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

[Gr00vus]

I never compared him to a top-10 all-time player.

LOL, like that's such a ####### big deal anyhow. I write that after 3 games, Andrew Bynum reminds me of Shaq and I can't believe the amount of #### I get for it. I never said that Bynum was the equal of Shaq or even close. Tonight's game proves it- Bynum only has 7 points with 5 minutes left. What makes guys like Shaq elite is their consistency, and Bynum doesn't have that- hopefully he will someday. But for 3-4 games this year he's been dominant. I think that when you watch a player that impresses you, and he reminds you of an elite player, it's perfectly acceptable to make that comparison, and it's dumb of people to jump on it.

Tough to score much when you only get 9 shots and go 3-8 from the line.

 

[Juxtatarot]

Can some one help me with the draft?

The rockets pick sent to the nets is lottery protected, right? The Knicks pick to the rockets is not, right? So Houston could end up Witt two lottery picks if they and the knicks miss the playoffs, right?

I think RealGm is pretty accurate on this stuff:

2012 first round draft pick from New York

New York's own 2012 1st round pick to Houston (top 5 protected in 2012, top 5 protected in 2013, top 5 protected in 2014, and top 5 protected in the 2015 Draft). If Houston does not receive a 1st round pick from New York by the 2015 Draft, then New York will convey their own 2015 2nd round pick and 2016 2nd round pick to Houston. [Houston - New York - Sacramento, 2/18/2010]

http://basketball.realgm.com/nba/draft/future_drafts/detailed

 

[tommyGunZ]

It's too bad that Kobe tore that ligament in his wrist, b/c he'd be on his way to an MVP campaign if fully healthy. He has much more lift, quickness, and agility in that knee - looks far more healthy than in years past. That German surgeon is $.

Are we chalking up the 18% from 3 to small sample size?

I'm blaming the wrist. Which goes to my point - Kobe's legs are in the best shape in years; if not for the wrist injury he'd be making more shots and probably averaging > 30 right now. Homerism aside, as someone who has watched almost every Laker game for the past 15 years - there is a discernible difference in Kobe's legs this year, IMO.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Seriously though, Ryan Anderson has been a beast from downtown. One of the best complements I can imagine for Dwight Howard. Almost as good as a Dirk and Dwight pairing would be...

He really has been great. Maybe the one thing that will actually keep Dwight in Orlando. If he keeps this type of play up all year, it would be hard to walk away from a 22-year-old with so much potential. I don't see much of a reason for him to take much of a slip either -- his play isn't fluky.

How could Dwight leave this?

Stan Van Gundy was critical of Ryan Anderson's play on Friday, saying Anderson "just didn’t get in the battle tonight at all.""He didn’t rebound the ball. He missed some rotations defensively," said Van Gundy. "He just didn’t get in the battle tonight. Why? I don’t know." Anderson had a 10-minute talk with Dwight Howard after the game and said he wants to come back and play hard in the next game, so hopefully this will soon be forgotten. If it becomes a trend, however, he could start ceding minutes to Glen Davis.

 

[simmonjm]

Seriously though, Ryan Anderson has been a beast from downtown. One of the best complements I can imagine for Dwight Howard. Almost as good as a Dirk and Dwight pairing would be...

He really has been great. Maybe the one thing that will actually keep Dwight in Orlando. If he keeps this type of play up all year, it would be hard to walk away from a 22-year-old with so much potential. I don't see much of a reason for him to take much of a slip either -- his play isn't fluky.

How could Dwight leave this?

Stan Van Gundy was critical of Ryan Anderson's play on Friday, saying Anderson "just didn’t get in the battle tonight at all.""He didn’t rebound the ball. He missed some rotations defensively," said Van Gundy. "He just didn’t get in the battle tonight. Why? I don’t know." Anderson had a 10-minute talk with Dwight Howard after the game and said he wants to come back and play hard in the next game, so hopefully this will soon be forgotten. If it becomes a trend, however, he could start ceding minutes to Glen Davis.

 

[Premier]

Seriously though, Ryan Anderson has been a beast from downtown. One of the best complements I can imagine for Dwight Howard. Almost as good as a Dirk and Dwight pairing would be...

