*NBA THREAD* Abe will be missed (6 Viewers)

[Gr00vus]

Well, the gasol drama seems to have solved itself for the next 6-8 weeks.

So they looked good with Dwight out and Gasol starting. Will Dwight be back soon so we can see how they look with just him and no Pau (although I guess we already saw that earlier in the season).

Howard is day to day, basically when he feels good enough to play, he will.

 

[SoCalBroncoFan]

Well, the gasol drama seems to have solved itself for the next 6-8 weeks.

So they looked good with Dwight out and Gasol starting. Will Dwight be back soon so we can see how they look with just him and no Pau (although I guess we already saw that earlier in the season).

Howard is day to day, basically when he feels good enough to play, he will.

Did he strain his labia again?

 

[Gr00vus]

Well, the gasol drama seems to have solved itself for the next 6-8 weeks.

So they looked good with Dwight out and Gasol starting. Will Dwight be back soon so we can see how they look with just him and no Pau (although I guess we already saw that earlier in the season).

Howard is day to day, basically when he feels good enough to play, he will.

Did he strain his labia again?

You might want to get a refund on your wit lessons.

 

[Abraham]

Uh, he said he wasn't a cry baby. So if he's telling the truth we are left to realize he is just a #####.

 

[Gr00vus]

Uh, he said he wasn't a cry baby. So if he's telling the truth we are left to realize he is just a #####.

His shoulder's ####ed up - he should probably be getting surgery, but that would put him out 6 months so he's trying to play through it. Whether that's to try and keep his FA stock high or to help the team win is debatable, but I don't know how that makes him a #####.

 

[Abraham]

Uh, he said he wasn't a cry baby. So if he's telling the truth we are left to realize he is just a #####.

His shoulder's ####ed up - he should probably be getting surgery, but that would put him out 6 months so he's trying to play through it. Whether that's to try and keep his FA stock high or to help the team win is debatable, but I don't know how that makes him a #####.

I'm just playing, but it isn't doing anything for his fa stock. He's getting a max deal from someone as long as he has a pulse. There is literally nothing - injury, poor play - that will keep him from getting a max deal from anyone with room under the cap.

 

[the moops]

Spurs and Jazz talking about a Splitter, Jefferson swap.To make the money work, San Antonio would have to send Stephen Jackson along with Splitter. Talk of the Jazz also wanting Patty Mills.I know Utah needs to move Jefferson, but they talk is they want to move him so they can play Kanter and Favors more. How does moving him for another center in Splitter make any sense?

 

[tommyGunZ]

Break up the WIZ! John Wall proving he is a franchise player - Wiz 8-6 since his return and he's making Martell Webster a solid rotation player.

 

[CurlyNight]

Gotta love my Miami & San Antonio boys! As for the Lakers.......looks like they are going donw..

 

[Britney Spears]

Stat nerds > Can someone say if there has ever been a season like the one LeBron is putting together?The efficient offense he's showing just seems crazy to me, and he's looked phenomenal on the defensive end as always. He put up another high scoring game tonight with 60% field goal shooting. This seems amazing to me how often I see it. Plus he always seems to throw in 5-10 assists and boards as well. His turnovers were not great tonight, but they are pretty good generally for the amount of time he's running the offense. The only real hole in his game that I've seen is he is not a great FT shooter still. Thoughts on the place this season ranks historically?

 

[Abraham]

To put it in perspective, Durant is having one of the two best offensive seasons ever and he is likely to finish a distant second in the MVP vote.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Break up the WIZ! John Wall proving he is a franchise player - Wiz 8-6 since his return and he's making Martell Webster a solid rotation player.

His numbers are up just a tick across the board, but his impact on the court has been huge. Plus/minus is +46 in only 15 games, some with limited minutes, on a team that was the worst in the league without him. And he's so fun to watch. Still too turnover-prone, but he seems to be learning how to use his ridiculous speed a little better.
was the kind of play Wiz fans have been waiting on.

