Here Today... Gone To Hell!

Whose ready for the new season?

Just got tickets today to see my Nuggets take on the Toronto Raptors on New Year's Eve.

Should be awesome :beer:

Good luck to the Nuggets next year.  They'll need it in the tough Western conference.  I hope George Karl can convey the message of defense to the team.

Personally, I'm stoked to see how Bynum meshes with Gasol, Odom, & co.  He was the missing piece last year.  We could've used his defense & rebounding in the finals.

Its going to be a good season...my jazz resigned williams which is huge....look out for houston...

shit tickets for the Christmas game for lakers against the celtics are sold out  :rant:

I'm going to the Clippers home opener against the Lakers.

Any bold predictions for this upcoming season??

Season tickets for the Raptors... I wasn't going to go for it until they made the Jermaine O'Neal gamble... I can't wait!

Very cool!

I can't wait until I acquire vast riches and can afford NBA season tickets.

I'm actually not ready for it, to be honest. I've not really gotten into the NBA so much anymore.

I used to love the Pacers a lot, I'm a very casual fan for them now, I guess at heart I'm still a fan, but they have hardly no one likeable. I did like their draft class though.

NBA just doesn't seem what it used to be. Maybe that is just me, I don't know.

I used to love it, but who knows. I still kinda keep up with it. Last season I truly followed was 2005 season. The one where the Spurs beat the Pistons, and I watched the last 2 playoffs... so I'm a cheater lol

This year, Go Rockets! and Thunder!

I feel ya! Problem is, my fav team is Dallas and the closest NBA team to me is Atlanta and even though they are better, Im not gonna get Hawks Season tickets.

When I get out of school though, Im gonna be an Atlanta Thrasher Season ticket holder.

My Mavs may be ok this year. Rick Carlisle hopefully will get us back on track!

Predictions:

Eastern Conference:
1.Boston
2. Detroit
3.Miami
4.Cleveland
5.Toronto
6.Chicago
7.Philadelphia
8.Atlanta

Western Conference
1.LA Lakers
2.New Orleans
3.Utah
4.Phoenix
5.Houston
6.San Antonio
7.Dallas
8.Portland

Lakers vs New Orleans in western Conference finals  La wins in 6games
Cleveland vs Miami in the East Finals  Miami wins in 7


LA over Miami in 6 to win the NBA Title

Dwyane Wade MVP of Regular Season

I always  :hihi: at this logo.

(http://blog.newsok.com/photo/files/2008/09/okc-thunder-nba.thumbnail.jpg)

I agree with anyone that says that it looks like a WNBA logo.

I hope all the HTGTH basketball fans turn out in this thread.  We had some great discussions last year.

Yeah I'm kinda in the same boat.  I gotta finish college before I make such rash, financial decisions.

That, and a steady job.  What I do now is great, but I can barely pay child support and have anything left for myself.  How I maintain my lavish lifestyle is beyond me.  So as I find better opportunities, I'll make those decisions as I get to them.

There is no way I am going to think about making any sort of prediction at this point in time.  We are one week into preseason play.

I live pretty close to Charlotte, so I go see a lot of Charlotte Bobcats games. Not a exactly a team to get excited about. They have a lot of talent, but they're very young . . . Maybe Larry Brown will shape them into winners, though I doubt it. I'd like to see what Sean May and Adam Morrison can do if they stay healthy. I'm still mad they didn't draft Brook Lopez . . . And then basically wasted their other first-round pick on some idiot from France who will probably never play.

As far as predictions go, I can't really imagine anyone in the Easten Conference unseating the Boston Celtics, as long as the Big 3 stay healthy. And with Bynum back, it's hard for me to see anyone beating the Lakers either. So I think we'll probably end up with a repeat of last year's finals. If only Yao Ming and McGrady could stay healthy, I think the Rockets would have a great chance of making it to the Finals; but those two are always banged up. Steve Nash is my favorite player, and I'd love to see the Suns finally get over the hump, but I believe their window has closed.

I pretty much agree with D's predictions as far as who will make the playoffs . . . But no Orlando??

He probably forgot all about them.  :hihi:

Anything goes in the East, hell, Charlotte could make it if things went right for them.

U know, I put Orlando 3rd

Realized they were in the division with Miami and totally forgot to put them back in when I made the final list.

Yeah, Orlando definitely.

Probably 7th seed take off Atlanta.


Im not sold on Boston again. Losing James Posey is big. everyone is a year older and sometimes after winning a title, u have a let down.

Cleveland almost beat them last year and they added some help getting Mo Williams from Milwaukee.
Now Lebron doesn't have to create for himself and everybody and Williams is a very good PG.

Detroit will still be very strong especially with Rodney Stuckey being even better than last year.

If Wade is healthy, with Beasley and Shawn Marion, they are gonna be tough to handle.

Wade was clearly the best player on the floor in the Olympics.

lets go Nets!

HAHA, they're going to be terrible  :-[

Maybe see ya at the New Year's Eve game :beer:

Outdoor game gives Suns chills

Jerry Brown, Tribune

INDIAN WELLS, Calif - When the Suns played in the only other outdoor games in NBA history 36 years ago, they had to deal with a flock of birds, a swarm of bugs and sticky humidity.

And while the challenges were different Saturday night at the windy and chilly Indian Wells Tennis Garden, Phoenix?s 77-72 loss to the Denver Nuggets proved one thing ? some sports are simply best played indoors.

?I didn?t expect it to be this cold here. It felt like Edmonton, Alberta, not Palm Springs,? Suns guard Steve Nash said. ?Growing up we played in weather colder than this all the time ? but that was 16 years ago."

As temperatures dipped into the low 60s in the second half and the wind chill had both players and fans seeking towels and blankets for warmth, the Suns shot a frigid 31.6 percent from the field (25-for-79) and didn?t score more than 21 points in any quarter. The Nuggets played without Allen Iverson (knee) and Carmelo Anthony (finger) but nursed home a 47-41 halftime lead despite shooting 37 percent themselves.

The announced sellout crowd of 16,236 was loud and very pro-Suns, but the designated home team didn?t give them much to cheer about. How?s this for a statistic: Nash, who missed seven of 12 shots himself, led the Suns with 16 points ? and was the only member of his team to reach double figures.

The two teams combined to make only three of their 27 3-pointers, as the swirling winds acted as the best defender on the floor.

?It was a big factor. The ball is in the air a lot in basketball,? Nash said. ?You shoot the ball, and it starts slicing right ? it?s tough to be accurate.?

But there were some bright spots among the stars, led by Robin Lopez. The rookie center not only stayed out of foul trouble for the first time in three games, and blocked seven shots in 18 minutes.

He had eight points, five rebounds and four blocks in the first half alone, including a pair of big-time, at-the-apex rejections on Nene and Kenyon Martin.

?Every time out, I feel a little more comfortable on the floor,? he said. ?I?m trying to keep my eye on the ball when I?m on the weak side. We?ve been working on that a lot . This is a whole different game from college. Mentally they think on a whole different level.?

But for some Suns, it was a little harder to concentrate while playing in the great outdoors.

?At one point, I had my head up and I saw the moon. That was a first,? said Suns forward Boris Diaw, who wore a headband not for warmth, but to represent the playground atmosphere of the evening. ?It was fun, but also cold.?

J.R. Smith and Mateen Cleaves each had 12 to lead Denver, and Nene added 10. But Suns coach Terry Porter said it would be hard to glean much from Saturday?s game when it comes to teaching tools.

?Defensively we had a lot of breakdowns, we just let guys get by us too easily,? he said. ?They did a good job of putting the ball on the floor and getting to the basket and to the free-throw line, which was smart with the weather. But I?m not going to spend too much time looking at the film on this one.?

When he was told it was 105 degrees in Indian Wells as recently as three days ago, Porter spoke for many.

?Well, we should have had the game three days ago,? he said.

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/127949 (http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/127949)

Great opening night for the Lakers!  I really hope they can continue this inspired style of defense.

Fucking crushed the Blazers man.

I can't wait for tomorrow.

I'll take some snapshots.

you better son.

This is crazy right here.

Sources: Mavs team with Cowboys to host 2010 All-Star Game

The Dallas Mavericks and the NBA, in a joint venture with the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, will announce Thursday that the league's 2010 All-Star Game will be played at the new stadium soon to be opened by the Cowboys in Arlington, Texas.

Sources told ESPN.com that a formal announcement has been scheduled at American Airlines Center before the Mavericks' season opener Thursday night against the Houston Rockets.

The league office declined comment Tuesday.

Said Mavericks owner Mark Cuban when reached by e-mail: "You will just have to show up and find out."

Word emerged during last season's NBA playoffs that the two Dallas franchises were interested in co-staging the event at the Cowboys' new $1.1 billion facility in Arlington, which is scheduled to open in time for the 2009 NFL season.

Cuban had maintained for years that he had no interest in the Mavericks serving as All-Star Game hosts because so many of his season-ticket holders would lose their seats to league control, as the NBA has historically used All-Star Weekend to entertain various sponsors. But in a football-sized stadium, those reservations wouldn't apply.

"It's important to me to find a venue that can support all of our season ticket-holders and all of the visitors who would come to Dallas for the game," Cuban told The Dallas Morning News in May. "We are exploring all of our options."

The Phoenix Suns will host the NBA All-Star Game this season. The league has not chosen a host city for any other games beyond 2010 and NBA commissioner David Stern recently backed off on the league's interest in staging an All-Star Game overseas.

"It would be neat from a player perspective, really neat, to play in either Paris or London or Berlin," Stern said last week of an All-Star Game in Europe. "But the logistics of it ... is at the moment causing us not to rush out and make plans.

"I'm not saying never, but we have sort of a domestic agenda to burn off for the moment in a positive way. So I didn't want to sort of suggest that something was in the offing that wasn't.

Dallas last hosted the All-Star Game at the soon-to-be demolished Reunion Arena in 1986. The last NBA All-Star Game to be played in a football-sized venue was in 1996 at San Antonio's Alamodome.

Chris Bosh, Jermaine O'Neal... WATCH OUT!

Slash is at the Lakers/Clippers game

Oden, hurt again?

It's like he's scared to play, what a joke.

Stop drafting freshmen... be smart...

Nuggets lost to the Jazz by 4 :(

What a fantastic night!

Slash played the anthem, the Lakers OWNED the Slippers, and us Lakers fans shooed the Slippers fans right out of the building!

We even did the M-V-P thing for Kobe when he was shooting free throws.

I'll post some pictures when I get my camera back.

P.S.  I met Mike Tirico and Hubie Brown.  I was talking to Coach Brown and we were both looking at each other, but he wasn't THERE.  So I kinda tapped him and he jumped a little and said, "Oh, hello son!."

Posted on Tue, Nov. 4, 2008

Sixers Notes: Iverson trade ripples reach 76ers

By Kate Fagan

Inquirer Staff Writer

It has been almost two years since the 76ers traded Allen Iverson away.
But the reverberations from yesterday's Denver-Detroit trade still reached his former team.

One week into the NBA season, the Nuggets and Pistons swapped point guards. Denver sent Iverson, whom the club acquired in December 2006 from the Sixers, to Detroit for Chauncey Billups, oft-injured power forward Antonio McDyess, and rarely used center Cheikh Samb.

The exchange gives Detroit an additional scoring threat and instant up-tempo pace. Denver gets a hometown hero in Billups, who can provide steady distribution to all-star forward Carmelo Anthony.

What do the Sixers, many of whom played with Iverson, think about the blockbuster deal returning their former teammate to the Eastern Conference?

"A lot of deals look good until you start playing; that's the one thing I've learned in this league," center Samuel Dalembert said. "I'm surprised they got rid of him."

"I don't know if it's going to be genius or not," swingman Andre Iguodala said. "This could either make or break either team. Sometimes a change of scenery can help."

"It's probably a good move for both teams," point guard Andre Miller said. "I expected it to happen because both teams were looking to improve."

Backup guard Lou Williams said Iverson took him under his wing when he started with the Sixers in 2005. Williams said he still spoke with Iverson.

"I know how his mind-set is - he's a tough guy," Williams said. "He calls himself a warrior and I know he wants a championship, so I'm sure he'll go in and instill that mentality."

Added Williams: "He's one of those guys that never stop moving on the court. . . . It will be interesting. I'm sure they'll become a running team overnight."

Sixers coach Maurice Cheeks said he expected Iverson to be "on a mission" with the Pistons.

"Now we'll see him two more times," Williams said. "It's always an emotional game when we play against him."

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20081104_Sixers_Notes___Iverson_trade_ripples_reach_76ers.html (http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20081104_Sixers_Notes___Iverson_trade_ripples_reach_76ers.html)

I hope you didn't buy your Nuggets / Raps tickets in the hopes of seeing Iverson!

I'm extra psyched for Wednesday's game now, I've never seen A.I. play and I sure wasn't expecting to catch his debut with a new team!

pretty interresting trade :yes:

Unfortunately, I did :'(

Oh well, seeing Carmelo live will still be cool :)

Yes it will, and Chauncey Billups isn't a bad consolation prize !

Definitely not.  You could certainly argue that he's a better overall player than AI.  Obviously nowhere near the scorer, but he's better in most, if not all other areas. 

AI scores and thats about it. Their D will suffer as well as the overall team chemistry.


I started to blast my Mavs, but after blowing out SA tonight, we may be getting on the right track.

Our problem has been the starting lineup. U already have Kidd who doesn't really score and Damp who doesn't get touches.

when they start an Antonie Wright, that leaves only Dirk and Josh to score.

With Terry starting, we are way more formidable as 3 big time scoring threats are on the floor.

I wish we'd sign McDyess after Denver waives him.

You might think of blasting the Mavs after the Lakers do away with them next week.  ;D


Don't get him started.  Learn from my mistakes.

Spurs start 0-3 for the first time in about 30 years. Mavs look lethargic and inconsistent. I thought Carlise would have a bigger impact.
Blazers need Oden to stop getting hurt. They are my sleeper team so I am pulling for them!

Utah Jazz 5-0 baby...about to make it 6 when they play the Knicks on sunday(ill be at that game in NYC)...good start especially considering Deron Williams hasnt played yet...

Detroit lost.

Maybe that's why they're winning  :o

Clippers finally got their first win against Dallas  :rofl:

Mark Cuban has gained some weight these past few years.

I guess since the NBA put a muzzle on him, he doesn't get his usual exercise.

How about Shaq going for 29-10 the other night?  I think the idea of giving him days off on back-to-backs is genius... It's pretty much a sure thing he's going to take a 2-3 week vacation in the middle of the season, why not try spacing out his regular season games instead?

I think the Suns game is the one I'm looking forward to the most this season... Amare Stoudemire is a beast now!

Where are your seats at the ACC?

Now?

Amare has been a beast for the last several years.

Remember a few years ago in the playoffs against SA? he averaged 35 and 10.

This season I believe will shift the dominant conference. The Eastern Block looks stronger than it's been over a decade so maybe the eastern conference teams achieve a better W-L record against the WC teams and overall a better W-L year end standings.

A few predictions:

the Suns will not win the Championship. I hope in 8 months time I don't go back to this thread to bite my tongue, but I don't see it happening.

They had their chance over the past few years but didnt take it. Nash is not getting any younger, same with Shack and Amare can't do it on his own. The Suns are a good team that will probably end 4th or 5th in the Western Conference.

Dallas (sorry D) is more or less on the same situation as the Suns. they will most likely get a 50-55% W-L year, if anything, but could lose in the Playoffs first round if they actually make it. The Mavs had the same roster for a few years now I don't see this year they've gotten any better.

San Antonio is 1-4 but you know this team takes their time to get into some kinda rythm, besides, Ginobilli is out till December. I say the could finish 5th or 6th in the WC but they will go far, as usual, in the playoffs.

Miami is 3-3 now which is a hell of a lot better than how they started last year but IMO, this is a transition year for them.- If anything, they will qualify 7th or 8th in the EC, to lose in the first round,.

The Lakers will be the dominant force in the West. Pau and Bynum combined, they could easily average 35 points, 22 rebounds and 5 blocks every night.

MVP will go to Kobe again. It doesnt really matter if he has an outstanding year, but NBA usually gives it two years in a row if you play on a winning team (look Nash, Magic, Jordan, Bird...)

You mean the series that the scumbag Tim Donaghy gave away?

The one that led to the boring ass Spurs sweep of the Cavs?

Dirk N' Duncan are on their way out.

How about those Hawks eh?

Yeah, maybe the Hawks were for real after all in the post-season last year.  Coming into their own perhaps.  They've got some good young players on that team.  Big re-match against the C's tonight.  We'll see how that turns out.

Dallas really fucked up getting Jason Kidd. I have no idea why they traded a young superstar in the making like Devin Harris for an over the hill Hall of Famer.

stupid

Also, I think not getting Ron Artest was equally dumb.

Good news is, Kidd's 20+ million comes off the books next season and we will have plenty of room to add a huge FA in 2010.

Dirk still has about 5 really great years left.

Yeah I never liked that trade for Dallas either.  It was a desparate move that they HOPED would pay off with a long playoff run at a championship LAST season.  That didn't work out.  Harris has played well for New Jersey and Kidd isn't getting any younger, so I don't see the trade looking any better for them this year.

Dallas did get a steal though picking up Gerald Green for nothing.
He is really blossoming.

With Josh HOward out, to play LA that close was a good sign.

