2006-2007 NBA Thread

[Buford The Sly]

Bulls fans are funny...

Mavs rule and you're all jealous.

and it's TOTAL BS that only one Maverick is on the all star team.

[LastSunrise1981]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKTLQOF-p18

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B71ZFICRBw4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNI04QVLn9M

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zejZklkti1w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8qUZILi8IM
(Pistol Pete's LSU basketball days)


http://encyclopedia.quickseek.com/images/Pistolpete.jpg

Here is are some videos of the late great Pete Maravich aka "The Pistol". His style of basketball has influenced the likes of Steve Nash, Steve Francis, Jason Williams, Kobe Bryant, Manu Ginoboli, Magic Johnson, Dwayne Wade, and so on. Bob Cousy at one point brought a unique style of basketball that shocked those during the Auerbach led Celtics.

But Pistol on the other hand was showtime before there was showtime. He was truly one of the greats and has won/earned the respect of other greats like Walt Frazier, Dave Cowens, Earl Monroe, Bill Walton, Jerry West, Nate Archibald, Pat Riley, Charles Barkley, Isiah Thomas, and so forth.

When you consider how great he was in college during his legendary LSU days, one has to think on what would've happened if he joined the Celtics in his prime? Celtics would have more than 13 championships that's for sure. Red Auerbach is on record as calling Maravich "The greatest playmaker ever."

Maravich broke Oscar Robertson's scoring record at a time where there were no three pointers. Analysts spoke about that in order to break Pete's LSU record, a player has to take 15 three pointers every game you play and you'll break Pistols record.

Sadly he passed away of a heart attack during a pick-up game of basketball with christian ministers at a gym. What's amazing is that he played 10 seasons of basketball with one conarary(spelling?) artery and normally you have two, but for him to play college basketball and then pro basketball at the highest level with a heart defect is truly something to respect.

The video with Pistol Pete's LSU days show the shot he made to beat Oscar Robertson's record in scoring which is at the end. Maravich never made the all-defensive team, but he was known as a pest on defense and has normally stole the ball from the likes of Walt Frazier, Doug Collins, and even Nate Archibald. Archibald is on record saying that Pete was truly the hardest player he's ever had to guard in basketball.



:up: :up:

[Ghostvirus]

Bulls fans are funny...

Mavs rule and you're all jealous.

and it's TOTAL BS that only one Maverick is on the all star team.

1. We are funny because we won 6 Champion ships.:o

2. jealous. HAHAHA!! again 6 championships. Thanks for the laugh though.

3. Agreed. :up: Dallas should have had more.

[LastSunrise1981]

1. We are funny because we won 6 Champion ships.:o

2. jealous. HAHAHA!! again 6 championships. Thanks for the laugh though.

3. Agreed. :up: Dallas should have had more.

I think he means you are jealous of the Mavs current success. How many champonships have the Bulls won recently? How many finals appearances have the Bulls made with this line-up?

Mavs made one appearance to the championship and both teams have zero championships with the current roster. And if you want to get technical, Celtics have more championships than anyone and look where they're at right now.

[Buford The Sly]

^Yea that's what I meant.
Being a Cowboys fan I can point to the rings too (in football) but I choose not to. Since they haven't won a playoff game in over 10 years I have no room to talk crap to anyone.

We all know the Bulls USED to be great.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Stupid Warriors is all I have to say :mad:

They need to get their act together!

[Buford The Sly]

Stupid Warriors is all I have to say :mad:

They need to get their act together!

Don Nelson man... cashing the paycheck...

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

No.....joke!:mad:

[Ben Urich]

The Bulls have a great shot of coming out of the East. They're balanced and unselfish.

[Fran]

But they need to prove everyone wrong then, those jerks.

[LastSunrise1981]

But they need to prove everyone wrong then, those jerks.

I will say one of the things I do miss about the NBA these days is the true sense of rivalries. I remember the Detroit/Chicago rivalry, New York/Miami, Boston/Los Angeles(Lakers), Utah/Chicago, and so on and so forth.

It would be nice if teams nowadays would be allowed to play and be able to leave everything on the court.

Unfortunately in this day and age of basketball there is no "proving someone wrong", simply because the league is too commercial and is ran by a corporate personality who doesn't allow players to play with heart, fire, and courage.

My favorite NBA rivalry is the Indiana/New York and Dallas/Sacramento.

[DarthRekal]

what do you mean...?


we had lakers/spurs

lakers/kings

now its

lakers/suns

lakers/heat


at least from our perspective

[LastSunrise1981]

what do you mean...?


we had lakers/spurs

lakers/kings

now its

lakers/suns

lakers/heat


at least from our perspective

I mean teams change too often to have a rivalry these days, you know? The Kings/Lakers rivalry died down, Lakers and Heat isn't a true rivalry since neither team will meet each other in the playoffs.

Back during the golden age of basketball you had rivalries like Celtics/Lakers, Pistons/Celtics, Sixers/Celtics, Bulls/Pistons, Bulls/Utah, Heat/Knicks, Pacers/Knicks, and so forth. I guess the rivalries these days are in the media 24/7 that it loses his value and when a team wins it doesn't really have a sense of magic, you know?

But hey, that's my two cents on the matter.

By the way, has anyone checked out the Pistol Pete videos and the article I wrote about it?

[Fran]

I will say one of the things I do miss about the NBA these days is the true sense of rivalries. I remember the Detroit/Chicago rivalry, New York/Miami, Boston/Los Angeles(Lakers), Utah/Chicago, and so on and so forth.

It would be nice if teams nowadays would be allowed to play and be able to leave everything on the court.

Unfortunately in this day and age of basketball there is no "proving someone wrong", simply because the league is too commercial and is ran by a corporate personality who doesn't allow players to play with heart, fire, and courage.

My favorite NBA rivalry is the Indiana/New York and Dallas/Sacramento.

The 'jerks' post was an inside joke... Hooters Pimp.

Yeah, I do want a new bitter rivalry.

[Jerry]

Doesn't Heat/Lakers fit that mold right now right now?

[DarthRekal]

I mean teams change too often to have a rivalry these days, you know? The Kings/Lakers rivalry died down, Lakers and Heat isn't a true rivalry since neither team will meet each other in the playoffs.

Back during the golden age of basketball you had rivalries like Celtics/Lakers, Pistons/Celtics, Sixers/Celtics, Bulls/Pistons, Bulls/Utah, Heat/Knicks, Pacers/Knicks, and so forth. I guess the rivalries these days are in the media 24/7 that it loses his value and when a team wins it doesn't really have a sense of magic, you know?

But hey, that's my two cents on the matter.

By the way, has anyone checked out the Pistol Pete videos and the article I wrote about it?

yeah i checked the pete montage... its dope good lookin

yeah i miss those rivalries too...but the game evolves we gotta evolve with it as fans.... ya never know there may be a mavs/lakers rivalry brewin:cwink:

[LastSunrise1981]

yeah i checked the pete montage... its dope good lookin

yeah i miss those rivalries too...but the game evolves we gotta evolve with it as fans.... ya never know there may be a mavs/lakers rivalry brewin:cwink:

True, you never know. It would be nice to see a fresh rivalry that lasts for many playoffs and championships.

@Farmer- Did you ever see the old championship game where Isiah Thomas got injured and almost beat the Lakers by himself? I was just watching a tape of Isiah coming to tears while talking about that game.

[DarthRekal]

Doesn't Heat/Lakers fit that mold right now right now?
almost not quite though... its only reg season and always mlk day and christmas... its dying down too

[Jerry]

We need a good ole fashion white vs black Larry Bird Magic Johnson-esqe fight again. That would give us a good bitter rivalry for years. Especially off the court as well, with all the gang affliations/ armed entourages a lot of NBA players like to have, it would be awesome. Action on and off the court. I nominate a player from the Pistons for obvious reasons, we just gotta find the tough white guy out there to be the ying to his yang.

[Mister J]

Doesn't Heat/Lakers fit that mold right now right now?
I don't see it as one. Rivalries are usually forged in the playoffs, so getting one between teams in different conferences in tough. Highlighting Heat/Lakers on Christmas and MLK spun out of the Shaq/Mamba feud, which ended last January (thanks to some help from the great Bill Russell). There's just not alot of oomph there. It's a good matchup, but I don't think of it as a rivalry. They simply don't play often enough.

It's possible to get a Miami/Detroit rivalry if they meet again in the playoffs, but even that's pushing it.

A good article that I came across on the subject today. Primarily written from a Pistons fan point of view, but it's still on target...
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070207/SPORTS08/702070372

[Ben Urich]

****ing Magic. :down

[Ghostvirus]

We need a good ole fashion white vs black Larry Bird Magic Johnson-esqe fight again. That would give us a good bitter rivalry for years. Especially off the court as well, with all the gang affliations/ armed entourages a lot of NBA players like to have, it would be awesome. Action on and off the court. I nominate a player from the Pistons for obvious reasons, we just gotta find the tough white guy out there to be the ying to his yang.

Agreed.:up:

I think the last Great Rivalries off the top of my head.

Heat, Knicks.

Pacers, Knicks

Bulls, Knicks.


Whenever one of those teams played it was fun to watch. It was good times. Or bad depending on the outcome.

[Eddie Brock]

at least the Sixers/Celtics rivalry is still alive
and there's a slight Sixers/Pistons rivalry (not so much now that Brown isn't coaching there)

[Ghostvirus]

at least the Sixers/Celtics rivalry is still alive
and there's a slight Sixers/Pistons rivalry (not so much now that Brown isn't coaching there)

Speaking of which. Why hasn't anyone hired Brown yet? I could think of about 5 teams that could use him. Brown should be a dick, & go to Boston.:oldrazz:

[Eddie Brock]

Speaking of which. Why hasn't anyone hired Brown yet? I could think of about 5 teams that could use him. Brown should be a dick, & go to Boston.:oldrazz:
Brown apparently doesn't want to coach....but he's lying....

[Fran]

@Farmer- Did you ever see the old championship game where Isiah Thomas got injured and almost beat the Lakers by himself? I was just watching a tape of Isiah coming to tears while talking about that game.

I probably have, but I had to have seen it on an old NBA Films-type thing. I'm only 19, so I was a baby when that series was going on.

But I remember Isiah being a legend around here... now I'm kind of ashamed of him. :csad:

[Ghostvirus]

Brown apparently doesn't want to coach....but he's lying....

Philly, or Detroit next season. My bet.

[Ben Urich]

So the Magic are headed to the lottery once again. Maybe we'll get ****ing lucky like that one time we got Shaq with only one damn ping-pong ball in the whole tube... canister... thing. :up:

Agreed.:up:

I think the last Great Rivalries off the top of my head.

Heat, Knicks.

Pacers, Knicks

Bulls, Knicks.


Whenever one of those teams played it was fun to watch. It was good times. Or bad depending on the outcome.

More like Reggie/Spike :o

[Fran]

Philly, or Detroit next season. My bet.

I guarantee if Flip doesn't at least get to the Finals, he's gone.

And My God, I want Larry back.

[Kipobe]

fran...?

[Mister J]

So the Magic are headed to the lottery once again. Maybe we'll get ****ing lucky like that one time we got Shaq with only one damn ping-pong ball in the whole tube... canister... thing. :up:
If memory serves, that was Macy (who got traded for Penny) you guys picked up with the unlikely lottery come-up. Interestingly enough (taking your fandom into account), I believe it was Indiana that beat Orlando out of a playoff spot that year. I remember getting a big laugh out of how that lottery turned out. :woot:

There's still a lot of season left, Ben. Orlando just hit a wall, which isn't uncommon for young teams after a quick start. They'll work through it.

[Ben Urich]

If memory serves, that was Macy (who got traded for Penny) you guys picked up with the unlikely lottery come-up.

I'll just call you Reali from now on. :up:

Interestingly enough (taking your fandom into account), I believe it was Indiana that beat Orlando out of a playoff spot that year. I remember getting a big laugh out of how that lottery turned out. :woot:

Oh man, Rik Smits. I miss him. :csad:

There's still a lot of season left, Ben. Orlando just hit a wall, which isn't uncommon for young teams after a quick start. They'll work through it.

We didn't hit a wall; we got taken behind the toolshed. Badly. We have a bunch of creampuffs - with the exception of San Antonio - before the All-Star break. We should be crushing these guys, but we aren't, and that's bad because we have a tough stretch after the break with Houston and some other teams that will knock the snot out of us.

Kevin Durant ftw. :csad::up:

Oh, and why the **** is Darko getting minutes? Play James ****ing Augustine if you have to, but not Darko. I'm sick of his poor shooting and matador-like post defense. :down

[Ghostvirus]

I guarantee if Flip doesn't at least get to the Finals, he's gone.



And My God, I want Larry back.


Yeah flip is on thins ice.

[LastSunrise1981]

Mavericks won again last night against Memphis. Dirk had a very solid game and Gasol had a very solid game as well. It's very exciting to see the Mavericks on the winninng road and hopefully it leads to them having homecourt advantage, getting to the finals again, and winning the NBA championship.

One thing that they definitely need to work on is learning to maintain a big lead.

Tomorrow's game is going to be a real tough one, as it's against the Magic and T-Mac has been known to torch Dallas.

[Fran]

Against the Magic, and T-Mac just got traded back or something :huh:

:oldrazz:

[Ben Urich]

Tomorrow's game is going to be a real tough one, as it's against the Magic and T-Mac has been known to torch Dallas.

This post brought to you by the year 2001. :csad::up:

[DarthRekal]

This post brought to you by the year 2001. :csad::up:
HAHAHHAHA:woot:




GDAMN J-- you a frickin sports almanac..quick what was tim hardaways ppg in his last year with the heat????

[Fran]

Tonight is the night.

*Plays "The Final Countdown*

:word:

[DarthRekal]

if we show up today ... you will witness the power of a fully functional battlestation:cmad: :word:

[Fran]

My real name is Luke... Skywalker.

