2005-2006 NBA thread

[Super_Ludacris]

I still believe Chauncey is an MVP candidate and the last few games have proven it. Even KG thinks Billups is the MVP

[Ultimate_Superman]

My Wizards won again. We still might make it to the playoffs yet.

[Alpha and Omega]

My Wizards won again. We still might make it to the playoffs yet.

You all might if the Wizards start playing defense regularly. Eddie Jordan seems like a great coach.

[Ultimate_Superman]

He is I met the whole team in person. They have a meet the team night where you can come out and meet the players. Something MJ did before he left. It is great fun me and my dad and little brother went.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

I still believe Chauncey is an MVP candidate and the last few games have proven it. Even KG thinks Billups is the MVP


I wouldn't say he is the MVP but still in the race, especially if the Pistions keep playing the way they are, but I am not sure he will get enough credit for their success.

[Super_Ludacris]

Sure he will
Read an NBA report he's already getting recognition (espn.com and NBA on ESPN and TNT are talking that he's having a MVP season) Chauncey's ball handling in transistion and taking over in the 4th quarter have cause Detroit to play fluidly. Take him out and they lose. Ben can get rebounds and block still sure, but Sheed doesn't get his jumpers open, RIP doesn't get his free breaks, maybe Tayshaun gets his defense stops but Billups is organising the transistion back on D so he might not get it.
I mean Kobe's had like a good month and a half but Billups has been consistent and running since training camp.
People just unsure cause he doesn't look like an MVP candidate but he's playing like one. And give this man his first All-Star appearnce too

[Alpha and Omega]

Billups is one of the candidates, and he obviously will get an All-Star appearance. Which Piston in the starting 5 should not have a spot? Can anyone name 4 better players at each position? I can't.

I don't think he's won the MVP just yet. The second half of the season has to occur, and all the candidates have to play, and avoid injury. He's definitely in the running though; he's right up there w/ Nash and Bryant.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Sure he will
Read an NBA report he's already getting recognition (espn.com and NBA on ESPN and TNT are talking that he's having a MVP season) Chauncey's ball handling in transistion and taking over in the 4th quarter have cause Detroit to play fluidly. Take him out and they lose. Ben can get rebounds and block still sure, but Sheed doesn't get his jumpers open, RIP doesn't get his free breaks, maybe Tayshaun gets his defense stops but Billups is organising the transistion back on D so he might not get it.
I mean Kobe's had like a good month and a half but Billups has been consistent and running since training camp.
People just unsure cause he doesn't look like an MVP candidate but he's playing like one. And give this man his first All-Star appearnce too

Yeah but look at who votes for the MVP of the league. Tha AP, sure some of those voters are at ESPN, but only a few.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Billups is one of the candidates, and he obviously will get an All-Star appearance. Which Piston in the starting 5 should not have a spot? Can anyone name 4 better players at each position? I can't.

I don't think he's won the MVP just yet. The second half of the season has to occur, and all the candidates have to play, and avoid injury. He's definitely in the running though; he's right up there w/ Nash and Bryant.

You mean in the east right?

I got one Lebron James :D

[Super_Ludacris]

Yeah but look at who votes for the MVP of the league. Tha AP, sure some of those voters are at ESPN, but only a few.


They will vote for Billups, the AP is not that stupid there the one's covering the Pistons drive for 70, so if anything chauncey will stand out even more

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

They will vote for Billups, the AP is not that stupid there the one's covering the Pistons drive for 70, so if anything chauncey will stand out even more

Come on SP, yes they are. :D

[Super_Ludacris]

Not as much as you think

[DarthRekal]

Sure he will
Read an NBA report he's already getting recognition (espn.com and NBA on ESPN and TNT are talking that he's having a MVP season) Chauncey's ball handling in transistion and taking over in the 4th quarter have cause Detroit to play fluidly. Take him out and they lose. Ben can get rebounds and block still sure, but Sheed doesn't get his jumpers open, RIP doesn't get his free breaks, maybe Tayshaun gets his defense stops but Billups is organising the transistion back on D so he might not get it.
I mean Kobe's had like a good month and a half but Billups has been consistent and running since training camp.
People just unsure cause he doesn't look like an MVP candidate but he's playing like one. And give this man his first All-Star appearnce too

while i agree with you luda..thats not the concsensus ...MOST will argue you can throw any fluid PG in on detroit and they will dominate..shoot if D town had nash forget 70..they would be talkin 80...... and im not talkin 81(sorry 81 rules my world nowadays ;)


but i beleive the mainstream will say its no necessarily billups rather a competent point guard that can be interchanged...(dont shoot me i defintly dont agree with that logic, but im sure thats out there)

[Super_Ludacris]

while i agree with you luda..thats not the concsensus ...MOST will argue you can throw any fluid PG in on detroit and they will dominate..shoot if D town had nash forget 70..they would be talkin 80...... and im not talkin 81(sorry 81 rules my world nowadays ;)


but i beleive the mainstream will say its no necessarily billups rather a competent point guard that can be interchanged...(dont shoot me i defintly dont agree with that logic, but im sure thats out there)


True although I believe to find a gaurd with that kinda ballhandling defense/offense transistion fluidity is such a rare commoditty. It's like saying if you put any 7ft all position foward on the Spurs or the Wolves they would still be the same without Timmay and KG

[DarthRekal]

True although I believe to find a gaurd with that kinda ballhandling defense/offense transistion fluidity is such a rare commoditty. It's like saying if you put any 7ft all position foward on the Spurs or the Wolves they would still be the same without Timmay and KG

no doubt i agree..... like i said im not in the majorit..i tend to think chemistry plays a big part in everything and i think chauncey is underrated by far..im just sayin that the consensus out there... they will say if detroit had nash or kidd or bibby.... they would still be great...then argue.... can tmac do for the lakers like kobe does??? can chauncey do for the suns as nash does????i think thats where the faults of many lie..... every situation is diffrnt and we cant go off what if's......

but like i said...its a popularity contest the more "eye catching" the more votes...kobe's got the jump....its not fair.... but it happens

[Cudzo]

To be fair, when you talk about if you could interchange a point guard in chauncy's place.. i don't think its possible. it is arguable that there currently is no more complete point guard than Mr. Big Shot. With Kidd ( who is getting old) , you have excellent decision making, and stout defence, but his shooting isn't good. With Nash, you have almost reckless offense (which i guess works in Pheonix) but not a very good defensive skill. Bibby? you must be joking me... there ain't one guard out there that can light it up as consistently, and defend more stoutly than Chauncy Billups. And he doesn't turn the ball over either.

All that being said, ya, while i expect him to be taken seriously as a candidate, becuase he isn't treated like a superstar, i don't expect him to get the nod. who cares, all that matters is that light at the end of teh tunnel, his ring.

[Cudzo]

This just in fellas :

The Boston Celtics have reportedly made a deal to send Ricky Davis, along with Marcus Banks, Mark Blount, Justin Reed and two future draft picks, to the Minnesota T-Wolves for Wally Szczerbiak, Michael Olowokandi and Dwayne Jones, according to an article in the Boston Herald.

Davis and Szczerbiak, the two headliners of the deal, are averaging 19.9 and 20.4 points per game, respectively this season.
Davis has spent approximately the last three season in Boston following stints with Cleveland, Miami and Charlotte, while Szczerbiak, the sixth overall pick in the 1999 NBA Draft, has spent his entire career in Minnesota.

[Stringer]

Still not enough help for KG. I hope he requests a trade to a contender soon, he deserves a ring.

[Alpha and Omega]

Still not enough help for KG. I hope he requests a trade to a contender soon, he deserves a ring.

I'm thinking the exact same on this issue. Trading players of this caliber are not going to help either organization.

[Equint77]

This was a looong time coming for Wally.. he's been on the chopping block since year one.

I just don't think either team improved enough to validate the trade.

[Super_Ludacris]

I think Minny got the worst of that trade. Has Ricky Davis Imporved? I mean I aint really followed his career in a while

[Equint77]

he had some really good years in Cleveland.... but he's a tweener.... and he's also inconsistant... he's got no Jumper so KG's gonna probably see more double teams now.

It made no sense unless Minny is looking towards tearing the team down and this was the first step.

[Super_Ludacris]

Stupid thing was that they traded one of there 1st round picks in the process

[Equint77]

this is one sloppy ass trade....

[Super_Ludacris]

[Stephen A Smith] Sloooooooooop ass trade!!! who was the GM? Slaaa-vaa Med-va-din-ko[/stephen a smith]

[NOFX]

[Stephen A Smith] Sloooooooooop ass trade!!! who was the GM? Slaaa-vaa Med-va-din-ko[/stephen a smith]
:D Those medvadenko jokes never get old!!! :up::ghost:

[Super_Ludacris]

they were classic, hes always on that guy's ass

[Alpha and Omega]

I think Minny got the worst of that trade. Has Ricky Davis Imporved? I mean I aint really followed his career in a while

Minny definitely received a downgrade. The west is more competitive than the 'up for grabs' (excluding Det.) east. Boston might become a 3 or 4 seed now, but only time will tell. On the other hand, Minnesota has nothing to look forward to except for next season. Poor KG.:(

[Guy Gardner]

My favorite Wally Sczerbiak moment: I was at a game at the Target Center and about 2 years ago and Wally goes in at the half with his hair matted down. The second half is about to begin and the Wolves come out for shootaround and loe and behold, Wally's hair is standing right back up again.

The man re-gelled his hair at the half, he truly is a stud.

Now having said that, I'm glad the Celtics got him, we needed a shooter desperately.

[Alpha and Omega]

My favorite Wally Sczerbiak moment: I was at a game at the Target Center and about 2 years ago and Wally goes in at the half with his hair matted down. The second half is about to begin and the Wolves come out for shootaround and loe and behold, Wally's hair is standing right back up again.

The man re-gelled his hair at the half, he truly is a stud.

Now having said that, I'm glad the Celtics got him, we needed a shooter desperately.

and some defense, better hustle, new franchise player, and well . . . a new team for that matter.http://superherohype.com/forums/images/icons/icon10.gif Don't worry, my team is LAL, and we need most of those things as well.

[Guy Gardner]

and some defense, better hustle, new franchise player, and well . . . a new team for that matter.http://superherohype.com/forums/images/icons/icon10.gif Don't worry, my team is LAL, and we need most of those things as well.
Yeah, I'd say the Lakers need those things as well...Kobe isn't gonna get it done by himself out there, and they'll be lucky to make the playoffs as well.

As for the C's this move will improve the defense, albeit slightly as Wally-World tends not to foul his man nearly as much as Ricky. Their hustle was never really the problem, Scalabrine, West, Perkins and Jefferson all work their asses off on the floor, now that Blount's gone there won't be a huge dragging body on either side of the ball, provided Rivers' doensn't play Olawakandi EVER.

This move may not revitalize Pierce but it will prevent defenses from collapsing on him in the late minutes of games which by extension will make him a better player.

Don't worry about us, we'll be just fine. :up:

[Alpha and Omega]

well. . . well . . . your conference is easier than mine:mad: :( :confused: :( http://superherohype.com/forums/images/icons/icon12.gif http://superherohype.com/forums/images/icons/icon10.gif

We'll make the playoffs.http://superherohype.com/forums/images/icons/icon12.gif

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Sigh....The Warriors are killing me :(

[NOFX]

Here's the game where Kobe scores 81 Points:eek:

http://ts.searching.com/torrent/520376/Raptors_Lakers_1_22_06

[Alpha and Omega]

Here's the game where Kobe scores 81 Points:eek:

http://ts.searching.com/torrent/520376/Raptors_Lakers_1_22_06

Someone put this up a few days ago, but thanks for the encore NOFX.:up: :)

[NOFX]

Clippers are up against Denver 86 to 58 at the end of 3rd :eek: Nice to see Clippers are playing well again!:up:

[Assassin]

Pistons vs Lakers tomarrow, whos gonna win :D?