I still have no idea why Dallas don't run more postups for Kidd.

Is he really?  There's been a Gerald Green sighting?  I never thought I'd see the day.  Kid can jump right out of the gym but he was never able to put it together.  Maybe he's finally rounding into shape though.

yeah, he has played rather well the last few games, scoring almost 14 a game.

only a few more hours before nba.com updates their site with Lakers 8 - 0, with AI having his worst game of the season  :beer:

 :'(

Better luck next time 8)

At least you can be happy in November.  ;D

Upper bowl in the prime balcony section... they are dead center, so I'm very happy with them!

OK, so we're about 10 games into the season, is it starting to look like the power has shifted to the East?  6 teams with less than 4 wins in the West... and only 2 in the east!

Dead Center is the way to go!  There aren't any bad seats in arenas anymore these days, so it doesn't matter if you're up high or wherever.

I think it's still early to say the power has shifted, but it certainly appears that the East has caught up with the West if not surpassed them.  Last year the Celtics and Pistons could compete with the top teams in the West but that was about it.  This year there seems to be a lot more depth in the East.  We'll see if that continues.

12-1    :smoking:

(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.tmz.com/media/2008/11/1126_sandler_stare_ramey.jpg)

(http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n17/GarryCarlson/IMG_1425.jpg)

Man, I really feel for Clippers fans   :hihi:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-081212

The Celtics' 122-88 thumping of the Wizards on Thursday added another historic notch to Boston's 2008-09 campaign. With 21 wins in their first 23 games, the Celtics eclipsed their franchise record for the best start to a season. Six more wins against New Orleans, Utah, Atlanta, Chicago, the Knicks, and Philadelphia -- five of them at home -- and they'll stand alone atop history, besting the 1969-70 Knicks and the 1966-67 Sixers, who each started 26-2. The 13-game win streak is Boston's longest since winning 14 straight late in the 1985-86 season.

Unhappy Steve Nash could be on break to Knicks next year

His all-time favorite coach, Mike D'Antoni, is in New York. His best friend, Raja Bell, was just banished to Charlotte.

These definitely aren't fun times for Steve Nash in Phoenix.

But who says they're going to continue next season?

Nash could be leaving the Suns after this season, if the team decides it wants to continue to move away from D'Antoni's style, and comes up with a sensible solution to replacing one of the greatest players in franchise history.

Nash, who faces the Knicks Monday when D'Antoni makes his return to Phoenix, has a final year remaining on his deal after this season. But according to the terms of his contract, if the Suns waive him by June 30, 2009, a little more than half of his $13.5 million for next season is guaranteed, and he would become unrestricted on July 1.

The possibility of Nash leaving Phoenix early resulted from a compromise during his signing with the Suns in 2004. Nash wanted a six-year deal when he left Dallas. But after Mavs owner Mark Cuban raised concerns about Nash's ability to stay healthy, the Suns took that as a red flag and decided they didn't want to go past five years. They settled on the team option, with just under $7 million guaranteed if Nash were to be waived.

So Nash, no longer an MVP-caliber player but certainly still among the league's top point guards as he approaches his 35th birthday in February, could be on the move in a matter of seven months.

In that scenario, New York looks like the logical destination because of his close relationship with D'Antoni. But the Knicks don't get their cap relief until the following summer, in 2010. But who's to say that Nash, who already has a Manhattan residence he uses in the offseason, wouldn't agree to take less at the outset, with the understanding he'd be taken care of later?

Nash was too upset to talk to Phoenix reporters about his future after Bell and Boris Diaw were sent to Charlotte on Wednesday for Jason Richardson. But clearly, he misses playing for D'Antoni.

Under Steve Kerr's direction and Terry Porter's coaching, the Suns are going with a more conventional halfcourt system that doesn't play to Nash's strengths. That, of course, doesn't mean they'll exercise the option at season's end and let him walk. Before doing that, they'd need to have a viable replacement.

"The way things are going in Phoenix now, it's unlikely that Steve would sign an extension," a person close to Nash said the other day. "They won't trade him because they would just get killed by their fans. But it will be interesting to see whether he'll be under contract for next season."

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/2008/12/13/2008-12-13_unhappy_steve_nash_could_be_on_break_to_.html (http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/2008/12/13/2008-12-13_unhappy_steve_nash_could_be_on_break_to_.html)



Add Chris Bosh and LeBron James to the mix in 2010, and the Knicks could be quite the powerhouse.

Nash is over-rated to begin with, and his career is already winding down. In two years, he would be lucky to ride the coat-tails of younger talent in NY, but alot can happen before then. Whatever happened to trying to win on the team that you actually play for?

Over rated? You have lost your mind


The system I give u helps his numbers but not just anybody can run that system

Steve Kerr is a joke and Terry Porter is a horrible coach.

They took an NBA title team and fucking destroyed it.

Not to mention they're wasting a shitload of money on a washed up Shaq.

Phoenix were retards man

They were a stupid bullshit suspension away from winning the NBA Title and for some reason they have the need to blow the entire team up.

Just crazy stuff.

Phoenix will never be a good defensive team, so you have to play to your strength which is running and gunning. They could've won a title with that style.

They sure as hell ain't gonna win one with this slow shit

Yeah man, fucking Tim Donaghy.

No.  But now there fans will unfortunately always have that EXCUSE.  There were still more games to be played man.  And run-and gun with no D wont win titles.  It only makes point guards look good and win undeserved MVPs.

3-2 lead going back home....... they win the next game

Yeah, Magic Johnson fucking sucked big balls.

 ::)

Those Lakers were a lot more than run and gun, and I was talking about todays NBA.  And back to Pheonix, even if there were no suspensions, there were still 2 games to win. They were down 3-2.  And had already dropped two at home in that series.  It wasnt a sure thing.  But now, like I said,  they have that excuse.  Helps them sleep at night.

no no

they were UP 3-2 going home for games 6-7

The series was 2-2 after SAs game 4 win. The Suns went home for game 5 and lost. 3-2.  Game 6 was in SAN ANTONIO. Suns at full strength LOST that game ending their season.

Damn

my fault dude.

u are right.

I still think though, Phoenix would've won game 5 and went up 3-2 if not for the bullcrap suspensions and then anything could've happened.

Well, Phoenix COULD have won game 5, but who knows. Fact is, they didnt.  And they never got over the hump. So they dismantled the team.  But, its in our nature as sports fans to say what if.   What if Tim Thomas didnt get that damn rebound in game 6 vs. the Lakers in 06?  Im still pissed about that one.

HAHA, yeah or even Duncan hitting that shitty Three Pointer last year on Phoenix or if Nash hadn't busted his nose..... so much crazy shit.


U think u are sick

I am a die hard Dallas Mavericks fan

Imagine how I still feel thinking about that huge lead we blew against Miami in game 3.

I am still crushed.

Who's excited for tomorrow's game? ;D

And I don't mean Spurs/Suns.  ;)

im ready to see the Celtics winning streak come to an end  :smoking:  :beer:

I wish man, I just hope it's a close game.  I can't see how we could beat Boston, considering we lost to those two Florida teams.  :nervous:

That, and Boston is really really good.  Rajon Cajun' Chicken Kickin' Rondo is the premier PG in the NBA, I thought they would have lost their edge when Posey left.

here comes the 19th losing streak for boston  :smoking:

Merry Christmas Boston!

(http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n17/GarryCarlson/KOBE.jpg)

Boston dropped two in a row... what's going on?

Its called west coast trip.

Yeah I wouldn't worry too much about Boston.  I'm amazed they got off to such a great start actually.  I didn't expect them to be as good this year, but so far they've been better.  We'll see if that keeps up.  Unfortunately for them, Cleveland has been almost as good.  Could be a battle for home court advantage, which could ultimately lead to the finals.

The regular season all of a sudden matters now.

not really...wake me up when the Celtics/Lakers Finals starts in June....no other teams have a chance of stopping either of these teams....It sucks, I'm a Jazz fan, but im also realistic, nobody is stopping L.A or Boston except for L.A or Boston...

You've never heard of Lebron James?

I will go out and make a bold prediction that it won't be Boston vs LA


Too many variables in play. Injuries etc


Cleveland should've beat Boston last year. U add Mo Williams and a possible trade for Shawn Marion and u are damn right Cleveland can win. Especially if Lebron keeps driving to the rim.


LA, I don't know..........  Utah are looking amazing and have been without Carlos Boozer almost all season. They have been banged up and not at full strength for any part of the season.

The emergence of Paul Millsap in Boozer's absence will prove huge in the playoffs.

I'll take Boozer, Okur, Millsap, Kirilenko over Gasol,Odom,Bynum and Walton

They have Ronnie Brewer and AK47 to throw at Kobe, Deron williams will eat Fish alive.

so, I think Utah have a nice chance

U can't forget Houston also. When Healthy they are very capable. they have Battier and Artest to guard Kobe and Kobe doesn't do well against Ron.

Don't sleep on Phoenix or Dallas either.  We played LA very close at LA without Josh Howard.

I just want to dispute your points about Utah and Houston.

Boozer has fouled up the chemistry in that locker room with all his talk about getting a raise and becoming a free agent and so on and so forth.

Houston...haha.  Not while Yao Ming is still there!  T-Mac has never done anything in the playoffs, and Artest is liable to go beat up a grandma in the stands because the tennis ball off her walker rolled down to the playing surface.

Just saying, if u go roster for roster, those teams match up very very well against LA

Rafer alston and Fish is a draw

U got Artest and Battier who can really make Kobe work on offense

Yao is better than Bynum
Luis Scola can do decent on Gasol.

Defensively LA have no body who can guard Yao and really no one that can guard Ron Artest.

Do you watch basketball?

You make Yao sound as if he's Shaq in his prime.  No one can guard Yao, HA! 

Artest vs Kobe

The numbers don't lie.

KOBE: 7 Wins, 30.8 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 7.2 apg, 1.7 spg, 102-210 FGs, .486 FG%, 19-45 3-pt FGs, .422 3-pt FG%.

RON RON: 3 Wins, 20.0 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 3.3 apg, 2.4 spg, 72-168 FGs, .429 FG%, 18-48 3-pt FGs, .375 3-pt FG%.

U are skewering the statistics my friend.

Andruw Bynum or Gasol have no chance guarding Yao in the post.

Yao is averagine 20  and 10 this season. u are acting like he is a scrub or something.


I argue with people on my sports forum all the time.

I would watch Ron against kobe and count ONLY the shot attempts while Ron was guarding Kobe and most of the time he held Kobe way under 45 percent and 20 pts.

That was with Sacramento and Kobe would really get his when Ron would have to switch over to Odom since he was the only one that could guard him also.


Watch sometime the matchup when they play head to head. Don't look at the boxscore because like I said, Ron isn't on him the entire game but when he is, Kobe has problems.

They play January 13th. I will watch and personally count shot for shot what  Kobe does when Ron is guarding him and post it.

Yao is a scrub when it matters.

He is softer than a ball of cotton and crumbles in April/May.  Yao makes Pau Gasol look like a manly-man.

Bynum is one of the premier big men in the NBA. 
 
Fuck it, I'll keep my eyes peeled on Kobe and Ron too.  I'll have a scorecard handy and anytime those two are paired up, we'll see what happens.

No one is gonna shut Kobe down, I am not tryin to say that, but he really makes Kobe work hard and he does a very good job.

Yao is soft, I give u that, but Scola and Landry, Battier.. they got some nice workhorse grinders on this team.

Me too. And if it's anyone else besides Cleveland then don't wake me at all.

Boston could go out like my Mavs did a couple seasons ago after winning 67 games or whatever it was.

Atlanta gave them all they could handle a year ago

It was all part of the plan.

I will also say this

U cannot count out Detroit.

If they ever gel with Iverson, the way Stuckey has stepped up etc, they have some pieces to be tough still.

Iverson and gelling don't go together.

Giving up Chauncey took them out of contention for good.

Yeah, I am definitely not an Allen Iverson fan

No you're not.

Cleveland is not as good as Boston...next year probably...

True Utah will give the Lakers all they can handle out West, IF they stay healthy....my gut feeling is when Boozer comes back and plays a few weeks he will be traded...He is a good power forward but he NEVER plays...I mean he stayed healthy last year, but that was it...This guy misses a ridiculous amount of games and then talks about how he is "going to get a raise"...Fuck him...I say trade him...If Utah can get these injuries under control(still feels weird saying that because for 20 years they never had any injuries)..Boozer has already missed more games this season than Karl Malone did in 18 years with the Jazz...and most of those were suspensions...

Detroit has won 4 in a row and are 7-3 in their last 10.

Gelling has occurred.

Dawg, six of those seven victories came against teams under .500, including the lowly Thunder, Bobcats, and the Wizards.

i don't think D saw that game when LA played against Houston in the beginning of the season

Sure, LA won by 30 but that don't mean shit in the playoffs.  I don't think Houston will win but I am just saying, they will give LA all they can handle and u never know.

I have a question I would like to ask the Celtics, and Celtics fans.  It's a Spanish phrase I've heard that I would like to whip out on here.





Que paso Celtics?

los Celtics no bueno

Word to the D-man.

The better question is "Where is their defense".

I'm not sure what happened to the team that won 19 straight.  Maybe they've been "Space Jam"-ed.  And it's not like they looked horrible ALL game...but they certainly didn't look like they have the previous 3 weeks. And they looked LOUSY in the 4th quarter.  Not just worn out, but STUPID, to boot.   Maybe it's jet lag, maybe it's holiday "blahs", lack of focus.....I don't know. 

I'm not worried YET.  I'm still relatively sure they'll rebound and start running off wins again.  But yes...I'm concerned.  Because there are no obvious reasons for the turn around...nobody is hurt.  Nobody is sick.  System hasn't changed....nothing.

On the up side...Cleveland lost, too.

I don't know about that.  They scored a paltry 83 against a Lakers defense that is average at best.  Portland didn't have their all-star Roy.

The race for home-court advantage is gonna go down to the wire.

Has Cleveland gone out West yet?  I don't think so, it's a long season, things will play themselves out.  It's a tough trip, but 1-3 is not good, especially with the Blazers being short-handed.  Should've won that game and finished up 2-2.  Couldn't have expected them to win 27 out of every 29 games all season long though.  I think they'll be fine.  Home court advantage proved to be huge last season though.  The C's couldn't figure out how to win on the road until the Conference finals.  I have a feeling they'll be better prepared when the time comes this season.  I don't forsee a 7 game opening round tilt, at least I hope not.  That was scary stuff last year. 

They also have some depth issues that they need to address somewhere down the line.  They lack sufficient backups at PG and C.  Patrick O'Bryant is nothing more than a garbage minutes, 12th man on the roster type, certainly not a viable backup big man.  And Eddie House is a gamer, but he's proved over and over that he's not a true PG.  I don't think Gabe Pruitt is quite ready to be thrust into that role.  I'm sure P.J. Brown and Sam Cassell will be on the docket come playoff time.  What's with Cassell anyway?  I see him on the bench.  Sometimes he's in the warmups, the next night he's in street clothes.  Is he on the roster, IR, is he a player/coach, just there for inspiration?

I just want to say my Mavs are 17-5 since the horrible 2-7 start. things are gelling and starting to truly run well.

we have 4 easy games coming up and that would put us 21-5 since the bad start!

http://www.nba.com/celtics/roster/

If Marbury signs with Boston, ya'll can just pull the plug on your season.

Yeah I heard that today.  That'd be crazy.  I'd take a wait and see approach, but history wouldn't necessarily be on their side.  Maybe a reunion with KG would do Steph some good?  Yeah, I'm reaching.

If they did that, Danny Ainge would turn back into Danny Ainge.

surely to God he wouldn't be that stupid.

It would do Steph some good, but while Starbury is finding inner piece, the Celtics will fall apart at the seams!

I would personally get a kick out of seeing the Celtics sign Marbury and tumble down to 3rd or 4th in the standings... They shouldn't even be in talks about it.

He has a tattoo on his head.  :rofl:

(http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/355/48450082id5.jpg)

(http://blog.kir.com/archives/images/Astros%20emblem.jpg)

It's his NY Knicks jersey number (3) and it's the logo on his line of sneakers.

(http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n125/lbrownie/marbury-shoe.jpg)
"The ?3″ logo found on his Starbury sneaker and apparel line is now a permanent part of his bald head."

Stephon Marbury Endorses Sneakers, Under $15

Pro basketball star Stephon Marbury is endorsing his new sneaker line, which are unlike any previous pair of celebrity-supported footwear - a pair cost only $14.95.

The "Starbury 1" sneakers are being sold at such a low price, in an attempt to break long-standing price trends which often charge over $100 per pair.

"Steph's message is that self-esteem doesn't have to be wrapped up in your clothing," said Andy Todd, president of Steve & Barry's University Sportswear stores, who says the sneakers are flying off of the shelves.

"We've been in business more than 20 years. We've never seen a phenomenon like this," Todd added.

Marbury says he remembers growing up poor in Coney Island, and being unable to afford the latest sneakers. He is now the NBA's fifth highest-paid player, and hopes that his discount shoe prices catch on.

IF they were to take a chance on Marbury, I think they'd do so at minimal risk.  I seriously doubt they would tumble to 3rd or 4th just by adding Stephon.  If that came anywhere close to happening they'd just cut him and return to their current form.  It's really a low risk situation, if they sign him on the cheap.

