*NBA THREAD* Abe will be missed (4 Viewers)

[Frostillicus]

I couldn't read anything after Conner Frankamp because after watching him destroy fools in the high school 3-point contest ( ?) I can't wait for the next Chris Kingsbury.

OMG. I first encountered Kingsbury at a basketball camp when he was 10 years old. It was like watching Jimmy Chitwood, if he had a bowl cut and was a huge doooosh. A couple years later during an AAU scrimmage, I may or may not have given him a cheap shot in retaliation for several instances of dildonic behavior like stealth-grabbing my jersey to prevent me from getting to an outlet pass or sticking his foot out into my landing area while I was coming down with a rebound.

I will never forget him taking a 45 foot jumper at Williams Arena in a tie game with 30 seconds left to play. He airballed it, but man, that was still kind of awesome.

 

[Frostillicus]

I couldn't read anything after Conner Frankamp because after watching him destroy fools in the high school 3-point contest ( ?) I can't wait for the next Chris Kingsbury.

OMG. I first encountered Kingsbury at a basketball camp when he was 10 years old. It was like watching Jimmy Chitwood, if he had a bowl cut and was a huge doooosh. A couple years later during an AAU scrimmage, I may or may not have given him a cheap shot in retaliation for several instances of dildonic behavior like stealth-grabbing my jersey to prevent me from getting to an outlet pass or sticking his foot out into my landing area while I was coming down with a rebound.

I will never forget him taking a 45 foot jumper at Williams Arena in a tie game with 30 seconds left to play. He airballed it, but man, that was still kind of awesome.

That kid may not have had the best shot selection, but WOW did he have cojones. He made Sam Cassell's look like Lyle Alzado's circa 1990.

Jake Sullivan was like Kingsbury 2.0.

 

[Shrugs]

One factor people aren't realizing is that Kobe Bryant just found his fountain of youth. Kobe feeds off slights, and now here is Dwight Howard saying that he's going to Houston because it gives him a better shot at a championship. I am now certain that Kobe will come back from the injury as strong as before, and more confident than ever that he will win another NBA title. The next time Kobe plays against Houston, I wouldn't be surprised to see him reintroduce his nuts to Dwight's face.

 

[biggamer3]

Reading the posts from the Lakers fans after Dwight left, so funny how highly they think of their "brand"

25% chance LeBron signs with Lakers was really funny to read

 

[Man of Zen]

Lot of chatter on Detroit boards that they might be shipping one of the bigs, maybe in a Rondo scenario.

Hate it, but hate the team as constructed with Smith and the two bigs, too. I stopped understanding Dumars years ago, so nothing would surprise me at this point.

 

[Short Corner]

Paul and Howard were trades, as was gasol. It's a myth that free agents choose the lakers.

Attract, acquire, collude. Lot's of ways teams get built. Even championship ones.

The question was about free agents, which the lakers have not been able to attract in some time.

Yeah, like every player in the League every year is a FA. Still doesn't discount the fact that the Lakers get talent. So do the Knicks. So does Houston.

If it's a semantic argument, then open up a few more tabs. It helps with adding more submits.

It's not a semantic argument. The only way the rockets have acquired quality lately is by trade.

Yeah, show me 20 or so big time FA's available every year. The guys you can build around. Chances are most of them are already under contract.

There are 0 FA's under contract.

Thanks. But I asked for Big Time FA's.

Do you know when the War of 1812 was?

 

[Daywalker]

Reading the posts from the Lakers fans after Dwight left, so funny how highly they think of their "brand"

25% chance LeBron signs with Lakers was really funny to read

Their "brand" got them CP3 for an aging Gasol and Howard for a damaged Bynum. And did I imagine the majority of owners in the league crying to David Stern about how unfair the situation is?

 

[Short Corner]

One factor people aren't realizing is that Kobe Bryant just found his fountain of youth. Kobe feeds off slights, and now here is Dwight Howard saying that he's going to Houston because it gives him a better shot at a championship. I am now certain that Kobe will come back from the injury as strong as before, and more confident than ever that he will win another NBA title. The next time Kobe plays against Houston, I wouldn't be surprised to see him reintroduce his nuts to Dwight's face.

Should be interesting. Can't wait for the 2014-15 schedule to come out.

 

[Abraham]

Reading the posts from the Lakers fans after Dwight left, so funny how highly they think of their "brand"

25% chance LeBron signs with Lakers was really funny to read

Their "brand" got them CP3 for an aging Gasol and Howard for a damaged Bynum. And did I imagine the majority of owners in the league crying to David Stern about how unfair the situation is?

