC, SA, Memphis, Dallas, Clips, and Lakers are all about assured of making the playoffs, so that would leave Portland fighting it out with GS, Houston, Phoenix in a compressed schedule with little depth and a fair amount of injury concerns up front.

 

[JMon348]

Anybody else think Portland could make a run to the Western Conf. Finals this season?

Outside of the Thunder, it's hard to see a dominant team in the West.

I'd hate to underrate the Spurs, but that age has to catch up with them.

Lakers are falling apart.

Dallas should be very good. Odom was a great add, but losing Chandler will hurt (though it was smart). Also, Vince Carter is on the roster. That never works out well.

Clippers certainly could be the 2nd best team in the West, but they're sure to have some hiccups this season.

If Aldridge continues on the path to being a stud, there's an awful lot to like around him. Perfect complements on the frontline with Camby, Wallace, and now Thomas. Hell, maybe the get something out of Oden. They've got a bunch of guards that can get really hot for stretches. If you don't have a truly elite guard, you could do alot worst than Felton/Matthews/Batum/Crawford.

Portland's one of the deeper teams in the league and I like the way they are put together.

Oden is done for the year (big setback for the knee), Camby is done from a basketball ability standpoint (he shot UNDER 40% last year as a ####### 7 footer), Aldridge has a heart problem which could be serious (off the top of my head something like Wolfe-Parkinson-somethinsomething syndrome), Wallace is on the decline, Felton sucks (gotta trust me on this one) but I do like Matthews/Batum/Crawford as good set of role players. I would bet against them even making the playoffs and I actually find them to be a very shallow team (Aldridge/Camby at center, Wallace being a full time PF - he'll be hurt A LOT, Batum getting most of the SF minutes and a shallow backcourt rotation of Matthews/Felton/Crawford). They really only have two back ups and have big injury (or health in Aldridge's case) concerns with all three of super skinny C/PF rotation. If they hit .500 I'll be surprised.

How much?

I'll bet you $20.IMO, Denver, OKC, SA, Memphis, Dallas, Clips, and Lakers are all about assured of making the playoffs, so that would leave Portland fighting it out with GS, Houston, Phoenix in a compressed schedule with little depth and a fair amount of injury concerns up front.

ok deal

 

[Joe Summer]

Anybody else think Portland could make a run to the Western Conf. Finals this season?

Oden is done for the year (big setback for the knee), Camby is done from a basketball ability standpoint (he shot UNDER 40% last year as a ####### 7 footer), Aldridge has a heart problem which could be serious (off the top of my head something like Wolfe-Parkinson-somethinsomething syndrome), Wallace is on the decline, Felton sucks (gotta trust me on this one) but I do like Matthews/Batum/Crawford as good set of role players. I would bet against them even making the playoffs and I actually find them to be a very shallow team (Aldridge/Camby at center, Wallace being a full time PF - he'll be hurt A LOT, Batum getting most of the SF minutes and a shallow backcourt rotation of Matthews/Felton/Crawford). They really only have two back ups and have big injury (or health in Aldridge's case) concerns with all three of super skinny C/PF rotation. If they hit .500 I'll be surprised.

Aldridge's health is a non-issue. He had the exact same procedure in 2007.Aldridge/Matthews/Batum/Crawford is a solid core. Camby and Wallace can still be productive if healthy. I think Wallace will be OK but Camby is a huge question mark. I'll be surprised if he plays 30 games this year.The Blazers won 48 games last year, and now they've exchanged Andre Miller (old), Brandon Roy (broken down) and Rudy Fernandez (overrated) for Raymond Felton (lateral move), Jamal Crawford (upgrade over Roy) and Elliot Williams. If they can get some production at center and backup PG then there's no reason why they can't go 38-28 this year.

 

[Kev4029]

Anybody else think Portland could make a run to the Western Conf. Finals this season?

Oden is done for the year (big setback for the knee), Camby is done from a basketball ability standpoint (he shot UNDER 40% last year as a ####### 7 footer), Aldridge has a heart problem which could be serious (off the top of my head something like Wolfe-Parkinson-somethinsomething syndrome), Wallace is on the decline, Felton sucks (gotta trust me on this one) but I do like Matthews/Batum/Crawford as good set of role players. I would bet against them even making the playoffs and I actually find them to be a very shallow team (Aldridge/Camby at center, Wallace being a full time PF - he'll be hurt A LOT, Batum getting most of the SF minutes and a shallow backcourt rotation of Matthews/Felton/Crawford). They really only have two back ups and have big injury (or health in Aldridge's case) concerns with all three of super skinny C/PF rotation. If they hit .500 I'll be surprised.

Aldridge's health is a non-issue. He had the exact same procedure in 2007.Aldridge/Matthews/Batum/Crawford is a solid core. Camby and Wallace can still be productive if healthy. I think Wallace will be OK but Camby is a huge question mark. I'll be surprised if he plays 30 games this year.The Blazers won 48 games last year, and now they've exchanged Andre Miller (old), Brandon Roy (broken down) and Rudy Fernandez (overrated) for Raymond Felton (lateral move), Jamal Crawford (upgrade over Roy) and Elliot Williams. If they can get some production at center and backup PG then there's no reason why they can't go 38-28 this year.

