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

[MAC_32]

http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/07/09/4227875/dan-le-batard-lebron-james-displays.html

Pretty much.

he writes it as though he is surprised yet this is very little different than four years ago.

 

[MAC_32]

Serious question. If LeBron announces that he's coming back to Miami tomorrow because of Gilbert, will Cavs fans be mad at James or Gilbert?

I wonder the same about Miami, if he leaves I think more people will be upset with the Heat than LeBron. But i'm always wrong about everything.

gilbert.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

Lol at the snark

 

[MAC_32]

If you would like me to write in crayon so it is easier for you to read just let me know.

You write in crayon? Why do you do that?

i adapt based on the situation, when I am dealing with children crayon is usually effective.

So you write yourself messages in crayon? Is that because you went to Cleveland schools? Is that what they do there? Interesting. I thought you were a 70 IQ moron, now I know what you are going through. Hang in there, I'm sure your kids will make it through 8th grade.

yeah, you're right.We should move to detroit.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Lol at the snark

Glad someone could appreciate it.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

If you would like me to write in crayon so it is easier for you to read just let me know.

You write in crayon? Why do you do that?

i adapt based on the situation, when I am dealing with children crayon is usually effective.

So you write yourself messages in crayon? Is that because you went to Cleveland schools? Is that what they do there? Interesting. I thought you were a 70 IQ moron, now I know what you are going through. Hang in there, I'm sure your kids will make it through 8th grade.

yeah, you're right.We should move to detroit.

Hint: Me saying your kids will make it through 8th grade was me being optimistic.

 

[Abraham]

@JakePavorsky: Source: Sixers and Rockets Agree In Principle To Lin Deal http://t.co/PQMChNGRte

Good deal for both. Clear space for Bosh for Houston and Sixers get another 1st. Possibly the Pelicans first which would be much better than Houstons.

If it is the pelicans first then the net net is that Houston was able to give Lin and Asik to other teams for nothing despite the financial ramifications. That's pretty good.As an aside, I've read at least three sports writers make the point that Dallas is enjoying putting the pressure on Houston. Point given. But that idea fails to acknowledge that the rockets were plenty aware that might happen and planned accordingly. As if morey would have been surprised at these events and been left with his pants down. What's the worst case? They don't match, miss on bosh...and have 20 million in cap room to go after deng, pierce, Bledsoe, Marvin, gasol, etc. So let's not shed any tears for Houston just yet.

You're still stuck with Dwight.

Great problem to have. He was excellent last season.

 

[thecatch]

TOR re-signs Vasquez.

Either TOR or WAS is playing CLE in the ECF next season. And probably winning it. I just can't decide which.

2 years / 13m. That's about right.

Seems pretty high to me. Guess they are paying a premium to have it a 2 year deal. Doesn't hurt them cap wise this year as they should still have close to a full MLE to use without going into tax. Shouldn't be tough to move him next summer either if they need the cap space. Good deal overall.

Solid backup PGs are going for about the mid level exception, it seems.

 

[Max Power]

I stepped out for a bit... what were the thoughts on Parsons at 3/45? insanity????

 

[Max Power]

TOR re-signs Vasquez.

Either TOR or WAS is playing CLE in the ECF next season. And probably winning it. I just can't decide which.

2 years / 13m. That's about right.

Seems pretty high to me. Guess they are paying a premium to have it a 2 year deal. Doesn't hurt them cap wise this year as they should still have close to a full MLE to use without going into tax. Shouldn't be tough to move him next summer either if they need the cap space. Good deal overall.

Solid backup PGs are going for about the mid level exception, it seems.

It does seem a little high. backup PGs only should run 2/8. If they combo, maybe 2/10.

 

[Raider Nation]

Jim Rome ‏@jimromeImagine Melo leaving New York to join Bron, and Mia breaking off Dwyane and Bosh so it could happen. Clev, Philip, Dwyane and Bosh jammed!

RACK HIM!

 

[Max Power]

SO Wade goes back to Miami no matter what???

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

I stepped out for a bit... what were the thoughts on Parsons at 3/45? insanity????

Obvious overpay, but predictable. He's a young, solid complementary player.

