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Entertainment => Film & TV Talk => Television => Topic started by: atomicat10 on Nov 01, 2006 at 07:15 AM

Title: NBA '07
Post by: atomicat10 on Nov 01, 2006 at 07:15 AM
NBA'07

(http://www.nba.com/media/nashfarmar_400_061015.jpg)


(http://www.nba.com/media/bigben_400_061016.jpg)


(http://www.nba.com/media/Okafor_600_061016.jpg)


(http://www.nba.com/media/zo-shaq_600_061017.jpg)


(http://www.nba.com/media/cp3-peja_600_061017.jpg)


(http://www.nba.com/media/Iguodala_400_061024.jpg)


(http://www.nba.com/media/ben-kg_400_061025.jpg)


(http://www.nba.com/media/yao-tmac_400_061025.jpg)


(http://www.nba.com/media/wade_400_061025.jpg)


(http://www.nba.com/media/Mwilliams_600_061014.jpg)


(http://www.nba.com/media/Ljames_400_061014.jpg)


NBA'07
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on Nov 01, 2006 at 07:55 AM
Go LAkers!!!![/b][/size]
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: atomicat10 on Nov 01, 2006 at 07:58 AM


(http://www.msnbc.com/modules/famulus/spt/images/NBA/4.gif)   VS   (http://www.msnbc.com/modules/famulus/spt/images/NBA/14.gif)


&


(http://www.msnbc.com/modules/famulus/spt/images/NBA/21.gif)   VS   (http://www.msnbc.com/modules/famulus/spt/images/NBA/13.gif)


TODAY


Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Nov 01, 2006 at 08:20 AM
im surprised the heat didn't have any trades to improve their roster. oh well, they still have d-wade  8)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Nov 01, 2006 at 09:50 AM
guess what.....Shaq will have his weakest season ever....
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Nov 01, 2006 at 09:53 AM
Go LAkers!!!![/b][/size]
Kobe might not play today.....From the way Farmar played in the preseason, I like his quickness and court spunk..... :)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Nov 01, 2006 at 10:12 AM
wow....the refs have quick triggers on the T.....Miami is being blown out in the 2nd quarter, the Chicago interior defense looks tough.......
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on Nov 01, 2006 at 10:51 AM
Dayum! Are the Bulls making a statement or what?
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Nov 01, 2006 at 11:03 AM
Are the Miami fans allowed to boo on ring night?  They're down by 29 points...
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Nov 01, 2006 at 11:33 AM
guess what.....Shaq will have his weakest season ever....

yikes! i have him on our fantasy league  ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Nov 01, 2006 at 12:02 PM
just 7 points for Shaq tonight....looks like a ho-hum double header, the Suns are blowing out the Lakers...
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Nov 01, 2006 at 12:14 PM
what a way to start defending your title  ;D

Party over: Bulls ruin Heat's opener with 42-point rout (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=261031014)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Nov 01, 2006 at 12:20 PM
Yeah, the Bulls look good.....they got youth, speed and stamina.  They have a very good defense, players to follow shooters on the outside, and a tough inside defense with Wallace and Brown in there.  Even the rookie Thomas showed very good upside, with athleticism and those long arms.  Their weakest link?  Inside scoring.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Nov 01, 2006 at 01:47 PM
wow....who needs Kobe when you have Bynum and Farmar  ;D ;D ;D?   After scoring 41 1st qtr points....The Suns went cold....they're being blown out.....but a lead is never safe with these guys, i'll take a piss....and theyll take the lead.. ;)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Nov 01, 2006 at 02:03 PM
any updates on amare? he only played 11 mins

1:10 remaining, lead is still 10  ;)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Nov 01, 2006 at 02:15 PM
Yeah, its a tough situation for the Suns coach.....as Doug Collins has emphasized, you have to get Amare in the mix while winning.  They were successful last year winning without Amare....(thats why 11 minutes only for him now).....Amare might now be physically healed from that surgically repaired knee, but its tough getting back mentally... ;)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on Nov 01, 2006 at 03:05 PM
Wow! Suns started strong and played Phoenix basketball...too bad the Kobe-less LAkers outran them and pounded the ball inside. They dominated the smaller Suns and Bynum is starting to show improvements in his game. I'd like to see him post numbers like 18 and 9 on legit big men of the Western Conference. Stats-filler Lamar Odom had a monster game with Mo Evans and Jordan Farmar (Justin daw sabi ni Kevin Harlan) giving key contributions off the bench. But dang! You almost had to turn off the TV during the first quarter as the Suns were almost perfect during that first 12 minutes of the game. Oh well, bilog talaga bola and El-Ay turned things around starting the 2nd Q.

Chicago-Miami. A waste of electricity and your two hours, unless you're a Bulls fan.  ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: atomicat10 on Nov 01, 2006 at 03:25 PM
Lakers won without Kobe and Kwame.  Way to go Lamar!

Bulls routed Heat on a record loss for them at home ???

(http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/72330704.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193875DCB1DD8387ABB0C2105DCDBFF1BE6)

(http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/72330743.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193875DCB1DD8387ABBD7B9CED2411140D7)

(http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/72330741.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193875DCB1DD8387ABB879341B3F820196C)

(http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/72330463.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=54DAFB2995215ED47C14F23B4C721769)

(http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/72330647.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193875DCB1DD8387ABB55975DF61250E26A)

(http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/72330605.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193875DCB1DD8387ABBDDEA97D506A5E761)

(http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/72330683.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=54DAFB2995215ED49E37D850462241F8)

Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Nov 01, 2006 at 04:40 PM
Offensively, that Bynum guy is more polished than Kwame Brown....and he's only 19.  Kareem must be doing wonders taking Bynum to school every practice......No, I dont think he wont let any Laker fan forget about Shaq or Jabbar....but if he'll be a regular 15-10 guy....that 10th pick would be well worth it.  Di masasayang peak stages ni Kobe...
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: atomicat10 on Nov 02, 2006 at 02:09 PM
lakers just beaten gsw now 2-0

(http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/72345796.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193875DCB1DD8387ABBE4300DA6E487E35D)

(http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/72345309.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=54DAFB2995215ED4AA3F9449A4685FF8)

(http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/72345464.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=54DAFB2995215ED4D4F428C1E5ECFE44)

(http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/72345508.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=54DAFB2995215ED4B2E25625C8CBB15C)

(http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/72345663.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=54DAFB2995215ED4C16FB6F3FC7A1D86)

Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Nov 02, 2006 at 02:58 PM
Its Turiaf's time to shine this time.....and LO's making a case with a near triple double....., with a favorable opening schedule, LA could start fast.......What bothered me is Chicago...after blastinbg the Heat, they were beaten by the Magic behind Dwight Howard's 27pt-11reb effort.  This young guy is getting strong by the game and will be the next unstoppable guy in the middle.  His body is just starting to mature...and he will be able to push and bump people aside with his frame....like a young Shaq... ;) Shaq and Mourning were dumbfounded by Wallace and Brown...but look what this guy had done to the Bulls' interior D.

(http://espn-i.starwave.com/media/apphoto/f687e0e3-35eb-4434-a476-eefc1991ca94.jpg)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: lord_vader on Nov 02, 2006 at 09:12 PM
lakers just beaten gsw now 2-0


Wait till Kobe gets back and start hogging the ball again, taking away Odom's scoring and playmaking... ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Nov 02, 2006 at 09:16 PM
I just saw some highlights in NBA TV...and saw some reels of the Magic-Bulls game.....Howard is a monster!!!  Looks like the Shaq of Magic years..... :o :o
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: atomicat10 on Nov 03, 2006 at 08:05 PM
These guys are killers. Why do they have to come to LA ???

(http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/sp/getty/68/full.getty-71797322ab011_nuggets_clipp_3_49_07_am.jpg)

This guy was ejected

(http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/sp/getty/96/full.getty-71797322sd016_ca_denver_nug_3_46_42_am.jpg)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: atomicat10 on Nov 04, 2006 at 03:02 PM
(http://espn-i.starwave.com/media/apphoto/65069c38-8549-4dbd-af96-c1e83d6f82fa.jpg)

He's back. Now 3-0
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on Nov 04, 2006 at 08:33 PM
Good to see Kobe back in action, although it was painful to see his movement not that fluid. Parang hesitant pa mga galaw nya, which is understandable coz he just recovered from knee surgery. But yeah, he's moving like the Playoffs Kobe and his teammates are really stepping-up, notably, Turiaf, Walton and Odom. I hope Kwame and Mihm will heal soon. Go El-Ay!!!
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Nov 06, 2006 at 08:44 AM
i'll enjoy this while it last. sixers the only undefeated team in the east  ;)

Iverson leads balanced Sixers past Shaq-less Heat (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=261105020)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Nov 06, 2006 at 08:57 AM
Slow starts for the finalists last year .....  Dallas is 0-2. Miami is 1-2.  Even Phoenix is 1-3....the only undefeated teams?  Lakers at 3-0.  Sixers at 3-0. and Utah at 3-0.     :)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Nov 06, 2006 at 11:02 AM
you forgot the hornets sir, now also 3-0  ;)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Nov 06, 2006 at 11:34 AM
Sleepers lahat yan..... ;)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Nov 06, 2006 at 12:12 PM
you can remove the lakers on that list. they're down by 19 as of the moment
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: garee on Nov 06, 2006 at 12:49 PM
Lakers lost to Sonics 117-101
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on Nov 06, 2006 at 02:14 PM
Dayum! El-Ay lost to Seattle. Oh well, the season's just started...
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Nov 06, 2006 at 03:16 PM
Parity at its best demonstration?  Its still early.... ;)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Nov 07, 2006 at 12:17 PM
mavs still winless  :o
Warriors shock Mavs in Nelson return; Mavs fall to 0-3 (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=261106006)

and jazz still undefeated, now 4-0. i hope AK47 will stay healthy for the whole season
Last-second defensive stand leaves Jazz unbeaten (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=261106026)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Nov 07, 2006 at 01:09 PM
Wow....whats happening to the Mavs?  :-\
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Nov 07, 2006 at 01:29 PM
i guess its terry's numbers, who's been averaging 7.5pts and 4asts the past 3 games. he was a big factor last season also
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Nov 08, 2006 at 01:57 PM
wow...I think the Lakers have their guy at the middle, its not Mihm or Kwame Brown...its Andrew Bynum.  After a 20pt 14reb 3blk effort versus the Wolves...he'll be an early front runner for the Most Improved Player Award.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: DVD_Freak on Nov 08, 2006 at 03:05 PM
wow...I think the Lakers have their guy at the middle, its not Mihm or Kwame Brown...its Andrew Bynum.  After a 20pt 14reb 3blk effort versus the Wolves...he'll be an early front runner for the Most Improved Player Award.

Saw the Lakers game too!!!  And Bynum played extremely well.  Galing talaga magdraft ang Lakers.  He was just the 10th pick right?  Looks like another steal.  You would even think Jerry West is still running the Lakers' front office.

What Bynum has accomplished this early in his second season parang has already surpassed what Kwame has done in his entire career!  I might be exagerating a bit because I would have never imagined he can perform this well.  he was always been thought as more of a project than a factor early in his career.  The top brass in the Lakers organization even predicted that the dividends they would get from Bynum will not materialize til after 5 years or so.

But let's see if he still plays with the same efficiency after Mihm and Kwame come back.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: dobler on Nov 08, 2006 at 04:47 PM
Saw the Lakers game too!!!  And Bynum played extremely well.  Galing talaga magdraft ang Lakers.  He was just the 10th pick right?  Looks like another steal.  You would even think Jerry West is still running the Lakers' front office.

What Bynum has accomplished this early in his second season parang has already surpassed what Kwame has done in his entire career!  I might be exagerating a bit because I would have never imagined he can perform this well.  he was always been thought as more of a project than a factor early in his career.  The top brass in the Lakers organization even predicted that the dividends they would get from Bynum will not materialize til after 5 years or so.

But let's see if he still plays with the same efficiency after Mihm and Kwame come back.

The Lakers hired Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Scottie Pippen as consultants last year. Combined with Bynum's natural talent and the playing time he's received so far this season will only make him more confident. I'm curious to see how he fairs against Tim Duncan though.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on Nov 08, 2006 at 04:55 PM
A lot of GMs were inquiring about Bynum and Odom during the off season, so I guess his play isn't surprising for some of the GMs. I guess Mitch finally lucked out in selecting Bynum. Of course, training under Kareem can do wonders for a big man; but regardless of training, experts saw potential in Bynum. He still needs a little polishing when it comes to posting up and finishing, but all that will be learned in due time. I've yet to see his hook shot, the shot he hyped that he'll bring back to the game.

The LAkers are doing OK right now coz of excellent shot selection (50.1% as a team, second to Orlando's 50.9%), knowing where to find the open man (league-leading 25.4 assist per game) which results to the best scoring team so far in the NBA (107.6ppg, with the Suns just .1 away from tying them at 107.5). If they keep playing like this, a 50-wins season is a possibility. But like I keep telling myself, the season's still young.  ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Nov 08, 2006 at 05:46 PM
I do believe that Bynum has more moves, patience and poise in the paint than Kwame.  He gathers and positions himself first before taking a shot.  Its just a matter of time that he'll be a regular 15-10 guy.  He's just 19.  Playing time and experience will be his biggest ally in improvement.  Whether or not he fares poorly against the established bigs like Duncan or Yao Ming...the experience playing against those guys will help him.  With him seeing regular minutes, either Mihm or Brown will be expendable. :)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: atomicat10 on Nov 08, 2006 at 07:03 PM
Jerry Buss on a recent interview talked about the inevitable turn over of the ownership to his children Jeannie and Jim. He commended both for doing well for the team with Jeannie locking up coach Philip  ;) and Jim (who had his share of criticisms) for locking up A-Bomb (Yes, he was actually responsible for drafting the kid and not Kupcake).

Jim Buss was not willing to part with Bynum, not for Channing Frye, not for Artest and not even for KG. I guess, with Bynum breaking out, he has now "redeemed" himself for making all those commitments to the youngest NBA player drafted.

Now for the 50 wins, I think it is well within reach.

They're now 4-1. That single loss was PJax's fault.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on Nov 08, 2006 at 07:11 PM
Hehehe. Jeannie locking-up Phil. I guess we know what caused Phil's hip injury.  :D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Nov 09, 2006 at 11:49 AM
spurs just defeated the suns in OT, 111-106. another surprising big man, oberto had 22pts and 10rebs... 11/11 fg  :o
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Nov 09, 2006 at 12:36 PM
Wow...the Suns are reeling....1-4 now.   The Bynum bandwagon hits a skid, 0pts 4rbs and 4pf so far in the 2nd of a back to back...
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: kimpOy on Nov 09, 2006 at 01:11 PM
im not surprised because they hurried amare's comeback...

amare's slowing the team down...puro back to the basket and no more pick and rolls for him...

oh and boris diaw is out of shape...
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: atomicat10 on Nov 09, 2006 at 01:49 PM
Wow...the Suns are reeling....1-4 now.   The Bynum bandwagon hits a skid, 0pts 4rbs and 4pf so far in the 2nd of a back to back...

Bynum just shot 2 shots made none but made 2 free throws.

Pjax is gonna make this team lose early so that they would have the hunger and experience late.

He's preaching.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Nov 09, 2006 at 02:30 PM
Just cant understand some of the lineups PJax makes.... ???
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: kimpOy on Nov 09, 2006 at 02:59 PM
Pjax's mixing and matching, uptempo game, bigman game...

oh btw its luke walton who coming out..... filling the stat sheets...naunahan ako sa fantasy league sa kanya
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Nov 09, 2006 at 03:02 PM
Pjax's mixing and matching, uptempo game, bigman game...

oh btw its luke walton who coming out..... filling the stat sheets...naunahan ako sa fantasy league sa kanya
yeah...luke's perfect for the triangle...look what happened to him when Rudy T was there...buried down the bench.... :)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Nov 23, 2006 at 03:40 PM
standings as of today....

ATLANTIC   W        L       PCT    GB
                        
New Jersey        5    6   .455    -                           
Philadelphia       4     7    .364     1                           
Boston               4       7      .364       1                           
New York           4     9    .308     2                           
Toronto              3      8      .273      2                           

CENTRAL              W     L      PCT     GB
                        
Cleveland           8     4    .667       -                           
Detroit                7     5       .583      1                           
Indiana               6     6     .500        2                           
Milwaukee          4     8   .333     4                           
Chicago              3      8     .273       4 ½                           

SOUTHEAST   W     L       PCT     GB
                        
Orlando              8      4     .667       -                           
Atlanta               4        5      .444       2 ½                           
Washington       4   7     .364   3 ½                           
Miami                  4     7       .364      3 ½                           
Charlotte            3      8     .273       4 ½                           

Western Conference
NORTHWEST   W     L     PCT       GB
                              
Utah                    11    1       .917   -                                 
Denver                6        4      .600          4                                 
Portland              6        7      .462        5 ½                                 
Seattle                6      7     .462   5 ½                                 
Minnesota           4      6   .400        6                                 

PACIFIC                 W     L     PCT       GB
                              
LA Lakers              8      3      .727          -                                 
LA Clippers            6      4       .600      1 ½                                 
Golden State         7       5    .583       1 ½                                 
Sacramento           5       5    .500       2 ½                                 
Phoenix                 5      6     .455   3                                 

SOUTHWEST     W     L     PCT       GB
                              
San Antonio          10       2   .833        -                                 
NO/Oklahoma City 8   4    .667   2                                 
Houston                 8     4       .667       2                                 
Dallas                     7    4     .636    2 ½                                 
Memphis                 2     9       .182      7 ½                                 


Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on Nov 23, 2006 at 05:41 PM
Can't wait for Saturday....LAkers vs Jazz!!! Go El-Ay!!! ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: lord_vader on Nov 23, 2006 at 08:56 PM
Jazz, 11-1? Did Stockton and Malone come out of retirement? Hehe...

Anyway, glad to see my fave team the Spurs are doing great. Their two centers Oberto and Elson are alternately performing well.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Nov 24, 2006 at 08:47 AM
...and atlantic is still the worst division  :-\
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Nov 24, 2006 at 10:02 AM
Southwest naman is the strongest division so far....
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Dec 08, 2006 at 11:37 AM
suns@nets game almost reached a total of 400pts  :o :o :o  if only the game reached 3OT. anyway, nice game! and stats  ;D

pho 161 nash 42pts 6rebs 13asts
njn  157 kidd 38pts 14rebs 14asts
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: aRujoN on Dec 09, 2006 at 01:28 AM
Rumors

Iverson wants out!!... :o

Richard Jefferson just came out!!.... of the closet ??? :o
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: garee on Dec 09, 2006 at 02:48 PM
Iverson and Garnett....hmm that's interesting
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Dec 09, 2006 at 09:24 PM
just read the news. i agree its time for them to part. sixers need to start over and ai needs a better team. i've always liked the idea of kg-ai duo, but i was hoping of kg in the 6ers. both of team will be the beast of the east. as of conquering the mighty west, we'll see. i hope this rumor become a reality, kg has always admired ai. and i hope ai will have a new life in minny and start having a better work ethic. practice boy!!!  ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Dec 11, 2006 at 09:34 AM
The Sixers are having a hard time taking takers for AI....its not that teams dont like him..its just hard to match contracts and players...
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Dec 11, 2006 at 01:21 PM
they say boston is more of a possibility than minnesota. with ai's salary and considering his age, he's not that marketable anymore. a major 3-team trade might happen to move him  :-\
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: garee on Dec 11, 2006 at 10:55 PM
Bobcats might be interested too....

http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/sports/basketball/nba/charlotte_bobcats/16206951.htm
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on Dec 11, 2006 at 11:07 PM
Philly would rather ship AI to the West IMHO.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Dec 12, 2006 at 08:55 AM
chances are slim but still a possibility, what about the idea of ai moving to lakers? coach phil said he wouldn't mind. but triangle offense for ai, i doubt it  ;D  it would just be fun to watch the anti-kobe ai playing with kobe himself
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Dec 12, 2006 at 09:27 AM
chances are slim but still a possibility, what about the idea of ai moving to lakers? coach phil said he wouldn't mind. but triangle offense for ai, i doubt it  ;D  it would just be fun to watch the anti-kobe ai playing with kobe himself
hmmmm....theres only 1 ball to share....besides the current chemistry of the Lakers is doing good......
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: DVD_Freak on Dec 12, 2006 at 10:35 AM
hmmmm....theres only 1 ball to share....besides the current chemistry of the Lakers is doing good......