On the one hand guys with checkered pasts have gone to better situations and thrived.  On the other hand, EVERY team Marbury has gone to has gotten worse.  I'm sure the Celtics know this and IF they took a chance on him, he'd be on a short leash.

Actually I would consider it a GREAT signing, they are in desperate need of someone to come in and be the high scorer in the second unit, as that unit is looking like a problem for the team. As Faldor said, this is just a low risk, they wouldn't have to shell out a ton of money for him and i'm sure he'd be happy in Boston with a team that he can contribute on and have a chance to win a championship with.

I don't think Marbury is that bad of a guy, it's kinda annoying seein everyone dog on him for everything he does, his shoe that he has out for less than 15 dollars is a great thing for young kids who want shoes of there favorite stars yet usually have to dish out ungodly amounts of money for them, money which they don't have or could be used on better things.

If he joins the team I bet anyone on here that he will keep his attitude in check and be a good team player, he realizes he has a bed rep and needs to fix that if he ever wants to get $$paid$$ again. I say sign the guy, and lock up the NBA Championship for the second year.  : ok:

The guy hasn't played in a year, you think he would just come right out and contribute?

He hasn't even had the benefit of training camp to get to know his teammates, he's gonna have to learn right on the job.







And imagine some kid wearing those sneakers at the playground?

They'd make fun of him for having 15 dolla shoeZ.  Marbury fails at everything.  What a failure.

4 teams, 4 fuck ups, 4 teams that got extremely better after he left. this is not a coincidence. he is selfish, a ball stopper and a cancer.

he can give shoes away for free won't change all the cash he has stolen from various franchises and given nothing back to.

Holy crap D, we've been seeing eye to eye on a lot of things lately!  (Not just the NBA.)

Time to see my psychiatrist! 

another beautiful loss by the Celtics  :beer:  :smoking:

OK, now I'm concerned.

Anemic defense, anemic offense....where the fuck did the celtics go?  Where the fuck is Garnett?

It's starting to look ugly now....losing to the KNICKS???  C'mon!

Oh, and I agree on Marbury.  Keep him away from the Celts.

I'd be worried if it was May, but it's January, it's a long season.  They weren't gonna have a 10 loss season.  Admittedly they haven't been playing well lately, but there's plenty of time to turn it around.

Four losses in a week though.

If they were spaced out, then I wouldn't be worried.  But they've just had a bad stretch.

Seems to that when teams stifle Rajon Cajun Datsun-driving Mondo-riffic Rondo, the Celtics look lost out there.

Yeah that's definitely a concern.  That's a large part why they struggled in the playoffs last season.  Rondo didn't play well and they didn't and still don't really have a suitable backup PG.  When he's on, he's great.  But when he's off, teams pressure him, or sag off him and take away his playmaking ability then the C's are a little lost.  I'm certainly not excited with losing 4 of the last 6, but I'm not ready to panic yet either.

Celtics drop another one..... if they aren't careful, Lebron is going to crab dribble his way to the top of the East!

Stephon Marbury sucks so bad, just the mention of his name in the same sentence as the Celtics causes a massive losing streak! :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Hahahhahaa!  :hihi:

Damn I hate Le-bon-bon.

if there was a record for most team voted for the fan night games on nba tv the lakers would win that record  :smoking:

celtics vs. cavs today, man that's a good game!! hope the cavs will win that one don't like the celtics at all I'm a Lakers fan!!

right on man. im looking forward to that game as well.  i hope the Cavs demolish the celtics by more than 15+ points and send Paul Pierce crying back to Boston

In a wheelchair...

yeah after lebron pinches his legs with his crab dribble  :hihi:

Allen Iverson is doing what few thought was possible: He's taking a backseat in Detroit.

All you need to know about the essential and elusive nature of chemistry can be found in this clip of Paul McCartney and Jay-Z performing together at the 2006 Grammy Awards.

The performance starts off with Jay-Z and Linkin Park doing a mashup of their respective songs "Encore" and "Numb." That works pretty well. Then the music shifts to the Beatles classic "Yesterday," and when McCartney steps on stage at the 2:42 mark, everything gets as awkward as a blind date. Jay-Z seems like he desperately wants to impress McCartney. (He even wore a John Lennon T-shirt for the occasion.) But the rapper doesn't have the singing voice to lay down some harmony, so all he can do is say things like "Uh-huh, uh-huh" and "Yes, yes." Then he conducts an imaginary orchestra. McCartney spends most of his time ignoring him, but does shoot an occasional glance, trying to figure out what to make of Jay-Z while taking great pains not to offend him. Pairing icons of rap and rock seemed like a good idea at first. It failed because the chemistry didn't work.

The Detroit Pistons became the NBA's greatest chemistry experiment when they traded Chauncey Billups to Denver for Allen Iverson in November. General manager Joe Dumars wanted to get with the trend of clearing salary cap space for the free-agent bonanza of 2010, only he couldn't sell a Knicks-like stripping of the roster to a fan base that has seen the Pistons reach the Eastern Conference finals for six consecutive years. It's not too often you can dump salary and get an eight-time All-Star and former MVP in return. Of course, there isn't a single player as difficult to incorporate into a new system as Iverson.

His most successful season in Philadelphia came after the Sixers got rid of Jerry Stackhouse, Derrick Coleman, Larry Hughes and Jim Jackson. They let Iverson have the offensive stage to himself, while everyone else played defense and grabbed rebounds. The experiment with Carmelo Anthony in Denver didn't work out. He dominated the ball too much, played at a speed no one else could keep up with, and didn't do enough to get everyone else involved.

The Pistons lost their first two games with him and got off to a 7-9 start in the Iverson era. (It didn't help that the Nuggets took off with Billups and that George Karl was practically singing about how glad he was to have Iverson gone.) Rodney Stuckey wondered how he fit in the new scheme. Richard Hamilton saw his shots go from 18 per game at the start of the season to 14 per game in the next 13 after Iverson arrived.

"Yesterdayyyy, all my troubles seemed so far away ?"

However, in mid-December, the Pistons' season became more like those lyrics and less like that disjointed Jay-Z-McCartney performance. Detroit won 10 out of 13. It won games even with Hamilton and Rasheed Wallace injured. Most surprising of all, the Pistons did it with Iverson sliding back to a secondary role, letting Stuckey and even Tayshaun Prince handle the ball more while Iverson shot at a lower frequency than at any point in his career.

"I feel like I understand my role a lot more than I did at first," Iverson said. "I understand that there's not going to be games that my team, night in and night out, needs me to score 30 points. It's a different adjustment for me. I averaged 30 points my whole career, and I'm under 20 points here. People think that's going to be something that's going to bother me. But I feel like the window of opportunity for me is still open. Especially being in this situation, I think it makes it that much more easier for me."

In short, Iverson is a Piston. That means no one stands above the rest, that everyone shares equally. Six players average in double figures. The go-to guy changes from game to game. And Iverson is just a part of the mix, off on the wing, waiting to get the ball, his game now much more side-to-side than straight to the basket. Coach Michael Curry's solution to the delicate guard issue is to use Iverson, Stuckey and Hamilton simultaneously. Iverson let Stuckey keep the No. 3 that had been part of Iverson's identity since high school, and he lets Stuckey handle the ball most of the time.

"I'm so happy that I don't have to run this team," Iverson said. "That's what the trade was made for, to get Rodney ready to go."

Well, it also was made because Iverson's contract expires at the end of this season, while Billups' goes through 2011. There is an outside hope that Iverson could help the Pistons get past the Celtics and Cavaliers, the last two teams to end their season. There's no indication yet that Detroit has surpassed them, but the Pistons did beat another top Eastern team, Orlando, during their seven-game winning streak that ended Wednesday in Portland. Boston's stumble created bigger headlines than Detroit's ascension over the past couple of weeks. Boston will be fine come playoff time. It's Detroit that warrants curiosity and scrutiny.

"AI, he's starting to get comfortable with us, we're starting to get comfortable with him," Stuckey said.

If Iverson is less spectacular, he's also more intriguing than he's been in a while. For a while he became so wrapped in controversy that we forgot about what he did right. He's the shortest player among the top 10 career scoring leaders. He was picking himself off the floor and signing up for more punishment long before Dwyane Wade made an ad campaign out of it.

His presence also makes the Pistons a more compelling story. They aren't just the same cast of characters we've been watching since 2004, give or take a Ben Wallace. And Iverson is trying to do what so many have said he could not: sacrifice for the good of the team. That presents a paradox: To get his place in history, he'll have to give up his place in history.

Coming into this season, Iverson had the third-highest scoring average of all time, 27.7 points per game, behind Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan. If he keeps scoring at his current rate of 18 points per game, by the end of the season his career average will have dropped under 27, below Elgin Baylor, Jerry West and LeBron James.

It seems the older Iverson gets, the harder he is to define. His return to Denver on Friday isn't as easy to hype as his first game back in Philadelphia last season, when the crowd showered him with love and he kissed the 76ers logo at half court.

"So many years, so many memories," he said of the emotions that went into that night. "In Philly, I was so much younger and I had to grow. Being in Philly helped me to be the man that I am now, the ups and the downs, the learning experiences, the mistakes that I made, the things that I did right. After I left Philly I tried to carry all the good attributes that I had to the other places that I was going to end up being at. It's going to be a lot different than the Philly situation, but it's going to be special."

In retrospect, Denver was a good transition. He was asked to share the marquee with someone else, no longer the solo attraction. And now he's just another member of the cast, trying to see whether this mix will blend better than a Beatle and a rapper.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=adande_ja&page=Iverson-090108&campaign=rss&source=NBAHeadlines (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=adande_ja&page=Iverson-090108&campaign=rss&source=NBAHeadlines)

People can still say Kobe all they want, but I honestly believe Lebron James is the greatest player in the NBA right now. He is just amazing.

How can u not be a fan of this guy?

I don't like his bitch-ass mom.

He is not very intelligent.  When Sir Charles criticized him, all he could come up with was, "He's stupid!"

I'm glad the NBA instituted the 2 year rule.  This way, we won't get such a vast influx of retards into the league.


But I'm so glad the Cavs beat the Celtics.  I jizz in my pants when I see the C's doing bad.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6I5XXFqOUyA

Because he is a whining baby who is forced down our throats by NBA marketing like MJ was. He gets away with a lot and cries when he's called for a travel.  He is a tremendous talent, and his size is ridiculous. But he isnt the best in the NBA.

24 years old 28, 7 and 7

no one can touch those numbers.


What do u think about Kobe? Mr Quit on his teammates and sulk.

I would sulk too if I was the only person on the team who knew how to play basketball.

But he never QUIT on his teammates.  You have your facts wrong like you do with pretty much everything else.  The man won scoring titles during those dark years.  He put up 81 in a game, I do not think those stats are indicative of someone quitting.  This attack was unwarranted, and came straight out of left field.

P.S. Jordan averaged 35/5/6 when he was 24.

Get out of here you clown.

Kobe was in the prime of his career, and the best player in the league, watching his team floundering because they were building for the future instead of trying to win now. He was rightfully frustrated, and voiced his frustration. Now he is on the best team in the league. So, no, he didnt quit on his teammates, he got them to a great position to win.

so not taking  three shots in a game 7 in the 2nd half against Phoenix is not quitting on your teammates?



Lebron is the closest thing to Jordan and he has done way more with less than Kobe ever has.

People come on here and cry cause Kobe didn't have a team blah blah blah. Lebron took 4 guys on this forum to the NBA finals two years ago.

He is unstoppable.

  Yes.  Over-rated ,marketed by the NBA, just like Jordan.
He took 4 guys in the "LEast" to the finals.  And was STOPPED.

 :rofl:  Great line....

Lebron is the best in the world, no doubt.  I could watch him play all day... Sure the "crab dribble" complaint was stupid, but what did he say after?  More or less:  If they want to change the calls they make, let them, I will adjust and I will still be the best.

The fact that the only people you can compare Lebron to are guys like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant shows what kind of level this guy is at.  How anyone could watch that double OT performance against the Pistons in the playoffs and STILL not be a fan of the guy is beyond me.

Also, the Celts losing 7 of their last 10 and the Raps winning 4 of their last 5 seems like too perfect an opportunity to "kick 'em while they're down" in the upcoming home-and-home... but nothing would make me happier than to see the Raps beat them twice in two nights.

also, my Lebron averaging 28-7-7 was in reference to people in the NBA right now. if all u can pull out is Jordan, Lebron is doing amazingly well.

keep in mind also, that Lebron is the consumate teammate. if he shot 30 times a game like Jordan did, he'd probably average 40 a game.

Kobe is a great player, but right now, Lebron for me owns everybody. U take a 24 year old Kobe Bryant compared to a 24 year old Lebron James, and it ain't even close.

Kobe has Pau Gasol, Andruw Bynum, Lamar Odom

Who the fuck does Lebron have other than Mo Williams who is a good but not a top 10 NBA PG, Zydrunas Illgauskas isn't a top 5 center, Ben Wallace and Anderson Varejeo are his PF's and who the fuck is their shooting guard anyway? I couldn't tell u, half the time it is Mo Williams and they start Delonte West, a dude who was a cast away in Boston.

Just look at his game against Boston, his stat line is just insane.

You call Lebron a consummate teammate, but then go on and say that he has no team and talk about his individual play.  Its kind of contradictory.  When Kobe carried his team on his back by doing all he could to win, he was labeled selfish.  Yet LeBron carries his team and its called being a consummate teammate.  Now that Kobe actually has guys that can knock down shots, you can see the kind of "consummate" teammate that he really is. 

I know. Kobe had 3 rings.

oh please, playing with Shaq in his prime isn't that hard. U see what happened once Shaq left.

Kobe just the last 2 years finally learned how to make his teammates better and they didn't get real good till they stole Pau Gasol.


Playing with Lebron, I am confident I could score 8pts a game. Lebron has made shitty guys that couldn't start on any other basketball team respectable decent players.


just look at the roster.

Larry Hughes was Lebron's 2nd guy, he is like the 9th man off the bench for FUCKING Chicago now

Delonte West was a backup in Seattle and he now starts. 

Dude, Kobe got into the playoffs, and took Phoenix to the brink, with Smush Parker and Kwame Brown as starters for cryin out loud. Where are they now?

And I gave Kobe credit for that just like I bashed him for only shooting 3 times in the 2nd half. they were down but Phoenix are so shitty on D, u never know, they could've fought back.


Just saying, u put Wade or Lebron on those Laker teams, they still win 3 titles, Hell they may have even won more cause they would've deferred more to Shaq.

Kobe and Lebron are the best players in the world period. I prefer Kobe because of his style of play, and because he is a Laker!! the way he tries to do whatever is needed to win a game. Lebron is a different type of player, he is big and he uses his size and atheleticism pretty well, and you can see that he wants to win every game. But Kobe is just more fun to watch, the moves, his jumpshot, etc. I also think Kobe is more clutch, I saw lebron miss too many clutch shots at the end of games compare to Kobe.
And Kobe has the rings, it doesn't matter if it was with Shaq or not, he has those and he was a major part in that  championship team, and I know that he's going to get another one this year : ok:

 You can't compare Lebron to MJ, Lebron never shot 50%from the field in any season while MJ did that in an entire carreer!!  and the six championships,  MVPs, defensive player of the year, once lebron's is about to retire then you can compare him to MJ but it's just to soon right now

Yeah, people get old.  The legendary Larry Hughes isn't immune to that.

Good for DeLonte.  That's what should happen to young players who show they can play.  It's all a part of professional sports!

You say Kobe won those titles with Shaq, but who did Shaq win those titles with?  Obviously not Glen Rice or Ron Harper.

Shaq had Penny Hardaway in '95 and they lost to the 6th seeded Houston Rockets.  Pathetic.  They were swept and they had homecourt advantage to boot.

It's not fucking stealing Pau Gasol when the Grizzlies are stupid enough to trade him for nothing.  It would be stupid if they didn't take the deal.  Boo hoo cry me a river.  They wouldn't even need Gasol if Bynum hadn't gone down with his injury.

Hahahahahahaha you could score 8 points with Lebron just like you can write better music than Robin Finck!  That one still gets me everytime! :rofl:

Good job shoving Lamar Odom in our face.  Yeah, he's an excellent ballplayer!  :rofl:

Just about anyone could have come out in the Leastern Conference and been demolished unless they were the Pistons, or a Miami team with Shaq.  It wouldn't have mattered.  Lebron got swept in the Finals by the Spurs.  Embarrassing.

Fuck anyone who compares Kobe or Lebron to Michael Jordan.  It's impossible.

Air Jordan > The Black Mamba and King Gaymes put together.

All day.

Any day.

Dude, I honestly don't know what your problem is, but u have tons of hostility that pisses me off.


The Robin Finck thing, what the fuck has he ever done? U answer me that? He plays music written by somebody else! WOW give that guy a fucking cookie.


How hard is it to have Axl Fucking Rose sing over your music and make it sound amazing? Axl would make anybody sound great.

U give me the equipment and u give him the equipment

I stand by what I say. So u can basically drop it. I don't care about or value your opinion at all. seriously.

 its funny when people try to hate on me when they don't realize the difference in million dollar studios and producers compared to doing it yourself at home on a 500 dollar 8 track and crappy instruments.

Please point me to ONE song where he wrote vocals,melodies,lyrics,drums,synth and did all the arranging and producing?  If u can't SHUT UP! Thank u!

onto basketball:  Who said anybody was better than Micheal Jordan? I said Lebron is the closest we will get to Micheal Jordan.