[LastSunrise1981]

Pistons vs Lakers tomarrow, whos gonna win :D?

Pistons. They'll put a lock on Kobe and they'll make the Lakers look really bad. No way the Lakers come out of that game victorious.

Detroit will have Kobe's 81 point explosion in mind, which will result in them playing better, tougher, and more frustrating defense on him.

[NOFX]

Pistons vs Lakers tomarrow, whos gonna win :D?
If he can score 30 + points and shoot at 50% from the field, than he will have my vote for MVP:o

[NOFX]

I hope the cavs win over the suns today on ABC, because that will give the Clippers only 1 gave back of the suns for first place!

[Stringer]

The Clippers need to focus on just making the playoffs

[NOFX]

The Clippers need to focus on just making the playoffs
well if the playoffs started right now they would be in the 5th seed against dallas and I dont like that match up:o

[Stringer]

Yeah I see your point.:up:

[Super_Ludacris]

Lebron had a nice game vs. Phoenix

Oh and I think the Lakers might actually make it out of Detroit with a win tonight (unfourtantley)

and yes Kobe will have a big night.Like 40 +

I hope not, but knowing my luck it will happen

[Assassin]

take it back god dammit take it back!

[Assassin]

halftime, pistons up 56-47

[NOFX]

Lakers need to play some D!

[Alpha and Omega]

Lakers need to play some D!

I know. They're killing me.

[NOFX]

I've given up on Kwame Browne:rolleyes: Who the **** did he just try to pass the ball too? Michael Jordan? And please kwame Browne catch the damn ball!!! Its not that hard young fellow!

[Alpha and Omega]

Maybe he's uncoachable:confused: We're down by 14. They are giving us the business, and LAL is taking it.

[Stringer]

Whatd you guys expect?

[Alpha and Omega]

A game.

[Stringer]

Not when Kwame Browns on your starting lineup

[Alpha and Omega]

Not when Kwame Browns on your starting lineup

Sad but true. I digress.

[Unthinkable]

Not when Kwame Browns on your starting lineup


Hahahaha.

True.

But for real, the Pistons are simply beyond pretty much everyone right now.

[Stringer]

This one man show thing might work in the regular season but the other lakers need to step up if they want to have success in the playoffs

[Alpha and Omega]

This one man show thing might work in the regular season but the other lakers need to step up if they want to have success in the playoffs

Another factual utterance.:(

[Assassin]

37-5

[The Riddler]

the rockets are the most dangerous team without a winning record. :down

[NOFX]

the rockets are the most dangerous team without a winning record. :down
LMAO!

[The Riddler]

too many damn injuries.

at least they'll finally have yao, t-mac, and alston together by mid-week.

[Stringer]

They could make the playoffs and do some damagae if they could start a streak besides a losing one

[The Riddler]

if you look at the rockets and take for granted that they are all healthy, they'd be in the top 5 best teams in the league.

all their significant players have missed large amounts of time.

[Stringer]

I agree but injuries or not if they dont start winning soon, theyll be back too many games to make a serious playoff run.

[The Riddler]

indeed.

we'll see what happens when yao returns.

[Stringer]

yeah Im rooting them

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

I've given up on Kwame Browne:rolleyes: Who the **** did he just try to pass the ball too? Michael Jordan? And please kwame Browne catch the damn ball!!! Its not that hard young fellow!

Sooo, is it official? Is he the biggest bust in NBA history?

[Super_Ludacris]

Detroit is winning 70 games...

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Detroit is winning 70 games...

Hmm, not that I don't agree but there is still a lot of season left, so let's see what we have.


Best Case Worst Case
Tue 31 @ New Jersey W W
Feb
Wed 1 Minnesota W W
Fri 3 @ Philadelphia W W
Sat 4 @ Indiana W L Tue 7 @ Atlanta W W
Wed 8 L.A. Clippers W L
Fri 10 @ Orlando W W
Sun 12 @ Miami L L
Tue 14 New Jersey W W Tue 21 Atlanta W W
Thu 23 Indiana W W
Fri 24 @ Chicago W W
Sun 26 Cleveland W L
Mon 27 @ Cleveland L L
Mar
Wed 1 @ Denver W L
Fri 3 @ Seattle W W
Sat 4 @ L.A. Lakers L L
Wed 8 Chicago W W
Sat 11 @ Washington W W
Sun 12 Charlotte W W
Wed 15 @ Toronto W W
Fri 17 @ New York W W
Sat 18 @ Charlotte W W
Mon 20 Atlanta W W
Wed 22 Miami W W
Fri 24 @ Indiana W W
Sun 26 New Jersey W W
Tue 28 Dallas L L
Wed 29 @ Phil W W
Fri 31 Milwaukee W W
Apr
Sun 2 Phoenix W L
Tue 4 NO/Okla. W W
Thu 6 @ Miami L L
Fri 7 @ Orlando W W
Sun 9 Indiana W W
Wed 12 Cleveland W W
Fri 14 @ Toronto W W
Sun 16 New York W W
Mon 17 @ Milwaukee L L
Wed 19 Washington W W

FINAL RECORD 71-11 / 62-16


Like I said, those are IMHO, best and worst case scenarios. Of course there are always teams like the Hawks or Raptors that sneak a win in here or there, but I still think that those records are the best and worst Detroit will do.

[Alpha and Omega]

Detroit is winning 70 games...

They'll win 60+, but I don't think 70 is in their future. If it is, then I'll eat my words.

[Stringer]

I have to believe theyll slip up at some point especially with all the minutes the starters are playing.

[Alpha and Omega]

I have to believe theyll slip up at some point especially with all the minutes the starters are playing.

After the all-star break is when the season really takes off. We'll see how they perform then. I don't think they'll do a total 180; perhaps they will cool down a bit though.

[DarthRekal]

we'll see the first two weeks after teh all star break..i hope they break the bulls record..they are the epiomy of the word TEAM...i like em(i know its blasphimeous coming from a lakers fan mouth) !:up:


big ben is my fave player!.....


why do you have them losing to miami????? humbug...miami's overrated...they'll implode yet......
(of course i'm biased,i hate the diesel--until he retires then he's a laker again :) )

[Stringer]

After the all-star break is when the season really takes off. We'll see how they perform then. I don't think they'll do a total 180; perhaps they will cool down a bit though.
My thoughts exactly:up:

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

we'll see the first two weeks after teh all star break..i hope they break the bulls record..they are the epiomy of the word TEAM...i like em(i know its blasphimeous coming from a lakers fan mouth) !:up:


big ben is my fave player!.....


why do you have them losing to miami????? humbug...miami's overrated...they'll implode yet......
(of course i'm biased,i hate the diesel--until he retires then he's a laker again :) )

A few reasons

1) At Miami

2) IF Detroit has a shot at 70, teams will be gunning for them

3) Starters will be tired and worn down by then, and possibly saving themselves for the playoffs.

4) Lots of trades could happen by then.

[Alpha and Omega]

Detroit has the east on lock unless one of their starters is injured. Miami needs to increase the level of their play to have a chance against Detroit. We'll see.

Personally, it seems like Miami was a better team last year, despite the new additions this year. Maybe the team needs some time to adhere to their individual playing styles, and become a team.

Detroit has been doing this for a few years now, and that's why they're the true NBA team; they're the obvious favorite right now.

[DarthRekal]

A few reasons

1) At Miami

2) IF Detroit has a shot at 70, teams will be gunning for them

3) Starters will be tired and worn down by then, and possibly saving themselves for the playoffs.

4) Lots of trades could happen by then.

nice solid points.... i just dont see miami being a cohesive unit...i give d town the edge..but you could be right man...good analysis

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

nice solid points.... i just dont see miami being a cohesive unit...i give d town the edge..but you could be right man...good analysis

I agree, but I forgot to add one more

5) One of the few teams that has a shot at winning against Detroit. I mean they could win 75 games. But they could also slow down towards the end of the season and win only 65 games. Plus like I said, teams like Atlanta, Portland, Tornto and weak teams always manage to sneak in good performances against the top teams here and there. I am not saying all those teams or even that the weakest teams will win, but don't be surprised if they are upset by a very weak team.

[DarthRekal]

i agree its usually the lower ranked team that sneak up...ts hard to stay UP for those games

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

i agree its usually the lower ranked team that sneak up...ts hard to stay UP for those games

Yup, plus they come out of no where with their best game of the year for some reason.

[DarthRekal]

Yup, plus they come out of no where with their best game of the year for some reason.

its cause they come out with a chip on their shoulder..i sused to hate that when the raps and hawks and warriors when they were bad killed us ...thats when we were good...:( ahh those days ....it seemed like just yesterday i was at a parade.... i fear another twelve years of waiting is at hand....

[Immortalfire]

Hawks beat Knicks! :up:

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

its cause they come out with a chip on their shoulder..i sused to hate that when the raps and hawks and warriors when they were bad killed us ...thats when we were good...:( ahh those days ....it seemed like just yesterday i was at a parade.... i fear another twelve years of waiting is at hand....

****, I am just waiting for my stupid Warriors to make the playoffs which I thought we had a shot at this year but the way things are looking I will be happy as hell if we can just finish .500 or better.

They really need to make a trade.

Must keeps
Davis
J Rich

Maybe keep
Dunleavy jr.
Murphy

Expendable
Everyone else

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

its cause they come out with a chip on their shoulder..i sused to hate that when the raps and hawks and warriors when they were bad killed us ...thats when we were good...:( ahh those days ....it seemed like just yesterday i was at a parade.... i fear another twelve years of waiting is at hand....

****, I am just waiting for my stupid Warriors to make the playoffs which I thought we had a shot at this year but the way things are looking I will be happy as hell if we can just finish .500 or better.

They really need to make a trade.

Must keeps
Davis
J Rich

Maybe keep
Dunleavy jr.
Murphy

Expendable
Everyone else

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

its cause they come out with a chip on their shoulder..i sused to hate that when the raps and hawks and warriors when they were bad killed us ...thats when we were good...:( ahh those days ....it seemed like just yesterday i was at a parade.... i fear another twelve years of waiting is at hand....

****, I am just waiting for my stupid Warriors to make the playoffs which I thought we had a shot at this year but the way things are looking I will be happy as hell if we can just finish .500 or better.

They really need to make a trade.

Must keeps
Davis
J Rich

Maybe keep
Dunleavy jr.
Murphy

Expendable
Everyone else

[Alpha and Omega]

Dunleavy needs to step it up. He can play much better than he is right now. I think he's a great 3rd or 4th option. You have Baron and J-rich in the backcourt. That's a pretty good tandem, and hopefulld MD will become a viable 3rd option in the 2nd half of the season.:up: :)

LAL has more complicated issues than the Warriors. W/ a few changes, you could have a serious title contender in a few years. We need some better starters.

[Stringer]

Yao returned tonight and they still lost, but at least he's back.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Dunleavy needs to step it up. He can play much better than he is right now. I think he's a great 3rd or 4th option. You have Baron and J-rich in the backcourt. That's a pretty good tandem, and hopefulld MD will become a viable 3rd option in the 2nd half of the season.:up: :)

LAL has more complicated issues than the Warriors. W/ a few changes, you could have a serious title contender in a few years. We need some better starters.

Yeah he does, he makes me so mad! :mad: My boss and I talk about it and he keeps telling me that once the Warriors trade him he will be really good. And I believe him, he really knows his basketball, but my response is always, well why the hell isn't he good now! :mad:

The LAL are in a tough spot right now, but look at it this way, you guys have Kobe and pretty much anyone is expendable except him. So you guys have a great building block to start with, if the team chooses to make some big time moves this summer.