Exactly!!!  I don't think they wanna mess with what they have right now.  Any talks of AI would certainly involve Odom & Bynum...not because of matching talent.  More of Salary Cap considerations

 :o :o :o :o :o
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Dec 12, 2006 at 11:13 AM
Its really a disgrace for Odom to be always involved in trade talks for the Lakers.......this guy have been busting his a** off....hustling, rebounding and orchestrating plays, and he's not even playing his natural position.  And why would the Lakers give up Bynum...he has tremendous upside and just turned 19......I would be disappointed if Buss gives a go to that trade rumor...... :) 
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: DVD_Freak on Dec 12, 2006 at 11:32 AM
Its really a disgrace for Odom to be always involved in trade talks for the Lakers.......this guy have been busting his a** off....hustling, rebounding and orchestrating plays, and he's not even playing his natural position.  And why would the Lakers give up Bynum...he has tremendous upside and just turned 19......I would be disappointed if Buss gives a go to that trade rumor...... :) 

I agree with you bro.  Odom is the glue that sticks this Laker team together.  Sorry but it's not Kobe.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: edboy7 on Dec 12, 2006 at 01:15 PM
I think AI's going to be Red Bulls next imp0rt :D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: DVD_Freak on Dec 12, 2006 at 01:49 PM
I think AI's going to be Red Bulls next imp0rt :D

Hahahaha!!!  Tutal naman even if he's sitting, he is still getting his salary of US$18M for the season.  Why not try his luck in the PBA where "He doesn't have to practice!!!"  Just attend games...the way he likes it.

 ;D :D ;D :D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Dec 12, 2006 at 03:39 PM
AI won't blend well with Red Bull, but i think Artest will  :P
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Dec 12, 2006 at 05:19 PM
AI won't blend well with Red Bull, but i think Artest will  :P
this is my bet too....which means bibby could be part of that trade too.....
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: garee on Dec 13, 2006 at 12:14 PM
teams interested(?) in Iverson...

Bulls: Chicago could send the expiring contracts of forwards P.J. Brown and Michael Sweetney, with guard Ben Gordon and a first-round pick to Philly for Iverson. Their brass will meet today but appear unlikely to make such a move.

Dallas: The Mavs could send the expiring contracts of Jerry Stackhouse and Austin Croshere, along with point guard Devin Harris. Problem? Owner Mark Cuban loves Harris and doesn't want any debate as to whether it will be Dirk Nowitzki's team.

Boston: Coach Doc Rivers is willing to surrender anyone other than Paul Pierce for Iverson. That includes Gerald Green, Sebastian Telfair and forward Al Jefferson, if necessary. But Danny Ainge is running the show, and it's unclear what he'll be willing to do. Plus, Wally Szczerbiak or Theo Ratliff would have to come to Philly in order to make a deal work.

Golden State: Mike Dunleavy Jr., Troy Murphy or Jason Richardson would have to come to Philly to make a deal happen, but the Sixers would love to get their hands on Monta Ellis. The Warriors say they're not about to part with Ellis, but everyone talks that nonsense before a deal gets done.

Timberwolves: They barely have anyone the Sixers want, outside of Villanova product Randy Foye. Minnesota swears it's not about to let him go. We'll see.

Clippers:The Sixers shouldn't even talk to them unless they're willing to part with Corey Maggette and Shaun Livingston, which they are not willing to do.

Grizzlies: Eddie Jones' expiring contract is about the only asset the Grizzlies have to offer. Mike Fratello's toupee will fall off trying to coach Iverson.

Kings: Mike Bibby is owed $28 million over the final two years of his contract, but rumors have swirled he could opt out. Plus, Ron Artest loves Iverson. A long shot, of course, but you never know with the Kings' owners, the Maloof brothers.

Of course, there is always the possibility of multi-team deals, or a remote possibility that Iverson could be bought out of his contract. But that's venturing into the absurd, especially for a franchise with a few employees holding on by the skin of their teeth.

In time, we'll know where Iverson's going and what the Sixers have gotten for him.

Save the hostility for then. Not now.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: atomicat10 on Dec 20, 2006 at 07:17 AM
AI to the NUGGETS

http://www.nba.com/news/349127.html
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: atomicat10 on Dec 20, 2006 at 07:53 AM
(http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/nba/iverson/iverson412x232.jpg)

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2702501
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Dec 20, 2006 at 08:19 AM
top 2 scorers in the league  :o :o :o  is there enough basketball for the two? with AI's age and desire for a ring, i hope he'll be the one to sacrifice with his shots. besides, we know what he can do during all-star games
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Dec 20, 2006 at 12:19 PM
how do you replace the leading scorer in the NBA who is suspended for 15 games?  you get the 2nd leading scorer!! hehehe....this shakes up the WEST.....and the East....is drying up with stars....
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: atomicat10 on Dec 20, 2006 at 12:25 PM
No matter how strong the West has been, it's pretty surprising that 2 of the last 3 champion teams came from the East.

Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Dec 20, 2006 at 12:39 PM
how will this affect the all-star lineup? will AI's votes still be counted when transferred to the west? AI may be leading the east guards with 595,200 votes but the west guards tmac and kobe have 668,130 and 720,375 votes respectively.  :-\

also, some requirements were waived so that the players can play asap. will AI be playing against phoenix tomorrow?
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: garee on Dec 22, 2006 at 09:04 AM
(http://www.nba.com/media/iversonjersey_300_061220.jpg)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Jan 07, 2007 at 12:12 PM
Big Ben vs his former team, 12pts (5/11) 14rebs 2ast 3stls 6blks  :D
Bulls def Pistons 106-89

how will this affect the all-star lineup? will AI's votes still be counted when transferred to the west? AI may be leading the east guards with 595,200 votes but the west guards tmac and kobe have 668,130 and 720,375 votes respectively.  :-\

Bryant (1,386,477) and the Houston Rockets’ Tracy McGrady (1,205,510) lead all Western Conference guards. Currently in third place among Western Conference guards is Allen Iverson (1,157,031), who was acquired by the Denver Nuggets from the Philadelphia 76ers on Dec. 19. Since Iverson was traded to a Western Conference team after the All-Star ballot was unveiled, his Eastern Conference votes will be applied to the conference in which he now plays.

2007 All-Star Third Returns (http://www.nba.com/news/2007_allstar_thirdreturns_070104.html)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: garee on Jan 08, 2007 at 07:51 PM
game winning shot by Lakers' Sasha over the mavericks, streak ends at 13

(http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/sp/getty/d1/full.getty-71796598ng017_mavs_lakers_1_09_03_am.jpg)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on Jan 08, 2007 at 08:02 PM
How fitting that the Dallas streak started with a Mavs trashing of the LAkers and ended with a LAkers victory.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Jan 08, 2007 at 10:59 PM
The Lakers have the right pieces to enter the league's elite status.  The scary part is that this team is relatively young.  The Triangle offense is working great now.  Kudos to coach Phil for what I believe is his greatest performance in coaching so far....
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: atomicat10 on Jan 09, 2007 at 07:58 AM
(http://resized.filevend.com/anon/JvdsWDVg.gif)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Jan 09, 2007 at 09:15 AM
foul! hehehe  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Jan 09, 2007 at 09:31 AM
Accdg to NBA's Stu Jackson....hand is part of the ball......alas, the non-call.    The more costly non-call?  Vujacic's three pointer is actually just a tweener.....foot is on the line..... ;D ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: kimpOy on Jan 09, 2007 at 11:46 AM
The Lakers have the right pieces to enter the league's elite status.  The scary part is that this team is relatively young.  The Triangle offense is working great now.  Kudos to coach Phil for what I believe is his greatest performance in coaching so far....

agree to that pare...kobe is maturing...he handled out 8 assist in 6 minutes a few games ago...
building confidence in his teammates...i hope sasha is kobe's version of mj's steve kerr

another exciting player is Gilbert Arenas...potek what killer instinc remember he dropped 60 on kobe...
cant wait for the rematch
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Jan 09, 2007 at 10:45 PM

another exciting player is Gilbert Arenas...potek what killer instinc remember he dropped 60 on kobe...
cant wait for the rematch
yeah agent zero vs the mamba.....hahaha...mark it down...feb 03....
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Wiggum on Jan 12, 2007 at 01:30 PM
What do you guys think about all this Chris Webber talk, and the possibility of him going to the Lakers?  They need to cut a player to make it work (how about McKie or Shammond Williams?).  Webber's a decent PF (though his best years are behind him) and an excellent passing big man, but somehow I just don't think it'll work.  He might even stunt the growth/potential of the young Laker forwards.  Maybe he'll end up in Miami?
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Jan 12, 2007 at 04:38 PM
probably with miami. because he likes to join a team with a title shot, and getting in the finals in the east is much much easier  :D  but i doubt he'll have significant impact on any team he joins due to his recent injuries. if c-webb indeed go to miami, they'll be officially labeled as home of the aging veterans  :P
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: clea on Jan 12, 2007 at 06:01 PM
Webber headed back home
By Adrian Wojnarowski, Yahoo! Sports
January 11, 2007

Adrian Wojnarowski
Yahoo! Sports

The Detroit Pistons are close to reaching an agreement with free agent Chris Webber, sources close to the negotiations said Thursday night.

Webber, 33, who had the final two seasons of his contract bought out by the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday, will return to his Michigan roots where he once starred for Detroit Country Day High School and the University of Michigan.

Webber, who's still clearing waivers, can't officially with a team until Monday. He is expected to sign for a pro-rated $1.87 million-a-season, 10-year-veteran contract.

All along, sources said, the Pistons were Webber's No. 1 choice upon leaving the 76ers. They would give him a chance to finally reach the NBA Finals and perhaps compete for his first NBA title.


Should have went there when he was a free agent before and won a championship as he could have put up same numbers as Sheed does before ;)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: atomicat10 on Jan 16, 2007 at 01:36 AM
It's official. He's such a flirt. >:(
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on Jan 16, 2007 at 01:49 AM
Havent read anything concrete about the team CWebb will be joining.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Jan 16, 2007 at 08:28 AM
Webber Headed To Detroit (http://www.nba.com/pistons/news/webber_070115.html)  ;)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Jan 16, 2007 at 08:38 AM
It's official. He's such a flirt. >:(
apparently....PJax didnt guaranteed him starter's minutes.  All he promised him was that he'll make an influence on the team.   Maybe CWebb still thinks he's the guy that led the Kings in the Western Conference Finals 3-4 years ago.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: clea on Jan 16, 2007 at 10:43 PM
The biggest question with Webber is his defense ??? ??? ???

His offense is still beyond average with the 20ppg and 9rpg he got last year, it's kinda hard to establish momentum and your game if you get only 20+min per game as was the case this year...

Detroit's D will definitely suffer, hopefully it will be compensated by their offensive efficiency through the Webber acquisition and the return of Billups.

Do you guys know if they have any scheduled televised games, would love to watch hoe they gel as a team ::)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: DVD_Freak on Jan 18, 2007 at 10:42 AM
Another Blockbuster Trade!!!

Indiana Pacers
--------------
1.  Mike Dunleavy Jr.
2.  Troy Murphy
3.  Ike Diogu
4.  Keith McLeod

GS Warriors
-----------
1.  Al Harrington
2.  Stephen Jackson
3.  Sarunas Jasikevicius
4.  Josh Powell
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Jan 18, 2007 at 11:37 AM
parang lugi ang Indiana.... :)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: kimpOy on Jan 18, 2007 at 12:01 PM
talentwise (offensively)...yes for now...
Golden state wanted to shed huge contracts and indiana wanted to shed its image...

maybe Ike Diogu would turn into a Zach or Elton type of player, rememeber when indiana traded for then-often bench, butter finger  Jermaine oneal...for a proven defense stud guy Dale Davis...
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Jan 18, 2007 at 12:44 PM
talentwise (offensively)...yes for now...
Golden state wanted to shed huge contracts and indiana wanted to shed its image...

maybe Ike Diogu would turn into a Zach or Elton type of player, rememeber when indiana traded for then-often bench, butter finger  Jermaine oneal...for a proven defense stud guy Dale Davis...
yeah...after looking it up closely.....Pacers will earn fruit of this trade in the near future... :)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Wiggum on Jan 18, 2007 at 01:24 PM
Detroit lost to Utah in CWebb's first game as a Piston.  He only scored 2 points, was definitely off.

84.. Strange number.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Jan 18, 2007 at 01:45 PM
The Suns look unbeatable......and they are blowing their foes big time!!!!   The Lakers are an enigma...they are beating the elite, theyve just beat the Spurs again...but why did they lose to cellar dwellars Memphis and Charlotte???
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: DVD_Freak on Jan 19, 2007 at 02:57 PM
Latest rumors
--------------

 According to three NBA executives, the Pacers are now in talks to move Mike Dunleavy to the Clippers for dynamic swingman Corey Maggette. Indiana has been after Maggette since last season when they were looking to trade Ron Artest.

An unsubstantiated internet rumor about Kevin Garnett and the Knicks highlights a package of Channing Frye, Nate Robinson, Jamal Crawford and a 2008 first-round pick. However, a league official said the Knicks have been quiet on the trade front recently.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Jan 20, 2007 at 04:29 AM
from the fantasy league  ;)

In response to a question from Chad Ford regarding trade speculation between Corey Maggette and Mike Dunleavy Jr. Donnie Walsh (Pacers CEO) stated, "Let me lay that to rest, I'm definitely not doing that. You know, I coached his father, Mike Dunleavy, and we spoke today and we spoke about how happy he was that Mike Jr. was coming here and during the conversation Corey Maggette's name never came up. I got off the phone and heard that it was all over the internet that we were going to trade for Corey Maggette and that is simply not true."
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Jan 23, 2007 at 01:34 PM
together at last!  ;D

(http://espn-i.starwave.com/media/apphoto/DXA11601230520.jpg)

melo 28pts 5rebs 6ast
ai 23pts 4rebs 7ast 2stls


def Grizzlies 115-98
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: John E. on Feb 09, 2007 at 05:22 AM
nice pics!  ;D both has the same hair style, same are sleeves, same headband...

and lotsa tatoo  ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Wiggum on Mar 23, 2007 at 12:28 PM
Kobe just dumped 60 on MEM, after exploding for 50 (MIN) and 65 (POR) the last two games.  "Incredible" is an understatement.  If only the Lakers had a healthier line-up and a better win-loss record, he'd be the MVP hands down.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Mar 23, 2007 at 12:49 PM
It would be dandy if he score 50+ points on NOK tomorrow........with the Lakers are in now...falling from 6th to 7th place in the playoffs standings.....they need the more aggressive Kobe.....
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: bumblebee on Mar 23, 2007 at 12:55 PM
Kobe shoots too much. Even if they have a good record, I doubt if he gets the MVP award.

***

I think Dirk is gonna get his first. I don't think voters are ready to put Nash in the company of Bill, Wilt and Larry.

Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Mar 23, 2007 at 01:26 PM
Kobe shoots too much. Even if they have a good record, I doubt if he gets the MVP award.

***

its just unfortunate that Kobe doesnt get credit as much he deserve becoz he's the Kobe that many loves to hate.....I say if the Lakers, from Odom, Walton and Brown up to Slalom Radmanovic, hadnt gone into some injury woes, and goes to a 50 win season, Kobe should at least merit some consideration for the award.  Jordan and Iverson have been MVPs and at the same time the league's leading scorer (and you woudnt be that without shooting too much) and then led their teams to very good regular season records.  But of course, He's Kobe...so I doubt too if hes gonna win a MVP award even if they have a good record.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: synchro_01 on Mar 23, 2007 at 01:40 PM
.....they need the more aggressive Kobe.....

I agree. their key players most notably their entire starting front line (Walton, Odom and Brown)  just came back from injury and are not 100% ready as of yet. they need Kobe to carry the scoring load. Things will fall into place by playoff time. They will be a wildcard nobody wants to face during the playoffs.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Mar 24, 2007 at 10:24 AM
Kobe got to 50 again...for the fourth straight game...and resulted in 4 wins too........the only other player to do it?   Wilt...
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: DVD_Freak on Mar 24, 2007 at 10:56 AM
Kobe got to 50 again...for the fourth straight game...and resulted in 4 wins too........the only other player to do it?   Wilt...

At least the Lakers are wining.  Just think if they are losing?  I'm sure all those talk about Kobe being a ball hog would surface again.

But face it, the best chances the Lakers have got to win is really Kobe scoring in bunches.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Mar 26, 2007 at 11:26 AM
kobe at 30+ pts 4th qtr. i think he'll only be able to hit 50 if this game goes to OT
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Mar 26, 2007 at 11:34 AM
kobe at 30+ pts 4th qtr. i think he'll only be able to hit 50 if this game goes to OT
medyo pilit this time...unlike the other games when they came in flow of the offense......thats why the bad shooting percentage.......
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: bumblebee on Mar 26, 2007 at 11:38 AM
kobe at 30+ pts 4th qtr. i think he'll only be able to hit 50 if this game goes to OT

Not that many FTA kasi, just 4-4.

36 pts on 14-30 shooting, 4-9 from beyond the arc and counting.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Mar 26, 2007 at 02:07 PM
43pts only, but still a win for LAL
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: John E. on Mar 27, 2007 at 08:42 AM
kobe is the best scorer in the NBA right now.

but that's only one category or aspect of the game.

he's good, a really good basketball player though i like it better when he had number 8 on him.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Mar 27, 2007 at 09:59 AM
this has to be the #1 play of the season

Denver 20 Sec. timeout
0:01.5  98-95  Marcus Camby bad pass (Rasheed Wallace steals) 
0:00.1  98-98  Rasheed Wallace makes 63-foot three point jumper
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: bumblebee on Mar 27, 2007 at 01:23 PM
At nanalo pa! 113-109. Yan ang divine intervention.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Mar 28, 2007 at 09:09 AM
Enjoy the show
Don't knock Kobe, just appreciate his greatness

Lang Whitaker, CNNSI


As I sit down to write this column, it's Sunday night and the clock is showing 9:32 p.m. on the East Coast.

Tonight, I am looking forward to watching the Los Angeles Lakers play. Specifically the guy wearing No. 24.

If you like basketball, right now the greatest show on earth has nothing to do with CBS. Its name is Kobe Bryant. And it's become must-see TV.

I should stress that this wasn't an easy admission for me to make. Long ago, something about Kobe refused to let me appreciate him. I didn't like how brash and unconscionable he appeared early in his career. I didn't like the way he announced he'd be opting out of his contract during the NBA Draft, and then seemed to drag out his free agency for effect. I didn't like what happened in Colorado, whatever happened, and I didn't like the way all of that ended. Mostly, though, I just never liked the way Kobe never appears to show us his real self. Maybe what we see is what we get -- maybe this Kobe, as we know him now, really is who he is. But I'm convinced that somewhere deep down inside, there's a Kobe who pulls practical jokes on his teammates, who drives around with his windows down and The Clipse blasting, who doesn't intentionally try and channel Michael Jordan during interviews. We just don't get to see that Kobe.

At some point this year, I decided to give Kobe a fresh start. And you know what? It's been great. He's obviously not a perfect basketball player. Does Kobe share the ball like Steve Nash? No. Does he play defense like Bruce Bowen? Nope. But he sure is fun to watch, if for no reason other than the complete hedonism of his offensive game.

I can't recall the last time I saw a player with such a free reign to shoot whenever he feels like it. When the Lakers come down on a fast break, if Kobe gets the ball, it's going up, regardless of how the defense is aligned. If Kobe has the ball anywhere on the right side of the court, it's likely going up. Actually, if he's open anywhere on the floor, he's probably going to shoot. Even if defenders are right on him, he just jumps over them and gets his shot off.

