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

[Cliff Clavin]

Kobe 28 points....on 28 shots. 7 turnovers. 1 assist (-28). And just getting abused by Klay who goes for 41 on 18 shots. Comedy gold. Too bad he didn't take a team friendly career ending deal. Then he may have been able to get dealt when he inevitably blames everyone else on the Lakers for the team's failures.

0-4. Does this team win 10 games?

The 3rd Q was vintage Kobe. Wild shots with 2 guys in his face. Deep 3's early in the clock. Demanding the ball on every possession. And the lead grows for the other team.

 

[Abraham]

Terrence jones with another solid game for the 3-0 rockets.

 

[Encyclopedia Brown]

The 3rd Q was vintage Kobe. Wild shots with 2 guys in his face. Deep 3's early in the clock.

When you see a guy take an off-balanced shot from twenty-five feet out, you instinctively expect to hear the 24 second buzzer go off during the flight of the ball, but with Kobe's shot it was silence until the clank of the ball hitting the front of the rim.

 

[pollardsvision]

Kobe 28 points....on 28 shots. 7 turnovers. 1 assist (-28). And just getting abused by Klay who goes for 41 on 18 shots. Comedy gold. Too bad he didn't take a team friendly career ending deal. Then he may have been able to get dealt when he inevitably blames everyone else on the Lakers for the team's failures.

0-4. Does this team win 10 games?

He was more concerned with getting lots of money so the owners wouldn't get one over on him than taking a deal that would allow them to get some good free agents.

Then again, no one wants to play with his ball-hogging ###, and he probably knows that, so he probably figured he might as well get as much money while he can, while focusing on his main goal of passing Jordan on the list of all-time points scored (which he still hasn't done despite playing nearly 200 more games now than MJ did ).

I'm not really sure what other choice Kobe had. That team was going to suck with him on it in almost every scenario. No point in taking a lot less money if the team is going to suck no matter what. The Lakers, of course, are stupid for extending him, but it is what it is.

I'm not seeing a scenario where it could've played out better than the Lakers completely sucking for a couple of years, getting some nice draft picks, Kobe getting paid and scoring points, stupid Laker fans getting to see Kobe every night (if he stays healthy), other stars seeing the Lakers will make dumb legacy payments, and most importantly, non-Laker fans having the time of their lives. Win-Win-Win-Win.

LeBron wasn't walking through that door, so the Lakers had/have no prayer of contending until/unless Durant comes in 18 months.

 

[Britney Spears]

Kobe 28 points....on 28 shots. 7 turnovers. 1 assist (-28). And just getting abused by Klay who goes for 41 on 18 shots. Comedy gold. Too bad he didn't take a team friendly career ending deal. Then he may have been able to get dealt when he inevitably blames everyone else on the Lakers for the team's failures.

0-4. Does this team win 10 games?

He was more concerned with getting lots of money so the owners wouldn't get one over on him than taking a deal that would allow them to get some good free agents.

Then again, no one wants to play with his ball-hogging ###, and he probably knows that, so he probably figured he might as well get as much money while he can, while focusing on his main goal of passing Jordan on the list of all-time points scored (which he still hasn't done despite playing nearly 200 more games now than MJ did ).

I'm not really sure what other choice Kobe had. That team was going to suck with him on it in almost every scenario. No point in taking a lot less money if the team is going to suck no matter what. The Lakers, of course, are stupid for extending him, but it is what it is.

I'm not seeing a scenario where it could've played out better than the Lakers completely sucking for a couple of years, getting some nice draft picks, Kobe getting paid and scoring points, stupid Laker fans getting to see Kobe every night (if he stays healthy), other stars seeing the Lakers will make dumb legacy payments, and most importantly, non-Laker fans having the time of their lives. Win-Win-Win-Win.

LeBron wasn't walking through that door, so the Lakers had/have no prayer of contending until/unless Durant comes in 18 months.

I don't blame Kobe for taking the money really either. There are a few examples of superstars taking less money to improve their roster, (Spurs/Heat/Dirk) but the vast majority take the pay. The Lakers that made the offer. It's really an excellent tank move though. They can't add any talent around Kobe, and he's not going to take them anywhere by himself or elevate the level of play with the scrubs they have. Even if the Lakers got a generational talent in next years draft (not sure who the top prospects are), Kobe will chuck them out of any playoff picture and they can maybe grab more high picks for a couple years befor Kobe has to be out out to pasture and the young team can take over.

Tough to know if this is intentional or just kind of how it played out. The Buss kids definitely seem pretty wacky and less intelligent than their dad.