[Alpha and Omega]

Yeah he does, he makes me so mad! :mad: My boss and I talk about it and he keeps telling me that once the Warriors trade him he will be really good. And I believe him, he really knows his basketball, but my response is always, well why the hell isn't he good now! :mad:

The LAL are in a tough spot right now, but look at it this way, you guys have Kobe and pretty much anyone is expendable except him. So you guys have a great building block to start with, if the team chooses to make some big time moves this summer.

Phil Jackson said that we're one great player away. (currently in Miami:(, but the past is the past.) I hope we can acquire this player soon! (IMO, we need a few players.) We need some help. Smush Parker, Chris Mihm, and Odom are not cutting it. When we played Detroit last night, they dominated us for three quarters of the game. We matched their intensity in the 2nd quarter, and they railroaded us for the rest of the game.

When is the last time the Warriors won a playoff round? Is it as far back as the days of Chris Mullin? They're due for something major.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Phil Jackson said that we're one great player away. (currently in Miami:(, but the past is the past.) I hope we can acquire this player soon! (IMO, we need a few players.) We need some help. Smush Parker, Chris Mihm, and Odom are not cutting it. When we played Detroit last night, they dominated us for three quarters of the game. We matched their intensity in the 2nd quarter, and they railroaded us for the rest of the game.

When is the last time the Warriors won a playoff round? Is it as far back as the days of Chris Mullin? They're due for something major.

The last time they went was with Run TMC, Mullin, Hardaway and Mitch Richmond. 93-94 season. :(

They way they are playing right now, the only thing they are due is a bunch of boes! (sp)

[NOFX]

2005-06 Power Rankings: Week 13
RANK (LAST WK) TEAM REC. COMMENT
1 (1) Pistons 37-5 Trying to keep it fresh with those ''boring'' Pistons, we steal this line from Bernie Bickerstaff: ''Most teams have a go-to player. They have a go-to team.''
2 (2) Mavericks 34-10 How do you make a run at the Southwest crown and the West's No. 1 seed when you're last in the league in assists? With the league's deepest roster, that's how.
3 (3) Spurs 34-10 Duncan and Ginobili aren't playing at full strength, true. But nothing has changed: Every team in the league outside of Detroit would trade for Spurs' problems.
4 (4) Suns 28-16 Good as they are sans Amare, Suns have to fix this with or without him: 0-5 in games decided by three points or less, thanks in part to all those OT heartbreakers.
5 (8) Heat 27-18 Don't blame the committee (of one messenger). Facts is facts: Heat are 16-8 under Riles, but 0-6 against the top four and just 8-13 vs. teams with winning records.
6 (10) Cavaliers 25-17 Told you LeBron wouldn't be able to ditch the tights. How can he? After that six-game skid, Cavs are 5-0 since he started wearing them.
7 (13) Clippers 25-16 They couldn't get Artest, don't know when Maggette will be back and can't get any pub thanks to Kobe. The consolation? Clips are back up to nine games over .500.
8 (5) Nuggets 25-21 I agree with Denver's belief that working Camby back in shouldn't be that tough. But his first two games (home-and-home losses to Clips) couldn't have been worse.
9 (6) Grizzlies 25-18 This is not the way to make an All-Star push: Grizz have dropped seven of nine and, fair or not, I suspect that'll put a dent in Pau's hopes for a spot in Houston.
10 (9) Lakers 23-20 If you say Kobe doesn't make his teammates better, what you're really saying is that you expected these Lakers to be more than a top-10 team. These Lakers?
11 (7) Nets 22-20 Losing Vince is obviously the killer blow, but this hurts, too: Nets no longer have the league's longest win streak of the season now that Pistons have won 11 straight.
12 (14) Bucks 23-20 Bucks have been over .500 every day since Nov. 29. Of course, they also seem to be dealing with a new injury every day. This time it's Mo Williams . . . again.
13 (16) 76ers 23-21 Could all the problems and tension be eased by some consistent rebounding? Sixers are 17-2 when they outboard the opposition, but it happens less than half the time.
14 (11) Hornets 21-22 OK, OK. Even one week at No. 11 might have been a bit aggressive. But the question is still valid for at least another week: Will playoff games be in OKC or NO?
15 (12) Jazz 21-23 Uh-oh, continued: Utah's slide is now at 2-6 and Jazz have two point guards (McLeod and Palacio) looking steadier than No. 3 pick Williams.
16 (22) Bulls 20-23 A slumbering Chandler has awakened at last. Gordon is getting more consistent, too. Best of all for Bulls, you're never out of the playoff running in the East.
17 (19) Wizards 20-22 Jamison is looking more like Jamison, having strung together eight straight 20-plus games after his recent benching. Wiz, though, remain a difficult read.
18 (15) Pacers 21-21 It figures. Artest finally gets traded and, on cue, Jermaine suffers a long-term injury. Which makes it tough, obviously, to evaluate Peja and JO together.
19 (18) Timberwolves 20-22 Wally was playing as well as he ever has and Wolves were two games under .500. That's why you're wrong if you say it was a trade for the sake of making a trade.
20 (26) Celtics 18-26 I realize Ricky was popular, and that Wally's no stopper, but I'd say a highly efficient scorer with a killer outside touch fits better next to Pierce than Davis did.
21 (20) Warriors 20-23 Warriors are 3-9 this month and chose not to pull the trigger on an Artest deal. In the other words, Baron and Montgomery will continue to be the big story.
22 (21) Magic 18-24 Poof. Just like that, Magic's unexpected five-game win streak has been followed up by losses to chaos-infested Knicks and Iverson-less Sixers.
23 (20) Kings 18-26 Even if Artest somehow gets through the rest of the season without incident, let's hold off on the playoff talk until Kings are out of last place in the Pacific.
24 (25) SuperSonics 18-25 Go ahead, suffering Sonics fans. It's OK to admit that you heard about the new assistant coach, a certain Mr. Schrempf, and wished he was coming back as a player.
25 (27) Rockets 15-28 Assuming Yao is back soon, and assuming T-Mac doesn't immediately reinjure his back, you still have to wonder about Yao's stamina after he sat for so long.
26 (23) Raptors 15-30 Could be another of my crazy theories, but maybe Raps fired Babcock one day after Pape made his first start because they figured we'd be too Sow-centric to notice.
27 (24) Trail Blazers 15-27 Going 5-3 on an eight-game homestand, as young as Blazers are, ain't bad. The bad news? Eight of Portland's next 10 games are roadies.
28 (28) Knicks 14-28 Last week was simply not a good week to be an Isaiah . . . or an Isiah. It's ugly for Knicks on the court again and even more uncomfortable off it.
29 (29) Hawks 11-31 Since we always like to keep it positive, as everyone knows, we have elected to focus on Joe Johnson becoming the 12th player this month to post a 40-point game.
30 (30) Bobcats 11-34 Bickerstaff said we could use that quote about Detroit so long as we reminded everyone that injuries are the main reason why Bobcats are 1-14 in January.

[Assassin]

do u think detroit will beat the 70 win season of the bulls? ;)

[Alpha and Omega]

do u think detroit will beat the 70 win season of the bulls? ;)

Will Detroit beat Chicago's 72 - 10 season. :confused: Um, I don't think so. They will probably win 60-65 games.

[Kipobe]

Yeah, I knew the Lakers were top 10.... Before Sunday they were one of just NINE teams to have less than 20 losses. Not saying alot for the NBA elite this year... but all the same, less than 20 losses isn't bad. Then when you factor in the amount of "heartbreaker" losses (games decided by 5 points or less)... the Lakers could easily have the second or third best record in the NBA. They really haven't been blown out, and they're playing better each game.

Kobe's 81 point game may have some positive backlash here. Since then, he's been up on his assists, and at least 5 Laker players has scored over 10 points. Tonight vs. NY... and truthfully, Sunday vs. Detroit were good examples of how this team can play together. Too bad most of the game vs. Detroit they went stagnent... but they "could've" won that game, and they did win in NY convincingly tonight.

I expect a much cleaner record in the second half of the season. The games they loss by 5 points will be the games they win by 5 points. If they turned that one stat around in the season so far, they'd have about 10 more wins (10 less losses puts them in second place). This year, they'll make the playoffs. A few off-season pieces moved into place, and next year they'll make a strong playoff run. Unfortunately, the key to all of this is Odom. He's still not performing like he should.... and whilst they can cover him sometimes, he needs to step it up. Two years under Phil Jackson, and he'll be a good swing-man/second scorer.

So now, the ultimate question: since the Knicks didn't get Jackson... and apparently were happy to "settle" for Larry Brown (because he's the only REAL coach of the two... turning sub-standard teams into playoff contenders, whilst Jackson only can coach champs, apparently...) who got the better deal?

Sorry Equint... Phil is having a measure of success in LA, and NY.... well, NY are already marking off the losses on the calender for next year:(

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

do u think detroit will beat the 70 win season of the bulls? ;)

They were actually 72-10 :D :up:

[DarthRekal]

Yeah, I knew the Lakers were top 10.... Before Sunday they were one of just NINE teams to have less than 20 losses. Not saying alot for the NBA elite this year... but all the same, less than 20 losses isn't bad. Then when you factor in the amount of "heartbreaker" losses (games decided by 5 points or less)... the Lakers could easily have the second or third best record in the NBA. They really haven't been blown out, and they're playing better each game.

Kobe's 81 point game may have some positive backlash here. Since then, he's been up on his assists, and at least 5 Laker players has scored over 10 points. Tonight vs. NY... and truthfully, Sunday vs. Detroit were good examples of how this team can play together. Too bad most of the game vs. Detroit they went stagnent... but they "could've" won that game, and they did win in NY convincingly tonight.

I expect a much cleaner record in the second half of the season. The games they loss by 5 points will be the games they win by 5 points. If they turned that one stat around in the season so far, they'd have about 10 more wins (10 less losses puts them in second place). This year, they'll make the playoffs. A few off-season pieces moved into place, and next year they'll make a strong playoff run. Unfortunately, the key to all of this is Odom. He's still not performing like he should.... and whilst they can cover him sometimes, he needs to step it up. Two years under Phil Jackson, and he'll be a good swing-man/second scorer.

So now, the ultimate question: since the Knicks didn't get Jackson... and apparently were happy to "settle" for Larry Brown (because he's the only REAL coach of the two... turning sub-standard teams into playoff contenders, whilst Jackson only can coach champs, apparently...) who got the better deal?

Sorry Equint... Phil is having a measure of success in LA, and NY.... well, NY are already marking off the losses on the calender for next year:(

nice post... excelent post rather.... ugly game last night..sorry equint..i hate it when the officials dont lets the guys play....

[Cudzo]

i agree, except the point where he said that they " could've " won in Detroit.. no they couldn't have. If L.A. plays thier best, and Detroit Plays thier worst, maybe the Lakers barely win. But all things being equal ( if both teams play to the level of play we expect them to) Detroit will win that game more often than not.
Detroit lost last night to the Nets ( omg, we've been exposed.!!!... riiiiight) cuase they sleptwalked through most ofthe game and settled for trying to many three's. If they play to the level most of us expect, they win that game.
Now, from some peoples point of view, the rest of the lakers aren't nearly as untallented as they are made out to be. Rather, they can never get into anykind of rythme do to amount of time Kobe spends with the ball. I can't watch Laker games that much ( east coast west coast thing), but i've read several columnists say that, and heard it from sir charles barkley. You want Odom to start playing to his potential? Get him the ball more often. And do you really see that problem changing? Oh, by the way, beating argueably the worst team in the NBA (the knicks) should not be your measuring stick.