 

[BassNBrew]

Break up the WIZ! John Wall proving he is a franchise player - Wiz 8-6 since his return and he's making Martell Webster a solid rotation player.

And now my team takes a two game lead into the cellar. Started the season 7 wins v. 5 loses. 4 and 32 since then. :X

 

[TxBuckeye]

Spurs and Jazz talking about a Splitter, Jefferson swap.To make the money work, San Antonio would have to send Stephen Jackson along with Splitter. Talk of the Jazz also wanting Patty Mills.I know Utah needs to move Jefferson, but they talk is they want to move him so they can play Kanter and Favors more. How does moving him for another center in Splitter make any sense?

I don't think the Spurs are talking about it. Sounds like it is just something out of the rumor mill. I don't see the Spurs letting Splitter go. He's a very good pick and roll player, which is the heart of the Spurs offense. It isn't Jefferson's game. Nor does Jefferson play good enough defense for Pop. I'd be more than shocked to see this happen.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Kobe calling out Dwight saying they can't wait for him to heal and that high expectations are foreign to him? Still think delight stays, tommy?

 

[TobiasFunke]

Kobe calling out Dwight saying they can't wait for him to heal and that high expectations are foreign to him? Still think delight stays, tommy?

Stephen A. Smith thinks he's leaving for sure. So I'm starting to think he'll stay.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Kobe calling out Dwight saying they can't wait for him to heal and that high expectations are foreign to him? Still think delight stays, tommy?

:glueguy:

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Stat nerds > Can someone say if there has ever been a season like the one LeBron is putting together?The efficient offense he's showing just seems crazy to me, and he's looked phenomenal on the defensive end as always. He put up another high scoring game tonight with 60% field goal shooting. This seems amazing to me how often I see it. Plus he always seems to throw in 5-10 assists and boards as well. His turnovers were not great tonight, but they are pretty good generally for the amount of time he's running the offense. The only real hole in his game that I've seen is he is not a great FT shooter still. Thoughts on the place this season ranks historically?

Advanced numbers say it isn't even his best season; mostly because his usage is the lowest it has been since his 2nd season.His current WS/48 would put him around 15th best all-time, but it would only be his 4th best.If he keeps up this pace, his OWS will be about top 10 all-time and a personal best. If he didn't play another game this season, his OWS would higher than anything Melo has ever put up in an entire season(Melo best = 6.8, LeBron at 8.3 with 36 games left). If he increases his usage rate by the end of the year, it'll be one of the best seasons ever. Can't really see that happening unless Wade/Bosh get hurt.

 

[the moops]

"Further speculation had the Clippers beefing up their offer to the Celtics for Garnett, replacing Caron Butler with young center DeAndre Jordan to go with point guard Eric Bledsoe."

Interesting if true

 

[TobiasFunke]

Stat nerds > Can someone say if there has ever been a season like the one LeBron is putting together?The efficient offense he's showing just seems crazy to me, and he's looked phenomenal on the defensive end as always. He put up another high scoring game tonight with 60% field goal shooting. This seems amazing to me how often I see it. Plus he always seems to throw in 5-10 assists and boards as well. His turnovers were not great tonight, but they are pretty good generally for the amount of time he's running the offense. The only real hole in his game that I've seen is he is not a great FT shooter still. Thoughts on the place this season ranks historically?

Advanced numbers say it isn't even his best season; mostly because his usage is the lowest it has been since his 2nd season.His current WS/48 would put him around 15th best all-time, but it would only be his 4th best.If he keeps up this pace, his OWS will be about top 10 all-time and a personal best. If he didn't play another game this season, his OWS would higher than anything Melo has ever put up in an entire season(Melo best = 6.8, LeBron at 8.3 with 36 games left). If he increases his usage rate by the end of the year, it'll be one of the best seasons ever. Can't really see that happening unless Wade/Bosh get hurt.

