CHANGSTAR: Audiophile Headphone Reviews and Early 90s Style BBS
Non-Audio Stuff => Random Thoughts => Topic started by: Anaxilus. on July 08, 2013, 02:32:53 AM
-
Had to start a NBA thread after this Dwightmare stuff. As a Laker fan I could really care less either way whether he stayed or went, I really felt negative about both possibilities and it seems clear giving him a Laker's jersey was a mistake from the get go.
My beef is w/ people that think Dwight going to Houston makes them a championship team. I mean, get real. This is the same team that lost to the banged up and turmoiled Lakers last season. Lin is a shell of himself and all they really have is Harden and DH. Neither of which have any championship experience. Parsons is good, but will he ever really be great? Asik wants out so he's gone. I thought the Houston choice made sense when they were hoping to go after J. Smith. Now that J. Smith is in Detroit, this Houston business seems more hype to me. At this point I see Houston as a 3-5 seed out West behind OKC and SA. Tied w/ or below LAC and GS w/ Memphis nipping at their heels. Not to mention if Houston even makes it through that crucible, what the heck are they going to do against Miami or Brooklyn? Houston is still at least two years off from making a serious championship run due to lack of experience and other factors. At which point, guess what? He can opt out of his contract...again!
Which brings me to GS. In my mind, the only reason to go to Houston over GS was taxes and the supposed benefit of access to Kevin McHale and Hakeem the Dream. At this point, DH is much closer to Ralph Sampson than Hakeem Olajuwon. He will never be Hakeem, he's too slow and too dumb. From a pure talent perspective, fan support and fun factor/lack of pressure, and Jerry West running things, GS just kills Houston. GS has the best fans in the NBA next to Memphis, a new stadium opening up, and just signed Iguadola. In my mind, money did play a role w/ tax incentives and marketing a couple billion jerseys in China.
I just think DH fucked up again. Likely because Howard and Harden have the same agent, Rob Pelinka. In my mind, GS was the better choice if it were possible which I think it certainly was. This whole DH drama has been totally overhyped and DH will probably come out the biggest loser in the end unless they land or develop another big piece to their puzzle.
-
A lot of the hype has to do with not much else to talk about with the season over and Dwight relishing in being an attention whore. I think he made a good decision going to Houston, but GS makes sense as well. Both make much more sense than staying with the ancient Lakers and getting all the blame again. I don't think HOU is an automatic favorite to come out the West or anything, but they should have home court in the 1st round at least (OKC/SA/LAC/HOU). HOU is built pretty similar to that finals Magic team in that they're fast paced, love to shoot 3s, have a decent PG, a big with range, and a guy who can set Dwight up (though Harden is drastically better than Turk). They were an up and coming team last year and they added a top player is the way I look at it. I'm not exactly sure if you can just say GS roster > HOU roster though...wouldn't GS had to have done a sign and trade to get Dwight? I thought they'd be way over the cap and couldn't just sign him outright, especially after signing Iggy. If that's the case there's no telling who would have been traded but I'm sure at least one of their young promising players would have been included and then it's debatable whether or not that roster is still > HOU. I actually think GS is getting pretty overrated...let's not forget they went to the 2nd round because they faced an injured Denver team.
Utah fan here. VERY happy with our offseason. We're finally out of the "trying to get 8th place/get high draft picks" era and now are in an obvious rebuilding phase. So glad I don't have to watch Jefferson anymore, sad Millsap had to go but it didn't make sense to keep him, upset we couldn't keep Carroll, and praying we don't sign Mo "I think I'm Magic in his prime" Williams. Now we can finally give our young talent (Favors/Kanter/Hayward/Burks) proper playing time to develop. We should lose plenty, giving us a nice pick of our own in the supposedly stacked upcoming draft, as well as getting GS' picks. We were under the salary minimum, so instead of signing any veterans to multiple year deals, we took on expiring contracts so we can renew Favors/Hayward next year and Kanter/Burks the year after. We'll also have enough cap space (most in the league) in the offseason to sign an all star if necessary. I expect us to be a lot like Portland was this past year - a good starting line up with a dreadful bench...or basically the opposite of what we've been the last few years. Oh ya, and I'm pretty happy with our draft too ;) (Burke; Gobert, a freakishly long but pretty weak French C; and Raul Neto, that Brazilian PG who turned heads at the Olympics and has the same trainer as Rubio). Hoping the lottery gods are on our side and we get Wiggins ;D
-
I can't hate on Utah too much, you guys got Burke so....
I'd only agree to your analysis of Houston's lineup IF they convince Asik to stay and actually perform. We saw Howard try to do the twin towers thing in LA for a brief time, ugh. Asik staying amounts to career suicide at this point in his young career. If GS had to give up Barnes and Thompson, then yes, but if only one then I think GS has the edge if Asik leaves. Though my faith in Mark Jackson as a championship level coach is very little. Houston only works if DH puts in the time and effort to take advantage of the mentors. This is questionable. GS provides the better/best moral support. DH could take a dump on the golden gate bridge logo at center court and the fans would still go nutz! I also see Steph Curry as being the better outside shooter and ball distributor compared to Harden. I think SC is the far better floor general for DH assuming he can stay healthy. Will Harden do a Wade or Kobe? Meh, too late.
Yes, the Lakers are anemic. Mostly because they gave up the ship pursuing Chris Paul (fucked by Stern) and DH (mental infant) with the original intent to get them both. So yeah, anemic. Though considering they had around the 4th best record in the NBA after the All-Star break, I think their reported demise was a bit of a joke. Regardless, I'm appreciative of the clarity of direction that the Lakers now have. Now it's just a matter of time before D'Antoni and then Jim Buss gets the goat if things don't start to make sense. If Kobe and Pau can keep the numbers up into 2015, get some solid picks and FAs, I think other teams will have plenty to worry about. The Lakers are far from done.
-
Dude, you're going to love Ryan Kelly. He's perfect for a D'Antoni system, and his defense is vastly underrated.
-
Hope he can find a spot at SF since we got Chris Kaman. That would be a hilarious front court w/ three 7 footers that can shoot. Sounds like he can defend the paint, not sure about foot speed though. Bet he'll come off the bench if he can make the team which should be fine for his first year. Artest should come off the bench.
I'm still not a fan of small ball though, the paint needs to be pounded. Gives you offensive rebounds, trips to the FT line and pressures the D. I really don't care how many titles Miami wins, they run a pretty shit offense w/o quick transition scoring, Lebron doing his Kobe and Battier draining threes. I don't think that system deserves emulation unless you plan on letting the Spurs give you a ring.
-
Just want to say, I think Kaman is really good. I've been a huge fan ever since he broke out with the Clippers. Great footwork around the key and he's just as good a shooter as Gasol IMO. I like him a lot more at that position than a meathead like Howard or Bynum. Only real issue is his defense. Maybe it's gotten better since he left the Clippers; guess we'll see.
For the record, I'm not a Laker fan ;)
-
Hehehe. Lakers/Clippers. FU Doc Rivers.
-
damn I lost 10 bucks on that game...I'm shocked :/
-
I'll give the clippers a few games to figure things out.
I only saw a quarter last night, 3rd quarter of Heat/Bulls at the gym, and it was some of the worst basketball I've ever seen. Sloppy, ugly play all around, no ball movement, falling into traps 4 feet behind the arc, and lots of jimmy butler easy layups. Apparently Miami had a good rest of the game though.
I'm really interested to see what Indiana can do with a full playoff series this year, they're just so deep.
-
Go Sox! :)p1
Sorry for the thread crap, I can't resist when my Sox are fighting for the series!!
-
Ugh. I'd rather watch test cricket than the NBA. At least something interesting happens every hour or so. :vomit:
Basketball starts next week.
-
Woohoo. Just found this thread -- as it doesn't show up in the front page.
GO WARRIORS.
I know we faced terrible competition last night, but things looked encouraging. Doesn't hurt that Klay had a career game -- if only he could be more consistent. I love the way our defense looks now with D. Lee and Bogut as big bodies inside and Iguodala defending the perimeter. Let's see how it goes against the Clips tonight.