[DarthRekal]

i agree, except the point where he said that they " could've " won in Detroit.. no they couldn't have. If L.A. plays thier best, and Detroit Plays thier worst, maybe the Lakers barely win. But all things being equal ( if both teams play to the level of play we expect them to) Detroit will win that game more often than not.
Detroit lost last night to the Nets ( omg, we've been exposed.!!!... riiiiight) cuase they sleptwalked through most ofthe game and settled for trying to many three's. If they play to the level most of us expect, they win that game.
Now, from some peoples point of view, the rest of the lakers aren't nearly as untallented as they are made out to be. Rather, they can never get into anykind of rythme do to amount of time Kobe spends with the ball. I can't watch Laker games that much ( east coast west coast thing), but i've read several columnists say that, and heard it from sir charles barkley. You want Odom to start playing to his potential? Get him the ball more often. And do you really see that problem changing? Oh, by the way, beating argueably the worst team in the NBA (the knicks) should not be your measuring stick.

you're right about the pistons...we can only hope to catch them slipping in order to beat them..... but you have it on hearsay..cud..just liek you said..i have watched practically ALL the lakers games this year....this year more than ANY other year... we NEED kobe to ball hog...odom is WAY too inconsistent....the supporting cast is atrocious...smush parker?? you guys(detroit) cut him... he would be a astarter in the d league if we didnt sign him..... mihm????? sasha????? no way are we underrating these guys...if anything they are playing over their heads this season......barkley has always been anti-laker..take his comments with a grain of salt...i've seen games where kobe does nothing BUT pass the ball and we lose....we have a d list cast and i'm surprised we are this good...frankly i'm happy with where we are.....

[Kipobe]

Well, when I said the Lakers could've won, I was referring to that specific game, where Detroit couldn't even get into an offensive set for most of the 4th quarter. Sadly though, neither could LA. Funnily enough, because Kobe was passing TOO much. I saw several plays where Kobe touched the ball 3 times in one posession and never once took a shot. That's ridiculous.

Truth is, the bigger problem isn't the lack of talent on the team. I know I attack that occasionally, but I'm quite happy with this teams potential despite the lack of big names. Phil Jackson has worked with everyone individually it seems, and they can all make shots... only when they're in their comfort zone. Why are they out of their comfort zone? Because 80% of the team are still LEARNING the triangle. Once they've got that into a smooth rythmn things will be better... but my concern with Odom is his lack of interest or initiative.

People attack Kobe no end. You mentioned Charles Barkley... well, Charles admitted that he wouldn't pass it to them either if they were on his team. Funny thing is, Kobe DOES pass... but it won't show up on the stat sheet if they don't make the shot. And someone he should have to worry less about is Odom. Odom should be able to be a second spark... and he's not. He should be able to take over the game occassionally, and he doesn't. He doesn't command the ball, and he doesn't work for it. He could easily be one of the best defensive players in the league... as well as a clutch shooter and a monster in the low post... never mind his natural ability to take people off the dribble... but he doesn't. Nothing to do with Kobe... but he doesn't have that drive or sense of leadership. He's never really had it. But the triangle will make him look even worse at first... that's why I said in my above post "give him two years under Jackson to get his act straight".

And like I said before, a few of those losses going the other way, and LA would be an elite team (top 5+) So, all in all, I can't be upset... but I don't blame Kobe. He's made a heavy impact on this team and Jackson is using him perfectly. No, he wont average 12 assists a game... but that doesn't mean he's not a passer. So many games I've seen him pass on the big shot... but the ballhog comments still come up. He's learning what it means to get the team involved, but he needs the team to work well... and that will only come with time.

Like I said, I expect a stronger Laker team for the second half of the season. Many of the 5-point losses will be 5-point wins... and their confidence and skill will grow. Just takes time.

[Stringer]

I think the Lakers will play a similar second half. Not better or worse. That may change if some other players besides Kobe find sometype of offensive rhythm, however.

[Kipobe]

you're right about the pistons...we can only hope to catch them slipping in order to beat them..... but you have it on hearsay..cud..just liek you said..i have watched practically ALL the lakers games this year....this year more than ANY other year... we NEED kobe to ball hog...odom is WAY too inconsistent....the supporting cast is atrocious...smush parker?? you guys(detroit) cut him... he would be a astarter in the d league if we didnt sign him..... mihm????? sasha????? no way are we underrating these guys...if anything they are playing over their heads this season......barkley has always been anti-laker..take his comments with a grain of salt...i've seen games where kobe does nothing BUT pass the ball and we lose....we have a d list cast and i'm surprised we are this good...frankly i'm happy with where we are.....
You're seeing the worst of them right now. Well, technically you saw that last year. Phil Jackson is the difference between last years blowouts and this years positive record. Furthermore, like I just said, the second half of the season will be stronger. These guys aren't that bad. I've complained about them before too... but they're learning a difficult system and they're lacking in confidence. Odom is the biggest problem. If he could be a guaranteed 20 and 10 guy a night (which is what he should be), the Lakers could kick it into high gear. They have plenty of people who can step up to be the third guy.... and plenty more who can get you 10 points.

Mihm is perfect for the triangle and seems to have a grasp on where to be at the right time. Kobe knows it... but can't play into it as he's forced to both create and be the scorer. Smush is a great addition.... reminds me of a young Ron Harper... and will step up even higher in future games, I'm sure. And Sasha is untapped talent which LA is famous for presenting *cough*Kobe*cough*

I'm quite happy with MOST of the team and see good things with very minor adjustments. Phil doesn't like major blockbuster trades if he can help it... he likes to keep key elements in place and work with that. So since Odom is here to stay, I guess Phil sees potential in him that we (the fan) don't. That, within itself keeps me positive.

[DarthRekal]

You're seeing the worst of them right now. Well, technically you saw that last year. Phil Jackson is the difference between last years blowouts and this years positive record. Furthermore, like I just said, the second half of the season will be stronger. These guys aren't that bad. I've complained about them before too... but they're learning a difficult system and they're lacking in confidence. Odom is the biggest problem. If he could be a guaranteed 20 and 10 guy a night (which is what he should be), the Lakers could kick it into high gear. They have plenty of people who can step up to be the third guy.... and plenty more who can get you 10 points.

Mihm is perfect for the triangle and seems to have a grasp on where to be at the right time. Kobe knows it... but can't play into it as he's forced to both create and be the scorer. Smush is a great addition.... reminds me of a young Ron Harper... and will step up even higher in future games, I'm sure. And Sasha is untapped talent which LA is famous for presenting *cough*Kobe*cough*

I'm quite happy with MOST of the team and see good things with very minor adjustments. Phil doesn't like major blockbuster trades if he can help it... he likes to keep key elements in place and work with that. So since Odom is here to stay, I guess Phil sees potential in him that we (the fan) don't. That, within itself keeps me positive.

i do enjoy your posts..you keep me positive..it frustrating going from elite to also ran..i do see your points and agree totally...its just i hate when mihm drops passes picks up silly fouls and smush is there one night gone the next...sasha the only thing i think he needs is confidence..but you defntly hit the nail on the head..phil is the big difference here...he's bringing out the best in everybody...no doubt more time will help....but hey between my job my wife and my kids..my patience is a little thin nowadays.... thanks for the light though:up:

[Immortalfire]

Hawks beat Bobcats :up:

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

i do enjoy your posts..you keep me positive..it frustrating going from elite to also ran..i do see your points and agree totally...its just i hate when mihm drops passes picks up silly fouls and smush is there one night gone the next...sasha the only thing i think he needs is confidence..but you defntly hit the nail on the head..phil is the big difference here...he's bringing out the best in everybody...no doubt more time will help....but hey between my job my wife and my kids..my patience is a little thin nowadays.... thanks for the light though:up:

Umm, are you sure about that? Because I am pretty sure that kid isn't afraid to shoot the ball. :D

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

i do enjoy your posts..you keep me positive..it frustrating going from elite to also ran..i do see your points and agree totally...its just i hate when mihm drops passes picks up silly fouls and smush is there one night gone the next...sasha the only thing i think he needs is confidence..but you defntly hit the nail on the head..phil is the big difference here...he's bringing out the best in everybody...no doubt more time will help....but hey between my job my wife and my kids..my patience is a little thin nowadays.... thanks for the light though:up:

Umm, are you sure about that? Because I am pretty sure that kid isn't afraid to shoot the ball. :D

[LastSunrise1981]

How about those Mavericks? We won ten straight and we're in first place of the Midwest division. Hopefully we can keep it up and go into the playoffs with homecourt advantage. :up:

The Spurs have a way of turning it on after the All-Stars, so as I said, hopefully we can stay healthy and go into the playoffs with a great record AND the advantage of being on our home floor.

[Cudzo]

Hey, just read an article by Kobe from Dime Magazine.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/5301340

One things for certain, No one can say they work harder than he does.

[DarthRekal]

Umm, are you sure about that? Because I am pretty sure that kid isn't afraid to shoot the ball. :D

lol yer right about that...but they dont go in cause he's not cinfident he can make it and his passing and defense lacks......"pride" for lack of a better word

[DarthRekal]

Hey, just read an article by Kobe from Dime Magazine.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/5301340

One things for certain, No one can say they work harder than he does.

:up: no doubt

[Superman_20]

if someone is not watching the heat-cavs game on TNT right now, i'll have you know you have missed a spectacular game with some great plays from james, shaq, wade, and mourning

[Stringer]

Anyone see that play with Wade and Shaq? Good lord:eek:

[Go Web Go!]

Those plays by Wade and Shaq throughout the 4th quarter were just DISGUSTING!

[NOFX]

Damn I wish I had cable:(

[Stringer]

Go to NBA.com and watch the highlights

[NOFX]

Go to NBA.com and watch the highlights
I do that:o

[Stringer]

Obviously your an intelligent individual then:up:

[Alpha and Omega]

Go to NBA.com and watch the highlights

:eek: That lob to D-wade for the reverse dunk was so great; also that toss to Shaq by Wade was nice. They destroyed the Cavs.:eek: http://www.superherohype.com/forums/images/icons/icon10.gif

[Stringer]

I know Super Luda and Milkman would be upset but I hope Miami stomps the pistons in the playoffs;)

[Alpha and Omega]

I know Super Luda and Milkman would be upset but I hope Miami stomps the pistons in the playoffs;)

Oh geez, if they read this, they're going to go on an emo-tangent about why it can't happen. I hope it doesn't because Detroit is a true team, but if it does: I really don't care.:o http://www.superherohype.com/forums/images/icons/icon10.gif

[Stringer]

Yeah I highly doubt that Miami would win but Im still rooting for them.

[Go Web Go!]

I know Super Luda and Milkman would be upset but I hope Miami stomps the pistons in the playoffs;)

Amen, :up:

[NOFX]

Im still a huge Shaq fan even though he's not a laker anymore!:cool:

[Superman_20]

Anyone see that play with Wade and Shaq? Good lord:eek:

bwahaha that was great, and they needed to beat a playoff bound team, they havn't done so well with them, thursday will be good, that should tell them where they are at right now, they have to find a way to beat the top teams, because there is no way around it, the heat will have to face the pistons in the playoffs again... unless the pistons all get run over by a bus or something after the all-star break

[LastSunrise1981]

I know Super Luda and Milkman would be upset but I hope Miami stomps the pistons in the playoffs;)

Won't happen. :)

The Heat don't have enough fire power or defensive presence to stop the Pistons. They made a HUGE mistake in getting Antoine Walker and Jason Williams, since neither of them really fit the team concept.

No offense, but Detroit won't get stomped by Miami.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Won't happen. :)

The Heat don't have enough fire power or defensive presence to stop the Pistons. They made a HUGE mistake in getting Antoine Walker and Jason Williams, since neither of them really fit the team concept.

No offense, but Detroit won't get stomped by Miami.

Umm, no they have more than enough fire power, they don't have enough players that know their role on the team and no outside shooters. Walker and WIlliams are both streak 3 shooters at best. They were better off with the Jones' last year and Alston the year before.

I think they are a weaker team than last year so good luck tryin to take out the D, plus if they have to play the Cavs in the playoffs they might not even get past them.