U are the one that sounds like the retard on here talking shit about Leborn James.  Have you never even seen the fucking guy play?

Hell, u probably think Allen Iverson or Vince Carter are better than Lebron James.



LOL @ u thinking Andrew Bynum is better than Pau Gasol. Gasol is a 20-8 guy, Bynum is still learning the position.Gasol is one of the best big men in the league and they got him for Kwame Brown.

If they didnt get Gasol, they wouldn't have made the finals, I guarantee u that.

Shaq was also very young in 95 and lost to Hakeem Olajuwon who at the time was by far the best player in the league. He also took a young pup named Dywane Wade to a championship and who the fuck else was on that team but Wade? Antoine Walker.............. So please.

Lamar Odom isn't my favorite player, but he is better than anybody Lebron has not named Mo Williams.

No D, I have never seen Lebron play.

Ever.  Not once.

Nah, I've made my feelings clear on Iverson in the past.  Axl'sMainMan can attest to that.  Same with Carter.  He's a fantastic dunker, but he quit on the Raptors.  Not my problem.

Yeah, Bynum is a better, more physical player than Gasol.  Without Bynum, the Lakers lose to the Celtics.  But if you saw the Christmas game, you know that Bynum made the difference inside on toughness and defense.  Gasol remains soft and lacks the toughness needed to go far.

Yeah, without Bynum and Gasol the Lakers wouldn't have gone far.  You don't need to be a rocket scientist to figure that out.  Errrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I completely agree with the Bynum/Gasol debate.  Pau may put up some good numbers but he is the SOFTEST big man in the history of the game.  OK, maybe that's an overstatement, but the man is soft.

Snuggle soft.

(http://www.hi-net.zaq.ne.jp/foliage/antiques/img/snuggle.jpg)

now thats soft  :hihi:

  Well, the week Bynum went down, Lakers had the best record in the west and were torching everyone. Bynum going down caused the Lakers to get Pau.  What Im trying to say is, we still could have easily made the finals w/o Pau if Bynum didnt go down. 

  Well, the week Bynum went down, Lakers had the best record in the west and were torching everyone. Bynum going down caused the Lakers to get Pau.  What Im trying to say is, we still could have easily made the finals w/o Pau if Bynum didnt go down. 
[/quote]

I think that too, Bynum was incredible and playing like an all-star for that month.
he is playing great the last 4 games. if he's going to get back to where he was a year ago the Lakers are unstoppable!!

damn!! I suck in quoting :P

No Artest vs Kobe tonight.

Figures.

It was still a good game though. Battier is always an entertaining match-up with Kobe.

I don't what you guys are talking about....

Gasol is an european player. Big european players are slightly different than big american players.

It amazes me why some of you would just judge a player based on whether he is tough or soft. Gasol is not the toughest player in the NBA I'll give you that, but he is definitely one of the best power forwards in the league. The guy averages 18 and 10 every night + almost 4 assists. Give him some credit.

He runs the court well, handles the ball, he's got an understanding of the game that most power forwards in the league don't have. See, a good power foward is not about just dunking every time he gets a chance. A good PF creates opportunities for his teammates when he gets double team, a good PF understands the basics of a pick and roll, a good PF shoots for 15-20 feet if he has too, a good power foward sees what's the best option just by looking at his opponent defense...

Gasol is all that. Yes he is not your Amare Stoudemire type of player, but basketball is more than strength and muscle.

Now, I don't think Bynum HAS EVER been double teamed, I don't think Bynum will ever make a field goal from 10 feet or beyond, I don't think Bynum understands what a pick and roll is and I don't think he ever will. Yes he's young, very young...that's why he's still far behind Pau's contribution to the Lakers.

Oh, and against the Celtis on Xmas day he was the one who saved the day in the end by scoring 7 of the last 9 lakers points. Funny how some of you comment on Bynum defense was key yo win that match...Gasol won that match for the lakers and that's all there's to it.

WRONG

Bynum kept the Lakers in the game.

The Celtics were silly enough to let Pau take some open shots.  They had no respect for him because they saw how he folded up like an umbrella during the Finals.

You can be a great European PF and put up great numbers, but if you are soft, you will not win a championship.

Just ask two-time Academy Award winner Vlade Divac.

Bynum makes his low percentage shots, believe me.  The fact that he doesn't always have to shoot from out there is a testament to his inside presence.

I'm speechless now.  That was simply brilliant ::)




WRONG.

The Celtics doubled team Kobe. Kobe looked for Gasol and he took care of business. He made one jumper and two field goalds where he was aggressive enough to go for it. Garnett couldn't stop him and fauled him.

Oh and Gasol also blocked Ray Allen's last three point attemp.

So yeah, Bynum was on the floor when that happened...I guess his "presence" won that game by itself.

That's what all teams should do from now on...there's no need to be clutch player anymore if you have a BYNUM in your team...he'll win matches with his presence.  :hihi:


Give me a break...Vlade averaged 11 points and 7 rebounds in his entired career...Go look at Gasol's career stats and see the difference.


Bynum doesnt know how to do anything else other than just dunks or easy lay ups. Look at all time greatest power forwards and see what they have in common...they did also good outside the paint; Duncan, Garnett, Nowinsky, Mchale, Karl Malone, Barkley...they were COMPLETE players regardless their "presence" .

Bynum has a long way to go still...

You are exhibiting a pure case of jingoism and it is blinding you from the FACTS.

Gasol had one good game against Boston.  He still has to prove he can do great things like that when it counts.  No Laker or NBA fan from outside of Spain has forgotten how he was reduced to NOTHING in June.  He wasn't good enough to play with the ladies of the WNBA.  Those girls would have eaten him alive.

Sure dude.  Bynum's defense kept L.A. in a position to win the game. 

It's been said that the Lakers would have done better against Boston if they had a true big man in the paint.

Having that big body makes a big difference.

Gasol's stats look good because he was a star on a terrible team.

And on your last point, SO WHAT?!!?  Bynum is a center, not a power forward.  Wilt, Kareem, Shaq, Oscar Robertson etc did not have to go out in the perimeter! How do you think they accumulated all those points, awards, and championships?

That's right.  Cheap ass dunks and layups.

Heaven forbid someone doesn't attempt a three-pointer on every possession. 

Funny you talk about facts.

First of all you rely your whole argument in pure intangibles. Talking about Bynum's presence blah blah..you want facts? Go look Gasol's and Bynum's season stats right now and you'll be able to see the actual facts.

Also, Bynum's is so vital to the lakers that even Phil Jackson seats him down when it matters the most. Did you know Bynum complained before christmas because he wasn't on the floor during clutch time? For such a vital player like Bynum , I'm guessing Phil Jackson believes it'd be unfair for the other teams if Bynum was on the floor during decisive minutes...that'd be too much of an edge for the lakers that no team in the league could handle  ::).



You mean Oscar "The Big O" Robertson? Sure man, he may have been a CENTER (in juniot HIGH), but while he played on the NBA he was a point/shooting guard.

Cuban-Karl war of words erupts after elbow incident

By JAN HUBBARD


DALLAS ? Mark Cuban and Denver Nuggets coach George Karl have agreed to disagree on the seriousness of the elbow that J.R. Smith threw at Antoine Wright on Tuesday in Denver.

Cuban notified security at halftime of the Denver-Dallas game and he said the NBA was in the process of reviewing the tape. Cuban has no doubt what is going to happen:

"He [Smith] is going to get suspended," Cuban said.

In Denver, however, Karl told reporters that it was "a lot of ..."

Karl said the play was "something that happens almost every game. There was no contact. It wasn?t even close."

Cuban said it does not matter.

"Throwing an elbow is no different than throwing a punch," Cuban said. "In fact, it can be more deadly. The league has always said it?s about the intent. You can?t throw an elbow."

Karl was also upset about Cuban saying something to Smith. But Cuban said he was merely on the court in front of the bench at halftime and Smith came over.

"Stay away from my players," Karl said. "Stay off the court. Don?t get involved. Don?t tell me you?ve done it before. If you?ve done it before, it was wrong before and it?s wrong now."

But Cuban said interacting with opposing players is hardly new.

"We got guys from the other team walking into our locker room," Cuban said. "What are [they] going to say? 'Player?s in the locker room: Cuban leave.? "

The league office has yet to make an announcement on the matter.

Better than baseball?

Before the game, Mark Cuban was asked about the upcoming 25th anniversary for David Stern, who took over as NBA commissioner in February 1984.

Stern has been given credit for saving the league, although the idea that there would have been no major pro basketball league in North America without him is a little far-fetched.

But no doubt Stern took full advantage of what is known in the corporate world as assets and is known in the basketball world as Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and Michael Jordan.

Cuban and Stern have had their run-ins, but Stern at least did not interfere when Cuban tried to buy the Mavericks.

Cuban wanted to buy the Chicago Cubs, but many reports indicated Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig was adamantly opposed to the move.

So how good has Stern been?

"I put him ahead of Major League Baseball," Cuban said, almost with a straight face.

Tough task ahead

The schedule gets no easier for the Mavericks. After a day off today and practice Friday, they play the Utah Jazz at home Saturday.

A four-game road trip to Philadelphia, Milwaukee, Detroit and Boston is followed by a home game against Don Nelson and Golden State. Then it?s off for two more games in Miami and Orlando.

http://www.star-telegram.com/287/story/1144166.html (http://www.star-telegram.com/287/story/1144166.html)

Shaq O'Neal was always on the bench late in games.  What's your point?  Big men usually take a seat to avoid getting fouled intentionally and missing free throws.

Stats schmats man, quit throwing numbers around.  It was never a numbers argument.

By your logic, we should discount everything Bruce Bowen has done because his numbers aren't great.  The man plays excellent defense, but his excellent defense never shows up in any box score.

By the way, I meant Bill Russell.  I always confuse him and the Big O.  I don't know why.

Bill Russell.

Whatever...Jackson seats Bynum down cause he rather play with Odom during final minutes instead. It doesnt have anything to do with free throw percentage though...Do you see Dwight Howard on the bench during the final minutes of any game? No. Howard's free throw percentage is 50% and the guy still plays the final minutes of each and every game.



Yes it is when it comes to value what players contribute to their teams. Almost 100% of the times, good players have good numbers. That's a pretty fair measurement t if you ask me...it's true that intangibles are important to a point, but definitely, they should not be the main reference when judging any player's contribution to his team.

Gasol has not only put up good numbers in Memphis, but also in LA. Nothing's changed.

I understand you'd like Gasol to be more AGGRESSIVE, but you must also know there are other things to consider as I already pointed out. I agree Bruce Owen is one of those players who doesn't put up big numbers but it's somehow important to the Spurs, but that does NOT make him more valuable than Parker, Duncan or Ginobili. Owen is a defense specialist and that's basically his sole contribution.

Defense is a very important aspect of the game, but also is scoring, rebounding, passing, reading the floor, creating opps for your team mates, playing the final minutes, executing the best possible action each and every time....

What a night.  Cavs worst loss of the season.  Kobe out-duels Prince James with one hand. Nice.

Bootiful!

As the late, great Sir Charles would say, "That was a turbull loss by the Cavs."

Another good night. Bynum scores 42. Kobe has another triple double. Granted, it was against an undermanned Clippers. But I'll take it.

I'm going to the Faker game tonight.

Great game last night.


On another note, this made me sad.

Jazz owner Miller has legs amputated

ssociated Press

SALT LAKE CITY -- Utah Jazz owner Larry H. Miller has had both of his legs amputated 6 inches below the knee.

Jazz spokesman Jonathan Rinehart says Friday's surgery was the result of complications from Type 2 diabetes.

Rinehart says the 64-year-old Miller is recovering in a hospital.

Greg Miller, Larry Miller's son, said in a statement that his father is doing well.

Rinehart says Miller was already using a wheelchair before the surgery.

Miller had outpatient surgery in October for a bone infection and diabetic ulcers discovered in his foot.

Miller's wife, Gail, had told the Deseret News that he was to undergo six weeks of IV and hyperbaric chamber therapy for the infection and ulcers.

Miller had a heart attack this summer. He remained in the hospital for nearly two months because of complications that included kidney failure and gastrointestinal bleeding that required blood transfusions.

Thats too bad....Calderon was back last night for the first time in about a month for the Raps and they finally snapped there 7 game loosing streak...he had 20 some points and 20 some assists...Hopefully they can pick it up...Also what does everyone think about the possible deal between the raps and heat that would see the raps send Jermaine Oneal to the Heat for Shawn Marion...who wins?

Only 10 assists... but it was obviously nice to have everyone healthy for a game and put up a 20 point victory.

I think that deal is B.S. personally because of the "Marcus Banks" aspect of the deal... Also, Calderon is a pure half-court point guard and we've seen in Miami that Marion isn't worth much without Steve Nash & a run-and-gun.

Yeah I agree. Marion is not going to make the Raptors a better team than what they are now. I thought Jermaine was a good addition to the team but him being injured a few times is hard really to tell whether he can contribute or not.

The problem I see with the Raptors is their struggle to win tight matches. If you take 75% of the Raptors loses this year you'll find Toronto was either up by the end of the third quarter or really in contention. Maybe the Raptors are too dependant on Chris Bosh to make plays when it counts and opponents know that. Put two guys on Bosh and he'll make a few, but he'll miss 3 or 4.

I believe the team should also look for other players in the 4th quarter; Parker, Bargnani or Caderon can score and will score if they have to. If you have more options on the offensive end, that opens a whole new world of possibilities.

Oh and by the way "Oh Henry", last two Bynum's performance were simply impressive. All the credit to him. Seems like he may have read this board and wanted to prove me wrong  :hihi:

whatever happened to these snap shots  :rant:

Uhhhh, which snapshots do you want?

Bynum had a better stat line tonight than Duncan. Lakers wiped the floor with the Spurs. 

Kobe didn't even come out for the 4th quarter for the second game in a row.

He's gonna need to rest up for that long road trip.

LeBron vs. AI today.

Don't see the Pistons winning this one, but it still should be a good game.

man, Andrew Bynum got injured... that sucks he was playing all-star level, time for odom to step up...

he was able to walk to the bus last night by himself so thats a good sign

Celtics have won 11 straight.  I'm just saying.  Back when they went on their little slide a lot of people were up in arms, yet I haven't heard anything since they righted the ship.  Things that make you go hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm....

I'm looking into my crystal ball, and I see the Lakers losing to the Cavs and C's.

If Bynum is done for the year, the Lakers should just forfeit the season.

 ::)

I thought Bynum was gonna be alright?  I have him on my fantasy team so I have a vested interest there.  I wish the Lakers luck and hope they beat the Cavs.  Someone has to beat them on their home floor eventually.

Andrew Bynum (knee) will miss 8-12 weeks with a torn medial collateral ligament.

guess we wont see him till playoffs. good thing i cancel a bynum trade in my fantasy team. and now that i got kobe he is going to score and rebound a lot more.

So this is what happens when Andrew Bynum goes out......

---

Kobe On Point

Kobe Bryant recorded his fifth career 60-point game on Monday night, the second most in NBA history behind Wilt Chamberlain's 32.

Most Points By Kobe Bryant 81 Jan. 22, 2006*
65 March 16, 2007*
62 Dec. 20, 2005*
61 Feb. 2, 2009*
60 March 22, 2007*
* -- Won game

That's one positive for my fantasy team as well.  Kobe sure off to a good start without Bynum.

what place are you in your fantasy league

I'm currently in 2nd, 6 games back.  Beat the first place team last week to cut into the lead, so things are looking up.  It's a real small league though, only 6 guys, so all the teams are pretty stacked.

ah, so your playing H2H than. ive been in first place since 2 weeks after the season started  :hihi: i got dropped to 2nd twice but the following day i got back up to 1st.

oh and this year, the all star weekend is going to have a game of horse for the first time  :rofl:

Really, HORSE?  That'll probably actually be more exciting than that shooting competition they've had the last few years.  I used to like to play "knockout" or "lightning" or whatever you'd like to call it.  NBA players are probably too good for that though.  Free throws and layups aren't much of a challenge for them.

i remember playing that game all the time. we would call it king of the hill and knockout

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-all-star-horse&prov=ap&type=lgns

Knockout, 21, all that good stuff.

I miss the blacktop.

I DON'T miss NBA 2 Ball.  What the fuck was that shit?

NBA 2 Balllllll, TAKE YOUR SPOT!!!!!

wtf is nba 2 ball

Go home, n00b.

I turned 34 last June, and FINALLY found my way back to the blacktop after about a 10 to 15 year absense (with the occasional "weekend warrior" embarassing exception).  Worked my ass off for a YEAR to get back into shape (meaning one other than slightly to mostly "round")  so I had a hope of keeping up with the  youngsters that play down at our local parks.

Happy to say....I faired pretty well.  By the end of the summer I'd found my jumpshot again (or, as much as I'd ever had one) and was RULING the inside (which is where my game's always been).  My old bones even managed a couple of dunks...

Now I just have to live down the fact that I STILL wear "high-tops" (my ankles suck, and I ain't taping/wrapping them for pickup games) and crew (NOT ankle) socks.  A fashion statement on the court I certainly am NOT.

At least I'm not sporting a headband or wearing those tight short shorts they wore "back in the day".

Lebron one upped Kobe

52pts and a Triple Double!!!!!!

