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

[Abraham]

Rockets are apparently not getting in to the trade sweepstakes for smith preferring instead to possibly sign him in the offseason. One of the ESPN folks says they are likely to get involved in taking on an expiring contract a la Rip Hamilton in exchange for a pick since they have some cap space.

Would the Rockets want Rip? I think the Bulls would give him away with $3 million in cash to pay his salary for (basically) nothing in return. That would put them under the luxury tax threshold.

It would be solely to get a pick back.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

One of the ESPN folks says they are likely to get involved in taking on an expiring contract a la Rip Hamilton in exchange for a pick since they have some cap space.

I could see something like this happening. Bulls are hell bent to get under the luxury tax.

 

[Juxtatarot]

Rockets are apparently not getting in to the trade sweepstakes for smith preferring instead to possibly sign him in the offseason. One of the ESPN folks says they are likely to get involved in taking on an expiring contract a la Rip Hamilton in exchange for a pick since they have some cap space.

Would the Rockets want Rip? I think the Bulls would give him away with $3 million in cash to pay his salary for (basically) nothing in return. That would put them under the luxury tax threshold.

It would be solely to get a pick back.

2nd rounder?

 

[Juxtatarot]

One of the ESPN folks says they are likely to get involved in taking on an expiring contract a la Rip Hamilton in exchange for a pick since they have some cap space.

I could see something like this happening. Bulls are hell bent to get under the luxury tax.

Yes, seems like they're trying to dump Boozer as a first priority. With no takers, it will be Rip.

 

[Abraham]

Rockets are apparently not getting in to the trade sweepstakes for smith preferring instead to possibly sign him in the offseason. One of the ESPN folks says they are likely to get involved in taking on an expiring contract a la Rip Hamilton in exchange for a pick since they have some cap space.

Would the Rockets want Rip? I think the Bulls would give him away with $3 million in cash to pay his salary for (basically) nothing in return. That would put them under the luxury tax threshold.

It would be solely to get a pick back.

2nd rounder?

Who knows. I do know that Morey isn't likely to lose an asset (Cap space) for nothing.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

According to CBS' Ken Berger, "several teams" believe the Hawks will make a "serious run" at impending free agent Dwight Howard this summer.The Lakers are fully expected to keep Howard through Thursday's deadline and then try to sign him to a long-term deal after the season. They'll have competition. If the Hawks unload Josh Smith, they're setting themselves up to have a massive amount of cap space come July. Howard is from the Atlanta area and appears dreadfully unhappy in Los Angeles.

He was unhappy in Orlando. Appears 'dreadfully unhappy' in LA. Neither area is a bad spot to call home.Maybe he's just a miserable ####?

 

[Cliff Clavin]

According to CBS' Ken Berger, "several teams" believe the Hawks will make a "serious run" at impending free agent Dwight Howard this summer.The Lakers are fully expected to keep Howard through Thursday's deadline and then try to sign him to a long-term deal after the season. They'll have competition. If the Hawks unload Josh Smith, they're setting themselves up to have a massive amount of cap space come July. Howard is from the Atlanta area and appears dreadfully unhappy in Los Angeles.

He was unhappy in Orlando. Appears 'dreadfully unhappy' in LA. Neither area is a bad spot to call home.Maybe he's just a miserable ####?

Sounds like he was having fun in Houston:

Relations between Kobe Bryant and his Lakers teammate Dwight Howard were beyond icy during the weekend’s All-Star game in Houston — with Howard mocking Bryant behind his back in the locker room, sources exclusively tell Page Six. Amid other reports that the Lakers’ chilly on-court chemistry was spilling into the locker room, we’re told that Howard “grabbed Kobe’s uniform, put it on, and imitated him in front of all the other players on the West team. He was joking and berating Kobe” to fellow NBA stars, including the Clippers’ Chris Paul and Blake Griffin and Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant. The source added Bryant later arrived in the locker room, “said hello to everyone on the team except Howard, grabbed his stuff and moved as far away from Howard as he could.” Despite a recent clear-the-air meeting in Memphis, relations haven’t thawed. At the game, Bryant said, “It doesn’t matter” what his team does with Howard as the trade deadline approaches. Reps for Bryant and Howard didn’t get back to us last night. New York Post

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

According to CBS' Ken Berger, "several teams" believe the Hawks will make a "serious run" at impending free agent Dwight Howard this summer.