I think Aldridge having the same procedure four years ago shows that it is an issue. It may not prevent him from playing, but its definitely a health issue for him.I really don't think Crawford is an upgrade over Roy (when he was playing). Crawford doesn't pass, defend or rebound and hes 31 going on 32 this season and saw a big decline in numbers last year. I liked the signing, but there is a reason why nobody would give him big money deal that he was expecting.As for Wallace's health this year, he has publicly came out and said his body can't handle being a 4 in the past (and that was when he was younger, more athletic and hadn't had all the injuries). He is one of those guys that plays hard and doesn't turn it off and puts his body in bad situations, combining that with him banging with guys that are 40 lbs heavier and three inches taller and he just can't take the beating. Add in the compressed schedule and I could easily see him missing 20+ games. I suspect Camby and Wallace will be hurt often (forcing Thomas and Chris Johnson - the skinniest man since Manute Bol - to play big minutes), Matthews has peaked (should be a long lived peak) as a player, Felton will decline in a slower paced system and the young bench (Nolan, Williams and Babbit) will disappoint.

 

[boubucarow]

Anybody else think Portland could make a run to the Western Conf. Finals this season?Outside of the Thunder, it's hard to see a dominant team in the West.I'd hate to underrate the Spurs, but that age has to catch up with them.Lakers are falling apart. Dallas should be very good. Odom was a great add, but losing Chandler will hurt (though it was smart). Also, Vince Carter is on the roster. That never works out well.Clippers certainly could be the 2nd best team in the West, but they're sure to have some hiccups this season.If Aldridge continues on the path to being a stud, there's an awful lot to like around him. Perfect complements on the frontline with Camby, Wallace, and now Thomas. Hell, maybe the get something out of Oden. They've got a bunch of guards that can get really hot for stretches. If you don't have a truly elite guard, you could do alot worst than Felton/Matthews/Batum/Crawford. Portland's one of the deeper teams in the league and I like the way they are put together.

Oden is done for the year (big setback for the knee), Camby is done from a basketball ability standpoint (he shot UNDER 40% last year as a ####### 7 footer), Aldridge has a heart problem which could be serious (off the top of my head something like Wolfe-Parkinson-somethinsomething syndrome), Wallace is on the decline, Felton sucks (gotta trust me on this one) but I do like Matthews/Batum/Crawford as good set of role players. I would bet against them even making the playoffs and I actually find them to be a very shallow team (Aldridge/Camby at center, Wallace being a full time PF - he'll be hurt A LOT, Batum getting most of the SF minutes and a shallow backcourt rotation of Matthews/Felton/Crawford). They really only have two back ups and have big injury (or health in Aldridge's case) concerns with all three of super skinny C/PF rotation. If they hit .500 I'll be surprised.

I didn't know Aldridge's heart issue was a serious issue (in terms of basketball in the short-term). I know Camby's days are numbered, but I was wondering if the Thomas addition might help him squeeze out another decent defensive year.

Thomas is still a pretty good defender and a decent rebounder, but hes worthless offensively (6.4 points per 36 last year, 7.2 two years ago). Hes a really nice fit as a third center because he knows hes role and can defend, but if hes playing 15 minutes for every game this year that is a big problem.I don't know much about Aldridge's heart condition, but at 25 or 26 years old or whatever he is, having heart surgery is a scary thing and certainly not something that should be taken lightly. It sounds like its very likely that he'll be fine now that he's had surgery, but I'm sure its still going to be a worry for him for the rest of his life.

Thomas can hit the 15 footer with regularity so he isn't completely worthless offensively. I agree on the rest.

 

[the moops]

Anybody else think Portland could make a run to the Western Conf. Finals this season?

Outside of the Thunder, it's hard to see a dominant team in the West.

I'd hate to underrate the Spurs, but that age has to catch up with them.

Lakers are falling apart.

Dallas should be very good. Odom was a great add, but losing Chandler will hurt (though it was smart). Also, Vince Carter is on the roster. That never works out well.

Clippers certainly could be the 2nd best team in the West, but they're sure to have some hiccups this season.

Memphis lost hungry Gasol/Randolph and replaced them with satiated Gasol/Randolph.

If Aldridge continues on the path to being a stud, there's an awful lot to like around him. Perfect complements on the frontline with Camby, Wallace, and now Thomas. Hell, maybe the get something out of Oden. They've got a bunch of guards that can get really hot for stretches. If you don't have a truly elite guard, you could do alot worse than Felton/Matthews/Batum/Crawford, I think.

Portland's one of the deeper teams in the league and I like the way they are put together.

Not that I think they will be the 2nd or 3rd best team in the West, but I wouldn't find it terribly shocking either.

