2005-2006 NBA thread

[LastSunrise1981]

The Heat have this in 6 and they should have won last year if not for them playing hurt. I just think though the Heat will win in 6 because the play defense and Dallas just trys to out score you they can't play D. So I think the Mav's will have a problem when they can't stop Wade and Shaq and Walker. Now I will love to see Kobe's face after the Heat win and hear what Shaq has to say about the Lakers after all of this.

The Mavs can't play defense? How do you explain them beating the Spurs and the Suns? Two of the top Western Conference Teams?

No one can stop Shaq, that is a given. But Wade and Walker can definitely be contained.

I say Mavs in 5-6. The Heat do not, I repeat, do not beat the Mavs in the championship.

 

[Super_Ludacris]

The Mavs can't play defense? How do you explain them beating the Spurs and the Suns? Two of the top Western Conference Teams?

No one can stop Shaq, that is a given. But Wade and Walker can definitely be contained.

I say Mavs in 5-6. The Heat do not, I repeat, do not beat the Mavs in the championship.

That's what I was thinking. I mean they didnt contain Duncan but they did a good job of the rest of the Spurs. And Miami havent shown any perimeter D. Detroit just didnt have any offense (see the wide open missed shots in Game 1 and 5). But Dallas can play D. I wouldnt say Miami wont have any chance the can win it all, **** seeing them win it though

 

[samurai black]

The Mavs can't play defense? How do you explain them beating the Spurs and the Suns? Two of the top Western Conference Teams?
No one can stop Shaq, that is a given. But Wade and Walker can definitely be contained.
I say Mavs in 5-6. The Heat do not, I repeat, do not beat the Mavs in the championship.

Both teams have proven themselves. If they weren't good at playing both sides of the ball, neither team would be their conference champion. I give the edge to the Heat not just bc i'm a huge fan, but bc of the level their supporting cast is playing at. Shaq cannot be contained by dallas...period. Wade proved himself against Rip/Chauncey/Prince, all of whom are better than Terry/Harris/Howard. As i keep saying, it comes down to the supporting cast. The Heat's role players are the best in the league right now. As long they play well, there isn't much any team can do against them. They have too much experience coming off the bench. Dirk and Dallas will make it competitive, but i'm sure Avery will start stackhouse, making the mav's bench even weaker and thus, it will be their downfall.

 

[Soundwave]

My Mavs are four wins away from claiming their first NBA championship. This is gonna be a great series and I can't wait until Thursday. Both of these teams have players who present matchup problems for the other team but i think in the end my Mavs will take it in 6 or 7 games. God I hope hope Shaq doesn't win the title because all that will mean is more Kobe-bashing and I'm sick to death of hearing that. I mean, look at Shaq's supporting cast and look at Kobe's: there's no comparison.

 

[samurai black]

God I hope hope Shaq doesn't win the title because all that will mean is more Kobe-bashing and I'm sick to death of hearing that. I mean, look at Shaq's supporting cast and look at ______: there's no comparison.

You could pretty much place any current NBA player in that space. That's why they'll win a championship this year.

 

[Go Web Go!]

No one can stop Shaq, that is a given. But Wade and Walker can definitely be contained.

You know, you keep saying that but I have yet to see anyone "contain" Wade throughout these playoffs.

 

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

You know, you keep saying that but I have yet to see anyone "contain" Wade throughout these playoffs.

Word

Wade is I think underratted, not in the sense that people don't think he is good, but I don't think people relly realise how good he is. Sure Lebron is awesome, but I have been in arguement with my friend since before they both came into the league, and I still hold my opinion that Wade is the best player to come out of his class.

 

[Stringer]

Heres an interesting article on the "Lebron or Wade?" debate.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/5654072

 

[Ghostvirus]

What do you all think about the possibliity that Big Ben Wallace could sign with Da Bulls? I normally wouldn't of given it a thought. But the Pistons seemed to just totally collapse in Playoffs. There seemed to be Decention everywhere. So I think that even if B.W. doesn't go to Chicago. I don't think he is sticking around 8 Mile.

Incredible Hulk stay out of this you are to attached

 

[Mister J]

I think the only way Big Ben leaves Detroit is if they try to jack him on the paycheck. He wants to stay and it's obviously a fit for him. He was pretty steamed about the way things were falling apart though. At the end of the regular season, he and Flip got into it about the collective lack of focus heading into the playoffs.