He really has been great. Maybe the one thing that will actually keep Dwight in Orlando. If he keeps this type of play up all year, it would be hard to walk away from a 22-year-old with so much potential. I don't see much of a reason for him to take much of a slip either -- his play isn't fluky.

How could Dwight leave this?

Stan Van Gundy was critical of Ryan Anderson's play on Friday, saying Anderson "just didn’t get in the battle tonight at all.""He didn’t rebound the ball. He missed some rotations defensively," said Van Gundy. "He just didn’t get in the battle tonight. Why? I don’t know." Anderson had a 10-minute talk with Dwight Howard after the game and said he wants to come back and play hard in the next game, so hopefully this will soon be forgotten. If it becomes a trend, however, he could start ceding minutes to Glen Davis.

Reading comp never has been your strong suit, pot boy.

 

[simmonjm]

Seriously though, Ryan Anderson has been a beast from downtown. One of the best complements I can imagine for Dwight Howard. Almost as good as a Dirk and Dwight pairing would be...

He really has been great. Maybe the one thing that will actually keep Dwight in Orlando. If he keeps this type of play up all year, it would be hard to walk away from a 22-year-old with so much potential. I don't see much of a reason for him to take much of a slip either -- his play isn't fluky.

How could Dwight leave this?

Stan Van Gundy was critical of Ryan Anderson's play on Friday, saying Anderson "just didn’t get in the battle tonight at all."

"He didn’t rebound the ball. He missed some rotations defensively," said Van Gundy. "He just didn’t get in the battle tonight. Why? I don’t know." Anderson had a 10-minute talk with Dwight Howard after the game and said he wants to come back and play hard in the next game, so hopefully this will soon be forgotten. If it becomes a trend, however, he could start ceding minutes to Glen Davis.

Reading comp never has been your strong suit, pot boy.

 

[JMon348]

Some things never change, what a moron. Ryan ####### Anderson.

 

[Premier]

Some things never change, what a moron. Ryan ####### Anderson.

I haven't said #### to you in a year. And yet if I made that same post to you, you'd be whining and crying to the mods here.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Seriously though, Ryan Anderson has been a beast from downtown. One of the best complements I can imagine for Dwight Howard. Almost as good as a Dirk and Dwight pairing would be...

He really has been great. Maybe the one thing that will actually keep Dwight in Orlando. If he keeps this type of play up all year, it would be hard to walk away from a 22-year-old with so much potential. I don't see much of a reason for him to take much of a slip either -- his play isn't fluky.

How could Dwight leave this?

Stan Van Gundy was critical of Ryan Anderson's play on Friday, saying Anderson "just didn’t get in the battle tonight at all.""He didn’t rebound the ball. He missed some rotations defensively," said Van Gundy. "He just didn’t get in the battle tonight. Why? I don’t know." Anderson had a 10-minute talk with Dwight Howard after the game and said he wants to come back and play hard in the next game, so hopefully this will soon be forgotten. If it becomes a trend, however, he could start ceding minutes to Glen Davis.

Reading comp never has been your strong suit, pot boy.

Keep your chin up - maybe Dwight will stick around to play with Big Baby.

 

[rascal]

Hopefully this performance by Koufus means he is replacing Birdman.

I think Bird has been playing well enough, Mozgov is the one who doesn't deserve a spot in the rotation. He really offers nothing that Koufos doesn't do better.

I really disagree with this. Teams beat us inside everytime Bird is in the lineup. Mozgov isn't great, but he provides the additional force inside that we will need against some of the bigger teams. As long as we are winning I would like him and Koufos to get a lot of minutes to help them develop more in time for the playoffs. We know what we have in Birdman and he won't be a difference maker. The future is Koufos and Mozgov.

 

[Premier]

Seriously though, Ryan Anderson has been a beast from downtown. One of the best complements I can imagine for Dwight Howard. Almost as good as a Dirk and Dwight pairing would be...

He really has been great. Maybe the one thing that will actually keep Dwight in Orlando. If he keeps this type of play up all year, it would be hard to walk away from a 22-year-old with so much potential. I don't see much of a reason for him to take much of a slip either -- his play isn't fluky.

How could Dwight leave this?