The Lakers are fully expected to keep Howard through Thursday's deadline and then try to sign him to a long-term deal after the season. They'll have competition. If the Hawks unload Josh Smith, they're setting themselves up to have a massive amount of cap space come July. Howard is from the Atlanta area and appears dreadfully unhappy in Los Angeles.

He was unhappy in Orlando. Appears 'dreadfully unhappy' in LA. Neither area is a bad spot to call home.Maybe he's just a miserable ####?

I was predicting a trade to ATL prior to him going to the Lakers. I think he wants to be a Net still, but if the Lakers aren't trading him there before Thursday, it's probably out as I suspect NJ BK will make a different move and have no flexibility or guys they'd want to trade in the off-season. So it likely comes down re-signing with the Lakers or signing with the Mavs, Hawks, or maybe the Rockets now that Harden is there. I don't think the Lakers would trade with the Mavs. They could deal him for Josh Smith maybe. The Rockets sound like they are willing to gamble they can sign him later.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Sounds like he was having fun in Houston:

Relations between Kobe Bryant and his Lakers teammate Dwight Howard were beyond icy during the weekend’s All-Star game in Houston — with Howard mocking Bryant behind his back in the locker room, sources exclusively tell Page Six. Amid other reports that the Lakers’ chilly on-court chemistry was spilling into the locker room, we’re told that Howard “grabbed Kobe’s uniform, put it on, and imitated him in front of all the other players on the West team. He was joking and berating Kobe” to fellow NBA stars, including the Clippers’ Chris Paul and Blake Griffin and Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant. The source added Bryant later arrived in the locker room, “said hello to everyone on the team except Howard, grabbed his stuff and moved as far away from Howard as he could.” Despite a recent clear-the-air meeting in Memphis, relations haven’t thawed. At the game, Bryant said, “It doesn’t matter” what his team does with Howard as the trade deadline approaches. Reps for Bryant and Howard didn’t get back to us last night. New York Post

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Sounds like he was having fun in Houston:

Relations between Kobe Bryant and his Lakers teammate Dwight Howard were beyond icy during the weekend’s All-Star game in Houston — with Howard mocking Bryant behind his back in the locker room, sources exclusively tell Page Six. Amid other reports that the Lakers’ chilly on-court chemistry was spilling into the locker room, we’re told that Howard “grabbed Kobe’s uniform, put it on, and imitated him in front of all the other players on the West team. He was joking and berating Kobe” to fellow NBA stars, including the Clippers’ Chris Paul and Blake Griffin and Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant. The source added Bryant later arrived in the locker room, “said hello to everyone on the team except Howard, grabbed his stuff and moved as far away from Howard as he could.” Despite a recent clear-the-air meeting in Memphis, relations haven’t thawed. At the game, Bryant said, “It doesn’t matter” what his team does with Howard as the trade deadline approaches. Reps for Bryant and Howard didn’t get back to us last night. New York Post

Why wouldn't he want to play with a glue guy like Kobe? HE BLOCKED LEBRON TWICE IN AN EXHIBITION GAME!!

 

[Abraham]

According to CBS' Ken Berger, "several teams" believe the Hawks will make a "serious run" at impending free agent Dwight Howard this summer.

The Lakers are fully expected to keep Howard through Thursday's deadline and then try to sign him to a long-term deal after the season. They'll have competition. If the Hawks unload Josh Smith, they're setting themselves up to have a massive amount of cap space come July. Howard is from the Atlanta area and appears dreadfully unhappy in Los Angeles.

He was unhappy in Orlando. Appears 'dreadfully unhappy' in LA. Neither area is a bad spot to call home.Maybe he's just a miserable ####?

I was predicting a trade to ATL prior to him going to the Lakers. I think he wants to be a Net still, but if the Lakers aren't trading him there before Thursday, it's probably out as I suspect NJ BK will make a different move and have no flexibility or guys they'd want to trade in the off-season. So it likely comes down re-signing with the Lakers or signing with the Mavs, Hawks, or maybe the Rockets now that Harden is there. I don't think the Lakers would trade with the Mavs. They could deal him for Josh Smith maybe. The Rockets sound like they are willing to gamble they can sign him later.