Should be noted that the WS formula seems to have a bit of a bias towards the game-changing big men at the top. While what Clavin says is true, the only seasons that would clearly rank higher than this season for LeBron in WS and WS/48 if he continues his trajectory would be a few Kareem and Wilt seasons (and a little Mikan) along with a couple Jordan seasons plus LeBron at the end of his Cleveland run. So the advanced stats confirm what your eyes are presumably telling you- present day LeBron is in the mix with Jordan at his peak as the most effective non-centers ever to play the game.

 

[saintfool]

Spurs and Jazz talking about a Splitter, Jefferson swap.To make the money work, San Antonio would have to send Stephen Jackson along with Splitter. Talk of the Jazz also wanting Patty Mills.I know Utah needs to move Jefferson, but they talk is they want to move him so they can play Kanter and Favors more. How does moving him for another center in Splitter make any sense?

I don't think the Spurs are talking about it. Sounds like it is just something out of the rumor mill. I don't see the Spurs letting Splitter go. He's a very good pick and roll player, which is the heart of the Spurs offense. It isn't Jefferson's game. Nor does Jefferson play good enough defense for Pop. I'd be more than shocked to see this happen.

i would pull the trigger on a deal like this. jefferson is a capable interior defender and scorer too. splitter has been a disappointment. he's developing and adjusting to the NBA game here but he doesn't look like he's going to get much better. jackson is just playing out his contract at this point and is mostly a bargaining chip. jefferson is proven and battle-tested for the playoffs too.

 

[the moops]

Al Jefferson has only started in 4 playoff games in his career.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Stat nerds > Can someone say if there has ever been a season like the one LeBron is putting together?The efficient offense he's showing just seems crazy to me, and he's looked phenomenal on the defensive end as always. He put up another high scoring game tonight with 60% field goal shooting. This seems amazing to me how often I see it. Plus he always seems to throw in 5-10 assists and boards as well. His turnovers were not great tonight, but they are pretty good generally for the amount of time he's running the offense. The only real hole in his game that I've seen is he is not a great FT shooter still. Thoughts on the place this season ranks historically?

Advanced numbers say it isn't even his best season; mostly because his usage is the lowest it has been since his 2nd season.His current WS/48 would put him around 15th best all-time, but it would only be his 4th best.If he keeps up this pace, his OWS will be about top 10 all-time and a personal best. If he didn't play another game this season, his OWS would higher than anything Melo has ever put up in an entire season(Melo best = 6.8, LeBron at 8.3 with 36 games left). If he increases his usage rate by the end of the year, it'll be one of the best seasons ever. Can't really see that happening unless Wade/Bosh get hurt.

Should be noted that the WS formula seems to have a bit of a bias towards the game-changing big men at the top. While what Clavin says is true, the only seasons that would clearly rank higher than this season for LeBron in WS and WS/48 if he continues his trajectory would be a few Kareem and Wilt seasons (and a little Mikan) along with a couple Jordan seasons plus LeBron at the end of his Cleveland run. So the advanced stats confirm what your eyes are presumably telling you- present day LeBron is in the mix with Jordan at his peak as the most effective non-centers ever to play the game.

Agreed. But when trying to compare to LeBron vs other all-time, that is all that is left. It is either just a LeBron vs Jordan debate or LeBron & MJ vs the elite centers. No point in mentioning other wing players anymore.

 

[saintfool]

Al Jefferson has only started in 4 playoff games in his career.

meh.looking at his career stats, i forgot how many bad teams he played on.

 

[TxBuckeye]

Spurs and Jazz talking about a Splitter, Jefferson swap.To make the money work, San Antonio would have to send Stephen Jackson along with Splitter. Talk of the Jazz also wanting Patty Mills.I know Utah needs to move Jefferson, but they talk is they want to move him so they can play Kanter and Favors more. How does moving him for another center in Splitter make any sense?