Stan Van Gundy was critical of Ryan Anderson's play on Friday, saying Anderson "just didn’t get in the battle tonight at all.""He didn’t rebound the ball. He missed some rotations defensively," said Van Gundy. "He just didn’t get in the battle tonight. Why? I don’t know." Anderson had a 10-minute talk with Dwight Howard after the game and said he wants to come back and play hard in the next game, so hopefully this will soon be forgotten. If it becomes a trend, however, he could start ceding minutes to Glen Davis.

Reading comp never has been your strong suit, pot boy.

Keep your chin up - maybe Dwight will stick around to play with Big Baby.

I'm fine. Magic are off to a decent start and a lot of projections have the Rays as the best team in baseball next year.

 

[Max Power]

The Hawks just aren't missing tonight.

Bulls are in too big of a hole to climb out of this time.

 

[boubucarow]

The Hawks just aren't missing tonight.Bulls are in too big of a hole to climb out of this time.

It must be maddening to be a Hawks fan. The Bulls are just having one of those nights tonight and the Hawks are playing really well. Yet, the level of effort by the Hawks is ridiculously high compared to the two games I saw versus the Bulls and starless Heat. If they cared enough to play this hard every night, who knows how good they could be.

 

[simmonjm]

Knicks looking good finally finding something that resembles an NBA offense. To be fair playing against the Pistons and Wizards certainly helped. Bibby is actually leading scorer at half for Knicks with 14pts.

 

[Max Power]

The Hawks just aren't missing tonight.Bulls are in too big of a hole to climb out of this time.

It must be maddening to be a Hawks fan. The Bulls are just having one of those nights tonight and the Hawks are playing really well. Yet, the level of effort by the Hawks is ridiculously high compared to the two games I saw versus the Bulls and starless Heat. If they cared enough to play this hard every night, who knows how good they could be.

Bulls are playing bad. No excuses there, I just can't help but wonder how much the schedule has caught up to them. They have really only had three days at home since the season started. I've always loved the Hawks talent on paper, not sure why they can't put it all together. They do seem to play the Bulls pretty tough most of the time too.

 

[rascal]

Hopefully this performance by Koufus means he is replacing Birdman.

I think Bird has been playing well enough, Mozgov is the one who doesn't deserve a spot in the rotation. He really offers nothing that Koufos doesn't do better.

I really disagree with this. Teams beat us inside everytime Bird is in the lineup. Mozgov isn't great, but he provides the additional force inside that we will need against some of the bigger teams. As long as we are winning I would like him and Koufos to get a lot of minutes to help them develop more in time for the playoffs. We know what we have in Birdman and he won't be a difference maker. The future is Koufos and Mozgov.

Tonights game illustrates my point. SA destroying Birdman inside.

 

[pollardsvision]

It's exciting to see a favorite Tar Heel leading those elderly, Manu-less Spurs to victory over the Nuggets.

 

[EYLive]

Dragic breaking Westbrook's ankles was awesome.

 

[Abraham]

8 games in and I'm already praying for Anthony Davis.

 

[No. 16]

Warriors really need Curry (or Dwight Howard).

 

[thecatch]

Has the lightbulb finally come on for Spencer Hawes?He's always had a lot of physical talent, but never seemed to put it all together.

Seriously, is this a fluke or has this guy turned it around?

His rebounding numbers look pretty flukey. But maybe he has finally gotten his act together, at least for duration of this season, now that he's playing for a contract.

 

[Steelfan7]

Wow so that is what the Knicks offense looks like with a real PG running the show. Shumpert is the real deal. Mike Bibby for MVP also.

 

[biggamer3]

Wow so that is what the Knicks offense looks like with a real PG running the show. Shumpert is the real deal. Mike Bibby for MVP also.

Dude it was the Pistons without Stuckey, but Shump is looking mighty good and his defense has been a joy to watch. Thank the lord Douglas got put in the doghouse as I thought he was single handedly losing games for them with his me first attitude.

 

[rascal]

It's exciting to see a favorite Tar Heel leading those elderly, Manu-less Spurs to victory over the Nuggets.

He impressed. Nuggs need Nene back and AA to get his legs back under him. They will be a top team but to compete with the best they need them to step up. Birdman was destroyed inside in his limited six minutes and the Nuggs shot themselves in the foot by shooting 60% from the FT line. All well. Liked the way they fought after being down 20.Outside the Heat, the Nuggs have a favorable schedule till late January. I would rest Nene until then.