The thing is, the ball keeps going in, and you eventually get conditioned to this brand of basketball Kobe is playing, until you find yourself cheering for Kobe to shoot the ball more and more and score 50 points once again. There was a point during the game tonight when Kobe came down and caught a pass from Luke Walton at the 3-point line. He pump-faked a defender, who sailed past. Kobe then re-set his feet and went up for the shot, without taking a dribble. Under normal circumstance, this would be probably be considered a bad shot, because he could have either taken a dribble to improve his rhythm or driven to the basket past his beaten defender. But as Kobe pulled up for the shot, instead of thinking, "Oh, come on, Kobe," I immediately thought, "Oh, I hope he makes it!"


That's the way he's been playing the last few weeks, and the other Lakers seem to have accepted that this was Kobe's destiny all along. Veteran NBA players can develop a certain veneer with the media, answering questions with little candor or expression. But when I asked Lakers center Andrew Bynum, the youngest player in the NBA, what it was like to play with Kobe, Bynum's face lit up. "Dude is so nasty on the basketball court!" Bynum enthused. "Playing with him, anything he does makes it easier on me. If he cuts by me, my guy almost always goes with him, which gives me openings on the court."

And to Kobe's credit, he's been finding the open guys when he's double-teamed. Well, usually. Then again, if I were Kobe, with some of these teammates, I'd be jacking the ball up, too. Kwame Brown is almost equally as entertaining to watch as Kobe, but for far more nefarious reasons. Brown must lead the league in forcing refs to choose between calling an offensive foul or a turnover. I'm not sure if it's ever been explained to Brown in such explicit terms, but the goal is to catch the basketball when it comes into your personal space, not bat it about aimlessly.

Phil Jackson referred to reserve forward Vlad Radmanovic as a "space cadet." That was a few weeks before Radmanovic separated his shoulder while snowboarding over the All-Star Break. Lamar Odom seems to drift in and out of games. Walton is probably their most solid player right now, other than Kobe. Never in his life was Brian Cook's return from an injury so eagerly awaited.

The more I watch the Lakers, the more I'm reminded that they're sort of a franchise adrift at the moment, not good enough to contend for a title but fitted with young players (like Bynum) who will be great a few years from now. In the meantime, until the Lakers are able to recover their royal lineage, there's Kobe, endlessly driving to the rim and firing up three-pointers.

During the game tonight, Kobe started out on fire, scoring nine points in the first three minutes, but then settled down and didn't look to force things in the fourth quarter. The Lakers won, but Kobe's streak of consecutive 50-point games ended at four games. Tonight, alas, he only scored 43 points. Again, he only scored 43. That's 268 points in his last five games, an average of just 53.6 points per game over the span.

Why shouldn't we root for Kobe to score, score and score? He may not play basketball the way Larry Brown would want him to, but he could morph into Magic Johnson and it still wouldn't help Kwame catch a pass. Right now, we're witnessing a prolonged show of dominance from Kobe Bryant, the likes of which we haven't seen in the NBA in a long time.

At least since that O'Neal guy was in L.A.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Apr 08, 2007 at 10:04 PM
has anyone noticed this? i havent cause i always check the scoreboard from espn or nba site. so freakin funny  ;D

Robert Horry - DNP vs Suns (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/boxscore?gid=2007040524)   ???
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on Apr 11, 2007 at 07:11 PM
has anyone noticed this? i havent cause i always check the scoreboard from espn or nba site. so freakin funny  ;D

Robert Horry - DNP vs Suns (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/boxscore?gid=2007040524)   ???

Hysterical!!!  ;D

I checked the other boxscores of San Antonio's games to see if they will say the same.  No luck... it said the usual "Coach's Decision"

Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Wiggum on Apr 20, 2007 at 11:18 AM
From the Associated Press:

A look at the eight first-round series in the NBA playoffs, which start this weekend:

EASTERN CONFERENCE

No. 1 DETROIT PISTONS (53-29) vs. No. 8 ORLANDO MAGIC (40-42)

Season series: Pistons won 4-0, including a victory last week in Detroit that gave them home-court advantage throughout the East playoffs. Chauncey Billups shot 63 percent and averaged 26 points against the Magic.

Storyline: Top-seeded Detroit opens against a sub.-500 team for the second straight year, welcoming former Pistons Grant Hill and Darko Milicic back to the Palace of Auburn Hills.

Key Matchup I: Chris Webber vs. Dwight Howard. Howard has become nearly an automatic double-double, sort of like Webber was in his prime. Now Webber, who helped jump-start the Pistons after signing with his hometown team, will have to use his smarts to slow the Magic's All-Star center.

Key Matchup II: Tayshaun Prince vs. Hill. Hill has struggled with injuries ever since leaving Detroit, but had a nice game at the Palace in the most recent meeting, scoring 22 points. It's up to the versatile Prince to prevent him from doing it again.

X-Factor: Hedo Turkoglu. Had a strong April, and is one of the few Magic players with playoff experience from his years in Sacramento.

Prediction: Pistons in 4.

---

No. 2 CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (50-32) vs. No. 7 WASHINGTON WIZARDS (41-41)

Season series: Cavaliers, 2-1. Only one meeting came after the Wizards lost All-Stars Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler, with Cleveland winning 99-94 in Washington on April 6. LeBron James shot only 39 percent while averaging 23.7 points against the Wizards.

Storyline: Cavaliers clinched No. 2 seed on final night of the regular season to earn what many consider the easiest first-round opponent. The Wizards have stumbled badly since losing Arenas and Butler to injuries.

Key matchup I: James vs. Antawn Jamison. The Cavaliers ask James to do everything because he can. The Wizards are now forced to do the same with Jamison because they have no choice, since he's the only member of their Big Three still playing.

Key matchup II: Larry Hughes vs. Antonio Daniels. Washington needs someone else to score, and Daniels, a playoff veteran, has the quickness to do it. Hughes, the former Wizards star, is a strong defensive guard who will try to prevent it.

X-factor: DeShawn Stevenson. With so much scoring missing, the Wizards need to make up for it with defense. That's what Stevenson is in Washington for, and will get some turns at stopping James.

Prediction: Cavaliers in 5.

---

No. 3 TORONTO RAPTORS (47-35) vs. No. 6 NEW JERSEY NETS (41-41)

Season series: Tied, 2-2, with each team winning twice on its home floor. All four games were decided by double digits.

Storyline: The surprising Atlantic Division champions against the team that was the preseason pick to win it. The series sends former Raptors star Vince Carter back to Toronto, where he will likely be booed every time he touches the ball.

Key matchup I: Chris Bosh vs. Mikki Moore. Bosh, a first-time All-Star starter who averaged 22.6 points and 10.7 rebounds, is capable of scoring on the blocks or from the outside. Moore capitalized on the absence of Nenad Krstic to have the best season of his career, shooting a league-best 60.9 percent.

Key matchup II: T.J. Ford vs. Jason Kidd. The acquisition of the speedy Ford in an offseason trade with Milwaukee was one of the catalysts for Toronto's improvement. Kidd, one of the NBA's best defensive point guards, will try to slow him down.

X-factor: Anthony Parker. With the Raptors having such little postseason experience, the former star in Europe could be a calming presence, especially if he's knocking down his jumpers.

Prediction: Raptors in 7.

---

No. 4 MIAMI HEAT (44-38) vs. No. 5 CHICAGO BULLS (49-33)

Season series: Bulls, 3-1, highlighted by a 108-66 rout on opening night in Miami. The Heat's lone victory was a 103-70 romp in Chicago, where Miami is just 1-9 all-time in the postseason.

Storyline: Loss at New Jersey on final night of the regular season leaves the Bulls with rematch of tense first-round series with Heat. Miami won in six games last year to start its run to the NBA title.

Key matchup I: Dwyane Wade vs. Kirk Hinrich. Hinrich defends and frustrates his USA teammate about as well as anyone. The Bulls will surely bump Wade around to see if his shoulder and knee can handle the punishment.

Key matchup II: Ben Wallace vs. Shaquille O'Neal. No matter what teams they are playing for, this matchup in the pivot is becoming an annual occurrence. Both players had below-average regular seasons for their standards, but the Bulls didn't throw $60 million at Wallace for that, and this is the only time of year that matters to Shaq.

X-factor: James Posey. Missed the regular-season finale with an injured shoulder, but Heat expect him to be ready. He'd likely be called upon to slow Luol Deng or Andres Nocioni, Chicago's aggressive swingmen.

Prediction: Heat in 7.

---

WESTERN CONFERENCE

No. 1 DALLAS MAVERICKS (67-15) vs. No. 8 GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS (42-40)

Season series: Warriors, 3-0, though throw out the last one after Dallas rested just about anybody important in the second-to-last game of the season.

Storyline: A familiar face is the Mavericks' first obstacle in their quest to return to the NBA finals. Former Dallas coach Don Nelson has the Warriors back in the playoffs for the first time since 1994, when he was in his previous stint in the Bay Area.

Key matchup I: Josh Howard vs. Stephen Jackson or Al Harrington. A first-time All-Star, there are some who say Howard is the Mavs' best all-around player. Part of that is because of his strong defensive play, which he'll be called upon to show off against one of the Warriors' versatile forwards.

Key matchup II: Devin Harris vs. Baron Davis. Davis played superbly this season when healthy, and he has the strength to overpower Harris, who must take advantage of his quickness edge.

X-factor: Erick Dampier. Nellie loves to play small, but may have to alter his plans if the Mavericks leave their center out on the floor and he controls the area around the rim.

Prediction: Mavericks in 6.

---

No. 2 PHOENIX SUNS (61-21) vs. No. 7 LOS ANGELES LAKERS (42-40)

Season series: Suns, 3-1, giving them 10 victories in the last 12 regular-season meetings. Kobe Bryant averaged 27.3 points, more than four below his league-best average, in three games against Phoenix.

Storyline: Rematch of a first-round series from last year, which Suns won in seven games. But circumstances are different this time. Suns have Amare Stoudemire, and the Lakers don't have the momentum they did after a strong finish a year ago.

Key matchup I: Raja Bell vs. Bryant. Bell isn't afraid to challenge the league's leading scorer, getting hit with a one-game suspension in last year's series for taking Bryant down with a hard foul. Bryant shot only 40.5 percent against the Suns this season.

Key matchup II: Stoudemire vs. Kwame Brown. Lakers coach Phil Jackson has said this series will be tougher this time because of Stoudemire, who missed the 2006 postseason while recovering from knee surgery. Brown played well on both ends of that series for the Lakers, who need him to do it again.

X-factor: Kurt Thomas. If the Lakers are successful in slowing it down and pounding it into the post, Thomas will likely get a shot to guard one of the opposing big men.

Prediction: Suns in 5.

---

No. 3 SAN ANTONIO SPURS (58-24) vs. No. 6 DENVER NUGGETS (45-37)

Season series: Spurs, 2-1. Denver won easily in the season finale while both teams rested their top players. The first meeting came during Carmelo Anthony's suspension for fighting, and the Spurs held Anthony and Allen Iverson to a combined 24 points while winning the second one.

Storyline: Two teams with plenty of momentum heading to the postseason. San Antonio had the NBA's best record after the All-Star break, and is much healthier than it was at this time last year. The Anthony-Iverson pairing took some time, but it paid off down the stretch as the Nuggets surged to the No. 6 seed.

Key matchup I: Tony Parker vs. Iverson. Perhaps the NBA's two fastest players with the ball. Iverson was slowed by an ankle injury in the second matchup, so the Spurs have only seen that speed from him once since he joined the Nuggets.

Key matchup II: Bruce Bowen vs. Anthony. Bowen, one of the league's best 1-on-1 defenders, tries to shut down one of its top scorers. Anthony averaged 19.2 points while being played by Bowen when these teams met in the first round of the 2005 playoffs.

X-factor: Marcus Camby. When healthy, he has been a dominant shot blocker and defensive rebounder. Now he needs to make things tough for Tim Duncan and help negate the penetration by Parker and Manu Ginobili.

Prediction: Spurs in 6.

---

No. 4 UTAH JAZZ (51-31) vs. No. 5 HOUSTON ROCKETS (52-30)

Season series: Jazz, 3-1, though the Rockets rested Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming in a meaningless season-ending game Wednesday. Houston has scored 100 points only twice in the last 13 meetings.

Storyline: A pair of former Western Conference powers return to the postseason, with Houston All-Star McGrady trying again to get out of the opening round for the first time.

Key Matchup I: Mehmet Okur vs. Yao. Two All-Star international centers who play the game in different ways. Okur is a terrific perimeter shooter who came through with a number of clutch baskets this season. Yao has been dominant down on the blocks when healthy.

Key Matchup II: Andrei Kirilenko vs. Shane Battier. Excellent team defenders who can block shots, get steals, and guard players at multiple positions. Kirilenko had a disappointing season and missed five games down the stretch with a thumb injury, but this is a chance to forget about that.

X-Factor: Chuck Hayes. The Rockets know they'll get offense from Yao and McGrady, but need somebody to defend and rebound against Jazz All-Star Carlos Boozer. Hayes, only 6-foot-6, might be the best hope.

Prediction: Rockets in 6.

Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on Apr 20, 2007 at 11:33 AM
My Fearless Predictions for the First Round:
================================

Dallas Mavericks over Golden State Warriors (4-1)
LA Lakers over Phoenix Suns (4-2)
SA Spurs over Denver Nuggets (4-3)
Houston Rockets over Utah Jazz (4-3)

Detroit Pistons over Orlando Magic (4-2)
Cleveland Cavaliers over Washington Wizards (4-1)
NJ Nets over Toronto Raptors (4-2)
Miami Heat over Chicago Bulls (4-3)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Apr 23, 2007 at 09:37 AM
nuggets won at san antonio, 95-86  ;D

ai 31, melo 30  8)

but of course, i know spurs will bounce back  :-X

looking at the playoff bracket, it'll be a long series for the nuggets... spurs at round 1, suns at round 2, mavs at round 3

i hope the west bottom 4 wins  :P
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Apr 23, 2007 at 09:58 AM
i hope the west bottom 4 wins  :P
  in my wildest dreams!!!!!  ;D ;D ;D  underdog galore to.....
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: skylynx888 on Apr 23, 2007 at 12:22 PM
WARRIORS OVER MAVS 97-85.  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: bumblebee on Apr 23, 2007 at 12:25 PM
I'm not suprised ;D GS is Dallas' unofficial kryptonite.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Apr 23, 2007 at 02:32 PM
  in my wildest dreams!!!!!  ;D ;D ;D  underdog galore to.....

so far, only lakers lost their game 1  ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: bumblebee on Apr 23, 2007 at 02:36 PM
Anyone favoring the Bulls over the Heat? I'd love to see a Jordan-less Bulls in the Finals ;D

Go Suns!
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Apr 23, 2007 at 02:53 PM
i want big ben to go against sheed in the semis  ;)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on Apr 23, 2007 at 03:30 PM
D@mnit! My LAkers completely missed out on Upset Sunday. Argh!
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: bumblebee on Apr 23, 2007 at 03:47 PM
I'd take any of the 15 other playoff teams over the Fakers anytime ;D Kobe is the best player in the league but he just can't go on doing this all by himself.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: dobler on Apr 23, 2007 at 05:24 PM
D@mnit! My LAkers completely missed out on Upset Sunday. Argh!

Yeah, sayang. Although Kobe racked up the points the last month or so of the regular season, the Lakers still finished with a losing record during that span. Unlike last year when they were on a winning streak and gave the Suns a near first round exit.

They've suffered through key injuries this year with Odom, Walton and Brown. Which in turn hindered the team in finding consistency on both offense and defense. If they don't improve their defense, expect the Suns to finish them off in 5 games.

If they somehow manage to keep it close, I would not bet against Bryant when the game's on the line. He's still one of the best closers in the NBA.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Apr 23, 2007 at 05:30 PM
sub daw  :P

(http://www.nba.com/media/MichaelClar400.jpg)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on Apr 23, 2007 at 07:30 PM
I'd take any of the 15 other playoff teams over the Fakers anytime

I just don't get the Fakers insult. They're supposed to be faking what? LOL

Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: bumblebee on Apr 24, 2007 at 08:46 AM
Remember the 2004 Lakers? 5 HOFs, was supposed to win but didn't?
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Apr 24, 2007 at 09:01 AM
I just don't get the Fakers insult. They're supposed to be faking what? LOL


I understand that there are Kobe-haters and Lakers-haters...everywhere I go there will be........just like the NY Yankees.........when you're a successful franchise....and heavily marketed......you're bound to get it.    But Fakers??   dont get it too............ah wait.....I get it........Sir Battoussai....its the reference to the T-Shirt!!!!!   hahahahaha   
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on Apr 24, 2007 at 11:09 AM
Remember the 2004 Lakers? 5 HOFs, was supposed to win but didn't?


Huh? You mean everyone was supposed to bend over and let the LAkers fcuk them in the ass just coz of potential HOFs? That doesn't sound like basketball to me. With that in mind, Fakers still doesn't make sense. Then again, LAkers as a team name only made sense when they were at Minneapolis. But Fakers? Come on!

Unless your team is the Celtics and can look down on the LAkers as an organization with lesser championship trophies to show off, then all that is just trash talk.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on Apr 24, 2007 at 11:15 AM
I understand that there are Kobe-haters and Lakers-haters...everywhere I go there will be........just like the NY Yankees.........when you're a successful franchise....and heavily marketed......you're bound to get it.    But Fakers??   dont get it too............ah wait.....I get it........Sir Battoussai....its the reference to the T-Shirt!!!!!   hahahahaha   

I find myself rooting against the Yankees, but I can't deny their winning ways, too.

Fakers, though, rhymes with LAkers, so we can't fault these "creative" fans from using that.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on Apr 24, 2007 at 12:06 PM
Remember the 2004 Lakers? 5 HOFs, was supposed to win but didn't?


I think that's 4 HOFs, but that's nitpicking.  At any rate, I think that series was 5 vs. 8 (add the 3 refs)... hard to win that way.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on Apr 24, 2007 at 12:12 PM
Poppovich, A. Johnson, Riley, and Jackson... these are coaches with good reputations that need to do some major adjustment after their Game 1 debacles.  Of the 4 mentioned above, I'm hesitant about the chances of A.Johnson to make that necessary adjustment.  He's the only 1 of the 4 who was clearly outcoached by his opponent.  The onus is on him to get back at his former coach and mentor.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: bumblebee on Apr 24, 2007 at 12:32 PM
Five. Including Phil.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on Apr 24, 2007 at 04:16 PM
Boggles the mind that when the LAkers only had 3 HOF (including Phil), they won three straight.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: bumblebee on Apr 24, 2007 at 04:34 PM
Wala pa kasing LQ sina Shaq and Kobe nun.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on Apr 24, 2007 at 04:46 PM
Wala pa kasing LQ sina Shaq and Kobe nun.

Huh? What do you mean? It was a well-documented feud that happened during the LAker's championship reign. Remember, even Jackson wasn't too fond of Kobe.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on Apr 24, 2007 at 08:43 PM
Boggles the mind that when the LAkers only had 3 HOF (including Phil), they won three straight.

The Lakers were too stacked that the NBA has deem it fit to balance it out via the refs.  ;)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Apr 24, 2007 at 10:34 PM
Lakers at the moment doesnt have the necessary horses to make a run.  But this is a proud franchise, and Jerry Buss is getting old......he wont let Kobe's prime years be wasted.......it wont be long...they'll get someone.....
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: bumblebee on Apr 25, 2007 at 07:57 AM
Huh? What do you mean? It was a well-documented feud that happened during the LAker's championship reign. Remember, even Jackson wasn't too fond of Kobe.

But those were petty. They were able to settle their differences and got 2 more golds. It was after the 3-peat that things went ugly.

Quote
Remember, even Jackson wasn't too fond of Kobe.

Even his family. Very dark chapter in Kobe's life.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on Apr 25, 2007 at 08:34 AM
But those were petty. They were able to settle their differences and got 2 more golds. It was after the 3-peat that things went ugly.

Even his family. Very dark chapter in Kobe's life.

Nah dude. There was a rift between the two stars already when they started winning championships. They were just trying to play through it and be a pro about it on court.

Kobe's personal life wouldn't be so put in the negative if he played the kiss-the-ass-of-the-press game. The only fault he has is that he was almost zero in PR.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: bumblebee on Apr 25, 2007 at 08:54 AM
So, all of a sudden they couldn't be pro about it anymore and not win a 4th?
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: garee on Apr 25, 2007 at 11:11 AM
Toronto even the series against the New Jersey. 89-83

Bulls win again 107-89. 2-0 up going to Miami.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on Apr 25, 2007 at 02:23 PM
So, all of a sudden they couldn't be pro about it anymore and not win a 4th?

