2005-2006 NBA thread

[Equint77]

Curry is still weak as hell. Just look at the rebounding averages... and just for a word of advice, Curry wil NEVER be in shape. Trust me. I watched him for the past 4-5 years. Ontop of that he was with the Bulls, who have the most demanding and upscale training process to get in shape in the entire League..and Curry still never cut it. I mean I would love for the kid to have a good career, but he just doesn't have any work ethic to be anything more than an average player.

This won't happen to often...

Possibly, but we have to see if they keep it up...which looks doubtful.

\

Curry 14 and 7 in 25 minutes a game so far... his rebounding has improved a bit. He also looked good last night.. ran the floor well.. kept his defensive intensity. I'm happy with Eddy so far.

JC is averaging 6 shots less than last year... I'd say that's more under control... even though he is playing fewer minutes this year... however.. he's not just jacking up shots like he used to.

But like you said.. we'll have to wait and see throughout the season.

 

[Whack Arnolds]

The Knicks are still a mess right now, no matter if you put a positive spin on it or not.

 

[Equint77]

The Knicks are still a mess right now, no matter if you put a positive spin on it or not.

lol.... I'm gonna stay being positive.... I doubt anyone here other than Knick fans are watching every game and seeing what's actually going on.

The 1-5 is deceptive... 3 of those were lost on missed free throws. And yeah a loss is still a loss.

 

[Whack Arnolds]

lol.... I'm gonna stay being positive.... I doubt anyone here other than Knick fans are watching every game and seeing what's actually going on.

The 1-5 is deceptive... 3 of those were lost on missed free throws. And yeah a loss is still a loss.

Come on dude...you don't have to watch them to know they are a mess right now. With Brown already going against the projected starting lineup...the team having trouble getting any rythm and playing controlled, disciplined basketball... they are having messy problems. Especially for a team with so much individual talent, and a supposed great coach, they were expected to be kicking ass. Their team has been playing like hot garbage, even if a few games were lost on missed free throws. A loss is a loss as you said. There was 44 other minutes within those games where they could have won and played smart basketball. The problem is their players have tremendous talent, but seriously low bball IQs.

 

[Whack Arnolds]

You can be a Knick fan, even a positive one, and still admit that.

 

[Equint77]

Come on dude...you don't have to watch them to know they are a mess right now. With Brown already going against the projected starting lineup...the team having trouble getting any rythm and playing controlled, disciplined basketball... they are having messy problems. Especially for a team with so much individual talent, and a supposed great coach, they were expected to be kicking ass. Their team has been playing like hot garbage, even if a few games were lost on missed free throws. A loss is a loss as you said. There was 44 other minutes within those games where they could have won and played smart basketball. The problem is their players have tremendous talent, but seriously low bball IQs.

You wanna know what the mess is? Brown unable to lock in a rotation... which extends to 11 some nights.. which unbalances the chemistry they need to build. And sometimes I don't blame him.. God damn Malik Rose is a waste of sweat.

Add that to the fact that his best bench players are all in their early 20's... 3 of which are rookies and will make mistakes... during crucial times.

Also figure in that Marbury who's a career 80% free throw shooter is hovering above 50% for the season.... And the fact that he's slowly learning how to play under a completely new system... that doesn't require him to carry the load offensively. It's no wonder why he's struggling.. as well as the team.

Then you have Curry who's getting into playing shape after missing damn hear half the year for that heart thing. As well as learning a new system... yeah it's gonna be a slow process.

Q is struggling to find his shot....mainly because of a stupid hamstring injury he suffered during preseason, but last night showed he might start to get his stroke back. If he gets back to normal.. that will improve the Knicks offensively and open things up for everyone else.

JC... who as much as you don't wanna believe is changing right now... he's not jacking up shots and is showing some effort on defense. I love his game and I look to see him improve.

The positives??

They lead the league in rebounds and are 13th in opponent points... which is something considering they had last place in damn near every category last year.

What I see is an improvement in team talent... and it will take time (which is what I've been saying for a month now). But I'm hoping that now they can settle down and start getting some wins.

And I'm not sure who said they'd be kicking ass? Or who expected that... I certainly didn't because that's unrealistic for a team that has 8 new players on thier roster. As well as a new coach.

 

[Whack Arnolds]

You wanna know what the mess is? Brown unable to lock in a rotation... which extends to 11 some nights.. which unbalances the chemistry they need to build. And sometimes I don't blame him.. God damn Malik Rose is a waste of sweat.