[LastSunrise1981]

Umm, no they have more than enough fire power, they don't have enough players that know their role on the team and no outside shooters. Walker and WIlliams are both streak 3 shooters at best. They were better off with the Jones' last year and Alston the year before.

I think they are a weaker team than last year so good luck tryin to take out the D, plus if they have to play the Cavs in the playoffs they might not even get past them.

The Heat do not have enough firepower to deal with the Pistons. I can tell you that right now.

They could get by the Cavs, Indiana, and Washington. But they're not going to get by the Pistons with the players they have.

They'll get by the Cavs for sure, it's just they don't really have enough consistent firepower to deal with the Big D. They should've kept the team they had last year and tried to make another run.

[TheAlmightyFuzz]

I haven't been on here for a while so I'll come in here and say what I promised I would, THE MAGIC SUCK ASS! ok there

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

The Heat do not have enough firepower to deal with the Pistons. I can tell you that right now.

They could get by the Cavs, Indiana, and Washington. But they're not going to get by the Pistons with the players they have.

They'll get by the Cavs for sure, it's just they don't really have enough consistent firepower to deal with the Big D. They should've kept the team they had last year and tried to make another run.

Umm, that's pretty much what I said :confused: Except they might not get by the Cavs, unless the Pacers start playing better without Oneal, I think the Cavs are the only team in the East that can knock out the Heat. Other than the D.

[Go Web Go!]

Umm, no they have more than enough fire power, they don't have enough players that know their role on the team and no outside shooters. Walker and WIlliams are both streak 3 shooters at best. They were better off with the Jones' last year and Alston the year before.

I think they are a weaker team than last year so good luck tryin to take out the D, plus if they have to play the Cavs in the playoffs they might not even get past them.

Really? Not beat Cleveland? Hmm...Did you happen to see that they blew them out by nearly 30 points last night? Ok, it's one game, I'll give you that but who does Cleveland have other than LeBron and maybe a healthy Larry Hughes that can even give Miami a run for their money? Cleveland is a young team and doesn't have much playoff experience. Every single player on the Heat from Shaq to Zo to Payton to Wade have the experience that the Cav's lack. If they were to meet in the playoffs (which is unlikely seeing how Cleveland is a likely 4 seed) it would be over in 5 games.

Won't happen. :)

The Heat don't have enough fire power or defensive presence to stop the Pistons. They made a HUGE mistake in getting Antoine Walker and Jason Williams, since neither of them really fit the team concept.

No offense, but Detroit won't get stomped by Miami.

Detoit is a much better team and Miami is not the greatest defensive team, but you can't say they don't have fire power. Last I checked they were 2 in the league when it comes to scoring or FG% (either or..can't remember) I'm not on the Antoine Walker bandwagon. I don't think he's a good fit for this team and never really thought he would be but JW is having a career year. He's a definite upgrade over Damon Jones offensively and defensively.

There's room for improvement, yeah, and they have a little less than 40 games to do that. They'll be fine aslong as they stay healthy. Detroit is looking plain nasty though and don't expect them to lose unless they have a major setback during the 2nd half of the year.

[DarthRekal]

man alot of HEAT jockers in here......HMMMMM



detroit crushes the HEAT.... the cavs have a chance at beating them... and at the right time the NETS might as well


i thought the EAST would be the best conference this year but its just mediocre with the fall of the pacers....and the HEAt beat teh cavs yesterday because the cavs had an off night...look at their shooting percentage...are you gonna tell me it was miami's d that did that?



i'll be honest the HEAT look scary on paper and if they get their act togethr like they look like they are doing they have a damn good shot at going to the finals...i just cant see it right now....


and i think the spurs win anyway even if they do make it....

[Go Web Go!]

Heat jockers? Ok...

San Antonio can't beat Detroit. The Pistons have made the Spurs look like the Hawks in both their meetings and Detroit has only gotten better since then.

[Alpha and Omega]

Heat jockers? Ok...

San Antonio can't beat Detroit. The Pistons have made the Spurs look like the Hawks in both their meetings and Detroit has only gotten better since then.

Yeah, but this is only the regular season. San Antonio has a track record that shows how average they play during the season: esp during the first half. They're a totally different team during the playoffs.

[DarthRekal]

Heat jockers? Ok...

San Antonio can't beat Detroit. The Pistons have made the Spurs look like the Hawks in both their meetings and Detroit has only gotten better since then.


wasnt talkin about san anton beating detroit was talkin about the STERNS beating the heat.....


lemme ask you a question then i will leave you alone...were you a heat fan prior to the 2004-2005 season?:confused:

[Cudzo]

It amazing how a change in chemistry can mess things up...

With the Heat, they still possess the ability to make it to the finals. But this happened to the pistons last year on a smaller scale with their change on the bench. on paper, they changed from Corlis Williamson , Okur,and 'Mighty Mouse' Mike James to Carlos Orroyo, Carlos Delphino, And Antonio McDysse. On paper it looked better, but in practice it didn't help. the only one from the new group to give segnificant help off the bench was McDysse from that new group. Mainly cuase at times they looked confused out there, where the previous bench new exactly what thier roles were.
I see the same thing here with the heat. But its a something that can be recovered from if they get thier heads together and do what needs to be done ... ( though with Antion "jack-up-a-three-whenever-he-want-to" williams, not sure if thats goin to happen.

[LastSunrise1981]

wasnt talkin about san anton beating detroit was talkin about the STERNS beating the heat.....


lemme ask you a question then i will leave you alone...were you a heat fan prior to the 2004-2005 season?:confused:

I agree about the Spurs being the Sterns. Seems as though they've been getting their fair share of phantom calls.

Especially anyone who tries to guard or get physical with Parker, Duncan, or Ginoboli. :mad:

[NOFX]

TORONTO -- The Toronto Raptors finally traded Jalen Rose on Friday, sending him to the New York Knicks for forward Antonio Davis.


The Knicks also received a first-round draft pick and an undisclosed amount of cash from the Raptors in the deal. Toronto acquired the draft pick from the Denver Nuggets in an earlier trade, the Toronto Star reported.


The two teams were set to play each other Friday night at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto.

John Hollinger's Trade Breakdown
If there's a player who is the antithesis of what Knicks coach Larry Brown is about, it's Jalen Rose. Brown likes his players mentally tough and defensive-minded; Rose is completely offensive-minded and bristles at the slightest suggestion that he might no longer be a star. The two were paired briefly in Indiana and mixed about as well as peanut butter and tacos. Brown grew incensed by Rose's defensive lapses and banished him to the pine, and Rose got upset.
Oddly enough, this pattern later repeated itself when Rose played for Thomas in Indiana, which is why I didn't expect to see Rose turn up in New York.

Incidentally, Antonio Davis, now a Raptor for the second time, may agree to a buyout with Toronto, and if so one imagines he'll eventually land back home in Chicago.

• See Holllinger's complete column



Rose and Davis were not expected to play in the game -- Knicks coach Larry Brown thought it would be unfair to throw Rose into action immediately. He sat on New York's bench wearing a suit.


"He's exactly what we need," Brown said. "I think it's a no-brainer. I haven't seen a drop-off in his game. We don't have enough ball-handlers, guys that have experience back there."


Brown, who coached Rose for one season with the Indiana Pacers, said Rose will start at small forward for the Knicks.


Rose's name has been mentioned in trade rumors all season, but he had been difficult to deal because he is making $15.7 million this season and he has an option at $16.9 million next season.


Still, the Knicks have long been interested in him, even though they already have the NBA's highest payroll. And they couldn't wait much longer to make a move after losing three straight and nine of 10 to fall behind Toronto into last place in the Atlantic Division.


"I can't wait to play in front of the many Knicks fans, friends and family in the NYC area and very much look forward to being a part of the Knicks organization," Rose said in a statement. "Ask any athlete. One of his dreams is to play in New York wearing a Knick uniform. It's also always been a dream of mine."


New York's Stephon Marbury welcomed the trade.


"This will definitely help. He plays with toughness and he knows how to play," Marbury said.


The Knicks' slide began with a 129-103 loss to Toronto on Jan. 15 when Rose showcased his ability to post up smaller forwards by scoring a season-high 31 points.


Davis' contract expires after this season, and the Raptors get some needed salary-cap relief by parting ways with Rose.


It's the second time the veteran forwards have been involved in the same trade. Davis spent 4½ seasons in Toronto before the Raptors traded him to Chicago in 2003.


The Knicks had given up their first-round pick last offseason in a trade with the Bulls for Eddy Curry and Davis.


Interim Raptors general manager Wayne Embry made the deal just more than a week after the team fired GM Rob Babcock.


Embry said the teams had been talking about the trade for the last month.


The trade gives Toronto at least $10 million in salary cap room this summer and a better shot of resigning guard Mike James, who is expected to opt out of his contract.


The Raptors will also attempt to sign forward Chris Bosh to a long-term extension this summer.


"Cap room is very important to a franchise that's in transition," Embry said. "It's much easier to build because it gives you a lot of flexibility."


The trade came a day after Davis' wife, Kendra, was charged with misdemeanor battery for allegedly throwing a cup of coffee at a woman during a traffic dispute last fall.


Antonio Davis served a five-game suspension last month for climbing into the stands after his wife got into a confrontation with a fan in Chicago.


It is the first trade the Knicks have made since president Isiah Thomas was sued for sexual harassment by a former team employee.

[Alpha and Omega]

I agree about the Spurs being the Sterns. Seems as though they've been getting their fair share of phantom calls.

Especially anyone who tries to guard or get physical with Parker, Duncan, or Ginoboli. :mad:

Yeah, those guys receive a lot of questionable touch fouls.

[NOFX]

Alright Maggette might be back on March 1!!!:eek: :cool:
LOS ANGELES -- The cast was removed from Corey Maggette's injured left foot Tuesday, and the Los Angeles Clippers said an X-ray revealed significant healing in the ligament he injured almost two months ago

"We will proceed with our intended therapy and rehabilitation program," team physician Dr. Tony Daly said after examining Maggette. "We are optimistic about Corey's status. He will be re-evaluated in two to three weeks, at which time we intend to determine a further course of action."


Maggette will undergo aquatic therapy and a rehabilitation program until his next evaluation. His playing shoe has been altered with a full length carbon fiber shank to allow more rigidity, the team said, adding Maggette is not expected to participate in any on-court activities until he is being re-evaluated.


The 26-year-old Maggette was injured during a 99-89 victory over Miami on Dec. 5, and hasn't played since that time, missing 25 games. It was initially thought Maggette had a sprained left foot but a CT scan revealed a small separation of the ligament between the bones in the foot.


He is averaging 21.7 points and 5.5 rebounds in 13 games this season. The 6-foot-6 swingman averaged a career-best 22.2 points in 66 games last season.


Coach Mike Dunleavy said last week he was hopeful Maggette would return by March 1.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2314206

[Go Web Go!]

lemme ask you a question then i will leave you alone...were you a heat fan prior to the 2004-2005 season?:confused:

Why yes, sir, I was. I know plenty of people that root for them now are mostly bandwagon fans, but I'm not one of them. :up:

By the way, are my eyes deceiving me just as I thought they were when I saw Kobe scored 81? Did the Kings just shoot 0-20 in the 4th quarter? Goodness. So much for Artest getting them back into playoff contention.

[NOFX]

I always thought Artest was overrated!

[Brodie The Wise]

Why are You screaming about it!?

[Alpha and Omega]

By the way, are my eyes deceiving me just as I thought they were when I saw Kobe scored 81? Did the Kings just shoot 0-20 in the 4th quarter? Goodness. So much for Artest getting them back into playoff contention.

Wow. That has to be the worst shooting performance ever.

I always thought Artest was overrated!

He's a great player; he just needs some time to adapt to their system.