To hear you tell it the hornets and magic both had moments of "omg omg the lakers are on the phone ! What do we do? Hm...lets capitulate and send out the best player we have because its the lakers!"

Get real: the Howard trade was complex and as it turns out, everyone but Orlando ended up worse for having done it. The lakers did that trade because they thought a year in Los Angeles and 30 million would be more than enough reason for Howard to stay. And guess what: he left!

And say what you want about other owners crying in the Paul trade but the team's owner ultimately said "uh, no". The same owner who once said he wished the finals were the lakers playing the lakers. He was so wowed and impressed by the lakers brand that he hung one of his assistants out to dry rather than let the lakers have Chris Paul.

Lakers brand..good one.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Reading the posts from the Lakers fans after Dwight left, so funny how highly they think of their "brand"

25% chance LeBron signs with Lakers was really funny to read

Their "brand" got them CP3 for an aging Gasol and Howard for a damaged Bynum. And did I imagine the majority of owners in the league crying to David Stern about how unfair the situation is?

Lakers brand..good one.

Magic, Kobe and Shaq demanding to be Lakers isn't enough?

 

[Abraham]

Reading the posts from the Lakers fans after Dwight left, so funny how highly they think of their "brand"

25% chance LeBron signs with Lakers was really funny to read

Their "brand" got them CP3 for an aging Gasol and Howard for a damaged Bynum. And did I imagine the majority of owners in the league crying to David Stern about how unfair the situation is?

Lakers brand..good one.

Magic, Kobe and Shaq demanding to be Lakers isn't enough?

Sure, those are big ones. I'm not minimizing that its a great franchise with lots of rich history. Of course it is. But this notion that the lakers are the coveted destination of the keague's elite is silly. For starters, there has yet to be much mention that for all the consolation of top talent on teams, no one seems to be falling over themselves to play with Kobe.

The lakers have been a historically amazing franchise and its fair to say that sooner rather than later they will have some productive star power and Return to the leagues top tier. But platchke and others writing that the Howard defection isn't the end of the world because they'll have room for James or Melo is nuts.

 

[Kev4029]

Cliff, you might want to hold up on the worst signing poll until Monta Ellis gets his deal from the current bidding war that teams are involved with. The Nuggets are trying to trade Miller to free up enough cap space to sign him and it sounds like Atl is willing to spend the rest of their cap (10 million or so) on him.

 

[Abraham]

Brutal.

 

[biggamer3]

Clippers had no reason to deal Blake to Lakers for Dwight. Sure Blake has his flaws, but he can still be an elite player in the league. Dwight was getting eaten up by LA, he will thrive in Houston.

Also the Clippers would have gifted the Lakers with a top 25 NBA talent for free basically and allowed them to stay relevant while they tried to woo another star in 2014. Now Clippers own LA, no threat of Lakers becoming good for awhile unless they get Wiggins gifted to them.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I think the lakers are still too good for the wiggins sweepstakes. Nash will be able to run the actual offense without Kobe slowing things down and Howard clogging the lane.

 

[biggamer3]

I think the lakers are still too good for the wiggins sweepstakes. Nash will be able to run the actual offense without Kobe slowing things down and Howard clogging the lane.

They are probably not bottom five this year but if they deal Pau for assets and make Kobe wait to come back they can be. Also Bulls were 10th worst when they won Rose Lotto, dont ever doubt the leagues fixing skills.

 

[flranger]

I'm convinced that ultimately the Lakers do not become a destination of choice until Kobe is gone. I just can't see any big stars or free agents wanting to play with him.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Cliff, you might want to hold up on the worst signing poll until Monta Ellis gets his deal from the current bidding war that teams are involved with. The Nuggets are trying to trade Miller to free up enough cap space to sign him and it sounds like Atl is willing to spend the rest of their cap (10 million or so) on him.

Once the guys are all signed we'll narrow it down to the top few worst and Ellis will definitely be a part of that group.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

I think the lakers are still too good for the wiggins sweepstakes.

#Sternneverdies #frozenenvelope #2002Game6

 

[pollardsvision]

Cliff, you might want to hold up on the worst signing poll until Monta Ellis gets his deal from the current bidding war that teams are involved with. The Nuggets are trying to trade Miller to free up enough cap space to sign him and it sounds like Atl is willing to spend the rest of their cap (10 million or so) on him.

Once the guys are all signed we'll narrow it down to the top few worst and Ellis will definitely be a part of that group.

I don't need to know where or for how much Ellis signs, I'd go ahead and place a vote for him.

Some other flawed players will be overpaid, but at least they serve a purpose. I'm not sure what the purpose of 6'3" SG that's a poor shooter is (unless they are coming off the bench, but Ellis will be paid too much to come off the bench).

