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

[thecatch]

For a team that appears destined to go 0-82, I'm not sure I hate the future prospects of:

PG - Burke

SG - Hayward

SF - Wiggins

PF - Favors

C - Kanter

6 - Burks

Jazz are managing to tank magnificently, look like they have a plan, and still put a core product out on the floor THIS YEAR that the homers can get behind because they KNOW they're their guys of the future.

I'm a little intrigued.

Like Abe, I'm not a huge fan of the Favors contract but I like him and Kanter together. They've got some interesting pieces.

 

[Popinski]

Come on. Durant is one of the most prolific scorers/shooters in the history of the league and turned 25 less then six weeks ago. Davis is going to be really really good and I have no problem thinking he would be third on such a list.

I'm not saying Davis is necessarily ahead of Durant and I certainly don't expect him to maintain his current pace, but it could easily be debatable by season's end. As it is right now, neither team would make the trade.

His floor on defense is being a top 5 defender in the league, and his ceiling is Garnett/Duncan level. Add in that he is very skilled offensively, although he needs to work on his post game. And he makes his FTs. I'd project him as having a peak higher than Howard during his Orlando days.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Come on. Durant is one of the most prolific scorers/shooters in the history of the league and turned 25 less then six weeks ago. Davis is going to be really really good and I have no problem thinking he would be third on such a list.

I'm not saying Davis is necessarily ahead of Durant and I certainly don't expect him to maintain his current pace, but it could easily be debatable by season's end. As it is right now, neither team would make the trade.

His floor on defense is being a top 5 defender in the league, and his ceiling is Garnett/Duncan level. Add in that he is very skilled offensively, although he needs to work on his post game. And he makes his FTs. I'd project him as having a peak higher than Howard during his Orlando days.

And I agree he's got a higher ceiling than Dwight. And will probably be at least at Dwight's level sooner rather than later. There's no hack-a-Davis potential here.

I'm not the biggest fan in the world of the talent they've added around him. I didn't like the Jrue/Evans deals for them I thought giving 2 #1 picks for an """"All Star"""" PG was a bit much. Really thought they went overkill adding both -- tying up long term cap space & their playing styles (guys that both need ball in their hands to be effective). I think Davis/Ryan Anderson is a solid pairing when healthy. They're married to Eric Gordon at this point (along with Jrue/Evans on long term deals).

 

[pollardsvision]

I might sound like an idiot here, but I think we might see the Pacers win a title this year.

Or at least come really damn close.

 

[Abraham]

I might sound like an idiot here, but I think we might see the Pacers win a title this year.

Or at least come really damn close.

I think the eastern conference will be won by which of the four contenders has the best luck with injuries.

And I think the eastern representative wins the trophy.

 

[Major]

I was working with the Rockets on some non-profit/charity stuff and they donated a few nice pieces to the silent auction, one of them being a Donuts autographed 8x10 photo. It gave me a chuckle b/c his autograph is pretty much worthless to everyone but Abe. I told the powers to be to step it up b/c that's similar to McDonalds donating a free 6pc nugget to the cause. I'm not sure if they were offended or not.

 

[Abraham]

I was working with the Rockets on some non-profit/charity stuff and they donated a few nice pieces to the silent auction, one of them being a Donuts autographed 8x10 photo. It gave me a chuckle b/c his autograph is pretty much worthless to everyone but Abe. I told the powers to be to step it up b/c that's similar to McDonalds donating a free 6pc nugget to the cause. I'm not sure if they were offended or not.

What's the bid?

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Pacers remain perfect.

Surprised how good a player Lance Stephenson has become. He's really perfect for what the Pacers need.Figured he would have washed out due to effort and off the court issues. Left a lot to be desired with his effort on the court at Cincy.

Would be a mistake to start Granger over him. Granger can offer scoring off the bench when healthy.

 

[wazoo11]

Did that just happen???? Jeff Green with a buzzer beater to beat Miami..

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Terrible loss by the Heat.