Why I've been indicating Bosh + Parsons isn't likely -- whether they can go beyond salary cap to re-sign Parsons or not. I do think Houston will end with one of Bosh/Love when all said and done.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

SO Wade goes back to Miami no matter what???

If he wants paid, probably.

Even with teams flush with cap space, there's only going to be a limited amount of interested teams. IMO Absolute best case scenario outside Miami (and I don't believe he leaves regardless), he'd end up with what Parsons got. And like Parsons, well exceeds what he's probably worth. Paying more for his name and what he's already done than what we'll be worth in future. Something silly I could see Charlotte (for instance) doing.

 

[BassNBrew]

@JakePavorsky: Source: Sixers and Rockets Agree In Principle To Lin Deal http://t.co/PQMChNGRte

Good deal for both. Clear space for Bosh for Houston and Sixers get another 1st. Possibly the Pelicans first which would be much better than Houstons.

If it is the pelicans first then the net net is that Houston was able to give Lin and Asik to other teams for nothing despite the financial ramifications. That's pretty good.As an aside, I've read at least three sports writers make the point that Dallas is enjoying putting the pressure on Houston. Point given. But that idea fails to acknowledge that the rockets were plenty aware that might happen and planned accordingly. As if morey would have been surprised at these events and been left with his pants down. What's the worst case? They don't match, miss on bosh...and have 20 million in cap room to go after deng, pierce, Bledsoe, Marvin, gasol, etc. So let's not shed any tears for Houston just yet.

You're still stuck with Dwight.

Great problem to have. He was excellent last season.

By excellent you mean upset in the first round of the playoffs and basically a finish identical to teams like the Bobcats and Hawks? Basically the end result was the same as 2013 when he played for the LAL and the Rockets tied them for the last playoff spot.

If I need to win a playoff game, I don't trade a healthy Al Jefferson for Dwight.

 

[BassNBrew]

Also, if Dwight was a stud, with Harden in tow, he wouldn't need Melo or Love to advance past round one of the playoffs.

 

[Frostillicus]

Everyone maneuvering like James is going to Cleveland and Bosh to Houston are in the bag. Going to be kind of funny if they stay in Miami.

 

[Max Power]

I stepped out for a bit... what were the thoughts on Parsons at 3/45? insanity????

Obvious overpay, but predictable. He's a young, solid complementary player.

Why I've been indicating Bosh + Parsons isn't likely -- whether they can go beyond salary cap to re-sign Parsons or not. I do think Houston will end with one of Bosh/Love when all said and done.

I agree with this. Its Bosh or Parsons... Unfortunately, I often find myself generalizing to non-basketball fan masses who appeal to the media hype.

 

[thecatch]

TOR re-signs Vasquez.

Either TOR or WAS is playing CLE in the ECF next season. And probably winning it. I just can't decide which.

2 years / 13m. That's about right.

Seems pretty high to me. Guess they are paying a premium to have it a 2 year deal. Doesn't hurt them cap wise this year as they should still have close to a full MLE to use without going into tax. Shouldn't be tough to move him next summer either if they need the cap space. Good deal overall.

Solid backup PGs are going for about the mid level exception, it seems.

It does seem a little high. backup PGs only should run 2/8. If they combo, maybe 2/10.

They should? Livingston and Collison went for north of $5m. Jack got a long term deal last year.

 

[Max Power]

Also, if Dwight was a stud, with Harden in tow, he wouldn't need Melo or Love to advance past round one of the playoffs.

You hush your mouth with Dwight is a stud talk. He's the best center in the drought of NBA Centers era.

 

[thecatch]

Also, Ariza has to be thrilled about these SF deals.

 

[Abraham]

I stepped out for a bit... what were the thoughts on Parsons at 3/45? insanity????

Obvious overpay, but predictable. He's a young, solid complementary player.Why I've been indicating Bosh + Parsons isn't likely -- whether they can go beyond salary cap to re-sign Parsons or not. I do think Houston will end with one of Bosh/Love when all said and done.

I agree.

 

[Max Power]

TOR re-signs Vasquez.

Either TOR or WAS is playing CLE in the ECF next season. And probably winning it. I just can't decide which.

2 years / 13m. That's about right.