[NOFX]

Why are You screaming about it!?
There were people on here that thought if the clippers traded maggette for artest that the clippers would automatically be title contenders! Well I've been watching the Clippers this year very closely and I can honestly they would not be title contenders if artest was there!!! Clippers are better off without him! Besides Maggette back on March 1!:cool:

[NOFX]

Wow. That has to be the worst shooting performance ever.



He's a great player; he just needs some time to adapt to their system.
No!, he's a good player but not a great player! Has he ever carried a team on his own? No! Has he ever lead his team to the promise land or close to it? No! Does he make his teammates better? No! Does he care more about his music then the game of basketball? yes! :(

[Alpha and Omega]

No!, he's a good player but not a great player! Has he ever carried a team on his own? No! Has he ever lead his team to the promise land or close to it? No! Does he make his teammates better? No! Does he care more about his music then the game of basketball? yes! :(

He's not a franchise player, but he's a top 5 defender. That puts him in the upper echelon of the league.:o

[Go Web Go!]

Wow. That has to be the worst shooting performance ever.

Funny thing is that they went something like 0-12 in a quarter of a game about 7 or 8 years ago.

[Alpha and Omega]

Funny thing is that they went something like 0-12 in a quarter of a game about 7 or 8 years ago.

Are you serious? Well, I guess they were overdue, but 0-20. Someone couldn't even attempt a lay-up, or a 10 footer. That's kind of. . .well, sad,:( and I'm not even a Sac-fan.

[Brodie The Wise]

wow, 7 or 8 years! These guys better get it together.

[Go Web Go!]

You got that right...

[Brodie The Wise]

Yes. I do.

[Alpha and Omega]

wow, 7 or 8 years! These guys better get it together.

Brodie's sage-like quips sting and his sarcasm hurts. . . :(

Sacremento needs a coach who will teach them defense.:o

[Brodie The Wise]

aww, I mean well....

in no way, I suppose:(


Yeah, it's rough for everyone involved:(

[Brodie The Wise]

oh, and it was 19 years minus one day that the Kings did it last.

[Alpha and Omega]

Who cares? The fact that they went 0-20 in a quarter obviously isn't a common stat. Have some of the worst teams in the league like Atlanta, Toronto, or the Hornets ever done this? If they have, well. . . forget I said anything.:)

[Brodie The Wise]

Detorit did it last march.

[Alpha and Omega]

Detorit did it last march.

Give me a link to some stats.

[Brodie The Wise]

couple paragraphs down in teh ESPN recap

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=260203026

[Alpha and Omega]

"We got brain-locked in the fourth," Artest said.

How does that happen, and more pertinently, what does it mean? :o Fatigue maybe. . .I don't understand ron, ron, but I still think he's one of the best defensive guards in the league when he's healthy.

[Immortalfire]

My Hawks beat the Magic, makes 3 straight :up:

[Bizzybone]

Did the rockets win today??? How does everyone feel about rose going to the knicks?? Is it going to change the way they play or are they cursed in the garden.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Hmm, not that I don't agree but there is still a lot of season left, so let's see what we have.


Best Case Worst Case
Tue 31 @ New Jersey W W
Feb
Wed 1 Minnesota W W
Fri 3 @ Philadelphia W W
Sat 4 @ Indiana W L

Tue 7 @ Atlanta W W
Wed 8 L.A. Clippers W L
Fri 10 @ Orlando W W
Sun 12 @ Miami L L
Tue 14 New Jersey W W
Tue 21 Atlanta W W
Thu 23 Indiana W W
Fri 24 @ Chicago W W
Sun 26 Cleveland W L
Mon 27 @ Cleveland L L
Mar
Wed 1 @ Denver W L
Fri 3 @ Seattle W W
Sat 4 @ L.A. Lakers L L
Wed 8 Chicago W W
Sat 11 @ Washington W W
Sun 12 Charlotte W W
Wed 15 @ Toronto W W
Fri 17 @ New York W W
Sat 18 @ Charlotte W W
Mon 20 Atlanta W W
Wed 22 Miami W W
Fri 24 @ Indiana W W
Sun 26 New Jersey W W
Tue 28 Dallas L L
Wed 29 @ Phil W W
Fri 31 Milwaukee W W
Apr
Sun 2 Phoenix W L
Tue 4 NO/Okla. W W
Thu 6 @ Miami L L
Fri 7 @ Orlando W W
Sun 9 Indiana W W
Wed 12 Cleveland W W
Fri 14 @ Toronto W W
Sun 16 New York W W
Mon 17 @ Milwaukee L L
Wed 19 Washington W W

FINAL RECORD 71-11 / 62-16


Like I said, those are IMHO, best and worst case scenarios. Of course there are always teams like the Hawks or Raptors that sneak a win in here or there, but I still think that those records are the best and worst Detroit will do.

Well looks like through the first 4 games that I took a stab at even at the worst case scenario the D has one more loss that I thought they would and two more than the best case.

I am staying with my number through, at best 71 wins and worst 62.

[NOFX]

2005-06 Power Rankings: Week 14
RANK (LAST WK) TEAM REC. COMMENT
1 (1) Pistons 39-7 When Chicago lost two straight in its 72-win season, it took Bulls from 41-3 to 41-5. Pistons' 2-2 week sets them back a bit farther; Detroit is at only a 70-win pace now.
2 (2) Mavericks 37-10 With league's longest active win streak and only three more Ls than Detroit . . . you still won't hear any uproar about Dallas sending only one Mav to the All-Star Game.
3 (3) Spurs 37-10 Spurs never sweat a stretch of eight straight roadies in February, but this (cushy?) Rodeo Road Trip comes with five days of rest back home after a 3-0 start.
4 (4) Suns 31-16 As valuable as Nash is -- again -- try not to ignore Marion. This is also the best Matrix we've ever seen, even if he continues to be underrated and taken for granted.
5 (11) Nets 24-21 It really would have been a special week had they won in Cleveland, too, but quality wins over Pistons and Heat stretch Nets' home unbeaten streak to 10.
6 (7) Clippers 28-17 Over .500 in February for just the fifth time in 36 seasons doesn't make this the best team in club history yet. My beloved Braves, don't forget, started 33-17 in '74-75.
7 (5) Heat 29-19 With Shaq back in Jersey, and Heat (seemingly) rolling at last, figured we'd see something big from the big guy. Try 11 points/six TOs vs. Collins and Uncle Cliffy.
8 (6) Cavaliers 27-19 Last season's Cavs got to 30-20 before a 12-20 fold dropped them all the way out of the playoffs. These Cavs are hoping Hughes' return prevents a similar fold.
9 (10) Hornets 24-22 Byron-bashers have no choice this time but to give the man his props. Unless you think Eddie Jordan is somehow pulling the strings from Washington.
10 (9) Grizzlies 26-20 No slight to Pau and Co., but Grizz really aren't top-five material. And this comes, remember, from someone who liked them in the preseason more than most.
11 (8) Nuggets 26-23 Yes: 'Melo and Stevie Francis are both from Baltimore. But no: The idea of making them teammates (Furious George's idea, I'm told) holds no appeal at all to me.
12 (18) Pacers 23-22 Just when you think 1-1/2 seasons of adversity had finally flattened these guys, O'Neal-less Pacers stun Detroit to remind everyone that they're still here.
13 (12) Bucks 24-22 With competition like Rip, Vince, Pierce, Arenas and Kidd, it'll probably be easier for Redd to get Milwaukee to the playoffs than get himself to Houston.
14 (10) Lakers 24-23 Odom can't be all bad, can he? Without him, Lakers suffer two lopsided losses (in Charlotte and OKC) to bring a hasty halt to the Kobe 4 MVP talk.
15 (13) 76ers 24-23 Relax, panicky Philly fans. It has been a rocky season up to now, true, but recent history offers this for optimism: Webber hasn't missed the playoffs since 1998.
16 (25) Rockets 18-29 Why do Rockets believe they can still leapfrog seven or eight teams to make the playoffs. They're 12-6 when T-Mac and Yao are healthy and, for now, both are.
17 (17) Wizards 22-23 Even after a 10-5 uptick, Wiz haven't seen .500 since Dec. 6. The good news? Only two teams (Bulls, Magic) are realistically chasing them for the No. 8 spot.
18 (15) Jazz 23-25 If we're going to keep zinging Atlanta for passing on CP3 (and we probably are) Jazz have to get it, too, for drafting a struggling Williams (Deron) of their own.
19 (23) Kings 20-27 The gamble on Artest sure didn't change Sacto's injury fortunes. Miller and Bonzi are dinged up again and even Artest is hobbling around.
20 (16) Bulls 20-26 Bulls can only hope this Chandler stays for a while: 10-plus rebounds in six of seven games after just eight such efforts all season before this stretch.
21 (19) Timberwolves 21-25 Wolves want to believe being on the road is what suddenly made them look so out of sorts. If not, their post-trade surge of momentum sure didn't last long.
22 (21) Warriors 21-25 Everyone close to the situation says Monty's going nowhere, but the same can sadly be said about his unhappy team: Warriors are 9-19 since that 12-6 start.
23 (22) Magic 19-26 No one needed a win over Boston more than Howard, who had to halt that four-game skid if he hoped to beat out guys like Pierce for an All-Star spot.
24 (26) Raptors 17-31 Babcock is ousted and Jalen is traded shortly thereafter, which naturally makes you wonder: Is Rafael Araujo, long protected by Babcock, at risk for a D-League stint?
25 (27) Trail Blazers 17-29 The week wasn't a total loss for Paul Allen teams. Blazers' 2-2 showing finally gave them more wins this season than Seahawks, who topped out at 15-4.
26 (24) SuperSonics 19-28 Amid ownership threats that Seattle's only title-winning sports franchise might be leaving town, Sonics might register their first losing record at home since 1984-85.
27 (20) Celtics 18-30 At least Wolves had a little momentum immediately after the Ricky-for-Wally trade. Celts just played five games in the space of seven days and lost them all.
28 (29) Hawks 14-32 Can't help it. Even when Hawks are winning three in a row for the first time in almost two years, all I can do is imagine how good CP3 would look next to Joe Johnson.
29 (30) Bobcats 12-36 In their current state, with basically anyone you've heard of out injured, Bobcats weren't expecting to beat Lakers. The goal was simply holding Kobe under 82.
30 (28) Knicks 14-32 Larry's first Philly team went 31-51. With all the turmoil swirling these days, it's hard to see these Knicks getting to 30 wins no matter how many trades they make.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

I would have to agree with the assesment on Marion, he is undoubtly the most underrated player in the league.

[NOFX]

Chris Paul should be rookie of the year! I just saw him dismantle the Lakers on Saturday Singlehandedly!!!

[NOFX]

I would have to agree with the assesment on Marion, he is undoubtly the most underrated player in the league.
He sure wasnt underrated against the spurs in the playoffs last year?

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Chris Paul should be rookie of the year! I just saw him dismantle the Lakers on Saturday Singlehandedly!!!

He will get it, no doubt.

[DarthRekal]

man i was hoping this thread wouldnt surfcae this recent...but i gotta take my medicine...the LAKERS just suck...... see what i mean about the team other than kobe being garbage????? and with no lamar its just kobe and the garbage pail kids:(



in other LA news the clips are rollin....

and my fantasy team is winning...so there's always light



oh chris paul is for sure the ROY....its not even a contest

[Cudzo]

Did the rockets win today??? How does everyone feel about rose going to the knicks?? Is it going to change the way they play or are they cursed in the garden.

I always loved Jalen, bein a michigan boy. I love his versitility. His problem is consistency i would say in his level of play. and his contract is waaay to big. i Don't see him making a huge impact on this team. Larry Brown has lost his mind, and the team doesn't have an idenity or direction. Larry needs to establish a core of starting players and comit to them soon, and see how they develop.