-
Splash brothers!
I don't get to see many Warriors games but I love watching them play. Steph Curry is incredible, it is a pity he keeps getting hurt. I still remember that run he made in the tournament with Davidson.
I have to give some love to my Raptor's. I really like the way they are developing the team. DeRozan has become much more well rounded since the start of last year. Getting rid of Bargnani and picking up Novak was a good move as well. After the disaster that was the Blue Jay's I am looking forward to the NBA season. At this point all I want is to see some competitive games from the Rap's.
-
So, Mike, you were right about Westbrook, it just took a serious injury for him to figure out how to play point guard. Loving the assist tallies he's posting now and he's basically averaging a triple double these days. That opening few minutes of the Denver game he was on fire with passes setting up Ibaka, and continued passing well the rest of the game. I'd say he's the complete package now. I never thought he could get there, but like I said, perhaps it was only because of the injury, giving him time to think and learn.
-
(http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3740825/noooknicks.gif)
-
I try to like Reggie Jackson, but he tries to bull his way around on offense. The other day he got himself into foul trouble by getting 3 offensive fouls all charging. He had to sit a lot due to having 4 fouls. That was our loss @ Washington.
One other thing I'm not liking is the Thunder used to have excellent free throw shooting, but lately we've had a lot of 60-75% FT shooting games where in the past a sub-75% FT game was the exception. Seems to have been like this at least since the new year, perhaps somewhat before. I think perhaps this is the combination of Steven Adams shooting 62% and Reggie Jackson seems to miss a couple any time he gets 4+ FT attempts.
Loving the development of Ibaka. I'm hoping Westbrook and he will continue what Durant and he are doing currently with the pick and pop and develop it further. Can you imagine having Ibaka doing screen roll with both Durant and Westbrook at even half the ability level of Stockton/Mailman. Unlike Stockton, Durant and Westbrook have confidence in their shot, and this may be early, but I think Ibaka might be the better jump shooter between him and Malone. What Ibaka lacks is the killer instinct going to the rim like Malone had.
-
I like Jackson and Adams. Isn't the Jackson situation similar to Bledsoe last year? ie. he might end up playing his way into a contract too big for OKC to keep him (as a backup). I can't help but get the feeling Westbrook will eventually end up with the Lakers though.
I don't see the Stockton/Malone comparisons really. I think CP3/Blake are much more reminiscent of that duo. Westbrook is the polar opposite of John, but I agree that Ibaka's midrange jumper is very nice. He needs to develop more post moves though...
And I couldn't let that ridiculous statement go by, but you don't consistently shoot between 50-57% every year without confidence in your shot.
-
I didn't say they were exactly like Stockton and Malone, now did I? I said even half as good would be potent since either Durant or Westbrook would be off the ball waiting to launch a three or cutting to the basket.
Stockton was a pass first point guard, fact. His career average points per game is only 13.1.
I think Jackson will stay low contract backup at OKC, but I wouldn't miss him if he moved on. He's not talented enough for a big contract. I like Steven Adams, but he needs a lot of work, mostly staying out of foul trouble.
edit: Perhaps you didn't see the Westbrook of this season. He's being much more pass oriented while also still being aggressive with scoring himself. As I said in a post earlier in this thread he's gone from Westbrick to a fully rounded, though still a little turn-over happy point guard that can also score like an all-star if the situation requires.
-
I don't think there are many HOF PGs that lack confidence in their shot. I think you're confusing not taking tons of shots with a lack of confidence. He wasn't afraid to shoot or something...he just tried to make the smart play and execute what Sloan commanded (interesting fact: Stockton never called plays).
I'm not putting Westbrook down. I actually do like him a lot. He's just very, very different than Stockton to me. Still a great player, though.
-
To continue shoutbox thread, I think Fish's first release, by the Jazz, was without trickery. LA had good doctors, and its not like he was going to go to the Clippers. It's not like he was jumping ship to be with a contender, Utah and LA were on pretty even footing that year. LA was three games up, both were tops in their division in strong WC, Utah was knocked out in conference semis by LA. If they could have paid a legitimate star 13M a year instead of AK, they would have been my favorite that year.
Some of the later stuff seems a bit more fishy. Coming to the Mavs right after a title for example, (possibly) only to leave when it turned out they weren't going anywhere.
It would be interesting if he used his daughter as an excuse every time but from what I know, that's not the case. I haven't exactly followed it with a hawk's eye, my eye is usually on the East.
-
To continue shoutbox thread, I think Fish's first release, by the Jazz, was without trickery. LA had good doctors, and its not like he was going to go to the Clippers. It's not like he was jumping ship to be with a contender, Utah and LA were on pretty even footing that year. LA was three games up, both were tops in their division in strong WC, Utah was knocked out in conference semis by LA. If they could have paid a legitimate star 13M a year instead of AK, they would have been my favorite that year.
Some of the later stuff seems a bit more fishy. Coming to the Mavs right after a title for example, (possibly) only to leave when it turned out they weren't going anywhere.
It would be interesting if he used his daughter as an excuse every time but from what I know, that's not the case. I haven't exactly followed it with a hawk's eye, my eye is usually on the East.
This ^. I'd need to see actual evidence to to be able to judge whether he was making lemonade from lemons or was actually an evil genius.
-
Saw this (http://www.sloansportsconference.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/2014_SSAC_Pointwise-Predicting-Points-and-Valuing-Decisions-in-Real-Time.pdf) linked on Grantland, seems like an interesting metric to add to the mix. Chris Paul adding the most total points per game and Ricky Rubio subtracting the most sure makes sense to me. Wouldn't be surprised if new school guys like Presti and Morey start using this data by next year when it will have been integrated league-wide.
On Brooks as a good/bad coach, this is going to be a debate until he wins a championship or is fired. No one truly knew with Doug Collins either (outside of the intangibles which Collins was horrible with, see When Nothing Else Matters for full description of his crazy when it came to interpersonal/emotional things) until PJ took over and the Bulls soared and Doug was seen as stunted retroactively. Another coach may well have been able to do the same with similar transcendent talent (especially as Brooks had the Trinity the only time they've made it to the finals.) There are certain points that seem to bode well for his coaching prowess - one is OKC's surprisingly good defense that only seems to be getting better (7th in pts allowed, 4th defensive rating, first in TRB and blocks) along with their minimal dropoff in play over with Westbrook out this season (though the stellar play of Lamb and Jackson was certainly a larger factor than coaching.) Offensively, OKC still runs things pretty archaicly compared to some other squads - the famous pindown that they ran 10 straight times against the Spurs in the playoffs two years ago is still their go-to, other than doing Jordan ball with Durant. Watching the Heat-Clippers last night, especially the first two quarters, was revelatory - this is how an offense should run. Wade, James, Bosh all got so many shots a foot or two from the basket with an array of screens, backdoors, and corner three misdirection. I'd like to see OKC get more smart shots.
Brooks is certainly no Del Negro, but I don't think he's Pop either. He strikes me as more of a Skiles, with a more even temperament and slightly more emphasis on offense. He fell into a tremendous situation and appears to be making the most of it.
-
That's a debate I wasn't even interested in having. Though it is interesting. The original question is whether Brooks was using or knew how to use Fisher appropriately. I think there are a lot of valid points to support the decision. Others think Brooks use of Fisher means Brooks=Tyrone Corbin which makes no sense to me based on any evidence or logic I can think of.
-
Must have skimmed the box too quickly, seemed like two random topics (Fish and Brooks.) Don't pay enough attention to OKC's games, specifically Fish's play to have an opinion. He seemed pretty good against the heat the other week though.
I do think at this point, the Thunder as an organization are more interested in grooming the young guys than putting in the aging vet. So whether or not Brooks knows how to utilize may partially tie into when he is utilized, and this might be affected by the guys upstairs. When they signed him in the first place he seemed like he was there more for the playoff/championship experience and veteran presence on a very young team than for his particular skill set.