 

[Abraham]

How did a team with john wall, boogie, Bledsoe, and Patterson not make the final four?

 

[pollardsvision]

Kemba and Lance gonna put on a show in the Garden

 

[Todem]

Great game here between the Heat and Raptors. Heat win again 107-102.

Wade doing it all tonight. Scoring, assists, boards, a couple of blocks....great game for Wade, Bosh, and Deng. Shawne Williams second straight solid game, Chalmers really settling into his new role off the bench as a combo guard. McRoberts will be a factor once he rounds into shape.

Derozen is awesome. Lowry a lighting rod as well.

Nice line for Wade tonight 19 pts 11 rebs 7 assists 2 blocks (last night he had 10 assists).

Bosh another double double 21 and 11 (4 assists as well)

Deng (18 points), Williams (16 points), Shabazz and Chalmers chipping in as well.

Raptors missed a ton of free throws which really helped The Heat's cause.

Heat whipped them on the boards and shot 50% as well.

3-0....heck of a nice start and a big test coming up Tuesday as the Rockets come to town.

 

[GOB]

Slight free throw discrepancy in Orlando. Toronto with 36 38 attempts, Orlando with 13 at the end of 3.

Plus Orlando is below 50% from the stripe. It's going to be a long year.

Moar lottery pickz

Payton looked good tonight though. The Magic pretty safely have 3/5 of a decent lineupG: Payton

SG: Oladipo

C: Vucevic

Hopefully Aaron Gordon works out and Tobias finds a role. One more high pick and a new coach (desperately needed) and they're in business.

At worst, Gordon will be a very good defender and energy guy off the bench. He looks lost on offense but that is to be expected.You are right that they have a solid nucleus. I just hope they can lure a big FA in the next couple offseasons. Not Rashard Lewis.

 

[Abraham]

Say what you like, but the Knicks have beaten two playoff teams in 3 games.

 

[Mr. Retukes]

Portland sucks. Lillard is playing like a CBA reject and their bench is playing like garbage.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

How did a team with john wall, boogie, Bledsoe, and Patterson not make the final four?

Huggy and WVU packed it in and made them shoot 3's.

http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=300860096

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Would you trady Klay for Lebron? I'd say no.

 

[timschochet]

Would you trady Klay for Lebron? I'd say no.

you'd be the only one.

 

[Abraham]

Did mkg get hurt tonight?

 

[Frostillicus]

Would you trady Klay for Lebron? I'd say no.

I'd need a pick too.

 

[hagmania]

Peyton Marino , if you send me your info I'll just go ahead and pay you right now. I can't endure hoping for this team anymore.

Should lay some wagers against them and make your money back imo.

 

[hagmania]

How did a team with john wall, boogie, Bledsoe, and Patterson not make the final four?

Huggy and WVU packed it in and made them shoot 3's.

http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=300860096

Mountaineers couldn't miss either.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Would you trady Klay for Lebron? I'd say no.

I'd need a pick too.

That's fair.

 

[General Malaise]

Portland sucks. Lillard is playing like a CBA reject and their bench is playing like garbage.

Officiating was awful.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Portland sucks. Lillard is playing like a CBA reject and their bench is playing like garbage.

Officiating was awful.

THE BAY AREA NEEDED THIS TO HEAL IT'S BEEN A ROUGH DAY DUDE.

 

[pollardsvision]

Did mkg get hurt tonight?

He fell really hard. Bruised ribs.

He's been playing great too. He singlehandedly stop 3 wide open fast breaks in the 1st quarter last night. Closed like a freighttrain. Even drilled an 18 footer.

Love that kid.

 

[Abraham]

Blackdot for okc winning the lottery and getting Okafor

 

[sports_fan]

harden gets a ####load of free throws

 

[Instinctive]

MAVS are really good. 65+ in first half three straight games now.

 

[Encyclopedia Brown]

Memphis is just smothering New Orleans defensively. Even Davis seems a little intimidated.

 

[thecatch]

Cousins is going to destroy teams without a legit post defender this year. He looks fantastic. Very good defense too. Unfortunately he's playing with only a couple other NBA players.

 

[rodg12]

How did a team with john wall, boogie, Bledsoe, and Patterson not make the final four?

Huggy and WVU packed it in and made them shoot 3's.

http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=300860096

4 for 32. Holy crap!