Him in Chicago would be interesting. They need some D and rebounding to go with all the perimeter shooting. I still think he'll stay if the Pistons come with a respectable offer.

 

[DarthRekal]

go mavs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Stringer]

I really think leaving the Pistons would be a mistake for Ben if it were by choice. Almost any other team he goes to will expose more of his flaws that the Pistons were able to cover up.

 

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

So does everyone got for tomorrow night?

Let's go Heat Let's Go

 

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Heres an interesting article on the "Lebron or Wade?" debate.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/5654072

Yeah, pretty interesting

I like the break downs.

 

[toya thegr8]

D. Wade is a classy, sophisticated guy, won't find him trying to create competition.

LeBron is Jordan.

Heats take title.

 

[LastSunrise1981]

Dallas takes Game 1 tomorrow. As I said, Dallas has too much depth, foot speed, and athleticism to lose to the Heat in this series.

I still say Mavericks in 5-6 games.

Only way the Heat take the title is if something downright awful happens to Dirk.

All in all I'm looking for a great series.

Dirk is really going to make Haslem, Walker, or anyone who attempts to guard him look awful. Shaq is the only one that is of concern, as he has always played great against us, but I'm not concerned about the other guys.

Terry, Howard, Daniels, and Harris are more than capable of handling Wade and Williams that's for sure.

Now if the Heat had kept Odom, Eddie Jones, Damon Jones, and Kenyon Dooling, then I'd have to give the Heat the edge.

 

[NOFX]

Dallas takes Game 1 tomorrow. As I said, Dallas has too much depth, foot speed, and athleticism to lose to the Heat in this series.

I still say Mavericks in 5-6 games.

Only way the Heat take the title is if something downright awful happens to Dirk.

All in all I'm looking for a great series.

Dirk is really going to make Haslem, Walker, or anyone who attempts to guard him look awful. Shaq is the only one that is of concern, as he has always played great against us, but I'm not concerned about the other guys.

Terry, Howard, Daniels, and Harris are more than capable of handling Wade and Williams that's for sure.

Now if the Heat had kept Odom, Eddie Jones, Damon Jones, and Kenyon Dooling, then I'd have to give the Heat the edge.

"Your arrogance blinds you master yoda" - Star Wars Episode III Revenge of the Sith

 

[LastSunrise1981]

"Your arrogance blinds you master yoda" - Star Wars Episode III Revenge of the Sith

Don't confuse confidence with arrogance. How about those Clippers by the way?

 

[toya thegr8]

How about those Clippers by the way?

Ahahahahahahaha. I needed a good laugh.

Nicks 4evah! They're almost qualify to play in the NCAA.

 

[Go Web Go!]

I really think leaving the Pistons would be a mistake for Ben if it were by choice. Almost any other team he goes to will expose more of his flaws that the Pistons were able to cover up.

I think he'll be staying put. Detroit CAN offer him more due to the new agreement that was put in place last summer. I think he'd be a nice fit for the Suns, but that's unlikely.

Now if the Heat had kept Odom, Eddie Jones, Damon Jones, and Kenyon Dooling, then I'd have to give the Heat the edge.

Wow. That's just STUPID. No offense, but after saying something as idiotic as that no one should even pay attention to anything you type. Let's see just how much of an "edge" those players would give the Heat. Here are their totals for the 05-06 season:

Damon Jones: 6.8 PPG
Eddie Jones: 11.8 PPG
Lamar Odom: 15.8 PPG
Keyon Dooling: 9.4 PPG

Now, the actual Heat roster:

Jason Williams: 12.3 PPG
Antoine Walker: 12.2 PPG
James Posey: 7.2 PPG
Gary Payton: 7.7 PPG

Williams is an upgrade over Damon Jones. Walker is an upgrade over Eddie Jones. Posey and Odom aren't the same kind of player. Odom was the 2nd option in LA while Posey was brought in for defense and the occasional 3 pointer, so they're obviously not up for comparison. Payton is a solid back-up and is still a decent defender. I'll take him over Doolong - who left for more money anyway (as did Damon Jones)

 

[Jplaya2023]

i dont agree with twione walker being an upgrade over ejones. He may be able to create his shot better but e jones got him in defense and shooting

 

[Ghostvirus]

Miami will win no doubt. Simply because of something that know one has brought up.... Experience, Shaq has 3 champioships under his belt plus one loss. Riley has like 5-6 finals appearances, plus 3-4 championships. The Finals are a whole new level.