-
Not entirely on the topic of discussion, but Tari's point on grooming young guys seems more like an overall trend in the league than it has in the past. I like that. It is nice to see some of the small market teams that can't attract big names doing better this year. There are a lot of young guys with something to prove coming into the league now that are getting a chance with the older established stars getting older. There was a span there where it didn't seem like there were guys taking the place of someone like Kobe. I use DeMar DeRozan as an example because I have watched him develop over the last couple of years. I think the big market teams putting all their eggs in the "Big Three" basket has made the league more competitive as whole. The big name guys with big contracts are getting older and becoming a liability.
-
So question, is taking the time to groom a young PG worth risking the #1 seed and home court for the Playoffs and Finals if all you care about is killing the Heat?
-
I say kill the Heat!
The problem a team like OKC has is that it is very difficult to keep your talent together when you have those young guys develop into fully fledged players. Either they get sniped with big contracts that you can't match (ahem Harden) or they want to have their own team (ahem Harden). If winning at all costs right now is your goal then there is no question you forget about giving your young guys playing time. You reach a critical point where you have to take a chance or else the whole thing will collapse around you when you can't keep that core of players together.
This is most important in the NBA. You are always going to have superstars, but the talented role players can be the difference between winning and losing. Think of Lebron in Cleveland vs. Lebron in Miami. While I dislike Bosh and he isn't a number one max contract guy, he makes a big difference on the Heat. Same as Harden in OKC, Fischer in LA, Pippen in Chi etc.
-
Just saw the highlights of the Clippers/76ers game. Or should I say Harlem Globetrotters/76ers game. :-DD
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1953965-philadelphia-76ers-vs-los-angeles-clippers-2914-video-highlights-and-recap
-
They would never have been able to do that in Milwaukee with the Sanders/Henson/Gianis trio!
They'd still beat the Bucks by 40 though. Until we get Embiid (http://www.tankingforwiggins.com/)that is.
-
Haha, you guys aren't getting Embiid. :)p13
-
Lakers going to tank enough to get him then?
-
That tanking for wiggins site is odd. They have Philadelphia taking 3 shooting guards and 2 small forwards in the first 2 rounds.
Also noticed if Indiana keeps this up their first pick of the draft will be at the end of the second round. Sucks to be them.
-
Lakers going to tank enough to get him then?
I was hoping so, but he says he wants to go back to school which would mean the only way to get him would be trade or free agency. If you look at the stats, the worst team record doesn't get #1 as often as you might think. Usually somewhere between 3-6. I just want to finish worse than the Celtics because I know Ainge will just draft whatever the Lakers want to spite us.
-
Man, Miami/GSW was a great game:
Steph going ridiculously efficient, Barnes heating up at the right time, Lee getting the weaker Beasley near the end and nearly coming back from down 20.
Lebron seemed alternately petulant, frustrated, and unstoppable, but you just knew he was going for a 3 on that last drive or going home. Weird fact I learned from this game was that his first game winner ever was in GS - in 2009. That means he played 6 years before hitting one! People forget just how big his reputation was for shirking responsibility at big moments for years. Totally different player now. Fading left at that angle from that distance with cool confidence was just primal.
-
Yup, nice game. I actually noticed a small tell on Lebron's step back jumper.
Btw, I'm gonna be pissed if the Lakers beat OKC tonight. They better re-sign Kendall Marshall! One of, if not the best court vision and distribution I've seen recently. Also keeps the turnovers down and a good ball handler. Keep improving the jumper, 3, and D and I'd be fine running with him for the next ten years. We've been missing the Showtime element ever since the Kobe isolation show took over and we need people that keep turnovers low and get everyone the ball.
If we don't get Embiid, I'd go after Vonleh (low BB IQ and lack of explosiveness are worrisome though) to pair with Kevin Love. Parker at SF is a possibility but is he physically gifted enough on both sides to be a superstar or is he deceptively gifted? I don't want another Laetner. We don't need to waste precious picks on mystery PG's and SG's that are a dime a dozen in free agency either. I definitely will be pissed if Buss lets D'Antoni draft a PG trying to build some BS Clippers/Paul offense. I'm not a fan of offensively oriented small scoring PGs dominating an offense.
-
OKC pulled it out with a 35 point 4th.
I was impressed with Marshall. 17 assists is amazing for anyone. 3 more rebounds and he'd have had a triple double, too.
-
Yeah, Derek Fisher +19 on the +/-. Pretty decent overall stats for 22min and some timely shots for the old scumbag.
If they don't hang on to Marshall I'm going to burn Jim Buss' house to the ground. All this Melo talk is freaking me out too, anyone in their right mind knows he's worthless to any team pushing for a championship. Maybe in a few more years as a scorer coming off the bench. I could barely survive Kobe's antics for the last decade and a half, I'd have to kill myself with Melo.
-
Hot Hand quantified http://www.sloansportsconference.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/2014_SSAC_The-Hot-Hand-A-New-Approach.pdf (http://www.sloansportsconference.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/2014_SSAC_The-Hot-Hand-A-New-Approach.pdf) <-- first research paper I've seen that's emblazoned with corporate sponsor logos. NBA keepin it real
-
Russell Westbrook triple double in just 20 game minutes. Sure it was against Philly, but still that's impressive.
(http://i57.tinypic.com/3503ss2.jpg)
-
Not sure what's more impressive, that or Durant's 42 in three quarters off 20 shots. Good to see that Westbrook is staying healthy and finding ways to contribute, his role is shifting slightly in the new hierarchy, they don't need him to score in quite the same way (see the balance of today's box score other than Durant.)
More impressive still - watched Lebron dismantle the bobcats and it was just awesome, especially when he was 8/8 behind the line. The percentages considering the amount of tough shots taken (including his new go-to that he first busted out as a game winner but used at the all star games and in almost every game since, the deep left wing 3 fading left.) The Cats actually have good defensive stats as a team (points allowed, ppp, all that) but they just don't have a great wing defender - part of the reason Lebron and Melo hung the only 60 point games this season. (They also collapse in the paint too easy, seems like its almost deliberate strategy but I have no idea to what end.
-
Had to leave this here for those that haven't seen it yet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnaZBRumpg4
-
For posterity:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zExrVyTX_aw
-
Had to leave this here for those that haven't seen it yet.
That's hilarious. Too bad Lillard probably won't ever win a ring.
So the Thunder played some rather uninspiring ball from all star break to finale. Given the last 3 games of the season I have no idea what team will show up Saturday.
Anyone got picks for the playoffs?
Here's the matchups:
East
Pacers/Hawks
Heat/Bobcats
Raptors/Nets
Bulls/Wizards
West
Spurs/Mavs
Thunder/Grizzlies
Clips/Warriors
Rockets/Blazers
I don't have enough savvy to pick series in a number of games, but feel free to do so. My first round picks:
Pacers - Somehow they will hobble through the first round, though the Hawks have moments of relevance. Pacers have matchup advantage if they actually feel like playing.
Heat - Bobcats...
Raptors - Respect is certainly due to the Nets, they've played solid ball since 2014 hit, but I've been more impressed by the Raptors. Raptors have crafty players who can circumvent the Nets more defensive setup.
Bulls - Wizards simply aren't up to the task. This won't be easy for the Bulls, but they will pull it out.
Spurs - More weapons, better bench, fundamentally stronger. While Timmy and Dirk are both near the end of their careers, Duncan has the superior support.
Thunder - Thunder has Memphis' number lately, but I expect this to go at least 6 games.
Clips - Though I love Curry, his squad is outmatched at every position. Griffin and CP3 will be too much.
Blazers - Rockets are either on or off, they don't know how to play an average game. Blazers are desperate to prove the haters wrong. I see it happening. Either way, there will be basically no defense played in this series. 120-130 points a piece every game.
Btw, wanted to put in my vote for 6th man of the year - Half man, half amazing.
-
Spurs beat Rockets and lose to Thunder. Spurs have enough to beat the Rockets still but not enough to hang with the Thunder. Too old and tired. Pacers play Heat. Pacers can beat Heat BUT that weird ass meltdown towards the end is a bad portend. I still think Vogel is out of his depth. Honestly I can't call it between them and think the Thunder and KD win it all finally, barring Beverly making physical contact with Westbrook again which was still absolutely one of the dumbest defensive plays I've ever seen that could have ended a potential HoF career.