Seems pretty high to me. Guess they are paying a premium to have it a 2 year deal. Doesn't hurt them cap wise this year as they should still have close to a full MLE to use without going into tax. Shouldn't be tough to move him next summer either if they need the cap space. Good deal overall.

Solid backup PGs are going for about the mid level exception, it seems.

It does seem a little high. backup PGs only should run 2/8. If they combo, maybe 2/10.

They should? Livingston and Collison went for north of $5m. Jack got a long term deal last year.

I may not have adjusted to the 2014 offseason yet, but its not like those Livingston or Collison deals were great.... Lets see what Thomas, Augustin, Hinrich, Nelson, Chalmers and Sessions sign for.

And the Jack deal was so bad, Cleveland just sent out essentially 3 first rd picks with his salary.

 

[Max Power]

Not to take anything away from Toronto. I LOVE what they are doing this offseason. Its a franchise who knows what it is and where its at. Bringing everyone back for the most part and should show just as well in the East this year.

The Raps have made more signings/moves than anyone else in the league so far. At least it shows stability and direction.

 

[thecatch]

TOR re-signs Vasquez.

Either TOR or WAS is playing CLE in the ECF next season. And probably winning it. I just can't decide which.

2 years / 13m. That's about right.

Seems pretty high to me. Guess they are paying a premium to have it a 2 year deal. Doesn't hurt them cap wise this year as they should still have close to a full MLE to use without going into tax. Shouldn't be tough to move him next summer either if they need the cap space. Good deal overall.

Solid backup PGs are going for about the mid level exception, it seems.

It does seem a little high. backup PGs only should run 2/8. If they combo, maybe 2/10.

They should? Livingston and Collison went for north of $5m. Jack got a long term deal last year.

I may not have adjusted to the 2014 offseason yet, but its not like those Livingston or Collison deals were great.... Lets see what Thomas, Augustin, Hinrich, Nelson, Chalmers and Sessions sign for. And the Jack deal was so bad, Cleveland just sent out essentially 3 first rd picks with his salary.

Thomas is apparently looking for a deal in the $8m range. Free agency is an expensive way to patch holes on your roster. The fact that the Jack deal turned out badly doesn't appear to have depressed the market.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

CLE is the favorite to win the 2015 NBA Championship at 5dimes at 4/1 (Miami is 2nd at 4.5/1)

 

[Max Power]

TOR re-signs Vasquez.

Either TOR or WAS is playing CLE in the ECF next season. And probably winning it. I just can't decide which.

2 years / 13m. That's about right.

Seems pretty high to me. Guess they are paying a premium to have it a 2 year deal. Doesn't hurt them cap wise this year as they should still have close to a full MLE to use without going into tax. Shouldn't be tough to move him next summer either if they need the cap space. Good deal overall.

Solid backup PGs are going for about the mid level exception, it seems.

It does seem a little high. backup PGs only should run 2/8. If they combo, maybe 2/10.

They should? Livingston and Collison went for north of $5m. Jack got a long term deal last year.

I may not have adjusted to the 2014 offseason yet, but its not like those Livingston or Collison deals were great.... Lets see what Thomas, Augustin, Hinrich, Nelson, Chalmers and Sessions sign for.

And the Jack deal was so bad, Cleveland just sent out essentially 3 first rd picks with his salary.

Thomas is apparently looking for a deal in the $8m range. Free agency is an expensive way to patch holes on your roster. The fact that the Jack deal turned out badly doesn't appear to have depressed the market.

I'm not sure there is a market for 8m. I saw the Lakers were interested at 6m

 

[tommyGunZ]

Thomas is on the Lakers radar after the big dominoes fall, Thomas is a life long Laker fan - the hope is that he may accept less.

 

[Northern Voice]

Cliff, what do you make of Michael Grange's tweet tonight? ("Can't happen ..."). Toronto Twitter speculation has of course gone immediately to Vince Carter...

 

[BassNBrew]

TOR re-signs Vasquez.

Either TOR or WAS is playing CLE in the ECF next season. And probably winning it. I just can't decide which.

2 years / 13m. That's about right.

Seems pretty high to me. Guess they are paying a premium to have it a 2 year deal. Doesn't hurt them cap wise this year as they should still have close to a full MLE to use without going into tax. Shouldn't be tough to move him next summer either if they need the cap space. Good deal overall.