:up:

[DarthRekal]

My real name is Luke... Skywalker.

:up:
and I.....



AM YOUR FATHER
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i131/DarthRekal/darth-vader.jpg

:oldrazz:

[Fran]

But seriously, my real name is Luke.. or, that's my nickname.

[DarthRekal]

i know im just messin with ya:woot:

[Fran]

It's on TNT... good.

:up:

[DarthRekal]

It's on TNT... good.

:up:
ARGH!:cmad: unless charles is doing color..i HATE tnt:cmad:

and their ANTI LAKERISCTS

i want MY announcers:ninja:

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
Stupid Warriors! :mad:

[LastSunrise1981]

This post brought to you by the year 2001. :csad::up:

I'm sure it'll be a great game. But I remember how challenging they were when Dallas faced them in the First Round of the playoffs. I wouldn't be surprised if both Dirk and T-Mac went for 50 points against each other again.

[Ghostvirus]

I'm sure it'll be a great game. But I remember how challenging they were when Dallas faced them in the First Round of the playoffs. I wouldn't be surprised if both Dirk and T-Mac went for 50 points against each other again.
:huh: :huh: :huh: :huh: :huh: :huh: :huh:

[Ghostvirus]

The Bulls play the Kings tonight. Hopefully they can win. I am getting really tired of them havin trouble with even the simpliest team in the West (unless it is on there home court). I really, really, really, want them to get there act together on the road.

[Ben Urich]

HAHAHHAHA:woot:




GDAMN J-- you a frickin sports almanac..quick what was tim hardaways ppg in his last year with the heat????

14.9 in 2000-2001. :o

[Fran]

I'm sure it'll be a great game. But I remember how challenging they were when Dallas faced them in the First Round of the playoffs. I wouldn't be surprised if both Dirk and T-Mac went for 50 points against each other again.

:dry:

I don't know if you heard or not, but T-Mac got traded to the Rockets, like, 2 years ago.

[Ben Urich]

:dry:

I don't know if you heard or not, but T-Mac got traded to the Rockets, like, 2 years ago.

For Steve Francis, Kelvin Cato, and Cuttino Mobley. :csad:
Francis was later traded for Trevor Ariza and Penny Hardaway's contract, Mobley for Doug Christie, and Cato for Darko Milicic and Carlos Arroyo.

So basically we gave up T-Mac, Tyronn Lue, Juwon Howard, and Reece Gaines for Christie, Darko, Ariza, Penny, and Carlos Arroyo. :huh::csad::o

[DarthRekal]

14.9 in 2000-2001. :o

i meant from memory not from google:oldrazz: :whatever: :woot:

[Mister J]

HAHAHHAHA:woot:




GDAMN J-- you a frickin sports almanac..quick what was tim hardaways ppg in his last year with the heat????

14.9 in 2000-2001. :o
Weird thing about that is I thought it was 15 before looking it up to confirm. I may need professional help. Hardaway actually made some noise about making a comeback, playing 10-15 minutes.

Ahh, the days of Heatians past ...Zo and Hardaway, Anthony Mason, a promising Eddie Jones and some clown named Bruce Bowen, who I wondered how he was even in the league. The tail end of those days sucked. A little bit after the rivalry with the damn Knicks and a while after my "we can take Chicago this year" routine. :down

Sucks about Kwame, Rekal. I figured he and Lamar to get back out there around the same time. Of course, this means more time or Kwame to fleece people for cakes. :up: :woot:

[Ghostvirus]

Weird thing about that is I thought it was 15 before looking it up to confirm. I may need professional help. Hardaway actually made some noise about making a comeback, playing 10-15 minutes.

Ahh, the days of Heatians past ...Zo and Hardaway, Anthony Mason, a promising Eddie Jones and some clown named Bruce Bowen, who I wondered how he was even in the league. The tail end of those days sucked. A little bit after the rivalry with the damn Knicks and a while after my "we can take Chicago this year" routine. :down

Sucks about Kwame, Rekal. I figured he and Lamar to get back out there around the same time. Of course, this means more time or Kwame to fleece people for cakes. :up: :woot:

Yeah. How is Harold Miner anyway?:huh: :woot:

[Mister J]

Yeah. How is Harold Miner anyway?:huh: :woot:
:csad:

How that guy convinced people he was any good is beyond me. I thought he was grossly overrated coming out of SC. Baby Jordan, my ass. :down

edit: I decided to dig around a little and see what Miner was up to and came across this glorious entry of Wiki (and no, I didn't do it). :woot:

Harold Miner
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search

Harold Miner was a terrible athelete.
Hilarious. :D
A little unfair though. Miner was a good athlete. He just couldn't play basketball worth a damn.

[Fran]

Pistons already doing good. :up:

[DarthRekal]

Weird thing about that is I thought it was 15 before looking it up to confirm. I may need professional help. Hardaway actually made some noise about making a comeback, playing 10-15 minutes.

Ahh, the days of Heatians past ...Zo and Hardaway, Anthony Mason, a promising Eddie Jones and some clown named Bruce Bowen, who I wondered how he was even in the league. The tail end of those days sucked. A little bit after the rivalry with the damn Knicks and a while after my "we can take Chicago this year" routine. :down

Sucks about Kwame, Rekal. I figured he and Lamar to get back out there around the same time. Of course, this means more time or Kwame to fleece people for cakes. :up: :woot:
yeah you need help..the lakers need help too:csad: :cmad: :csad:


lol @ kwame the cakeburglar... yeah our interior d has been suffering since he left


GDAMN lakers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:cmad:

[Fran]

28-17 Pistons after one. Well done.

[Ghostvirus]

:csad:

How that guy convinced people he was any good is beyond me. I thought he was grossly overrated coming out of SC. Baby Jordan, my ass. :down

There were alot of playes tagged with that in the nineties. Thankfully sports casters are a little more hesitant about it.

edit: I decided to dig around a little and see what Miner was up to and came across this glorious entry of Wiki (and no, I didn't do it). :woot:

Hilarious. :D
A little unfair though. Miner was a good athlete. He just couldn't play basketball worth a damn.


I don't think he was a bad. He just couldn't live up to the expectations. Being nicknamed Baby Jordan can come with a lot of baggage.

[Ben Urich]

So according to this formula I whipped up to measure player effectiveness, the top 10 players in the NBA last season were
LeBron James (25%)
Steve Nash (20)
Kevin Garnett (24)
Dwyane Wade (21)
Chauncey Billlups (23)
Jason Kidd (24)
Chris Paul (22)
Allen Iverson (23)
Paul Pierce (22)
Gilbert Arenas (23)
The number in parenthesis indicates the percentage of the team's overall output.
I like the formula, but it tends to weigh heavily in favor of guards - Brevin Knight ended up at #15, which sucks. :csad:

Oh, here's this season
Steve Nash (24)
Dwyane Wade (25)
Jason Kidd (23)
Kevin Garnett (25)
Chauncey Billups (21)
Dirk Nowitzki (24)
Kobe Bryant (20)
LeBron James (25)
Gilbert Arenas (23)
Paul Pierce (20)

:o

[LastSunrise1981]

:dry:

I don't know if you heard or not, but T-Mac got traded to the Rockets, like, 2 years ago.

Um, I know that?

[Fran]

You said T-Mac and Magic in that one post.

[LastSunrise1981]

:huh: :huh: :huh: :huh:

I was explaining about how T-Mac has torched the Mavs before and how playing against Houston will be a challenge for the Mavs, what's the problem? :huh:

Here is another old school video. Rick Barry explaining his unique free throw shooting. Rick Barry shot 94.7% with his famous underhand free throw shooting.

Rick Barry

http://www.bayarearadio.org/photos/rick-barry_warriors.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bqa-Hw0TpY

[LastSunrise1981]

You said T-Mac and Magic in that one post.

I did? My mistake then.

[DarthRekal]

lakers suck!.....:csad:

[Mister J]

Do the Lakers know that there's no league prohibition against scoring 20 or more in a quarter? :huh:

[DarthRekal]

Do the Lakers know that there's no league prohibition against scoring 20 or more in a quarter? :huh:

or that the other team is not supposed to be HANDED the ball:cmad:


effin idiots...!

[Ben Urich]

or that the other team is not supposed to be HANDED the ball:cmad:


effin idiots...!

Is D-Wade going for the Pt/Rb/As/TO quadruple-double? :o

[Mister J]

Is D-Wade going for the Pt/Rb/As/TO quadruple-double? :o
:huh:

Maybe against Cleveland last week, but tonight ...:huh:

[Fran]

Good..... Gooooooooooooood... [/Palpatine]

[DarthRekal]

Is D-Wade going for the Pt/Rb/As/TO quadruple-double? :o
STUPID REFS....lakers are gettin mugged

it's pretty much done...

give the pistons credit

and the lakers none... i think they are still on the plane

[Fran]

I'm not watching it, I'm watching "Silence of the Lambs."

:up:

But I'm keeping track of it on ESPN.com.

[Ben Urich]

:huh:

Maybe against Cleveland last week, but tonight ...:huh:

Oh ****, I thought they were playing tonight. :huh:
Today I input individual statistics for every NBA player last year. Shut up. :csad:

[DarthRekal]

sig changed:cmad: :csad: :csad:

good game fran

[Mister J]

Oh ****, I thought they were playing tonight. :huh:
Today I input individual statistics for every NBA player last year. Shut up. :csad:
Never post stuff like that again.

[batman44]

Detriot put a hurting on Lakers tonight in 93-78 win.

[Fran]

Good game, DarthRekal.

Pistons looked really good tonight. Hold a 1 game lead over the Wiz for #1 in the East :up:

[Ghostvirus]

Sacremento beat Da Bulls.:csad: Doug collins said that he talked to Paxson, & he doesn't seem to notice that the team has a weakness! All hope is lost.

Da Bulls may get to the Finals but it will probably be game sevens all the way there. Which means more blood pressure meds for me.:csad:

GASOLLLLLL!!!!!!:cmad:

[Mister J]

Sacremento beat Da Bulls.:csad: Doug collins said that he talked to Paxson, & he doesn't seem to notice that the team has a weakness! All hope is lost.

Da Bulls may get to the Finals but it will probably be game sevens all the way there. Which means more blood pressure meds for me.:csad:

GASOLLLLLL!!!!!!:cmad:
Last I heard, West had gone to Europe for 2 weeks and told people to holla if they had a good offer. A lot of this could be gamesmanship, but the way it's looked recently, they might not move Gasol at all.

After the Heat practiced Thursday at Quicken Loans Arena, Wade was asked if he believes players are ultimately remembered for what they do at the end of games.
Wade, who usually is selective and subtle with his criticisms of opposing players, took the opportunity to take a jab at Dallas' Dirk Nowitzki, who has failed to give the Heat credit for beating the Mavericks in the Finals last season.
''At the end of the day,'' Wade said, ``you're remembered for what you did at the end. . . . I think that's the reason -- Dirk says they gave us the championship last year, but he's the reason they lost the championship, because he wasn't the leader that he's supposed to be in the closing moments. That's because of great defense by us, but also he wasn't assertive enough as a leader's supposed to be.''

Damn, Flash. That is a much less subtle than he usually is. :wow::woot:
I wonder if this gets played up at all.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2759751
The clown who threw at chair in the Pistons-Pacers brawl, violated probation and is going to jail ...where his looney ass should have been sent when all of that went down in the first place.

[Ghostvirus]

Last I heard, West had gone to Europe for 2 weeks and told people to holla if they had a good offer. A lot of this could be gamesmanship, but the way it's looked recently, they might not move Gasol at all.

I know. This really sucks. One player away man. This is worse than last year. Atleast last year. I knew they didn't have shot. This year. They could if the GM would just get off his ass, & do something!:cmad:

After the Heat practiced Thursday at Quicken Loans Arena, Wade was asked if he believes players are ultimately remembered for what they do at the end of games.
Wade, who usually is selective and subtle with his criticisms of opposing players, took the opportunity to take a jab at Dallas' Dirk Nowitzki, who has failed to give the Heat credit for beating the Mavericks in the Finals last season.
''At the end of the day,'' Wade said, ``you're remembered for what you did at the end. . . . I think that's the reason -- Dirk says they gave us the championship last year, but he's the reason they lost the championship, because he wasn't the leader that he's supposed to be in the closing moments. That's because of great defense by us, but also he wasn't assertive enough as a leader's supposed to be.''

Oh snap! I think I hear the wheels of Sunrises tricycle coming. I'm out.

[Mister J]

Oh snap! I think I hear the wheels of Sunrises tricycle coming. I'm out.
http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/6449/omgox9.gif (http://imageshack.us)
I'm more of a big wheel man, myself. :up:

ESPN's NBA Report Cards (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dailydime-070209)
After 50 games, are they who we thought they were? Let's assess each team's season so far, taking into account its preseason goals.