(http://www.nba.com/teamsites/thunder/sites/thunder/files/nba_team_local_logo.png)
-
Now you make me nervous picking my team to win it all :-DD
By the way, I actually hope the Nets can win the series as they have the best chance to upset the Heat, IMO, but I'm not sure the Nets can get past the Raps.
Also, I wanted to congratulate the East for getting all but one playoff team over .500. Quite an accomplishment :)p13
-
I haven't been following the last couple of months closely enough to have any good predictions though I am very excited for the start of the playoffs tomorrow. At the All-Star break I thought the Pacer's were the team to beat but the Granger trade appears to have really messed up team chemistry. Clippers/Warriors is the series to watch for me. I just wish the games weren't on so damn late.
I was happy to see the Raptors able to be competitive despite the help from a weak division. I am completely biased, however I will take Raps over the Nets in five....you heard it here first!
Overall I think OKC is the team to beat this year. They have a good combination of playoff experience and youth right now. I hope they do well. I don't think they will get many more chances with this core group of players.
-
Looking at the chart, I'd say the Spurs have better wriggling space compared to the Thunders if both were to meet at the Conference Finals. Memphis will put up bodies and they're fantastic at physical plays. LAC is likely to triumph over Warriors since Bogut isn't there, and CP-BG combo is likely to make a run at RW and Thunders' paint's D. If they could somehow wear out KD, well, it's gonna be a long series for Thunders. Spurs, OTOH, will have a Texas showdown which they'll likely (again) to rely on same ol' repeating boring routine plays to beat the Mavs, and Mavs' survival entirely relies on how much gas Dirk still has in his tank, and how Ellis would stay cool, keeps out from his back injury and penetrates (which is many times much more difficult on Spurs' interior D). Either HOU or POR ain't a big fuss for Spurs, if they manage to take the Mavs in 5 or 6 and have a breathing room to face either said team (which lacks experience for big games IMHO).
IND will beat ATL and find their "true" self, I hope. Get the chemistry going before taking on CHI (I think they'll beat Wiz with Noah and experience). MIA will manhandle either TOR or Nets (these two teams might drag on to Game 7 I guess). I still want to believe that LBJ can win over PG with a semi-healthy Wade, if not, they'll really have to pray for Game 6 Finals' miracle all over the series.
I'd pick the Heat vs. Thunder in Finals, and the Thunder finally surpasses the Heat.
-
Thunder depressing me. Letting Memphis dictate the game. End of regulation, tied up, trying to get a lead and you have your more defensive setup on the court? Brooks needs to shake some things up, perhaps throw an all-offense setup at them for most of a game? Memphis is able to permanently double team Durant or Westbrook when it's their starting 5 cause the others aren't a threat.
-
is the Pacers gonna go home earlier than expected? And the Thunders too? I think something will happen in Game 4, and that'll turn the tide of the series. Or else it'd be a real jaw-dropping.
-
Pacers who knows.
Ibaka needs to show up and stay involved. He ran out of steam and cost the Thunder the game. He was completely lost in that play being where he shouldn't have been grabbing the pass for a turnover. That was the end of the game right there.
I'd say the Clippers, Rockets and Spurs have more to worry about than those two.
-
IMHO:
Spurs are too consistent. It would really take Dallas some serious effort to overcome them, and that lies not on Nowitzki but more on Ellis, since his production is somewhat inconsistent but crucial.
Rockets? Even if they could somehow beat the Blazers, Harden will kill them with his non-defense.
Clips kill themselves before they got killed. BG lets them hang on the rope, not CP3.
Indiana my oh my...
Nets vs Raptors... that somehow makes two lesser star players (JJ and DeRozan) become heroes. DeRozan got Kobe in him, I mean, the Field Goal...
-
Sheesh. Gonna have a heart attack soon. 3rd OT game in a row, and KD/WB can't hit the broad side of a barn, and we still come away 2-2 thanks to Reggie Jackson. Those free throws at the end.. ice in his veins.
-
Sheesh. Gonna have a heart attack soon. 3rd OT game in a row, and KD/WB can't hit the broad side of a barn, and we still come away 2-2 thanks to Reggie Jackson. Those free throws at the end.. ice in his veins.
Told ya I liked Jackson. Just a bit young and raw. If the Thunder are going to win it, Ibaka needs to nut up and control the paint more, he a tad too passive out there for my liking.
-
Furious with Durant. Misses the free throw that would tie it, then with 2.6 seconds left, in the bonus, he decides the best shot is a turn around fade away 3 pointer from 30 feet? WTF? We don't deserve to win this series with that kind of thinking.
-
Pacers and Thunder really want the Heat to threepeat it seems.
-
Pacers and Thunder really want the Heat to threepeat it seems.
no kidding...
-
Well, that was definitely the greatest first round ever. I was right on all but 2 series. I expected the Bulls to put up much more fight than they did. So much for defense winning championships. I was hoping the Nets would win to give the Heat a challenge, but didn't think they could get through the Raptors, and they almost didn't.
Semis are:
Spurs vs Blazers
Thunder vs Clips
Pacers vs Wizards
Heat vs Nets
I think the Blazers will win a couple, but eventually be outmatched by experience. - Spurs win
Probably the second most difficult series pick is Clips/Thunder. Both are dangerous fast paced teams. Wouldn't be surprised to see Clips win, but I've gotta be a homer. - Thunder win
Pacers, as I said, hobbled through the first round, but it ends here. The Wizards are playing great and the inconsistency of Indiana will doom them. - Wizards win
I think the season sweep of the Heat is no fluke. The Heat will certainly be competitive, but here is where I pick them to fall. Surely to go at least 6 if not 7 games. - Nets win
-
Really didn't expect all the top seeds to advance, especially the Pacers.
Heat vs Thunder in my finals, it's destiny.
-
Really didn't expect all the top seeds to advance, especially the Pacers.
Heat vs Thunder in my finals, it's destiny.
Destiny wants a Spurs/Heat rematch so we can all cry at the spectacle and change channels to the Voice or whatever people watch these days.
From one of the most exciting first rounds ever to an absolutely horrid display of amateur streetball in the second round. Horrible. I'm stunned at the lack of growth and maturity by Westbrook and Durant in how they've responded to the playoffs. They look like it's their first time. I understand it more coming from the Pacers but not the Thunder.
I just want to watch the lottery at this point.
-
Doh, Ibaka out for the season. Thunder are likely fucked. Frickin' Spurs Heat rematch and Parker is hurt again. I can't bare to watch a Heat 3 peat.
-
Ibaka being out is bad. He's the main guy who keeps Tony Parker in check. I hope this means a lot more playing time for Adams, though. His offense isn't great yet, but he's only 20 and already a beast on defense and the boards.
Pacers rocked Miami pretty good yesterday, 3 peat may be premature. We'll see if they can maintain it. They are finally at the spot they've been gearing up for all year, if they are going to play inspired ball it will be now.
-
Ibaka being out is bad. He's the main guy who keeps Tony Parker in check. I hope this means a lot more playing time for Adams, though. His offense isn't great yet, but he's only 20 and already a beast on defense and the boards.
Pacers rocked Miami pretty good yesterday, 3 peat may be premature. We'll see if they can maintain it. They are finally at the spot they've been gearing up for all year, if they are going to play inspired ball it will be now.
They just need a big body to board and control the paint without getting in foul trouble. The latter is a problem because Adams is a rookie so he will get lit up by refs like a Christmas tree on the fouls just because. Ibaka out always throws a wrench in Brooks #1 go to inbound play under 5 seconds left (Westbrook or Durant launch a 3 for Ibaka to put back). What's more worrying is the lack of sharing and ball movement by Durant and Westbrook during the playoffs. This is exactly the thing Brooks talked to both of them about at the start of the season and it's not translating in the post season so far.