You make it sound like winning an NBA championship is that easy to do. I guess there's no arguing your basketball logic.  ::)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Apr 25, 2007 at 02:56 PM
So, all of a sudden they couldn't be pro about it anymore and not win a 4th?

nah, the lakers-reloaded before were simply outmatched by detroit's unselfish teamwork. pistons is an elite team, everyone should know it by now. i dont like them but they deserve every respect

 :)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on Apr 25, 2007 at 03:08 PM
pistons is an elite team, everyone should know it by now.

See, even an alleged elite team (my apologies to Detroit fans, but they weren't all that IMHO) like the 2004 Detroit Pistons couldn't repeat as champs, which made every repeat champions' feat no small thing.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: DVD_Freak on Apr 25, 2007 at 03:16 PM
i believe the fued between shaq & kobe started during their 2nd title and erupted more during their 3rd.  they were just professional about it because they were winning.  the worst was during the time malone & payton joined the team.  at first it distracted the whole team.  but when they started winning, medyo lay low a bit.  however they failed to defend their crown.

and with losing comes bickering na....lumabas na ang lahat ng sama ng loob.  losing does that.  it just escalated when they lost to the pistons in the finals.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: DVD_Freak on Apr 25, 2007 at 03:20 PM
as for the pistons...they were clearly the better team during that finals that they won...but i don't consider them an elite team...with chauncy billups the only remote possibility landing in the hall of fame.

but teamwork was proven to be better than superstars that time.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on Apr 25, 2007 at 03:34 PM
I'd pick Ben Wallace over Billups as possible HOF candidate.

Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: bumblebee on Apr 25, 2007 at 03:48 PM
I didn't say it's easy to repeat. You assumed I did. And it's especially more difficult to repeat if your 2 top players are feuding.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: DVD_Freak on Apr 25, 2007 at 03:55 PM
I didn't say it's easy to repeat. You assumed I did. And it's especially more difficult to repeat if your 2 top players are feuding.

yup true!!!  but somehow both were able to do it during their 3rd run.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Apr 25, 2007 at 05:38 PM
Toronto even the series against the New Jersey. 89-83

Bulls win again 107-89. 2-0 up going to Miami.

i hope the bulls sweep the heat, but very unlikely. because the pistons looks like it'll end the series 4-0, and will have a lot of rest

I'd pick Ben Wallace over Billups as possible HOF candidate.

i agree, of all the detroit players before he's the only one i like. but big ben has been a disappointment this regular season. i hope he'll be back in form as the playoffs goes on
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: skylynx888 on Apr 26, 2007 at 09:21 AM
Its Spurs over Nuggets  97-88 [1-1]
Can the Mavs do the same against the Warriors? HHMMMMMMM.......  ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Apr 26, 2007 at 09:37 AM
nuggets cant win with melo/ai shooting 17-46  :'(

at least they still gave a scare at the end  ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Apr 26, 2007 at 10:04 AM
yup true!!!  but somehow both were able to do it during their 3rd run.
Yes because the 4th try next season, it was obvious that they need another scorer, coz it showed that the Shaq-Kobe tandem wasnt that lethal anymore.  When they reloaded the next season with Malone and Payton, the three things that did them in if you can remember, first, Detroit's superior play, especially their stingy defense.   Malone, not being able to play healthy (reinjured knee in Western Finals), and inablity of Payton to contain Billups and his inability to shoot from long range.  IMO, even if Shaq and Kobe coexisted peacefully...it will still be difficult to win the fourth under those conditions.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Apr 26, 2007 at 12:28 PM
Its Spurs over Nuggets  97-88 [1-1]
Can the Mavs do the same against the Warriors? HHMMMMMMM.......  ;D ;D ;D ;D

112-99 mavs  ;)  thanks to their 33-22 3rd qtr run
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Apr 27, 2007 at 01:19 PM
Lakers win game 3.....me chance pa.... :)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Apr 27, 2007 at 01:55 PM
thanks to kwame's career playoff-high 19pts  :o  cant believe LA booed their own team  :-\
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: dobler on Apr 27, 2007 at 03:07 PM
cant believe LA booed their own team  :-\

ganyan talaga when you're in a big sports market. hehe. game 4 will be in staples, let's hope they win
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Wiggum on Apr 28, 2007 at 10:34 AM
Miami is in BIG trouble..  Has a defending champion ever been bumped off in the first round of the NBA playoffs?  On the other hand, Chicago is turning out to be a serious contender (for the East title at least). 
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: skylynx888 on Apr 28, 2007 at 10:45 AM
Miami is in deep trouble  :o :o.......  they are going down the drain..... 0-3 Chicago
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: boredfilmmaker on Apr 28, 2007 at 12:39 PM
Golden State 95
Dallas 73

9:20 4th Q
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: dexterc on Apr 28, 2007 at 01:30 PM
2-1 IN FAVOR of Golden state warriors
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on Apr 28, 2007 at 05:55 PM
Next up is Detroit, if ever Chicago wins.  Meanwhile, Cleveland has an easier path to the Conference finals against the winner of the Nets-Raptor series.

One game at a time, that's how Miami should treat their series.  Still doable but historically no one has done it yet.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: dexterc on Apr 28, 2007 at 07:48 PM
Next up is Detroit, if ever Chicago wins.  Meanwhile, Cleveland has an easier path to the Conference finals against the winner of the Nets-Raptor series.

One game at a time, that's how Miami should treat their series.  Still doable but historically no one has done it yet.


Yeah but dont count NJ nets in case they will win over Raptors,with the way Jason Kidd and Vince Carter playing and add Richard jefferson,once this trio clicks,Nets is also capable winning over the Cavs.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: wedge on Apr 29, 2007 at 01:12 AM
2-1 IN FAVOR of Golden state warriors

Nellie's boys are eating Avery's defense alive. It'll be interesting to see the two Finals contenders last year to fall in the first round.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on Apr 29, 2007 at 02:19 AM
Yeah but dont count NJ nets in case they will win over Raptors,with the way Jason Kidd and Vince Carter playing and add Richard jefferson,once this trio clicks,Nets is also capable winning over the Cavs.

Good point!  But possibly facing New Jersey is an easier route as opposed to facing either the Pistons or the Bulls.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: dexterc on Apr 29, 2007 at 12:15 PM
Good point!  But possibly facing New Jersey is an easier route as opposed to facing either the Pistons or the Bulls.

yup..well see how big ben will play D on his former teammates
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: DVD_Freak on Apr 29, 2007 at 09:12 PM
Miami is in BIG trouble..  Has a defending champion ever been bumped off in the first round of the NBA playoffs?  On the other hand, Chicago is turning out to be a serious contender (for the East title at least). 

in a 7 games series none yet...

but in the 1980-81 season...the houston rockets bumped of the defending champion LA lakers.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: DVD_Freak on Apr 29, 2007 at 09:32 PM
then in the 1983-84 season, the defending champion 76ers were eliminated in the 5-game 1st round series by the new jersey nets.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Apr 30, 2007 at 08:43 AM
early vacation now for the heat. big ben to play D against former team. i love this playoffs drama  :D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Apr 30, 2007 at 08:52 AM
Has a defending champion ever been bumped off in the first round of the NBA playoffs?

Chicago, which meets Detroit next, became the first team to oust a defending champion in the first round since Phoenix did it to San Antonio in 2000.

from Bulls strip Heat's crown, win first series since Jordan era (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=270429014)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on Apr 30, 2007 at 09:02 AM
early vacation now for the heat. big ben to play D against former team. i love this playoffs drama  :D

More time for Shaq to fatten himself up.  :D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Apr 30, 2007 at 11:02 AM
More time for Shaq to fatten himself up.  :D
its time for Shaq to retire......hate to see them go down the hill like that.......
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on Apr 30, 2007 at 11:42 AM
With proper conditioning, Shaq has two good years left out his hulking body. He can still impose his will inside when he feels like it and he's still athletic enough to pull off those spin moves and big enough to still be of use in the lane.

**************

Sadly, Shaq's former team might be joining his current one in an early exit. I hope they still have some fight left in them and take the series back to Staples for a game 6.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: skylynx888 on Apr 30, 2007 at 12:50 PM
Warriors just won!!!!! 3-1 na!!!!  Yahuyahu!!!!!  ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: bumblebee on Apr 30, 2007 at 12:52 PM
I won't be surprised if Nash gets MV3.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on Apr 30, 2007 at 12:54 PM
Wow! 3 - 1 na lamang ng Warriors. Who would've thought, huh?

Seems the chant of "Overrated!" ring true. What an upset that would be if Golden State wins this series.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: wedge on Apr 30, 2007 at 12:56 PM
I think the problem with Miami is that everybody wants to be a superstar. Why not leave the superstar thing to Wade and be contented with being role players?

As for the Warriors-Mavs series, Nellie's boys could wrap it up on Tuesday, unless they want to extend it and lose some momentum in the process.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: bumblebee on Apr 30, 2007 at 12:58 PM
I think the problem with Miami is that everybody wants to be a superstar. Why not leave the superstar thing to Wade and be contented with being role players?

I didn't know this. Care to elaborate?
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: wedge on Apr 30, 2007 at 01:02 PM
Well, there's Walker to begin with. Most who comprise the team are has-beens. They are way past their prime, and the current way they played during the playoffs is evident that they were trying to put the whole weight of the team on their shoulders.

Don't get me wrong. I'm all for Miami and Orlando. I hate to see a Florida team to fall in the first round  ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Wiggum on Apr 30, 2007 at 01:10 PM
I like Golden State's chances for an upset.  Maybe in 6 games.  With the way they're playing in this series (esp. Baron Davis), I don't think they'll collapse like the Lakers last year.  Lakers could have wrapped that up in six, no thanks to Tim Thomas.  >:(  As for the Lakers, they really have problems defensively against Phoenix.  They still can't figure out Mr. Steve Nash.  Hope there's still time for them to make further adjustments.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: kimpOy on Apr 30, 2007 at 01:43 PM
Nellie is the main reason why GS is lording over Dallas... remember he did let Avery coach during his term as coach of dallas...and ofcourse he knows the weaknesses of its former team...

GO GS....

maganda ang ang matchup ng Phoenix vs Golden State... puro takbuhan to...
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Apr 30, 2007 at 01:45 PM
I won't be surprised if Nash gets MV3.

the playoffs won't affect MVP voting, would it? based on regular season, i'll still go with dirk. btw, when do they usually announce the MVP? if its really dirk, he might not a second round to prove it  ;D

i remember during the last games of regular season, dallas played their bench against golden state, allowing the warriors to hold on to the 8th spot. they're probably thinking now the clippers would've been much easier  :P
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Apr 30, 2007 at 01:48 PM
maganda ang ang matchup ng Phoenix vs Golden State... puro takbuhan to...

before this matchup, they still have to beat boozer/williams or yao/tmac  ;)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Apr 30, 2007 at 02:01 PM
I think the problem with Miami is that everybody wants to be a superstar. Why not leave the superstar thing to Wade and be contented with being role players?

IMO, its more of Miami having too much old players in its lineup who cant cover the perimeter anymore.  Last year there were burst in their bodies when they needed them primarily becoz they were title-hungry, and they were healthy.

This year,  Chicago exposed their weaknesses..that is the inability to cover people on the outside, leaving them with jumpers and penetration....thats why Ben Gordon and Deng burned them.   Miami cant win with the same lineup anymore...they need to rebuild while Wade is young.  They need to reassess their lineup.  Not much upside when you have Williams, Mourning, Payton, and Walker are in there.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: bumblebee on Apr 30, 2007 at 02:01 PM
the playoffs won't affect MVP voting, would it? based on regular season, i'll still go with dirk. btw, when do they usually announce the MVP? if its really dirk, he might not a second round to prove it  ;D

It shouldn't. I'm just not sure if they've voted already. If they did, then it's Dirk. If they haven't yet...well, w/c do you prefer? A MVP having his team eliminated (just assuming) by an 8th seed in a best-of-seven (a historical first, pls correct) or putting someone in the company of Bill, Wilt and Larry?
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Apr 30, 2007 at 02:08 PM
good question, but i'd still go with dirk. its quite unfair if he's voted off because of this upset, since if the rule says only regular season. if its a historical first, then at least its during our time  ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: bumblebee on Apr 30, 2007 at 02:16 PM
I'm for Dirk too. He has good numbers-points, rebounds, assists; best player in the best team this season. I'm sure Suns fans won mind. As long Nash gets Finals MVP ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: DVD_Freak on Apr 30, 2007 at 05:24 PM
the playoffs won't affect MVP voting, would it? based on regular season, i'll still go with dirk. btw, when do they usually announce the MVP? if its really dirk, he might not a second round to prove it  ;D

i remember during the last games of regular season, dallas played their bench against golden state, allowing the warriors to hold on to the 8th spot. they're probably thinking now the clippers would've been much easier  :P

voting for the mvp should be based on their performances form the regular season.  however, voting for the mvp is done during the first round of the players.  so you can't but help be affected in the media' ballot.  take for example monta ellis.  he edged kevin martin for the most improved player award.

the mvp is given during the 2nd round of the playoffs.  baka nga hindi umabot si dirk sa 2nd round if he ever wins it.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on Apr 30, 2007 at 05:33 PM
It's MVP, Most Valuable Player.  Problem with voted awards like that is how you define an MVP.  If it's Most Valuable Player of the Best Team (MVPBT), then it should be Dirk.  If it's Most Valuable Player of A Playoff Team (MVPPT), it should be Kobe.  Some will say Nash for MVPPT but exchange Nash and Kobe and Suns will still be in the playoffs, Lakers may not.

I like Nash and the way he plays, and it's not that he doesn't deserve the award coz it will put him in elite company.  Shaq was robbed when Nash was given his first MVP.  Kobe was robbed last year.  Because of how the media votes, I actually don't think that Kobe will win any MVP award (ever).  And that would be a big shame.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on Apr 30, 2007 at 05:36 PM
voting for the mvp should be based on their performances form the regular season.  however, voting for the mvp is done during the first round of the players.  so you can't but help be affected in the media' ballot.  take for example monta ellis.  he edged kevin martin for the most improved player award.

the mvp is given during the 2nd round of the playoffs.  baka nga hindi umabot si dirk sa 2nd round if he ever wins it.

Ellis deserved that Most Improved Player (MIP) award that he got.  Here's the usual suspects of candidates for the MIP award this year: Ellis, Deron Williams, Kevin Martin, and Al Jefferson.  Of the four, only Ellis was the unknown.  Of the four, only Ellis was not drafted during this year's fantasy drafts.  He was a second round draft pick just like that other dude named Arenas.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: DVD_Freak on Apr 30, 2007 at 05:46 PM
Ellis deserved that Most Improved Player (MIP) award that he got.  Here's the usual suspects of candidates for the MIP award this year: Ellis, Deron Williams, Kevin Martin, and Al Jefferson.  Of the four, only Ellis was the unknown.  Of the four, only Ellis was not drafted during this year's fantasy drafts.  He was a second round draft pick just like that other dude named Arenas.

i have no objections with ellis winning.  but he is not the most improved player per se.  his stats are misleading during the regular season...

the most improved player award should be given to those players who have been in the NBA for at least 2 years. coz 2 years is the time a player gets adjusted to the rigors sa league.

when you analyze the stats of ellis....he averaged 6.8ppg at 18mpg last season.

this year he is averaging 16.5ppg at 35mpg. so his stats improved not because of improved skills...just more playing time.

his FG% at the field & free throw line have actually been the same the previous year. his 3pt% is down this year.

so more minutes lang is the key. while kevin martin has improved in almost all categories while still averaging almost the same minutes per game as last year.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: bumblebee on May 02, 2007 at 07:47 AM
...
Because of how the media votes, I actually don't think that Kobe will win any MVP award (ever).  And that would be a big shame.

Kobe is good, but he's not quite "ripe" yet. He's a great scorer, a great defender-just like (maybe even better than) MJ. Difference is leadership skills. MJ somehow "infects" his teammates w/ desire and passion to win. And that's what Nash been doing for Phoenix. He has total control of the offense, he is getting 6 people in double figures w/ equal share of FGA. Nash makes it 5 vs 5. Again.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on May 02, 2007 at 09:45 AM
Kobe is good, but he's not quite "ripe" yet. He's a great scorer, a great defender-just like (maybe even better than) MJ. Difference is leadership skills. MJ somehow "infects" his teammates w/ desire and passion to win. And that's what Nash been doing for Phoenix. He has total control of the offense, he is getting 6 people in double figures w/ equal share of FGA. Nash makes it 5 vs 5. Again.

That's his role, he's a Point Guard for the team.  Kobe is the Shooting Guard.  Nash can be easily replaced by at least 5 PGs (Kidd, Billups, Chris Paul, Baron Davis, and Deron Williams to name a few) and Phoenix will still be winning that much games.  Kidd would average a triple double if he was with Phoenix.  It's the system (in Phoenix) that D'Antoni put that makes them play that way.  Amare, Marion, Barbosa, and Diaw are All-Star caliber players so having them score in double figures is an easy thing to do.  Now name me a SG who you think can do a better job in LA than what Kobe has done.

Let's not talk about leadership cause I think that's a very subjective matter.  Case in point, some of us here think that PGMA is a good leader ;D... but that's another topic.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on May 02, 2007 at 10:09 AM
It's MVP, Most Valuable Player.  Problem with voted awards like that is how you define an MVP.  If it's Most Valuable Player of the Best Team (MVPBT), then it should be Dirk.  If it's Most Valuable Player of A Playoff Team (MVPPT), it should be Kobe.  Some will say Nash for MVPPT but exchange Nash and Kobe and Suns will still be in the playoffs, Lakers may not.

I like Nash and the way he plays, and it's not that he doesn't deserve the award coz it will put him in elite company.  Shaq was robbed when Nash was given his first MVP.  Kobe was robbed last year.  Because of how the media votes, I actually don't think that Kobe will win any MVP award (ever).  And that would be a big shame.


IMO a player cant be considered MVP if his team has a losing or 50-50 record. so i prefer your MVPBT. as bumblebee said, the MVP "infects" his teammates making the team a title contender and reach the 50-60 win mark
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: bumblebee on May 02, 2007 at 10:10 AM
It's not entirely about the numbers. And each team has it's own system. It's how effective you are in your system.

Put Kobe in Phoenix he will score 50. Question: will the other players score as well?
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on May 02, 2007 at 10:11 AM
It easy to lead the team and win if you have at least better than average players on the roster.   MJ has in his time Pippen and Rodman.  The former a certified all-star, and the latter, one of the greatest rebounders in the 90s.   And both are first class defenders.   

And look what Kobe has....Odom, Brown and Walton.   Odom is near all-star caliber, but thats it.......if you replace Kobe with any other SG (except Lebron James), this Laker team is going lottery.

Kobe on his own is very good.....but for him to win MVP...they must win, at least in 50 win range....... They did flirt with a 50 win pace, until injuries destroyed the momentum they had.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on May 02, 2007 at 10:18 AM
It's not entirely about the numbers. And each team has it's own system. It's how effective you are in your system.

Put Kobe in Phoenix he will score 50. Question: will the other players score as well?

If Kobe is in Phoenix he doesnt have to score 50 with marion, stoudamire, and barbosa around.   Leadership skills can only get you so far with the line-up you have.   Kobe has Odom, Brown, and Walton. 

Case in point........Kevin Garnett.   I dont doubt his leadership skills.  But what can he do with the teammates he has??

On the other hand too.....if Nash is with the Lakers, san Kobe, with the system used by Mike D'Antoni.....will his leadership skills take them so far???
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: synchro_01 on May 02, 2007 at 10:28 AM
Kobe will surely get help this season in the form of a trade. They almost got J.Kidd before the trade deadline but the Nets wanted to include Bynum in the deal which turned out to be the dealbreaker. The Lakers management really wants to turn things around next year. Sad to say that Odom may be included in the trade bait. The Lakers badly need a point guard plus a formidable inside presence.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on May 02, 2007 at 10:37 AM
Kobe will surely get help this season in the form of a trade. They almost got J.Kidd before the trade deadline but the Nets wanted to include Bynum in the deal which turned out to be the dealbreaker. The Lakers management really wants to turn things around next year. Sad to say that Odom may be included in the trade bait. The Lakers badly need a point guard plus a formidable inside presence.
Alanganin kasi si Odom kaya inconsistent......He's not a formidable inside presence and he's not also a real outside threat. 