 

[Moe.]

I think you guys are forgetting that Monta Ellis have it all

 

[Abraham]

Note I just read: parsons is the only player currently on the rockets roster that was on it for the first game of the 11-12 season.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Iguodala got "@andre" on Twitter.

 

[PlasmaDogPlasma]

Note I just read: parsons is the only player currently on the rockets roster that was on it for the first game of the 11-12 season.

So you could say they built their franchise around Chandler Parsons

Smart

 

[Spartans Rule]

Lot of chatter on Detroit boards that they might be shipping one of the bigs, maybe in a Rondo scenario.

Hate it, but hate the team as constructed with Smith and the two bigs, too. I stopped understanding Dumars years ago, so nothing would surprise me at this point.

I don't mind the team as constructed now. If the Pistons are smart (they're not) they could play Smith at the 4 a lot and still have plenty of minutes for the bigs.

But I can't imagine a scenario where I'd be happy trading Monroe or Drummond.

 

[Abraham]

Asik formally requests trade. Rockets say "no."

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Lot of chatter on Detroit boards that they might be shipping one of the bigs, maybe in a Rondo scenario.

Hate it, but hate the team as constructed with Smith and the two bigs, too. I stopped understanding Dumars years ago, so nothing would surprise me at this point.

most likely Monroe

 

[Abraham]

Drummond for rondo would be sensational for the celtics, and wouldn't be awful for Detroit. If they've decided to give a big deal to smith then they should try to make the playoffs. Rondo probably helps that happen.

 

[No. 16]

With Josh Smith going to the Pistons I'm baffled why Dwight Howard would pick Houston over Golden State.

 

[Abraham]

With Josh Smith going to the Pistons I'm baffled why Dwight Howard would pick Houston over Golden State.

He has said that Hakeem and Mchale were big factors in the decision.

 

[Premier]

Drummond for rondo would be sensational for the celtics, and wouldn't be awful for Detroit. If they've decided to give a big deal to smith then they should try to make the playoffs. Rondo probably helps that happen.

I can't imagine Detroit does Drummond for Rondo. No way you trade that talented of a big after one year.

 

[Abraham]

Drummond for rondo would be sensational for the celtics, and wouldn't be awful for Detroit. If they've decided to give a big deal to smith then they should try to make the playoffs. Rondo probably helps that happen.

I can't imagine Detroit does Drummond for Rondo. No way you trade that talented of a big after one year.

Agree completely. But I don't have much faith in dumars.

 

[Spartans Rule]

Lot of chatter on Detroit boards that they might be shipping one of the bigs, maybe in a Rondo scenario.

Hate it, but hate the team as constructed with Smith and the two bigs, too. I stopped understanding Dumars years ago, so nothing would surprise me at this point.

most likely Monroe

Either one would be a horrific trade for the Pistons.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

With Josh Smith going to the Pistons I'm baffled why Dwight Howard would pick Houston over Golden State.

If it landed on tails he would've been a Warrior.

 

[simmonjm]

So Abe with addition of Dwight what are your expectations/predictions for the upcoming season? I see a second round playoff exit.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

So is Chauncey Billups done with the clips?

 

[Abraham]

So Abe with addition of Dwight what are your expectations/predictions for the upcoming season? I see a second round playoff exit.

Im guessing loss in the wcf.

 

[Britney Spears]

Some random thoughts:

I just noticed the poll up top. If the Lakers can deal Pau for picks or future value of some sort, holding Kobe's salary (not amnestying) could be a huge value. They could then have him bringing up their salary floor, while other teams have to have players that are winning them games over the course of the year. Would really make the tanking easier.

Monta in Atlanta seems like the best fit to maintain their long lasting run at mediocrity. I sure hope he doesn't go to the Nuggets, I like watching Lawson/Faried and crew and he would screw it all up.

Really intrigued to see what the Rockets do with Asik. If they can land another player in exchange, could be a lot of fun. Can't imagine they hold him and if he gets more disgruntled he will lose value. Loved the idea of a sharpshooting big man like Anderson.

Any news on Crynum? The guy is still super talented and giant. Someone has to take a risk on him.

 

[Abraham]

Mavericks looking at Bynum.

 

[bigbottom]

Note I just read: parsons is the only player currently on the rockets roster that was on it for the first game of the 11-12 season.

I believe this was the case for most of the 12-13 season.

 

[Abraham]

Note I just read: parsons is the only player currently on the rockets roster that was on it for the first game of the 11-12 season.

I believe this was the case for most of the 12-13 season.