I will be shocked if Houston doesn't put on the full court press. Doesn't mean they will get him, but I expect a big effort. Mores has been after a true center for years and while Asik has been a bargain, they would likely give him up to get Howard.

 

[thecatch]

According to CBS' Ken Berger, "several teams" believe the Hawks will make a "serious run" at impending free agent Dwight Howard this summer.The Lakers are fully expected to keep Howard through Thursday's deadline and then try to sign him to a long-term deal after the season. They'll have competition. If the Hawks unload Josh Smith, they're setting themselves up to have a massive amount of cap space come July. Howard is from the Atlanta area and appears dreadfully unhappy in Los Angeles.

He was unhappy in Orlando. Appears 'dreadfully unhappy' in LA. Neither area is a bad spot to call home.Maybe he's just a miserable ####?

Sounds like he was having fun in Houston:

Relations between Kobe Bryant and his Lakers teammate Dwight Howard were beyond icy during the weekend’s All-Star game in Houston — with Howard mocking Bryant behind his back in the locker room, sources exclusively tell Page Six. Amid other reports that the Lakers’ chilly on-court chemistry was spilling into the locker room, we’re told that Howard “grabbed Kobe’s uniform, put it on, and imitated him in front of all the other players on the West team. He was joking and berating Kobe” to fellow NBA stars, including the Clippers’ Chris Paul and Blake Griffin and Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant. The source added Bryant later arrived in the locker room, “said hello to everyone on the team except Howard, grabbed his stuff and moved as far away from Howard as he could.” Despite a recent clear-the-air meeting in Memphis, relations haven’t thawed. At the game, Bryant said, “It doesn’t matter” what his team does with Howard as the trade deadline approaches. Reps for Bryant and Howard didn’t get back to us last night. New York Post

Normally I'd be thrilled with the prospect of the lakers missing out on a big FA, but I have to wonder if they would be dodging a bullet with this guy

 

[Juxtatarot]

According to CBS' Ken Berger, "several teams" believe the Hawks will make a "serious run" at impending free agent Dwight Howard this summer.

The Lakers are fully expected to keep Howard through Thursday's deadline and then try to sign him to a long-term deal after the season. They'll have competition. If the Hawks unload Josh Smith, they're setting themselves up to have a massive amount of cap space come July. Howard is from the Atlanta area and appears dreadfully unhappy in Los Angeles.

He was unhappy in Orlando. Appears 'dreadfully unhappy' in LA. Neither area is a bad spot to call home.Maybe he's just a miserable ####?

I was predicting a trade to ATL prior to him going to the Lakers. I think he wants to be a Net still, but if the Lakers aren't trading him there before Thursday, it's probably out as I suspect NJ BK will make a different move and have no flexibility or guys they'd want to trade in the off-season. So it likely comes down re-signing with the Lakers or signing with the Mavs, Hawks, or maybe the Rockets now that Harden is there. I don't think the Lakers would trade with the Mavs. They could deal him for Josh Smith maybe. The Rockets sound like they are willing to gamble they can sign him later.

I will be shocked if Houston doesn't put on the full court press. Doesn't mean they will get him, but I expect a big effort. Mores has been after a true center for years and while Asik has been a bargain, they would likely give him up to get Howard.

That $15 Million he's owed in 2014-15 will make him nearly impossible to move.

 

[DrJ]

Sounds like he was having fun in Houston:

Relations between Kobe Bryant and his Lakers teammate Dwight Howard were beyond icy during the weekend’s All-Star game in Houston — with Howard mocking Bryant behind his back in the locker room, sources exclusively tell Page Six. Amid other reports that the Lakers’ chilly on-court chemistry was spilling into the locker room, we’re told that Howard “grabbed Kobe’s uniform, put it on, and imitated him in front of all the other players on the West team. He was joking and berating Kobe” to fellow NBA stars, including the Clippers’ Chris Paul and Blake Griffin and Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant. The source added Bryant later arrived in the locker room, “said hello to everyone on the team except Howard, grabbed his stuff and moved as far away from Howard as he could.” Despite a recent clear-the-air meeting in Memphis, relations haven’t thawed. At the game, Bryant said, “It doesn’t matter” what his team does with Howard as the trade deadline approaches. Reps for Bryant and Howard didn’t get back to us last night. New York Post

 

[DrJ]

Boozer for Howard? Seems like the Lakers are going to need a big man that isn't hurt all of the time.