Not really.

Is this the bizarro timmy speaking in here?

 

[pollardsvision]

Anybody else think Portland could make a run to the Western Conf. Finals this season?

Outside of the Thunder, it's hard to see a dominant team in the West.

I'd hate to underrate the Spurs, but that age has to catch up with them.

Lakers are falling apart.

Dallas should be very good. Odom was a great add, but losing Chandler will hurt (though it was smart). Also, Vince Carter is on the roster. That never works out well.

Clippers certainly could be the 2nd best team in the West, but they're sure to have some hiccups this season.

Memphis lost hungry Gasol/Randolph and replaced them with satiated Gasol/Randolph.

If Aldridge continues on the path to being a stud, there's an awful lot to like around him. Perfect complements on the frontline with Camby, Wallace, and now Thomas. Hell, maybe the get something out of Oden. They've got a bunch of guards that can get really hot for stretches. If you don't have a truly elite guard, you could do alot worse than Felton/Matthews/Batum/Crawford, I think.

Portland's one of the deeper teams in the league and I like the way they are put together.

Not that I think they will be the 2nd or 3rd best team in the West, but I wouldn't find it terribly shocking either.

Not really.

Is this the bizarro timmy speaking in here?

I've done my good deed for the day. I got tim to come down off the ledge for a moment and say the Lakers will be okay.

 

[Kev4029]

Thomas can hit the 15 footer with regularity so he isn't completely worthless offensively. I agree on the rest.

Hes not worthless on the level of Jason Collins or Joel Anthony because he can catch a basketball and sometimes get it in the hoop because he is capable of hitting a 15 footer, but for the most part he stands out of the way and the offense plays 4 on 5. If the Bulls would have played him every minute of all 82 games last year he still would have finished 180th in ppg behind offensive juggernauts like Darko Milicic who were playing less than half the game.

 

[Instinctive]

I think you guys need to stop hating on Chris Johnson. Injuries forcing him into a big role would be perfect for the Blazers because they'd be forced to find out how incredibly talented he is.

 

[boubucarow]

Thomas can hit the 15 footer with regularity so he isn't completely worthless offensively. I agree on the rest.

Hes not worthless on the level of Jason Collins or Joel Anthony because he can catch a basketball and sometimes get it in the hoop because he is capable of hitting a 15 footer, but for the most part he stands out of the way and the offense plays 4 on 5. If the Bulls would have played him every minute of all 82 games last year he still would have finished 180th in ppg behind offensive juggernauts like Darko Milicic who were playing less than half the game.

I just wanted to make sure everybody knew he can hit jumpers.

 

[Kev4029]

I think you guys need to stop hating on Chris Johnson. Injuries forcing him into a big role would be perfect for the Blazers because they'd be forced to find out how incredibly talented he is.

At 6'11" 160lbs it doesn't matter how talented he is because he can be pushed around by Earl Boykins. From what I saw of him in the two games I watch of his (one as a Celtic one as a Blazer), he has lots of potential as a weakside defender and rebounder, but he can't guard anybody because hes so skinny and hes no good offensively.

 

[Joe Summer]

I think you guys need to stop hating on Chris Johnson. Injuries forcing him into a big role would be perfect for the Blazers because they'd be forced to find out how incredibly talented he is.

At 6'11" 160lbs it doesn't matter how talented he is because he can be pushed around by Earl Boykins. From what I saw of him in the two games I watch of his (one as a Celtic one as a Blazer), he has lots of potential as a weakside defender and rebounder, but he can't guard anybody because hes so skinny and hes no good offensively.

For a guy who always sounds so authoritative and knowledgeable, you'd think that you would have done a quick Google search before making this post.Johnson reports to camp at 218 pounds

 

[Kev4029]

I think you guys need to stop hating on Chris Johnson. Injuries forcing him into a big role would be perfect for the Blazers because they'd be forced to find out how incredibly talented he is.

At 6'11" 160lbs it doesn't matter how talented he is because he can be pushed around by Earl Boykins. From what I saw of him in the two games I watch of his (one as a Celtic one as a Blazer), he has lots of potential as a weakside defender and rebounder, but he can't guard anybody because hes so skinny and hes no good offensively.

For a guy who always sounds so authoritative and knowledgeable, you'd think that you would have done a quick Google search before making this post.Johnson reports to camp at 218 pounds

Sorry I don't closely follow the bench warmers of teams I don't really care about.

I didn't REALLY think he weighed 160 lbs, but he was probably the skinniest player in the NBA last season and I knew he wasn't as heavy as his listed weight (210 at ESPN v 200 last year when he got to the Blazers).

Other than that, do you disagree with anything I said? Even with an extra 18 lbs he'll still get pushed around because that is still crazy skinny for a guy his height and hes built with long limbs giving him less leverage. Having a 9.5' reach and a 40" vert are helpful, but it won't do you much good when somebody backs you under the hoop.

 

[sports_fan]

Is Chris Paul fat?