 

[Courtjester]

But one of the big problems the Nugs have is they cannot get a call from the refs. Last night the no call on Jefferson on Lawson's break-away was huge. That was basically a 5 point swing in a 5 point game with less than 2:00 to play.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

But one of the big problems the Nugs have is they cannot get a call from the refs. Last night the no call on Jefferson on Lawson's break-away was huge. That was basically a 5 point swing in a 5 point game with less than 2:00 to play.

Saw the replay. Looked like a pretty clean block. Got all ball but the follow through did create contact.

 

[AAABatteries]

It must be maddening to be a Hawks fan. The Bulls are just having one of those nights tonight and the Hawks are playing really well. Yet, the level of effort by the Hawks is ridiculously high compared to the two games I saw versus the Bulls and starless Heat. If they cared enough to play this hard every night, who knows how good they could be.

Bulls are playing bad. No excuses there, I just can't help but wonder how much the schedule has caught up to them. They have really only had three days at home since the season started. I've always loved the Hawks talent on paper, not sure why they can't put it all together. They do seem to play the Bulls pretty tough most of the time too.

It is maddening., but they did play 9 games in 12 days. The bad loss was at home to the Heat without James and Wade. They blew that Bulls games but Chicago couldn't make anything for 3 quarters and then Rose hit everything. The Hawks could be 8-1 with 2 wins ove both the Bulls and Heat but we all know it won't matter. Very frustrating.

 

[Steelfan7]

Wow so that is what the Knicks offense looks like with a real PG running the show. Shumpert is the real deal. Mike Bibby for MVP also.

Dude it was the Pistons without Stuckey, but Shump is looking mighty good and his defense has been a joy to watch. Thank the lord Douglas got put in the doghouse as I thought he was single handedly losing games for them with his me first attitude.

I don't care what team it was against. It was just a joy to actually watch them pass the ball. This is the same team that got blown out at GS without Curry and lost at home to powerhouses Toronto and Charlotte. I'll take every victory they can get and especially when they play the right way. Jorts for ROY!!

 

[tom22406]

Wizards are just brutal to watch.No defense,lack of scoring from anyone and just don't even hustle.



Be very lucky to even break 10 wins this season

 

[saintfool]

It's too bad that Kobe tore that ligament in his wrist, b/c he'd be on his way to an MVP campaign if fully healthy. He has much more lift, quickness, and agility in that knee - looks far more healthy than in years past. That German surgeon is $.

you mean this german surgeon?

 

[thecatch]

Wizards are just brutal to watch.No defense,lack of scoring from anyone and just don't even hustle. Be very lucky to even break 10 wins this season

I was one of literally dozens of people at the game today. Rubio > Wall. There, I said it.

 

[tom22406]

Wizards are just brutal to watch.No defense,lack of scoring from anyone and just don't even hustle. Be very lucky to even break 10 wins this season

I was one of literally dozens of people at the game today. Rubio > Wall. There, I said it.

I can't say I disagree.

 

[Balco]

Wizards are just brutal to watch.No defense,lack of scoring from anyone and just don't even hustle. Be very lucky to even break 10 wins this season

There is talent on the Wizards, but they play with zero discipline, and it's obvious that several players just want to go one on one, taking ridiculous shots. They need to have defined roles on that team.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Tyreke can be absolutely unstoppable at times. With Rudio emerging in Minn, a deal for Ridnour makes a ton of sense. Ty is an All Star caliber 2.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Tyreke can be absolutely unstoppable at times. With Rudio emerging in Minn, a deal for Ridnour makes a ton of sense. Ty is an All Star caliber 2.

wow...not a minute later - Tyreke has to be helped off the court - not able to put any weight on his left ankle, looks bad. Gdddmittttt

 

[Max Power]

Tyreke can be absolutely unstoppable at times. With Rudio emerging in Minn, a deal for Ridnour makes a ton of sense. Ty is an All Star caliber 2.

wow...not a minute later - Tyreke has to be helped off the court - not able to put any weight on his left ankle, looks bad. Gdddmittttt

you're watching basketball today?

 

[Premier]

Tyreke can be absolutely unstoppable at times. With Rudio emerging in Minn, a deal for Ridnour makes a ton of sense. Ty is an All Star caliber 2.