Solid backup PGs are going for about the mid level exception, it seems.

It does seem a little high. backup PGs only should run 2/8. If they combo, maybe 2/10.

They should? Livingston and Collison went for north of $5m. Jack got a long term deal last year.

I may not have adjusted to the 2014 offseason yet, but its not like those Livingston or Collison deals were great.... Lets see what Thomas, Augustin, Hinrich, Nelson, Chalmers and Sessions sign for. And the Jack deal was so bad, Cleveland just sent out essentially 3 first rd picks with his salary.

Thomas is apparently looking for a deal in the $8m range. Free agency is an expensive way to patch holes on your roster. The fact that the Jack deal turned out badly doesn't appear to have depressed the market.

The cap is $63m. Might as well burn $15m on a second or third tier player and win some games rather than be stuck with a bunch of bargains that don't win games.

 

[Max Power]

CLE is the favorite to win the 2015 NBA Championship at 5dimes at 4/1 (Miami is 2nd at 4.5/1)

Vegas is raking in the suckers

 

[BassNBrew]

CLE is the favorite to win the 2015 NBA Championship at 5dimes at 4/1 (Miami is 2nd at 4.5/1)

Can we short this???

 

[datonn]

Everyone maneuvering like James is going to Cleveland and Bosh to Houston are in the bag. Going to be kind of funny if they stay in Miami.

What's funny is grown men acting as if this stuff is about on-par with oxygen, food and water related to living.

That said, here's to hoping LeBron goes back to CLE, then CLE pays through the nose to add Love to LeBron and Irving. :skol: But if the Wolves end up dealing Love for a box of tube socks and a sweet Kevin Garnett poster from back in the day? The sun will still rise in the Eastern sky tomorrow. It's just pro sports. About one of the most worthless, over-hyped, over-paid careers one can have on the planet. Guys could be building houses, or curing cancer, or working to solve hunger/poverty. But instead? They can average 10/5/3 and sign a few autographs for folks who aren't grown-up enough to stop the hero worship. And that's worth millions of dollars...

 

[Northern Voice]

Cliff, what do you make of Michael Grange's tweet tonight? ("Can't happen ..."). Toronto Twitter speculation has of course gone immediately to Vince Carter...

Also lots of crazy hopeful people saying it's Bosh or Lebron

 

[Max Power]

Thomas is on the Lakers radar after the big dominoes fall, Thomas is a life long Laker fan - the hope is that he may accept less.

This seems like an ideal fit for all sides

 

[Britney Spears]

People say if Melo wants to win, he would go to CHI, but stars don't want to go to CHI. It's time to accept that.

I'm not ready to go that far with Chicago. McGrady passing hurt. Missing LeBron and Wade in 2010 sucked, but we all saw why. I'm not that upset over missing on Melo. We couldn't even offer a max 4 year contract.

A couple more times and I might be on board with that theory.

I don't know why stars wouldn't love Chicago. Seems like a great city from a tourist perspective.

 

[timschochet]

Also, if Dwight was a stud, with Harden in tow, he wouldn't need Melo or Love to advance past round one of the playoffs.

Kareem couldn't win with the Lakers until he had Jim Chones at power forward. The Admiral couldn't win at San Antonio until Tim Duncan came along...

 

[tommyGunZ]

Everyone maneuvering like James is going to Cleveland and Bosh to Houston are in the bag. Going to be kind of funny if they stay in Miami.

What's funny is grown men acting as if this stuff is about on-par with oxygen, food and water related to living.That said, here's to hoping LeBron goes back to CLE, then CLE pays through the nose to add Love to LeBron and Irving. :skol: But if the Wolves end up dealing Love for a box of tube socks and a sweet Kevin Garnett poster from back in the day? The sun will still rise in the Eastern sky tomorrow. It's just pro sports. About one of the most worthless, over-hyped, over-paid careers one can have on the planet. Guys could be building houses, or curing cancer, or working to solve hunger/poverty. But instead? They can average 10/5/3 and sign a few autographs for folks who aren't grown-up enough to stop the hero worship. And that's worth millions of dollars...

I agree with much of this sentiment, but Lance Stephenson isn't going to cure cancer.