Read in some rumors that another Bryant-O'Neal tandem is in the works......but this time Jermaine O'Neal.    Im certain Buss wont let Kobe's prime years go into waste......plus Buss is getting older.....money will not be a problem to him.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: bumblebee on May 02, 2007 at 10:39 AM
If Nash is in LA, players would have equal opportunity to shoot. The more you shoot, the more confidence you develop, the more chances you hit your shots, the more you become the player you ought to be.

And even if they don't win, players, at least, would feel they are "involved" in the game. And fans love to see effort from 5 players, not just 1.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on May 02, 2007 at 10:46 AM
Alanganin kasi si Odom kaya inconsistent......He's not a formidable inside presence and he's not also a real outside threat. 

Read in some rumors that another Bryant-O'Neal tandem is in the works......but this time Jermaine O'Neal.    Im certain Buss wont let Kobe's prime years go into waste......plus Buss is getting older.....money will not be a problem to him.

wouldn't it be easier to get gasol? i think he wants out anyway
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on May 02, 2007 at 10:52 AM
If Nash is in LA, players would have equal opportunity to shoot. The more you shoot, the more confidence you develop, the more chances you hit your shots, the more you become the player you ought to be.

And even if they don't win, players, at least, would feel they are "involved" in the game. And fans love to see effort from 5 players, not just 1.
Yup, that would really be nice until Parker bricks a shot and Brown fumbles a perfectly timed pass from Nash.   If Nash would lead that team to a 50 win season... he'll be MVP in my book anytime.

Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on May 02, 2007 at 10:55 AM
wouldn't it be easier to get gasol? i think he wants out anyway
Gasol or O'Neal, kahit sino sa dalawa pwede.......fit dun sa posisyon iniwan ni Shaq sa Triangle offense.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: kimpOy on May 02, 2007 at 11:00 AM
KOBE and KG.... imagine the heart... imagine the passion....

o common mitch trade odom and smush  for KG!
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: synchro_01 on May 02, 2007 at 11:02 AM
Alanganin kasi si Odom kaya inconsistent......He's not a formidable inside presence and he's not also a real outside threat. 
Read in some rumors that another Bryant-O'Neal tandem is in the works......but this time Jermaine O'Neal.    Im certain Buss wont let Kobe's prime years go into waste......plus Buss is getting older.....money will not be a problem to him.

Kobe plus Jermaine plus a slowly but surely improving Andrew Bynum as a front line will be a contender any day. Now they just have to shop around for a pass first point. Smush will be traded thats for sure.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on May 02, 2007 at 11:05 AM
KOBE and KG.... imagine the heart... imagine the passion....

o common mitch trade odom and smush  for KG!
that would be a very good pairing.......salary cap though complicates things......
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: bumblebee on May 02, 2007 at 11:06 AM
Yup, that would really be nice until Parker bricks a shot and Brown fumbles a perfectly timed pass from Nash.   If Nash would lead that team to a 50 win season... he'll be MVP in my book anytime.



They have 82 games to catch that pass and make the shot. If they don't, then I don't know why they even reached the NBA.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on May 02, 2007 at 11:14 AM
KOBE and KG.... imagine the heart... imagine the passion....

o common mitch trade odom and smush  for KG!

a very one-sided deal  :P  i dont think the twolves management will agree, unless KG demands a trade this summer  ;)  which i hope he does. his talent is wasted in minnesota
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: synchro_01 on May 02, 2007 at 11:20 AM
a very one-sided deal  :P  i dont think the twolves management will agree, unless KG demands a trade this summer  ;)  which i hope he does. his talent is wasted in minnesota

True. Espn reported that KG would want to stay as long as he gets management's commitment that they get him serious help for this year.

for me the trade baits include: Odom, Smush, Radmanovic, Brown, Vujacic. btw does anybody know if the contract of Grant will come off the books for the Lakers this year? if it does they will surely have serious money to spend for a free agent.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on May 02, 2007 at 11:25 AM
IMO a player cant be considered MVP if his team has a losing or 50-50 record. so i prefer your MVPBT. as bumblebee said, the MVP "infects" his teammates making the team a title contender and reach the 50-60 win mark

The only way that another player can "infect" another player is if he got AIDS.  ;D jk

As I've said, the problem lies with the definition.  It's very subjective plus the fact that Kobe has that ability to rub you the wrong way.  But MVP should not be a personality contest either, that should be Most Popular Player (MPP).

It's not an MVP's job to make his teammates BETTER.  It's a player's job to make himself better through practice and hardwork.  Let's not forget that these are all professional athletes, although most of them are way overpaid (but that's a topic for some other time).  The correct word should be EASIER and not BETTER... it's a requirement for the MVP to make the game EASIER for his teammates.  And in that aspect, Kobe, Dirk and Nash are all qualified.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on May 02, 2007 at 11:27 AM
They have 82 games to catch that pass and make the shot. If they don't, then I don't know why they even reached the NBA.
i know that....thats why i said Nash will be my MVP if he could make that team win.    And im sure experts would agree on me. He'll win it hands down.

On the other hand, If Kobe leads a team to a 50+ win season, whether with a Laker team or a phoenix team,  im still not sure if he'll win MVP.   Kobe doesnt own the media.....coz of his arrogance, he rubs people the wrong way...and sometimes too....he doesnt get the credit he deserves to get.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on May 02, 2007 at 11:30 AM
yikes, mavs' best season are in danger, leading only by one point in the 3rd qtr. i thought they're more focused this time. losing the series to an 8th seed in your homecourt is embarassing enough
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: bumblebee on May 02, 2007 at 11:35 AM
New basketball rule: Never go for top seed if the 8th seed has beaten you 5 times in row ;D

Kidding aside, I pity Dirk. It seems that all the pressures/blames on him. Hey, he's just one man.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on May 02, 2007 at 11:40 AM
It's not entirely about the numbers. And each team has it's own system. It's how effective you are in your system.

Put Kobe in Phoenix he will score 50. Question: will the other players score as well?

Yes.  If Odom and Walton can score into double digits with Kobe, it's a sure bet that Amare and Marion can do as well.  And yes, they will be winning, too.  Btw this may come as a surprise to some of you, but last time I checked Marion is ranked as No. 1 in NBA fantasy  (using season average and the standard 9 stats).  Kobe was No. 2, I'll re-check later to confirm this.

And another thing, if you put Kobe in Phoenix with Nash as the PG... that's a Western Conference All-Star Team already!  And a sure bet to win the championship.  AND Kobe will be the MVP of the team, not Nash.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on May 02, 2007 at 11:46 AM
New basketball rule: Never go for top seed if the 8th seed has beaten you 5 times in row ;D

Kidding aside, I pity Dirk. It seems that all the pressures/blames on him. Hey, he's just one man.

Almost everyone blames Dirk, but I blame Avery.  Once again, he is being outcoached by his opponent.  Happened with Riley, now with Nellie.  (Hey, that rhymes!)  ;D

It may be karma, I think they have a chance to bury the Warriors at the end of the regular season but they instead opt to rest their main men.  But I still believe that the Mavs can pull off this one.  Yes, I'm talking about winning the series.  ;)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on May 02, 2007 at 11:50 AM
Yes.  If Odom and Walton can score into double digits with Kobe, it's a sure bet that Amare and Marion can do as well.  And yes, they will be winning, too.  Btw this may come as a surprise to some of you, but last time I checked Marion is ranked as No. 1 in NBA fantasy  (using season average and the standard 9 stats).  Kobe was No. 2, I'll re-check later to confirm this.

And another thing, if you put Kobe in Phoenix with Nash as the PG... that's a Western Conference All-Star Team already!  And a sure bet to win the championship.  AND Kobe will be the MVP of the team, not Nash.
  thats why its also easier for players like Nash , Kobe and the like if some teammates make it easier for them  to do their job too...reciprocity.   Nash enjoys it now.......Kobe doesnt.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: bumblebee on May 02, 2007 at 11:55 AM
Kobe in Phoenix? He gotta get used to moving w/o the ball first ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on May 02, 2007 at 12:00 PM
Alanganin kasi si Odom kaya inconsistent......He's not a formidable inside presence and he's not also a real outside threat. 

Read in some rumors that another Bryant-O'Neal tandem is in the works......but this time Jermaine O'Neal.    Im certain Buss wont let Kobe's prime years go into waste......plus Buss is getting older.....money will not be a problem to him.

Although a Bryant-O'Neal tandem would put the Lakers in title-contender status, I still have my reservations on this.  JO is way too fragile for the Lakers to build their next dynasty.  I like the idea of having Gasol instead of JO.  Getting KG is the no. 1 goal, that's a no-brainer.  Let's trade Odom, Brown, Radma, and Smush to get him.  We can add Kupchak for McHale to sweeten the deal!  ;D  If Minnesota insists on either Farmar and/or Bynum, I say we agree only if Minnesota will give their first round draft pick this year.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on May 02, 2007 at 12:02 PM
Kobe in Phoenix? He gotta get used to moving w/o the ball first ;D

Uh, there's too many alley-hoop (spelling?) dunks of Kobe in youtube to dispel the myth you're trying to create.
 ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on May 02, 2007 at 12:03 PM
Kobe in Phoenix? He gotta get used to moving w/o the ball first ;D
this is  why Kobe might not get his MVP. the leadership standpoint is just a cloak.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on May 02, 2007 at 12:08 PM
Although a Bryant-O'Neal tandem would put the Lakers in title-contender status, I still have my reservations on this.  JO is way too fragile for the Lakers to build their next dynasty.  I like the idea of having Gasol instead of JO.  Getting KG is the no. 1 goal, that's a no-brainer.  Let's trade Odom, Brown, Radma, and Smush to get him.  We can add Kupchak for McHale to sweeten the deal!  ;D  If Minnesota insists on either Farmar and/or Bynum, I say we agree only if Minnesota will give their first round draft pick this year.

yup...forgot that JO is injury prone.......

grabe yung Dallas-GS game!!!  Its  a shooutout.....6 point lead for GS!!!
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: bumblebee on May 02, 2007 at 12:09 PM
Uh, there's too many alley-hoop (spelling?) dunks of Kobe in youtube to dispel the myth you're trying to create.
 ;D

There are also too many times I've seen Kobe dribbling past defenders to get his shots. His other teammates are just there - waiting for kingdom come.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on May 02, 2007 at 12:11 PM
Almost everyone blames Dirk, but I blame Avery.  Once again, he is being outcoached by his opponent.  Happened with Riley, now with Nellie.  (Hey, that rhymes!)  ;D

It may be karma, I think they have a chance to bury the Warriors at the end of the regular season but they instead opt to rest their main men.  But I still believe that the Mavs can pull off this one.  Yes, I'm talking about winning the series.  ;)

warriors up by 6, 4mins remaining. its raining 3s in dallas  :o

i hope the mavs win the series too. west finals would be much easier for the spurs/suns without them

just remembered this from mavs, "anything less than a championship is a disappointment"  :P
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on May 02, 2007 at 12:23 PM
looks like mavs will survive this one. great defense to win the game
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on May 02, 2007 at 12:28 PM
looks like mavs will survive this one. great defense to win the game

Yeah!  Dallas dodged a bullet with this win.  Would have a been an instant classic had GS pulled this one out, what with coming from 21 points down.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on May 02, 2007 at 12:31 PM
There are also too many times I've seen Kobe dribbling past defenders to get his shots. His other teammates are just there - waiting for kingdom come.

Uh, that's the ability to create his own shot... all the great players should have that.  With regards to the teammates waiting... that's what's wrong... you don't wait.. you either cut into the basket or create an angle from long range where the dribbler can easily give you a pass.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: JAZZ on May 02, 2007 at 06:09 PM
Dallas won because of Dirk's back to back triples and that shot block during the run.

Can somebody tell me what Al Harrington was doing on the bench?
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on May 02, 2007 at 07:54 PM
Dallas won because of Dirk's back to back triples and that shot block during the run.

Can somebody tell me what Al Harrington was doing on the bench?

Good thing that Dirk made those triples!  They would have been ousted w/o it.

Can somebody tell me why Dirk is not posting up against the smaller Warriors?  Last time I checked, Dallas has Harris and the Jet who can give the ball to a posting Dirk.  They also have Stackhouse and Howard who can drive, then dish to a posting Dirk.  Why are they not doing that?
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: dobler on May 02, 2007 at 09:38 PM
Can somebody tell me why Dirk is not posting up against the smaller Warriors? 

Because Nellie's in his head.  ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: DVD_Freak on May 02, 2007 at 09:46 PM
Can somebody tell me why Dirk is not posting up against the smaller Warriors?

i think because they almost instantly double him in the post. and he is having a harder time passing out of the box.  he is more dangerous playing from the perimeter and they wouldn't double team him yet if he is from the perimeter.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on May 02, 2007 at 09:56 PM
i think because they almost instantly double him in the post. and he is having a harder time passing out of the box.  he is more dangerous playing from the perimeter and they wouldn't double team him yet if he is from the perimeter.

Dirk is too talented to be afraid of getting double-teamed.  Plus, it's not as if he has no teammate who can nail an open jumper.  This is why he is getting too much flak over the current state of this Dallas team.  Avery should stress that this is how Dallas should play... two straight baskets coming from this post-up play would guarantee you an adjustment from Nellie to put in a bigger guy to guard Dirk.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: lord_vader on May 02, 2007 at 10:43 PM
On the other hand too.....if Nash is with the Lakers, san Kobe, with the system used by Mike D'Antoni.....will his leadership skills take them so far???

Last year, Amare was out. Shawn Marion also missed some games. They had a team with Kurt Thomas, Boris Diaw, and even had to pick up a Tim Thomas who almost forgot how to play basketball if the Suns did not take him. Yet, Nash carried the team with him. In my opinion, the supporting cast of this year's Lakers are of similar level if not even better than last year's ragtag Phoenix team. But where did Kobe take the team? There's no question Nash deserved last year's MVP, and I won't complain if he gets it this year too.

Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: lord_vader on May 02, 2007 at 10:50 PM
Nash can be easily replaced by at least 5 PGs (Kidd, Billups, Chris Paul, Baron Davis, and Deron Williams to name a few) and Phoenix will still be winning that much games.  Kidd would average a triple double if he was with Phoenix.  It's the system (in Phoenix) that D'Antoni put that makes them play that way.

Nash easily replaced by these PGs?? I doubt Kidd can average a triple double... maybe in his prime. He has VC and RJ playing with him with the Nets, and they couldn't even reach the top 4 seeds in a "weaker" conference. Umm... Deron Williams in the same league as Steve Nash?? Maybe a more mature Chris Paul would be closer. And if Baron Davis plays like the way he is playing now for 82 games, then maybe he can take Nash's place.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on May 02, 2007 at 11:10 PM
Nash easily replaced by these PGs?? I doubt Kidd can average a triple double... maybe in his prime. He has VC and RJ playing with him with the Nets, and they couldn't even reach the top 4 seeds in a "weaker" conference. Umm... Deron Williams in the same league as Steve Nash?? Maybe a more mature Chris Paul would be closer. And if Baron Davis plays like the way he is playing now for 82 games, then maybe he can take Nash's place.

Yes, I stand by my previous statement.  As I've said, it's the system that makes this Suns team purr.  Nash was with Nowitzki and Finley back then, where has he lead the Mavs then?

Jefferson was injured and did not play for many games this year, plus the fact that Nenad got injured too.  The Nets would have ranked higher if all were relatively healthy like the Suns this year.  Plus, remember when the Nets when toe-to-toe with the Suns in that already classic game they had?  IMHO, Kidd is definitely an improvement cause he can also defend.

Baron's only knock is that he is constantly getting injured.  If not for that, he's a better PG than Nash.  As for Paul and Williams, they're not in the same league as Nash right now.  Perhaps never will.  But they can still replace Nash and the Suns will still win as much games.

In my attempt to defend my statement, I might come to look like a Nash hater.  I'd like to point out that it's not the case, I like him and I love his game.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on May 02, 2007 at 11:19 PM
Last year, Amare was out. Shawn Marion also missed some games. They had a team with Kurt Thomas, Boris Diaw, and even had to pick up a Tim Thomas who almost forgot how to play basketball if the Suns did not take him. Yet, Nash carried the team with him. In my opinion, the supporting cast of this year's Lakers are of similar level if not even better than last year's ragtag Phoenix team. But where did Kobe take the team? There's no question Nash deserved last year's MVP, and I won't complain if he gets it this year too.

Marion missed a few games.  Kurt was out a lot.  Diaw was in his contract year, and it showed in his play.  Barbosa was a monster.  Bell had a career year specially in making threes.  Last year, Marion was ranked no.1 (based on season average using the standard 9 stats).  This year, he's also ranked no. 1.

What I'm trying to say is Marion is a very good player.  Statistically the best player in a Suns uniform today and last year.  The only knock on him is that he seems to disappear during the playoffs.  You just can't go out and say that it was only Nash carrying the Suns last year and this year.  I think that the Lakers will gladly trade Kobe's supporting cast this year for the Suns supporting cast last year.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on May 02, 2007 at 11:52 PM
Last year, Amare was out. Shawn Marion also missed some games. They had a team with Kurt Thomas, Boris Diaw, and even had to pick up a Tim Thomas who almost forgot how to play basketball if the Suns did not take him. Yet, Nash carried the team with him. In my opinion, the supporting cast of this year's Lakers are of similar level if not even better than last year's ragtag Phoenix team. But where did Kobe take the team? There's no question Nash deserved last year's MVP, and I won't complain if he gets it this year too.


Yup.  I agree that Nash deserved that MVP and I think i never mentioned otherwise.    As for wher Kobe took the team......he and the Lakers nearly upset the Suns and it took a clutch shot by Thomas to bail them out in Game 6.   Thats good enough for me, when even experts didnt even picked them to get into the play-offs.   As for the hypothetical one on one trade of Nash and Kobe.....I will still stand by my assessment that Nash would have a hard time with the Lakers supporting cast than  Kobe playing with Marion, Diaw and Barbosa.   
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on May 03, 2007 at 10:40 AM
spurs just won the series against denver. suns should eliminate the lakers tonight to get enough rest also.

denver should add more power on their bench next season. at least they're getting kmart back. and AI should be used to being a second go-to guy, i think he took as many or more shots than melo during the spurs series. they might want to trade jr smith  ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on May 03, 2007 at 01:45 PM
Suns just eliminated the Lakers.  Kobe had a dismal night.  Would have been more interesting if Kobe was at least having an average night.

With a healthy Amare, the Suns have a very good chance against the Spurs.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: dobler on May 03, 2007 at 01:48 PM
Good article about the L.A's off season concerns:
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-24-7/Lakers-on-the-Razor-s-Edge.html
Among the highlights,

 Of those stars rumored to be on their way to Los Angeles, one makes the most sense to me. The story is that the Lakers turned down a trade with New Jersey that would have sent Bynum to New Jersey for Jason Kidd. If I ran the Lakers I would do it, for several reasons:

    * Lamar Odom has the potential to be an awesome force, and has underperformed in Los Angeles. Jason Kidd is the only big-name player who is practically guaranteed to make Odom perform closer to his massive potential. A more effective Odom mitigates, somewhat, the loss of Bynum.
    * Picture it! Kidd and Bryant side by side ... two ferocious winners motivated to win now. They'd win 30 NBA games playing alongside eighth graders. But they would be better than that. The Laker lineup would be much like New Jersey's current lineup. Only, in place of Vince Carter you have Kobe Bryant. In place of Richard Jefferson you have Luke Walton. And in place of Nenad Krstic you have Lamar Odom. I could keep going down the list. But the point is, that's a team that's ready to win now and Kidd solves the ball-sharing issues that have plagued this team (at the expense of the triangle? perhaps). Kidd gets the ball to spots where his teammates can use it. Odom, Bryant etc. can handle that.
    * The Lakers have had lousy perimeter defense, and Kidd would improve that.
    * The league is getting quicker and the Bynums of the world are a tad less massively important than they were a few years ago. Still massively important. But not quite what they used to be.
    * Phil Jackson has a hard time walking and sitting. He can't hang on forever, and Kidd might fit his window better than any other player, too.
    * It gives the Lakers a real chance at a title in the next three years. Can Andrew Bynum do that?
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on May 03, 2007 at 02:12 PM
Ganyan talga pagna eliminate kaagad, we're talkin about the off-season na.......anyway, as a fan im willing to let go of bynum given the way the games are being played today.   Baka kasi tumanda na si kobe eh hindi pa marealize yung potential ni Bynum.......
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: dobler on May 03, 2007 at 02:55 PM
Ganyan talga pagna eliminate kaagad, we're talkin about the off-season na.......anyway, as a fan im willing to let go of bynum given the way the games are being played today.   Baka kasi tumanda na si kobe eh hindi pa marealize yung potential ni Bynum.......