I don't think the Spurs are talking about it. Sounds like it is just something out of the rumor mill. I don't see the Spurs letting Splitter go. He's a very good pick and roll player, which is the heart of the Spurs offense. It isn't Jefferson's game. Nor does Jefferson play good enough defense for Pop. I'd be more than shocked to see this happen.

i would pull the trigger on a deal like this. jefferson is a capable interior defender and scorer too. splitter has been a disappointment. he's developing and adjusting to the NBA game here but he doesn't look like he's going to get much better. jackson is just playing out his contract at this point and is mostly a bargaining chip. jefferson is proven and battle-tested for the playoffs too.

Various other measures indicate Splitter is a better defensive player. The opportunity to play alongside Tim Duncan is a huge reason why. But not only does Jefferson yield more points per possession according to Synergy, the Jazz allow almost 10 points more per 100 possessions when he’s on the court.

The entire article is here if you are interested.

 

[saintfool]

Spurs and Jazz talking about a Splitter, Jefferson swap.To make the money work, San Antonio would have to send Stephen Jackson along with Splitter. Talk of the Jazz also wanting Patty Mills.I know Utah needs to move Jefferson, but they talk is they want to move him so they can play Kanter and Favors more. How does moving him for another center in Splitter make any sense?

I don't think the Spurs are talking about it. Sounds like it is just something out of the rumor mill. I don't see the Spurs letting Splitter go. He's a very good pick and roll player, which is the heart of the Spurs offense. It isn't Jefferson's game. Nor does Jefferson play good enough defense for Pop. I'd be more than shocked to see this happen.

i would pull the trigger on a deal like this. jefferson is a capable interior defender and scorer too. splitter has been a disappointment. he's developing and adjusting to the NBA game here but he doesn't look like he's going to get much better. jackson is just playing out his contract at this point and is mostly a bargaining chip. jefferson is proven and battle-tested for the playoffs too.

Various other measures indicate Splitter is a better defensive player. The opportunity to play alongside Tim Duncan is a huge reason why. But not only does Jefferson yield more points per possession according to Synergy, the Jazz allow almost 10 points more per 100 possessions when he’s on the court.

The entire article is here if you are interested.

this is a case where stats don't tell the entire story, i think. the only advantage to Splitter is his PnR play? i think AlJeff would help SA a lot. we've been looking for another legit interior player for *years* and he comes at very little cost. he gives SA some real size and depth. he could give some continuity to the scheme with Timmy off the floor (or with injury). he is a proven scorer and gives another interior scorer when Timmy's shot isn't falling. the upside to this deal far outweighs the cost. this is essentially the same team that has been trotted out for the last few years. we're fine to great during the regular season but fades in the post-season. keeping splitter is just more of the same.

 

[Ghost Rider]

"Further speculation had the Clippers beefing up their offer to the Celtics for Garnett, replacing Caron Butler with young center DeAndre Jordan to go with point guard Eric Bledsoe."

Interesting if true

Having won 5 in a row since Rondo got hurt, I'd be shocked if the Boston Celtics traded Garnett, a move that would essentially be waving the white flag.

 

[Britney Spears]

Stat nerds > Can someone say if there has ever been a season like the one LeBron is putting together?The efficient offense he's showing just seems crazy to me, and he's looked phenomenal on the defensive end as always. He put up another high scoring game tonight with 60% field goal shooting. This seems amazing to me how often I see it. Plus he always seems to throw in 5-10 assists and boards as well. His turnovers were not great tonight, but they are pretty good generally for the amount of time he's running the offense. The only real hole in his game that I've seen is he is not a great FT shooter still. Thoughts on the place this season ranks historically?