10 boards

11 assists

even though he said in an interview that he wasnt trying to beat kobes record, you know deep down inside he wanted to  :)

Dude, you have to be kidding.  He risked the outcome of the game with his selfish FAILED attempt to score more than Kobe. Kobe did it within the flow of the game. Lebron  also didnt play much defense, as Harrington scored 39 himself. He was lucky the Cavs held on for the win, despite his selfishness.

also...kobe was going against every defender the knicks had and they were forcing him to hit difficult shots they couldn't stop him so they sent him to the line

on the other hand... lebron had a size advantage on all the player on the knicks and all of his shots were close to the hoop.

one

Lebron Doesn't guard Al Harrington as he is a Center



two

lebron also had 11 assists

11 assists valued at just 2 pts each means Lebron accounted for 74 pts.

LeBron did guard, although I use the term loosly, Harrington. As he is a FORWARD. Jeffreis is the center. Did you watch the games?  Kobe allowed the guys he was guarding like 10 points.  He also played less minutes.  But spin it all you want. Get behind the LeBron hype machine that the NBA so badly wants to build up.
 And you also didnt address my point about LeBron selfishly risking the outcome of the game to try and get a record.

FUCK YEAH  :smoking: shit man i was getting worried a couple of times. that was a great game, even though the lakers missed a shitload of free throws. bring on the Cavs. i see another streak coming to an end.

The Lakers: Where streak-snapping happens.

Imagine if we made the free throws and had Bynum?

The Celtics definitely miss Brown and what's-his-face in New Orleans.

Most Points In Triple-Double Since Merger
 
Player  Date Points
LeBron James  Feb. 4, 2009  52 
Larry Bird  March 15, 1992  49 
Michael Jordan  April 13, 1989  47 
Larry Bird  Feb. 14, 1986  47 
Alvan Adams  Feb. 22, 1977  47 
Vince Carter  April 7, 2007  46 
Tracy McGrady  Feb. 23, 2003  46 
Isiah Thomas  Feb. 8, 1983  46 


Yeah... the guy is all hype.....

Lakers / Cavs is going to be awesome.  Now that Boston lost, this becomes the new showdown between the two best teams in the league (by the smallest of percentage points).

I know the guy is great, and because he cares about how great people think he is, he will throw up impressive stats.  But come on now, the guy hits ONE game winning shot in his career. ONE. And the media is calling him one of the most clutch in the NBA.  That, my friend, is marketing HYPE.

Oh, and... GREAT friggin game tonight. Go Lakers!

any predictions on how many points Paul will score tomorrow at NY?

And his team's blowout loss against the Lakers was hardly covered by the press.

Can't wait until Sunday.

and with kobe's ring finger feeling a lot than the day we faced the cavs. it might be even a bigger blow out  :drool:

Now now, you must not forget that Cleveland is perfect at home.

The Q is a difficult place to play.  It is going to be a close game, and hopefully a good one.

yeah i know. im still excited about the win so im just talking crazy. but yeah i hope its a close game with lakers coming out on top  :smoking:

Eh, it was OK. 

I'll wait until June to celebrate.  If we even make it that far. 

Pleeeeeeeez, no injuries!  :-X

 :-X :-X :-X

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Video-Slap-an-asterisk-on-LeBron-s-MSG-triple-d;_ylt=AtQHfP7W0fbh.tIpo9hBD.68vLYF?urn=nba,139191

my birthday?  :smoking:

YES!  A perfect time to turn 21!

Does anybody know what time is the game between the Cavs and Lakers on Sunday? I hope is one of those 12:00 pm games so I don't have to stay awake till 5 am with a full working day ahead of me. Sucks being an NBA fan when you live in Europe!!  Although, thanx to MJ back in the 90's I managed to go through college passing exams studying and watching the finals at the same time  :smoking:

Looks like you're in for a long night/early morning.  The game is at 3:30pm.

how many rebounds did Kobe have? 0
how many Assists did Kobe have? 3

I'll take a guy getting 52-10-11  over a guy getting 61-0-3

11 assists x 2 equals 22pts  so lebron accounting for 74 of his teams 107 or whatever it was points whereas Kobe accounted for 67 of his teams 124 or whatever it was.



Neither guy have anything on Jordans Double Nickel though, cause he got 55 on a team that was an NBA Finals team and not the no D playing Knicks of today.

Exactly.

The Knicks in the early-mid 90's were like the late 80's Pistons. Their defense was simply extraordinary. It was so good that most of the times, it wasnt even legal!! Starks, Jackson, and specially Charles Oakley knew all the tricks. I remember an interview with Starks in an after match against the bulls saying something along the lines of "Coach said no easy lay ups on our defensive end and we've made sure we got that right".

However, gotta give credit when credit is due. Kobe's and King James performance this week against the knicks has been phenomenal. You can't really compare that to MJ's...different times, softer defenses now...but hey, these two guys are also out of this world. Can't wait for sunday!

dont you mean 52-9-11?  :hihi:

What game did the Knicks almost win because someone was chasing a record for his own glory?
Kobe plays in a system where there is no one facilitator. Therefore, not a lot of double digit assists for one player.  Kobe doesnt purposely snatch the ball away from teammates to pad his stats. So get off the triple double thing.
Bottom line is LeBron came up short and almost cost his team the game. If that would have been Kobe, you know you would be harping all over him, regardless of how my assists.

I like Kobe

I honest to God actually have a Kobe Bryant Jersey on right now and I don't even own a Lebron


HOWEVER

when you do something that no body other than Kareem Abdul Jabbar has done. I am sorry but that trumps anything else regardless.

a 61 point game is great, but has happened way more in NBA History than a guy getting a Triple Double while scoring 50pts.

OK, I understand what LeBron did was great. However, the way he went about it was cheap. Its a double standard with LeBron and Kobe. Kobe does it=selfish. LeBron=greatest ever.  I dont like the way he is called the second greatest player of all time by the press.

Oh no doubt, I hate the way Lebron is hyped etc. U do have to realize though he IS only 24 years old. I mean if he keeps going this way, He has a very good shot at being a top 5 if not top 3 all time NBA player.

You can take LeBrons name off the list officially now.

did they announce it on nba.com already that it wasnt a triple double?


never mind i found it on the site

How bout Phoenix tryin to trade Amare Stoudemire!

Steve Kerr has to be one of the worst GM's to come around in a long time.

where did you read that? i thought they wanted to trade Nash

no, everyone is tradeable BUT Nash which makes no sense either.

I posted an article a few pages back that talked about Nash maybe wanting to go to New York.

Geez, they get rid of Marion to appease Amare, then dismantle a big chunk of the team this year, and they wonder why they are playing inconsistent? Now they want to trade Amare. Man, the once mighty Pacific division only has one playoff team. Times have changed. Nash, Amare, and Shaq should make the playoffs, I dont get it. I do hate the Suns, so I dont really care. But its sad that the Lakers never got the playoff revenge. But I guess the Suns self destructing just to try and keep up with the Lakers is revenge enough.

Sweet.  Larry Legend still at the top of the list.

And not to take anything away from Kobe's amazing performance from earlier in the week, but how can you play a whole game and have ZERO rebounds?

Kobe has other guys on the team to rebound...

Granted, but 0 rebounds is pretty hard to do.  I mean a rebound could've accidentally found him, but no.  Obviously it didn't make a difference, the Lakers killed the Knicks and they didn't need him to rebound.  His 61 points were much more helpful.  Just a strange stat line, that's all.  I'd venture to guess he's the only player in NBA history to score 60 and not get a single rebound.  Can anybody confirm or deny that?

Today is gonna be a huge day of NBA basketball

SA at Boston at 1pm
LA at Cleveland


Cleveland's undefeated streak has to go and I think today could be the day

In the face.

2 great wins tonight  :smoking:

that last shot kobe did over lebron was b-e-a-utiful

School was in full session.

I had a feeling that was gonna happen today

And I predict there is going to be an earthquake somewhere in California this year.

 ::)

Kobe beats LeBron with one hand.  Kobe beats LeBron with an IV in his arm. Next time what? Blindfolded? Handcuffs?

And while people are wetting their panties about Lebron's assists against a weak NY Knicks team, people forget that Kobe had 12 assists against the CAVS in the first game against the two team's this year.

Good loss by Boston today.  Screw Doc Rivers for assuming the Celtics would be in the Finals.

This is the Lamar Odom I remember watching when he was on the Slippers.

Just a little hint for u Kobe guys


Anytime u get in an argument with someone over who is better, All u have to do is point to the defensive side of the floor.


Micheal Jordan is the greatest ever, not just cause of his offense, but his defense.

Kobe absolutely shut Lebron down today.

Uhhhhh, okay?

just saying, what separates Kobe and Lebron is the way Kobe can play shut down defense and Lebron isn't quite there defensively yet.

I don't follow the NBA super closely...but I did notice the fellow outta Gonzaga...Morrison, the guy who averaged 28 ppg in college was just traded to the Lakers.  Is he still a bad defender?  Can he score in the NBA?  Can he help the Lakers?

Just curious.

Yes.

No.

No.

A-FRaud!  You must STILL be using performance enhancing drugs!  That response was faster than hell!   :hihi:

Thanks, I figured as much...but...does he give them anything more than the European guy they gave up???

Word around the NBA is that he still collapses during practice and cries his eyes out on the hardwood.

No, he's just a body to keep on the bench.  The European guy was nothing more than a breathing turnstile.  Like the Kwame trade, I am just glad they got rid of him.  The Lakers are dumping dollars to make a run at Lamar Odom when he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer.

No, he's the "best ever" because he was the best in the league when the ratings for the NBA were the highest. He's the "best ever" because most of the guys writing columns and blogs these days, grew up idolizing him.  And dont go throwing stats around. He played in a watered down league where defenses were geared to stop centers. He's also the "best ever" because he didnt play for the Lakers or Knicks.  He was great, but not the greatest.

Dumb.

Nice rebuttal.  At least D will argue intelligently.

Why argue about something that is written in stone?

Not even D would be stupid enough to argue that Jordan was not the best ever.

It aint written in stone dude.  Its thinking like that thats the problem. But the NBA marketing machine that cranked out the MJ image can sleep easy knowing they did their job. 

Marketing does not dictate what happens during a game.

Who are you implying is better than MJ?  Kobe?  Lebron?  Both?  Where does MJ fall on your list of all time greats?

Larry Bird is the best of all time anyway, so it's a meaningless argument.





That was a joke, MJ is the best, hands down.  Not even close.  If Kobe can win a couple titles without one of the best big men in the history of the game maybe we can talk.  Until then though, there's no debate.

No, but marketing dictates how the public will feel about players of the game.  There are a lot of players that can be on the list of greatest ever. Wilt, Russel, Kareem, Magic, and Bird I consider better. But because of the reasons I mentioned earlier, MJ is the popular choice.

All those guys you mentioned are all time greats, no doubt but I think even they, their families, and all of Larry Bird's illegitimate children would agree that Jordan is THE #1 guy.

Wait, what?  :hihi:

Larry was quite the pimp in his days, 9 illegitimate children with 9 different women.  That's a record that's difficult to break.

That's pretty cool.

I use to try and play Devil's Advocate over at my sports forum and say MJ wasn't

Then u have to try and figure out WHO Is

Then u get into MJ's numbers and realize all he did, while also shooting damn near 50 percent for his career.

Seriously, had he not went to baseball, he wins 8 titles easily and if the Bulls had got to come back during the strike shortened season, he may win 9 titles.

His numbers are just off the charts in every category imaginable.

The NBA didn't make Micheal Jordan, Micheal Jordan MADE the NBA.     

I am not even a MJ fan but I can't argue against the guy.

Wilt Chamberlain statistically is unmatched. I mean the dude averaged 50pts and 20 rebs in ONE SEASON

but everyone was so much smaller than Wilt.

(http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n17/GarryCarlson/LAMAROWNEDEM.jpg)

I dont think that Jordan made the NBA.  Magic and Bird did. Jordan then flourished in it after those two were done.  He also didnt have the competition that guys like Bird and Magic did. Or that Kobe does now. Jordan's Bulls were far superior to the rest of the league, but I tend to think that says something about the NBA then, not the Bulls.  Which is why the NBA built him as the face of the league and the greatest ever. Also, saying he would have won another two or 3 if he didnt leave...well who knows. Magic would have won his sixth if he didnt get injured in the 88 finals. And if he would have stayed in the league, the Lakers could have stiil been contenders. But, thats livin in the past.
   I just dont subscribe to the "Jordan is the best ever" way of thinking. Best of the 90s, okay. Just like Kobe is the best of the 00s. Magic 80s.  To say best ever, though, there is no one right answer.
  Thanks, D ,for saying more than just "Dumb".

Wow.

Say that to Stockton/Malone, Barkley, Payton/Kemp, Wilkins, Ewing's Knicks, Reggie Miller.

You are out of your mind.

Jordan beat Magic.

Jordan beat Magic, but he had to wait until the Lakers were on the way out. Just like he had to wait until the Celtics and Pistons were done before he could win the east.  And I hardly consider Barkleys Suns or Paytons Sonics among the great teams. Great players, yeah.

It was only Magic's 11th season.

Jordan in his 11th season began a second 3-peat.

That kinda proves my point about Jordan having to wait for the true greats to be gone before his Bulls could dominate. Anyways, Im done with this. The friggin Lakers beat the Celtics and Cavs back to back and Im talking about Jordan.

No, it proves he could get it done so late in his career.

Kobe is already in his 12th season.

Only 3 rings, 1 MVP award.  No Finals MVP awards.  Jordan played 13 season with "da Bulls."

Whatever.

We busted Boston's two huge winning streaks, and now the Cavs home winning streak.  This is a great sign.  I just hope that we don't have any major injuries on the team.

Great win by the Lakers last night. Not only Lamar had a huge game, but everybody else contributed with good numbers; Fisher shot incredibly well, Gasol hit his numbers, Farmer moved the ball well, Walton was all over the place...in a way, this team reminds me off the 1996 Bulls where everyone was focused and comitted  to do get the job done. It was a great TEAM effort last night by the lakers.

Now, about the lakers trade I don't think it was actually that good though. The lakers are in a very similar situation than last year when Bynum had a two month recovery time frame but ended up not making to the playoffs. This time around, doctors have given a time frame of two months so it seems Andy would be back by time the Playoffs begin. However,  this could not be the case (again). Trading Radmanovic (Sp?) would have been a good move if they'd gotten a big man who can play inside. I don't think it makes sense to worry about next year's salary cap now if that's the reason why they traded Radmanovic.  What if Bynum doesnt come back for the playoffs? To me, the lakers are taking high risk by counting that they will have Andy back by the time playoffs come around. Lakers needs muscle...it doesnt have to be a guy who scores 15 and grabs 11 boards every night, but somebody who at least has presence inside.

Lastly, about the MJ, Kobe, Larry Bird, Wilt Chamberlain argument...well, MJ is all time's best hands down. Better than Magic, better than Kobe and better than everybody else. You may like Kobe or Magic more than you liked MJ (which is totally dumb if you do) but you just can't deny what Michael contributed to the game. Just need to take a look at individual stats, personal achievements, collective achievements...the guy is the best. You also have to consider his leadership, clutchness (dont even think that word exisits..oh well), determination.... nobody will ever be like MJ.

Kobe has a long way to go to match MJ. Same as Lebron and any other player who deserves to be labeles as GOAT (greatest of all time).

Just a little comparission...

MJ --> 6 MVP regular season awards, 10 scoring titles, 6 MVP finals, 3 or 4 All STart Game MVP, 2 or 3 steals titles, highest scoring average of all time, defensive player of the year, 7 times on the best defensive team of the year, 2 slam dunk titles, rookie of the year...6 Rings and almost 100 buzzer beaters...

Kobe --> 1 MVP regular season, 1 or 2 scoring title, 2 All Star game MVP, 3 rings and 40 buzzer beaters...

Lebron --> 2 all star MVP + 1 scoring title + 1 Rookie of the year


Any comparissions with MJ are ridiculous.

shawn kemp has beaten it doens't he?

Magic also had Kareem, James Worthy, Byron Scott, Larry had Mchale, Parish, Dennis Johnson

Now I grant u MJ didn't have a rival like the Lakers and celtics did with each other which stopped Bird and Magic from winning more rings.


The only argument I can someone at with MJ is the fact that the Bulls WITHOUT him still went to the East Finals, and would've beat the Knicks if it wasn't for that horrible foul call by Hugh Hollins I think it was on Scottie Pippen

So if the Bulls had went to the Finals and won a title without Jordan... then u could make a tad bit of an argument.

I always use that argument though to show how great Scottie Pippen was and how he isn't overrated.


Jordan's numbers cant be argued with, especially considering the rough,physical, hand checking era of the NBA he played in.

U let Jordan play today with soft defenses and zone defenses and he'd average 45 a game easy

So

I wonder when the NBA will be hit with a steroid scandal?


Ben Wallace, I am looking AT YOU!

Listen, Michael Jordan wasn't my favorite player...but there's no denying he's the best ever.  Case closed. 

I think D brought up Wilt's numbers...none of those match his most important number though:  20,000!   :hihi:

I just watched the bulls - knicks series from 92. damn that was a tough series, at times it look it like wrestling.  I don?t understand why anyboy will think that lebron is better than MJ

no way in hell that is true?though

Kobe has 19 shots through 3 quarters of the all star game :hihi:

Depends on how you look at it.  Kemp, reportedly has 11 children with 9 different women.  I think Larry's stat is more impressive.  Shawn seems to at least have fallen in love a couple times and had multiple children with a few women.  Larry was one and done with all 9.  So I give the edge to Larry, even though Kemp has him beat in overall numbers.