The lineup keeps changing BECAUSE there is no chemistry. Brown doesn't have the right mix of players. Too many people wanting to be chiefs, and not enough indians.

Add that to the fact that his best bench players are all in their early 20's... 3 of which are rookies and will make mistakes... during crucial times.

He has effective bench players, that if used properly could be crutial. But yes, Rookies will make mistakes.. but that still doesn't negate the fact that some of them simply have no clue.

Also figure in that Marbury who's a career 80% free throw shooter is hovering above 50% for the season.... And the fact that he's slowly learning how to play under a completely new system... that doesn't require him to carry the load offensively. It's no wonder why he's struggling.. as well as the team.

That no excuse either. Marbury didn't have to completely carry the team when he was a Sun, these guys are professionals and are the best at what they do. It really shouldn't take them that long to adapt. Marbury is still their most consistent scorer, and he really hasn't been playing that much different from last year. His free throws will come back up to speed..but that's not WHY they are losing ball games. The vets haven't been playing up to their potential. I give credit to the rooks who have been giving it their all though.

Then you have Curry who's getting into playing shape after missing damn hear half the year for that heart thing. As well as learning a new system... yeah it's gonna be a slow process.

I understand that.

JC... who as much as you don't wanna believe is changing right now... he's not jacking up shots and is showing some effort on defense. I love his game and I look to see him improve.

No he's not. His shot selection is still piss poor. He actually had a better shot selection in Chicago, and I thought it was horrible when he was here.

And I'm not sure who said they'd be kicking ass? Or who expected that... I certainly didn't because that's unrealistic for a team that has 8 new players on thier roster. As well as a new coach.

Maybe not kicking ass per se..but winning more than 1 game through 6. LOL, that's just really bad. But who knows, they will most likely turn it around. Once Brown gets a good solid rotation, and the system starts to kick in. Just don't expect Curry to be in shape, and play in 4th quarters, or for JC to start playing effective D or having a good shot selection...cause it won't happen.

 

[NOFX]