Advanced numbers say it isn't even his best season; mostly because his usage is the lowest it has been since his 2nd season.His current WS/48 would put him around 15th best all-time, but it would only be his 4th best.If he keeps up this pace, his OWS will be about top 10 all-time and a personal best. If he didn't play another game this season, his OWS would higher than anything Melo has ever put up in an entire season(Melo best = 6.8, LeBron at 8.3 with 36 games left). If he increases his usage rate by the end of the year, it'll be one of the best seasons ever. Can't really see that happening unless Wade/Bosh get hurt.

Should be noted that the WS formula seems to have a bit of a bias towards the game-changing big men at the top. While what Clavin says is true, the only seasons that would clearly rank higher than this season for LeBron in WS and WS/48 if he continues his trajectory would be a few Kareem and Wilt seasons (and a little Mikan) along with a couple Jordan seasons plus LeBron at the end of his Cleveland run. So the advanced stats confirm what your eyes are presumably telling you- present day LeBron is in the mix with Jordan at his peak as the most effective non-centers ever to play the game.

Agreed. But when trying to compare to LeBron vs other all-time, that is all that is left. It is either just a LeBron vs Jordan debate or LeBron & MJ vs the elite centers. No point in mentioning other wing players anymore.

I do feel like what I'm seeing is a mix of efficiency that is pretty historic. Do these stats account for his defense? This seems like something that makes it "not even close" to what we've seen in a while. Seems to me LeBron would be in the conversation for DPOY again this year, all the while putting up these ridiculous offensive numbers.

 

[thecatch]

Spurs and Jazz talking about a Splitter, Jefferson swap.To make the money work, San Antonio would have to send Stephen Jackson along with Splitter. Talk of the Jazz also wanting Patty Mills.I know Utah needs to move Jefferson, but they talk is they want to move him so they can play Kanter and Favors more. How does moving him for another center in Splitter make any sense?

I don't think the Spurs are talking about it. Sounds like it is just something out of the rumor mill. I don't see the Spurs letting Splitter go. He's a very good pick and roll player, which is the heart of the Spurs offense. It isn't Jefferson's game. Nor does Jefferson play good enough defense for Pop. I'd be more than shocked to see this happen.

i would pull the trigger on a deal like this. jefferson is a capable interior defender and scorer too. splitter has been a disappointment. he's developing and adjusting to the NBA game here but he doesn't look like he's going to get much better. jackson is just playing out his contract at this point and is mostly a bargaining chip. jefferson is proven and battle-tested for the playoffs too.

He's not a mobile defender and he's not a good passer. Would he really fit in well with the spurs?

 

[Moe.]

I've seen a lot of smart NBA guys (Haralabos, Haberstroh, etc) say that they think Jefferson is a stiff and that his teams are better without him on the floor. Doesn't really seem like a San Antonio guy to me.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Stat nerds > Can someone say if there has ever been a season like the one LeBron is putting together?The efficient offense he's showing just seems crazy to me, and he's looked phenomenal on the defensive end as always. He put up another high scoring game tonight with 60% field goal shooting. This seems amazing to me how often I see it. Plus he always seems to throw in 5-10 assists and boards as well. His turnovers were not great tonight, but they are pretty good generally for the amount of time he's running the offense. The only real hole in his game that I've seen is he is not a great FT shooter still. Thoughts on the place this season ranks historically?

Advanced numbers say it isn't even his best season; mostly because his usage is the lowest it has been since his 2nd season.His current WS/48 would put him around 15th best all-time, but it would only be his 4th best.If he keeps up this pace, his OWS will be about top 10 all-time and a personal best. If he didn't play another game this season, his OWS would higher than anything Melo has ever put up in an entire season(Melo best = 6.8, LeBron at 8.3 with 36 games left). If he increases his usage rate by the end of the year, it'll be one of the best seasons ever. Can't really see that happening unless Wade/Bosh get hurt.