Doubtful the Pacers could repeat that balance and high percentage scoring consistently. I wouldn't look at it anymore significantly than Chris Paul's game 1 against the Thunder. If they lose game 2 to the Heat they are in trouble. If they win then they will be in really good shape. Pacers couldn't close out the Heat really towards the end and Watson and Mahinmi are just terrible. If Vogel counts on those two for anything from the bench they will be screwed. Van Gundy thinks Watson is good which tells you he isn't.
The question too is how hurt is Tony Parker and do the Spurs have enough Geritol to keep the energy up? I have to say I'd love to see Leonard on the Lakers sometime soon. He's exactly what they need along with a Bynum type Center. I could live with a Kobe/Love Vonleh and Leonard Lakers.
-
Effing Cleveland...what a waste.
-
That is ridiculous. Have the Lebron reparations been paid yet?
-
Going to be a lot of what ifs about Ibaka playing games 1+2. Oh well, we obviously had consistency issues all playoffs long.
Rooting for Spurs, but expecting a Heatpeat.
-
Going to be a lot of what ifs about Ibaka playing games 1+2. Oh well, we obviously had consistency issues all playoffs long.
Rooting for Spurs, but expecting a Heatpeat.
Is basketball still on? I'm watching the LA Kings.
Heat/Spurs rematch with another hurt Tony Parker is like my nightmare scenario coming true. This new NBA/Heat/D'Antoni small ball push is a bunch of crap and I'm going to hurl if a 3-peat validates this nonsense somehow w/ the press.
-
Going to be a lot of what ifs about Ibaka playing games 1+2. Oh well, we obviously had consistency issues all playoffs long.
Rooting for Spurs, but expecting a Heatpeat.
Is basketball still on? I'm watching the LA Kings.
Heat/Spurs rematch with another hurt Tony Parker is like my nightmare scenario coming true. This new NBA/Heat/D'Antoni small ball push is a bunch of crap and I'm going to hurl if a 3-peat validates this nonsense somehow w/ the press.
Not sure how you lumped the current Heat team and D'Antoni together... Per BBR, the Heat has been playing at the slowest pace out of the 16 playoff teams (yes, even slower than the Bulls), while the Spurs are ranked fourth (faster than the Rockets).
-
Going to be a lot of what ifs about Ibaka playing games 1+2. Oh well, we obviously had consistency issues all playoffs long.
Rooting for Spurs, but expecting a Heatpeat.
Is basketball still on? I'm watching the LA Kings.
Heat/Spurs rematch with another hurt Tony Parker is like my nightmare scenario coming true. This new NBA/Heat/D'Antoni small ball push is a bunch of crap and I'm going to hurl if a 3-peat validates this nonsense somehow w/ the press.
Not sure how you lumped the current Heat team and D'Antoni together... Per BBR, the Heat has been playing at the slowest pace out of the 16 playoff teams (yes, even slower than the Bulls), while the Spurs are ranked fourth (faster than the Rockets).
What are you looking at time of possession? That doesn't tell you anything very much. They run a modified pick and pop small ball offense with your 4 popping J's from the baseline (Bosh and 13/14Gasol) spreading the floor with as many 3-point shooters as possible, and they do break early and hard off turnovers. I wouldn't confuse D'Antoni's Phoenix offense (which is the basis of most current small ball philosophies) with Paul Westphal's run and gun abomination. If you are trying to tell me the Heat run a more deliberate post up game than the Spurs or Rockets because bbr told you so, good luck with that.
Just because a rooster crows in the morning doesn't mean it caused the sun to rise.
-
Going to be a lot of what ifs about Ibaka playing games 1+2. Oh well, we obviously had consistency issues all playoffs long.
Rooting for Spurs, but expecting a Heatpeat.
Is basketball still on? I'm watching the LA Kings.
Heat/Spurs rematch with another hurt Tony Parker is like my nightmare scenario coming true. This new NBA/Heat/D'Antoni small ball push is a bunch of crap and I'm going to hurl if a 3-peat validates this nonsense somehow w/ the press.
Not sure how you lumped the current Heat team and D'Antoni together... Per BBR, the Heat has been playing at the slowest pace out of the 16 playoff teams (yes, even slower than the Bulls), while the Spurs are ranked fourth (faster than the Rockets).
What are you looking at time of possession? That doesn't tell you anything very much. They run a modified pick and pop small ball offense with your 4 popping J's from the baseline (Bosh and 13/14Gasol) spreading the floor with as many 3-point shooters as possible, and they do break early and hard off turnovers. I wouldn't confuse D'Antoni's Phoenix offense (which is the basis of most current small ball philosophies) with Paul Westphal's run and gun abomination. If you are trying to tell me the Heat run a more deliberate post up game than the Spurs or Rockets because bbr told you so, good luck with that.
Just because a rooster crows in the morning doesn't mean it caused the sun to rise.
Your saying "this new NBA/Heat/D'Antoni small ball push" implies that the Heat plays at a fast pace (correct me if I understood you incorrectly). That is why I used the pace stats in my previous post.
And in the playoffs, transition offense has been a bigger part of the Spurs offense: 12.33% vs 11% for the Heat. Not a huge difference, but it certainly won't convince me that the Spurs offense has been more "deliberate" (whatever this even means) than the Heat offense.
I never said anything about post up game. If you think more post offense=more deliberate, fair enough.
-
Going to be a lot of what ifs about Ibaka playing games 1+2. Oh well, we obviously had consistency issues all playoffs long.
Rooting for Spurs, but expecting a Heatpeat.
Is basketball still on? I'm watching the LA Kings.
Heat/Spurs rematch with another hurt Tony Parker is like my nightmare scenario coming true. This new NBA/Heat/D'Antoni small ball push is a bunch of crap and I'm going to hurl if a 3-peat validates this nonsense somehow w/ the press.
Not sure how you lumped the current Heat team and D'Antoni together... Per BBR, the Heat has been playing at the slowest pace out of the 16 playoff teams (yes, even slower than the Bulls), while the Spurs are ranked fourth (faster than the Rockets).
What are you looking at time of possession? That doesn't tell you anything very much. They run a modified pick and pop small ball offense with your 4 popping J's from the baseline (Bosh and 13/14Gasol) spreading the floor with as many 3-point shooters as possible, and they do break early and hard off turnovers. I wouldn't confuse D'Antoni's Phoenix offense (which is the basis of most current small ball philosophies) with Paul Westphal's run and gun abomination. If you are trying to tell me the Heat run a more deliberate post up game than the Spurs or Rockets because bbr told you so, good luck with that.
Just because a rooster crows in the morning doesn't mean it caused the sun to rise.
Your saying "this new NBA/Heat/D'Antoni small ball push" implies that the Heat plays at a fast pace (correct me if I understood you incorrectly). That is why I used the pace stats in my previous post.
And in the playoffs, transition offense has been a bigger part of the Spurs offense: 12.33% vs 11% for the Heat. Not a huge difference, but it certainly won't convince me that the Spurs offense has been more "deliberate" (whatever this even means) than the Heat offense.
I never said anything about post up game. If you think more post offense=more deliberate, fair enough.
I see the confusion now. Small ball push means a push for teams to adopt or copy a small ball offensive philosophy like I outlined above in a half court set, not push as in pace or push THE BALL up the court. That's not how I used 'push' grammatically.
-
So the Spurs get 3 more chances to choke on a big fat Kielbasa. GL.
Go KINGS GO!!
(http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/6kgg-dIAkFI/mqdefault.jpg)
(http://potd.pdnonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/LA-Kings-Andrew-Bernstein-1.jpg)
(http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/142/files/2014/06/jonathan-quick-chris-kreider-nhl-stanley-cup-final-los-angeles-kings-new-york-rangers.jpg)
-
Loving the finals so far. Miami has Bron Bron and nobody else. 1 super-star a team does not make. Spurs champions tonight, IMO.
-
Yeah at least Mills, Diaw and Leonard were enough to compensate for Parker collapsing again when it matters. That should put a halt to the small ball offense and get people running more motion based offenses where people have to use their brains and relative strengths as a position player, not gimmick ball.