ATLANTIC
Raptors: After a 2-8 start, Team Canada has left the Titanic wreckage behind with an ideal combination of Bosh, grit, Euro know-how and dynamic point guard play. Someday they may even get on TV. Grade: A

Nets: Charles Barkley picked New Jersey to win the Eastern Conference. And there's nothing the Nets could use more than Prime Chuck right now to provide some muscle in the middle. Grade: D

Knicks: From what I hear, the Bockers are bouncing back ... yeah, with a 36-win pace and a "star" center who averages seven boards. Grade: C

Sixers: A tale of two seasons, and of two Andres, who are finding that happiness is A.I. and C-Webb in your rearview mirror. Grade: D-plus

Celtics: A 16-game losing streak gets an F, but the C's are developing their promising kiddies (and positioning themselves for Lottery Love). Grade: C-minus

CENTRAL
Pistons: No jackrabbit start this season, which is probably for the best. Maybe this year slow and steady wins the East, as in 2004 and 2005. So far, the C-Webb addition has provided a chemical boost. Grade: B

Cavaliers: There's plenty of concern in Cleveland, and for good reason, but the team is still on a pace to win 47 games and they still have LeBron. If they can make the offense functional, they're dangerous. Grade: C

Bulls: Scary, deep, gritty ... and inconsistent. If they can find a higher offensive gear, or get another scorer, they can take the conference. Grade: B

Pacers: Controversy aside, Indiana is a serious sleeper, having won six of nine and standing just four games back of conference-leading Detroit. Grade: C

Bucks: Redd's injury derailed a promising run, meaning Milwaukee is probably left to hope for a favorable bounce of the ping-pong balls, a la 2005. Grade: D

SOUTHEAST
Wizards: Plenty of thrills, but ... 'til 'Tawn's return, even Agent Zero and Caron can't produce those 110-a-night pointfests. Grade: B-plus

Magic: They once led the conference, but now it's not clear that this odd collection can avoid the lottery -- which has been a disaster for Orlando the last two years. Grade: B-minus

Heat: D-Wade's giving his all, but the rest of these under-.500 jokers are once again making a mockery of the regular season . . . and apparently getting away with it. Grade: C-minus

Hawks: The Bouncing Baby Hawks have put together enough highlights to serve the legacy of Dominque and Spud Webb well. It's not clear they have a team, though. Grade: C

Bobcats: Some nice pieces and nice wins for MJ's squad, but Morrison's catastrophic season has undone a lot of good work by Okafor, Wallace, May and Carroll. Grade: C-minus

SOUTHWEST
Mavericks: The perfect team for the long haul of the season? Not as spectacular as the Suns, but the reigning West champs seem to have the winning formula. Grade: A-plus

Spurs: Sleeping giants or fading stars? The Spurs still spook the West, but no one imagined they'd be seven games back and trying to stay out of the fifth seed. Grade: B-minus

Rockets: The NBA's most overlooked team has thrived with Yao sidelined, as T-Mac's back and JVG's D have made them the West's best dark horse. Grade: A-minus

Hornets: Somehow the Hornets -- apparently supported by Byron Scott's backbone -- have stayed in the playoff race even with injuries to a number of key players, including CP3. Grade: B

Grizzlies: They have the worst record, play no D, fired their coach, tried and failed to sell the team, and are trying to trade their disenchanted star. Funny thing is, you can see the seeds for a quick turnaround if they can make some savvy deals and get lucky in the lottery. Grade: F-plus

NORTHWEST
Jazz: The occasional controversy aside, this has been an almost perfect bounce-back year for Sloan's style of ball, with players like Boozer, Williams and Okur working his methodical system. Grade: A-minus

Nuggets: We really won't know about this team until we see Iverson and Melo play together for a stretch. Question: Can their offense overcome their defense? Grade: Incomplete

Timberwolves: There have been bright spots, but Minnesota needs a good look in the mirror. Despite some dramatic wins and a new coach, they're still out of the playoffs. Grade: C-minus

Trail Blazers: Yes, it's been a very encouraging season, and, yes, we're grading on a curve, but the new and improved Blazers are still somewhere shy of mediocre. Love those rooks, though! Grade: B-minus

SuperSonics: No organization west of Atlanta seems more lost in space. Coming or going? Buying or selling? Building or rebuilding? Hill or Wilkens? And what of Ray and Rashard? Grade: D-plus

PACIFIC
Suns: Their depth is an issue, but otherwise the Sublime Six -- Nash, Marion, Amare, Diaw, Bell, Barbosa -- and D'Antoni are having a dream season and re-creating the game. Grade: A-plus

Lakers: It's not quite clear yet what they've got there, but Phil and Kobe's big achievement is that the league takes the Lakers seriously once again. Should be a formidable playoff foe. Grade: A-minus

Clippers: They're slow, uninspired, and overrated, and yet the Clips have climbed back into the race and could give a smaller team like Phoenix trouble in the postseason -- again. Grade: C

Warriors: No team is more fun to watch, as long as you're not too hung up on winning and losing. They play faster than Phoenix, no lie. Grade: C

Kings: They're infuriating to watch, with the kind of chemistry you see in the last pickup game of the night. If there's a program, Artest and Bibby aren't with it. Grade: D

[Ghostvirus]

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/6449/omgox9.gif (http://imageshack.us)
I'm more of a big wheel man, myself. :up:

ESPN's NBA Report Cards (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dailydime-070209)

He probably can't afford a big wheel. do to all the money he lost on the Finals.:o

[LastSunrise1981]

He probably can't afford a big wheel. do to all the money he lost on the Finals.:o

Honestly I didn't bet any money on the finals.

As for what Wade said, at the end of the day the Heat won the championship, do I agree with what he said about Dirk? No, not at all. I do feel the Heat was given the championship due to poor officiating. But there's nothing that Dirk or anyone can do about the past.

All they can do is concentrate on the present, move forward, and look to play harder and be more assertive in terms of getting to the championship again.

To this very day I do not believe Miami was the better team.

[Soundwave]

Okay i am a Mavs fan and I give the Heat all the credit in the world for winning the championship BUT i think his comments about Dirk were out of line. Sure Dirk didn't play his best in the Finals but to say that he was the reason the Mavs didn't win the championship was wrong. I'm not one to complain about officiating and I'll give credit where it's due but Wade was the beneficiary of some questionable officiating in the Finals last year and even this year there have been grumblings throughout the league about the number of fouls that Dwayne Wade gets. Wade is a great player and i guess he has earned his reputation to get the star streatment from officials. It sucks but unfortunately that's the way the NBA has always been. I'm looking forward to the playoffs starting this year and I hope the Mavs meet the Heat again in this year's finals. I think the result would be a lot different this time. The biggest reason (other than Wade) that the Heat won the championship last year was because of their experience not only on the court but on the sideline as well with the coaching staff. Mavs will be better equipped this year to handle the biggest stage and to deal with adversity and they should come out on top no matter who they play. I respect and admire Dwayne Wade a lot but he should stay away from smack talking and putting other players down, he's too good for that.

[LastSunrise1981]

Some more old school NBA videos of players.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYADnZILcoI
(Julius Erving)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OG3PhdFK-M
(Larry Bird's clutch shots and buzzer beaters)

Larry Bird used to piss me off so much with his clutch shots. There was and will be nobody scarier than Larry Bird in crunch time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Y5KAaercTI
(Pistol Pete Tribute)

Watching videos of Pistol Pete still amaze me and catch me by surprise. So many NBA fans nowadays think what Wade, Jason Williams, Nash, and Kobe is doing are so special and new. Pistol Pete did it way before any of the players today and I feel it's necessary that fans now know these players existed.

My favorite is his interaction with Red Auerbach on his wrist/no look pass.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAdgxyC1ehA
(The famous Jerry West shot that granted him the name Mr. Clutch.)

[Ben Urich]

Carmelo Anthony and Josh Howard are the West's injury replacements. :o
Another replacement might be named because AI has a bum ankle.

David Stern should have dumped 'Melo and put Mehmet Okur in instead. If Chauncey Billups is Mr. Big Shot, Memo is Mr. Huge Shot. :up:

[Jerry]

Honestly I didn't bet any money on the finals.

As for what Wade said, at the end of the day the Heat won the championship, do I agree with what he said about Dirk? No, not at all. I do feel the Heat was given the championship due to poor officiating. But there's nothing that Dirk or anyone can do about the past.

All they can do is concentrate on the present, move forward, and look to play harder and be more assertive in terms of getting to the championship again.

To this very day I do not believe Miami was the better team.

Let it go already. The Heat won 4 games in a row to win the championship. Even the worst possible officiating job can't net a team 4 wins in a row. They earned it. The truth is, whether you want to accept it or not, Wade showed up in the Finals and Dirk didn't. And as far as what Wade said, Dirk called out the entire Heat team basically by diminishing what they accomplished, Wade just responded.

[Mister J]

You knew it was coming ...
CUBES STRIKES BACK! :eek:

Dwyane Wade A Leader? (http://www.blogmaverick.com/2007/02/09/dwayne-wade-a-leader/)
I hope Dwayne Wade was misquoted in an article today in the Miami Herald. I know the Herald has issues with accuracy and they are still probably looking for the boat I dont own in Miami, but according to the Herald, and i have a hard time thinking even the Herald could get this quote wrong, Wade said the following: [earlier quote by Flash]

Say what ? Is this the DWade of some of the lamest , boring commercials known to man ? Commercials that are singlehandedly responsible for selling more commercial skipping Tivos than anything else on TV ?
Dwayne I don't blame you for not looking at tapes of the finals. You obviously didn't. You would have seen your unbelievable skills and some other unbelievable elements that if I could discuss honestly here I would get fined for.


You are right, endings are remembered. And the ending of 3 of the games of the Finals will be remembered alongside Game 6 of the King vs Lakers Conf Finals a few years ago.

I guess you have earned the right to criticize Dirk with an obvious display of your own leadership skills.

I know Shaq appreciates your leadership as well. He called out your team a few weeks ago saying it was "embarassing'. Great leadership DWade. Your coach sat players for being fat. I guess you couldnt lead them away from the buffet.

You are an amazing player Dwayne. I love watching you shoot free throws. What you know about Dirk's leadership skills is non existent. You don't have a clue. Your ability to evaluate leadership skills....well you obviously have an overinflated value of your own. Did you take business classes at Marquette ?

Now we know why Charles won't put you in his 5.

And Im pissed for one more reason. Im going to have to miss our next game against the Heat on Feb 22. A previous engagement. I guess its just a missed opportunity to bring a local business class to the game and try to let them interview you about your leadership skills.

I love Cubes (though he did spell 'Dwyane' wrong :o) and often check out his blog. This stuff is great. He called D-Wade out on not getting in Charles' 5. That's classic! :woot:

As far as the crux of the matter, I've seen Dallas mention several times how 'the better team didn't win' and 'we beat ourselves', etc. and it's old. I can't stand arguments like that and when teams/players try to prop themselves up on it, like it makes it a better loss. All it's really admitting to is that you lacked the mental toughness and discipline to win in the first place. Personally, I rather go out and get my butt kicked than to just 'give' the game away. You lost. Deal.

With that said, I expected somebody from Miami to respond at some point. I'm just surprised it was Flash. He's really not that vocal. Beyond the general enjoyment of seeing some drama, I don't particularly like calling one player out on a team matter. Dirk had some sparse moments in the clutch stages of the Finals, but he's not going to win it or lose it by himself.

The whole thing is juvenile, but not unexpected and it's picking up some attention in the media. That Heat-Mavs game in Dallas just got a lot more interesting. :up:

[LastSunrise1981]

Let it go already. The Heat won 4 games in a row to win the championship. Even the worst possible officiating job can't net a team 4 wins in a row. They earned it. The truth is, whether you want to accept it or not, Wade showed up in the Finals and Dirk didn't. And as far as what Wade said, Dirk called out the entire Heat team basically by diminishing what they accomplished, Wade just responded.

Eh, believe what you want. I've let it go and have actually posted intelligent material that hasn't been involved with the Mavericks at all, and of course, everyone will ignore any intelligent posts I type out.

But maybe it's you who can't let it go. In the end, I stand by what I believe and I'm sticking to it. The Heat are the champions until someone dethrones them and that's the way it is. I've accepted it and have moved on with my life. Maybe it's time YOU do the same.

[LastSunrise1981]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbtGs275V2I
(NBA's Greatest Finishes/Plays)

[Jerry]

Eh, believe what you want. I've let it go and have actually posted intelligent material that hasn't been involved with the Mavericks at all, and of course, everyone will ignore any intelligent posts I type out.

But maybe it's you who can't let it go. In the end, I stand by what I believe and I'm sticking to it. The Heat are the champions until someone dethrones them and that's the way it is. I've accepted it and have moved on with my life. Maybe it's time YOU do the same.

??:huh:??
Me? I have no problem accepting the Heat as champions, they earned it. Its just seems like every other one of your posts there is always something about Dallas being better or the officiating or whatever.

[LastSunrise1981]

??:huh:??
Me? I have no problem accepting the Heat as champions, they earned it. Its just seems like every other one of your posts there is always something about Dallas being better or the officiating or whatever.

It's my belief. The Heat did win the championship, but they weren't the better team. I truly feel they won it based off of poor officiating and certain plays that went in their favor.

Obviously Dallas made some poor decisions as well. Not attacking the basket, not making key buckets, and not stepping up when it was needed. I believe Dallas was and is the better all around team and should've won despite their inexperience.

But what's done is done. I'm not convinced that the Heat earned the championship, but if you do, then that's fine too. The Heat are the champions until they're out of the playoffs or lose in the finals.

[Jerry]

Obviously Dallas made some poor decisions as well. Not attacking the basket, not making key buckets, and not stepping up when it was needed. I believe Dallas was and is the better all around team and should've won despite their inexperience.



Those are the real reasons, not just secondary or "other" reasons, why they lost when they were up 2 games. Be realistic, you honestly believe that the officiating made the 4 game swing? Thats 4 games in a row lost mainly because of bad officiating or paid off officiating , not by Dwayne Wade turning in one of the best post season performances since Jordan. After reading that you honestly still believe Dallas lost primarily due to officiating? Come on man.

[LastSunrise1981]

Those are the real reasons, not just secondary or "other" reasons, why they lost when they were up 2 games. Be realistic, you honestly believe that the officiating made the 4 game swing? Thats 4 games in a row lost mainly because of bad officiating or paid off officiating , not by Dwayne Wade turning in one of the best post season performances since Jordan. After reading that you honestly still believe Dallas lost primarily due to officiating? Come on man.

Yes, I do believe that in some cases Dallas lost due to poor officiating. Game 5 is where it was most evident. It's not just me that has mentioned this either. You had Reggie Miller, Kenny Smith, Hubie Brown, Tim Legler, and a host of others state that the officiating was poor.

Was it the main reason Dallas lost? No. Not at all. Dallas made some critical errors down the stretch that showed their inexperience. But as I said, Wade getting call after call after call definitely played a part.