 

[Abraham]

According to CBS' Ken Berger, "several teams" believe the Hawks will make a "serious run" at impending free agent Dwight Howard this summer.

The Lakers are fully expected to keep Howard through Thursday's deadline and then try to sign him to a long-term deal after the season. They'll have competition. If the Hawks unload Josh Smith, they're setting themselves up to have a massive amount of cap space come July. Howard is from the Atlanta area and appears dreadfully unhappy in Los Angeles.

He was unhappy in Orlando. Appears 'dreadfully unhappy' in LA. Neither area is a bad spot to call home.Maybe he's just a miserable ####?

I was predicting a trade to ATL prior to him going to the Lakers. I think he wants to be a Net still, but if the Lakers aren't trading him there before Thursday, it's probably out as I suspect NJ BK will make a different move and have no flexibility or guys they'd want to trade in the off-season. So it likely comes down re-signing with the Lakers or signing with the Mavs, Hawks, or maybe the Rockets now that Harden is there. I don't think the Lakers would trade with the Mavs. They could deal him for Josh Smith maybe. The Rockets sound like they are willing to gamble they can sign him later.

I will be shocked if Houston doesn't put on the full court press. Doesn't mean they will get him, but I expect a big effort. Mores has been after a true center for years and while Asik has been a bargain, they would likely give him up to get Howard.

That $15 Million he's owed in 2014-15 will make him nearly impossible to move.

Perhaps. But keep in mind it's only 8.33 in real money. The cap hit is 15.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

According to CBS' Ken Berger, "several teams" believe the Hawks will make a "serious run" at impending free agent Dwight Howard this summer.

The Lakers are fully expected to keep Howard through Thursday's deadline and then try to sign him to a long-term deal after the season. They'll have competition. If the Hawks unload Josh Smith, they're setting themselves up to have a massive amount of cap space come July. Howard is from the Atlanta area and appears dreadfully unhappy in Los Angeles.

He was unhappy in Orlando. Appears 'dreadfully unhappy' in LA. Neither area is a bad spot to call home.Maybe he's just a miserable ####?

I was predicting a trade to ATL prior to him going to the Lakers. I think he wants to be a Net still, but if the Lakers aren't trading him there before Thursday, it's probably out as I suspect NJ BK will make a different move and have no flexibility or guys they'd want to trade in the off-season. So it likely comes down re-signing with the Lakers or signing with the Mavs, Hawks, or maybe the Rockets now that Harden is there. I don't think the Lakers would trade with the Mavs. They could deal him for Josh Smith maybe. The Rockets sound like they are willing to gamble they can sign him later.

I will be shocked if Houston doesn't put on the full court press. Doesn't mean they will get him, but I expect a big effort. Mores has been after a true center for years and while Asik has been a bargain, they would likely give him up to get Howard.

That $15 Million he's owed in 2014-15 will make him nearly impossible to move.

Perhaps. But keep in mind it's only 8.33 in real money. The cap hit is 15.

And the cap hit is the problem, not the real money.

 

[Juxtatarot]

According to CBS' Ken Berger, "several teams" believe the Hawks will make a "serious run" at impending free agent Dwight Howard this summer.

The Lakers are fully expected to keep Howard through Thursday's deadline and then try to sign him to a long-term deal after the season. They'll have competition. If the Hawks unload Josh Smith, they're setting themselves up to have a massive amount of cap space come July. Howard is from the Atlanta area and appears dreadfully unhappy in Los Angeles.

He was unhappy in Orlando. Appears 'dreadfully unhappy' in LA. Neither area is a bad spot to call home.Maybe he's just a miserable ####?