Ganyan nga talaga. Let's see what they'll do this off season. The article also mentioned that Kobe can void his contract in 2009 and go elsewhere. Lagot, hehe!
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on May 03, 2007 at 02:55 PM
Kidd may be a good antidote against the Suns but what about the other teams out West: San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston.  The league looks like it''s getting quicker but who said that a young Bynum can't keep up with it.  San Antonio is the next road block to the quicker Suns.  After that, they may face the Rockets.  I'm sure that the importance of a dominant big man would come in to play in those series.  A healthy Amare is the reason why Phoenix has a window now.

I think that the importance of a dominant big man is not going away.  With Bynum, the Lakers have that in their future.  Next year, Oden will come and perhaps play a major role.  But Bynum has 2 seasons under his belt so I'd like to think that it's at least a wash regarding Bynum vs. Oden.

My wish list for new Laker additions would be: Garnett, Gasol, O'Neal, Kidd, and Billups (in that order).  If the Lakers can get any of the 3 bigs mentioned, they'll need a defensive-minded PG like Earl Watson to guard those quick PGs out west.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: edboy7 on May 03, 2007 at 03:02 PM
The last i heard that its going to be  Garnett for Odom,Smush and Walton is it fair enough guys? ::)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on May 03, 2007 at 03:24 PM
KG's been a pipe dream for more than three years and counting. Jermaine O'Neal seems the most likely candidate since Indiana would want to ship an unhappy JO to the West instead of a rival Eastern Conference team. And any team El-Ay deals with would ask for Bynum, which will be a deal breaker (Kidd trade an aexample of it) if Buss refuse to let go of his prized big man.

I think Luke's gonna leave, too, as he's probably thinking that people will now focus on his poor playoff performance and not his breakout regular season showing.

Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on May 03, 2007 at 03:34 PM
"Do it and do it now," he said. "Personally for me, it's beyond frustration -- three years and still being at ground zero. This summer's a big summer. We have to see what direction we want to take as an organization and make those steps and make them now."

--kobe
Stoudemire, Marion combine for 53 points as Suns KO Lakers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=270502021)


this could be an exciting summer for the nba
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on May 03, 2007 at 03:38 PM

Ganyan nga talaga. Let's see what they'll do this off season. The article also mentioned that Kobe can void his contract in 2009 and go elsewhere. Lagot, hehe!
thats why this got to be a big off season for them.......and I bet, team owner Buss knows that....
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on May 03, 2007 at 03:41 PM
KG's been a pipe dream for more than three years and counting. Jermaine O'Neal seems the most likely candidate since Indiana would want to ship an unhappy JO to the West instead of a rival Eastern Conference team. And any team El-Ay deals with would ask for Bynum, which will be a deal breaker (Kidd trade an aexample of it) if Buss refuse to let go of his prized big man.

I think Luke's gonna leave, too, as he's probably thinking that people will now focus on his poor playoff performance and not his breakout regular season showing.


Somebody's backing up Bynum in team ownership.....it was the son of Buss which gave the go signal to draft Bynum.....its his pet project.  It seems no matter what trade LA will be willing to do, it has to let go of either Odom or Bynum.....or both.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on May 03, 2007 at 03:46 PM
The last i heard that its going to be  Garnett for Odom,Smush and Walton is  fair enough guys? ::)
its fair enough for me as a Laker fan.....I dont know from a T-Wolves standpoint though....hehehe ;D ;D


*******************


After disappointing season, Kobe wants changes 'now'

By Marc Stein
ESPN.com



When his season ended in the early hours of Thursday morning, Kobe Bryant squeezed off a couple more shots.

At his own team.

Wearing a white blazer and a look of exasperation, Bryant plopped down behind an NBA-TV microphone and tersely spelled out what he hopes to see from his Los Angeles Lakers bosses between now and October.

"Do something," Bryant told reporters in Phoenix, "and do it now."

Something significant on the trade front, in other words.

"Especially for me, it's beyond frustration, three years and still being at ground zero," Bryant continued. "So this summer's a big summer."

It'll be a biggie whether you're sympathetic to Bryant's plight or not, because few teams in the league are likely to be as active this offseason as the Lakers.

After they exited the playoffs in five games this time, only occasionally troubling a Phoenix team it took to seven games in the 2006 playoffs, NBA front-office sources say L.A. is expected to make every one of its players available -- except Bryant -- in an attempt to craft a mix that can return the franchise to the Western Conference elite for the first time since Shaquille O'Neal's departure in 2004.

Here's your first look at what that means for a variety of Lakers:

KOBE BRYANT

With Lakerland clearly in need of a hopeful sign or two after this five-game exit in Round 1 and a measly two wins over playoff teams after February, this is the best double-fisted tonic we can offer:

1. During our recent chat with Kobe during this series, he stressed that, yes, he wants to retire a Laker.

2. During that chat, Kobe also disputed the notion that the Lakers will only see the 28-year-old's best for a few more years.

"I think I can play at this level for another six, seven years," Bryant said. "I still have one more bullet to fire."

Translation: Bryant ranks as the game's greatest singular talent while eating pretty much anything he wants. By changing his diet when necessary, Kobe figures he can extend his longevity as an All-Star.

So ...

If Bryant is right, Laker Lovers needn't worry that Kobe's window for winning a championship without Shaquille O'Neal is down to two or three more playoff runs.

The concern, if you want to fret, is Bryant's patience. He will be forever blamed for running Shaq off, even though Lakers owner Jerry Buss wanted to trade Shaq more than Kobe and had the biggest say in it, but arguing about that now only distracts from the pressing issue: How much longer can Bryant take mediocrity before he starts to reconsider those plans about retiring in purple and gold?

With four more years left on his contract after this season at a tidy $88.6 million, Bryant does possess the option to reenter the free-agent market two years from now in the summer of 2009. And surely you heard Bryant's proclamation last week that "we definitely have to get that elite level and get to that elite level, like, now."

Interpretation: He's more than ready for some big-name help and loves the idea of trading anyone necessary to bring in his buddy Jermaine O'Neal, who's said to be just as high on the idea.

Maybe he doesn't trust his teammates as much as he should sometimes, but how far would this group go, realistically, if Kobe trusted them without reservation? Even when healthy -- even had they been able to keep building on that 23-11 start without a flurry of injuries -- these Lakers aren't close to championship material.

That's why the whole NBA expects the Lakers to be trade aggressors now to reenergize their downcast franchise player after passing on a trade for Jason Kidd at the February deadline and unraveling from there.

PHIL JACKSON

It's true: Jackson wants to know that he'll have more to work with roster-wise before committing to a contract extension. But the safe bet, according to team insiders, remains that the Zenmeister will consent to tack on at least one more season to next season, which is when he'll complete the original three-year commitment he made upon returning to the club.

Having spent significant time with the Lakers during the playoffs, I can tell you that Jackson doesn't come across as a tortured soul these days. Even though L.A. didn't come close to winning its first playoff series since 2004, or narrowing the huge gap between the team's current standing and winning a 10th championship ring, Jackson understands what he's been working with, talent-wise, for the past two seasons.

Although he's actually absorbed some rare media criticism recently for his inability to halt L.A.'s 12-16 fade after the All-Star break, let's be clear here: Jackson remains the Lakers' only other All-Star. He and Bryant, furthermore, are bonded in the quest to win at least more title together.

So he wants to stick around, provided that the following issues are addressed.

A. Jackson has always been happier coaching veterans and would surely prefer more seasoned role players around Bryant.

B. But health is also a factor. The 61-year-old needs to have his other hip replaced after undergoing replacement surgery on his right hip during training camp. He's expected to complete the second operation shortly after the season ends, to be ready for his Hall of Fame induction in September, but the physical toll can't be discounted.

LAMAR ODOM

If there's been a braver player in the NBA this season, I'd love to hear about him. Because I don't see one.

After long-term knee and shoulder injuries -- which followed the unspeakable loss of his six-month-old son over the summer -- Odom just keeps playing on, trying as hard as he can to be Kobe's Scottie Pippen.

He's still not there, agreed, but I don't think he ever had a chance this season. Not after a bad knee sprain in December and definitely not after the shoulder tear he suffered in March, which should have sent him to surgery if Odom hadn't vowed to delay the operation until after the season.

There was also a hyperextended elbow Odom picked up during the Phoenix series, as if the man with the NBA's heaviest heart hadn't suffered enough.

(An aside: The first thing that catches your eye when you walk into the Lakers' locker room is a supersized white T-shirt hanging in Odom's locker, sporting the smiling likeness of his late son Jayden. Basketball might be his sanctuary, but Odom was intent on keeping Jayden's spirit close by even at work.)

Yet in spite of all of his resilience, capped by a 33-point sign-off in Wednesday night's Game 5 elimination, Odom is the first to concede that he's the most likely Laker to move if L.A. has any shot at pairing Jermaine O'Neal or its other fantasy target -- Minnesota's Kevin Garnett -- with Kobe.

There are a couple other Lakers listed below who can enhance a trade package. But with only two seasons left on his contract at $27.4 million, as well as the frontcourt versatility that teams crave in the modern game, Odom is the Lakers' most saleable asset ... since they're not about to move Bryant.

"I love it here," Odom told Bill Plaschke of the Los Angeles Times and ESPN's "Around The Horn." "I hope I have done enough to prove that I belong here the rest of my career. But as a team, sometimes you get stuck between a rock and a hard place. We're expected to win, and we haven't won, and they're going to do everything they can to get back to winning."

ANDREW BYNUM

The 19-year-old was an untouchable in February trade talks, preventing the Lakers from acquiring Kidd from New Jersey. I agreed with the Lakers' logic, too, figuring that a 7-footer this mobile and promising can't be surrendered for an expensive, thirtysomething guard whose arrival wouldn't automatically put L.A. in the West's elite alongside Dallas, Phoenix and San Antonio.

However ...

I see it differently now, for at least three reasons.

1. Kidd is an assassin like Kobe. A playoff-tested winner. The Lakers would probably be better with Kidd than skeptics think.

2. The Lakers, by all accounts, could have excluded Odom from a Kidd deal -- as well as an earlier swap that Sacramento backed out of involving Mike Bibby -- as long as they included Bynum. Would you rather start over with a duo of, say, Kobe and Jermaine ... or the trio of Kobe, Kidd and Odom?

3. Kidd, like Odom, is under contract for only two more seasons, so gambling on his ability to stay healthy at 34 and adapt to Jackson's triangle offense is not the sort of risk that would cripple L.A. cap-wise for ages.


Oh, yeah. There's a bigger reason than any of those three: Bryant and Jackson don't appear to be huge Bynum fans. Neither seems terribly excited about waiting for Bynum to develop.

It's a mood Jackson summed up rather neatly when he was asked about an hour before Game 1 if he was "interested" to see what kind of interior effect Bynum could have against the size-challenged Suns.

"Not really," Jackson quipped.

So if you're committed to Kobe and Phil, it makes sense to pursue their kind of players, unless you're certain Bynum is a franchise center in waiting.

The problem? Jerry Buss' son Jim was a driving force behind the drafting of Bynum with the No. 10 pick in the 2005 draft and badly wants to keep his pet project off-limits. If Jackson were to refuse an extension -- or even leave the organization before next season in a worst-case scenario -- this matter figures to be the biggest wedge.

EVERYONE ELSE

The Smush Parker Experience, you can safely assume, is over. The Lakers need a reliable ballhandler more than anything else and Parker, who was never really starter material, has been clashing with Jackson for weeks, ensuring his exit.

The other lightning rod from Kobe's supporting cast -- Kwame Brown -- is also likely to move on, despite the surprising chants of "Kwa-me, Kwa-me" heard at Staples Center during both of L.A.'s home games against the Suns.

Trading for Brown actually did make some sense at the time because the Lakers badly needed size. Two seasons later, though, Brown remains an injury-prone underachiever ... while Caron Butler has blossomed into an All-Star forward in the East and Washington's foremost tough guy. Worse yet, with teams going smaller and smaller in today's NBA, L.A. probably could have gotten away with playing Kobe, Odom and Butler as a trio more than it might have a few years back.

But it's not Butler's success that makes Kwame's departure inevitable. It's his salary: Brown has only next season left on his contract at $9 million. Any team that deals with the Lakers on a major trade will want that expiring contract.

The Lakers have four free agents besides Parker: Aaron McKie, Chris Mihm, Shammond Williams and Luke Walton. Retaining Walton is the only must, but upgrading the overall talent is the bigger priority, so Walton -- a fine role player who also played hurt like Odom -- isn't put in a position where he has to be L.A.'s third-best player.

Which is what Walton was in what, according to Kobe, was Year 3 at Ground Zero.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: synchro_01 on May 03, 2007 at 05:17 PM
its hard to gamble with Kidd. he has a lot of mileage on those surgically repaired (microfracture) knees. he has 2 more good years at best left in his game.  Based on Laker history they have always built their teams around a dominating big man complemented by an equally good guard...Mikan, Chamberlain, Abdul Jabbar and most recently Shaq. They already have the best shooting guard in the NBA in Kobe..now all they need now is to put Bynum in shape which is easier said than done if you consider his age and basketball knowledge. If they get a dominant forward that has a pure low post game (not unlike Odom) lets say the likes of Oneal or Garnett, life would be a lot easier for Bynum to blossom at his pace.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: bumblebee on May 04, 2007 at 12:24 PM
Dallas 59
Golden State 81

1:47 3rd

Nowitzki is 1-11.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on May 04, 2007 at 12:43 PM
WOW  :o.  Contra pelo talaga............ the SAS-Phoe series is looking a lot like the WC finals now........

Money in the bank na ito for GS, 23 pts ahead with 7mins left.  I would like them to win again in the next series.....then hopefully face Phoneix in WC finals.  That would be dandy......a great WESTerN FINALS shooutout!!!!!  ;D ;D

What happened to Dirk??   If he'll become MVP, it will be tainted by his poor play in this play-offs.   His play will be subject to a lot of criticisms by the hungry media mob.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on May 04, 2007 at 01:00 PM
Both Eastern and Western Conference champions kicked out in the first round of the playoffs?  :o God must have a grudge or something against the Mavs.  ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on May 04, 2007 at 04:00 PM
Funny pic!

Hey Bird, how about trading Jermaine to the Lakers to screw your fans and Mark Cuban more!  ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: dobler on May 04, 2007 at 05:37 PM
Interesting bit of info from the San Francisco Chronicle:

Warriors coach Don Nelson nabbed a $1 million bonus for getting Golden State into the second round of the playoffs, according to a source with knowledge of Nelson's contract. He had already made $1 million for reaching the postseason, and he can collect up to another $1.5 million depending on how far the team advances. The base annual salary of Nelson's three-year deal is $3.1 million.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on May 04, 2007 at 06:08 PM
Interesting bit of info from the San Francisco Chronicle:

Warriors coach Don Nelson nabbed a $1 million bonus for getting Golden State into the second round of the playoffs, according to a source with knowledge of Nelson's contract. He had already made $1 million for reaching the postseason, and he can collect up to another $1.5 million depending on how far the team advances. The base annual salary of Nelson's three-year deal is $3.1 million.

He's well worth the pay he's getting... what with the joy he just brought to the long-time suffering fans of Golden State.  I can still remember the collective rejoicing of GS fans last year when they heard that Nellie was coming back.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: azrael on May 04, 2007 at 06:43 PM
from slamonline.com...

94-82 Jazz final in Utah. Great. Another night of Yao being pushed out of the block by Carlos Boozer and Memo. YOU’RE 7-5! YOUR LOWER LEGS ARE THE SIZE OF TELEPHONE POLES! DO SOMETHING! It’s embarrassing, really.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on May 05, 2007 at 11:48 AM
Nets advance by winning an exciting see-saw game against the Raptors.  Next up is Cleveland!

Nice year for the Raptors... they gained a valuable experience in the first round that will only make them hungrier next year.  With the core of Bosh, Bargnani, Parker and Ford... I expect them to make more noise next year.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Wiggum on May 05, 2007 at 08:58 PM
EDIT: Another capsule preview from the Associated Press:

--------------------------------------------------

A look at the matchups in the second round of the NBA playoffs, which begin Saturday (with regular-season record, first-round series mark in parentheses):

EASTERN CONFERENCE

No. 1 DETROIT PISTONS (53-29, 4-0) vs. No. 5 CHICAGO BULLS (49-33, 4-0)

Season Series: Bulls, 3-1, winning the season series for the first time since 1998 and missing a sweep only because Chris Webber tipped in a missed shot with 2.2 seconds left in Detroit's 95-93 home victory on Feb. 25. The Pistons were held to fewer than 90 points in all three losses. Luol Deng averaged 22.7 points in Chicago's victories and Ben Wallace grabbed 33 rebounds in the two wins in which he played, only eight in the loss.

Storyline: A pair of first-round sweeps gave the Central Division rivals plenty of time off before Wallace's return to Detroit. The former Pistons center signed with Chicago as a free agent last summer, then helped the Bulls win a playoff series for the first time since Michael Jordan's final season in Chicago.

Key matchup I: Webber vs. Wallace. Wallace's rebounding and defense were the catalysts for Detroit's recent Eastern Conference powerhouses. But with the Pistons becoming more offensive minded under Flip Saunders, Webber is in some ways a better fit because of his passing and outside shooting ability.

Key matchup II: Tayshaun Prince vs. Luol Deng. Miami couldn't guard Deng, who averaged 26.3 points and shot 58 percent from the field in the first round. But the Heat had nobody as good as Prince, a second-team all-defensive pick who has plenty of postseason experience guarding the opponent's top offensive threat.

X-factor: Wallace's free-throw shooting. Big Ben was so bad from the line in the 2006 playoffs - making just 27 percent - that he became an offensive liability in the conference finals loss to Miami. So, the Pistons must have been stunned to see him deal the Heat's repeat hopes a final blow by going 7-for-8 in Game 4 of Chicago's sweep.

Prediction: Bulls in 7.

---

No. 2 CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (50-32, 4-0) vs. No. 6 NEW JERSEY NETS (41-41, 4-2).

Season Series: Cavaliers, 2-1, winning their two home games. LeBron James averaged 30.3 points for the Cavs, who won 94-76 on April 12 after the first two meetings were decided by a combined seven points. Vince Carter scored 27.3 per game for New Jersey, but Jason Kidd shot only 36 percent and Richard Jefferson 35 while combining to average just 21.3 points.

Storyline: Cleveland fell just short of the conference finals last year in James' first playoffs, losing to Detroit in seven games. Hope to advance further this time with home-court advantage and plenty of rest after a first-round sweep of Washington. New Jersey had strong finish to regular season and is confident with trio of Kidd, Vince Carter and Jefferson all healthy.

Key Matchup I: Zydrunas Ilgauskas vs. Jason Collins. Excellent first round for 'Z,' who averaged 19 points and 11 rebounds while shooting 60 percent from the field. Collins provides almost no offense, but did a good job against Toronto's Chris Bosh in the first round and has matched up with plenty of top centers in recent postseasons.

Key Matchup II: Drew Gooden vs. Mikki Moore. With so much attention focused on the All-Star perimeter players, whoever controls the interior will have a clear advantage. Gooden shot 61 percent in the first round while averaging 14.5 points and 10 rebounds. Moore shot 60.9 percent this season, leading the NBA.