Some games Dallas just didn't play hard enough and one game they got blown out. So in the end it was a combination of bad plays and poor officiating that caused the loss for Dallas. If they meet again in the finals I believe the outcome would be different. And Wade should not be mentioned in the same breath as Michael Jordan; much like Dirk shouldn't be mentioned in the same breath as Bird.

Wade's performance was nowhere near the level of Michael Jordan.

[Mister J]

From SI:

7. Who are the league's worst defenders?

ANSWER: While sitting through a lousy NBA game recently, a couple of veteran scouts put together their Worst Defensive Team:

C -- Chris Webber, Pistons
F -- Vladimir Radmanovic, Lakers
F -- Jason Kapono, Heat
G -- Jason Williams, Heat
G -- Sebastian Telfair, Celtics

They must have been watching a bad game that night, because the scouts even had time to give a Sixth Man Bad Defense award. The unlucky recipient was the Magic's Hedo Turkoglu.

Kapono has made strides defensively this year, but he has no business guarding some of the people he has as of late; Jamal Crawford, Mo Williams and Lebron. The lineup kinda dictates it, but they need a better team rotation to cover his weakness there.

Surprising that Zach Randolph wasn't mentioned. He does nothing, although that's just lack of effort, not necessarily ability. Of course, that and his crap ass attitude are enough to keep him from All-Star consideration, though he is bringing 24/10.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

The Warriors do not play faster than the Suns! At times maybe, and that's why they keep losing, they play too fast for themselves! Not to mention they live and die by the three more than any other team in the league! :mad:

[Fran]

Wade's performance was nowhere near the level of Michael Jordan.

Agreed. 100%.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

From SI:

7. Who are the league's worst defenders?

ANSWER: While sitting through a lousy NBA game recently, a couple of veteran scouts put together their Worst Defensive Team:

C -- Chris Webber, Pistons
F -- Vladimir Radmanovic, Lakers
F -- Jason Kapono, Heat
G -- Jason Williams, Heat
G -- Sebastian Telfair, Celtics

They must have been watching a bad game that night, because the scouts even had time to give a Sixth Man Bad Defense award. The unlucky recipient was the Magic's Hedo Turkoglu.

Kapono has made strides defensively this year, but he has no business guarding some of the people he has as of late; Jamal Crawford, Mo Williams and Lebron. The lineup kinda dictates it, but they need a better team rotation to cover his weakness there.

Surprising that Zach Randolph wasn't mentioned. He does nothing, although that's just lack of effort, not necessarily ability. Of course, that and his crap ass attitude are enough to keep him from All-Star consideration, though he is bringing 24/10.


They should have mentioned Nash as well, but I guess this list is comprised of guys that bring a little or very little to the table overall.

Nash- steals 33, blocks 2~ Avg. stl. 0.7 blk 0.0

Telfair- steals 29, blocks 39~ Avg. stl. 0.6 blk 0.2

Williams- steals 29, blocks 1~ Avg. stl. 0.9 blk 0.0

[Jerry]

Wade's performance was nowhere near the level of Michael Jordan.

Wade averaged 34 points and nearly 8 rebounds during the Finals, he carried the team.
If thats not Jordan-like, what is?

I'm not talking about career wise, there will never be another Jordan in that sense. But in last year's Finals, his performance was up there with Jordan's in the Finals.

[LastSunrise1981]

Wade averaged 34 points and nearly 8 rebounds during the Finals, he carried the team.
If thats not Jordan-like, what is?

I'm not talking about career wise, there will never be another Jordan in that sense. But in last year's Finals, his performance was up there with Jordan's in the Finals.

Not even performance wise. You have to remember that Jordan did it for 6 championships, I think it's safe to say Wade won't be able to do what Jordan did.

As I said, what he did wasn't Jordan like at all. There's no one in the league who will do what Jordan, Bird, Magic, Isiah, or Dr. J did in their careers. I'm not saying Wade isn't talented, but to say what he did was and is Jordan like is quite laughable.

But that's just my opinion. I'm sure there are plenty of fans who disagree with me.

[Jerry]

He carried the team. Believe me, I know there will never be another Jordan and complete dominate the game like he did. But Wade for that instance, in that Finals, he did what Jordan did. I'm not saying he is going to do it again, just that in last years Finals thats how Jordan played. Can't just ignore the numbers. Again, I am not saying Wade is the next Jordan. Just his performance in last year's Finals was Jordan-esqe.

[Mister J]

What a disgustingly pathetic effort so far. I swear, Miami must be allergic to offensive rebounds. :down

[Ghostvirus]

The Warriors do not play faster than the Suns! At times maybe, and that's why they keep losing, they play too fast for themselves! Not to mention they live and die by the three more than any other team in the league! :mad:

Cool! Then that means the Bulls should be able to at least beat this team.:csad: Or at the very least have a shoot out. Because the Bulls pretty much live or die by the jump shot.

He carried the team. Believe me, I know there will never be another Jordan and complete dominate the game like he did. But Wade for that instance, in that Finals, he did what Jordan did. I'm not saying he is going to do it again, just that in last years Finals thats how Jordan played. Can't just ignore the numbers. Again, I am not saying Wade is the next Jordan. Just his performance in last year's Finals was Jordan-esqe.

I agree. In the 3rd game when he led the team back from 15. I had Jordan goosey's. I usually smack some one if they compare anyone to the great one. But as far as that individual performance goes. It was very Jordan like.:up:

[Ben Urich]

The Magic beat the Spurs on a Dwight Howard alley-oop. :wow::huh::woot:

[Mister J]

Beautiful effort from Miami with a chance to get back to .500, tonight. :rolleyes:

Oh goody, the Spurs come into town on Sunday. ****ing Christ.

[Ben Urich]

The Bulls look really crappy tonight.

[LastSunrise1981]

Dallas beat Houston tonight in a blow-out. Great to see them get another win and hopefully the winning continues after the All-Star Break. :up: :up:

@J- I don't think the Heat will have a problem with the Spurs. The Spurs haven't been playing that great either, so the game should be pretty close and down to the wire.

[Mister J]

Dallas beat Houston tonight in a blow-out. Great to see them get another win and hopefully the winning continues after the All-Star Break. :up: :up:

@J- I don't think the Heat will have a problem with the Spurs. The Spurs haven't been playing that great either, so the game should be pretty close and down to the wire.
That was a pretty sound beating your boys put up tonight, especially defensively.

The Spurs have been less than stellar lately (Orlando absolutely took that game away from them tonight), but Miami will need to do better than they have in their last two games. They were terrible in the 2nd half tonight and everybody not named Wade seemed to have their thumb up their keister. Hopefully a couple of days to stew and getting back home will bring a better effort.

[Fran]

I'm considering having 20 people take spots for the NBA pool. I might start spot reservations soon.

I'm included, so... 19 available. :o

[Mister J]

I'm considering having 20 people take spots for the NBA pool. I might start spot reservations soon.

I'm included, so... 19 available. :o
I'd like in, but with there being a limited number of spots, I'm wondering if there'll be room for both me and my massive ego. :o

That doesn't even include any of my other personalities. :csad::ninja:

[Fran]

Well, the automatic invites are:
1) Me.
2) Mister J
3) Ben Urich
4) DarthRekal
5) Maximum_Carnage
6) LastSunrise1981

So, in general, 14 left.

[L.A.]

Yay Clips win in Philly for the first time in 11 years???!!! :eek: :D :up:

[DarthRekal]

The Magic beat the Spurs on a Dwight Howard alley-oop. :wow::huh::woot:
dude i just got home...i saw the highlights at the bar...OMGthat oop was SICK:wow:


lakers lost those bastards im starting to hate them..is there any room on the magic bandwagon:csad:

[Ben Urich]

dude i just got home...i saw the highlights at the bar...OMGthat oop was SICK:wow:


lakers lost those bastards im starting to hate them..is there any room on the magic bandwagon:csad:

Pft, dude, there's no one on our bandwagon. We're 13-21 in our last 34. :csad:
Oh, and the headline of the sports section of The Orlando Sentinel:
DUNK & GO NUTS :woot::up:

[Mister J]

It was a hell of a play, though I don't understand why (with 0.2 seconds left and no "true" shot being allowed), why not clog the middle? Why were the Spurs concerned with all the cutting and moving Orlando was doing? All they can get is a tip-in. :huh:

[Ghostvirus]

The f**king warriors! The mother f**king warriors! Are you f**king kidding me! I swear if they go out & beat Pheonix tomorrow. After losing to the Kings, Warriors. This team should be diagnosed with split personality.

THE F**KING WARRIORS. GODAMNITT!!!! AHHHHH!!!


Well, the automatic invites are:
1) Me.
2) Mister J
3) Ben Urich
4) DarthRekal
5) Maximum_Carnage
6) LastSunrise1981

So, in general, 14 left.

Awe how sweet you thought of me.:heart: :ninja:

[Ben Urich]

It was a hell of a play, though I don't understand why (with 0.2 seconds left and no "true" shot being allowed), why not clog the middle? Why were the Spurs concerned with all the cutting and moving Orlando was doing? All they can get is a tip-in. :huh:

There was .8 remaining on the clock when Turkoglu inbounded, meaning there was still enough time for a catch-and-shoot. The Magic had Jameer Nelson, Carlos Arroyo, and JJ Redick on the floor. The movement of those three players confused Tim Duncan, who took a step or two away from Dwight Howard when he saw Nelson cutting across the lane. That allowed Howard to elevate uncontested for the jam.
The home scorekeeper ran the buzzer down, but the officials put .2 back on the clock afterwards, so the Spurs still had a shot at a tip-in to send the game into overtime. Duncan's inbounds lob bounced off the backboard. Game over. :word:

http://espn-i.starwave.com/media/apphoto/DOA10902100259.jpg
Throw it down, big fella! :walton::walton:

[Mister J]

OK. That makes more sense. From what was shown on SportsCenter, I thought Howard's beastly move was how the game ended.

[DarthRekal]

The f**king warriors! The mother f**king warriors! Are you f**king kidding me! I swear if they go out & beat Pheonix tomorrow. After losing to the Kings, Warriors. This team should be diagnosed with split personality.

THE F**KING WARRIORS. GODAMNITT!!!! AHHHHH!!!




Awe how sweet you thought of me.:heart: :ninja:


lol wheres BH!???? man that was a good game i was watchin it last night.

lot of good plays yesterday:word:

except for the lakers:cmad:

[fu manchu]

Can't wait for next week's All star game.

My early favorite for the slam dunk contest is Gerald Green.

http://cache.boston.com/images/sports/celtics/gerald_dunk_tn.jpg


I think Dirk is going to win the 3-point shootout.

[CrypticOne]

Yes! The Nuggets win two in a row on the road. I hope we make something big out of this. Najera was on fire tonight.

[DarthRekal]

Yes! The Nuggets win two in a row on the road. I hope we make something big out of this. Najera was on fire tonight.
hey a nuggets fan! represent...


fu- i cant wait for the ALL STAR GAME either:wow:

[Ghostvirus]

lol wheres BH!???? man that was a good game i was watchin it last night.

lot of good plays yesterday:word:

except for the lakers:cmad:

No offense to the one person on here that is a Warriors fan, but the Bulls are better than to struggle against a team probably won't make the playoffs.

Nobody believes me, but this is a championship calaber(sp?) team. There are games that they have played as such. They have pretty much stomped Miami this season. The first time against a healthy Heat team. They also beat Dallas once pretty handidly. They were also up 15 against the Suns the first time they played. They just decided to collapse as usual.:whatever:

This team above all others are just a f-ing dissapointment (the second being the Clippers). Injuries haven't been a huge problem like Miami. There is absolutely no reason why this team should be this bad. It is pissing me off.!:cmad:

Can't wait for next week's All star game.

My early favorite for the slam dunk contest is Gerald Green.

http://cache.boston.com/images/sports/celtics/gerald_dunk_tn.jpg


I think Dirk is going to win the 3-point shootout.

I think it will come down to T-Thomas, & Dwight Howard. They both have some mad ups.

Whos is in the 3-point competition?

[Mister J]

I swear, I'm going to have someone kidnap Antoine Walker (Or as we refere to him on some of the Heatian boards, AWful). Give the time to Doleac. For Odin's sake, he's not just in a funk, it's an outright stink (27% from 3 ...WTF? :huh: :csad:). Come on 'Toine. You're better than that! :cmad:

edit: I should ***** about him more often. He just drained a 3. :up:

[DarthRekal]

No offense to the one person on here that is a Warriors fan, but the Bulls are better than to struggle against a team probably won't make the playoffs.

Nobody believes me, but this is a championship calaber(sp?) team. There are games that they have played as such. They have pretty much stomped Miami this season. The first time against a healthy Heat team. They also beat Dallas once pretty handidly. They were also up 15 against the Suns the first time they played. They just decided to collapse as usual.:whatever:

This team above all others are just a f-ing dissapointment (the second being the Clippers). Injuries haven't been a huge problem like Miami. There is absolutely no reason why this team should be this bad. It is pissing me off.!:cmad:


i feel ya bro! trust me ..and i do believe y'all can contend for a title

[Fran]

The Bulls ARE a championship-caliber team, they just have to prove themselves in the PLAYOFFS.

[Ben Urich]

Whos is in the 3-point competition?

Gilbert Arenas
Damon Jones
Jason Kapono
Mike Miller
Dirk Nowitzki
Jason Terry

Gilbert has a real shot of winning it. He's sick from three.

[Fran]

Put in Shaquille O'Neal. Guaranteed to win the 3-point competition.

[Mister J]

Muy Excellente! :D

Great second half for Miami. Rebounds, defense and hustle.

[SoulManX]

I swear, I'm going to have someone kidnap Antoine Walker (Or as we refere to him on some of the Heatian boards, AWful). Give the time to Doleac. For Odin's sake, he's not just in a funk, it's an outright stink (27% from 3 ...WTF? :huh: :csad:). Come on 'Toine. You're better than that! :cmad:

edit: I should ***** about him more often. He just drained a 3. :up:

It's a shame u guys could get AI that would have helped out your ball club alot.