I was predicting a trade to ATL prior to him going to the Lakers. I think he wants to be a Net still, but if the Lakers aren't trading him there before Thursday, it's probably out as I suspect NJ BK will make a different move and have no flexibility or guys they'd want to trade in the off-season. So it likely comes down re-signing with the Lakers or signing with the Mavs, Hawks, or maybe the Rockets now that Harden is there. I don't think the Lakers would trade with the Mavs. They could deal him for Josh Smith maybe. The Rockets sound like they are willing to gamble they can sign him later.

I will be shocked if Houston doesn't put on the full court press. Doesn't mean they will get him, but I expect a big effort. Mores has been after a true center for years and while Asik has been a bargain, they would likely give him up to get Howard.

That $15 Million he's owed in 2014-15 will make him nearly impossible to move.

Perhaps. But keep in mind it's only 8.33 in real money. The cap hit is 15.

And the cap hit is the problem, not the real money.

Pretty sure the $8.33 was the cap hit for the Rockets. (An average for some reason. The cap hit for the Bulls if they matched would have been the actual salary). The contract is for $5, $5, and $15 and that is the real money owed him.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Pretty sure the $8.33 was the cap hit for the Rockets. (An average for some reason. The cap hit for the Bulls if they matched would have been the actual salary). The contract is for $5, $5, and $15 and that is the real money owed him.

Ah, was just going by what Abe said. I can't see the real money being an issue trading him.

 

[Gr00vus]

Any way the Hawks would be interested in a Howard for Horford + Pachulia or Korver deal? The salaries would work.

 

[Abraham]

Pretty sure the $8.33 was the cap hit for the Rockets. (An average for some reason. The cap hit for the Bulls if they matched would have been the actual salary). The contract is for $5, $5, and $15 and that is the real money owed him.

Ah, was just going by what Abe said. I can't see the real money being an issue trading him.

Wouldn't the lakers be interested since that 15million would come off the books just in time to try and sign Lebron? Wouldn't that basically be the "Lebron slot" on the roster?

 

[Abraham]

Any way the Hawks would be interested in a Howard for Horford + Pachulia or Korver deal? The salaries would work.

One of the espn guys suggested that deal prior to gasol getting hurt. Would allow horford to move back to pf and gasol to move to center.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Pretty sure the $8.33 was the cap hit for the Rockets. (An average for some reason. The cap hit for the Bulls if they matched would have been the actual salary). The contract is for $5, $5, and $15 and that is the real money owed him.

Ah, was just going by what Abe said. I can't see the real money being an issue trading him.

Wouldn't the lakers be interested since that 15million would come off the books just in time to try and sign Lebron? Wouldn't that basically be the "Lebron slot" on the roster?

LeBron isn't coming to LA if Howard's not already signed to a long term deal.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Any way the Hawks would be interested in a Howard for Horford + Pachulia or Korver deal? The salaries would work.

One of the espn guys suggested that deal prior to gasol getting hurt. Would allow horford to move back to pf and gasol to move to center.

But that doesnt' solve the problem of having two back to the basket starters in a league that has moved to speed over size.

 

[DrJ]

Pretty sure the $8.33 was the cap hit for the Rockets. (An average for some reason. The cap hit for the Bulls if they matched would have been the actual salary). The contract is for $5, $5, and $15 and that is the real money owed him.

Ah, was just going by what Abe said. I can't see the real money being an issue trading him.

Wouldn't the lakers be interested since that 15million would come off the books just in time to try and sign Lebron? Wouldn't that basically be the "Lebron slot" on the roster?

LeBron isn't coming to LA if Howard's not already signed to a long term deal.

Wow, someone might have injected some sanity into Tommy.Don't forget how much more Laker dollars are worth though, man!

 

[Gr00vus]

Any way the Hawks would be interested in a Howard for Horford + Pachulia or Korver deal? The salaries would work.

One of the espn guys suggested that deal prior to gasol getting hurt. Would allow horford to move back to pf and gasol to move to center.

But that doesnt' solve the problem of having two back to the basket starters in a league that has moved to speed over size.

Gasol only has 1 year left on his deal.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Pretty sure the $8.33 was the cap hit for the Rockets. (An average for some reason. The cap hit for the Bulls if they matched would have been the actual salary). The contract is for $5, $5, and $15 and that is the real money owed him.