Bird has nine children with nine women?

I never heard that.

anyone notice the similarities between Shaq and Kobe and Axl and Slash?

Brought back a lot of memories.

Co-MVP's.  Seemed a little scripted, like those dumb wrestling stories.  Whatever.  It was tight to see those two back up there getting an award together.

The NBA is going to miss Shaq when he's gone... easily the most entertaining guy in the league.

There aren't any captivating personalities left in the NBA.

Even Iverson got rid of his cornrows.  Lame.

Dwight Howard definitely has potential to carry the league.

So who else was disappointed with the dunk contest?

i was. that second dunk rudy did was sick though

When he finally got it down, it was amazing... and he didn't break any of the dunk contest "rules" so I don't know how his score was so low.  Except for the obvious fact that it had to be Nate & Dwight in the finals (Nate doesn't even change into the green uniform until after his first round dunks?)

It was disappointing, but still entertaining... my favourite was probably Howard's dunk off the side of the backboard... would have been better if he did the "kiss the rim" dunk for his last one.

Seriously.

There were too many gimmicks this year.  Anyone remember the slam dunk wheel of fortune?

Robinson's second and last dunks were average at best.  He used his hand on Howard.  His final two dunks were standard tomahawk jams that involved human props.

If Dwight had taken off from the middle of the key for his final dunk, I would have been impressed.  The phone booth didn't impress me, nor did the 12 foot rim dunk.

I remember the slam dunk wheel of fortune, it was in 2002,  MJ an Dr. J were the  among the judges, I didn't like it too much. I like it the one in 2000 when V Carter won, that was a good one.

fuck its about time lakers got rid of Chrim Mihm

Pistons vs. Cavaliers today.

Hopefully Detroit can snap this terrible losing streak.

Not today, sonny.

Guess we can't expect much when AI is on the bench for half of the freaking game :confused:

L.A. owns Baaaahhhhhhston.

it was great seeing paul cry like a little girl when he dislocated his thumb  :rofl: ran towards the locker room so no one would see him in pain  :hihi:

since when?

Since they lost to the Slippers.

2 solid victories for the Pistons, could be some gas left in the tank.

Is that an indictment on Allen Iverson or what?

He gets injured, misses 2 games, Detroit wins 2 games.

I definitely wouldn't want Detroit in round 1.

I have no idea, Hamilton sure was on fire yesterday.

Yeah, I think it has more to do with Hamilton being inserted into the starting lineup.

Everyone is happy in Boston.  I thought signing Marbury was not a smart move by the Celts, and quite frankly I didnt really care. However, it's caught my attention...I never really liked Stephon but I'm eager to see if he will adapt and contribute to these Celtics. He's got about 50 days to get some competition rythm so he should be fine physically when them playoffs begin.

Oh...on a very happy note... How about my boy Gasol named player of month of the Western Conference? Great month of Feb for him; named player of the week twice, good contribuition in the AS game and now this. I hope he doesn't run out of energy and shows this level of confidence and intensity in two months time!

Go lakers!

Fuckin Dallas

In a playoff battle and we lose to fucking OKC

I know it was a back to back but damn we had no passion till the 4th quarter.

I really get upset at Jason Kidd. I remember when he'd score 16 a night. Now he rarely shoots.

When Kidd is aggressive, we can compete with anybody, when all he does is pass, it then becomes Josh and Dirk vs 5 and then 3 on 5 when Terry comes in which still does not favor us.

When Kidd is aggressive, we are a very good team.

Drew Gooden got released. I guarantee he goes back to Cleveland especially since Ben Wallace is hurt. That could really help put Cleveland over the top.

Viva Gasol!

If AI can handle coming off the bench when he comes back, the Pistons could be quite dangerous.

The Pistons are a bunch of underachievers, who to me, seemed like theyve been pouting all season about the trade. They are using AI as a scapegoat. Now they step up there game when he's out. They need to embrace him as a teammate, but if they do that, they wont be able to use him as an excuse when they lose.

Alot of the pundits are speculating that AI won't be back this season and will just wait for a new contract in the off season.

Apparently New York and Miami are both interested in him.

Allen Iverson! :hihi: :hihi: :hihi: :hihi:


Dude is a little bit more skilled Ricky Davis.


U couldn't pay me to have him on my team, seriously. The numbers don't lie outside of one great year where they went to the finals by default, he has been horrible.



Did anyone see the bullshit flagrant foul called on Trevor Ariza?  Dude got 85 percent ball. That shouldn't have been a flagrant foul.

yeah we saw it but i think the refs called it a flagrant foul 2 so the crowd wont go ape shit and get all crazy. i didn't watch the 4th because i knew lakers were done for but did they give an update on rudy?

Celtics may have a rough week.  They'll be without KG still, and add Rondo and Big Baby Davis to the list.  I shudder at the idea of having to play the Cavs in Cleveland in a game 7.  There's no way the refs would let Lebron lose that game.  Heck last Friday IN BOSTON Cleveland had the advantage from the free throw line 38-12.  I thought the defending champs were supposed to get the calls, especially at home.  I'd expect that in Cleveland, but that was downright ridiculous.  They did their best to keep the Cavs in that game, but they lost by 11 as it were.  It got so bad that Tommy Heinsohn called for an investigation of the refs during the telecast.  Gotta love Tommy!  He's such a homer.

Bandwagon fan?


Don't worry, you'll have the advantage at the charity stripe come June.

you dont watch most of the games so i wouldnt be talking mr i dont want to turn on my tv  :rofl:

Don't worry, you'll have the advantage at the charity stripe come June.
[/quote]I don't know, it just seems like this is Lebron's year.  Or at least the NBA wants it to be Lebron's year.  The Celtics got their championship last year and that was a great story for the league but I think they'd want their golden boy to succeed and what better time than now?  I hope you're right though.

I am tired of sports pundits talking shit about my Dallas Mavs like we suck this season

we are on pace to win 50 games. If u win 50 games, U don't suck.

What they dont' realize also is, We have battled injuries all season. Josh Howard has missed a ton of games with his ankle. Jet Terry missed a few weeks with his broken hand.


If u ever watch Dallas, when we have Kidd,Howard,Terry,Dirk and either damp or Bass on the floor at the same time. we are FUCKING tough.

problem is, Carlisle can't seem to find enough minutes for these guys collectively.

when Jason Kidd is aggressive offensively, we are also a much more difficult team to beat.


Another thing. we are only 2 games out of the 4th spot!

So how is it we suck?

His 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 seasons are actually his best statistically I think.

33 points per game and .885 FT% respectively.

Yeah but how did his team do?


He left Philly they got better, he left Denver they got better, he has been hurt for Detroit, they are clearly better without him.


Iverson is what they call a ball stopper. when other players don't get involved it just destroys the chemistry of the entire team which leads to worse hustle,rebounding,defense etc.

Iverson may score 25 a night but the man he guard scores 20 a night which offsets anything he does in that category.

Philadelphia haven't made it past the first round since AI left, so I don't really see how they've improved.

When AI was there, the games were also pretty much always sold out. I seriously doubt that's the case now.

I really enjoyed the duet of 'Melo and AI in Denver. Yeah it didn't amount to a championship, but it was still alot of fun to watch.

This season has had more downs than ups for AI but he still lead the Pistons to 5 straight victories and was disgustingly phenomenal in the last few minutes of that game against San Antonio 2 weeks ago or so.

Also, if he was such a terrible ballstopper who contributed nothing, I don't see how he'd be a shoe-in for the Hall of Fame like he is.

He is an amazing individual player, that will get him into the hall of fame. Would I want to play with him? NO WAY



U want to see phenomenal, u should see what Dirk Nowitzki has done in the 2nd half tonight against Phoenix. the shit he makes from the circle is unreal.

i was watching the last few minuets and his fade ways are amazing  :drool: i know my cousin has a smile right now after seeing the mavs win

Hey, I work hard all day!  I'm entitled to a little "me time."  (Porno)

Iverson has gotten past the second round of the playoffs just once.

And his teams have mostly bowed out in the first round.

Just three semifinal appearances.  Kinda lousy, isn't it?

And Kobe hasn't won a ring without Shaq by his side.

Kinda lousy, isn't it?

Yep.

Kobe owned Artest.

He did, I saw the highlights on SportsCenter and they were talking quite a bit to each other in the 2nd half.  Artest was doing most of the talking though, Kobe was doing more laughing.

Lakers winning and Boston loosing today = a great day  :smoking:

Good game, D.  I might have been worried in the 4th if Dirk had a spine.

Dirk played horrible.

Here is something u have to be worried about though if u are a Laker fan

u guys keep blowing double digit leads. To us and Philly last night which was horrible.

1. why the fuck wasn't Kobe on Andre Iguodola?

2. why didn't Ariza foul him?

3. Why did Phil Jackson have a srub like Josh Powell in the big moments of the 4th quarter when Philly were making their run?



anyhow, u also have to keep in mind, we almost beat u guys at LA with Dirk playing a horrible game AND without Josh Howard.  Thats the 2nd time we've lost to u guys without Josh and by less than 8.

Also, i blame it on the coaching.  we had a 6pt lead and somehow James Singleton is taking shots........ U gotta run that Terry/Dirk Pick and roll to death to sustain that lead.  Kidd turning the ball over........... that was our game we just shot ourselves in the foot.



on a side note

I will be going to my first ever NBA game tomorrow in Atlanta.  I have been a Dallas and Dirk fan for 10 years and u have no idea what a dream come true it will be to see Dirk play in person. I cannot wait.

Allen Iverson still in pain, return unknown

BY VINCE ELLIS ? FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER ? March 19, 2009


HOUSTON -- Allen Iverson doesn't appear to be closer to returning to the lineup.

Pistons coach Michael Curry said before Wednesday night's game against the Rockets that the 13-year veteran guard saw doctors at Georgetown on Wednesday and that he was still having back pain.

He will have more tests today and Friday before the Pistons reassess the situation.

Iverson, averaging 18 points, has missed 11 games with his latest injury.

Even if Iverson is cleared Friday, he would have to go through conditioning with strength-and-conditioning coach Arnie Kander.

Asked whether there was a point when the Pistons would have to decide when to rule out Iverson's return this season, Curry said with a smile: "That ain't my call. That's over my pay grade."

Iverson's first evaluation at Georgetown came March 4, and an MRI by the Pistons last week revealed no structural damage.

Iverson isn't traveling with the team to prevent stress on his back, and he is undergoing treatment under the supervision of the Pistons.

Iverson hasn't played since leaving the floor after 8 in a Feb. 25 loss at New Orleans.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090319/SPORTS03/903190402&s=d&page=1 (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090319/SPORTS03/903190402&s=d&page=1)

we blow double digits leads to everyone. I'm not even surprised when that happens now.

It's over.

Just give the trophy to Cleveland.

15 point leads are nothing in the NBA.  I just look at it as, if you can go up by 20, you can afford to get outscored by 15. A win is a win. Plus, refs like to play equalizer in the NBA. If a team is too dominant, refs make it closer.  Unless you are Cleveland. Then the refs help you win.

Im not too worried. The fact that the Lakers have the best record in the league despite well, being the Lakers, really says something.  No team brings other teams "A" games like the Lakers.  The Lowly teams in the NBA get pumped to play in Hollywood, against Kobe, more than anywhere else.  Also, teams get more pumped up when the hated Lakers come to town. Plus, we play in the stronger conference, with twice as many games against Spurs, Mavs, Suns, Blazers, etc.  All that and still best record?  Nah. Im not worried.

And that loss to Philly was horrible. I think when the post-season starts, the Lakers wont let teams hang around as much.

On a side note, I like how recent headlines are like "Lakers Blow lead, barely hold on" and the like, but you get "LeBrons late heroics help get by Clippers"  and such.  Cavs have been eeking out wins to lesser teams. But youd never know by the headlines.

By the way, D, I wasnt trying to be a punk when I called you out the other day. Nothing personal, I know I would have got the same from you if the Mavs won.

Oh, thats cool! I like a little bantering. Especially since we shall probably meet in the first round.

I still would be my money on Cleveland if they have home court and u guys don't have Bynum.

Dude, tell us about your first game.

Give us a review of Philips Arena.

Pics or it didn't happen!  :hihi:

What a disappointing night!

We jumped out to a nice lead, but Jason Terry just couldn't make a shot.  but u have to understand, we were without Josh Howard AND Erick Dampier.  Damp has been playing really well and helps our rebounding tremendously, something that got us beat against Atlanta.

Philips Arena is awesome. Every seat is a good seat no matter how high up u are.  we were in the 43 dollar seats that are the upper arena but it was mid court and the view was excellent. I was amazed at the athleticism and just how high those dudes get up on the rim

I also saw Terrell Owens there which was pretty cool.

When I graduate next May, I am going to buy some Hawks season tickets. Mavs are my team, but the Hawks are becoming my East team. I really like Josh Smith, Joe Johnson, Al Horford and I've been a fan of Mike Bibby for years.

i hope so. my cousin is a big mavs fan so ill be cool to go to one of the games together  :love:

I will say though, I think the 8th seed will go to portland. Lamarcus Aldridge has a concussion, and Portland are a good but not a great team. I could definitely see them slide to 8th.

Mark Cuban has to deal Josh Howard this off season. We have actually did pretty damn good without him. if we could trade him for a Gerald Wallace or somebody like that, we could get back relevant again.

Talk about your fairy tales...

(http://archive.profootballtalk.com/StanleyRoper.jpg)

mira guey, Chupa la verga....that means "i can dream", for you people that can't read Spanish  :rofl:

Let's ask Ignatius.

(http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2009/0330/nba_g_cavts_576.jpg)

"Guey" is a word we don't use in Spain, but they do in Mexico. I believe it means something like "dude" or "pal".

So, basically "Mira Guey, chupa la verga" means "Look pal (or dude), suck the cock"

Don't kill the translator now...  :)


Go Lakers!

Hahahaha, I know, I just wanted to get w.axl.rose banned after what he did to my mother.

I need to stress that this is purely an educated guess from one of my guys who knows his stuff. But I was sufficiently convinced to share the speculation.

If the Celtics fail to repeat as champs, and if A.I. were willing to take a short-term deal to chase the ring that has eluded him, Iverson to Boston is not nearly as outlandish as it sounds.

Iverson almost certainly would have to accept the bench role he repeatedly has said he'll never accept again, which is a sizable impediment. But that probably would be the biggest impediment here.

Why are you so sure the Celts would have no interest in a short-term arrangement? Weren't you just as sure Boston would never sign Marbury?

We dipped into the archives to find this paragraph from an old Weekend Dime in December 2006, shortly after Iverson's request to be traded from Philadelphia was made public and when the Celts had no idea Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen would be arriving months later: "Boston's Paul Pierce, sources say, still wants Iverson as a teammate and remains hopeful that his team has a shot. Danny Ainge, meanwhile, is said to be a longtime Iverson fan, with AI apparently possessing the Michael Jordan brain type and with the Celts' personnel boss known to be a big believer in brain-typing."

The other provocative suggestion in circulation comes from TNT's David Aldridge, who in an NBA.com piece posted Thursday made the claim that the best place for Iverson to try to resurrect his career is Charlotte, with the offensively challenged Bobcats. And with a certain coach from Iverson's past named Larry Brown.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-090404-05 (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-090404-05)

Learn how to quote, "pendejo."

garry and tony when they were about 10
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyiW60sKT4c

Ah yeah, I remember when I used to be chunky and Mexican.

That was before the operation of course...






ANYWAY...

Anyone want to talk about the Celtics' injuries?

The race for home court?

Draft lottery?

Celtics injuries could hurt them, mainly KG.  Who knows how much he'll be able to give them.  BUT, I don't think it really matters.  The NBA isn't gonna let the Cleveland Lebrons lose this year.

I think the only team that should take AI is a lottery team that needs to sell tickets. He isn't a team player or a winner.

he destroys every team he plays on

As for the Celtics taking a chance on AI, and referencing Marbury.  That's a completely different situation.  They're paying Stephon a minimal ammount for half a season.  I think it'd cost a decent amount to bring in AI, who isn't what he once was.  The C's could spend their money much wiser than that.

The NBA salary cap is shrinking next season and with it, Iverson's 20 million a year is expected to shrink to at least 8.5 million.

I'm sure the Celtics could afford him.

An AI/Larry Brown reunion would be cool too though.

I never said the C's couldn't afford AI, I said they could use that money in a much more effective manner.

I never said you did. I was merely alluding to the fact that next season, AI isn't going to be making a helluva lot more than Marbury is making now.

AI will be making a LOT MORE than the 450K the C's are paying Marbury though.

450K? My bad dude, I thought he'd be making at least 2.5-3 million.

Actually it might only be 400k, but nevertheless, they're not paying him that much.  His contract was bought out by the Knicks, as they were desperate to get rid of him so Boston was able to get him quite cheaply.



Stephon Marbury was signed by the Boston Celtics on Friday.