Should be noted that the WS formula seems to have a bit of a bias towards the game-changing big men at the top. While what Clavin says is true, the only seasons that would clearly rank higher than this season for LeBron in WS and WS/48 if he continues his trajectory would be a few Kareem and Wilt seasons (and a little Mikan) along with a couple Jordan seasons plus LeBron at the end of his Cleveland run. So the advanced stats confirm what your eyes are presumably telling you- present day LeBron is in the mix with Jordan at his peak as the most effective non-centers ever to play the game.

Agreed. But when trying to compare to LeBron vs other all-time, that is all that is left. It is either just a LeBron vs Jordan debate or LeBron & MJ vs the elite centers. No point in mentioning other wing players anymore.

I do feel like what I'm seeing is a mix of efficiency that is pretty historic. Do these stats account for his defense? This seems like something that makes it "not even close" to what we've seen in a while. Seems to me LeBron would be in the conversation for DPOY again this year, all the while putting up these ridiculous offensive numbers.

They do a bit but defensive stats are no where near perfect. David West is 4th in league in DWS this season and no one would ever call him a top 5 defender. LeBron is 16th this season. Defensive stats rely too much on team performance to be useful.As far as his efficiency, only 4 guys have ever had .625 TS% and .593 eFG% while scoring at least 20 PPG. Barkley (5x), Kareem (2x), McHale (2x) and Wilt once. Add in LeBron's TOV% and that cuts the list down to just him and McHale.

 

[saintfool]

He's not a mobile defender and he's not a good passer. Would he really fit in well with the spurs?

neither was rasho but he was used. jefferson is an adequate passer (2.2 apg compared to Timmy's 2.8). who cares if he is a mobile defender? timmy plays terrific help defense - still! - and we could go back to a scheme where opposing players are funneled into the bigs and/or the baseline. it worked really well for a long time and we have gotten away from it because we don't have a decent interior player to pair with timmy. we have begged for another capable big man to play next to timmy. i know we are playing well but this is the same spurs team that has gone into the post-season for a few years now without winning it all. why should we expect a different result? jefferson changes that. who would you rather have this season - jackson or jefferson?who would you rather have this season - splitter or jefferson?

 

[Moe.]

He's not a mobile defender and he's not a good passer. Would he really fit in well with the spurs?

neither was rasho but he was used. jefferson is an adequate passer (2.2 apg compared to Timmy's 2.8). who cares if he is a mobile defender? timmy plays terrific help defense - still! - and we could go back to a scheme where opposing players are funneled into the bigs and/or the baseline. it worked really well for a long time and we have gotten away from it because we don't have a decent interior player to pair with timmy. we have begged for another capable big man to play next to timmy. i know we are playing well but this is the same spurs team that has gone into the post-season for a few years now without winning it all. why should we expect a different result? jefferson changes that. who would you rather have this season - jackson or jefferson?who would you rather have this season - splitter or jefferson?

You really think adding Jefferson increases their chances of beating the Thunder in a playoff series? I actually think this season is playing out nicely for the Spurs if they can hold on to the number one spot. Let the Clippers and Thunder deal with each other in the second round. The West has a rock-paper-scissors feel to it this year.

 

[thecatch]

He's not a mobile defender and he's not a good passer. Would he really fit in well with the spurs?

neither was rasho but he was used. jefferson is an adequate passer (2.2 apg compared to Timmy's 2.8). who cares if he is a mobile defender? timmy plays terrific help defense - still! - and we could go back to a scheme where opposing players are funneled into the bigs and/or the baseline. it worked really well for a long time and we have gotten away from it because we don't have a decent interior player to pair with timmy. we have begged for another capable big man to play next to timmy. i know we are playing well but this is the same spurs team that has gone into the post-season for a few years now without winning it all. why should we expect a different result? jefferson changes that. who would you rather have this season - jackson or jefferson?who would you rather have this season - splitter or jefferson?