I really don't understand why some of you are dismissing Shaq so easily. The man is a monster. When he is on he is ON! Make no mistake Dallas fans Shaq will show up. So will Gary Payton, & Alonzo Mourning. All these people have experience which will be big trouble for Dallas. The wild card is However D-Wade, I hope that he listens to the Elder's.

 

[Jplaya2023]

5 Reasons the Miami Heat Will When The NBA Finals
Written By Robert Littal
Email me your feedback and possibly be featured in my new weekly mailbag:
[email protected]

1- Darth Kobe

One of the best motivators in the world is hate. Hate causing you to focus better, work
harder and push you to another level. Shaq hates Kobe. Shaq hates knowing in the back
of his mind when they talk about his 3 titles with the Lakers, Kobe’s name will always be
mentioned. Even though they both hate it, they are connected and the only way for either
one of them to not be connected is to win a title without the other.

An unmotivated Shaq is lazy, fat and out of shape, but a motivated Shaq is focus and
even though not the dominate player he once was, he is still by far the best center in the
game. Shaq knows he is four wins away from proving the Lakers and Dr. Buss wrong.
Shaq knows he is fours wins away from separating himself from Darth. Shaq knows he is
four wins away from being mentioned with Kareem, Wilt and Russell as one of the greatest
centers of all time. Shaq knows that if he can be dominant for 1 more series that he will
take that next step from being a great player to a legendary player. Shaq knows that this
maybe his last chance for a championship.

Shaq’s ego is as big as his body and I believe that even if it kills him he will come up
huge in this series, just so he can say:

“I TOLD YOU SO”

2- D Wade

While Shaq needs all these outside forces to get motivated, it wouldn’t matter if he didn’t
have D Wade. The real MVP of the Heat, from the first day he step on the court for them.
As Wade goes the Heat goes. If he has a great series they win, if he has a Kobe circa 2004
Finals they will lose.

Wade has a golden opportunity to be the first of the vaunted 2003 Draft Class (The King,
Melo, Chris Bosh, Chris Kaman and Kirk Hinrich) to win a ring and in sports when it is all
said and done it doesn’t matter where you are drafted or how much money you made in
endorsements all that it matters how many championships you have won. He has the
benefit of playing with Shaq while he still has a little bit left in the tank and you don’t want to
blow this opportunity. I think he will be the best player on the floor and that includes Dirk
and The Diesel.

There were only selected few in the media (myself included) who have proclaimed from the
beginning that Wade was the true engine that drove the Heat and it is now time for him to
prove us correct.

3- The Castoffs

Antoine Walker, Alonzo Mourning, Jason Williams and Gary Payton. Four players with 40
million reasons why they have never won a ring. From being on crappy teams to trying to
piggyback on winning teams only to lose. Antoine Walker and Jason Williams have been
called selfish for years and told that any team with them on it could never win a title. Young
Gary Payton couldn’t get past Michael Jordan, old Gary Payton could ride Shaq and Kobe’s
coattails to a title with the Lakers and now really old Gary Payton is trying to ride Shaq and
Wade to a title. Mourning who was on the original Heat teams that were good, but not good
enough has now come back as the prodigal son with a new kidney and the same bad
attitude.

All veterans and they all know that can’t ride the Shaq/Wade gravy train much longer
and will do whatever they have to do to win a title, just to prove to people that they can be
“team” players.

4- The Oil Slick

First the facts, Pat Riley stabbed his so-called friend Stan Van Gundy in the back. He
bailed on the Heat when they sucked. Van Gundy made the Heat respectable and with
Shaq on board got them to the Eastern Conference finals last year. Then Riley deciding
that the Heat didn’t suck anymore and seeing this would be his final opportunity as a coach
to get that 5th ring got rid of Van Gundy. Simply put a cold-blooded thing to do to a friend.