Marbury signed for the veteran's exception, which, pro-rated, is somewhere around $400,000. He joined the team for a morning shootaround and will be available to play against the Pacers on Friday night.
Source: New York Daily News

I'd like to see the Bobcats get Iverson. I mean, Charlotte is a team on the rise. They're just barely going to miss out on the playoffs this season. Bringing in AI would help them sell more tickets and merchandise. It'd give the team the go-to scorer they desperately need. AI would get a lot of playing time; he'd be relied on again. Plus it'd make him look good when the Bobcats make the playoffs for the first time in their short franchise history (which I think they'll do next season anyway, even without AI).

Why ruin an up-and-coming franchise with AI?

The only reason AI could possibly work on Charlotte is, their are some pretty good defenders around him. Bell, Wallace, Okafur

AI though is probably finished as a big time superstar though.

Well, from a business standpoint, he'd help sell a lot more tickets and merchandise. I'm going to school in Charlotte right now, and I go to a few Bobcats games every now and then, and I watch them a lot on TV, but most people around could care less about the team. Half the arena is always empty, unless they're playing the Lakers, Celtics, or Cavs. Even if AI is past his prime, he's still a big draw and would help garner a lot of excitement around here.

Plus I don't think he'd ruin the team. Charlotte has some good defenders and solid role-players, but they lack a true offensive threat. They need a scorer like AI. Maybe I'm underestimating the negativity he can bring, but I think he'd work out well here.

 :smoking:

(http://i.cdn.turner.com/nba/nba/2009/news/features/04/10/ata.040909/ata1.jpg)

Damn, Bynum grew!

kobe should grow his afro back

wow boston got killed  :smoking: :smoking:

I think it's probably the Cavs year.  Too many injuries for the Celts and too many things working against them.

That being said:  I wouldn't take anything away from the game, yesterday.  No KG, no Powe and no real motivation for the Celts to win.  They're locked into their seed already.

The Cavs are fighting for home court for the entire playoffs against the Lakers AND are looking to protect a pretty impressive streak and place in the record books with their home record.

I wouldn't take it as much of a statement game.  I'd suspect that we'll probably see the Celts/Cavs in the ECF (that's assuming the Cets get KG and the walking wounded back, and they look like themselves....which may NOT be the best assumption), and we'll see exactly what's happened every game this year:  The home team will win.

Then we'll get Lakers/Cavs in the finals, and Kobe will, once again, go home disappointed.

Just my prediction.  Lets see how wrong I can be. :)

If KG doesn't come back in a big way, I could see it being Cavs / Magic in the ECF... Either way, I think the Cavs will advance and win it all.  I think everyone wins if there is a Cleveland / LA final.

Ray Allen didn't care too much for a few of the Cavs celebratory antics.

When the Cavs reserves pushed the lead to 30, James, Mo Williams and Delonte West boogied together during a timeout as Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up" pumped through the arena. The trio wasn't shy about things as they mugged for TV cameras to the roaring crowd's delight.

At the other end of the floor, the Celtics sat stoically while watching the Cavs clown around.

"I'm always going to remember that," Ray Allen said. "If I beat a team, as happy as I may be in victory, I'm always going to stay humble and always remember that there's another day. We play each other too much. Those are great motivational thoughts for me."

James insisted the Cavs weren't being irreverent toward the league's most storied franchise.

"We're not trying to disrespect any team or show up any team," he said. "We're all professionals. If you take it as disrespectful, then you got to do something about it."

LOL@ Ray Allen

Lebron is putting even more fun into the NBA, I love it.

I still think he is the best player alive. What he does is just incredible.

Yeah, Ray is a little more old school.  Which makes me feel real old as I watched him in his UConn Husky days.

Gonna be a fun postseason.

I'm just happy an asteroid didn't hurtle towards Andrew Bynum's Knee during the Memphis game.

Eh..just wait.

I have it on good authority that that MON-Stars, from Space Jam, are scoping him out....

Larry Brown talks about Iverson

Larry Brown has heard all the speculation. He's heard everything, from people saying Allen Iverson won't draw a lot of interest as a free agent this summer to Iverson's best bet might be to reunite with Brown in Charlotte. Brown, speaking before his Bobcats lost to the Pistons on Sunday, said he wouldn't bet on either scenario. "There will definitely be a lot of interest in him," Brown said. "It's not a time for me, but Allen is a special guy. He's going to compete every night and try to win. I hope things work out for him." As for whether he wants to coach Iverson again -- they were together for six years in Philadelphia -- he didn't bite on that one.

http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/98072-larry-brown-talks-about-iverson (http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/98072-larry-brown-talks-about-iverson)

Or Ray Allen can elbow him in the groin.

LETS GO MAVSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Wow, they actually managed to surge up to the #6 spot.  They definitely have a better chance against an injured San Antonio than LA or Denver, who knows, maybe you'll get a second round series?

predictions anyone? shall we post them here or make a new thread?

Now that it looks like KG may not return for the playoffs, I'm definitely going with Cleveland / Orlando for the ECF... LA & Denver look solid for the WCF.

I say with home court advantage, the King gets crowned this year.  Cavs over Lakers  : ok:

Denver is losing in the first round probably if Tyson Chandler comes back.

never bet on Denver



Utah are going to pose some problems in round 1. I tell u Utah are still kind of scary even though theyve played like shit towards the end.


I am just pulling for my Mavs against SA

I am telling u this now

we can beat Denver


Throw that 0-4 mark in the regular season out cause Josh Howard missed most of those games. we are a dangerous team with Josh playing well.

I think the C's could still beat Orlando with home court advantage, IF it comes to that.  The Cavs are destined for the finals though.  I may have given the Celtics a fighting chance with KG, but the supporting cast would have to be quite spectacular to overcome that loss.

aside from Williams, Milsap, Korver and Harpring, the Jazz are soft and have NO fucking heart whatsoever...I say this as a Jazz fan, never before have I been so embarrassed by my team...they will get hammered in the first round, no doubt about it.  If they resign Boozer I think I might just lose it...I only hope they can be physical enough to do some sort of damage to Kobe or the Lakers so that the rapist does not get a title this year...

I've got my popcorn and soda all ready for Kobe's temper tantrum.

NBA though is about matchups. Remember Dallas against GS when we won 67 games?

If we had played ANYBODY but GS, we would have a ring right now. they just had the one style that we couldnt beat. we were built for SA and got hijacked by GS


This is sort of the same thing.

LA have no body that can deal with Deron Williams
Boozer can do a decent job on Pau Gasol cancelling him out *I hate Boozer also
Okur for Utah if he is healthy can take Bynum away from the basket. U will probably see Bynum on Boozer and Gasol on Okur though.

Nobody can stop Kobe but they do have a nice mix of guys to throw at Kobe.  Ronnie Brewer, Kirilenko


Utah have a very deep front court with Millsap coming in off the bench and Kirilenko off the bench.

Utah are dangerous. I don't think they can win a 7 game series, but LA will get tested.

Utah will fuck us up.  We probably won't lose to them, but we will be damaged.

I would agree with you if we were talking about the Utah from February or March, or quite frankly any Utah team from 1989-2008.. But these guys are so damn soft, hopefully Sloan can light some sort of fire under their ass...As long as they play hard and don't lay down I will be happy...

Why does it seem Ray Allen doesn't like to show up in the playoffs?  Somebody get in his head and tell him it's November.  With that being said, if Paul just made a gosh darn free throw with 2 seconds left they'd be up 1-0 instead of losing home court advantage.  Not good.

Paul is always missing important free throws. it didn't surprise me when he missed that second one

He didn't miss to many in the finals last year that I remember

well most boston games i saw this season he missed quite a few at the end. Last year he was getting lucky like that one free throw that bounced up in the air then came back down to go in.

What did Houston do to Portland?

Is that legal?

MAVSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

You should be able to handle the Spurs easily.

JJ Barea was the answer to Tony Parker.

When Barea came in, he really countered Tony with his speed and quickness, plus he was able to get to the hoop.


Hopefully LA and Orlando can win tomorrow. surely they won't lose game 1's at home.

yup. i hope ill be Mavs vs lakers for the west finals

Add an old Duncan with a team that's without Ginobili, and yeah, you're in good shape.

Too bad Boston sucks.  I really wanted a re-match.  Maybe next year.

U know the NBA are wetting themselves with excitement at the prospects of a Kobe vs Lebron final

I admit, Id love to see that also.


I still think Boston get by Chicago in 7.

Chicago played the game of their lives and still should've lost.

Tyrus Thomas will not hit that many jump shots ever again.

I think Boston should be able to take a game in Chicago, but it does appear it'll be a long series.  I don't think the NBA will allow a non Kobe-Lebron finals at this point.  Not that they're not the 2 best teams anyway.

I missed the Orlando game today... but WTF happened?!?!  Talk about choking, they blew an 18 point lead?

If the Celtics and Magic have to go to 6-7 game series in the first round, Cleveland will cruise into the finals.

come on rockets! dont let me down tonight  :P

I watched  a TON of Portland Trailblazer games this year and I honestly think they are one of the most overrated teams in a long time.

Outside of Roy and Aldridge, the rest of their team are ok...... but nothing amazing.

Greg Oden = Michael Olowakandi.

this dude is a bust.

Quite a game last night between the Baby Bulls and the Wounded Celtics.  It was great to see Ben Gordon and Ray Allen going toe to toe in the 2nd half, being a UConn Husky fan. 

As for the C's, Leon Powe is now out for the year. Brian Scalabrine should be back for game 3 to replace Powe, but only until he gets his next concussion.  They're an injury away from calling ME up to fill a roster spot.

Regardless, the first 2 games were very exciting.  Unless you like defense, there's been very little of that going on. 

I cant wait for game 3 of bulls vs C's. Best of the series so far  :beer:

Golly gee, the Celtics are suffering through a lot of injuries.

Holy cow. 

By my estimation, we have about 6 weeks until the Cavs-Lakers series. Wake me up then

No kidding.  The NBA playoffs are SO long.  And it would certainly seem that inevitably it'll be Cavs/Lakers.

The playoffs are very long, yes... but after seeing things like Golden State knock off the 67 win Mavs, or Lebron's performance in Detroit a few years back, I would never want to "sleep" through the playoffs. 

Maybe not, but the first round used to be best of 5 and I thought it should have remained that way.  Sure, a series like Boston-Chicago might be interesting right now but we don't need best of 7 to determine that the Lakers, Cavs, and Nuggets are going to advance. I also think best of 5 creates a little more urgency around these first round games, it could even provide for some more Golden State like upsets.

Lakers can be tested and Cleveland struggle against Orlando

so u never know

no its the NBA, so we ALWAYS know..it will be Cavs/Lakers, and Lakers will win...done..

that's what i like to hear  :beer:

Yeah, we knew Boston would go from the worst team in the league to NBA champions within a year.

Lakers should worry you with their lack of Killer instinct.

umm you just proved my point...once the Celtics loaded their roster with Garnett, Pierce, Allen EVERYONE knew they were going to be a title contender that year...are you serious?

Hey man, as a basketball fan, I will never complain about having too many games!   :rofl:

They barely scraped into the finals... 7 games against Atlanta & Cleveland, a few plays go differently and everything changes.  Like I already mentioned, Dallas won 67 games a few years ago and got bounced in the first round.  Of course Cavs / Lakers seems like a solid call at this point, but nothing is set in stone... and ^ is 100% correct, I won't complain about too many games either.

Im just saying the NBA is the most predictable sport...you mentioned the Mavericks winning 67 games, but everyone knew they were soft..And I didnt know anyone that was surprised when Golden State bounced them out, i actually had money on the Warriors in 5, that was hardly an upset...

youre right though..nothing is set in stone, people can always get injured...but thats the only variable...The NBA is the most predictable sport, The Bulls, Celtics, Lakers, Pistons, Rockets and Spurs have practically won every NBA championship in the last 30 years.  The Miami Heat managed to sneak one in..The only upset to happen in all those years was when the Pistons beat...guess who, the Lakers!  It is always the same teams winning the title . Now the flip side to this is the best team ALWAYS wins the championship, so it can be said that the NBA always has the most legitimate champion of all the pro sports...It is just boring for the fans sometimes...

on a side note, my Jazz actually showed  some fucking heart last night...It seemed like Boozers testicles finally dropped!! It is about time!!

Iverson in Charlotte

Three readers emailed me overnight and this morning, to say they'd seen Allen Iverson in uptown Charlotte Thursday. Charlotte Bobcats general manager Rod Higgins was adamant Friday morning that has nothing to do with the local NBA team.

"I've never seen him here,'' Higgins told me. "If he's here, it has nothing to do with us.''

One alternative explanation: 50 Cent is performing in Charlotte Friday night, and Iverson is a reportedly a big fan. But still, all this begs the question about Iverson becoming a free agent in July.

Iverson is an intriguing name because he potentially brings two things: Scoring (the Bobcats were 29th among 30 teams) and some star power to sell tickets (the Bobcats were 26th in home attendance).

http://blogs.charlotte.com/inside_the_nba/2009/04/allen-iverson-in-town-why.html (http://blogs.charlotte.com/inside_the_nba/2009/04/allen-iverson-in-town-why.html)

Hornets sure got decimated tonight.

That was a joke. They seemed real eager to go on summer vacation.

Chris Paul is regarded pretty highly right now... but that showing yesterday was pathetic!  Is he considered a top 5 players in the league?  Could you imagine Lebron or Kobe allowing their team to lose at home in the playoffs by 58 points with a stat line of 4 points and 6 turnovers? 

Ouch.

Top 10 right now

1.Lebron James
1A Kobe Bryant
3. Dwyane Wade
4.Dirk Nowitzki
5. Chris Paul
6.Deron Williams
7.Carmelo Anthony
8.Yao Ming
9.Brandon Roy
10.Paul Pierce

That would be my list

D giving Carmelo props.. :o ;)

He has really earned it this season.

Is Garnett not there because he's hurt?

And if we're talking about RIGHT now (as in, this second in the playoffs), you have to give Rondo at least an honorable mention.  The guys averaging a triple double in that series.  And if the Celts have any hope of SEEING the cavs in the ECF, he's going to have to continue that run.

Its not just for the playoffs but on the season plus the playoffs as a whole.
Yeah, Garnett missed way too many games to make it on there.
I also try to stay away from the career achievement lists. Like Tim Duncan automatically makes people's list based on what he has done, but this season, Im not sure he was a top 10 guy.

Parker should be somewhere also but who do u take off the list?

top 10's are hard because u can do a top 15 and interchange so many parts.


Rondo is doing great against the Bulls, but u have to wonder how much of that is due to Chicago trying to stop Allen and Pierce.

assists are an overrated stat in basketball anyway. I mean if he throws a routine pass to Pierce and he hits a 20 footer. He gets an assist, but really I don't think that should be an assist. An assist should be a dunk or layup pass.

throwing a pass to a guy and he hitting a long jumper really offers no assistance.

As a follower of the Chuch of Stockton for the last 20 years I dont really know where to begin with this ludicrous statement...So you are saying that a point guard driving to the basket and kicking it back out to a wide open shooting guard who is only open because of the point guards drive to the basket should not count as an assist because it was not a dunk or a lay up?  If anything the assist is the most UNDER RATED stat in basketball, and that is why the quality of the NBA today blows compared to the 80's and 90's...

no no

IF the PG sets up an easy shot, then yeah that is an assist

Passing the ball to Paul Pierce and he hitting a 23 footer over his man is not an assist.

Stockton also helped make Karl Malone one of the 3 or 4 best PF of all time. His pick and roll passing was outstanding

Stockton earned most of his assists by making players way better.

I am not sure Rondo really does that.

Passing the ball to a jump shooter and having that person knock down a contested jumper isn't an assist in my book.

I think you should watch Rondo a little closer.  He does exactly that.  He's constantly driving to the hoop and kicking the ball out.  He's known to have an average to below average jumper so he needs to drive to the hoop to be effective.  Otherwise his defender sags off him.  Granted he'll get a few assists where he passes on the perimeter and a long J is hit, but that goes for every PG in the history of the game.

Rondo is playing as good as anyone in the NBA RIGHT NOW!  There, I said it.  He's averaging a triple double, granted every game in the series seems to go at least double OT, but still.  You can't argue with a PG averaging 24.2/10.2/10.2.  Now it might be as simple as an advatageous matchup for Rondo mixed in with some bad defense by the Bulls.  Whatever it is, he is playing out of this world this series.  And what a series it has been.  Aside from the game 3 blowout, every game has gone down to the wire.  Every game has been an "instant classic" as far as ESPN is concerned.  It's been a pleasure to watch.

Yeah but he isn't a Chris Paul though. If Rondo had to be THE MAN he wouldn't be as good. Teams are so keen on stopping Allen and Pierce, that he gets single covered and no one really makes him the top target.

He's doing a pretty good Chris Paul impersonation this series averaging over 24 PPG.  Granted he has some weapons at his disposal but the Bulls didn't double team Pierce for his crucial hoops in game 5 and Allen fouled out, yet Rondo was still doing his thing.  I'm not saying he's all of a sudden become an elite PG, but he's certainly playing like it right now.

NO!  I'm against violence on TV!

Karl Malone IS the best power forward of all time...re-defined the position...and did it consistently for 19 years...

Agrees,  and hates Malone

I think Tim Duncan would have something to say about that.