It still works huh?

 

[tommyGunZ]

Tyreke can be absolutely unstoppable at times. With Rudio emerging in Minn, a deal for Ridnour makes a ton of sense. Ty is an All Star caliber 2.

wow...not a minute later - Tyreke has to be helped off the court - not able to put any weight on his left ankle, looks bad. Gdddmittttt

you're watching basketball today?

#### Denver.

 

[Kev4029]

Tyreke can be absolutely unstoppable at times. With Rudio emerging in Minn, a deal for Ridnour makes a ton of sense. Ty is an All Star caliber 2.

wow...not a minute later - Tyreke has to be helped off the court - not able to put any weight on his left ankle, looks bad. Gdddmittttt

you're watching basketball today?

#### Denver.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Tyreke can be absolutely unstoppable at times. With Rudio emerging in Minn, a deal for Ridnour makes a ton of sense. Ty is an All Star caliber 2.

wow...not a minute later - Tyreke has to be helped off the court - not able to put any weight on his left ankle, looks bad. Gdddmittttt

you're watching basketball today?

#### Denver.

I'm a Charger season ticket holder.

 

[Voice Of Reason]

Tyreke can be absolutely unstoppable at times. With Rudio emerging in Minn, a deal for Ridnour makes a ton of sense. Ty is an All Star caliber 2.

 

[Kev4029]

Tyreke can be absolutely unstoppable at times. With Rudio emerging in Minn, a deal for Ridnour makes a ton of sense. Ty is an All Star caliber 2.

wow...not a minute later - Tyreke has to be helped off the court - not able to put any weight on his left ankle, looks bad. Gdddmittttt

you're watching basketball today?

#### Denver.

I'm a Charger season ticket holder.

Ah.... that makes sense then.We deserve a mildly successful season once every five or six years. That was the most fun I've had watching a Broncos game since before they bench Plummer.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Tyreke can be absolutely unstoppable at times. With Rudio emerging in Minn, a deal for Ridnour makes a ton of sense. Ty is an All Star caliber 2.

I disagree - he was hurt last year. He averaged 20-5-5 as a 20 yr old rookie playing out of position at the point.

 

[Max Power]

Delonte West's Twitter rants...

http://larrybrownsports.com/basketball/delonte-west-twitter-rant-medias-side-show/109316

How can you not love the last one?

 

[TobiasFunke]

Wizards are just brutal to watch.No defense,lack of scoring from anyone and just don't even hustle.



Be very lucky to even break 10 wins this season

I was one of literally dozens of people at the game today. Rubio > Wall. There, I said it.

You're not the only one.

If anything I've been underselling how bad the Wizards have been this season. Maybe a 21 point home loss to the T-Wolves will finally get America to take a look at this team. History in the making here in DC. It's too bad it's not an 82 game season, they could possibly make a run at the 72-73 Sixers.

How bad is it? At the moment the 11-12 Wizards are the worst offense in NBA history, and it's not really that close.

 

[Abraham]

Why would America want to pay attention to an awful team?

 

[No. 16]

What is the root cause of the Wizards funk?

Coaching or the players are just lazy? They ave some talent in Wall and McGee.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Why would America want to pay attention to an awful team?

Well I was sorta kidding. But people do like train wrecks. Remember the Lions 0-16 season? For example, supposedly yesterday Rashard Lewis got in a fight with asst. coach Sam Cassell and simply refused to play. You don't get this kind of horror show often in professional sports.I saw a great tweet that captured the Wizards' problems yesterday. Can't remember it exactly, but it was something like:Asking the Wizards to play winning basketball is like giving someone ice cream, spaghetti, ketchup and parsley and saying "please fix me a steak."None of the parts work together. There's almost no effort to get a decent look on offense. The ball movement is sporadic. Picks are infrequent, almost nonexistent other than the standard big man/PG pick at the top of the key. Wall can't penetrate and dish, because his jumper is so awful that his defender can just play as far off him as he likes.

 

[thecatch]

What is the root cause of the Wizards funk?Coaching or the players are just lazy? They ave some talent in Wall and McGee.

Those guys are severely limited in several important aspects of their game. They could cover those shortcomings up with the right mix of players around them, but obviously they don't have that right now.