[Super_Ludacris]

You know your gonna have a decent season when 62 wins is a worst case senario

Catch up bytches!!!

[Stringer]

Its all about the rings in the end.

[DarthRekal]

Its all about the rings in the end.

i really hope d town takes it again ....i love ben and rip and chauncey.... it would be hella good for FLIP too....:up:

plus i cant stand the STERNS:mad:

[The Riddler]

how about them rockets.

with yao back in the lineup, that's 4 straight wins.

don't look now, but i see them bumping LA out of the playoffs with an upcoming and very critical game this wednesday.

[NOFX]

how about them rockets.

with yao back in the lineup, that's 4 straight wins.

don't look now, but i see them bumping LA out of the playoffs with an upcoming and very critical game this wednesday.
L.A. Lakers, right? Not the Clippers!:cool: Clippers are now only 1/12 game back from the suns for first place! And Maggette back in March!

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

You know your gonna have a decent season when 62 wins is a worst case senario

Catch up bytches!!!

No *****.

[NOFX]

You know your gonna have a decent season when 62 wins is a worst case senario

Catch up bytches!!!
No worst case senario would be the Pistons just making NBA finals:confused:

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

I keep on hearing them talking about Kobe is the best int he league, Lebron has the potential to be one of the best ever if not the best. Mcgrady has the most talent blah blah blah.

Who do you guys think are the best players in the League? If you put together a 12 man roster, who would be on it?

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

No worst case senario would be the Pistons just making NBA finals:confused:

No worst case is Miami knocking them off in the playoffs. I mean let's face it anything can happen. Plus just because they are having this great of a season so far doesn't mean they won't slow down or get hurt of that the Spurs can't beat them again. Don't get me wrong, I think they are playing outstanding.

But The NBA season is a long one.

[Cudzo]

I keep on hearing them talking about Kobe is the best int he league, Lebron has the potential to be one of the best ever if not the best. Mcgrady has the most talent blah blah blah.

Who do you guys think are the best players in the League? If you put together a 12 man roster, who would be on it?

Woh, twelve man roster w/ any NBA'ers? hmmmmmm
Okay, here is how i would have it beginning with my starters:

pg: Chuancy Billups
sg: Kobe Bryant
sf: Labron James
pf: Keven Garnett
C: Tim Duncan (even though he plays more pf)

off the bench:

Steve Nash
Allen Iverson
Elton Brand
Ben Walace
Tracy Mcgrady
Shaq
Dwane Wade

This is still very all star teamish, but with that starting lineup you get a group of players that are totaly complete in offence and defense (well, defensively, i can acount for Chauncy, Duncan, and Kobe. not as much for Labron and Garnett, but still..), all can shoot from anywhere on the court, having an inside and a outside game. they all can move well without the ball. They all can run, but also work very well in the half court set. And with maybe the exception of Kobe (due to the team he is on, this is a point that can be argued) they are all finishers who are unselfish with the ball, total team players.

[Immortalfire]

Hawks beat Pistons!!!!! :D :up:

[Stringer]

No chance of tying the record now.

[Brodie The Wise]

not no chance, jsut less chance

[Alpha and Omega]

No chance of tying the record now.

Yep, that opportunity has faded.:o

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

I told you those ****ty teams come out of nowhere.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

not no chance, jsut less chance

No, NO CHANCE. Not so much as the fact that they lost a game to the Hawks but that Flip Saunder officially said today or last night that he is going to reduce the minutes played by his starters. Especially by Chauncey Billups. Which in turn will result in a few more losses. Their goal is a ring not 72 wins or even 70.

[Brodie The Wise]

No, NO CHANCE. Not so much as the fact that they lost a game to the Hawks but that Flip Saunder officially said today or last night that he is going to reduce the minutes played by his starters. Especially by Chauncey Billups. Which in turn will result in a few more losses. Their goal is a ring not 72 wins or even 70.

they could play me and Darko all freaking day and they could still ahve a chance. They got, what, 8 losses now? they win out, they got the record. Unlikely, but there's still a chance.

[Kipobe]

I revoke all the evil I previously spoke of Lamar Odom... as it seems he's quite important to the team.

[Stringer]

But they still lost today with Odom

[Alpha and Omega]

But they still lost today with Odom

Odom is a big man who plays soft. He won't post up, and he's useless on the block. . . Trade him.:mad: :( :O

I revoke all the evil I previously spoke of Lamar Odom... as it seems he's quite important to the team.

Don't rescind justifiable statements. :) Odom is hurting the team he's supposed to help. All the 'evil' you spoke was arguably reasonable.:o

[Stringer]

Yeah Odom definitely hasnt done anything to silence his critics. Although he's important he can easily be replaced.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

they could play me and Darko all freaking day and they could still ahve a chance. They got, what, 8 losses now? they win out, they got the record. Unlikely, but there's still a chance.

No they don't, statistically they do, but did you not read my statement? Saunders is not going to play them as much. More losses will occur. They will win 60+ easily but that's it.

[Brodie The Wise]

No they don't, statistically they do, but did you not read my statement? Saunders is not going to play them as much. More losses will occur. They will win 60+ easily but that's it.

If they win every game, they will break the record. So, yes, they have a chance. It doesnt' matter how super duper weeny teeny tiny it is, there is a chance.

[NOFX]

If only the clippers were in the eastern conference, they would be the number 2 seed! What a great game today against the knicks at NY! 4 straight road wins! If Elton Brand doenst make the all star team, why have an all star game???!!!:rolleyes: And lets start start again for Elton Brand for MVP! Clippers now one game back from the suns!!! ANd there doing all this without maggette for pretty much the entire season! Go Clippers!

[Alpha and Omega]

If only the clippers were in the eastern conference, they would be the number 2 seed! What a great game today against the knicks at NY! 4 straight road wins! If Elton Brand doenst make the all star team, why have an all star game???!!!:rolleyes: And lets start start again for Elton Brand for MVP! Clippers now one game back from the suns!!! ANd there doing all this without maggette for pretty much the entire season! Go Clippers!

The Clippers would probably be a #2 or 3 seed in the East, BUT Elton Brand for MVP:confused: I don't know about that. He's an All-star though. :o

[NOFX]

The Clippers would probably be a #2 or 3 seed in the East, BUT Elton Brand for MVP:confused: I don't know about that. He's an All-star though. :o
Arent you the one that thinks Kobe should be MVP???!!!:confused: That totally destroys your creditiblity!:doom: Elton Brand has been the best PF this season! No question about it! From offense to defense!

[Alpha and Omega]

Arent you the one that thinks Kobe should be MVP???!!!:confused: That totally destroys your creditiblity!:doom:

I mentioned three names: Kobe, Nash, and Chauncey in no particular order. Yes I did mention Kobe. I'm sorry I don't jump on and off of bandwagons. I've been a Lakers fan from the beginning and I'll stay one. You honestly think that Brand is a more viable candidate than Kobe. If Brand and Kobe switched teams, where would LAL be?

If No. 8 had the Clippers supporting roster, he would probably be a championship contender. He has Lamar Odom, Smush Parker, and Chris Mihm.:mad: :(

I have plenty of cred; it wasn't destroyed by saying 'pimps and ho' parties. :o

[NOFX]

I mentioned three names: Kobe, Nash, and Chauncey in no particular order. Yes I did mention Kobe. I'm sorry I don't jump on and off of bandwagons. I've been a Lakers fan from the beginning and I'll stay one. You honestly think that Brand is a more viable candidate than Kobe. If Brand and Kobe switched teams, where would LAL be?

If No. 8 had the Clippers supporting roster, he would probably be a championship contender. He has Lamar Odom, Smush Parker, and Chris Mihm.:mad: :(

I have plenty of cred; it wasn't destroyed by saying 'pimps and ho' parties. :o
If kobe was with the clippers, they would be literally fighting everynight about who's getting the ball more!!!! I can just see it with Sam Cassel wanting to shoot the big shots at the end of ball games! And lets not forget about Mobley and maggette!!! You dont know how the chemistry of the team is going to be? They wouldnt automatically be title contenders????!!! No freaking way, your dreaming buddy!

[Bruiser Stone]

I figured it's about time we got a new NBA thread for all NBA news and discussions for the upcoming year.

Training camp officially opened up today with most teams getting ready for the upcoming season.

And of course the big news today is the Knicks getting Eddy Curry/Antonio Davis for Mike Sweetney/Tim Thomas/Jermaine Jackson and some picks.

So basically the Knicks got Curry for Sweetney. Which I can deal with... the draft picks were a bit of a stretch but this upcoming draft doesn't seem deep so it's not much of a risk. Also losing Sweetney wasn't a huge loss... sure he was maybe gonna be the starting PF but he wasn't gonna make or break NY. Getting Curry, with his heart condition was a risk but he's been cleared by every doctor..except one, who felt a DNA test was due. The NY doctors are gonna do everything they can to make sure he's not gonna drop dead. I have a feeling Curry used the DNA thing as leverage for a trade..which is why Paxton was so irritated today in his PC.

So the Knicks have now improved their backcourt, frontcourt while maintaining their core young players.... Lee, Frye, Nate, JC, QR, Ariza... and now add Curry.

I'm happy with the direction.
The Knicks need alot of help. I'm really hoping they have a strong off-season with some good selections. But as long as they're in NY, they'll be okay. Afterall, they'll always have a better chance of getting money.

[DarthRekal]

If kobe was with the clippers, they would be literally fighting everynight about who's getting the ball more!!!! I can just see it with Sam Cassel wanting to shoot the big shots at the end of ball games! And lets not forget about Mobley and maggette!!! You dont know how the chemistry of the team is going to be? They wouldnt automatically be title contenders????!!! No freaking way, your dreaming buddy!


credibilty= out the window:down

[Superman_20]

Can the Hawks beat the Pistons?... Nah... not possible

[DarthRekal]

Can the Hawks beat the Pistons?... Nah... not possible

never HAPPEN!:down :mad:

[Superman_20]

never HAPPEN!:down :mad:

if the heat couldn't do it, then the hawks can't... hell and specially after the pistons lost too the pacers on saturday, they'd never let 2 in a row slip :cool:

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Can the Hawks beat the Pistons?... Nah... not possible

I think I remember someone a few pages back mentioning the Hawks and a Pistions loss.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

If only the clippers were in the eastern conference, they would be the number 2 seed! What a great game today against the knicks at NY! 4 straight road wins! If Elton Brand doenst make the all star team, why have an all star game???!!!:rolleyes: And lets start start again for Elton Brand for MVP! Clippers now one game back from the suns!!! ANd there doing all this without maggette for pretty much the entire season! Go Clippers!

Now let's not go off the deep end here, they also added Sam Cassel his numbers may not be all that impressive but don't forget good/great point guards can make teams that much better. Of course this isn't always the case as with Golden State but then again they are a team that lives and dies more often by the 3-ball.

I'm not saying Brand isn't an MVP candidate but there is no way he is ahead of Billups and Nash.

[NOFX]

I'm not saying Brand isn't an MVP candidate but there is no way he is ahead of Billups and Nash.
I dont know about Billups but he should be right there with Nash!!! THe Clippers are only 1 game back from the suns for first place!!! And Brand has been the best PF this season from both ends of the court!!!