With that being said the Oil Slick has done a hell of a job meshing all these personalities
together and has the Heat playing their best ball of the season. I have a lot of respect for
The General Avery Johnson, but if it comes down to coaching I am going to have to give the
edge to Riley.

For the final reason why the Heat will win please visit http://www.blacksportsonline.com

 

[LastSunrise1981]

5 Reasons the Miami Heat Will When The NBA Finals
Written By Robert Littal
Email me your feedback and possibly be featured in my new weekly mailbag:
[email protected]

1- Darth Kobe

One of the best motivators in the world is hate. Hate causing you to focus better, work
harder and push you to another level. Shaq hates Kobe. Shaq hates knowing in the back
of his mind when they talk about his 3 titles with the Lakers, Kobe’s name will always be
mentioned. Even though they both hate it, they are connected and the only way for either
one of them to not be connected is to win a title without the other.

An unmotivated Shaq is lazy, fat and out of shape, but a motivated Shaq is focus and
even though not the dominate player he once was, he is still by far the best center in the
game. Shaq knows he is four wins away from proving the Lakers and Dr. Buss wrong.
Shaq knows he is fours wins away from separating himself from Darth. Shaq knows he is
four wins away from being mentioned with Kareem, Wilt and Russell as one of the greatest
centers of all time. Shaq knows that if he can be dominant for 1 more series that he will
take that next step from being a great player to a legendary player. Shaq knows that this
maybe his last chance for a championship.

Shaq’s ego is as big as his body and I believe that even if it kills him he will come up
huge in this series, just so he can say:

“I TOLD YOU SO”

2- D Wade

While Shaq needs all these outside forces to get motivated, it wouldn’t matter if he didn’t
have D Wade. The real MVP of the Heat, from the first day he step on the court for them.
As Wade goes the Heat goes. If he has a great series they win, if he has a Kobe circa 2004
Finals they will lose.

Wade has a golden opportunity to be the first of the vaunted 2003 Draft Class (The King,
Melo, Chris Bosh, Chris Kaman and Kirk Hinrich) to win a ring and in sports when it is all
said and done it doesn’t matter where you are drafted or how much money you made in
endorsements all that it matters how many championships you have won. He has the
benefit of playing with Shaq while he still has a little bit left in the tank and you don’t want to
blow this opportunity. I think he will be the best player on the floor and that includes Dirk
and The Diesel.

There were only selected few in the media (myself included) who have proclaimed from the
beginning that Wade was the true engine that drove the Heat and it is now time for him to
prove us correct.

3- The Castoffs

Antoine Walker, Alonzo Mourning, Jason Williams and Gary Payton. Four players with 40
million reasons why they have never won a ring. From being on crappy teams to trying to
piggyback on winning teams only to lose. Antoine Walker and Jason Williams have been
called selfish for years and told that any team with them on it could never win a title. Young
Gary Payton couldn’t get past Michael Jordan, old Gary Payton could ride Shaq and Kobe’s
coattails to a title with the Lakers and now really old Gary Payton is trying to ride Shaq and
Wade to a title. Mourning who was on the original Heat teams that were good, but not good
enough has now come back as the prodigal son with a new kidney and the same bad
attitude.

All veterans and they all know that can’t ride the Shaq/Wade gravy train much longer
and will do whatever they have to do to win a title, just to prove to people that they can be
“team” players.

4- The Oil Slick

First the facts, Pat Riley stabbed his so-called friend Stan Van Gundy in the back. He
bailed on the Heat when they sucked. Van Gundy made the Heat respectable and with
Shaq on board got them to the Eastern Conference finals last year. Then Riley deciding
that the Heat didn’t suck anymore and seeing this would be his final opportunity as a coach
to get that 5th ring got rid of Van Gundy. Simply put a cold-blooded thing to do to a friend.

With that being said the Oil Slick has done a hell of a job meshing all these personalities
together and has the Heat playing their best ball of the season. I have a lot of respect for
The General Avery Johnson, but if it comes down to coaching I am going to have to give the
edge to Riley.

For the final reason why the Heat will win please visit http://www.blacksportsonline.com

Everyone is entitled to their opinion. But we'll see.

Just because a team is stacked with "all star" talent and "motivation" doesn't mean they'll win either.

I say Dallas in 5-6.