Well, Patterson and Morris and brooks were all on during last season.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Some random thoughts:

I just noticed the poll up top. If the Lakers can deal Pau for picks or future value of some sort, holding Kobe's salary (not amnestying) could be a huge value. They could then have him bringing up their salary floor, while other teams have to have players that are winning them games over the course of the year. Would really make the tanking easier.

Or if they amnesty him, maybe Howard signs.

ETA: And now they'll be stuck dealing with him next summer before they can go after any other free agent. Could be wrong here, but I think his cap hold is going to be about $36.5M next summer (Salary * 120%).

 

[Kev4029]

Monta in Atlanta seems like the best fit to maintain their long lasting run at mediocrity. I sure hope he doesn't go to the Nuggets, I like watching Lawson/Faried and crew and he would screw it all up.

A note about Faried: it sounds like the Nuggets are shopping him because they don't believe McGee and Faried can share significant minutes on the floor. They offered Faried to the Magic for the number two pick on draft night, which isn't an awful deal for the Nuggets but that would have made them worse at four out five positions in the starting five to start the year. The mismanagement of the Nuggets since the playoffs has been epic. I believe if they would have kept Karl, Iggy would have stayed, Koufos wouldn't have been traded and they could have made a big push for somebody like Redick or Korver to solve their shooting woes.

 

[Kev4029]

Some random thoughts:

I just noticed the poll up top. If the Lakers can deal Pau for picks or future value of some sort, holding Kobe's salary (not amnestying) could be a huge value. They could then have him bringing up their salary floor, while other teams have to have players that are winning them games over the course of the year. Would really make the tanking easier.

Or if they amnesty him, maybe Howard signs.

ETA: And now they'll be stuck dealing with him next summer before they can go after any other free agent. Could be wrong here, but I think his cap hold is going to be about $36.5M next summer (Salary * 120%).

I think its more like salary times 107%, which should be the maximum raise he is allowed. Regardless, you are right, its a #### ton of money and it could really slow things down for them. On the other hand, they'll be so far under the cap they could just renounce his bird rights and sign him without those rights.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Some random thoughts:

I just noticed the poll up top. If the Lakers can deal Pau for picks or future value of some sort, holding Kobe's salary (not amnestying) could be a huge value. They could then have him bringing up their salary floor, while other teams have to have players that are winning them games over the course of the year. Would really make the tanking easier.

Or if they amnesty him, maybe Howard signs.

ETA: And now they'll be stuck dealing with him next summer before they can go after any other free agent. Could be wrong here, but I think his cap hold is going to be about $36.5M next summer (Salary * 120%).

I think its more like salary times 107%, which should be the maximum raise he is allowed. Regardless, you are right, its a #### ton of money and it could really slow things down for them. On the other hand, they'll be so far under the cap they could just renounce his bird rights and sign him without those rights.

Yep. I was looking at the old numbers.

 

[Synthesizer]

Lot of chatter on Detroit boards that they might be shipping one of the bigs, maybe in a Rondo scenario.

Hate it, but hate the team as constructed with Smith and the two bigs, too. I stopped understanding Dumars years ago, so nothing would surprise me at this point.

most likely Monroe

Either one would be a horrific trade for the Pistons.

Monroe for Rondo would be good deal. Monroe is solid but nothing special, and isn't exactly very athletic. He puts up a steady 16-10 without having a huge impact on the game. Rondo has his flaws but can be dominant at times.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Lakers currently have their tractor beam of glitz/bright lights/Jack Nicholson aimed directly at Chris Kaman. I doubt he escapes.

 

[thecatch]

Lot of chatter on Detroit boards that they might be shipping one of the bigs, maybe in a Rondo scenario.

Hate it, but hate the team as constructed with Smith and the two bigs, too. I stopped understanding Dumars years ago, so nothing would surprise me at this point.

most likely Monroe

Either one would be a horrific trade for the Pistons.

Monroe for Rondo would be good deal. Monroe is solid but nothing special, and isn't exactly very athletic. He puts up a steady 16-10 without having a huge impact on the game. Rondo has his flaws but can be dominant at times.

I think we might be jumping the gun on anointing Drummond. If someone is willing to trade a star for him, I'd have to at least think about it if I were them.

 

[Abraham]

Signing smith means they think they can compete. Celtics want to tank. It's not a bad deal either way.

 

[Man of Zen]

I think they still have doubts that Drummond can morph into a full game player, and thus believe he's the more likely target for moving than Monroe. Plus, Rondo, Drummond, and Smith might be just too much bad shooting to bear.

Might all still be just message board noise, too. But the Smith deal says to me that they're going to try to compete, and I'm not sure they can as currently constructed.