X-factor: Bostjan Nachbar. With Kidd's passing and Carter and Jefferson's slashing, Nachbar will have plenty of open looks when he comes off New Jersey's bench. He made 41 percent of his 3-point attempts in the first round - and that's including an 0-for-7 night in a Game 5 loss.

Prediction: Nets in 6.

---

WESTERN CONFERENCE

No. 2 PHOENIX SUNS (61-21, 4-1) vs. No. 3 SAN ANTONIO SPURS (58-24, 4-1)

Season Series: Spurs, 2-1, with the home team winning each time. Spurs held Amare Stoudemire to 15.5 points per game in their two wins, but he had 24 points and 23 rebounds in the lone Phoenix victory. Tim Duncan averaged 22.7 points and 14 rebounds, and Tony Parker scored 28 points per game. Steve Nash had only seven assists in San Antonio's 92-85 victory last month, one of the Suns' worst offensive performances of the season.

Storyline: With Dallas running away with the league's best record, the teams with the second- and third-best records are forced to meet in a second-round clash of styles. With all-defensive team selections Duncan and Bruce Bowen, San Antonio has the personnel to slow the Suns' league-best offense. The Spurs overpowered Phoenix in five games in the 2005 conference finals, but the Suns want credit for how much their defense has improved - and now is their chance to earn it.

Key matchup I: Stoudemire vs. Duncan. The Spurs couldn't stop Stoudemire in the playoff series two years ago, as he averaged 37 points and scored 42 in Game 5. Duncan and whoever else San Antonio uses this time will surely make things tougher, and the Suns never proved they could contain Duncan at the other end this season.

Key matchup II: Leandro Barbosa vs. Manu Ginobili. A pair of game changers who finished 1-2 in voting for league's sixth man award. Barbosa averaged 21.2 points in the first-round victory over the Lakers, but his speed may be more important this time on the defensive end if Nash struggles to keep up with Parker.

X-factor: Boris Diaw. In a fairly disappointing season for the 2006 Most Improved Player, Diaw scored 16 points in the lone Phoenix win but totaled 10 points on 4-for-17 shooting in the other two games. If San Antonio is successful in keeping it a half-court game, Diaw could have an important role.

Prediction: Suns in 7.

---

No. 4 UTAH JAZZ (51-31, 4-2) vs. No. 8 GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS (42-40, 4-2)

Season Series: Tied, 2-2, though two meetings came back in November, long before the Warriors remade their team and their style in their trade with Indiana. Stephen Jackson averaged 22 points in the two games he played for Golden State. Carlos Boozer had three double-doubles for Utah, including a 25-point, 21-rebound game in one Jazz victory, but was held to four points and 10 boards in a loss.

Storyline: After knocking off the Dallas Mavericks, who had the league's best record, in perhaps the biggest upset in NBA playoff history, the eighth-seeded Warriors move on to face the Northwest Division champions, who are in the second round for the first time since 2000.

Key matchup I: Deron Williams vs. Baron Davis. Strong second season keeps getting better for Williams, who nearly made the All-Star team, will have a chance to make the U.S. national team, and had 20 points and 14 assists in Utah's Game 7 victory over Houston. Davis has been perhaps the best all-around player in the playoffs while scoring 25 points per game, but was held to two points in one game against Utah and missed another. He averaged 19.5 points in the two late-season meetings.

Key matchup II: Jason Richardson vs. Andrei Kirilenko. Kirilenko's confidence is up and down, but Richardson's is soaring after he averaged 19.5 points and shot 51 percent in the first round. Utah will have to figure out a way to deal with his athleticism, and Kirilenko might be the best bet because of his versatility.

X-factor: Al Harrington. Shot only 26 percent as his playing time rapidly diminished in the first round. But he scored 27 points in one game and had 15 points and 11 boards in the other against Utah after Golden State acquired him, so maybe Don Nelson gives him another chance in this series, especially since Warriors have few options against Boozer.

Prediction: Warriors in 6.

Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on May 06, 2007 at 06:04 PM
My Fearless Predictions for the First Round:
================================

Dallas Mavericks over Golden State Warriors (4-1) - wrong winner
LA Lakers over Phoenix Suns (4-2) - wrong winner
SA Spurs over Denver Nuggets (4-3) - right winner - wrong # of games
Houston Rockets over Utah Jazz (4-3) - wrong winner

Detroit Pistons over Orlando Magic (4-2) - right winner - wrong # of games
Cleveland Cavaliers over Washington Wizards (4-1) - right winner - wrong # of games
NJ Nets over Toronto Raptors (4-2) - right - right
Miami Heat over Chicago Bulls (4-3) - wrong winner

Only got 4 out of 8 (50%) for correct winning team... Only got 1 out of 4 (25%) correct # of games

My Fearless Predictions for the Second Round:
==================================
Utah Jazz over Golden State Warriors (4-2)
Phoenix Suns over SA Spurs (4-1)

Detroit Pistons over Chicago Bulls (4-2)
NJ Nets over Cleveland Cavaliers (4-2)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on May 06, 2007 at 06:14 PM
i'd like to see the warrios get sweep by the jazz, adding more insult to the mavs
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on May 06, 2007 at 06:27 PM
i'd like to see the warrios get sweep by the jazz, adding more insult to the mavs

That would be good, too!  But I think that the adrenaline rush from the upset will carry over to enable the Warriors to win a game or two in their homecourt.  The Warriors would have been better off had Houston won.  Utah's defense is the one that won them the first round and their players can run with the Warriors.  Utah, Phoenix and San Antonio should thank Nellie for getting rid of the Mavs!  ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: dobler on May 06, 2007 at 10:54 PM
(http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/9734/mavslogoqm8.jpg)

 ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on May 07, 2007 at 09:15 AM
everybody's talking about amare in the spurs-suns series, that he's older, better, more mature this time, that he averaged 37ppg before vs duncan.

well after game 1... amare was just 20-18, still very impressive, on 6-19 shooting. duncan 33-16 on 12-24 fg.

it also helps that parker scored 32 pts, and nash having a bloody nose missing a crucial 45 secs...

(http://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2007/0506/nba_a_bloodynash_412.jpg)

obviously, im not an amare fan  ;D  go spurs!
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on May 07, 2007 at 10:32 AM
Pity that Nash got his nose busted open. You wouldn't want to see that happen to any athlete, especially not at this important stage of the playoffs.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on May 10, 2007 at 12:10 PM
jazz is doing what the mavs cant do, now up 2-0. deron williams is playing very well against baron davis. can't believe this kid is just a soph in his first playoffs.

both games in utah were very close. jazz better be ready in golden state for games 3 and 4
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on May 10, 2007 at 02:36 PM
If Boozer can post up and get a lion's share of the offensive rebounds, why can't Dirk?  Avery should take notes from Sloan on how to successfully counter the Warriors.  Avery's first mistake was to match-up with Nellie's small ball.  He failed to realize that it wasn't small ball that got Dallas there.  Utah is not doing that and that's why they don't look lost out there.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: dobler on May 10, 2007 at 02:55 PM
If Boozer can post up and get a lion's share of the offensive rebounds, why can't Dirk? 

Dirk has no post up game. He admitted that it's the weakest part of his game after Dallas lost the series. The Jazz on the other hand have a low post threat in Boozer as well as a stronger and quicker back court. As mentioned in Steve Kerr's recent column, match ups are a factor in playoff success. Golden State would have faired better with the Rockets.

Avery's first mistake was to match-up with Nellie's small ball.

Agreed, it was a huge psychological blow to Dallas.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on May 10, 2007 at 03:11 PM
Dirk has no post up game. He admitted that it's the weakest part of his game after Dallas lost the series. The Jazz on the other hand have a low post threat in Boozer as well as a stronger and quicker back court. As mentioned in Steve Kerr's recent column, match ups are a factor in playoff success. Golden State would have faired better with the Rockets.
He can do a non-traditional post-up wherein he won't be trying go nearer by backing-up on his man.  He can just stay there, wait for a penetration to get himslef free or to position for a rebound.  Or get the ball in the post and do his neat fade-away jumper (this time he's nearer the basket).  Dallas have bigger guys and they didn't use them wisely.

I agree, the Warriors would definitely have stolen at least one already had the Rockets won their series.

Agreed, it was a huge psychological blow to Dallas.
Yeah, akin to saying... "let's throw what got us here (won them 67 games) out the window because this is Don Nelson's team we're facing."
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Ashburndaride on May 10, 2007 at 08:33 PM
If the Jazz wins over GSW, mas lalong nakakahiya sa Mavs  ;D

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v321/ashburndaride/Spurswinning.jpg)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on May 10, 2007 at 11:42 PM
If the Jazz wins over GSW, mas lalong nakakahiya sa Mavs  ;D

This current Jazz team is very good in defense.  They were good in defense during the regular season while Kirilenko was having a subpar season.  Now that Andrei seems to be getting back on track, the Jazz can beat anyone even the Dallas Mavericks.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on May 11, 2007 at 11:47 AM
pistons now up 3-0, looks like another sweep in the east. will someone please beat this team  :P

Phoenix Duo Highlights All-NBA First Team (http://www.nba.com/news/allnba_070510.html)
(http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/5848/tempwm0.png)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: runner10 on May 11, 2007 at 12:14 PM
pistons now up 3-0, looks like another sweep in the east. will someone please beat this team  :P

Phoenix Duo Highlights All-NBA First Team (http://www.nba.com/news/allnba_070510.html)
(http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/5848/tempwm0.png)

Wow.  All West stars!
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on May 11, 2007 at 12:40 PM
If the Jazz wins over GSW, mas lalong nakakahiya sa Mavs  ;D

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v321/ashburndaride/Spurswinning.jpg)
  Dirk will be named "REGULAR SEASON" MVP.............. :-\
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on May 11, 2007 at 02:00 PM
pistons now up 3-0, looks like another sweep in the east. will someone please beat this team  :P

Phoenix Duo Highlights All-NBA First Team (http://www.nba.com/news/allnba_070510.html)
(http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/5848/tempwm0.png)

My team is almost exactly the same except for KG replacing Amare.  ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on May 11, 2007 at 02:10 PM
does amare deserve to be selected? wasn't he inconsistent, especially during early season? but i cant think of anyone though who can rightfully replace him. maybe if yao ming was healthy during the season...
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on May 11, 2007 at 03:05 PM
does amare deserved to be selected? wasn't he inconsistent, especially during early season? but i cant think of anyone though who can rightfully replace him. maybe if yao ming was healthy during the season...
Id rather have Chris Bosh there...he led Raptors to a very respectable record.......and has good numbers too....I think he's more deserving than Amare....
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on May 11, 2007 at 04:16 PM
does amare have any game anyway? he's nothing without nash, like k-mart's nothing without kidd. sorry sa fans  :P
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on May 11, 2007 at 04:38 PM
does amare have any game anyway? he's nothing without nash, like k-mart's nothing without kidd. sorry sa fans  :P

Amare has game.  He was a monster already while still a rookie.  Before Steve Nash was not yet in Phoenix, he was already a monster.  He deserved winning the Rookie Of The Year award.  Contrary to popular belief, Steve Nash didn't make Marion and Amare better.  He did made the game easier for them.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on May 11, 2007 at 05:41 PM
"All-NBA First Team: messed up"

http://blogs.ohio.com/cavaliers_blog/

Heheh.. sourgrapes from a pro-Cleveland blogger.  At any rate, an interesting article.  The NBA should just stop these awards voted by the media.  If they really want a more respectable award, why not just let the players and coaches vote instead?
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on May 13, 2007 at 02:19 PM
this has to be the #1 play of the season

Denver 20 Sec. timeout
0:01.5  98-95  Marcus Camby bad pass (Rasheed Wallace steals) 
0:00.1  98-98  Rasheed Wallace makes 63-foot three point jumper

#1 indeed  ;)

Top 10 Regular Season Plays (http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/nba/nbacom/top10s_specialties/top10_bestplays_07regseason.asx)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on May 13, 2007 at 10:18 PM
getting more physical  8)

(http://espn-i.starwave.com/media/apphoto/38c5cb35-b8e4-4b46-9d95-73ab30c9b8e2.jpg)

go spurs!

(http://espn-i.starwave.com/media/apphoto/2637dbbc-f2d2-4c40-a915-68f58a5164d3.jpg)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on May 15, 2007 at 02:09 PM
and more...

(http://espn-i.starwave.com/media/apphoto/0a3ca32f-a412-4250-af1e-8204f09d4886.jpg)

should've been 3-1  :-X
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on May 15, 2007 at 08:19 PM
Hah! I love it! Everything gets rough in the playoffs and it's just so friggin awesome!

Tinker Bell doesn't have the right to take words with Horry after Big Shot Rob hockey checked Nash, considering the fact that he so blatantly clotheslined Kobe in last year's playoffs.

And Nash actually got up to rush Horry when there were people present. No sell, Steve.

Amare might be suspended for rushing out of the bench, but his alibi was that D'Antoni told him to check-in. Hah!  ::)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on May 16, 2007 at 12:57 AM
Amare might be suspended for rushing out of the bench, but his alibi was that D'Antoni told him to check-in. Hah!  ::)

i doubt he'll get suspended, but very lame excuse IMO

--

(http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/5669/templm4.png)
Dirk ends Nash's two-year grip on NBA MVP award (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2871035)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: bumblebee on May 16, 2007 at 07:42 AM
From what I've read, the NBA is very strict w/ this rule. I won't be surprised if Amare and Boris get suspended.

I say no suspensions, please. Even for Cheap Shot Rob.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Bravesfan on May 16, 2007 at 07:51 AM
Amare and Boris were suspended for game 5 and Horry suspended for two games...all because of Horry's cheap shot on Nash when the game is already over...

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2007/news/story?id=2871615 (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2007/news/story?id=2871615)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: bumblebee on May 16, 2007 at 07:56 AM
If that's the case, the Tim and Bruce should be suspended too. Read Steve Kerr's column @ Yahoo Sports.

Nakakainis.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Bravesfan on May 16, 2007 at 08:21 AM
I agree ...dami nga nagagalit sa mga forums... >:(

http://boards.msn.com/MSNBCboards/thread.aspx?threadid=286315 (http://boards.msn.com/MSNBCboards/thread.aspx?threadid=286315)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on May 16, 2007 at 08:43 AM
well, rules are rules, and NBA should be consistent. it ruined the series though, but i hate amare anyway  :P
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on May 16, 2007 at 08:45 AM
Wow.......Horry is really a clutch player.  ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: bumblebee on May 16, 2007 at 08:51 AM
Yup. He single-handedly sealed Game 5 in Game 4. What a luxury for Greg ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on May 16, 2007 at 09:22 AM
Wow.......Horry is really a clutch player.  ;D

Big Shot Bob strikes again (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=hill/070515)  ;D

i wonder if nash blames himself for the suspension of amare and diaw. if only he just stayed cool...
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: patupup on May 16, 2007 at 09:35 AM
I think Bullcrap Rob is the more applicable name from now on. Shame on you Horry! Sayang, you could have retired w/ a good name...
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: sardaukar on May 16, 2007 at 09:41 AM
I wonder if this means Jalen Rose will play. ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on May 16, 2007 at 09:47 AM
bulls are up by 21pts, end of 3rd qtr. bulls in 7?  ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: bumblebee on May 16, 2007 at 09:57 AM
bulls are up by 21pts, end of 3rd qtr. bulls in 7?  ;D

I wouldn't mind another first ;)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: garee on May 16, 2007 at 10:31 AM
Baby Bulls win, became only the ninth team trailing 3-0 to force a Game 6 after cruising past the Pistons in  Game 5, 108-92.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on May 16, 2007 at 11:12 AM
bulls have shown that they can outscore the pistons in chicago, especially if they don't have a breakdown in the 4th. hoping for a game 7...

im waiting for wallace to guaran-sheed game 6  ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on May 16, 2007 at 11:24 AM
Hahaha!

Karma creeping up on Phoenix. How's it feel to get roughed up all of a sudden, huh? What Horry did was just a statement. Nash deserves an Oscar for flailing his arms like it's so hard a hit. "There's your foul right there!" I seem to remember Tinker Bell saying after that clothesline. Nash got pimp slapped big time by Bigshot Rob. Let's see if the Suns retaliate in kind.

Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on May 16, 2007 at 11:20 PM
With all the flopping going on in with the Suns, even Nash' teammates can't tell if he did flopped on Horry's foul or not.  From where I'm seating, it was a cheapshot but the acting made it looked worst.  Too bad it backfired on the Suns!  :P
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on May 16, 2007 at 11:26 PM
With all the flopping going on in with the Suns, even Nash' teammates can't tell if he did flopped on Horry's foul or not.  From where I'm seating, it was a cheapshot but the acting made it looked worst.  Too bad it backfired on the Suns!  :P
  Nash is a soccer player by heart....he must have been watching too much euro football thats why the excessive flopping......hehe
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on May 17, 2007 at 09:05 AM
Stoudemire reacts to suspension, calls out Duncan (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2007/news/story?id=2872357)

again...

(http://espn-i.starwave.com/media/apphoto/2637dbbc-f2d2-4c40-a915-68f58a5164d3.jpg)

 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on May 17, 2007 at 11:42 AM
and i thought this will be a blowout...

suns lead at the half, 44-33  :-\
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: dobler on May 17, 2007 at 12:38 PM
If that's the case, the Tim and Bruce should be suspended too. Read Steve Kerr's column @ Yahoo Sports.

Nakakainis.

Here's Bill Simmons on the suspensions:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/070516
An excerpt:

So don't blame the NBA higher-ups for the way they interpreted that stupid, idiotic, foolish, moronic, brainless, unintelligent, foolhardy, imprudent, thoughtless, obtuse and thickheaded rule. Blame them for having the rule itself. Blame them for allowing the league to morph into something that doesn't quite resemble basketball anymore. Blame them for a league in which basketball players aren't totally allowed to think and act like basketball players and teammates aren't totally allowed to think and act like teammates. Blame them for an ongoing double standard in which the Bruce Bowens of the league can willfully endanger other players, but a roundhouse swipe on an attempted block can get someone ejected if they miss by a scant 10 inches while moving at full speed. Blame them for dubious officiating that's compromised the playoffs to the degree that an increasing number of fans are wondering where the WWE ends and the NBA begins.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: sardaukar on May 17, 2007 at 03:53 PM
Thanks for the link. I enjoyed reading it. I agree with most of his observations as well.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: dobler on May 17, 2007 at 08:55 PM
If the Spurs win it all this year, it'll be like the 1999 lockout joke of championship.  ;D >:( The Suns played a brilliant game 5 but as Steve Kerr mentioned in his latest column, do they have enough gas for the next game?
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: sardaukar on May 17, 2007 at 10:44 PM
It's always been the philosphy of the NBA to let the players decide the game (like not calling touch fouls on the last play). Well this is not letting the players decide. I agree that a rule is a rule. But they should revisit this rule. Unfortunately I doubt they will.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on May 17, 2007 at 10:53 PM
The NBA has become so paranoid of having a repeat of the Indiana-Detroit fisticuffs that spilled out of the playing court that it's sickening.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: dobler on May 17, 2007 at 10:55 PM
It's always been the philosphy of the NBA to let the players decide the game (like not calling touch fouls on the last play). Well this is not letting the players decide. I agree that a rule is a rule. But they should revisit this rule. Unfortunately I doubt they will.