2005-06 Power Rankings: Week 2
RANK (LAST WK) TEAM REC. COMMENT
1 (2) Pistons 6-0 Talk about perfect starts. For fuel, undefeated Pistons have also convinced themselves that they're still getting no respect from the outside world when, in truth, everyone around the league is raving about them.
2 (1) Spurs 5-2 The injuries and two heavy road defeats on consecutive Saturdays are indeed worrying, but here's the pick-me-up: Duncan is shooting 84.2 percent at the line.
3 (8) Wizards 5-1 Arenas can be rather amazing, but you already knew that. Maybe the best part about Washington's start is its league-leading opponent FG defense: 39.1 percent.
4 (5) Bucks 4-1 Not trying to put a damper on the heady start, but now we'll really assess Bucks' progress with four games out West ... and only seven road wins last season.
5 (3) Pacers 4-2 Maybe my expectations are too high, especially this early, but I reckon Pacers should be 6-0. Doubt they'd disagree with me, either, given the manner of their two defeats.
6 (4) Mavericks 4-2 Having played just once at home, and having apparently survived a Dirk back scare without too much panic, Mavs are quietly pleased with where they are so far.
7 (11) Clippers 5-2 How many guesses would you need to identify the only team in the league to beat Wiz? A few, I'm guessing, before you went with those still-hot Clips.
8 (6) Suns 3-3 Amare-less Suns needed a pick-me-up after three late collapses at home, and here it is: Diaw and Barbosa are contributing faster than anyone envisioned, which certainly can't hurt the long-term outlook.
9 (9) Heat 4-3 Even 'Toine and J-Will should be able to agree that now is the time to rack up some wins without Shaq. Miami's eight opponents for the rest of the month include Hornets, Raps, Blazers, Magic, Knicks and Hawks.
10 (19) Cavaliers 5-2 Good response to a poor start. A 4-0 week, even against so-so comp, put Cavs in Team O' The Week running and merits a return to the top 10.
11 (17) Warriors 4-3 In their locker room after Saturday's loss in Phoenix, you'd have thought Warriors had just fallen to 1-6. But maybe that's a good sign that they're this focused already.
12 (12) Grizzlies 4-3 Turns out Grizz fans apparently like Pau's beard. They also seem to like Pau's aggression so far, apart from a muted showing in Boston in a frustrating one-point L.
13 (24) 76ers 4-3 Nowitzki's injury departure Wednesday was good fortune, but credit Sixers for building on that break with a couple of quality follow-up triumphs over Lakers and Clips.
14 (14) Nuggets 3-4 Camby is playing better-than-ever ball. Of course, if Nuggets don't have Nene or K-Mart, Camby might have to go for 18, 22 and seven every night.
15 (23) Bulls 3-2 Bulls haven't won more than four games in November since MJ's last season (1997-98). It looks like this November might be different, even as the annual early-season arrival of the circus sends Chicago on the road for six.
16 (13) Jazz 4-3 AK-47's ankle injury doesn't appear to be serious. Yet it's serious enough to remind you what happened to Utah when he got hurt early last season.
17 (7) Nets 3-4 Houston can probably justify a sub-.500 record, having lost T-Mac briefly. Nets have a bit more explaining to do, tough sked or not.
18 (25) Celtics 3-3 So they can't beat Duncan's Spurs. So what? Celts can live with a 16th loss in a row to S.A. when it's sandwiched between wins over Memphis and Houston.
19 (10) Lakers 3-3 The big Hollywood showdown this week? No, not Phil vs. Larry on Wednesday. Try Lakers vs. Clips on Friday.
20 (20) Timberwolves 3-3 Wolves don't play a road game for another 10 days. Which is probably welcome news after two OT road defeats and a failure to win at depleted Denver.
21 (28) Magic 2-4 The consolation for the league's lowest-scoring team? Magic, at 84.3 ppg, are staying in games with a much-improved defense (89.3 ppg allowed, down from 101.8).
22 (15) Rockets 2-4 JVG was lamenting his team's lack of speed before they went out and lost to Boston by 20. Don't know how fast Spree is at 35, but it's probably worth checking out.
23 (21) Hornets 2-3 With Hornets coming off a season that began at 2-29, you can understand why they were so proud to be 1-0 and then 2-1. And why 2-3 is passable, too.
24 (26) Trail Blazers 2-3 If you wish to claim that you expected Nate's new team to start faster than his old team, go ahead. But we don't believe you.
25 (16) Kings 2-5 I'm starting to question my pre-season wisdom of giving a nod to history and consistency to rank Kings at No. 11. Losing to NY how they did has to test the faith.
26 (18) SuperSonics 2-4 If they can recover to contend after this avalanche -- three consecutive losses by a combined 93 points -- it would be an even more dramatic rise to prominence than last season's. Trouble is, harmony seems a long way off here.
27 (27) Knicks 1-5 The last 0-5 start Larry endured before this one wound up 43-39 (Philly in 2001-02). Even after the Sacto breakthrough, 43 wins still seems rather optimistic.
28 (22) Bobcats 2-5 More disappointing than the losing streak is Wallace's run of injuries. Swingman's surprising start has been interrupted by a concussion and now a wrist ailment.
29 (29) Hawks 0-6 Can't see Spree really wanting to play here even if there are no other offers. Not with so many small forwards in Atlanta and not a lot of short-term hope.
30 (30) Raptors 0-6 One hurting Raps fan wrote in to suggest that he'd take a point for Sunday's Seattle loss like Leafs get for OT defeats. You can understand the cynicism/desperation, given that five of Toronto's first six games were at home.

 

[Equint77]

The lineup keeps changing BECAUSE there is no chemistry. Brown doesn't have the right mix of players. Too many people wanting to be chiefs, and not enough indians.

No.. there is chemistry... he's just shuffling for no damn reason. He puts Rose in the rotation and the entire team collapses. He throws in this jerk Barnes for what? The guy couldn't hit the side of the moon.

He has effective bench players, that if used properly could be crutial. But yes, Rookies will make mistakes.. but that still doesn't negate the fact that some of them simply have no clue.

Well that takes teaching.... and maybe this is me but I think that they can be taught. Which is what I'm hoping Brown is doing.

That no excuse either. Marbury didn't have to completely carry the team when he was a Sun, these guys are professionals and are the best at what they do. It really shouldn't take them that long to adapt. Marbury is still their most consistent scorer, and he really hasn't been playing that much different from last year. His free throws will come back up to speed..but that's not WHY they are losing ball games. The vets haven't been playing up to their potential. I give credit to the rooks who have been giving it their all though.