Home loss to the Celts

 

[Encyclopedia Brown]

one of them being a Donuts autographed 8x10 photo. It gave me a chuckle b/c his autograph is pretty much worthless to everyone but Abe

I thought the Donuts moniker had been replaced by DoMo.

Can Abe confirm.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Just an insane buzzer beater by Green, but I thought it did take a bit long for Wallace to inbound the basketball when watching. Obviously unlikely to be called in that situation, but does look like 5 seconds should have been called.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SA29ZsIrMjQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHY_UVcahl8

 

[Daywalker]

Speaking of Davis, any chance the Peli's can move one of the awful Evans or Gordon contracts?

Because, if so, and my name was LeBron James or Carmelo Anthony, I think that's where I'd be wanting to go about now. (and in Melo's case, playing with Davis should be worth a divorce)

I like the way you are thinking. Melo and DAvis would be very interesting. I don't see it happening though - New York is not the kind of place you leave as a pro basketball player.But to your point, why couldn't the Knicks offer amare and melo for Anderson and Gordon?

"No one leaves the Lakers." -TGunz

ETA: That deal would be a PR disaster for the Knicks.

It's happened once since the franchise moved to LA from Minneapolis.

And you guys didn't really want that one guy anyway.

A sign and trade would have been nice. You want to sign Howard because you can trade him at anytime. As far as building a championship team? I wouldn't want him being one of my max 2-3 guys. Losing him was losing all the assets you could get for him.

 

[Daywalker]

Come on. Durant is one of the most prolific scorers/shooters in the history of the league and turned 25 less then six weeks ago. Davis is going to be really really good and I have no problem thinking he would be third on such a list.

I'm not saying Davis is necessarily ahead of Durant and I certainly don't expect him to maintain his current pace, but it could easily be debatable by season's end. As it is right now, neither team would make the trade.

His floor on defense is being a top 5 defender in the league, and his ceiling is Garnett/Duncan level. Add in that he is very skilled offensively, although he needs to work on his post game. And he makes his FTs. I'd project him as having a peak higher than Howard during his Orlando days.

And I agree he's got a higher ceiling than Dwight. And will probably be at least at Dwight's level sooner rather than later. There's no hack-a-Davis potential here.

I'm not the biggest fan in the world of the talent they've added around him. I didn't like the Jrue/Evans deals for them I thought giving 2 #1 picks for an """"All Star"""" PG was a bit much. Really thought they went overkill adding both -- tying up long term cap space & their playing styles (guys that both need ball in their hands to be effective). I think Davis/Ryan Anderson is a solid pairing when healthy. They're married to Eric Gordon at this point (along with Jrue/Evans on long term deals).

Davis is also five years younger then Durant.

I didn't mind the Jrue trade. Two first rounders. Noel dropped to sixth in a horrible draft. Next year's is top 5 protected. Also with Davis in year 2 and a talented roster behind him they are likely to be a .500 team.

The Evans signing is indefensible. Been harping on it. He's the fifth best guy on the team making 11mill per. It's already an albatross contract. Relinquishing that payroll flexibility for a bench player is what gets GM's fired. Give me N. Robinson for offense off the bench for 2/4mill. Are they assuming Gordon will get hurt? Like chasing bad money with good.

 

[Daywalker]

Most Valuable assets:

1. Lebron

2. Davis

3. Durant

4. George

5. D. Rose

6. K. Irving

7. C. Paul

8. K. Love

9. S. Curry

10. D. Howard

 

[Kev4029]

Most Valuable assets:

1. Lebron

2. Davis

3. Durant

4. George

5. D. Rose

6. K. Irving

7. C. Paul

8. K. Love

9. S. Curry

10. D. Howard

Utah's #1 pick should be pretty high on that list. James Harden should also be ahead of most of those guys.

 

[Premier]

Utah's #1 pick?

 

[Abraham]

I think he saying the #1 pick in this years draft.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Most Valuable assets:

1. Lebron

2. Davis

3. Durant

4. George

5. D. Rose

6. K. Irving

7. C. Paul

8. K. Love

9. S. Curry

10. D. Howard

I'd be wary of putting Rose that high until we see him return to form.