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

TOR re-signs Vasquez.

Either TOR or WAS is playing CLE in the ECF next season. And probably winning it. I just can't decide which.

2 years / 13m. That's about right.

Seems pretty high to me. Guess they are paying a premium to have it a 2 year deal. Doesn't hurt them cap wise this year as they should still have close to a full MLE to use without going into tax. Shouldn't be tough to move him next summer either if they need the cap space. Good deal overall.

MLB teams on budgets are making moves like this more and more: slightly overpay on annual average salary in exchange for a shorter contract. Like you said, if Vasquez plays great, TOR gets their money's worth. If he doesn't, he might have value as an expiring contract, and he only limits FA shopping in one offseason.

Also to keep in mind when evaluating this summer's contracts: after some stagnant years, the salary cap is going to trend up. During the FA summer in 2016, the cap should spike because the NBA should crush a new monster TV rights deal. The local TV deals getting signed are insane, and this time around the league can use FOX and NBC/Universal to drive up prices when Disney and Turner submit their bids. This is also why you're hearing rumors about LeBron wanting to sign a 2-year deal - the size of the max contract in summer 2016 will dwarf what's available now.

 

[thecatch]

Thomas is on the Lakers radar after the big dominoes fall, Thomas is a life long Laker fan - the hope is that he may accept less.

At $6m the Kings might decide to match. Think they will have to go higher (and why not, have to spend it somewhere).

 

[timschochet]

Even if it were announced right now that Lebron was headed to Cleveland, they should NOT be the favorite. I realize that Kevin Garnett won a championship in his first year at Boston, but it rarely happens. Usually teammates need a season to gel together.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

Everyone maneuvering like James is going to Cleveland and Bosh to Houston are in the bag. Going to be kind of funny if they stay in Miami.

What's funny is grown men acting as if this stuff is about on-par with oxygen, food and water related to living.That said, here's to hoping LeBron goes back to CLE, then CLE pays through the nose to add Love to LeBron and Irving. :skol: But if the Wolves end up dealing Love for a box of tube socks and a sweet Kevin Garnett poster from back in the day? The sun will still rise in the Eastern sky tomorrow. It's just pro sports. About one of the most worthless, over-hyped, over-paid careers one can have on the planet. Guys could be building houses, or curing cancer, or working to solve hunger/poverty. But instead? They can average 10/5/3 and sign a few autographs for folks who aren't grown-up enough to stop the hero worship. And that's worth millions of dollars...

#####

 

[Max Power]

People say if Melo wants to win, he would go to CHI, but stars don't want to go to CHI. It's time to accept that.

I'm not ready to go that far with Chicago. McGrady passing hurt. Missing LeBron and Wade in 2010 sucked, but we all saw why. I'm not that upset over missing on Melo. We couldn't even offer a max 4 year contract.

A couple more times and I might be on board with that theory.

I don't know why stars wouldn't love Chicago. Seems like a great city from a tourist perspective.

Chicago Fans like to cite "Jordan's shadow" which probably plays a part... However, we're getting to the point of being so removed from Jordan, that matters less and less every year.

Our weather sucks. Management isn't always the best... But I think the loyalty shown to Rose lately might brighten that perspective.

Its a great city, with a top 3 coach and hopefully brighter things in the near future.

 

[thecatch]

TOR re-signs Vasquez.

Either TOR or WAS is playing CLE in the ECF next season. And probably winning it. I just can't decide which.

2 years / 13m. That's about right.

Seems pretty high to me. Guess they are paying a premium to have it a 2 year deal. Doesn't hurt them cap wise this year as they should still have close to a full MLE to use without going into tax. Shouldn't be tough to move him next summer either if they need the cap space. Good deal overall.

Solid backup PGs are going for about the mid level exception, it seems.

It does seem a little high. backup PGs only should run 2/8. If they combo, maybe 2/10.

They should? Livingston and Collison went for north of $5m. Jack got a long term deal last year.

I may not have adjusted to the 2014 offseason yet, but its not like those Livingston or Collison deals were great.... Lets see what Thomas, Augustin, Hinrich, Nelson, Chalmers and Sessions sign for. And the Jack deal was so bad, Cleveland just sent out essentially 3 first rd picks with his salary.