Yeah.. Steph didn't have to carry the teams.. but he did because that's what he based his game on. Shoot the ball or handle it 90% of the time. True they are professionals but they're programmed to play their way... and with Brown... Steph is now looking to pass first THEN shoot.. which is something he's NEVER done before. He's still hesitant because he wants to do the right thing but still play his game. He's learning to lead by example.. not by stats. That's something you can't do overnight.. or in 2 weeks or a month. And yes.. free throws are why they lost to Boston and to GS both times. Portland was a bust and Washington.. they came back all the way back from 19 down...

No he's not. His shot selection is still piss poor. He actually had a better shot selection in Chicago, and I thought it was horrible when he was here.

Not from what I've seen so far.. he's now looking to drive more than pull up for a 20 foot jumpshot off balanced. He has controlled his shots more... and he too is adjusting to pass first. Yeah he'll still have his moments where he'll jack up.. but it has improved so far.

Maybe not kicking ass per se..but winning more than 1 game through 6. LOL, that's just really bad. But who knows, they will most likely turn it around. Once Brown gets a good solid rotation, and the system starts to kick in. Just don't expect Curry to be in shape, and play in 4th quarters, or for JC to start playing effective D or having a good shot selection...cause it won't happen.

LOL.. how are you gonna tell me what to expect from players from my team? Trades happen and some players end up making careers in thier new teams.. some don't... some end up worse.

And to show I'm not being bias... Jerome James is a sack of $hit... so is Malik Rose.

 

[Whack Arnolds]

I'm just letting you know you'll be let down. I had these 2 on my team before we dumped them off to you guys.

 

[Ultimate_Superman]

How about my Wizards. God we are doing well once again. For the first time in a while we have a good Basketball team 2yrs stright.

 

[Equint77]

I'm just letting you know you'll be let down. I had these 2 on my team before we dumped them off to you guys.

I'm still gonna cut them slack.

One's been on the team just one year and yet had 2 coaches.. now his 3rd.

The second one is working his way back into shape.

It's a long year. I'm not gonna come down on them yet.

 

[Whack Arnolds]

How about my Wizards. God we are doing well once again. For the first time in a while we have a good Basketball team 2yrs stright.

Gilbert Grape, was dropping Tony P off the other night. Got loose on his ass for 43 pts.

 

[Equint77]

That's 2 in a row.... and Nuk... JC has been shooting 50% the last 3 games... and last night he showed a lot of poise spotting up.

Also Curry has improved his rebounding and defense.... 5 blocks isn't bad.

it's still early but they're improving... I just want it to continue.

LA tomorrow.

 

[Whack Arnolds]

Just wait to see it for an entire season. It's only 2 wins...

 

[Equint77]

Just wait to see it for an entire season. It's only 2 wins...

yeah I know.... And I kinda get an understanding of Brown's rotation.... he's trying to wear the other teams down by throwing differnt line ups every few minutes... and I think the players are finally understanding it. It took me last night to figure it all out.

 

[Whack Arnolds]

It still was a mad ugly game, against a depleted Jazz club.

 

[Equint77]

a win is a win.. if they sucked as much as everyone thinks they do... they'd have lost.

To be honest... I think they can beat LA tomorrow and Denver on Friday. We'll see.

 

[JMT]

Wizards number 3 in the power rankings.

 

[NOFX]

Clippers' 6-2 start best in franchise history

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Sam Cassell has earned a reputation for making every team he plays on better. It's even working for the Los Angeles Clippers.

Cassell had 23 points and nine assists before sitting out the fourth quarter, Corey Maggette added 21 points and the vastly improved Clippers breezed to a 109-85 rout of the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night.

At 6-2, Los Angeles is off to the best start in franchise history and tied with defending NBA champion San Antonio for the best record in the Western Conference.

"It feels good to have the team playing at such a high level," Cassell said. "It was our defensive intensity that won it tonight. We had a lot of deflections tonight and our team strives off of deflections. We got on the break and we stopped them from scoring. I don't know what they shot as a team (39 percent), but I know it wasn't that high."

Elton Brand had 20 points and 11 rebounds. Quinton Ross, who has started all eight games for the Clippers at small forward, sat out the second half because of back spasms. Maggette, coming off the bench for the fourth straight game after missing the first four because of a left hamstring strain, scored his first 11 points in the second quarter.

"My job is to play basketball," said Maggette, who led the Clippers in scoring each of the previous two seasons. "As far as my situation, coming off the bench, I have nothing else to say about that. I'm going to let the coach handle that. I'm just glad my team is winning and playing good right now. Our team has a lot of weapons, and each game we have to use them to win."