 

[Man of Zen]

Most Valuable assets:

1. Lebron

2. Davis

3. Durant

4. George

5. D. Rose

6. K. Irving

7. C. Paul

8. K. Love

9. S. Curry

10. D. Howard

I'd be wary of putting Rose that high until we see him return to form.

He probably still deserves that kind of nod when you're evaluating him as an asset, though. If the list were more about how well they were playing, I'd be more wary of putting Howard that high than Rose.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Most Valuable assets:

1. Lebron

2. Davis

3. Durant

4. George

5. D. Rose

6. K. Irving

7. C. Paul

8. K. Love

9. S. Curry

10. D. Howard

I'd be wary of putting Rose that high until we see him return to form.

He probably still deserves that kind of nod when you're evaluating him as an asset, though. If the list were more about how well they were playing, I'd be more wary of putting Howard that high than Rose.

Okay. I'd be wary of any asset that had major knee surgery, takes an inordinate amount of time off and then comes back to play like ####.

If it was just a bad start to the season, I'd agree with you.

 

[Man of Zen]

Most Valuable assets:

1. Lebron

2. Davis

3. Durant

4. George

5. D. Rose

6. K. Irving

7. C. Paul

8. K. Love

9. S. Curry

10. D. Howard

I'd be wary of putting Rose that high until we see him return to form.

He probably still deserves that kind of nod when you're evaluating him as an asset, though. If the list were more about how well they were playing, I'd be more wary of putting Howard that high than Rose.

Okay. I'd be wary of any asset that had major knee surgery, takes an inordinate amount of time off and then comes back to play like ####.

If it was just a bad start to the season, I'd agree with you.

I think you'd be right to be wary, but I doubt it would be the consensus.

 

[Premier]

I think he saying the #1 pick in this years draft.

Long ways to go for that.

 

[Kev4029]

I think he saying the #1 pick in this years draft.

Long ways to go for that.

Utah has been by far the worst team in the NBA to this point. Their offense is the worst the NBA has seen, statistically to this point, since the pre-Melo Nuggets, and the 6th worst ever. I would assume some regression to the mean, but they are really really bad on offense. The good news for them, is currently they are only the 9th worst defense of all time if they keep this pace. They are being outscored by 14 points per 100 possessions.

 

[bushdocda]

Dwayne Dwade is smart.

 

[Premier]

I think he saying the #1 pick in this years draft.

Long ways to go for that.

Utah has been by far the worst team in the NBA to this point. Their offense is the worst the NBA has seen, statistically to this point, since the pre-Melo Nuggets, and the 6th worst ever. I would assume some regression to the mean, but they are really really bad on offense. The good news for them, is currently they are only the 9th worst defense of all time if they keep this pace. They are being outscored by 14 points per 100 possessions.

Even then, 25% to win the lottery.

 

[boubucarow]

I think he saying the #1 pick in this years draft.

Long ways to go for that.

Utah has been by far the worst team in the NBA to this point. Their offense is the worst the NBA has seen, statistically to this point, since the pre-Melo Nuggets, and the 6th worst ever. I would assume some regression to the mean, but they are really really bad on offense. The good news for them, is currently they are only the 9th worst defense of all time if they keep this pace. They are being outscored by 14 points per 100 possessions.

Even if we assume Utah finishes with the worst record. We are looking at a 25% chance at the #1 pick, 21% chance at #2, 18% at #3, and 36% at #4. So even if you have Wiggins as a top 5 asset, the 2-4 players have to be near franchise players for that pick to make the list.

So, that means you think Randle, Parker, Exum and/or Smart is that type of player.

 

[Man of Zen]

I think he saying the #1 pick in this years draft.

Long ways to go for that.

Utah has been by far the worst team in the NBA to this point. Their offense is the worst the NBA has seen, statistically to this point, since the pre-Melo Nuggets, and the 6th worst ever. I would assume some regression to the mean, but they are really really bad on offense. The good news for them, is currently they are only the 9th worst defense of all time if they keep this pace. They are being outscored by 14 points per 100 possessions.