Ah, was just going by what Abe said. I can't see the real money being an issue trading him.

Wouldn't the lakers be interested since that 15million would come off the books just in time to try and sign Lebron? Wouldn't that basically be the "Lebron slot" on the roster?

It wouldn't be $15M if the cap hit is only 8.33M. Plus, LeBron is only an FA in 14/15 if he opts out.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Pretty sure the $8.33 was the cap hit for the Rockets. (An average for some reason. The cap hit for the Bulls if they matched would have been the actual salary). The contract is for $5, $5, and $15 and that is the real money owed him.

Ah, was just going by what Abe said. I can't see the real money being an issue trading him.

Wouldn't the lakers be interested since that 15million would come off the books just in time to try and sign Lebron? Wouldn't that basically be the "Lebron slot" on the roster?

LeBron isn't coming to LA if Howard's not already signed to a long term deal.

Wow, someone might have injected some sanity into Tommy.Don't forget how much more Laker dollars are worth though, man!

Remind us again why players who "want to win" won't come to play for the Lakers?

 

[Premier]

Pretty sure the $8.33 was the cap hit for the Rockets. (An average for some reason. The cap hit for the Bulls if they matched would have been the actual salary). The contract is for $5, $5, and $15 and that is the real money owed him.

Ah, was just going by what Abe said. I can't see the real money being an issue trading him.

Wouldn't the lakers be interested since that 15million would come off the books just in time to try and sign Lebron? Wouldn't that basically be the "Lebron slot" on the roster?

LeBron isn't coming to LA if Howard's not already signed to a long term deal.

Wow, someone might have injected some sanity into Tommy.Don't forget how much more Laker dollars are worth though, man!

Remind us again why players who "want to win" won't come to play for the Lakers?

Because the guy who did all the winning is now dead.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Pretty sure the $8.33 was the cap hit for the Rockets. (An average for some reason. The cap hit for the Bulls if they matched would have been the actual salary). The contract is for $5, $5, and $15 and that is the real money owed him.

Ah, was just going by what Abe said. I can't see the real money being an issue trading him.

Wouldn't the lakers be interested since that 15million would come off the books just in time to try and sign Lebron? Wouldn't that basically be the "Lebron slot" on the roster?

LeBron isn't coming to LA if Howard's not already signed to a long term deal.

Wow, someone might have injected some sanity into Tommy.Don't forget how much more Laker dollars are worth though, man!

Remind us again why players who "want to win" won't come to play for the Lakers?

Because the guy who did all the winning is now dead.

Your blisters haven't even healed from the last time you prematurely buried the Lakers, and you're piping up again?

 

[Premier]

Pretty sure the $8.33 was the cap hit for the Rockets. (An average for some reason. The cap hit for the Bulls if they matched would have been the actual salary). The contract is for $5, $5, and $15 and that is the real money owed him.

Ah, was just going by what Abe said. I can't see the real money being an issue trading him.

Wouldn't the lakers be interested since that 15million would come off the books just in time to try and sign Lebron? Wouldn't that basically be the "Lebron slot" on the roster?

LeBron isn't coming to LA if Howard's not already signed to a long term deal.

Wow, someone might have injected some sanity into Tommy.Don't forget how much more Laker dollars are worth though, man!

Remind us again why players who "want to win" won't come to play for the Lakers?

Because the guy who did all the winning is now dead.

Your blisters haven't even healed from the last time you prematurely buried the Lakers, and you're piping up again?

It almost appears like you're proud of 10th place.

 

[Kiddnets]

Nets interested in flipping Hump and pieces for a dump of a star....dont think it happens before the deadline but never know......if they could land Josh Smith that would make the Nets #2 in the East IMO. Howard rumors popped up again but without Lopez involved I dont think there is any chance and Nets not dealing Brook at this point.

 

[Abraham]

Humpheries for josh smith makes a ton of sense.

 

[Raider Nation]

Anyone watching the Celtics/Nuggets game? I suddenly have a hankering for some JUJYFRUITS!