[Fran]

Muy Excellente! :D

Great second half for Miami. Rebounds, defense and hustle.

Oh God, change your avatar. :csad:

[Mister J]

Oh God, change your avatar. :csad:
Done. :up:

[fu manchu]

I think it will come down to T-Thomas, & Dwight Howard. They both have some mad ups.

Whos is in the 3-point competition?

I agree with you that T-Thomas and Dwight Howard (and nate robinson)have mad ups, but I think green is better. check these out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3I483yGajNI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKZkK1NZz3U&mode=related&search=


In the 3-point shootout, Nowitzki will compete against Gilbert Arenas, Damon Jones, Jason Kapono, Mike Miller, and his teammate, Jason Terry.

[Mister J]

So Gilbert told everybody to mark their calendars today, 'cause he was gonna drop 50 on Portland to get back at Nate McMillan for his Team USA snub.
...Arenas had 9 as the Blazers spanked the Wiz, 94-73. :dry:

I hope Portland got it all out of their system. The Heatians need to get to .500 on Tuesday.

They booed Eva at the game when she was put on the scoreboard. Good. I got tired of seeing her all over the damn screen too. Damn ABC and its cross-promotion. :down

[Lobo]

Knicks v Jazz game was horrid officiating and the refs in that game should be reviewed. That being said Knicks still shouldn't have blown that 10 point lead :(

[LastSunrise1981]

So Gilbert told everybody to mark their calendars today, 'cause he was gonna drop 50 on Portland to get back at Nate McMillan for his Team USA snub.
...Arenas had 9 as the Blazers spanked the Wiz, 94-73. :dry:

I hope Portland got it all out of their system. The Heatians need to get to .500 on Tuesday.

They booed Eva at the game when she was put on the scoreboard. Good. I got tired of seeing her all over the damn screen too. Damn ABC and its cross-promotion. :down


Hahaha, Gilbert should learn to keep his mouth shut. :yay: :dry:

[Ghostvirus]

Gilbert Arenas
Damon Jones
Jason Kapono
Mike Miller
Dirk Nowitzki
Jason Terry
Gilbert has a real shot of winning it. He's sick from three.

Gilber, & Kapono. Will win.

I agree with you that T-Thomas and Dwight Howard (and nate robinson)have mad ups, but I think green is better. check these out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3I483yGajNI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKZkK1NZz3U&mode=related&search=


I would show you viddy's of T-thomas, but he hasn't been discovered yet.:cwink:

A far as Green. He does seem to be a pretty good dunker. He didn't really do anything original there. I certainly hope some one brings the noise this year. If Nate takes more than 4 tries. I think they should tranq him, & drag him off the floor. Watching him dunk last year was like watching a "special" kid try to spell. I can't believe he is actually going to try again.:whatever:

Muy Excellente! :D

Great second half for Miami. Rebounds, defense and hustle.

They are starting to look like the Heat of old. Not to mention Shaq is actually looking scary. Look out east Daddy's coming home. damnit.:csad:

[Ghostvirus]

Double post.....GO BULLS!!

[Mister J]

They are starting to look like the Heat of old. Not to mention Shaq is actually looking scary. Look out east Daddy's coming home. damnit.:csad:
It's about time they got a sense of urgency. Shaq still has a bit to go, but I've liked his energy as of late. He can't go for too much more than 30+ mins right now. I was actually cursing Rothstein for sitting him for damn near the entire 4th, but he had already logged 25 mins and Miami was playing well with the lead. It was actually a good move to let him sit and not push it. As much griping as I do about his decisions, i can give it up to him today. It helped that Walker actually had a pulse. I still need J-Dub out there, though.

About what you said regarding your boys, you'd certainly have a more discriminating eye there than me, but I don't view them as disappointing. It shows how that talent is learning to play together at an elevated level. They're learning how to deal with a long season when people start to pay more attention to them. It's a struggle at first for team to go for hunter to hunted. They can get up for Miami, Dallas, Phoenix and the higher profile teams, but the 'lesser' teams are starting to bring it to them on a nightly because Chicago's becoming a higher profile team itself. It takes time to get to that level where you can bring it every night and embrace that. They're just taking some natural bumps in making an ascension.

[batman44]

Cavs beat Lakers 99-90. Time to get ready for Mavs and 76ers.

[Ghostvirus]

It's about time they got a sense of urgency. Shaq still has a bit to go, but I've liked his energy as of late. He can't go for too much more than 30+ mins right now. I was actually cursing Rothstein for sitting him for damn near the entire 4th, but he had already logged 25 mins and Miami was playing well with the lead. It was actually a good move to let him sit and not push it. As much griping as I do about his decisions, i can give it up to him today. It helped that Walker actually had a pulse. I still need J-Dub out there, though.

About what you said regarding your boys, you'd certainly have a more discriminating eye there than me, but I don't view them as disappointing. It shows how that talent is learning to play together at an elevated level. They're learning how to deal with a long season when people start to pay more attention to them. It's a struggle at first for team to go for hunter to hunted. They can get up for Miami, Dallas, Phoenix and the higher profile teams, but the 'lesser' teams are starting to bring it to them on a nightly because Chicago's becoming a higher profile team itself. It takes time to get to that level where you can bring it every night and embrace that. They're just taking some natural bumps in making an ascension.

If they Heat keep it up. They could be back in full, & that kind of sucks, but at the same time. I feel like the Bulls at least have the Heats numbers.

I never looked at what you said about the Bulls that way. I just get so frustrated when they lose, or struggle against crap teams. I guess I super hyped after they beat Miami by 42 on opening night. After that I was on high, & they have really kind of fizzled out since.

Oh well. Games only matter in Playoffs, so we will see. Going to be very interesting this year. There could be a lot of upsets. On both coasts.

[Ben Urich]

If Nate takes more than 4 tries. I think they should tranq him, & drag him off the floor. Watching him dunk last year was like watching a "special" kid try to spell. I can't believe he is actually going to try again.:whatever:

I'm pretty sure there's a new rule which states that players have 2 minutes to complete a dunk attempt. After that point, they get one more try. I think that's it. :huh:

[Mister J]

Iguodala was robbed. :o

What Dallas is doing to the Sixers ought to be illegal. :dry:

"It was a great game until Dwyane Wade decided to take over," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. "And then it was over."
I'm biased, but that's funny. :woot:

[Ben Urich]

Iguodala should have been on the All Star team. :o

[Ghostvirus]

Does anyone find it odd that Dirk didn't respond to D-Wades comments, but Cuban did? Why did Cuban feel the need to get in the middle?

[LastSunrise1981]

Does anyone find it odd that Dirk didn't respond to D-Wades comments, but Cuban did? Why did Cuban feel the need to get in the middle?

Why did Wade open his mouth? From what I understand, it appeared that since Dirk doesn't acknowledge Miami's championship victory it got to Wade.

I guess Dirk more or less is thinking about the present, rather than concentrating on what Dwayne Wade is saying about his leadership skills. But it's made this feud more interesting that's for sure.

[Ben Urich]

I'd pay to see a Mavs/Heat brawl. :up:

[LastSunrise1981]

I'd pay to see a Mavs/Heat brawl. :up:

I don't think we'll see a brawl come out of it. These teams really don't have players that instigate fights between teams, so if anything, it'll remain a war of words until their next meeting or until a championship rematch in the finals.

[LastSunrise1981]

Mavericks won their seventh in a row today against the Sixers. Granted, it was against the Sixers, but every win and every loss matters in the regular season.

Hopefully they win the last remaining games before All-Star break and continue their progressing ways after the break. :up:

[Jerry]

Man the Bulls-Suns game is REALLY dragging along. But at least the Bulls will get a win.

[Mister J]

Seems Chicago closed out well. It was a close game with about 4 or 5 minutes left.

[Ghostvirus]

Seems Chicago closed out well. It was a close game with about 4 or 5 minutes left.

The Suns are 3-4 with out Nash. If that doesn't say MVP. I don't know what does. Still the Bulls hand Pheonix there first double digit loss in 51 games.:up:

Why did Wade open his mouth? From what I understand, it appeared that since Dirk doesn't acknowledge Miami's championship victory it got to Wade.

I guess Dirk more or less is thinking about the present, rather than concentrating on what Dwayne Wade is saying about his leadership skills. But it's made this feud more interesting that's for sure.

The reason why I was asking is because it isn't any of Cuban's business. I know everybody here likes watching the Monkey dance, but quite frankly Cuban is single handedly the best, & worst thing about the Mavs.

[Mister J]

THE DIRK SPEAKS!!! (http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/ny-spdirk125091209feb12,0,1146386.story?coll=ny-basketball-headlines)
"All I said two weeks ago when we played them was, we feel like we gave them the championship," Nowitzki said. "We had a 2-0 lead, we were up 10 with a couple of minutes left in Game 3. If we win that Game 3, we have a chance to close the series out. That's really all I said, and I don't know why he got all sensitive about it."

Asked if Wade's response surprised him, Nowitzki said, "I really don't care. Hopefully, we'll get a rematch and we'll go from there."

In an interview aired yesterday, Wade said he doesn't want to go "back and forth" with Nowitzki. They'll see each other Sunday at the All-Star Game and when Dallas hosts Miami Feb. 22.

Dwyane Wade said he got a kick out of comments Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban posted in a blog in response to Wade's criticism of Dirk Nowitzki's leadership skills.

Cuban, in turn, took shots at Wade's leadership and commercials, and questioned if Wade took business classes at Marquette.

''Now we know why Charles won't put you in his 5,'' Cuban wrote in the blog, referring to one of Wade's cellphone commercials.

''I had a couple of chuckles,'' Wade said of Cuban. He's a funny guy.''

Five loaves of bread and two fish says these guys have some laughs and dap it up over All-Star Weekend and that there'll be a good ass game on the 22nd.

Leadership seems to be a buzzword these days:
Oh, those wacky Wiz kids... (http://blog.washingtonpost.com/wizardsinsider/2007/02/bad_gets_worse.html)
Things got worse after the game when Gilbert went on a bizzare Q and A exchange with reporters and basically blamed the loss on Eddie Jordan's emphasis on defense in his pre-game speech.

Among the highlights of Gilbert throwing his coach under the bus:
"It's easy to lose focus when you you're just drilling us that if we make a mistake we're going to be coming out. Truthfully, that's how you lose concentration. You lose focus because you're scared to actually play basketball. His standpoint is that since we lost Antawn, we have to pick it up somewhere else and that's defense."

When asked whether he planned on predicting high-scoring games in the future, Arenas turned sarcastic: "I guess I have to start predicting that I'll get 10 steals."

More Gilbert: "First period of the game we had what, 11 players go in? I've never seen that before. We get taken out for any mistake we make on defense. At the end of the day, it's hard to play like that. You figure to get beat. It's the NBA. Players are going to beat you, players are going to get offensive rebounds on you, players are going to make great plays. If you get penalized for it, you're out there playing like a robot."

After listening to this for awhile I asked Gilbert: "What does any of that have to do with going 1 for 15 from three-point range?"
Gilbert: "That has nothing to do with it but when you start the game off, we know we're going to blow this team out, you say okay, it's going to be an up and down game, get on your horse but when you go into a game and it's like okay, let's settle down, focus on defense, get back, don't get beat on backdoors, that's what you focus on. You try not to make any mistakes because you don't want to get taken out of the game."

Later, I said this to Gilbert: "It sounds like you're burying your coach here."
Gilbert: "Nah. Nah. It's on us because we have to actually go out there and do it. It's like what I was telling the team: we have to go out there and score. At the end of the day, for the last 10 games, everyone's scoring 100. They only scored 94 and they average 93. They still shot 50 percent and that's on us. I'm just saying: we have to go out there and play defense. That's what we're supposed to do."

If you can make sense of everything I just wrote above this sentence, congratulations because you have an advanced degree in Gilbertology. I have no idea what the cat is going to say at a given moment.

Needless to say, Eddie wasn't pleased which is understandable considering that Arenas was 0-of-8 from long range and looked completely out of it throughout.
"My reaction to that?" Jordan said. "That I emphasize defense? No reaction. Next question."
Later, Jordan added: "You guys approach me with what Gil said about defense. I don't know why you ask me that. It's stupid. Plain stupid. The whole idea of us asking them to play defense better. Is that a problem? It's ludicrous."

[B]Jordan then made some indirect comments about Gilbert's leadership skills or lack thereof.

"First of all, we didn't have the leadership out there that we needed with Antawn out," Jordan said. "And no one else has stepped up into a leadership role. And frankly, we didn't have enough talent out there on the floor. Darius not being ready conditioning-wise and being in a rhythm, knowing what we do. Andray being young. Michael (Ruffin) being limited the way he is and just coming back for his first game. We just didn't get major production and we didn't make shots."

Eddie on not having Jamison's leadership: "It's very special, very special and Antawn has it. That's why he's the only captain on the team. I've tried to have main guys the last couple of years to be captains and it doesn't work because they don't have the qualities."

On Gilbert being a captain: "I don't want him to do it. He's not a leader right now. He's a scorer and our best player and you'd like your team to take the personality of your best player in a sense."

[DarthRekal]

i :heart: mark cuban

[Ben Urich]

Red Valentine's Day jerseys:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/125/387277360_80fb860c75_o.jpg
http://www.nba.com/media/hornets/250_valentinescp3.jpg

The Sixers' uni is alright, I guess, but the red Hornets uniform makes no sense. I like the Oklahoma City on the front, though. That's a cool touch. :up:

[Fran]

I like the Phila on it, makes them look more gangsta. :o

[Ben Urich]

I like the Phila on it, makes them look more gangsta. :o

It'd be cooler if they said Philly.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

*sighs* Well Denver tonight for Golden State, let's see what they manage to screw up tonight.