I want to see the Heat redo the contracts and try to add Carmelo and watch that disaster unfold. Or Anthony in Houston would be another laughable disaster to please the senses after they chuck Parsons and Asik to the curb. The off season should be mildly entertaining.
Gonna be funny to see if the Heat can even get past the Wizards next year.
-
Got bored with the playoffs after that incredible first round. Glad to see the Spurs win it though. The Heats biggest problem is D.Wade's salary...they need that money for a decent center. A team built around Bosh and James would be unbelievable. I really hate to say it but Bosh is severely underrated in that second man role. He can't lead a team to success by himself but as a big man capable of stretching the floor he opens up a lot of space for Lebron to work. The last thing the need is Carmelo.
I really hope this at least signals the end of the "Big Three". Under the current salary cap you just can't have three max players unless the rest of your team is severely underpaid. There are so many huge contracts floating around right now as a result of that craziness (like the entire Brooklyn Nets). Curious to see if guys will take pay cuts to put together a dynasty or follow the money to the markets looking to Frankenstein 3 incompatible players into an instant "contender"
-
So the Lakers at 7 get the guy I wanted on a silver platter (Vonleh) and they take Randle. So much for my Marshall, Bryant, Love, Vonleh, mystery center lineup.
Edit - Well after further digging, looks like Vonleh had questionable motivation and came to the workouts out of shape claiming to be injured according to multiple sources and scouts. Looks like Randle actually wanted to play for the Lakers first and is more explosive than his college highlights let on. Apparently the same vertical jump as Blake Griffith. Plus he's in great shape, works hard and is a fighter which will go well with Kobe. He actually reminds me of an old fave of mine, Larry Johnson. Almost as bulky, 4" taller but not quite as quick or explosive. Interestingly, both from Plano, Texas.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQyZJIO6Hco
Would have loved Vonleh's 7'4" wingspan, big hands, 3 point range and quickness. Oh well, probably for the best.
-
Lol, Lebron James.
-
I don't even... facepalm
-
Cya Heat :&
-
Hold on, we're going home.
My Raps got their business done before this shitstorm. Now we'll get to see where Bosh, KLove, and Carmelo goes.
-
K Love - Cavs
Bosh - Houston
Melo - stays in NY
-
I want to see Pau or Melo go the Bulls and watch them roadblock Cleveland every year like Jordan did. I'd roflmao all day long! :&
If Melo stays in NY, he'd be an idiot. So I don't doubt that happening.
Looks like Lakers could pick up Lin and Carlos Boozer lol. 2015/16 here we come!
-
I want to see Pau or Melo go the Bulls and watch them roadblock Cleveland every year like Jordan did. I'd roflmao all day long! :&
If Melo stays in NY, he'd be an idiot. So I don't doubt that happening.
Looks like Lakers could pick up Lin and Carlos Boozer lol. 2015/16 here we come!
Either of those picks for the Bulls has the potential to be great. Melo is more of the toss up since Thibodeau has always been all about that defense. Pau and Noah in the paint would be some presence down low. Both incredible passers, can score, and can both rebound.. although Pau needs to play more aggressive.
I'm not thrilled about the prospects for LA right now. Lin is too inconsistent and Boozer doesn't seem like a good fit. We need a big that can block and rebound.
-
I want to see Pau or Melo go the Bulls and watch them roadblock Cleveland every year like Jordan did. I'd roflmao all day long! :&
If Melo stays in NY, he'd be an idiot. So I don't doubt that happening.
Looks like Lakers could pick up Lin and Carlos Boozer lol. 2015/16 here we come!
Either of those picks for the Bulls has the potential to be great. Melo is more of the toss up since Thibodeau has always been all about that defense. Pau and Noah in the paint would be some presence down low. Both incredible passers, can score, and can both rebound.. although Pau needs to play more aggressive.
I'm not thrilled about the prospects for LA right now. Lin is too inconsistent and Boozer doesn't seem like a good fit. We need a big that can block and rebound.
They get extra first round picks and get to dump their salaries after one year. At this point I'd rather LA just tank and Randle gets as many touches as possible to develop. If they tank to 5 or worse they their first round pick back and I think they need it. They can grab what could be the best center to come out in a long time who could make Embid look mediocre at best.
I want this high school kid BAAAADDD!!!! Yes, that's a Center doing that! Listen to his interview after, Basketball IQ off the charts and honors student. Still growing....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsPf5NrGYDc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwSl2NTUuRA
-
Lol @ Rockets. Reports saying Bosh is taking max w/ Heat instead.
-
Haha!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BsbgiR3CcAA8Cvo.jpg:large)
-
I thought they'd all burned those jerseys by now..
-
I thought they'd all burned those jerseys by now..
It gets cold in Cleveland and I'm not sure they have gas or heating there. Not sure about indoor plumbing either. :&
-
Ha! I'm a huge Cleveland fan - Indians, Browns, Cavs, (sux to be me right? hehe) but that pic is true. I freaking hated James for what he did to Cleveland, but now that he has come back...err I don't hate him as much - still not really a fan of his, but if helps bring home a championship to Cleveland then I am for it.
-
I only hope that Cleveland doesn't manage to lure Kevin Love over there. Or else the Lakers' 2015 plans are down the toilet just like this year's. At least Randle will get to play like 35 minutes a game now. I just want to see that guy go for third- and fourth- chance points.
Lin was a pickup to appease Time Warner Cable. TV ratings dropped to the floor last year; Jeremy will help plug things up from overseas. It's a good thing he's an upgrade over 41 y/o Nash. The PG position will still be a defensive sieve, but at least we'll have a penetrator in Lin and a floor general in Marshall. Again, Randle will get lots of touches in spite of Kobe (who will now be going for those Jordan and Jabbar records now that he basically has zero chance of even sniffing Larry O'Brien for a sixth time). Swaggy P returns as the team jester, which is good, because I miss MWP.
-
I was more interested in the Cavs when they hired David Blatt as their coach. IMO, he could potentially become the next Gregg Popovich. Although now with Lebron there, things might be a bit easier. I know about the Love fascination, but the Cavs are intent on keeping Wiggins. But the T'wolves are screwed anyway. They have to take the best lowball trade they can find.
The Lakers will be rebuilding at best and it'll be hampered by Kobe's contract. Good thing alot of their public knuckledragging is being glossed over by the continuing ass hattery of the owner of the other tenant of Staples Center. But yeah, that Time Warner deal is looking pretty bad for TWC right now.
-
Blatt is going to have to prove he can juggle egos the size of Dion Waiters. It's not just the superstar that he needs to worry about. Waiters didn't care to stick with the pecking order when Kyrie was proclaimed the next annointed one; what's to say he'll fall in line just because James is in town? Then again, Waiters is probably on his way out of CLE as we speak.
-
LOL!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-A2Nco1t2v8
-
Curse of Gary Vitti strikes again. 1st game of Laker's 1st round pick breaks leg. Awesome. Now we really have a chance of getting that lottery pick back from Phoenix.
-
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t34.0-12/s720x720/10149876_10203515519987753_1826337901_n.jpg?oh=1bccd918a62c07236c10e57f9c0db974&oe=54533518&__gda__=1414748660_5d4fa1abada22c8d937896aeeef39338)
...since this is the NBA thread.
The Lakers (and their fans) are going to suffer. May as well get it all out now. I liked what Randle did in the preseason. Tough.
I think the West will mostly bring out the same 8 as last year for the playoffs (provided no injuries). The East is a lot more fluid.
-
The East is a lot more fluid.
I dunno, I think the Cavs are going to run the East unless Washington got better. Cavs look better than the Heat did last year already and Chicago looks soft and confused with the addition of Pau.
-
NBA preseason is probably the worst period of any sport ever. I look forward to the beginning of the season.
-
The Cavs do look like the class of the East. I'm curious if they turn into the Spurs part deux. The Bulls are seeing if Derrick Rose will last the whole season and go back to being All Star material. The Wizards are up and coming, but are few pieces missing and lack of experience keep them from being a finals threat. We'd talk about the Pacers.. but no Paul George means they fall back to the pack.