Thomas is apparently looking for a deal in the $8m range. Free agency is an expensive way to patch holes on your roster. The fact that the Jack deal turned out badly doesn't appear to have depressed the market.

The cap is $63m. Might as well burn $15m on a second or third tier player and win some games rather than be stuck with a bunch of bargains that don't win games.

To be clear, I generally agree with you. Just noting that the market is dictating the MLE for the better backup PGs in the league.

 

[timschochet]

Everyone maneuvering like James is going to Cleveland and Bosh to Houston are in the bag. Going to be kind of funny if they stay in Miami.

What's funny is grown men acting as if this stuff is about on-par with oxygen, food and water related to living.

That said, here's to hoping LeBron goes back to CLE, then CLE pays through the nose to add Love to LeBron and Irving. :skol: But if the Wolves end up dealing Love for a box of tube socks and a sweet Kevin Garnett poster from back in the day? The sun will still rise in the Eastern sky tomorrow. It's just pro sports. About one of the most worthless, over-hyped, over-paid careers one can have on the planet. Guys could be building houses, or curing cancer, or working to solve hunger/poverty. But instead? They can average 10/5/3 and sign a few autographs for folks who aren't grown-up enough to stop the hero worship. And that's worth millions of dollars...

I think sports can unite a town, a city, a country, take people away from their troubles for a moment. I think it's pretty damn important.

 

[Freelove]

Everyone maneuvering like James is going to Cleveland and Bosh to Houston are in the bag. Going to be kind of funny if they stay in Miami.

What's funny is grown men acting as if this stuff is about on-par with oxygen, food and water related to living.

That said, here's to hoping LeBron goes back to CLE, then CLE pays through the nose to add Love to LeBron and Irving. :skol: But if the Wolves end up dealing Love for a box of tube socks and a sweet Kevin Garnett poster from back in the day? The sun will still rise in the Eastern sky tomorrow. It's just pro sports. About one of the most worthless, over-hyped, over-paid careers one can have on the planet. Guys could be building houses, or curing cancer, or working to solve hunger/poverty. But instead? They can average 10/5/3 and sign a few autographs for folks who aren't grown-up enough to stop the hero worship. And that's worth millions of dollars...

Yeah, and also, kudos on reaching your second decade here on this sports site. .

 

[Britney Spears]

I heard/read today that the Heat could still sign/trade Chalmers to/through Charlotte for McBob which would open up the MLE spot. Make any sense?

The Charlotte interest in Chalmers certainly doesn't, and I'm a Jayhawks fan.

 

[Max Power]

Thomas is on the Lakers radar after the big dominoes fall, Thomas is a life long Laker fan - the hope is that he may accept less.

At $6m the Kings might decide to match. Think they will have to go higher (and why not, have to spend it somewhere).

Catch... You've mentioned the Kings a few times... What are they thinking?!? I love McLemore, Staukus, Cousins... That team has and has had talent... Are they missing a coach? To the rest of us, they just feel like a minor league farm system these days...

 

[datonn]

Everyone maneuvering like James is going to Cleveland and Bosh to Houston are in the bag. Going to be kind of funny if they stay in Miami.

What's funny is grown men acting as if this stuff is about on-par with oxygen, food and water related to living.

That said, here's to hoping LeBron goes back to CLE, then CLE pays through the nose to add Love to LeBron and Irving. :skol: But if the Wolves end up dealing Love for a box of tube socks and a sweet Kevin Garnett poster from back in the day? The sun will still rise in the Eastern sky tomorrow. It's just pro sports. About one of the most worthless, over-hyped, over-paid careers one can have on the planet. Guys could be building houses, or curing cancer, or working to solve hunger/poverty. But instead? They can average 10/5/3 and sign a few autographs for folks who aren't grown-up enough to stop the hero worship. And that's worth millions of dollars...

I think sports can unite a town, a city, a country, take people away from their troubles for a moment. I think it's pretty damn important.

So can terrorism, or a natural disaster, or a large community improvement/public works project. One that doesn't require taxpayers to foot the bill for hundreds of millions just to keep said organization from peddling their wares to the next MSA down the road.

 

[drummer]

Anybody ever read page 1 here?