 

[TobiasFunke]

Kobe 28 points....on 28 shots. 7 turnovers. 1 assist (-28). And just getting abused by Klay who goes for 41 on 18 shots. Comedy gold. Too bad he didn't take a team friendly career ending deal. Then he may have been able to get dealt when he inevitably blames everyone else on the Lakers for the team's failures.

0-4. Does this team win 10 games?

Only if they bench/trade Kobe

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

76ers Nerlens Noel "Get that !#@% out of here!"

 

[thecatch]

Cousins is going to destroy teams without a legit post defender this year. He looks fantastic. Very good defense too. Unfortunately he's playing with only a couple other NBA players.

Kings now 3-1 on a brutal stretch of the schedule to start the year. Shocked that they won last night on a back to back in Denver. They won't keep this up because they have a terrible guard rotation, but a good start nonetheless.

 

[Abraham]

Nice double header on nba tv tonight.

 

[Premier]

Slight free throw discrepancy in Orlando. Toronto with 36 38 attempts, Orlando with 13 at the end of 3.

Plus Orlando is below 50% from the stripe. It's going to be a long year.

Moar lottery pickz

Payton looked good tonight though. The Magic pretty safely have 3/5 of a decent lineupG: Payton

SG: Oladipo

C: Vucevic

Hopefully Aaron Gordon works out and Tobias finds a role. One more high pick and a new coach (desperately needed) and they're in business.

At worst, Gordon will be a very good defender and energy guy off the bench. He looks lost on offense but that is to be expected.You are right that they have a solid nucleus. I just hope they can lure a big FA in the next couple offseasons. Not Rashard Lewis.

I think Gordon will end up being a very good player. Definitely a dynamic defensive presence. They may have stolen Payton, so that kind of lessens the blow if Gordon doesn't become a stud.

I don't know who any of the free agents are coming up, but the team is going to have to prove it is going somewhere before anybody signs with them.

 

[Freelove]

Slight free throw discrepancy in Orlando. Toronto with 36 38 attempts, Orlando with 13 at the end of 3.

Plus Orlando is below 50% from the stripe. It's going to be a long year.

Moar lottery pickz

Payton looked good tonight though. The Magic pretty safely have 3/5 of a decent lineupG: Payton

SG: Oladipo

C: Vucevic

Hopefully Aaron Gordon works out and Tobias finds a role. One more high pick and a new coach (desperately needed) and they're in business.

At worst, Gordon will be a very good defender and energy guy off the bench. He looks lost on offense but that is to be expected.You are right that they have a solid nucleus. I just hope they can lure a big FA in the next couple offseasons. Not Rashard Lewis.

I think Gordon will end up being a very good player. Definitely a dynamic defensive presence. They may have stolen Payton, so that kind of lessens the blow if Gordon doesn't become a stud.

I don't know who any of the free agents are coming up, but the team is going to have to prove it is going somewhere before anybody signs with them.

A pretty recent list.

Some good bigs coming free in the next year. Not a great time to have to rebuild the backcourt through FA, though.

 

[Kev4029]

Cousins is going to destroy teams without a legit post defender this year. He looks fantastic. Very good defense too. Unfortunately he's playing with only a couple other NBA players.

Kings now 3-1 on a brutal stretch of the schedule to start the year. Shocked that they won last night on a back to back in Denver. They won't keep this up because they have a terrible guard rotation, but a good start nonetheless.

The Nuggets look really really bad. They were missing all sorts of open jump shots and Shaw can't figure out his rotation. Management's effort to stay relevant is really going to hurt these guys long term. Hanging around as the 15th-20th best team in the NBA is not a recipe for long term success. And really its not good for business in the short term either. I saw $3 tickets online to the game last night and the arena hasn't looked very full yet. Not a fun time to be a Nuggets fan I don't think.

 

[thecatch]

Cousins is going to destroy teams without a legit post defender this year. He looks fantastic. Very good defense too. Unfortunately he's playing with only a couple other NBA players.

Kings now 3-1 on a brutal stretch of the schedule to start the year. Shocked that they won last night on a back to back in Denver. They won't keep this up because they have a terrible guard rotation, but a good start nonetheless.

The Nuggets look really really bad. They were missing all sorts of open jump shots and Shaw can't figure out his rotation. Management's effort to stay relevant is really going to hurt these guys long term. Hanging around as the 15th-20th best team in the NBA is not a recipe for long term success. And really its not good for business in the short term either. I saw $3 tickets online to the game last night and the arena hasn't looked very full yet. Not a fun time to be a Nuggets fan I don't think.

They definitely aren't going to win any games where Lawson shoots 1-9 or whatever. It was good to see Javale again. He even had flashes of competence last night.