Even then, 25% to win the lottery.

I think if you head into this year's draft with the worst record (which Utah is no slam dunk for, but has to be the favorite for at this point), I think the value of that pick once the various odds are weighed is still pretty high. 4th in this draft kicks the everloving hell out of 1st last year.

 

[Kev4029]

I think he saying the #1 pick in this years draft.

Long ways to go for that.

Utah has been by far the worst team in the NBA to this point. Their offense is the worst the NBA has seen, statistically to this point, since the pre-Melo Nuggets, and the 6th worst ever. I would assume some regression to the mean, but they are really really bad on offense. The good news for them, is currently they are only the 9th worst defense of all time if they keep this pace. They are being outscored by 14 points per 100 possessions.

Even then, 25% to win the lottery.

But 100% to land in the top 4.

 

[Abraham]

I think he saying the #1 pick in this years draft.

Long ways to go for that.

Utah has been by far the worst team in the NBA to this point. Their offense is the worst the NBA has seen, statistically to this point, since the pre-Melo Nuggets, and the 6th worst ever. I would assume some regression to the mean, but they are really really bad on offense. The good news for them, is currently they are only the 9th worst defense of all time if they keep this pace. They are being outscored by 14 points per 100 possessions.

Even then, 25% to win the lottery.

I think if you head into this year's draft with the worst record (which Utah is no slam dunk for, but has to be the favorite for at this point), I think the value of that pick once the various odds are weighed is still pretty high. 4th in this draft kicks the everloving hell out of 1st last year.

Yup. The top 5 in this draft should all be really really good.

 

[Moe.]

I think he saying the #1 pick in this years draft.

Long ways to go for that.

Utah has been by far the worst team in the NBA to this point. Their offense is the worst the NBA has seen, statistically to this point, since the pre-Melo Nuggets, and the 6th worst ever. I would assume some regression to the mean, but they are really really bad on offense. The good news for them, is currently they are only the 9th worst defense of all time if they keep this pace. They are being outscored by 14 points per 100 possessions.

Even if we assume Utah finishes with the worst record. We are looking at a 25% chance at the #1 pick, 21% chance at #2, 18% at #3, and 36% at #4. So even if you have Wiggins as a top 5 asset, the 2-4 players have to be near franchise players for that pick to make the list.

So, that means you think Randle, Parker, Exum and/or Smart is that type of player.

I dunno about the other guys but Randle definitely looks the part. Would not be surprised if he goes #1 overall. Is Exum for sure going to be in the 2014 draft?

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Utah's #1 pick?

Utah's #1 IS Pick.

 

[Kev4029]

JaVale McGee has a stress fracture in his leg and is out indefinitely. While I don't wish injury on anybody, this should be a positive on the court.

 

[Zaxxon]

Utah's #1 pick?

Utah's #1 IS Pick.

He's basically the hardest motherfather coming out of Utah these days.

 

[Moe.]

Absurd outlet pass from Kevin Love: http://bit.ly/HQGL6F

 

[rodg12]

Adelman trotting out Love for 37 min and Rubio for 35 with 8 min to go in the 4th quarter in a game they've been up by 20 throughout. Just odd.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Absurd outlet pass from Kevin Love: http://bit.ly/HQGL6F

Look where Brewer is when Love releases.

 

[sports_fan]

Absurd outlet pass from Kevin Love: http://bit.ly/HQGL6F

Look where Brewer is when Love releases.

The art of the leak out: starring Corey Brewer

 

[Raider Nation]

I love watching Harden on offense but he is so horrific defensively. Yikes. Steve Blake is blowing by him like he's not there.

My link

Good stuff here.

 

[Frostillicus]

The Brewer and Harden pieces are excellent. I love this kind of stuff.

 

[Snotbubbles]

Fantasy question: What's the deal with Wroten?

I haven't watched any Sixer games yet this year. I've dropped and added this kid a few times already though.