 

[DrJ]

Pretty sure the $8.33 was the cap hit for the Rockets. (An average for some reason. The cap hit for the Bulls if they matched would have been the actual salary). The contract is for $5, $5, and $15 and that is the real money owed him.

Ah, was just going by what Abe said. I can't see the real money being an issue trading him.

Wouldn't the lakers be interested since that 15million would come off the books just in time to try and sign Lebron? Wouldn't that basically be the "Lebron slot" on the roster?

LeBron isn't coming to LA if Howard's not already signed to a long term deal.

Wow, someone might have injected some sanity into Tommy.Don't forget how much more Laker dollars are worth though, man!

Remind us again why players who "want to win" won't come to play for the Lakers?

The same reason Lebron won't be coming. No Dwight Howard, and the rest of the team is worthless.

 

[Britney Spears]

I'm as shocked as anyone they Williams has been so bad. Not sure i expected either to he awesome, but Williams has been terrible.

I'm not. Not that he wasn't good in the rest of his college career but he seemingly jumped from a mid lottery pick to a top 2 pick by way of the Duke game. He was a great college PF but a true tweener. He can't guard SF's in the league even though he was adamant that he would play SF, while he shot a decent % beyond the arc in college, he didn't shoot much beyond the arc and the extra couple feet seems to have hurt him. He has put together some decent games of late and looks like he could be a Carl Landry or even a Millsap type and it isn't like there was a ton in that draft. In a redraft, he could still go #2.

No, he had a monster season and his draft stock had soared accordingly before the tournament.

Looking at his draft express mock draft history. He wasn't even mocked in the draft until mid-December at which point he jumped to 15. He then jumped up to 5-6 at the end of January. On March 16th, he was mocked 6th, on March 30th, he was mocked 2nd. What happened between those dates? I said he was a great college PF who went from a mid lottery (6th) to top 2 pick by way of the Duke game.

I don't care enough to look it up, but he destroyed Texas in the tourney including a last second bank shot winner that showed good handles and strength powering through two defenders. That was the game where I thought to myself, "He's not as good as Martin or Big Dog, but he's pretty good." I was solidly on the bandwagon to take him first but admittedly part of that is an irrational hatred of Duke and the fact I hadn't seen Irving play much. Anyway, Kyrie is really fun to watch and he should only get better. I don't know if its just me, but it feels like he's being thought of as a Chris Paul, Jason Kidd 'cerebral floor general' type by the reporting media. He looks to me to be more Westbrook/Rose. Unbelievably handle, burst, and scoring ability.ETA - was looking around on Basketball-Reference and happened upon Paul's 08-09 season. 22.8ppg, 2.8 stpg, 5.5rpb and 11 assists per game. That's an MVP year much of the time.

Agreed. He's a score first PG. 5.5 APG is actually lower than anything Rose has ever put up, including his rookie season. I don't really get why Irving isn't bad mouthed over this when a good number of people were ripping on Rose for this, including his 7.7 APG in his MVP season.

He's also not looked great on defense when I've seen him, but he's super young still so I think people are giving him some slack. He also hasn't been touted as an MVP when he was simply really, really good like Rose was.

 

[DrJ]

I'm as shocked as anyone they Williams has been so bad. Not sure i expected either to he awesome, but Williams has been terrible.

I'm not. Not that he wasn't good in the rest of his college career but he seemingly jumped from a mid lottery pick to a top 2 pick by way of the Duke game. He was a great college PF but a true tweener. He can't guard SF's in the league even though he was adamant that he would play SF, while he shot a decent % beyond the arc in college, he didn't shoot much beyond the arc and the extra couple feet seems to have hurt him. He has put together some decent games of late and looks like he could be a Carl Landry or even a Millsap type and it isn't like there was a ton in that draft. In a redraft, he could still go #2.

No, he had a monster season and his draft stock had soared accordingly before the tournament.

Looking at his draft express mock draft history. He wasn't even mocked in the draft until mid-December at which point he jumped to 15. He then jumped up to 5-6 at the end of January. On March 16th, he was mocked 6th, on March 30th, he was mocked 2nd. What happened between those dates? I said he was a great college PF who went from a mid lottery (6th) to top 2 pick by way of the Duke game.