 

[Todem]

Rockets at Heat tonight. Looking forward to it!!!

Abe...friendly $25 wager? I will lay you the posted 1.5 Points if you're game.

 

[TobiasFunke]

I was watching the opening night player intros last night in Brooklyn and realized I had no idea what order they'd go in when announcing the starters, which seemed strange to me. I couldn't think of any other team where that would be the case. Orlando and Minnesota were the best I could come up with.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

Rockets at Heat tonight. Looking forward to it!!!

Abe...friendly $25 wager? I will lay you the posted 1.5 Points if your game.

An actual chance to use an apostrophe and you blow it.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

I was watching the opening night player intros last night in Brooklyn and realized I had no idea what order they'd go in when announcing the starters, which seemed strange to me. I couldn't think of any other team where that would be the case. Orlando and Minnesota were the best I could come up with.

Assume its VO and Rubio, respectively.

 

[TobiasFunke]

I was watching the opening night player intros last night in Brooklyn and realized I had no idea what order they'd go in when announcing the starters, which seemed strange to me. I couldn't think of any other team where that would be the case. Orlando and Minnesota were the best I could come up with.

Assume its VO and Rubio, respectively.

Oh yeah, forgot about Rubio for some reason.

With Brooklyn not only did I not know who would be last, I had no idea what order they'd go in at all. Turned out they went F-F-C-G-G and announced Williams last.

 

[rodg12]

I was watching the opening night player intros last night in Brooklyn and realized I had no idea what order they'd go in when announcing the starters, which seemed strange to me. I couldn't think of any other team where that would be the case. Orlando and Minnesota were the best I could come up with.

Assume its VO and Rubio, respectively.

Oh yeah, forgot about Rubio for some reason.

With Brooklyn not only did I not know who would be last, I had no idea what order they'd go in at all. Turned out they went F-F-C-G-G and announced Williams last.

My money would have been on KG being last for the Nets.

 

[TobiasFunke]

I was watching the opening night player intros last night in Brooklyn and realized I had no idea what order they'd go in when announcing the starters, which seemed strange to me. I couldn't think of any other team where that would be the case. Orlando and Minnesota were the best I could come up with.

Assume its VO and Rubio, respectively.

Oh yeah, forgot about Rubio for some reason.

With Brooklyn not only did I not know who would be last, I had no idea what order they'd go in at all. Turned out they went F-F-C-G-G and announced Williams last.

My money would have been on KG being last for the Nets.

I suppose it's a good thing to have a balanced lineup. But there's a void there from a marketing standpoint, I think. Some time in the next couple of years some free agent is gonna step into that void and they're gonna sell a billion of those sweet black and white jerseys.

 

[Freelove]

I was watching the opening night player intros last night in Brooklyn and realized I had no idea what order they'd go in when announcing the starters, which seemed strange to me. I couldn't think of any other team where that would be the case. Orlando and Minnesota were the best I could come up with.

Assume its VO and Rubio, respectively.

Oh yeah, forgot about Rubio for some reason.

With Brooklyn not only did I not know who would be last, I had no idea what order they'd go in at all. Turned out they went F-F-C-G-G and announced Williams last.

My money would have been on KG being last for the Nets.

I thought maybe they'd just go by salary.

But putting DWill ahead of Joe scuttled that.

ETA: Poor choice of adverb. Announcing DWill last ruined it.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Wouldn't be surprised is Toronto runs OKC out guys tonight with the way they've got to the line their first 3 games.

 

[Encyclopedia Brown]

Derrick Rose out again. He sits for the game versus Orlando.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Wouldn't be surprised is Toronto runs OKC out guys tonight with the way they've got to the line their first 3 games.

Scratch that. OKC sitting back in a zone and Toronto is jacking up terrible 3's.

 

[Moe.]

Wouldn't be surprised is Toronto runs OKC out guys tonight with the way they've got to the line their first 3 games.

Scratch that. OKC sitting back in a zone and Toronto is jacking up terrible 3's.

It's only a matter of time before this gets out of hand.

 

[Sinn Fein]

Kind of surprised Lakers holding teams under 120 -must be Kobe's influence in defense.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Wouldn't be surprised is Toronto runs OKC out guys tonight with the way they've got to the line their first 3 games.

Scratch that. OKC sitting back in a zone and Toronto is jacking up terrible 3's.

It's only a matter of time before this gets out of hand.

Definitely closer than I thought it would be and Perk hasn't started to do his thing yet.