Although that bulls win was pretty sweet :up: :D

[Ben Urich]

O mighty basketball gods, please let this trade (http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/traderesult?players=136~429~981~3002~539~549~2027~ 934~1055~336~2171&teams=19~13~17~17~17~17~19~19~17~17~13) happen.

[Ghostvirus]

O mighty basketball gods, please let this trade (http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/traderesult?players=136~429~981~3002~539~549~2027~ 934~1055~336~2171&teams=19~13~17~17~17~17~19~19~17~17~13) happen.

Is this like a fantasy, or is this actually a rumor, that could happen?:huh:

[Ben Urich]

Is this like a fantasy, or is this actually a rumor, that could happen?:huh:

It's a combination of two rumors: Jason Kidd to the Lakers and Vince Carter to the Magic. That's how I think it could work out, although the Magic won't ever trade Darko Milicic :cmad: and the Lakers won't ever trade Luke Walton. :csad:

[Ghostvirus]

That actually a good trade. There isn't a team in there that wouldn't benefit. Having Kidd along side Kobe, & Lamar would just be crazy to watch.

[Ben Urich]

That actually a good trade. There isn't a team in there that wouldn't benefit. Having Kidd along side Kobe, & Lamar would just be crazy to watch.

Here's (http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/traderesult?players=136~429~575~981~539~549~1823~2 027~934~1055~336~2171~2753&teams=19~13~30~17~17~17~17~19~30~30~17~13~19) another deal that brings in Charlotte as a fourth team to facilitate the deal. Charlotte gets a dynamic run-and-gun point guard in Carlos Arroyo and two expiring contracts: Mikki Moore and Shammond Williams.

The Lakers get Jason Kidd, one of the best point guards in the league and one ideally suited for the triangle offense. They also get Darko Milicic, a young player who has more potential than Kwame Brown, the lone real player they'd send to the Nets.

Note that the Nets get 5 players, and only one of them has a contract lasting more than one season. This deal would allow them to tank their season to enter the Oden/Durant sweepstakes AND frees up enough cap room to make them a major player in the free agent market after next season.

The Magic get Vince Carter, a perimeter player who can score from the outside or take the ball to the basket. The addition of Raymond Felton, a pass-first point guard, allows them to bring shoot-first Jameer Nelson off the bench to spark the second unit. Luke Walton adds another deadly outside shooter to the Magic's roster and provides overall smart, unselfish play.

:word:

[Ghostvirus]

Do you really think any of these trades are gonna happen? I mean I have been waiting for the Bulls to grow a pair, & get Gasol, but still nothing. There is only 10 days left. If they were going to happen I would think they would have happened already.

[Jerry]

You know, the more I think about Gausol, the more I don't think the Bulls should try to get him. The Bulls right now and really since Jordan and his team exploded don't have a guy where the other team is like "Oh ****, where is he! Get on him! Get on him!" Like right now the Bulls common offensive play is, pass , pass, pass, pass, drive lane, drive back out, Hinrich penetrate, do some crossovers moves, pass, 3 seconds left and put up a contested shot and it goes in sometimes. And then Bulls fans exhale. Or Ben Wallace gets fouled.

Thing is, Gausol isn't one of those "Oh ****" players either, it would really be more of the same for one guy, would it be worth it to give up two or three guys which would probably include Deng, for that?

[Ghostvirus]

You know, the more I think about Gausol, the more I don't think the Bulls should try to get him. The Bulls right now and really since Jordan and his team exploded don't have a guy where the other team is like "Oh ****, where is he! Get on him! Get on him!" Like right now the Bulls common offensive play is, pass , pass, pass, pass, drive lane, drive back out, Hinrich penetrate, do some crossovers moves, pass, 3 seconds left and put up a contested shot and it goes in sometimes. And then Bulls fans exhale. Or Ben Wallace gets fouled.

Thing is, Gausol isn't one of those "Oh ****" players either, it would really be more of the same for one guy, would it be worth it to give up two or three guys which would probably include Deng, for that?

When they play well, & win against teams like the Suns. I think why disband this team. Leave it the way it is.

Then they lost to teams like the Warriors, because they have to rely so much on the jump shot.

Then I think why not just see how far you can get this season, because they do still have that Knicks pick, so there is always a possibility that they could get in a position to get Durant or Oden.

I never really considered Gasol a Oh Sh** player. He is just a guy that would make the other outside guys work less hard at getting shots up. Because every now & again you could kick it in to him to get some easy baskets.

I noticed the last couple of games they have been trying to do that with Ben Wallace, & he just isn't that guy.

I think they could lose Deng without to much trouble. Gasol should make up the points inside. They would just movie Nocioni to the starting line up. Then have P.J. come off the bench.

Also T-Thomas is looking scarier each game. If he could just calm the F-down, then he will be quite a force. He shaved head does freak me out though.

[Ben Urich]

Do you really think any of these trades are gonna happen? I mean I have been waiting for the Bulls to grow a pair, & get Gasol, but still nothing. There is only 10 days left. If they were going to happen I would think they would have happened already.

If a deal for Gasol is going to happen, it will most likely be the day of the deadline. No GM wants to make an offer early and then let the Grizzlies leak it, which would then enable other teams to up their offers. The Grizz are also in no hurry to trade Gasol; they could wait until the offseason.

[Jerry]

I just don't know if trading for Gasol is going to cure that inconsistency and then be out 2-3 quality players for not much in return. I would say if Paxson isn't sure of that either, then the trade won't happen.

[Ghostvirus]

I just don't know if trading for Gasol is going to cure that inconsistency and then be out 2-3 quality players for not much in return. I would say if Paxson isn't sure of that either, then the trade won't happen.

What do you think should happen?

I am starting to think that if the Knicks pick can get high enough. Then they could use that to get Garnett. I am sure that Oden, or Durant for Garnett would work.

[Jerry]

I really don't know what should happen. The Bulls can be a championship-caliber team. They should have beet the Suns both times they played them except for an impossible shot Barbosa made to win it. They beat the Mavericks. Just iron out the rough edges, maybe not make a huge trade like Gasol, maybe something more low key. What that could be, I have no idea.

[Ben Urich]

They can give Kirk Hinrich to the Magic. I wouldn't mind that at all. :up:

[Jerry]

"Go **** yourself". Thats actually a pre-written response from John Paxson if anyone inquires about Hinrich.

[Ben Urich]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2763202

Steve Nash will miss the All-Star game. :csad:
Maybe David Stern will name Deron Williams as Nash's replacement. :up:

[Mister J]

Riley Expected to Announce Return Wednesday (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2763451&campaign=rss&source=NBAHeadlines) :up:

I've heard about the Kidd to LA rumors, but I don't see it. Doesn't seem like the Lakers would be giving up enough.
From what I understand, Carter is actually more subject to be traded because he can opt out and allegedly wants to do so to be nearer to his daughter after his pending divorce. The smart money (if any) seems to be on Orlando.

[Fran]

Pistons win 7th in a row, 92-74 over the Clippers. :):up:

32-18, doing great compared to being 21-16 a month or so ago.

[Ben Urich]

Riley Expected to Announce Return Wednesday (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2763451&campaign=rss&source=NBAHeadlines) :up:

I've heard about the Kidd to LA rumors, but I don't see it. Doesn't seem like the Lakers would be giving up enough.
From what I understand, Carter is actually more subject to be traded because he can opt out and allegedly wants to do so to be nearer to his daughter after his pending divorce. The smart money (if any) seems to be on Orlando.

The consensus among league insiders, at least according to ESPN's Chad Ford, is either both Carter and Kidd will be traded or neither of them will be traded. It makes no sense to keep one without the other. They'd basically put up their white flag, blow up the whole team, and enter the Durant/Oden sweepstakes, with a chance to be a major player in free agency in the coming years.

Carter would be a great fit in Orlando, but that would give them 5 SGs and 3 PGs. Also, it wouldn't address their need for a decent frontcourt player to play alongside Dwight Howard; I'm sorry, but Darko isn't doin' it for me. That's why I'd rather see the Magic trade with Seattle to obtain Rashard Lewis. Lewis can play SG, but he's more of a SF. He would add a tremendous amount of athleticism to a team that badly needs it. The Magic would then be able to bring Trevor Ariza off the bench. If only there were takers on Hedo Turkoglu and his 4-year deal. :csad:

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Stupid damn Warriors! :mad:

[Ben Urich]

lol, the Jazz are crushing the Hawks by 30. :woot::up:

[DarthRekal]

Riley Expected to Announce Return Wednesday (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2763451&campaign=rss&source=NBAHeadlines) :up:

I've heard about the Kidd to LA rumors, but I don't see it. Doesn't seem like the Lakers would be giving up enough.
From what I understand, Carter is actually more subject to be traded because he can opt out and allegedly wants to do so to be nearer to his daughter after his pending divorce. The smart money (if any) seems to be on Orlando.
how can you like riley now J? i know you need him..but it seems like now that the tide is turning..now he wants in again??? SHENANIGANS..


re: kidd to LA...if it requires odom or farmar..i dont like it... i dont see it happening without us giving up too much

[Mister J]

how can you like riley now J? i know you need him..but it seems like now that the tide is turning..now he wants in again??? SHENANIGANS..


re: kidd to LA...if it requires odom or farmar..i dont like it... i dont see it happening without us giving up too much
I never doubted Riley was coming back. As soon as he named Rothstein as the interim, I figured it was a given. If he was done and looking to make the transition for the future, I think he would have left Erik Spoelstra in charge (who many think he's grooming for it anyway). Either him or McAdoo. His hip/knee have been nagging him for a while. There was talk of him getting the surgery done last summer, but he held off. Earlier in the season, that talk flared back up of him doing it after this season, but apparently it got too bad. Him kicking doors and throwing fits earlier after bad losses couldn't have helped matters. It all was legit from what I read.

All the Kidd scenarios I saw, definitely mentioned Farmar, but no Lamar. The most common one was Mihm, Kwame (or Bynum) and Farmar.

[DarthRekal]

i still dont like the punk(riles):cmad: :oldrazz:



no way i trade farmar..kid is the truth...if we were gonna mortgage the future for a bandaid today..why draft bynum why not package it for kg or someone else that year for an all star then???


bad move..stupid move IMO:cmad:

[Mister J]

He got you 4 rings!!! :huh: :cmad: :D

Kupchak said he doubts he'll do anything, but who knows. I wouldn't deal Farmar either. The thought of Kidd, Mamba and Lamar is kinda scary though.

I'm actually hoping Miami doesn't do anything. Sure, we could use someone to shore up the PG spot with J-Dub's status up in the air, but losing Posey (the most mentioned trade bait) is a bad move. They shouldn't move Wright either, although I believe his season is about over unless Riles decides to mysteriously give him the minutes he was getting at the end of last year.

[DarthRekal]

i coulda got us four rings with ..magic,kareem,worthy,cooper,rambis,scott:whatever :


yeah no doubt odom,mamba and kidd is SCURRY..but if we dont win this year then what??? :csad: :huh:


dont think the heat wil do anything.... THE SWITCH has been flipped..all panic should be doused

[Ben Urich]

If the Lakers enter a three-way trade with the Magic and Nets, all they'd have to give up is Kwame Brown and the ****load of expiring contracts they have: Chris Mihm, Aaron McKie, and Shammond Williams. The Magic ship Grant Hill to the Nets and get Vince Carter in return.

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/traderesult?players=981~539~549~934~136~429~336&teams=17~17~17~17~19~13~17

:up:

[Ben Urich]

Dwight Howard leads the league in nastiness:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v73/incurock31/Picture1-4.png
Can you believe that? Dwight has 32 more dunks than anyone else in the league. Sick.
Full stats here (http://sportsline.com/nba/dunk-o-meter/yearly).

[Mister J]

i coulda got us four rings with ..magic,kareem,worthy,cooper,rambis,scott:whatever :


yeah no doubt odom,mamba and kidd is SCURRY..but if we dont win this year then what??? :csad: :huh:


dont think the heat wil do anything.... THE SWITCH has been flipped..all panic should be doused
Toss Mychal & AC in there too... and even Wes Matthews. That's right, Matthews. That towel wasn't going to wave itself! :o:woot:

Kidd seems to think he's found the Fountain of Youth and can go a for a while longer. He's been livelier as of late and wants to be on Team USA. Maybe it's the divorce. I suppose not having your wife (allegedly) whooping your ass could put some pep in anyone's step. :up:

If the Lakers enter a three-way trade with the Magic and Nets, all they'd have to give up is Kwame Brown and the ****load of expiring contracts they have: Chris Mihm, Aaron McKie, and Shammond Williams. The Magic ship Grant Hill to the Nets and get Vince Carter in return.

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/traderesult?players=981~539~549~934~136~429~336&teams=17~17~17~17~19~13~17 (http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/traderesult?players=981%7E539%7E549%7E934%7E136%7E 429%7E336&teams=17%7E17%7E17%7E17%7E19%7E13%7E17)

:up:
Holy Springfield! I forgot all about Aaron McKie's contract.

You're really having a lot of fun with that trade machine, aren't you? :D

[Ben Urich]

The Spurs traded Eric Williams to the Bobcats for Melvin Ely.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2764533

Could this deal be the blockbuster that sets the other deals in motion? :huh::o

Holy Springfield! I forgot all about Aaron McKie's contract.

Aaron McKie is one of the few players in the NBA whose season scoring average equals that of his contract. :o

You're really having a lot of fun with that trade machine, aren't you? :D

Yeah, it's a blast. I've always wanted to be a GM. :o
I made this crazy 3- or 4-team deal that got the Magic both Chauncey Billups and Rashard Lewis... but then I realized that Detroit was getting Carlos Arroyo and Darko Milicic in return. WHOOPS! :woot::o

[Fran]

I have a great feeling about the Pistons this year. Moreso than last year.

[Ben Urich]

They're playing ridiculously well with Chris Webber. If any team from the East has a chance to upset the West, it's Detroit.