Is he developing nicely as a 6th man in Philly? Any chance he just takes the SG job? Just looking at the numbers, it doesn't appear Anderson is running away with it (though I guess Wroten's probably better served for fantasy as the 6th man than a starting SG). One of these guys much better defensively than the other?

Wroten looks like the 6th man for now. They are using him as the PG for the second unit.

As an aside, CSNPhilly had this fun factoid this morning:

In the first 7 games of their careers, only 2 players have had 130+ points and 50+ assists:

Oscar Robertson and Michael Carter-Williams

 

[GroveDiesel]

Pacers remain perfect.

Surprised how good a player Lance Stephenson has become. He's really perfect for what the Pacers need.Figured he would have washed out due to effort and off the court issues. Left a lot to be desired with his effort on the court at Cincy.

Would be a mistake to start Granger over him. Granger can offer scoring off the bench when healthy.

Totally agree. Granger should be the 6th man. His defense isn't good enough to maintain their core identity. He can provide a nice scoring punch off the bench and give them a solid deep threat. I could see him get a decent amount of time against the Heat as a 3 point threat was badly needed in their playoff series last year.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Victor Oladipo hit a game-winning jumper in Orlando's 90-89 win over the Sixers, scoring 24 points with three rebounds, six assists, three steals, three 3-pointers and five turnovers in 36 minutes.

It was a step-back J for Oladipo and he buried it right in fellow rookie Michael Carter-Williams' face. Oladipo is having no issues in scoring the ball at Summer League, so it should be interesting how this will all translate once preseason comes around. He's shaping up to be a very intriguing fantasy prospect for his first season.

24 pts on 16 shots. Love how he gets to the line.#gunZ #stupidity #weed

Oladipo currently shooting 40% from the field.

"but.....but....he was dominating D Leaguers this summer?!?!?!"

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Keep chucking Rudy... keep chucking.

 

[Encyclopedia Brown]

Jeremy Lin was on the floor for forty-six minutes but didn't have a single assist.

 

[Premier]

Victor Oladipo hit a game-winning jumper in Orlando's 90-89 win over the Sixers, scoring 24 points with three rebounds, six assists, three steals, three 3-pointers and five turnovers in 36 minutes.

It was a step-back J for Oladipo and he buried it right in fellow rookie Michael Carter-Williams' face. Oladipo is having no issues in scoring the ball at Summer League, so it should be interesting how this will all translate once preseason comes around. He's shaping up to be a very intriguing fantasy prospect for his first season.

24 pts on 16 shots. Love how he gets to the line.#gunZ #stupidity #weed

Oladipo currently shooting 40% from the field.

"but.....but....he was dominating D Leaguers this summer?!?!?!"

"No free agent has ever left LA"

 

[tommyGunZ]

Victor Oladipo hit a game-winning jumper in Orlando's 90-89 win over the Sixers, scoring 24 points with three rebounds, six assists, three steals, three 3-pointers and five turnovers in 36 minutes.

It was a step-back J for Oladipo and he buried it right in fellow rookie Michael Carter-Williams' face. Oladipo is having no issues in scoring the ball at Summer League, so it should be interesting how this will all translate once preseason comes around. He's shaping up to be a very intriguing fantasy prospect for his first season.

24 pts on 16 shots. Love how he gets to the line.#gunZ #stupidity #weed

Oladipo currently shooting 40% from the field.

"but.....but....he was dominating D Leaguers this summer?!?!?!"

"No free agent has ever left LA"

It was true. Howard's a strange cat.

Very different than you not understanding how a SG with a bad jump shot was going to have a tough time with FG% in the pros.

 

[the moops]

Fun game between LAC and MIN.

 

[tommyGunZ]

That being said, from the short bits of VO and the Magic I've seen so far, he's as good, if not better than advertised on defense.

You guys really got screwed by Smart. If he comes out, you've got a franchise guy instead of role player.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

That being said, from the short bits of VO and the Magic I've seen so far, he's as good, if not better than advertised on defense.

You guys really got screwed by Smart. If he comes out, you've got a franchise guy instead of role player.

Marcus Smart shot 40.4% from the field last year, 29% from the arc.

So now I'm confused.