Michael Redd and backcourt mate T.J. Ford each had 15 points for the Bucks, who have lost 17 consecutive road games against Western Conference teams since beating Sacramento 112-101 on March 23, 2004. They dropped all 15 on the road against the West last season.

"We've been playing from behind all year, and I don't know if it caught up to us," Milwaukee coach Terry Stotts said. "The Clippers came out and showed why they have the kind of record they do. They hit the shots they needed to hit."

Milwaukee entered as the only team that had not been held under 100 points, and had outrebounded its opponent in each of the first five games. But the Clippers finished with a 38-35 edge on the boards and limited the Bucks to two offensive rebounds in the second half.

"That was the difference right there," Los Angeles coach Mike Dunleavy said. "We didn't let them get second-chance points, and we were able to get out in the open court and run up the score."

Bobby Simmons, who left the Clippers after two seasons to sign a $47 million, five-year contract with the Bucks last August, scored 13 points in 32 minutes in his first game against his former teammates after averaging 14.2 points and 7.0 rebounds in Milwaukee's first five games.

Simmons, voted the NBA's most improved player last season, attempted only one shot in the first quarter and missed on a 17-foot jumper. He started 0-for-3 and finished 5-for-12 from the field.

When he arrived at his locker before the game, Simmons found a Clippers No. 21 road jersey hanging in it.

"He's a great friend of mine," Maggette said. "I was talking trash to him each time down the court, but I was glad to see him back."

The Clippers never trailed, increasing a 14-point lead to 83-59 with a 12-2 spurt capped by Brand's two free throws with 1:17 left in the third. Cassell, who turns 36 on Friday, scored the first six points of that run and Los Angeles opened the fourth with a 14-5 spurt for a 99-68 cushion with 6:18 to play.

"Corey, Elton, it's their team. I'm just a guy who's going to run the ship," Cassell said. "I've only got a couple of years left to play in this league. I'm playing this year and two more, and I'm done. I'm going to be a reserve next year and I'm going to live it out."

Game notes
The Clippers have beaten Milwaukee six straight times at Staples Center. The franchise record for consecutive home wins against one team is 13, against the Jazz. The first six were played in Buffalo, the last seven in San Diego. The Clippers beat Dallas 11 straight times at the L.A. Sports Arena from 1990-94. ... Maggette scored 34 points the last time he faced Milwaukee in a 116-108 win on March 23 in Los Angeles. ... Los Angeles opened with an 8-0 run while Milwaukee missed its first six shots. ... Milwaukee's Andrew Bogut, the first overall pick in the June draft, played 15 minutes and scored two points.

 

[Super_Ludacris]

Pistons are 7-0 Damn they killin it! that game against Boston last night was ill. Chauncey for MVP

 

[Equint77]

Phil Jackson is a F***ing pu$$y... he's telling people he didn't wanna take the Knicks job cause he was scared of the NY media.

Grow some F***ing balls you old B1tch.. can't take any f**king comments without crying about it. This stupid mutherf***er has 9 rings and is still insecure about how he's percieved. There's a reason why I've always hated Phil... going back to the Chicago days. He's always had some smart ass remark about the team, the city and the fans. Now he admits he was scared all along.

This ******** should just shut the F**k up and continue to acknowledge that the reason he took up coaching was because of Red Holtzman.

MutherF**king pu$$y. Glad he stayed in LA.. where he belongs.

 

[NOFX]

Phil Jackson is a F***ing pu$$y... he's telling people he didn't wanna take the Knicks job cause he was scared of the NY media.

Grow some F***ing balls you old B1tch.. can't take any f**king comments without crying about it. This stupid mutherf***er has 9 rings and is still insecure about how he's percieved. There's a reason why I've always hated Phil... going back to the Chicago days. He's always had some smart ass remark about the team, the city and the fans. Now he admits he was scared all along.

This ******** should just shut the F**k up and continue to acknowledge that the reason he took up coaching was because of Red Holtzman.

MutherF**king pu$$y. Glad he stayed in LA.. where he belongs.

Oh Shut Up Cuz your knick teams sux again

 

[Lobo]

Oh Shut Up Cuz your knick teams sux again

If the Knicks dont beat the Lakers tonight, i'll mail you a dollar

 

[NOFX]

If the Knicks dont beat the Lakers tonight, i'll mail you a dollar

I live in Ontario California Last time someone dare to challange me in a the game, My Beloved Clippers owned the Wiz!!!