[Fran]

They're 11-2 with Webber. Had they not lost those 2 to Washington, 13-0 with him. WOW.

[Ben Urich]

http://www.nba.com/allstar2007/news/allen_okur_070213.html

Ray Alen and Mehmet Okur named as replacements for Iverson and Nash

Okay, both of them are deserving, but it kills me that Deron Williams didn't make the team. :csad:

If Jason Kidd misses the game for the East, Luol Deng or Kirk Hinrich should replace him. :o

[Fran]

I wasn't really buying LS' prediction of Dallas/Detroit, but now, I really think they can do it.

This year's Chris Webber signing is equal to 2004's Rasheed Wallace trade.

[LastSunrise1981]

I wasn't really buying LS' prediction of Dallas/Detroit, but now, I really think they can do it.

This year's Chris Webber signing is equal to 2004's Rasheed Wallace trade.

Truthfully I think it will come down to Dallas/Detroit. Upon watching the Heat play recently, I don't see them beating Detroit or even Washington. They MIGHT get by Chicago if they remain healthy and something horrible happens to Ben, Henrich, and Gordon.

But I'm a bit iffy in terms of the Heat. I definitely don't see them beating Detroit if Detroit continues playing the way they're playing.

I do believe Dallas can beat Detroit though. If it comes down to Dallas/Detroit I expect it to be a great series and a series where the officials don't determine the outcome based on popularity.

[Jerry]

Hahah, you sneak one in on every post LS, every post. Its just funny at this point.

[LastSunrise1981]

Hahah, you sneak one in on every post LS, every post. Its just funny at this point.

It's really the first time I brought it up in terms of speaking about the present situation involving the coming finals. But hey, it's my belief. I just want to see a fair game where it's without question that the better team won.

If Detroit or even Chicago beat Dallas in the finals and it was a clear/fair game where they were the better team I'd accept it.

[Jerry]

If Chicago beat Dallas in the Finals you would hang yourself with locks of Dirk Nowitzki's hair that you have collected obsessively over the years.

[Ghostvirus]

If Chicago beat Dallas in the Finals you would hang yourself with locks of Dirk Nowitzki's hair that you have collected obsessively over the years.

I will do everything in my power to make sure that happens, via the internet.:ninja:

Edit: He would probably be listening to David Hasselhoff while he does it.

It's really the first time I brought it up in terms of speaking about the present situation involving the coming finals. But hey, it's my belief. I just want to see a fair game where it's without question that the better team won.

If Detroit or even Chicago beat Dallas in the finals and it was a clear/fair game where they were the better team I'd accept it.

That is the beauty in your logic. If Dallas does lose you can always blame the refs. Its a great way out.

It is pretty obvious that you don't understand. There is not such thing as a "fair" game there are bad multiple bad calls in every single game of basketball. You could always blame the refs. I must say that is the beauty in your logic.

[Ben Urich]

Memphis traded Jake Tsakalidis to Houston for Scott Padgett. :o

When do the big trades start happening? :huh::csad:

[LastSunrise1981]

I will do everything in my power to make sure that happens, via the internet.:ninja:

Edit: He would probably be listening to David Hasselhoff while he does it.



That is the beauty in your logic. If Dallas does lose you can always blame the refs. Its a great way out.

It is pretty obvious that you don't understand. There is not such thing as a "fair" game there are bad multiple bad calls in every single game of basketball. You could always blame the refs. I must say that is the beauty in your logic.

I find it hilarious that a newbie like Jerry and you think that I don't understand basketball. I've provided many posts explaining basketball and provided videos of old school players and games, but of course you'll ignore those posts and claim that I'll go insane if Dallas loses.

Yes, I was angry that Dallas lost last year. Am I still disappointed about it? Yes, I am. But I acknowledge that the Miami Heat are the champions and are the champions until they lose in the playoffs or the finals. That's reality. I accept it and I've moved on.

There have been plenty of basketball games where I didn't question the validity of the win. The Boston/Los Angeles Series were always fun to watch and I didn't question the officiating. Many other games that I've watched via video tapes or the internet didn't make me question the validity of the win.

A few minutes ago I checked to see how Dallas was doing against the Bucks and they(Dallas) were/are down by 13. I'm not upset nor am I blaming any of the officials. If Dallas loses they lose. If they lose in the first or second round then I'll accept it and move on.

All anyone asks for is a fair game. Yes, there are bad calls, but there shouldn't be obvious bad calls that determine the outcome of a very important game. You should know that your teams championship wins against the Jazz have been questioned by fans and many feel Chicago were given the trophy.

Bottom line is what's done is done. Miami are the champions and I accept that they are, even though I don't believe they were the better team. So whatever.

[Jerry]

I love the theory of "newbie" vs "grizzled forum veteran" who knows more because he posted old videos of NBA stars and explains basketball. That **** cracks me up. Oh if only post count equals IQ, you would get me on that one.

But I haven't really heard anything about championship games that were given to the Bulls. Its tough to compare the game today to the games of that era. Scottie Pippen would have fouled out in the 1st quarter if he played today's game the way he did during the Bulls championship years. The only debate I have really heard is the alleged Jordan pushing off of Russel (or whoever was guarding him) to take that last shot in the 98 Finals. But even that looks more like Russel losing his balance more than MJ being able to push him.

[Mister J]

Good Heatian effort to get back to .500 before the break.

With any luck, the Ron Rothstein experiment is over and I can quit scratching my head over his substitution pattern. This 'Wade on 5' **** has got to stop too.

[LastSunrise1981]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgBk7c1ogso
(Pete Maravich showing basketball drills on learning to handle the ball, pass the ball, and finger strength)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0d8td0Pfo-0
(Pete Maravich showing passing drills)

[Fran]

I find it hilarious that a newbie like Jerry and you think that I don't understand basketball. I've provided many posts explaining basketball and provided videos of old school players and games, but of course you'll ignore those posts and claim that I'll go insane if Dallas loses.

They aren't really newbies... they've been around for over a year :huh:

But to each his own.

[LastSunrise1981]

I love the theory of "newbie" vs "grizzled forum veteran" who knows more because he posted old videos of NBA stars and explains basketball. That **** cracks me up. Oh if only post count equals IQ, you would get me on that one.

But I haven't really heard anything about championship games that were given to the Bulls. Its tough to compare the game today to the games of that era. Scottie Pippen would have fouled out in the 1st quarter if he played today's game the way he did during the Bulls championship years. The only debate I have really heard is the alleged Jordan pushing off of Russel (or whoever was guarding him) to take that last shot in the 98 Finals. But even that looks more like Russel losing his balance more than MJ being able to push him.

Well, I have explained basketball and spoke about it intelligently. If you choose to ignore my contributions to the forum then that's you.

NOW, I remember very vividly when fans questioned the validity of the Bulls championship. Some went as far as to say Jordan was Sterns golden boy and that Jordan got away with things that normal players wouldn't have. Now the question is, did Jordan push off of Russell? I don't know. It looks like a push and it looks like Russell lost his balance.

I do remember Michael explaining and showing tips on 60 Minutes where he could slap a persons hand away or push them without the ref seeing it. Mike Wallace asked him "Isn't it illegal or won't you get caught?"

Jordan replied "Well, if you do it good enough you can get away with it."

[Ben Urich]

Russell was pushed.

[LastSunrise1981]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuooc9C1AgU
(NBA Top Ten Clutch Plays)

[Jerry]

Thats why I said the game was different back then, but even then, yeah Jordan got favorable calls and he got the benefit of the doubt. Just like now. Its something about the game that has been around, its part of the game. I also remember very vividly that game Stern himself played in the game before that and was able to lead the Bulls to a 40 point blow out of the Jazz.

And the final game where Pippen's back was hurt and he couldn't play all that well so Stern took his place and stripped the ball and pushed Malone on his ass and took the final shot to win the game. Oh and the year before Stern took the final shot as well to win against the Jazz. Or was that Steve Kerr? Nah, couldn't have been him, he was only the all time leader in 3 point accuracy, he was no golden boy.

Players win the games, not Stern and not the officials.

And there is no way MJ could have pushed Russel to the extent Russel reacted. He must have superhuman strength if thats the case. Either Russel lost his balance, slipped, or flopped. That Reggie Miller shove of Jordan is an example of what a push off is.

[Mister J]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuooc9C1AgU
(NBA Top Ten Clutch Plays)
Would have been nice if they had Gar Heard's shot to send that Boston game to triple OT. Also, The Logo's 60 footer against the Knicks in the Finals. Still, good to see a lot of those shots again.

[LastSunrise1981]

Thats why I said the game was different back then, but even then, yeah Jordan got favorable calls and he got the benefit of the doubt. Just like now. Its something about the game that has been around, its part of the game. I also remember very vividly that game Stern himself played in the game before that and was able to lead the Bulls to a 40 point blow out of the Jazz.

And the final game where Pippen's back was hurt and he couldn't play all that well so Stern took his place and stripped the ball and pushed Malone on his ass and took the final shot to win the game. Oh and the year before Stern took the final shot as well to win against the Jazz. Or was that Steve Kerr? Nah, couldn't have been him, he was only the all time leader in 3 point accuracy, he was no golden boy.

Players win the games, not Stern and not the officials.

Of course players win games. But bad calls due to favor certain teams shouldn't happen at all.

Are you familiar with the controversial 2003 Game 3 playoff first round game with Minnesota vs. the Lakers? I don't know if you've seen it or not, but the calls that went in LA's favor were very disgusting. These were obvious bad calls that were made in LA where the officials tried to help the Lakers.

The game is rarely shown on the old school NBA channel these days.

[LastSunrise1981]

Would have been nice if they had Gar Heard's shot to send that Boston game to triple OT. Also, The Logo's 60 footer against the Knicks in the Finals. Still, good to see a lot of those shots again.

Ah the classic Phoenix game? Yes, I still remember watching that on tape a few years ago. A very exciting game and Phoenix probably would've won if Westphal managed to steal the inbounds pass during the third overtime.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxJjeZu5GEs

Here is the shot you wanted to see again. :up: :up:

Did anyone know that one of the commentators during the game was Rick Barry? :cwink:

[Jerry]

No, didn't see those because those were during the Dark Ages of Chicago basketball where watching them would make your eyes bleed. I had to buy a seeing-eye dog. But, to me anyway, your exaggeration on that topic has led me to not put too much credibility on anything you say about officiating in basketball.

[LastSunrise1981]

No, didn't see those because those were during the Dark Ages of Chicago basketball where watching them would make your eyes bleed. I had to buy a seeing-eye dog. But, to me anyway, your exaggeration on that topic has led me to not put too much credibility on anything you say about officiating in basketball.

Well, whether you believe me or not is up to you. But I have credibility and if I find the video/article including the very controversial 2003 Game 3 of the Timberwolves vs. Lakers I'll gladly provide it.

[Mister J]

Ah the classic Phoenix game? Yes, I still remember watching that on tape a few years ago. A very exciting game and Phoenix probably would've won if Westphal managed to steal the inbounds pass during the third overtime.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxJjeZu5GEs

Here is the shot you wanted to see again. :up: :up:

Did anyone know that one of the commentators during the game was Rick Barry? :cwink:
That's the game. :up:

The Boston crowd went crazy, thinking the game was over after Hondo's shot. Then they put a second back on the clock and the crowd lost it. I think I remember reading where one of the refs got attacked by a pissed Celtics fan. And that was before Heard's shot.

Holy Smurfberries! Dallas came back to win it? :eek:

[LastSunrise1981]

Yep, Dallas came back and won the game. Very happy that they won and hopefully they can win the last one before the All-Star break. :up: :up:

[Jerry]

Damn, Bulls lose but give me a perfect example. They lost 112-111. In the key play, Bosh grabs an offensive rebound and goes up to lay it in, gets fouled and misses the shot. But the clock doesn't stop, it keeps ticking down. The clock should have stopped at around 3.8 seconds, instead it runs down to 2.1 even when the play was whistled dead. Bosh makes the two shots, Bulls get the ball, Gordon tries getting a foul called as he tries shooting over a larger player, no whistle, game over. Bad calls by officials? Yes. Main reason why they lost. Not by a long shot. They were slacking on defense the entire game until the last few minutes of the game, were leaving 3 points shots going uncontested and had to go on an 11-0 run just to be up by 1 point.

Bad calls are a part of the game, they always will be. But you have to look past them and see the real reasons why the team lost. Bad officiating or just a few bad calls a game does a lot to overshadow that, but you can't get caught up in them.

[batman44]

Yep, Dallas came back and won the game. Very happy that they won and hopefully they can win the last one before the All-Star break. :up: :up:

:up: Gotta love that Mavs defense (Bucks didn't make a field goal after 7:06 in the fourth) and Dirk is just...wow. All that's left before the break is Houston.

[Ghostvirus]

Wow! A lot to digest between Jerry, & Sunrise. First off Son of a whore! Bulls lost again!

Jerry - Jordan did shove off. He openly admitted to it during that 60 minute interview that Sunrise said ( I am surprised he didn't show a youtube that).

Sunrise - I have said all that I can say about the ref thing. I am really taken back that you went back to the "newb" well. That is just sad, & pathetic. I have more than established myself in the NBA thread. I just don't post that much anywhere else. That is why my post count is low.

You keep saying that you aren't flipping out when Dallas loses. Of course not. These games don't matter. Especially for your team right now. They are the kings. I will be watching for if/when they lose in the playoffs. Whether or not you will fly off the handle.

If you don't then kudos.

[Mister J]

:up: Gotta love that Mavs defense (Bucks didn't make a field goal after 7:06 in the fourth) and Dirk is just...wow. All that's left before the break is Houston.
That's insane.

First off Son of a whore!
I'm going to start using this. :up:

[Fran]

:heart: Why can't we all just get along? :csad: :heart:

[Jerry]

http://www.joblo.com/images_movie_reviews/american_history_x.jpg
"We're having a nice discussion."