My intuition after watching Jefferson a bit this year is consistent with some of the earlier posts, that his individual numbers are not as helpful to the team as one might think. I don't buy the argument he is anywhere near as able or willing a passer as Duncan. I don't know if I'd feel confident enough in his abilities as a rim protector to funnel Russell Westbrook to him in the playoffs. Splitter strikes me as a nice piece in that he can get out and guard the pick and roll a little bit, which is so important in today's game. But, you are certainly more well versed with his game than i am, so ill defer. It just surprises me that a SA fan would advocate for Jefferson given his type of iso, low post style of play.

 

[rascal]

Denver up to fourth!

 

[saintfool]

He's not a mobile defender and he's not a good passer. Would he really fit in well with the spurs?

neither was rasho but he was used. jefferson is an adequate passer (2.2 apg compared to Timmy's 2.8). who cares if he is a mobile defender? timmy plays terrific help defense - still! - and we could go back to a scheme where opposing players are funneled into the bigs and/or the baseline. it worked really well for a long time and we have gotten away from it because we don't have a decent interior player to pair with timmy. we have begged for another capable big man to play next to timmy. i know we are playing well but this is the same spurs team that has gone into the post-season for a few years now without winning it all. why should we expect a different result? jefferson changes that. who would you rather have this season - jackson or jefferson?who would you rather have this season - splitter or jefferson?

You really think adding Jefferson increases their chances of beating the Thunder in a playoff series? I actually think this season is playing out nicely for the Spurs if they can hold on to the number one spot. Let the Clippers and Thunder deal with each other in the second round. The West has a rock-paper-scissors feel to it this year.

I go back to my question: is jefferson better than splitter and/or jackson? yes. while i think the spurs are having a great season, there is nothing that leads me to believe that they are going to be any different going into the playoffs than in recent years. i would expect the same result. adding jefferson costs us almost nothing and certainly nothing truly meaningful.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Dwight seems upset.

 

[saintfool]

My intuition after watching Jefferson a bit this year is consistent with some of the earlier posts, that his individual numbers are not as helpful to the team as one might think. I don't buy the argument he is anywhere near as able or willing a passer as Duncan. I don't know if I'd feel confident enough in his abilities as a rim protector to funnel Russell Westbrook to him in the playoffs. Splitter strikes me as a nice piece in that he can get out and guard the pick and roll a little bit, which is so important in today's game. But, you are certainly more well versed with his game than i am, so ill defer. It just surprises me that a SA fan would advocate for Jefferson given his type of iso, low post style of play.

the playoffs almost always returns to a half-court game though. i do not expect jefferson to be as good as duncan at pretty much anything. he's an upgrade over splitter or any other spurs big not named Tim Duncan though.i don't expect this trade to really happen. that said, i wouldn't think twice about pulling thr trigger on it as it is described now.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Spurs and Jazz talking about a Splitter, Jefferson swap.To make the money work, San Antonio would have to send Stephen Jackson along with Splitter. Talk of the Jazz also wanting Patty Mills.I know Utah needs to move Jefferson, but they talk is they want to move him so they can play Kanter and Favors more. How does moving him for another center in Splitter make any sense?

I don't think the Spurs are talking about it. Sounds like it is just something out of the rumor mill. I don't see the Spurs letting Splitter go. He's a very good pick and roll player, which is the heart of the Spurs offense. It isn't Jefferson's game. Nor does Jefferson play good enough defense for Pop. I'd be more than shocked to see this happen.

Both are FA are year. They aren't going to pay Jefferson what he wants (which will be a lot more than Splitter gets). No way I see the Spurs paying another Jefferson an idiotic contract..Just doesn't seem like a Spurs type move to me. Short or long term.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Rotoworld.com

Sources tell ESPN's Marc Stein the Bulls and Raptors have had preliminary talks about a trade that would send Carlos Boozer to Toronto for Andrea Bargnani.While we can't help but laugh at the idea of Bargnani under defensive-minded coach Tom Thibodeau, his 3-point shooting would definitely help the Bulls once Derrick Rose (torn ACL) returns. Meanwhile, Boozer would help fill a role vacated when the Raptors sent F Ed Davis to Memphis in the Rudy Gay deal. It's important for Boozer and Bargnani owners to remember the word "preliminary" when thinking about Stein's report, but it could be a deal that helps both players' fantasy values.