 

[LastSunrise1981]

5 Reasons the Miami Heat Will When The NBA Finals
Written By Robert Littal
Email me your feedback and possibly be featured in my new weekly mailbag:
[email protected]

1- Darth Kobe

One of the best motivators in the world is hate. Hate causing you to focus better, work
harder and push you to another level. Shaq hates Kobe. Shaq hates knowing in the back
of his mind when they talk about his 3 titles with the Lakers, Kobe’s name will always be
mentioned. Even though they both hate it, they are connected and the only way for either
one of them to not be connected is to win a title without the other.

An unmotivated Shaq is lazy, fat and out of shape, but a motivated Shaq is focus and
even though not the dominate player he once was, he is still by far the best center in the
game. Shaq knows he is four wins away from proving the Lakers and Dr. Buss wrong.
Shaq knows he is fours wins away from separating himself from Darth. Shaq knows he is
four wins away from being mentioned with Kareem, Wilt and Russell as one of the greatest
centers of all time. Shaq knows that if he can be dominant for 1 more series that he will
take that next step from being a great player to a legendary player. Shaq knows that this
maybe his last chance for a championship.

Shaq’s ego is as big as his body and I believe that even if it kills him he will come up
huge in this series, just so he can say:

“I TOLD YOU SO”

2- D Wade

While Shaq needs all these outside forces to get motivated, it wouldn’t matter if he didn’t
have D Wade. The real MVP of the Heat, from the first day he step on the court for them.
As Wade goes the Heat goes. If he has a great series they win, if he has a Kobe circa 2004
Finals they will lose.

Wade has a golden opportunity to be the first of the vaunted 2003 Draft Class (The King,
Melo, Chris Bosh, Chris Kaman and Kirk Hinrich) to win a ring and in sports when it is all
said and done it doesn’t matter where you are drafted or how much money you made in
endorsements all that it matters how many championships you have won. He has the
benefit of playing with Shaq while he still has a little bit left in the tank and you don’t want to
blow this opportunity. I think he will be the best player on the floor and that includes Dirk
and The Diesel.

There were only selected few in the media (myself included) who have proclaimed from the
beginning that Wade was the true engine that drove the Heat and it is now time for him to
prove us correct.

3- The Castoffs

Antoine Walker, Alonzo Mourning, Jason Williams and Gary Payton. Four players with 40
million reasons why they have never won a ring. From being on crappy teams to trying to
piggyback on winning teams only to lose. Antoine Walker and Jason Williams have been
called selfish for years and told that any team with them on it could never win a title. Young
Gary Payton couldn’t get past Michael Jordan, old Gary Payton could ride Shaq and Kobe’s
coattails to a title with the Lakers and now really old Gary Payton is trying to ride Shaq and
Wade to a title. Mourning who was on the original Heat teams that were good, but not good
enough has now come back as the prodigal son with a new kidney and the same bad
attitude.

All veterans and they all know that can’t ride the Shaq/Wade gravy train much longer
and will do whatever they have to do to win a title, just to prove to people that they can be
“team” players.

4- The Oil Slick

First the facts, Pat Riley stabbed his so-called friend Stan Van Gundy in the back. He
bailed on the Heat when they sucked. Van Gundy made the Heat respectable and with
Shaq on board got them to the Eastern Conference finals last year. Then Riley deciding
that the Heat didn’t suck anymore and seeing this would be his final opportunity as a coach
to get that 5th ring got rid of Van Gundy. Simply put a cold-blooded thing to do to a friend.

With that being said the Oil Slick has done a hell of a job meshing all these personalities
together and has the Heat playing their best ball of the season. I have a lot of respect for
The General Avery Johnson, but if it comes down to coaching I am going to have to give the
edge to Riley.

For the final reason why the Heat will win please visit http://www.blacksportsonline.com

Everyone is entitled to their opinion. But we'll see.

Just because a team is stacked with "all star" talent and "motivation" doesn't mean they'll win either.

I say Dallas in 5-6.

Shaq is playing great basketball now. However, I have faith in Dallas and I believe that they'll win the championship. The Heat are not as good as the Spurs or the Suns, so again, we'll see what happens in this series.

I'm expecting a great series and I wouldn't be surprised if it goes 7 Games.