[Ben Urich]

Rekal must be beside himself. :csad:
The Knicks beat the Lakers in Staples on an Eddy Curry dunk.

EDIT: http://www.espn.go.com/photo/2007/0213/nba_dailydime_268.jpg

:woot:

[Ghostvirus]

:heart: Why can't we all just get along? :csad: :heart:

Our love cannot be. You are a Pistons fan, & I a Bulls fan. What would they say.:csad:

That's insane.


I'm going to start using this. :up:

Chris Farley used to say "Son of A!!!" I used to use that line a lot. Then one day I added the whore part. R.I.P. Farley:csad:


"We're having a nice discussion."

Can't see the pick. Must see pick!:cmad:

[Ben Urich]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2764157

Joe Johnson is Jason Kidd's All-Star replacement.

Okay, they could do worse than name Joe Johnson, but they also could have done better: Kirk Hinrich, Luol Deng, Ben Gordon, or Andre Iguodala would have been more appropriate.

[Fran]

Our love cannot be. You are a Pistons fan, & I a Bulls fan. What would they say.:csad:

Never give up on love...

[Ghostvirus]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2764157

Joe Johnson is Jason Kidd's All-Star replacement.

Okay, they could do worse than name Joe Johnson, but they also could have done better: Kirk Hinrich, Luol Deng, Ben Gordon, or Andre Iguodala would have been more appropriate.

Who the f*** is Joe Johnson!

They can ignore Chicago all they want, but when they are in finals. They will have no choice but to look. Look damn you!:cmad:

[Fran]

Easy, sparky.

[DarthRekal]

Rekal must be beside himself.
The Knicks beat the Lakers in Staples on an Eddy Curry dunk.

:cmad: i'm beggining to dread coming to this thread:csad: ...it's getting ridiculous..we are supposed to get better with lamar...:cmad:

ugh what a difference a week makes... four losses in a row... went from being 12 games above to 7???....:cmad: i call bull ISH.. wtf LAMAR:cmad: :cmad: :cmad:

and for those who say lamar IS the best player on the lakers...watch the replay of the last play last night..you will KNOW why kobe is called MAMBA

[Ben Urich]

Darko Milicic cannot be stopped. :dry:
19 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists in 30 minutes. :wow:
Maybe we shouldn't trade him after all. :csad:

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Alright let me see some smart basketball tonight Warriors!

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Darko Milicic cannot be stopped. :dry:
19 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists in 30 minutes. :wow:
Maybe we shouldn't trade him after all. :csad:

I don't know why people are so down on him, the kid can play, he just needs a little time that's all. I mean how many minutes did he see under Larry Brown? I think 11minutes, not average I mean 11 minutes his whole time in Detroit.

Give the Kid 15-25 minutes a night and a year or two and he will start to put up numbers.

[Ben Urich]

I don't know why people are so down on him, the kid can play, he just needs a little time that's all. I mean how many minutes did he see under Larry Brown? I think 11minutes, not average I mean 11 minutes his whole time in Detroit.

Give the Kid 15-25 minutes a night and a year or two and he will start to put up numbers.

I posted on another board today saying the Magic need to try to dump him before the deadline so they can get a proven scorer, but now I'm having second thoughts.
Consider this: Darko is putting up the same numbers now that Kevin Garnett was at his age. :wow: :huh:

[Ghostvirus]

The f-ing Bulls just lost to Charlotte. So let me get this straight. They lose to Portland, Golden State, Charlotte, Toronto, but beat Pheonix. What in the F***!!!! I just don't get it!:cmad::csad:

[Ben Urich]

Charlotte's gonna be ****in' beastly in a few years, especially if they get a superstar through free agency. Okafor, Wallace, and Felton are all great young talents, and Adam Morrison, uh... has a nice... mustache. :dry:
But seriously, the Bobcats aren't as bad as they look. :o

[Ghostvirus]

I think that is the thing about the East. They don't necassarily suck. They are just full of young teams. I think in about 4 years. The East will rule the roost.

Pretty much the entire west is run by veteran players. With exception of Utah, L.A.C. (take away Cassell), & Denver.

Dirk, Duncan, Nash, Iverson, & even Kobe. Are all at there peak. There skills are going to start to slowly get less, & less. Injuries will also start to set in. Basically like what is happening to Shaq now.

The in the east you got oldies like Detroit, & Miami. Miami is a freaking time bomb waiting to happen. They are stacked high with Senior Citizens. At any given season, Wade could find himself with Just Posey, & Kapono watching his back.

[Jerry]

Yeah basically. Its all cyclical.

[Ben Urich]

Posey's going to get traded soon, too. :o

[Ghostvirus]

I am starting to think there won't be any big trades this year.*looks at sig.*:csad:

[Mister J]

Posey's going to get traded soon, too. :o
I certainly hope not. He's far too valuable for what he would bring in trade. Miami's primary interest would be a point guard, but I don't see it being worth it for what's likely available in terms of $ and style. I think they can make due with what's currently available in the backcourt and it's that much better if/when Williams gets back.

Pose can knock a 3, decent on the boards, isn't afraid to knock someone on their ass if needed, gives all kinds of hustle and is the team's best defender in terms of versatility. He was huge in the playoffs last year guarding Sheed and Dirk when Haslem got in foul trouble.

Riles recently said he wasn't looking to make a move and I hope that sticks. True, he's a free agent after this season, but barring some highly unforeseen trade scenario, it's much better to keep him as a Heatian for the playoff push.

[Mister J]

Speaking of trade talk... ESPN's Top 10 To Be Moved

We expect at least 10 players to be relocating by the time next weekend rolls around, but you can never really be sure whether it's going to be a busier-than-usual trade deadline day or a dud along the lines of the deadline day seven years ago when only one trade -- Anthony Johnson going from Orlando to Atlanta for a second-round pick -- was consummated.

With that warning safely dispensed, we present our Week Before The Deadline List of the 10 Players Most Likely to Be Traded.

1. James Posey, Heat
While he has been recovering from hip and knee replacement surgery, Pat Riley has been working the phones trying to find a point guard to relieve some of the burden from the banged-up Jason Williams and the washed-up Gary Payton.

Posey's $6.4 million contract expires after this season, making him the No. 1 chip Riley has at his disposal. Posey isn't enough to entice the 76ers to part with Andre Miller (even with a No. 1 draft pick thrown in), but he'll be enough to get some other team to part with a player who will keep Chris Quinn out of the Heat's starting five for the rest of the year.

2. Mike James, Timberwolves
In the category of "seemed like a good idea at the time" (see Harrington, Al, in Indiana), we point to Minnesota's signing of this free agent last summer as the next mistake the Wolves will try to rectify.

The Heat are very interested, but so too are the Pistons and Cavaliers. And since Detroit (able and willing to move Nazr Mohammed, Dale Davis and Flip Murray) can likely outbid Cleveland and Miami, the educated guess here is that James is back playing Deeee-troit bas-ket-ball by this time next week.

3. Juan Dixon, Trail Blazers
Yes, we know the most popular Portland trade chip to be run through the rumor mill this season has been Jamaal Magloire, but Insider is hearing that Portland is now "begging" teams to take the former All-Star off their hands. Magloire's $8.3 million contract expires at the end of this season, but big expiring contracts clearly aren't nearly the valuable commodities they were in recent years.

That's why we're listing Dixon as the likeliest member of the Blazers to be shipped out. Don't be surprised if he goes to Toronto for Fred Jones.

4. Dale Davis, Pistons
Not all expiring contracts are unmovable, just the bigger ones (Magloire, Grant Hill, etc.).

This graybeard center is pulling down $3.5 million from the Pistons, and Joe Dumars has vowed to break up his big man logjam. Most of the attention has been focused on the Pistons' trying to move Mohammed, but he has a five-year contract that's giving plenty of teams second thoughts.

Davis is a heck of a lot easier to move, and plenty of playoff-caliber teams are in need of an extra big body for the postseason.

5. Corey Maggette, Clippers
If it were up to Maggette or coach Mike Dunleavy, who get along like oil and water, Maggette would already be an ex-Clipper. The problem is that Clippers owner Donald Sterling has a particular fondness for Maggette, and the owner still thinks the two can coexist.

But the most recent tiff between coach and player might make Sterling reconsider, and the Jazz, Heat and Spurs are all still very much interested. The Clips turned down an offer of Morris Peterson earlier this season, and the Raptors are no longer looking to move Mo Pete.

6. P.J. Brown, Bulls
He is one of the main pieces of the package of players the Bulls are trying to send to Memphis for Pau Gasol. If that doesn't happen, he could still be a main piece of any backup deal the Bulls are working on to add a capable low-post scorer.

Brown's $8 million contract comes off the books after this season, but if Chicago can't find a match for him, another option is to trade Michael Sweetney's expiring $2.7 million deal and keep Brown in the Bulls' starting five, where he's been playing fairly well of late.

7. Pau Gasol, Grizzlies
The big fella from Spain doesn't make it any higher on this list because the Grizzlies continue to insist that they'll keep Gasol on the roster and further explore trade possibilities over the summer if they can't get a package of what they're looking for (two good young players and an expiring contract).

Chicago remains the front-runner, but we're hearing whispers that the Nets are seriously in the mix, too. The Knicks stated their interest, too, but Memphis wouldn't send him to New York even if Isiah Thomas was offering both Channing Frye and David Lee.

8. Mike Bibby, Kings
When agent David Falk came out last week and said Bibby would not opt out of his contract after this season, it forced Sacramento to weigh its options with Bibby as he slumps through his worst season in years.

Bibby makes $12.5 million, so there would have to be a lot of lumber, at least salarywise, coming back to the Kings in any deal.

The three teams most desperate for a new point guard (Miami, Cleveland, Lakers) are all interested, but the cost (at least $9.9 million in salary must go back, and Sacramento will want a No. 1 pick, too, which the Cavs don't have) may preclude a deal of this magnitude from going down.

9. Jason Kidd/Vince Carter, Nets
Here's the thing with J-Kidd. He's due to make $19.7 million next season and $21.4 million the year after, and the law of diminishing returns is coaxing Rod Thorn (and owner Bruce Ratner) to give serious consideration to the idea that it might be time to blow this team up.

Like Kidd, Carter has been shopped around the league. But with no one knowing for sure whether he plans to opt out of the final year of his contract this summer (the Nets wanted to give him an extension last summer, but Carter's impending divorce kept him from accepting), there's more risk in acquiring Carter than there is in getting Kidd.

10. Beno Udrih, Spurs
Wasn't it just a few days ago that Gregg Popovich said there would be no trades and no changes to the roster? Well, the Ely trade proved that Pop was merely disseminating some misinformation (he learned that from all his years spying on the Soviets).

Udrih has been in Pop's doghouse more than any player since Malik Rose was on the Spurs, and he's expendable now that Jacque Vaughn has taken over the backup point-guard duties. With so many teams seeking playmakers, Udrih may be the fallback guy for a team that can't land its No. 1 choice.

[Ben Urich]

lol, you're an insider too? :csad:

Oh, and Tim Hardaway: "I hate gay people."

[DarthRekal]

and the lakers will get none...again:o

[Darren Daring]

Hey, can I have somebody's insider ID? I don't want to shill to the man.

[Mister J]

lol, you're an insider too? :csad:

Oh, and Tim Hardaway: "I hate gay people."Nah. I swiped it from a Heatian board where the Posey talk was kicking up.

Hardaway was pretty intense.

[Ghostvirus]

Sweet Mother of god. The Bulls need something in the next ten days. Please. please, please.

I hoping against hope that out of nowhere. Garnett gets traded.

[Immortalfire]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgBk7c1ogso
(Pete Maravich showing basketball drills on learning to handle the ball, pass the ball, and finger strength)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0d8td0Pfo-0
(Pete Maravich showing passing drills) He's the greatest.

[LastSunrise1981]

I was looking on my calendar where I marked Dallas/Miami. Anyone feel this is going to be a playoff atmosphere aspect? Seriously the fans(hopefully) and the players are really going to be into this game.

While some are hoping that a brawl will come of it, I think it's just going to be a playoff type atmosphere and game. Dallas got the first one and I want them to get the second one. Granted it won't remove the hurt, disappointment, or the feeling of being robbed last year, but it can sweeten the revenge just a tad but not much obviously.

Hopefully it's not just a game where one team gets blown out.

[Ben Urich]

I was looking on my calendar where I marked Dallas/Miami. Anyone feel this is going to be a playoff atmosphere aspect? Seriously the fans(hopefully) and the players are really going to be into this game.

While some are hoping that a brawl will come of it, I think it's just going to be a playoff type atmosphere and game. Dallas got the first one and I want them to get the second one. Granted it won't remove the hurt, disappointment, or the feeling of being robbed last year, but it can sweeten the revenge just a tad but not much obviously.

Hopefully it's not just a game where one team gets blown out.

:o:up:

Seriously, guys. Tell me you wouldn't want to see Michael Doleac beat the everloving **** out of DeSagana Diop.

Avery Johnson all hanging onto Pops Mensah-Bonsu's legs.

[Darkest Knight]

Kobe's going to put the clamps on LJ23 again tonight, just like he did on Sunday. Just as he will ******* in his face with more jumpers.

[LastSunrise1981]

:o:up:

Seriously, guys. Tell me you wouldn't want to see Michael Doleac beat the everloving **** out of DeSagana Diop.

Avery Johnson all hanging onto Pops Mensah-Bonsu's legs.

Is that a reference to the great Jeff Van Gundy incident? :hyper: :cwink: :ninja:

Seriously, who cares about Doleac and Diop? Don't get me wrong, I like Diop and love the defensive energy he brings to the fold. But who cares if he gets to a fight? Let's see Terry, Dirk, Howard, and Dampier get into it with Shaq, Wade, Posey, Haslem, and Zo. :woot:

I'd pay to see Terry and Wade go at it though.