I wonder if Durant being out a while is a blessing in disguise for OKC. And I'm hearing that Doc Rivers will pull a Popovich by holding out Clipper players from games during the season to keep them fresh for the playoffs. It worked for the Spurs.
-
(http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/2402706/soft.0.gif)
-
poor julius randle.
-
(http://www.si.com/sites/default/files/2014/11/12/kobe-chart-1.jpg)
-
Lowry's a baller.
http://gfycat.com/SomeDimpledIrishdraughthorse
-
Little early for 2015 isn't it?
-
It definitely is. Since that chart was posted Kobe's FG% has dropped to a historic low for someone who takes over 24 shot attempts per game - 37.8%. Only player shooting worse is Josh Smith, and he's never taken more than 15 a game in his career.
In the meantime, AD is looking like the only valid MVP candidate at the moment.
-
It definitely is. Since that chart was posted Kobe's FG% has dropped to a historic low for someone who takes over 24 shot attempts per game - 37.8%. Only player shooting worse is Josh Smith, and he's never taken more than 15 a game in his career.
In the meantime, AD is looking like the only valid MVP candidate at the moment.
How does a shooter say he fixes his shot? Yup! Last thing I need is nick young coming off the bench to keep the Lakers in the game while tanking. Kobe needs to shoot more, preferably from half court. I was about to say no one could have predicted having more injuries this year than last year, but it's Gary Vitti so....
-
How does a shooter say he fixes his shot? Yup! Last thing I need is nick young coming off the bench to keep the Lakers in the game while tanking. Kobe needs to shoot more, preferably from half court. I was about to say no one could have predicted having more injuries this year than last year, but it's Gary Vitti so....
Actually, Kobe is making 11.2% of his shots between 3-10 feet, and 16% from 10-16 feet, which are quite a bit worse than his 3FG%...
Even if we keep the pick, would we be able to get someone the likes of say, Jahlil Okafor?
-
Actually, Kobe is making 11.2% of his shots between 3-10 feet, and 16% from 10-16 feet, which are quite a bit worse than his 3FG%...
Even if we keep the pick, would we be able to get someone the likes of say, Jahlil Okafor?
Yeah he's having trouble getting to the rim on penetration and either bricking or getting stuffed in crazy cirque du soleil stuff that used to go in. His FT% is down 5% too so it seems his nasty arthritic finger hasn't gotten any better over time either.
Bottom 5 gets you ping pong balls so only they would know. In other words, Cleveland will end up with #1 again even if they win the championship lol. Okafor hasn't proved he would be my number one pick yet but he has to others it seems.
-
I'm most curious about Gary Vitti's training room. Knees, Achilles, and Hamstrings... Rinse and Repeat.
-
Not current but I thought this was pretty wild:
http://rabbithole.deadspin.com/the-time-manute-bol-hit-six-three-pointers-in-a-half-1666189871
-
Blazers bitches!! Been to 3 games so far this season.
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4Bs7u61AMQ&feature=share
:)p13 :)p13 :)p13
-
Not current but I thought this was pretty wild:
http://rabbithole.deadspin.com/the-time-manute-bol-hit-six-three-pointers-in-a-half-1666189871
Hahaha... this is effin amazing.
-
ESPN 30 for 30 is airing "Bad Boys". You young pups should watch and see how real men used to play Basketball.
-
K, been watching more of Okafor to see how the hype stacks up against Towns this past NCAA season. I have to stand by my initial sentiments atm.
Offensively, yeah he's relatively polished around the rim in a half set. Problem is he has absolutely no lift, no explosiveness or aggression. Plays below the rim all the time. His best game is against a team who's tallest player was 6'4" against 6'11". He has 275lbs of mass but plays soft around the rim. He can't shoot free-throws and only see mediocre court awareness on either end. He'll average 19-24pts a game depending on whether he ever learns to shoot free-throws. Seems like a softer Dwight Howard physically who plays like a softer Tim Duncan. The fact that he's averaging 17pts/game on a team where he's the focal player and gets 31 minutes is not impressive.
Rebounds 9 per game. That's 1.4 boards per game less than Julius Randle did, and that's both averaging 30.8 minutes a game. This is with a significant height and wingspan advantage. Sorry, this guy should be a double double machine and he hasn't been. Lacks intensity and aggression. Doesn't get after it.
Defense. What defense? Slow, no lift. Really his defense is pretty atrocious for someone his size. Might as well have a 7' tall mannequin out there with it's arms up.
Slow up and down the floor too. Forget about fast breaks on both sides of the ball.
Shame we likely won't get to see how 'awesome' he is against Kentucky's Cauley-Stein and Towns. Should keep him the hyped #1 pick. I still think Towns and Embid are both superior talents with higher ceilings. Okafor looks like Carlos Boozer imho.
-
Okafor looks like Carlos Boozer imho.
Holy shit, this is so correct. Something (a lot of things) bug the shit out of me with the Okafor hype, but this sums it up very well.
-
OMG, Okafor missed a reverse dunk all alone in the paint cuz he couldn't elevate. Stick to layups big fella. facepalm
-
Predictions for this year?
Here's mine.
Hawks in 5 (Fluent offense vs chaos theory)
Cavs in 5 (He is the king)
Bulls in 5 (Gasol n Noah vs who?)
Wizards in 7 (hunch, and that wizards look more like a complete team)
Warriors in 6 (Curry is hot)
Rockets in 6 (Harden will be too hard a task for the mavs, and rondo could deviate the original plan)
Spurs in 6 (they're the champ and Leonard probably stops CP3 before anything happens)
Blazers in 6 (Unless the Grizz can outgrind the Blazzers frontcourt and keep Lilliard in check, it'll be over soon)
-
Just saw that you didn't have any sweeps foretold.
-
So, umm.....Bulls 120 - Bucks 66. Am I reading that right Tari? Typo perhaps?? :(
-
Lol. Clippers minus CP3 > Rockets+Dwight Howard.
-
I got em all wrong lol. This playoff is way more fantastic than ever.
Sadly the spurs have to go back earlier this time. Looks like we're gonna have a new champion this year.
Lebron is in deep poo .
Blake is headbang I think he's one of the best PFs in this Playoffs. Too active.
Let the game continues!
-
For anyone that watched the draft, this is classic.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2507122-nba-players-cant-believe-the-comparisons-jalen-rose-made-during-2015-nba-draft
-
Glad to finally see some pushback on the comparisons; they drive me nuts every year. Every guy is compared to a past all star or HOFer. Worst of the night was when some guy around #28 got compared to Hakeem, Kareem, and Duncan in a matter of a minute. :vomit: A guy picked at 28 would be fortunate to have Olden Polynice's career.
-
I know this is late, but man I wish the Cavs won the NBA Championship. If they had Love and Irving they would have won no problem. Cleveland needs a Championship! Still, for the Cavs to be without Love and Irving, they did pretty good.
-
LOL @ the comments on the comparison.
Btw, KAT is really THAT good?
-
If they had Love and Irving they would have won no problem.
They have Love and Irving exactly because they used the money on the superstars they should have used to build depth. It's a team sport, not 3 on 3. Finals MVP was the Warrior's sixth man.
-
For anyone that watched the draft, this is classic.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2507122-nba-players-cant-believe-the-comparisons-jalen-rose-made-during-2015-nba-draft
We were laughing that during the draft. Jay and Jay are horrible. Possibly the least knowledgeable, least charistmatic talking heads around. Too bad TNT didn't have the draft with Kenny and Charles.
-
Keep gettin' them checks, Jalen...
-
Btw, KAT is really THAT good?
7' tall, smart as heck, great person, high character, has passion and intensity, shoots 81% from the line, and can do this...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWjSHa5Vgs8
As a freshman in highschool v. Team USA.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLOQWTaD7i0
What he can do being the focal point, not running Calipari's hockey offense.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiWw8W8oyW4
It's not even close who #1 overall player talent was. I knew that before the college season even started. I wanted him on the Lakers, but my biggest fears are him being a diehard Knicks fan, not being a true center yet (which may be a good or bad thing depending on how you run your offense), and wanting to go to Med school to be a doctor.
Think of him as a less physically dominant Anthony Davis but with more creativity and quickness. Better playmaker. Maybe an Anthony Davis meets Paul Gasol hybrid.
_____
As for Russell over Okafor, I can understand it but I have two problems with it. One, you are relying on the FA market to land a significant big man. Talented big men are harder to find than talented guards IMO. After the last FA debacle with a Lakers bigman I'm not happy about that approach. Two, it may signal an attempt by LAL to clone the small ball offense GS won with. Problem is I think that's an illusion. GS needed a weakened Cav's team, major injuries to each PG GS had to play in the playoffs and Steph Curry magic to make it happen for them. Nobody has or is getting Steph Curry, and that offense can be ground down with the right team and strategy. I hope it's just the LAL being optimistic about their low post options in FA.
I think Russell is good enough to make a good playoff team a champion, no question in my mind. But he can't put you on his back and make you a playoff team. Okafor could likely do that.
-
I'm okay with the Lakers taking the risk. I watched Okafor all year and he's way overrated.* No defense at all and really poor work ethic. He's going to get eaten alive. Great offense but needs a few years to work on the game and not sure he's that committed. Russell could be a superstar.
* In interest of disclosure, I'm a North Carolina guy. Also, UNC has ~40 NBA rings, compared to Duke's 3. If you don't want to win a title, draft a guy from Duke. For me personally, I was just thankful I didn't have to pull for a Duke guy the next 12 years. :)
-
I think his post defense will be 'okay'. He can get 1-2 blocks a game just standing there. Just no lateral movement to come outside. Definitely a potential double double machine. I just didn't like his lack of athleticism and under the rim game. Hands might also be too big to ever shoot better than 60% from the line. For college he's a stud, for the pros perhaps a bit overrated. As long as the league keeps putting 6'9" guys at center, he'll be fine. But when he has to match up with Cousins, Gasol, Jordan, Alridge, even Howard, he's going to have hard time getting his shots. I didn't get to see the last game, but I heard Kaminsky pretty much rolled him up which wouldn't surprise me. I mean 10pts 3rebs in a championship game?? Versus 21 and 12.
Worst case I see Okafor doing 17.8pts 7.5reb 0.7blks per game. Best at peak of career maybe 25.5pts 11.5rebs 1.5blks. Truth is probably somewhere in the middle.
-
I'd also be interested in what the Lakers will be up to between now and the trade deadline. If Aldridge is headed to L.A. or another big, it could all turn out nice.
-
Oh, and lol at Phillly and Charlotte. Both drafted guys where they're already full. They could have done so much more with those picks. Charlotte supposedly got some insane offer from Boston (4 #1 pic's, a couple #2's) because Boston wanted to move up to #9 to grab Winslow. Charlotte didn't take it and drafted Kaminsky. They could have done that deal and gotten both additional picks AND Kaminsky. Winslow could have a good career. Upside is a James Harden type. Probably unreadlistic but still.
-
Yup. There was also talk that LA nabbed DR to maybe force the 76ers into a trade for Okafor and an extra asset. A Little risky but works out if they nab a quality big in FA. Having DR and JC in the backcourt means you need a knockdown shooter at SF (maybe Brown, was supposed to be Young) who can defend too. I was hoping to move JR to SF tbh and go bigger at PF and C. Maybe have a pure shooting guard on the wing while the bigs dominate the paint. That's more my speed.
Wish I could be a fly on the wall when Nance jr. talks to Kobe about calling him a rapist. Or when he meets Lebron after saying he should have stayed in school, lol.
-
Wish I could be a fly on the wall when Nance jr. talks to Kobe about calling him a rapist.
I know! Awkward. Listening to one of the sports stations in the car on the way home, Mitch Kupchek said they hadn't seen that tweet before the draft.
-
Little moto for Laker fans:
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=13137032
-
KAT is 7'1"?! Dayum that stroke!
Yup to the hybrid. Hopefully a new force after LBJ and AD. Big locomotive with shooting touch.
LOL at small ball. U wanna gun down everyone? I'm not sure if that works.
Defense wins championship. BIGS win championship. Unless you're MJ with a rebounding machine and supreme playmaker.
-
I've always had my suspicions that Gary Vitti and his training staff were incompetent idiots. The proliferation of injuries over multiple seasons that was so severe you run out of players to put in the game? Even requiring a waiver by the NBA to fill out a depleted roster that can't even field a team on the court. This just sealed the deal for me.
http://www.foxsports.com/nba/story/julius-randle-knew-his-leg-was-in-danger-before-suffering-injury-070815
They have to go find other work.
-
O-M-G. Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, Doc Rivers, and Steve Ballmer are sitting in Deandre Jordan's house till 12:01 EST holding him hostage until he signs a contract extension with the Clippers. :-0
-
https://twitter.com/blakegriffin32/status/618960135050825729/photo/1
https://twitter.com/Chris_Broussard/status/618967224536158208
-
Cmon man, srsly i don't know why these two teams are fighting for DJ. It's not like he could change the fate of the entire franchise, aka franchise player. At most he's just a poor man Dwight.
Hmmm. Unless someone can tell me what I overlook?
-
Cmon man, srsly i don't know why these two teams are fighting for DJ. It's not like he could change the fate of the entire franchise, aka franchise player. At most he's just a poor man Dwight.
Hmmm. Unless someone can tell me what I overlook?
Sure. Defense, rebounding, and off efficiency when he actually produces offense. In the first two, he's like top 10 in NBA history. The Clippers franchise would have been completely over for the next 20 years if he left. Forget the playoffs, not possible for them w/o DJ. Mavs are screwed now and there could be a some ripples in FA as a result of this.
-
The Clippers franchise would have been completely over for the next 20 years if he left.
They've said that about the Clippers franchise forever. Why change now? :&
-
They've said that about the Clippers franchise forever. Why change now? :&
With DJ they will get much much closer to not winning anything.
-
Oh mai, is that true he's a top 10 rating in D and Reb? I thought he's just something like Ibaka without the shooting touch, albeit definitely taller and stronger.
Btw, his offence... Looks way too dependent on Lobs and putbacks. Nothing wrong with those two, just that he could've add some more tricks to his bag... Okay, Dwight is not much better tho.
-
71% from the floor, 15 rebounds, 2.5 blocks per game. So yeah, just foul him at 34% from the line.
-
Now he's back. LOL.
Mark Cuban: What the....
-
Well fuck
The blazers are screwed
-
Seems Deandre came to his senses and realized that he'd be completely lost without CP3 creating his entire offense for him. Clips essentially just added an old dude and an underachiever this free agency, meh. Warriors Cavs rematch seems likely
-
I think things will be just a little tougher for the Warriors next season.
-
Things could be a little tougher for Cleveland as well in the East.
If Miami could stay healthy (big if!), they could be be a hard out.
Dragic / Chalmers / Napier
Wade / Green
Deng / Winslow
Bosh / McRoberts / Haslem
Whiteside / Andersen
-
Do you think that Heat lineup could even beat the Bulls? Right now it seems the Bulls would get crushed like a bug by Cleveland.
-
I think things will be just a little tougher for the Warriors next season.
No doubt, but they still have the best squad as of right now. It'll come down to health of course, but as always the West once again will be ridiculous. Cavs are a lock in the east tho. Miami has a good squad but matchup terribly against the cavs.
-
For Miami, I do like Winslow coming in, but if you're talking about sheer talent against talent, Cleveland has it over the rest of the East. They would be top 2 or 3 in the West, IMO.
Just watched some summer league, and Karl Towns looks like the real deal. His passing made him pretty dangerous. And with guys like Wiggins and LaVine cutting to the basket.... there should be no shortage of fireworks.
For the Lakers, D'Angelo Russell looked pretty damn smooth with the ball. He and Jordan Clarkson should make a great pair out there. Just takes time. Also liked how Julius Randle attacked the hoop facing up on Adrien Payne.