Duncan>Malone

I disagree..Duncan lost both head to head matchups with Karl Malone in the playoffs, and one of them was that Laker series when Karl was over 40!    Malones stats are all better than Duncans not to mention his longevity,he was winning MVP's after being in the league for over 12 years, Duncan is already broken down and done and he has been in the NBA for 10...Karl Malone played against MUCH MUCH better players in a way more competitive era, Duncan has 4 titles yes, but they were all won against cream puffs compared to Jordans Bulls who denied Malone twice..So im not that impressed with his 4 titles, one was in a half season against an injury depleted 8th seed Knicks, one was against a Cavaliers team which is arguably the worst team to make the NBA finals in NBA history, another was against a garbage Nets team who they had to rally from 19 down to beat in Game 6, whos second option was Kenyon Martin!!! And there is that Detroit team they beat, the only good team, and it still took 7.  Malones Jazz teams from the late 90's would have bounced Detroit out in 5..Duncan played in the weakest era in NBA history and still doesnt have the stat line Malone does...and he is better?

Duncan is Top 5, but not the best..Malone and Barkley are both better...

I've been thinking about what you said earlier, and I have come to a conclusion.

I can't even name a "power forward" until Malone.  You had a center, some tall dudes not as tall as the center, and then you had your small guys.

I know Duncan likes to call himself a power forward, but he is a center. He posts up like a center.  He regularly guards opponents centers, and is guarded by centers.  But if you want to call him a forward, I still put him slightly behind Malone. 

He does have an outside shot though.

Come on now, the west has never been as tough top to bottom as in the Duncan era. this is an era where winning 50 games barely gets u in the playoffs.

People love talking about the older days of the NBA but it isn't like the NBA sucks now. Duncan has also won his first couple of titles with no player u would consider barely top 50 at the time.

That to me is more impressive than Kobe and Shaq and those LA teams.

Duncan is WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY better defensively than Malone, it isn't even a question. People judge players too much offensively. All around, overall, Duncan is better. Malone couldn't play defense or rebound that well.

U want to talk about a depleted Western Conference. When Malone and Stockton lost to the Bulls in 97-98, who was good in the west? Hakeem was on his last legs, Robinson was pre Duncan, Lakers weren't any good. Sac were decent and Portland were getting ready to gear up for their run, but really, there wasn't a shit load of comp in the west when they went.

actually its funny you said that, because David Robinson was on those Spurs teams and he in fact was is on the NBA all time greatest 50 players list...And you are saying Malone wasnt a good defender or rebounder? You have seen Karl Malone play right? 

As far as the Jazz having an easier path the NBA finals than the Spurs that is completely laughable..in 1998 they had to go through hall of famers in every round of the playoffs..3 of them in the first round against the Rockets, Olajuwon, Barkley, Drexler, David Robinson in the semi-finals with Tim Duncan(grant it still a baby at this time), then Shaq and a young Kobe in the conference finals,  THEN on to play Jordan, Pippen and the greatest team to ever play the game the late 90's Bulls....you are right, what a breeze... :hihi:

Maybe he didn't have a TV in the 90's.

Not saying Malone sucked but he isn't better than Tim Duncan.

Duncan's been all defense like 10 times or something. Malone wasn't a great defender.

Like i said, in 96-97 Utah beat an aging over the hill Houston team, Lakers weren't very good as Kobe wasn't quite Kobe then

David Robinson missed most of the 97 season with an injury

Duncan has 4 rings Malone 0

Duncan is a better defensive player and has better intangibles.

Utah would've had a title if Malone didn't choke FT's and then get the ball stolen from behind by MJ in game 6

^ D's right.  Duncan>Malone.  Both are probably 1 and 2 in NBA history...no disrespect to The Mailman.  :peace:

U guys take it like I am dissing Malone but I think he is number 2 now.

Duncan was a machine in the playoffs. beating Kobe/Shaq era Lakers is greater than any series Malone won.

Duncan also won his first championship with Robinson on his last legs, Sean Elliot and Avery Johnson.......

Come on now, that is impressive.

The NBA is WEAK nowadays compared to the 90's.

Duncan didn't do shit until the NBA went downhill.  If we took a time machine to the 90's and we took a mature, championship-caliber Duncan with us, he still wouldn't be able to do anything.

He's had Parker, Ginobili, Robinson, HORRY, Finley, Robinson, Elliott, Avery...

Malone had Stockton and that cheek fetishist Jeff Hornacek.

And Greg Ostertag, future Hall-of-Famer.  :rofl:

Dude, Duncan got pissed on by Kobe and Shaq how may times in the playoffs?  Didnt Duncans team get swept out by an average of like 30 points a game 1 season?  David Robinson on his last legs?? He won an MVP 3 years earlier!  You mentioned the Jazz run in 97, they had to beat 3 hall off famers in the conference finals alone Barkley Drexler and Olajuwon..Im supposed to be impressed that Duncan won his first NBA title in a strike shortened season against an 8th seeded Knicks team who had the ever so powerful Herb Williams/Chris Dudley combo to go against Duncan and Robinson? ok

bottom line is Karl Malones stat line is better that Duncans,..He was also an all NBA defensive player several times in his career. Duncan is a better rebounder...but it is because he is a fuckin center, hes 6'11!..I actually asked about 7 or 8 guys today at the gym who was better and everyone of them said Malone hands down...he played in a much tougher era..Duncan beat cream puffs for NBA titles, that is when he wasnt getting slapped around by the Lakers practically every year...also a few guys mentioned that Duncan is a center so you shouldnt even compare the 2..which I kind of agree with ..

Championships mean shit...Jason Williams won a title as the PG for the Miami Heat, is he better than Stockton now?

CAREER SEASON AVERAGES

Karl Malone

Year   Team          G   GS   MPG   FG%   3P%   FT%   OFF   DEF   RPG   APG   SPG   BPG   TO   PF   PPG
1985-86    Utah   81   76   30.6   .496   .000   .481   2.1   6.7   8.9   2.9   1.3   0.5   3.44   3.60   14.9
1986-87    Utah   82   82   34.8   .512   .000   .598   3.4   7.0   10.4   1.9   1.3   0.7   2.89   3.90   21.7
1987-88    Utah   82   82   39.0   .520   .000   .700   3.4   8.6   12.0   2.4   1.4   0.6   3.96   3.60   27.7
1988-89    Utah   80   80   39.1   .519   .313   .766   3.2   7.4   10.7   2.7   1.8   0.9   3.56   3.60   29.1
1989-90    Utah   82   82   38.1   .562   .372   .762   2.8   8.3   11.1   2.8   1.5   0.6   3.71   3.20   31.0
1990-91    Utah   82   82   40.3   .527   .286   .770   2.9   8.9   11.8   3.3   1.1   1.0   2.98   3.30   29.0
1991-92    Utah   81   81   37.7   .526   .176   .778   2.8   8.4   11.2   3.0   1.3   0.6   3.06   2.80   28.0
1992-93    Utah   82   82   37.8   .552   .200   .740   2.8   8.4   11.2   3.8   1.5   1.0   2.93   3.20   27.0
1993-94    Utah   82   82   40.6   .497   .250   .694   2.9   8.6   11.5   4.0   1.5   1.5   2.85   3.30   25.2
1994-95    Utah   82   82   38.1   .536   .268   .742   1.9   8.7   10.6   3.5   1.6   1.0   2.88   3.30   26.7
1995-96    Utah   82   82   38.0   .519   .400   .723   2.1   7.7   9.8   4.2   1.7   0.7   2.43   3.00   25.7
1996-97    Utah   82   82   36.6   .550   .000   .755   2.4   7.5   9.9   4.5   1.4   0.6   2.84   2.60   27.4
1997-98    Utah   81   81   37.4   .530   .333   .761   2.3   8.0   10.3   3.9   1.2   0.9   3.05   2.90   27.0
1998-99    Utah   49   49   37.4   .493   .000   .788   2.2   7.3   9.4   4.1   1.3   0.6   3.31   2.70   23.8
1999-00    Utah   82   82   35.9   .509   .250   .797   2.1   7.4   9.5   3.7   1.0   0.9   2.82   2.80   25.5
2000-01    Utah   81   81   35.7   .498   .400   .793   1.4   6.9   8.3   4.5   1.2   0.8   3.01   2.70   23.2
2001-02    Utah   80   80   38.0   .454   .360   .797   1.8   6.8   8.6   4.3   1.9   0.7   3.29   2.90   22.4
2002-03    Utah   81   81   36.2   .462   .214   .763   1.4   6.4   7.8   4.7   1.7   0.4   2.59   2.50   20.6
2003-04    L.A. Lakers   42   42   32.7   .483   .000   .747   1.5   7.3   8.7   3.9   1.2   0.5   2.45   2.80   13.2
Career       1476   1471   37.2   .516   .274   .742   2.4   7.7   10.1   3.6   1.4   0.7   3.07   3.10   25.0
All-Star       12   8   20.3   .542   .000   .725   1.6   4.6   6.2   1.6   1.0   0.4   1.25   1.30   12.1



Tim Duncan

CAREER SEASON AVERAGES

Year   Team   G   GS   MPG   FG%          3P%           FT%          OFF   DEF   RPG   APG   SPG   BPG   TO   PF   PPG
97-98   SAS   82   82   39.1   0.549   0.000   0.662   3.3   8.6   11.9   2.7   0.7   2.5   3.40   3.10   21.1
98-99   SAS   50   50   39.3   0.495   0.143   0.690   3.2   8.2   11.4   2.4   0.9   2.5   2.92   2.90   21.7
99-00   SAS   74   74   38.9   0.490   0.091   0.761   3.5   8.9   12.4   3.2   0.9   2.2   3.27   2.80   23.2
00-01   SAS   82   82   38.7   0.499   0.259   0.618   3.2   9.0   12.2   3.0   0.9   2.3   2.95   3.00   22.2
01-02   SAS   82   82   40.6   0.508   0.100   0.799   3.3   9.4   12.7   3.7   0.7   2.5   3.21   2.60   25.5
02-03   SAS   81   81   39.3   0.513   0.273   0.710   3.2   9.7   12.9   3.9   0.7   2.9   3.06   2.90   23.3
03-04   SAS   69   68   36.6   0.501   0.167   0.599   3.3   9.2   12.4   3.1   0.9   2.7   2.65   2.40   22.3
04-05   SAS   66   66   33.4   0.496   0.333   0.670   3.1   8.0   11.1   2.7   0.7   2.6   1.92   2.20   20.3
05-06   SAS   80   80   34.8   0.484   0.400   0.629   2.9   8.1   11.0   3.2   0.9   2.0   2.48   2.70   18.6
06-07   SAS   80   80   34.1   0.546   0.111   0.637   2.7   7.9   10.6   3.4   0.8   2.4   2.80   2.50   20.0
07-08   SAS   78   78   34.0   0.497   0.000   0.730   3.0   8.3   11.3   2.8   0.7   2.0   2.28   2.40   19.3
08-09   SAS   75   75   33.6   0.504   0.000   0.692   2.7   8.0   10.7   3.5   0.5   1.7   2.20   2.30   19.3
Career   --   899   898   36.9   0.507   0.188   0.685   3.1   8.6   11.7   3.2   0.8   2.3   2.78   2.70   21.4
All-Star   --   11   10   23.8   0.584   0.333   0.800   3.1   7.5   10.6   2.5   0.8   0.7   2.45   1.30   11.9
   

That Bulls-Celtics game last night!!! Another classic. This is one first round series that I won't complain about being best of 7.

Yeah but isn't like all your guy's favorite team Utah so therefore Malone would be the obvious choice?

We can go back and forth on shit. Malone did have the 2nd greatest PG in NBA history feeding him the ball on pick and rolls. What PG's did Duncan have back in the day? Avery Johnson?

When Duncan won his first title, Robinson wasn't the player he was back in his MVP seasons and Duncan's supporting cast for the 2nd also wasn't great cause Parker wasnt Parker yet and Ginobli wasn't the beast he is now.

Malone is a better scorer and that is about it
Duncan is a better defender, rebounder, more clutch and better in the playoffs.



U keep talking about Houston... Barkley was over the hill, Hakeem was damn near finished and Drexler was old. So beating 3 hall of famers isn't the feat u are making it out to be.


In the Jordan era, the East was the best conference and usually who won the East won the title.


Im not saying its Duncan by a landslide, Malone is a better scorer than Duncan but Duncan was the better rebounder, defender, I think he made his teammates better and he is the best low post defending PF in NBA history. his intangibles and fundamentals are better than Malone's.

Where Duncan would hit the big play in the clutch, Malone would miss the FT's or get the ball stolen or what have u.

The Celtics/Bulls series has been unbelievable.  If this was the finals it would go down as the greatest series ever, but it won't get that recognition as a 1st round series.

Unfortunately as a Celts fan I think the end is near.  With all the injuries they've suffered their epth has been seriously minimized.  And the guys coming off the bench are playing very timidly (House, Marbury, T. Allen).  The Bulls are a lot deeper and should be more fresh for game 7.  The C's starter have logged big time minutes.

One thing is for sure, I wouldn't be surprised if they go into OT  AGAIN tomorrow night.

You can't ask for a better series than Bulls/Celtics... That game last night was out of control.

Bulls/Celtics is amazing

how bad of an indictement is it on T Mac that when he doesn't play, Hou get out of the first round!

T-Mac stinks, so does his cousin in New Jersey.

As for the Bulls, they should have won the series already.  That was a flagrant foul non-call on Rondo.  2 free throws and the ball.

That was absolutely NOT a flagrant foul.  You just don't make that call with 2 seconds left in a game, and for that matter anytime in a game.  Give Brad Miller an academy award for his acting that night.  And you're right the series should be over, if only Paul Pierce hit that free throw in the final seconds of game 2.

U cant really do the what ifs though, because say Miller hits those FT's

well, what if Paul Pierce hadn't bricked the FT in Game 1 I think it was?


This series has been amazing, 2nd only to SA and Dallas back in 06 when Dirk hit the miracle 3pt play to put it into ot in game 7 and Dallas won and win on to the finals.


I don't care if its a First Round Series, it is one of the greatest, most exciting series I've ever seen. when 5 out of the 6 games go to OT, that is just amazing. I can't wait to watch tonight.

will KG do a Willis Reed?

Yeah it's a shame one of these teams has to lose because they've both left it all out on the floor. Bot teams are undermanned in a sense.  The C's without KG and Powe.  The Bulls without Deng and what now appears to be an injured Ben Gordon.  Guys have really stepped up their games.

The big ? is, how many OT's does it go tonight?   And I don't see KG coming back this season, however long that may last.

I hate to say it cause its been a great series, but I think Boston will win by double digits tonight.

I'd like to think that but I don't see any reason why it won't be another nail biter.

Yeah, he kept ketchup packets like those "pro wrestlers" do.

I wish I could bleed at will!

Ball = Orange

Brad Miller's head = Mostly White with Black Hair on Top

LET'S GO BULLS!








I have tickets for Game 1 on Monday.  ;D

Its a gift I tell u

which is why I am teaching sports wagering 101


man would I have loved to put 100 on the Derby today  50-1 winner!

another gm7 today!!!....go HAWKS!....saying that ,i think the HEAT will win.....when does the ATL. win ANYTHING!!! :peace:

The Hawks are tough at home, they could take that series.  It might help if they "sweep the leg" on D. Wade though.

Pretty good prediction.  That game was almost too easy last night.  Don't get me wrong, it was closer than the 10 point differential, but compared to the other games Boston was in control from the 2nd quarter on.  Great series though.  On to round 2 vs. Orlando.  The C's were able to neutralize Howard this season, but that will be more difficult without KG and Powe.  Depth in the front court is hard to come by these days.  Not many bodies to throw out there or fouls to give.

The Lakers lost the first match. I didnt get to see it (it was too late over here) but from what I read, the lakers lacked some rythm. Maybe Ellen's breath could give us some insight, but I believe the lakers 7 day hiatus could've been the main reason for this loss. Hopefully they will be able to turn this around.

And how about Lebron James getting the MVP? I guess it was expected. It was his time. The Cavs had a great season.

You can watch the interview here http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2009/news/story?id=4135263&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines

I liked what lebron said when he was asked if he was a GM, who would he pick him or MJ. Great answer!

he is the reason the lakers lost. Every time he goes to a lakers game they lose  :rant:

I really like the playoff drama so far this year. This thing is usually incredibly predictable.

I told u guys a long time ago. The Lakers lack of killer instinct is going to be their demise

They are playing like a team that has already won a couple titles and they haven't won shit.

That turning it on and off shit don't work in the playoffs.

They were incredibly off.  Too many turnovers, not enough passing, and a few bad calls ruined the game.


Having gone to many Laker games in my years, this was the first time I witnessed a loss in person.  Suicide became a viable option.

I'll get some pictures up.

Not in game 2. Lakers were pretty intense.

God, I hate Artest!

Really? Lakers are a dirty team , Fisher on Scola? That was beyond messed up , what type of dignity or respect is there in a move like that. Then to have the crowd cheer, pathetic. Kobe got a flagrant foul , he is obviously in the wrong I don't see how anyone can not see that. He elbowed a man to the throat it doesn't matter who it is , he did it. I hope in Houston the calls will be more appropriate on LA , had they got called for everything Rockets would have taken it after the half.

Whatever. Artest made that game very interesting (even the hair). I live on the East Coast and some of these damn games don't get started until almost 11. It takes some drama to keep me awake.

ignatious live in spain, the games are starting at sometimes around 03 over there, some times earlier.. in the morning!

I'm glad he did what he did.

It's about time we fought back.