I don't care enough to look it up, but he destroyed Texas in the tourney including a last second bank shot winner that showed good handles and strength powering through two defenders. That was the game where I thought to myself, "He's not as good as Martin or Big Dog, but he's pretty good." I was solidly on the bandwagon to take him first but admittedly part of that is an irrational hatred of Duke and the fact I hadn't seen Irving play much. Anyway, Kyrie is really fun to watch and he should only get better. I don't know if its just me, but it feels like he's being thought of as a Chris Paul, Jason Kidd 'cerebral floor general' type by the reporting media. He looks to me to be more Westbrook/Rose. Unbelievably handle, burst, and scoring ability.ETA - was looking around on Basketball-Reference and happened upon Paul's 08-09 season. 22.8ppg, 2.8 stpg, 5.5rpb and 11 assists per game. That's an MVP year much of the time.

Agreed. He's a score first PG. 5.5 APG is actually lower than anything Rose has ever put up, including his rookie season. I don't really get why Irving isn't bad mouthed over this when a good number of people were ripping on Rose for this, including his 7.7 APG in his MVP season.

He's also not looked great on defense when I've seen him, but he's super young still so I think people are giving him some slack. He also hasn't been touted as an MVP when he was simply really, really good like Rose was.

If the Cavs were better he'd probably be in the MVP discussion. Kind of strange - your team wins and everyone thinks less of you.

 

[Britney Spears]

Any way the Hawks would be interested in a Howard for Horford + Pachulia or Korver deal? The salaries would work.

One of the espn guys suggested that deal prior to gasol getting hurt. Would allow horford to move back to pf and gasol to move to center.

But that doesnt' solve the problem of having two back to the basket starters in a league that has moved to speed over size.

Not that long ago, your LA Lakers were very successful using a team built on size (Gasol/Bynum/Odom with Kobe making lots of rebounds for them). I'm not convinced size can't win. It's about quality.

 

[biggamer3]

Joe Johnson for MVP!

 

[Britney Spears]

Anyone watching the Celtics/Nuggets game? I suddenly have a hankering for some JUJYFRUITS!

?

 

[the moops]

Humpheries for josh smith makes a ton of sense.

No it doesn't. Humphries is not a good basketball player.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Joe Johnson for MVP!

Big home win over the .500 Bucks

 

[biggamer3]

Humpheries for josh smith makes a ton of sense.

No it doesn't. Humphries is not a good basketball player.

your crazy if you really believe that. Nets wouldnt do it unless the Hawks also threw in a first rounder next year.

 

[Kev4029]

Anyone watching the Celtics/Nuggets game? I suddenly have a hankering for some JUJYFRUITS!

?

I assume its because of the bright green and yellow unis. Not sure I get it though.

 

[Britney Spears]

McGee is like gumby.

 

[Kev4029]

McGee is like gumby.

Understands basketball about as well as Gumby too.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Sad quote I saw in a trade article: "[brandon] Roy is rehabilitating his knees, and neither the Wolves, nor Roy, truly expect he'll be able to play again in the NBA, sources said."

 

[Kev4029]

Sad quote I saw in a trade article: "[brandon] Roy is rehabilitating his knees, and neither the Wolves, nor Roy, truly expect he'll be able to play again in the NBA, sources said."

That was such a dumb signing to begin with. The Twolves deserve to be saddled with that contract.

 

[Juxtatarot]

Humpheries for josh smith makes a ton of sense.

No it doesn't. Humphries is not a good basketball player.

your crazy if you really believe that. Nets wouldnt do it unless the Hawks also threw in a first rounder next year.

 

[the moops]

Humpheries for josh smith makes a ton of sense.

No it doesn't. Humphries is not a good basketball player.

your crazy if you really believe that. Nets wouldnt do it unless the Hawks also threw in a first rounder next year.

Exactly.I can't belive this is even a question. The Nets would have to throw in more than Kris ####### Humphries to get Smith from Atlanta.Humphries is playing 19 minutes a game. Reggie Evans, who may be the worst offensive player in the league, and has been a role playing, defensive rebounder his entire career, is playing more minutes and starting.Josh Smith is a huge, huge upgrade for the Nets.