[DarthRekal]

I think I remember someone a few pages back mentioning the Hawks and a Pistions loss.
i believe superduper was being sarcastic

[NOFX]

credibilty= out the window:down
Thats your response???!!! Credibility = out the window:down

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

i believe superduper was being sarcastic

As was I, look back and see who said it ;) :D

[NOFX]

Huge game right now against the Clippers and the Pistons! No Sam Cassel though:(

[DarthRekal]

Thats your response???!!! Credibility = out the window:down

answer = yes:up:



sorry humbug :)

[Superman_20]

I think I remember someone a few pages back mentioning the Hawks and a Pistions loss.

yea i think so too, it might have been here or i might have seen it on the nba groups on myspace.. that was so unexpected, i think that even the pistons were too confident that they'd be winning this one since they hadn't lost 2 in a row and the hawks are doing how they are, i think they just didn't take them too seriously... which is bad news for the heat because they are going to be on their toes when they come here on sunday

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

answer = yes:up:



sorry humbug :)

No worries :D :up:

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

yea i think so too, it might have been here or i might have seen it on the nba groups on myspace.. that was so unexpected, i think that even the pistons were too confident that they'd be winning this one since they hadn't lost 2 in a row and the hawks are doing how they are, i think they just didn't take them too seriously... which is bad news for the heat because they are going to be on their toes when they come here on sunday

Again I was being sarcastic because I had mentioned a team such as the Hawks wouldn't surprise me to knock a win out against the D. As for them not losing two in a row in 70 straight games dating back to last season. I thought it funny because during the day on ESPN, when they have the sports updates at the bottom of the screen for the ticker.

That's all they kept posting after they showed the match up for Detroit vs Atlanta. How come that always happens, sportscasters, newspapers or some source or other mentions something about a certain streak or record and right after they mention it. KABOOM! It's down the drain.

[Alpha and Omega]

The play of the day over at www.nba.com (http://www.nba.com) is a Vince Carter 360 lay-up. It's pretty nice.:up:

[Superman_20]

How come that always happens, sportscasters, newspapers or some source or other mentions something about a certain streak or record and right after they mention it. KABOOM! It's down the drain.

i hope they mention a lot that the heat havn't beaten any of the teams they'll see on the playoffs unless the whole pistons team was eaten by a pack of wild prostitutes or something

[DarthRekal]

B COOK!


the cookie monster going to work!:up: :eek:


and nice to see turiaf in uniform...finally :)

[Super_Ludacris]

Nice to see Detroit get there **** back together and also nice to see Suns extend there lead in there divison

[NOFX]

2006 EASTERN CONFERENCE ALL-STARS

No. Player (Team) Pos. Ht. Wt. Birthdate College/HS/Country All-Star Selections
1 #Chauncey Billups (Detroit) G 6-3 202 09/25/76 Colorado 1
4 #Chris Bosh (Toronto) F 6-10 235 03/24/84 Georgia Tech 1
15 Vince Carter (New Jersey) F 6-6 220 01/26/77 North Carolina 7
32 #Richard Hamilton (Detroit) G 6-7 193 02/14/78 Connecticut 1
3 *Allen Iverson (Philadelphia) G 6-0 165 06/07/75 Georgetown 7
23 *LeBron James (Cleveland) G 6-8 245 12/30/85 St. Vincent/St. Mary HS 2
7 *Jermaine O'Neal (Indiana) F 6-11 226 10/13/78 Eau Claire HS 5
32 *Shaquille O'Neal (Miami) C 7-1 325 03/06/72 LSU 13
34 Paul Pierce (Boston) F 6-6 230 10/13/77 Kansas 5
3 *Dwyane Wade (Miami) G 6-4 212 01/17/82 Marquette 2
3 Ben Wallace (Detroit) F 6-9 240 09/10/74 Virginia Union 4
36 Rasheed Wallace (Detroit) F 6-11 225 09/17/74 North Carolina 3

Head Coach: Flip Saunders (Detroit)
Assistant Coaches: Sidney Lowe, Ron Harper, Don Zierden
Athletic Trainer: Ted Arzonico (Orlando)

2006 WESTERN CONFERENCE ALL-STARS

No. Player (Team) Pos. Ht. Wt. Birthdate College/HS/Country All-Star Selections
34 Ray Allen (Seattle) G 6-5 205 07/20/75 Connecticut 6
42 Elton Brand (L.A. Clippers) F 6-8 265 03/11/79 Duke 2
8 *Kobe Bryant (L.A. Lakers) G 6-6 220 08/23/78 Lower Merion HS 8
21 *Tim Duncan (San Antonio) F 7-0 260 04/25/76 Wake Forest 8
21 Kevin Garnett (Minnesota) F 6-11 220 05/19/76 Farragut Academy (HS) 9
16 #Pau Gasol (Memphis) C 7-0 227 07/06/80 Spain 1
31 Shawn Marion (Phoenix) F 6-7 228 05/07/78 UNLV 3
1 *Tracy McGrady (Houston) F 6-8 210 05/24/79 Mt. Zion Academy (HS) 6
11 *Yao Ming (Houston) C 7-6 310 09/12/80 China 4
13 *Steve Nash (Phoenix) G 6-3 180 02/07/74 Santa Clara 4
41 Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas) F 7-0 245 06/19/78 Germany 5
9 #Tony Parker (San Antonio) G 6-2 177 05/17/82 France 1

Head Coach: Avery Johnson (Dallas)
Assistant Coaches: Del Harris, Rolando Blackman, Joe Prunty
Athletic Trainer: Keith Jones (Houston)

[NOFX]

Chris Paul should have been in the all star reserve instead of Ray Allen!

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Chris Paul should have been in the all star reserve instead of Ray Allen!

He's havng a better season than Paul.

[Alpha and Omega]

i hope they mention a lot that the heat havn't beaten any of the teams they'll see on the playoffs unless the whole pistons team was eaten by a pack of wild prostitutes or something

The Heat are 0-7 against last year's playoff teams.

On the subject of the all-star game: Tayshaun Prince and Gilbert Arenas were screwed; the Pistons whole team should have started, and Chris Paul was overlooked because he was a rookie???

I guess if you're a veteran, you can play slightly lesser, and still make the all-star team - *cough* Mcgrady, Allen, Ming *cough*

[Superman_20]

The Heat are 0-7 against last year's playoff teams.

On the subject of the all-star game: Tayshaun Prince and Gilbert Arenas were screwed; the Pistons whole team should have started, and Chris Paul was overlooked because he was a rookie???

I guess if you're a veteran, you can play slightly lesser, and still make the all-star team - *cough* Mcgrady, Allen, Ming *cough*


ming made the allstar game because he has all of china in his pocket, he has never been a great player, and mcgrady isn't having one of his best seasons but he is such an important part of the team for houston that he is their mvp, not that i would have picked him to go to the all star game, but i can see he is important to the hawks.. now iverson, when you are in second place in scoring and leading the east in scoring, you are going to get some votes... i am happy with the selections from the east, sure no pistons got picked, but when you look at the players individually, the east has its best players starting

[NOFX]

He's havng a better season than Paul.
And you define a better season because he scores more points??? Chris Paul is pretty much carrying Hornets to the playoffs on his own!!! Hell, he is responsible for David West of all people to average 17 points a game???!!! Where in last year he only average like 4-5 points a game?!

[Stringer]

Arenas got screwed. Im thinking the only reason Chris Paul didnt get selected is because he's a rookie he'll be in there plenty of times over his career.

[Bizzybone]

I believe that ron artest should have gone to the knicks!!!!!!

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

And you define a better season because he scores more points??? Chris Paul is pretty much carrying Hornets to the playoffs on his own!!! Hell, he is responsible for David West of all people to average 17 points a game???!!! Where in last year he only average like 4-5 points a game?!

Did I say he is having a better year because he is scoring more points? No. Allen is arguably having one of the best seasons of his career all around. Yes paul is having a great season especially for a rookie but people always get snubbed and always will get snubbed. Why, because for the most part fans are idiots. I agree Paul should have made the team, but deserve it more than Allen? I wouldn't say that, this is an All-Star game not MVP voting we are talking about. I would say that Paul definately deserves some votes for that. Far more than Allen.

Case in point fans being idiots, everyone remember when Vince Carter was voted in and didn't or barely played any games in the first half of the season?

[NOFX]

Did I say he is having a better year because he is scoring more points? No. Allen is arguably having one of the best seasons of his career all around. Yes paul is having a great season especially for a rookie but people always get snubbed and always will get snubbed. Why, because for the most part fans are idiots. I agree Paul should have made the team, but deserve it more than Allen? I wouldn't say that, this is an All-Star game not MVP voting we are talking about. I would say that Paul definately deserves some votes for that. Far more than Allen.

Case in point fans being idiots, everyone remember when Vince Carter was voted in and didn't or barely played any games in the first half of the season?
Umm the coaches decide who gets on the All star reserve not the fans!

[Super_Ludacris]

Melo should have been there

[NOFX]

Melo should have been there
Hahahahahahahah

[Super_Ludacris]

Hahahahahahahah

Have you seen how well he's played this year, or was Sam Cassell's head in the way?

[NOFX]

Have you seen how well he's played this year, or was Sam Cassell's head in the way?
He played better last year with all those wins! Besides Melo overrated!!!

[Super_Ludacris]

He played better last year with all those wins! Besides Melo overrated!!!

Have you seen Melo play this season yes or no?

[NOFX]

Have you seen Melo play this season yes or no?
I've seen him get crushed by my beloved Clippers!:cool:

[Super_Ludacris]

I've seen him get crushed by my beloved Clippers!:cool:

Your boderline homo. All jokes aside Melo has had a great season and he was putting up numbers that were All-Star worthy. Just look and read around most people are saying he and Redd were the biggest snubs

Did you see your beloved Clippers against the Pistons the other day?

That's right, you *****s still aint ready for Prime Time fall back

[Assassin]

whats the score in the Detroit vs Miami game..the tv at work is messed up:(

[Alpha and Omega]

Det: 88
Mia: 81

in the 4th w/ 5:52 left.

[Assassin]

let me know who wins

[Brodie The Wise]

Miami.

[Alpha and Omega]

Mia won. They outscored Det. 28-14 in the 4th quarter. Dwayne Wade scored 17 consecutive points in the last period alone.

[Assassin]

****!

[Assassin]

by 2 points :(

[Super_Ludacris]

Dwayne Wade was clutch with those shots at the end, give him his props though

[Alpha and Omega]

I know. At the end of the 3rd Det. was winning by 13 or 14. It was a total meltdown. I think they're tied w/ San Antonio for the leading record in the league now.

[Super_Ludacris]

If I'm Detroit I'd be concern as hell right now. I'm just wondering whether or not there getting tired from that big start cause what's this now? 4 lost in the last 10 games? That might not be too bad for some but there known as a good defensive team and not to take anything away from Dwayne Wade cause he is the man but that 4th Quarter was a disaster. And Miami is the one rival they finally lost too that could have there number in the Playoffs (Dallas too if they meet in the finals)

[Assassin]

i'm not worried, no ones perfect, but i guess they're not getting that 70-10 bulls record :D

[Superman_20]

they shouldn't be worried, they played their hearts out, but the heat just beat them, their defense in the 4th quarter didn't give the pistons clear shots and wade was on, they shouldn't be worried, they did everything they could

http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2005/scorecard/06/06/truth.rumors.nba/t1_wade_getty.jpg

i'm not worried, no ones perfect, but i guess they're not getting that 70-10 bulls record

72-10
15-3 in the playoffs
87-13 total :up:

[Alpha and Omega]

Even though regular season ball isn't the same as playoff contention, do you think that Miami passed a hurdle psychologically w/ the victory over Detroit?

[Assassin]

nope.

[Assassin]

Wade is good, one of my favs, but he ant play like that every night

[Alpha and Omega]

He did during the playoffs last year and he wasn't hurt. The Pistons are still the favorite, but they've lost 4 out of the last 10. I'm afraid that they've burned out before the extremely competitive second half of the season. We'll see, but Detroit has a lot of pressure on them now.

[Stringer]

He did during the playoffs last year and he wasn't hurt. The Pistons are still the favorite, but they've lost 4 out of the last 10. I'm afraid that they've burned out before the extremely competitive second half of the season. We'll see, but Detroit has a lot of pressure on them now.
Right again Alpha:up: and to think those "expert" analysts on ESPN said the Pistions could beat the eastern all stars:rolleyes: