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

[timschochet]

Nets could be the worst team in the league.

Why in the hell does Dwight want to go there? Completely baffling to me.

What was so confusing was how heavy the rumors were that it would happen. Nets really have very little to offer.

Brooklyn and Jay Z and a brand new arena in NYC with lavish player amenities

I get that, but how we're the Nets going to complete a trade with so few assets?I want the Nets to trade for me also, it doesn't mean it will happen.

I'm guessing they have enough assets to trade for you.

 

[Britney Spears]

I expect the Lakers to restore order tonight. They're far too good a team to continue to perform at this level.

No they're not.

Oh yes they are. You'll see.

I actually agree with Tim. People throwing dirt on the Lakers a little early.

 

[Britney Spears]

Nets could be the worst team in the league.

Why in the hell does Dwight want to go there? Completely baffling to me.

What was so confusing was how heavy the rumors were that it would happen. Nets really have very little to offer.

Brooklyn and Jay Z and a brand new arena in NYC with lavish player amenities

I get that, but how we're the Nets going to complete a trade with so few assets?I want the Nets to trade for me also, it doesn't mean it will happen.

I'm guessing they have enough assets to trade for you.

Debatable.

 

[timschochet]

Wow. Great 4th quarter for Dooling.

 

[mr. furley]

anyone else watching the Heat v Celts game catch the fat Cuban fella sitting behind Marv and Kerr adjust his shirt after seeing himself on tv and realizing that it was maybe unbuttoned 2 or so too many?

 

[thecatch]

I expect the Lakers to restore order tonight. They're far too good a team to continue to perform at this level.

No they're not.

Oh yes they are. You'll see.

I actually agree with Tim. People throwing dirt on the Lakers a little early.

Without Bynum, that's not a very good team.

 

[Tremendous Upside]

I expect the Lakers to restore order tonight. They're far too good a team to continue to perform at this level.

No they're not.

Oh yes they are. You'll see.

I actually agree with Tim. People throwing dirt on the Lakers a little early.

Without Bynum, that's not a very good team.

Lakers with 4/5 of a white out on the court right nowThat can't be good

 

[the moops]

Lakers and Jazz.

Ugly, ugly basketball

 

[timschochet]

When Kobe and Gasol are on the bench, the Lakers are...well lets just say they're offensively challenged.

 

[Premier]

I expect the Lakers to restore order tonight. They're far too good a team to continue to perform at this level.

No they're not.

Oh yes they are. You'll see.

I actually agree with Tim. People throwing dirt on the Lakers a little early.

They'll make the playoffs for sure, but I don't see how they're a title contender.

 

[timschochet]

I expect the Lakers to restore order tonight. They're far too good a team to continue to perform at this level.

No they're not.

Oh yes they are. You'll see.

I actually agree with Tim. People throwing dirt on the Lakers a little early.

They'll make the playoffs for sure, but I don't see how they're a title contender.

Why not? Assuming that:1. They're healthy.2. Andrew Bynum performs up to potential.3. They manage to avoid facing the Mavericks, the one team which neutralizes the Lakers' height advantage.Sure, these are all big ifs, but if they all come true then despite their lack of speed in the perimeter, I still like the Lakers' chances as much as anyone except Miami.

 

[Premier]

I expect the Lakers to restore order tonight. They're far too good a team to continue to perform at this level.

No they're not.

Oh yes they are. You'll see.

I actually agree with Tim. People throwing dirt on the Lakers a little early.

They'll make the playoffs for sure, but I don't see how they're a title contender.

Why not? Assuming that:1. They're healthy.2. Andrew Bynum performs up to potential.3. They manage to avoid facing the Mavericks, the one team which neutralizes the Lakers' height advantage.

1) they probably won't ever be at one time. They're old. Especially Kobe. 2) we've all been hearing about that for a while now. 3) ...or the Thunder, who are much younger and better than the Lakers.

 

[tommyGunZ]

I expect the Lakers to restore order tonight. They're far too good a team to continue to perform at this level.

No they're not.

Oh yes they are. You'll see.

I actually agree with Tim. People throwing dirt on the Lakers a little early.

They'll make the playoffs for sure, but I don't see how they're a title contender.

I'm blown away w/re to the Odom move, so I'm a disgruntled Laker homer right now. But if fully healthy, they have 3 of the top 15-20 players in the league, so writing them off this early is premature.

 

[thecatch]

Why not? Assuming that:1. They're healthy.2. Andrew Bynum performs up to potential.3. They manage to avoid facing the Mavericks, the one team which neutralizes the Lakers' height advantage.Sure, these are all big ifs, but if they all come true then despite their lack of speed in the perimeter, I still like the Lakers' chances as much as anyone except Miami.

It's far more likely OKC resolves their alpha dog issues than it is that the Lakers will get an All-NBA season out of Bynum.

 

[Premier]

I expect the Lakers to restore order tonight. They're far too good a team to continue to perform at this level.

No they're not.

Oh yes they are. You'll see.

I actually agree with Tim. People throwing dirt on the Lakers a little early.

They'll make the playoffs for sure, but I don't see how they're a title contender.

I'm blown away w/re to the Odom move, so I'm a disgruntled Laker homer right now. But if fully healthy, they have 3 of the top 15-20 players in the league, so writing them off this early is premature.

you guys are unreal. Gasol is a fringe top-15 guy and Bynum isn't there. Sorry megahomers.

 

[thecatch]

I thought Travis Outlaw might be a decent value if you could get him cheap enough, based on what he looked like a couple of years ago. Nope, he's just terrible. Yikes. Dude loves off balance 20 footers more than anyone in the league.

 

[Tremendous Upside]

Jazz can't score to save their lives

 

[simmonjm]

Nets could be the worst team in the league.

Why in the hell does Dwight want to go there? Completely baffling to me.

What was so confusing was how heavy the rumors were that it would happen. Nets really have very little to offer.

paging Kiddnets....

 

[simmonjm]

Where do you guys rank DeMarcus Cousins amongst centers? Was really surprised with his hustle against the Lakers seemed like he was everywhere.

 

[Britney Spears]

I expect the Lakers to restore order tonight. They're far too good a team to continue to perform at this level.

No they're not.

Oh yes they are. You'll see.

I actually agree with Tim. People throwing dirt on the Lakers a little early.

They'll make the playoffs for sure, but I don't see how they're a title contender.

I'm blown away w/re to the Odom move, so I'm a disgruntled Laker homer right now. But if fully healthy, they have 3 of the top 15-20 players in the league, so writing them off this early is premature.

Not a great effort. Disappointing that Cappy fell for it.

 

[Premier]

I expect the Lakers to restore order tonight. They're far too good a team to continue to perform at this level.

No they're not.

Oh yes they are. You'll see.

I actually agree with Tim. People throwing dirt on the Lakers a little early.

They'll make the playoffs for sure, but I don't see how they're a title contender.

I'm blown away w/re to the Odom move, so I'm a disgruntled Laker homer right now. But if fully healthy, they have 3 of the top 15-20 players in the league, so writing them off this early is premature.

Not a great effort. Disappointing that Cappy fell for it.

It's not out of the realm for him to believe that.

 

[timschochet]

I expect the Lakers to restore order tonight. They're far too good a team to continue to perform at this level.

No they're not.

Oh yes they are. You'll see.

I actually agree with Tim. People throwing dirt on the Lakers a little early.

They'll make the playoffs for sure, but I don't see how they're a title contender.

I'm blown away w/re to the Odom move, so I'm a disgruntled Laker homer right now. But if fully healthy, they have 3 of the top 15-20 players in the league, so writing them off this early is premature.

Not a great effort. Disappointing that Cappy fell for it.

It's not out of the realm for him to believe that.

I believe it. Sort of. Could be true by the end of the year.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Jazz can't score to save their lives

Laker D is suffocating.

 

[Britney Spears]

Lakers should still be good against teams like Utah who can't exploit their weak perimeter and transition defense.

 

[Daywalker]

If Lakers still had Odom no reason to think they couldn't get back to the finals. Not like Dallas is any younger and they lost Chandler.

OKC would be the big hurdle. But with a frontline of Gasol, Bynum and Odom it would be a tough series for OKC.

The fallout of the Paul trade, Odom traded, has sucked the enthusiasm out of this season. Lakers fans would still be charged up if they had Odom. Stern basically torpedoed the Lakers season through his negligence. Buss and Kupchek should shoulder some of the blame for not smoothing things over with Odom but still it should never have came to that. Complete BS that this happened. Changed the landscape of the Western Conference in a major way.

 

[timschochet]

If Lakers still had Odom no reason to think they couldn't get back to the finals. Not like Dallas is any younger and they lost Chandler.OKC would be the big hurdle. But with a frontline of Gasol, Bynum and Odom it would be a tough series for OKC.The fallout of the Paul trade, Odom traded, has sucked the enthusiasm out of this season. Lakers fans would still be charged up if they had Odom. Stern basically torpedoed the Lakers season through his negligence. Buss and Kupchek should shoulder some of the blame for not smoothing things over with Odom but still it should never have came to that. Complete BS that this happened. Changed the landscape of the Western Conference in a major way.

Sure, David Stern and a bunch of jealous owners screwed the best franchise in sports history over. But what can we do? That's done now. Hopefully the Lakers can overcome.

 

[drummer]

If Lakers still had Odom no reason to think they couldn't get back to the finals. Not like Dallas is any younger and they lost Chandler.OKC would be the big hurdle. But with a frontline of Gasol, Bynum and Odom it would be a tough series for OKC.The fallout of the Paul trade, Odom traded, has sucked the enthusiasm out of this season. Lakers fans would still be charged up if they had Odom. Stern basically torpedoed the Lakers season through his negligence. Buss and Kupchek should shoulder some of the blame for not smoothing things over with Odom but still it should never have came to that. Complete BS that this happened. Changed the landscape of the Western Conference in a major way.

 

[thecatch]

Where do you guys rank DeMarcus Cousins amongst centers? Was really surprised with his hustle against the Lakers seemed like he was everywhere.

He's probably a top 3 center on pure talent. Where he currently ranks, I don't know, but he's certainly not near that yet. His attitude and hustle has improved 100% this year. He makes some really bone headed decisions once in a while (e.g., tried to dribble drive past Camby from about the three point line like a PG last night and got stripped) and settles for his jumper too much, but he's young and learning.

 

[pollardsvision]

I deleted the Cousins post, as I try to come up with good offensive big men that ever shot 43% over a full season.

So far, I've only come up with Zach Randolph. He's had a couple of .430ish seasons and is .473 lifetime.

 

[Sea Duck]

Can someone explain the current rules regarding rosters and the inactive/active list? Can teams have more than 12 active players at any given time?

 

[thecatch]

I deleted the Cousins post, as I try to come up with good offensive big men that ever shot 43% over a full season.So far, I've only come up with Zach Randolph. He's had a couple of .430ish seasons and is .473 lifetime.

Like I said, he settles for his jumper far too much. He can hit the shot when open, but he seems to think he can make it with a hand in his face too. That said, people are high on his offensive game because he's a good passer and I don't personally remember seeing anybody with the post game he has at such a young age. It is just a matter of getting him down on the block consistently, which is tough given the plethora of gunners he is currently surrounded with.

 

[Wooderson]

I deleted the Cousins post, as I try to come up with good offensive big men that ever shot 43% over a full season.So far, I've only come up with Zach Randolph. He's had a couple of .430ish seasons and is .473 lifetime.

Like I said, he settles for his jumper far too much. He can hit the shot when open, but he seems to think he can make it with a hand in his face too. That said, people are high on his offensive game because he's a good passer and I don't personally remember seeing anybody with the post game he has at such a young age. It is just a matter of getting him down on the block consistently, which is tough given the plethora of gunners he is currently surrounded with.

The only thing stooping Cousins from being a great player is between his ears. If he gets that figured out he will be a force.

 

[pollardsvision]

I deleted the Cousins post, as I try to come up with good offensive big men that ever shot 43% over a full season.So far, I've only come up with Zach Randolph. He's had a couple of .430ish seasons and is .473 lifetime.

Like I said, he settles for his jumper far too much. He can hit the shot when open, but he seems to think he can make it with a hand in his face too. That said, people are high on his offensive game because he's a good passer and I don't personally remember seeing anybody with the post game he has at such a young age. It is just a matter of getting him down on the block consistently, which is tough given the plethora of gunners he is currently surrounded with.

I didn't get a chance to watch him much last year. He moves really well for such a big guy and it would seem that he'd have potential to develop offensively.As you allude, it seems that his situation might end up reinforcing his current bad habits.

 

[mlball77]

I deleted the Cousins post, as I try to come up with good offensive big men that ever shot 43% over a full season.So far, I've only come up with Zach Randolph. He's had a couple of .430ish seasons and is .473 lifetime.

Like I said, he settles for his jumper far too much. He can hit the shot when open, but he seems to think he can make it with a hand in his face too. That said, people are high on his offensive game because he's a good passer and I don't personally remember seeing anybody with the post game he has at such a young age. It is just a matter of getting him down on the block consistently, which is tough given the plethora of gunners he is currently surrounded with.

The only thing stooping Cousins from being a great player is between his ears. If he gets that figured out he will be a force.

I agree with this. Hopefully having a guy like Chuck Hayes in town, a guy that makes a living based on hard work and hustle, will rub off on the young Cousins. The crafty vet could really be a mentor for Cousins at this early stage of his career.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

Where do you guys rank DeMarcus Cousins amongst centers? Was really surprised with his hustle against the Lakers seemed like he was everywhere.

He's probably a top 3 center on pure talent. Where he currently ranks, I don't know, but he's certainly not near that yet. His attitude and hustle has improved 100% this year. He makes some really bone headed decisions once in a while (e.g., tried to dribble drive past Camby from about the three point line like a PG last night and got stripped) and settles for his jumper too much, but he's young and learning.

100% improvement 2 games in!Btw, Al Jefferson had a hell of a post game as young chap. Cousins has upside, but has a high implosion percentage.

 

[the moops]

Nets could be the worst team in the league.

I think you could sign a team of free agents that could win a couple games against them.PG - Arenas, RobinsonSG - Redd, BogansSF - Kirilenko, ThorntonPF - Powe, ElyC - Przybilla, Fesenko

 

[Instinctive]

Nets could be the worst team in the league.

I think you could sign a team of free agents that could win a couple games against them.PG - Arenas, RobinsonSG - Redd, BogansSF - Kirilenko, ThorntonPF - Powe, ElyC - Przybilla, Fesenko

Wilson ChandlerJR SmithAaron BrooksKenyon MartinThey are all FAs of some kind, right? I think that's the only way they could go to China? I could be totally wrong...

 

[the moops]

Nets could be the worst team in the league.

I think you could sign a team of free agents that could win a couple games against them.PG - Arenas, RobinsonSG - Redd, BogansSF - Kirilenko, ThorntonPF - Powe, ElyC - Przybilla, Fesenko

Wilson ChandlerJR SmithAaron BrooksKenyon MartinThey are all FAs of some kind, right? I think that's the only way they could go to China? I could be totally wrong...

Yea, forgot about those free agents. Hell, that team is now much better than the Nets.

 

[Instinctive]

Nets could be the worst team in the league.

I think you could sign a team of free agents that could win a couple games against them.PG - Arenas, Robinson

SG - Redd, Bogans

SF - Kirilenko, Thornton

PF - Powe, Ely

C - Przybilla, Fesenko

Wilson ChandlerJR Smith

Aaron Brooks

Kenyon Martin

They are all FAs of some kind, right? I think that's the only way they could go to China? I could be totally wrong...

Yea, forgot about those free agents. Hell, that team is now much better than the Nets.

Agreed. Bit weak down low, but they could totally compete with DWill plus trash

 

[Sudoku_in_the_Bathtub]

Suns are my early candidate for the worst team in the league.

When your best players/attractions on your team are 39 and soon to be 38, time to rebuild. I know Nash/Hill love living in the Valley, but when you're going to be lucky to win 10 games this year at the tail end of your careers, perhaps you rethink things.

Can't think of a another team in the league in desperate need of a star for their franchise.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

I think the Bulls are really going to regret giving up James Johnson. He'll never be a big scorer but the guy does everything. Doesn't demand the ball, plays great D, rebounds, runs and passes. Perfect fit for the Bulls to relieve Deng or to play him against slower 2's (and he's cheap!)

Tonight: 6 pts, 8 rebs, 6 steals, 2 ast, 2 blks in 29 minutes

vs Cle: 5 pts, 6 rebs, 5 ast, 3 blks, 2 steals in 36 minutes

Great late round steal in fantasy ball.

 

[Premier]

Celts are 0-3

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Celts are 0-3

Meh. No Pierce. They'll get a top seed since their division is garbage.

 

[wazoo11]

Suns are my early candidate for the worst team in the league.When your best players/attractions on your team are 39 and soon to be 38, time to rebuild. I know Nash/Hill love living in the Valley, but when you're going to be lucky to win 10 games this year at the tail end of your careers, perhaps you rethink things. Can't think of a another team in the league in desperate need of a star for their franchise.

Have you seen Detroit or Utah play yet?

 

[wazoo11]

OKC Westbrook: 0-13 shooting; 4 points from free throws.

 

[Kev4029]

Al Harrington seems to be taking him nearly being an amnesty cut, at least according to the media, to heart. He had a great game Monday and looks super again tonight. He looks in much better shape and hes really hustling.

Rudy Fernandez is a lot more skilled than hes given credit for. He's inconsistent and REALLY needs to learn to square up for his shots, hes constantly fading some direction for no reason, but offensively he has the ability to do just about everything you would ask of a SG. I think hes just like the guy he replaced for the Nuggets in JR Smith though, he flashes play of a All-Star but doesn't understand situations on the court like he should and seems to be too sloppy with the ball.

Mozgov is the worst player on the team, he can hit a 15 footer and hes a very large dude that can run, but he can't guard anybody and he has a hard time doing anything near the hoop.

I stand by what I said with Lawson being an All-Star, he didn't play many minutes and half of them were at SG (with the Miller-Lawson backcourt, Miller plays PG on offense and SG on defense usually) so he didn't put up big stats tonight, but he looks like the best player on the court.

And since when can you suit 13 guys? Both the Nuggs and Jazz played 13.

 

[the moops]

Amare Stoudemire or David Lee.

Who is the worse defender?

 

[Abraham]

Lebron James is very good at basketball.

 

[boubucarow]

Al Harrington seems to be taking him nearly being an amnesty cut, at least according to the media, to heart. He had a great game Monday and looks super again tonight. He looks in much better shape and hes really hustling. Rudy Fernandez is a lot more skilled than hes given credit for. He's inconsistent and REALLY needs to learn to square up for his shots, hes constantly fading some direction for no reason, but offensively he has the ability to do just about everything you would ask of a SG. I think hes just like the guy he replaced for the Nuggets in JR Smith though, he flashes play of a All-Star but doesn't understand situations on the court like he should and seems to be too sloppy with the ball.Mozgov is the worst player on the team, he can hit a 15 footer and hes a very large dude that can run, but he can't guard anybody and he has a hard time doing anything near the hoop. I stand by what I said with Lawson being an All-Star, he didn't play many minutes and half of them were at SG (with the Miller-Lawson backcourt, Miller plays PG on offense and SG on defense usually) so he didn't put up big stats tonight, but he looks like the best player on the court.And since when can you suit 13 guys? Both the Nuggs and Jazz played 13.

I remember some rule concerning teams playing 3 in a row or 4 in 5 being allowed 13 players.

 

[Sudoku_in_the_Bathtub]

Suns are my early candidate for the worst team in the league.When your best players/attractions on your team are 39 and soon to be 38, time to rebuild. I know Nash/Hill love living in the Valley, but when you're going to be lucky to win 10 games this year at the tail end of your careers, perhaps you rethink things. Can't think of a another team in the league in desperate need of a star for their franchise.

Have you seen Detroit or Utah play yet?

Yep. Think Utah is quite a bit better. their front court isn't bad at all. Detroit probably gives the Suns a run for their money. [still believe the Suns are the least talented squad in the league]. Pistons at least have a couple players with some potential (Monroe/Knight) The cupboard is bare in Phoenix.