Would be a very interesting deal for both sides. As easy as it's been to poke fun at Boozer through his Chicago tenure, he's been solid this year. I think moving him says more about their confidence in Taj Gibson, but it'd leave them woefully thin down low (which was a huge strength last year with Gibson/Asik coming off the bench).I just have hard time seeing where Bargnani fits in with the Bulls (as a starter anyway) And that's a crapload of money to spend on 2 non-superstars in Gay & Boozer.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Rotoworld.com

Sources tell ESPN's Marc Stein the Bulls and Raptors have had preliminary talks about a trade that would send Carlos Boozer to Toronto for Andrea Bargnani.While we can't help but laugh at the idea of Bargnani under defensive-minded coach Tom Thibodeau, his 3-point shooting would definitely help the Bulls once Derrick Rose (torn ACL) returns. Meanwhile, Boozer would help fill a role vacated when the Raptors sent F Ed Davis to Memphis in the Rudy Gay deal. It's important for Boozer and Bargnani owners to remember the word "preliminary" when thinking about Stein's report, but it could be a deal that helps both players' fantasy values.

Would be a very interesting deal for both sides. As easy as it's been to poke fun at Boozer through his Chicago tenure, he's been solid this year. I think moving him says more about their confidence in Taj Gibson, but it'd leave them woefully thin down low (which was a huge strength last year with Gibson/Asik coming off the bench).I just have hard time seeing where Bargnani fits in with the Bulls (as a starter anyway) And that's a crapload of money to spend on 2 non-superstars in Gay & Boozer.

Huh. Not sure what to think of that deal. I don't understand it from Chicago's standpoint. Bargnani is the complete opposite of how that team plays. Thibodeau will bench him after a week.

 

[DrJ]

Until this year, Boozer was a pretty big liability defensively. Might be a move towards the future more than anything - maybe Thibodeau can coach some defense into him, amnesty Deng and replace him with Jimmy Butler, and have some dough for a top free agent like Howard.The Bulls can't reasonably expect they're going to make a title run this year. There's an outside chance, but not a very good one. Next year though...

 

[Raider Nation]

PSA: There is some GREAT chit on the NBA channel right now. Volume 1-5 in succession of NB80s.

THIS is the NBA I knew and loved.

 

[simmonjm]

Wow Celtics are on fire, hit 13/14 shots, now up 26 on Lakers

 

[Abraham]

I don't see how bargnani fits in Chicago unless they want to bring him off the bench for offense. That's an expensive bench player. How about...Boozer to Toronto Bargnani to Houston (his spot up shooting would be a great fit)Delfino, Patterson, and a pick to Chicago.

 

[Britney Spears]

This is a finalsesqe Laker implosion. Hoping Artest doesn't get back in and hurt someone.

 

[DrJ]

I don't see how bargnani fits in Chicago unless they want to bring him off the bench for offense. That's an expensive bench player. How about...Boozer to Toronto Bargnani to Houston (his spot up shooting would be a great fit)Delfino, Patterson, and a pick to Chicago.

I think I like that if I'm the Bulls. Rid of Boozer's contract, free to amnesty Deng. Promote Taj and Butler and have a pretty big chunk of change to go after someone.

 

[Moe.]

Makes a lot of sense for Dwight to be out there right now. Only down by 30, anything can happen.

 

[simmonjm]

Im in the minority here but I think Bargnani could work in Chicago. He can help with spacing giving Noah the lane to work with unimpeded. Bargnani can be counted on as a reliable 3pt shooter which is sorely needed as well. I dont blame the Bulls if Tibs can get Bellini to work why not Bargnani?

 

[rascal]

D'Antoni is an idiot and I hate the Lakers.