Agreed. It's been mentioned before that in any sport at the highest level, athletes don't really think but react almost instinctively. Why penalize that?
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: sardaukar on May 19, 2007 at 12:23 PM
Well, whether the Suns would have won the series or not, I'm fairly certain that we've been deprived of what would have been an unforgettable game 7. We hardly ever get one. And very rarely with 2 teams of this caliber where it almost certainly would have been close and would probably have been decided in the last minute or the last shot. And because of that stupid rule that never happened. Way to go Stu. Way to go Stern.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on May 19, 2007 at 12:51 PM
Sucks to be the Suns. But not to rob the Spurs of their moment, but they did beat a complete Suns squad in game 6.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Wiggum on May 19, 2007 at 01:11 PM
A Game 7 would have been fitting for what was arguably the best series in the second round.  But you have to hand it to the Spurs and the way they played on both ends of the court in the third period.  Now, we're looking at what looks like a pretty dull Western finals.  Can't say that the Eastern finals is any better though.  :P  Detroit should win easily over Cleveland and return to the NBA finals.  As for the Spurs, I think the Jazz can present some problems defensively and it's also a well-coached team.  But most likely, the Spurs will advance.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: synchro_01 on May 19, 2007 at 01:18 PM
Detroit should win easily over Cleveland and return to the NBA finals. 

we can never be too sure about this. last year the entire Piston team including Ben Wallace had a hard time containing King James and the Cavs. It took them 7 games to dispose of the Cavs and if I remember it correctly the Cavs didnt even have Hughes during that series because of an injury.  This series  is gonna be a battle.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Wiggum on May 19, 2007 at 01:24 PM
we can never be too sure about this. last year the entire Piston team including Ben Wallace had a hard time containing King James and the Cavs. It took them 7 games to dispose of the Cavs and if I remember it correctly the Cavs didnt even have Hughes during that series because of an injury.  This series  is gonna be a battle.

Right, forgot about that.  Wonder whether Chris Webber will make a difference this time.

I'm gonna root for the Jazz and hope Fisher tortures the Spurs again at crunch time. ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on May 19, 2007 at 06:48 PM
Right, forgot about that.  Wonder whether Chris Webber will make a difference this time.

I'm gonna root for the Jazz and hope Fisher tortures the Spurs again at crunch time. ;D

I miss that.   0.4 SECOND
                  GOT FISHER??   
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on May 20, 2007 at 12:11 AM
congratulations to the spurs! whether fans give an * to this championship or not, they deserve it. sucks to be on the losing side i guess  :P

(http://www.espn.go.com/photo/2007/0518/nba_g_ginobili2_395.jpg)

Last chance for these Suns? (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dailydime-070519)
trade marion  ??? ::) :-\
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Wiggum on May 20, 2007 at 10:17 AM

(AP) - Capsule preview of the NBA conference finals, which start Sunday (with regular-season record, playoff mark in parentheses):

EASTERN CONFERENCE

No. 1 DETROIT PISTONS (53-29, 8-2) vs. No. 2 CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (50-32, 8-2)

Season series: Pistons, 3-1, by limiting the Cavaliers to 83 points per game. Cleveland's only victory came in overtime on March 7, when LeBron James scored a season-high 41 points in the Cavs' first win in Detroit in more than three years. Every Pistons starter averaged in double figures against Cleveland, while James scored 27 points per game.

Storyline: Back in the conference finals for the first time since 1992, Cleveland runs into a Detroit team that is here for the fifth year in a row. The Central Division rivals met in the second round last year, with the Pistons winning the final two games to take the series in seven.

Key Matchup I: Tayshaun Prince vs. James. Prince did a good job on Chicago's Luol Deng in the conference semifinals after Deng had torched Miami in the first round, but he couldn't slow James much in last year's series. New Jersey had some success when it turned James into a passer, but he might need to score big numbers in this round. Prince, who shot 52 percent and averaged 13 points this season against Cleveland, will try to make him work on the other end.

Key Matchup II: Antonio McDyess vs. Anderson Varejao. McDyess shot 65 percent and averaged 12 points in only 23 minutes per game against the Cavs. Varejao, also a reserve power forward, frustrated the Pistons in the series last year with his energy and toughness on the boards. Cleveland doesn't shoot a great percentage, but he can help them overcome that by hustling after loose balls to create extra possessions.

X-Factor: 3-point shooting. Detroit shot 25 percent from behind the arc against Cleveland, but the Cavs were even worse (10-for-52, 19 percent). Both teams play tough defense in the paint, and the best way to loosen them up is by hitting from the perimeter -- if either team can. Rasheed Wallace (2-for-15) and Chauncey Billups (5-for-17) must do better, and the Cavs probably can't live with Larry Hughes (1-for-11) and Donyell Marshall (2-for-11) struggling the way they did in the regular season.

Prediction: Pistons in 6.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

No. 3 SAN ANTONIO SPURS (58-24, 8-3) vs. No. 4 UTAH JAZZ (51-31, 8-4)

Season series: Tied, 2-2, with the Spurs extending their home winning streak against Utah to 16 games by winning both meetings in San Antonio. Tim Duncan and Tony Parker each averaged 21.5 points, with Duncan adding 11.3 rebounds per game. The Jazz held Manu Ginobili to 25 percent shooting. The Jazz limited the Spurs to 85.5 points per game in their two victories, but San Antonio averaged 104 at home.

Storyline: With the top two winners in the West gone, the longtime conference powers meet for a spot in the NBA finals. The Spurs are looking to reach the finals for the third time in five years, while the Jazz haven't been this far since 1998. Utah has won 11 of the 15 playoff series between the teams.

Key Matchup I: Duncan vs. Carlos Boozer. Duncan remains as good as it gets at power forward, but Boozer isn't far behind. However, Boozer managed only 16.7 points on 49 percent shooting in three games against San Antonio this season, well below the regular-season numbers that landed him on the All-Star team.

Key Matchup II: Bruce Bowen vs. Andrei Kirilenko. Bowen was at his best against Phoenix in the second round, annoying the Suns with his in-your-face defense and hitting some timely 3-pointers when left open. If the confused-looking Kirilenko from the first round shows up in this series, Utah is in trouble. But if he plays the way he did against Golden State, when he scored in double figures in every game while playing his terrific all-around defense, the Jazz will be in much better shape. Bad news for Utah fans: He averaged only 8.8 points and shot under 30 percent against the Spurs this season.

X-Factor: Derek Fisher. His return to the team after attending to his daughter's serious illness was an inspiration to the Jazz, and he added some timely 3-pointers and strong defense on Baron Davis. He'll probably be asked to slow Parker, and Spurs fans don't need to be reminded that he's a clutch playoff performer: His game-winning jumper for the Lakers in Game 5 of the 2004 West semifinals at San Antonio was perhaps the decisive blow in the Spurs' hopes to repeat that season.

Prediction: Spurs in 6.

Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: kimpOy on May 20, 2007 at 10:28 AM
trade marion? i dont think so... clearly phoenix needed another defensive big men to give 6 fouls on big fundamentals...

sayang lang ang bench full of 2s and 3s...jalen rose, the joneses,

this is the reason why dallas signed kevin willis if they meet the spurs in the west finals... kaso olats din sila.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on May 20, 2007 at 02:00 PM
My Fearless Predictions for the Second Round:
==================================
Utah Jazz over Golden State Warriors (4-2)  - right - right
Phoenix Suns over SA Spurs (4-1)  - wrong winner

Detroit Pistons over Chicago Bulls (4-2)  - right - right
NJ Nets over Cleveland Cavaliers (4-2)  - wrong winner
Only got 2 out of 4 (50%) for correct winning team... got (100%) correct on # of games though!

All my fave teams are officially out after the second round.  :(

My Fearless Predictions for the Conference Finals:
====================================
Detroit Pistons over Cleveland Cavaliers (4-1)
Utah Jazz over San Antonio Spurs (4-3)

Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: jeckjeck on May 21, 2007 at 10:40 AM
lost interest when both my fave teams got the boot -- New Jersey and Phoenix... but found myself rooting really hard for Utah... too bad their run in the 4th came too late... dunno why but I really hate San Antonio ... go Jazz!  ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on May 21, 2007 at 03:22 PM
lost interest when both my fave teams got the boot -- New Jersye and Phoenix... but found myself rooting really hard for Utah... too bad their run in the 4th came too late... dunno why but I really hate San Antonio ... go Jazz!  ;D

Hate is too strong a word for a bland team like the Spurs.  ;)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on May 21, 2007 at 03:43 PM
i understand, winning teams are usually hated. but its only this playoffs that the spurs are treated that way. last time i also hated the lakers when they were champs, and i dunno why  ;)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on May 21, 2007 at 05:45 PM
As I've said, hate is a strong word for the Spurs.  Hate is usually reserved for the Lakers, the Knicks, and the Celtics.  ;)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: john5479 on May 21, 2007 at 05:54 PM
Yep, the Spurs are bland but they get the job done.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: dobler on May 21, 2007 at 06:00 PM
As I've said, hate is a strong word for the Spurs.  Hate is usually reserved for the Lakers, the Knicks, and the Celtics.  ;)

Yeah, but the Lakers haven't been the same since Shaq left. While the Knicks and Cetics have been tarnished lately with front office incompetence. The Spurs have been consistent the past few years. They're the closest thing to a dynasty these days. So I guess there's some reason to "hate" them. But really, I hate David Stern more  ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: DVD_Freak on May 21, 2007 at 08:17 PM
the spurs are a very good team.  they do have three rings...but they are not great champs.

and they are boring as hell.  but being boring doesn't translate to them being mediocre.  they get the job done.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: runner10 on May 22, 2007 at 09:23 AM
the spurs are a very good team.  they do have three rings...but they are not great champs.

and they are boring as hell.  but being boring doesn't translate to them being mediocre.  they get the job done.

I agree.  The Spurs have championship rings but they are boring as hell.  I'd rather watch Ginebra play.  No wonder they are not a big market team in the NBA despite their championships.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: garee on May 22, 2007 at 10:25 AM
I want LBJ and the Cavs to be in the NBA Finals to make it more interesting.
Don't want another boring Spurs-Pistons championship.  :P
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on May 22, 2007 at 10:45 AM
"Lebron Rules" seem to work again... limiting LBJ to only 10 pts on 10-15fg  :o :o :o  but he did have 11rebs 9ast 4stls 1blk

looks like this will be a long series for the pistons like last year...

i'd welcome another pistons-spurs matchup to see c-webb's face when the spurs win their 4th title  ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: dobler on May 22, 2007 at 11:22 AM
Bron Bron's been dialing in his performance the whole year. At this point, he's more concerned about becoming a multi millionaire. Please show us you care, drop 50 points against Detroit! Please!
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: lord_vader on May 23, 2007 at 09:38 AM
I think too much credit is being given to Detroit's and Prince's defense. Actually, it seems it was the Cavs game plan after all to make LBJ pass first. He just took 15 shots, and was not that aggressive in going to the basket. Kobe, AI, Melo, Arenas and the rest of the scorers like him take around 25-30 shots a game. To think that LBJ scored just 10 points, took only 15 shots, passed up on the game-winning shot, and they were one Donyell Marshall 3 pointer away from upsetting the Pistons at home, is not bad at all.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on May 23, 2007 at 09:50 AM
Blazers win draft lottery, No. 1 pick (http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=211620)

Boston's luck has really run out!
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: lord_vader on May 23, 2007 at 10:01 AM
I'm just watching the Spurs torch the Jazz by scoring 58 points already by halftime. In my opinion, I don't think they are as boring as most people think. They have abandoned their slow low post game anchored on Duncan, and instead go on pick and rolls, run when they have an opportunity, score successive three pointers, etc. They have one of the quickest point guards in the league, plus an unorthodox shooting guard who dribbles behind the back amidst traffic or during fast breaks, a Horry or Finley to knock down clutch shots, and add to that a "rugged" defender who could probably drill corner threes with one eye closed.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Wiggum on May 23, 2007 at 01:53 PM
Blazers win draft lottery, No. 1 pick (http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=211620)

Boston's luck has really run out!


The West just got stronger (if Oden and Durant are picked 1-2 in the draft by Portland and Seattle), while the East became less interesting. :P
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on May 23, 2007 at 02:43 PM
everybody's talking about oden and durant, but that batch might just have another wade and bosh  ;)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: john5479 on May 23, 2007 at 05:06 PM
I hope so, but Oden is legit in my eyes 8) he more than held his own against the star players of florida.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on May 23, 2007 at 05:32 PM
With the likelihood of both Oden and Durant being in the West, this might very well be the final straw that would push Garnett to demand for that trade.  Portland's future looks very bright with Oden or Durant, Aldridge, and Roy.  If they can manage to trade Randolph for a PG of same value, it's most likely that the Trailblazers would be a better team than the Timberwolves.  Seattle can get either Durant or Oden depending on the Blazer's choice.  If they can manage to retain both Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis, Seattle looks to be better than the Wolves, too.

With this, Garnett may demand for that trade.  To go to the East where it's easier to reach the Finals or at the least pair up with a middle of the pack team (Lakers, Rockets, Nuggets, Warriors, etc.) out West.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on May 25, 2007 at 11:52 AM
argh, another meltdown by the cavs! 26pts in the second half!?! c'mon bron bron  >:(
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: john5479 on May 25, 2007 at 12:05 PM
Lebron still needs to assert himself more, driving to the hoop then passing  at the last minute wont get the job done.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on May 25, 2007 at 07:03 PM
Lebron still needs to assert himself more, driving to the hoop then passing  at the last minute wont get the job done.

It's turning out that he's a notch lower than Wade at this point of time in their careers.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on May 25, 2007 at 07:34 PM
I think Lebron should go and drive more to the basket and draw the fouls, regardless if the Pistons are a pretty good defensive team. Hell, Wade gets a lot of phantom calls, so he should get some of them, too.

If only James had a reliable jumper, then he'd truly be impossible to contain.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on May 28, 2007 at 08:39 AM
more summer news

Kobe wants West to return to Lakers with full authority (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2884339)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on May 29, 2007 at 09:01 AM
more summer news

Kobe wants West to return to Lakers with full authority (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2884339)

suggestion...demand... i thought both means the same in the nba   :P

Kobe says he's just suggesting West's return, not demanding it (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2884792)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on May 29, 2007 at 11:59 AM
suggestion...demand... i thought both means the same in the nba   :P

Kobe says he's just suggesting West's return, not demanding it (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2884792)

Uh, when has suggestion meant the same as demand?  :o

It's been weeks since the Lakers has been eliminated from the playoffs.  We're right at the middle of the conference finals, and still Kobe and the Lakers gets front page news!  That's why it would be an act of foolishness to think that the Lakers will trade arguably the best player in the NBA and without a doubt the most popular one.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: du1mij on May 29, 2007 at 08:16 PM
lost interest when both my fave teams got the boot -- New Jersey and Phoenix... but found myself rooting really hard for Utah... too bad their run in the 4th came too late... dunno why but I really hate San Antonio ... go Jazz!  ;D

Same here!  :D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: john5479 on May 30, 2007 at 09:20 AM
As much as i like the spurs, i am now a fan of deron williams, that kid can play 8)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on May 30, 2007 at 11:17 AM
utah's future is indeed bright with williams and boozer. can help but think how would boozer shine with lebron  ::)

--

rise up! series tied 2-2  ;)

(http://espn-i.starwave.com/media/apphoto/9b8c47f9-6b13-4d93-81fb-a068adba445e.jpg)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: garee on May 31, 2007 at 08:35 AM
Dirk for Kobe? (http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/basketball/mavs/stories/052907dnspotaylor.2a77db3.html)

why not. go for it Cuban!  ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on May 31, 2007 at 09:12 AM
The starting five of PHOENIX SUNS according to Bill Simmons.....

NASH
KOBE BRYANT
BELL
DIAW
STOUDEMIRE  (or might even be a KG)

 ;D ;D ;D

Deal No. 1: Phoenix trades Shawn Marion, Leandro Barbosa, Marcus Banks and the rights to Atlanta's 2008 first-rounder to the Lakers for Kobe and Radmanovic.

Now we're talking! Some of my favorite things about this trade include …

(A) The Lakers ending up with a nucleus of Marion, Odom, Barbosa and Bynum, along with Farmar, Walton, Turiaf and the No. 19 pick, as well as the inevitable Kwame Brown trade to a moronic team that convinces itself that Kwame's career could be salvaged. That's a pretty good foundation.

(B) Phoenix trotting out a starting lineup of Nash, Kobe, Raja Bell, Amare Stoudemire and Boris Diaw. Good golly. Sweet Jesus.

(C) Radmanovic realizing his manifest destiny of playing in Phoenix. It was meant to be from the moment Mike D'Antoni and Nash teamed up three years ago.

(D) Kobe and Raja as teammates. High comedy. The most improbable pairing since Rodman and Pippen 12 years ago.

(E) The most selfish player in the league (Kobe) playing with the most unselfish player in the league (Nash). What a fascinating sociological experiment. If Nash can turn Kobe into a team player, I'm voting him for our 2008 president even though he's Canadian.

Two potential problems: First, it's unlikely that the Lakers would be dumb enough to trade Kobe within their own division, although with Kupchak involved, anything's possible. And second, assuming that Nash has a say in front-office decisions at this point, would he really want to green-light a scenario that has him managing two enormous egos in Stoudemire and Kobe?

Well, lemme throw this at you: What if the Suns then swapped Stoudemire to Minnesota for KG, as I proposed in a May 14 column? That would give them the following crunch-time lineup: Nash, Kobe, Bell, Diaw and KG. Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 World Champions! Just send them the trophy right now.

So that's my vote: Black Mamba, you're going to Phoenix to play with KG and Nash. And if it happens, I can guarantee that the 2008 playoffs will be more entertaining than the 2007 playoffs.


http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/blog/index?name=simmons&entryDate=20070530 (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/blog/index?name=simmons&entryDate=20070530)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: runner10 on May 31, 2007 at 03:19 PM
Well the Spurs are the West Champs again.  Which means we are going to have another boring finals....
ZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzz.......
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v167/CFM33/tim.jpg)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on May 31, 2007 at 06:31 PM
Well the Spurs are the West Champs again.  Which means we are going to have another boring finals....
ZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzz.......

You mean you're not yet bored with the Conference finals we're seeing?  ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on May 31, 2007 at 11:22 PM
well, at least the west finals was more entertaining than the east. and wait till detroit wins the east  ;D  two boRING teams in the finals. defense wins championship  ;)  btw, more spurs = more eva  ;D

the daily top 5 plays of the east finals game 4 was ALL LEBRON  ;D  i hope the King wins the east. good luck against bowen  :D

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/blog/index?name=simmons&entryDate=20070530 (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/blog/index?name=simmons&entryDate=20070530)

i like this one, Deal No. 2: Chicago trades Luol Deng, Ben Gordon, Victor Khryapa and the No. 9 pick for Kobe. then change his jersey number to 23  ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on Jun 01, 2007 at 12:13 AM
i like this one, Deal No. 2: Chicago trades Luol Deng, Ben Gordon, Victor Khryapa and the No. 9 pick for Kobe. then change his jersey number to 23  ;D

LOL!  ;D  This would f_ck up almost all rabid Jordan fans.  ;D  On the other hand, he won't need to change his jersey number.  24 > 23.  ;)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Wiggum on Jun 01, 2007 at 08:11 AM
Excerpt from an MSNBC report (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18967067/) about the Lakers' efforts to appease King Kobe:

The Lakers and Pacers have discussed a trade that would bring Jermaine O'Neal to Los Angeles and perhaps placate disgruntled Bryant , the New York Post reported Thursday.

The newspaper said that the Lakers asked about O'Neal's availability in the past week and were told that the 6-foot-11, six-time All-Star — who was drafted four spots apart from Bryant in 1996 — indeed was a trade possibility.

No negotiations have occurred, the Post said, but that the Lakers told the Pacers that they have enough picks and/or players to make the deal happen. Lamar Odom would be a likely component of the trade since he makes $12,348,596 under the cap, the Post added.


I'd really hate to see Odom go.  But after Kobe's tantrums, the Lakers will definitely shake up its current roster, and Odom will probably be one Laker that they'll have to throw in to make any deal work.  I hope they get rid of Kwame Brown instead.  But now that he's damaged goods, looks like he's not going anywhere.  >:(  The Lakers should seriously reconsider too whether keeping Bynum is worth it. 

Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: runner10 on Jun 01, 2007 at 09:27 AM
You mean you're not yet bored with the Conference finals we're seeing?  ;D


I only saw game #1 of the west final and that was it - I knew ZZZzzz Spurs would win that series anyway.  The east final is boring as well but at least the Cavs seems to be giving more effort than the Jazz.  I predict the east final will go 7 games.  Hope Bron comes out on top.  Btw, did anyone see Bron ward off Rip before he was going to take his free throws will a couple of secs remaining in the game?  Rip approached Bron to trash talk him before the FTs but Bron just nudged him and sank both freebies.  Hehehehe. Owned!

PS: Don't care for Eva L too much also.  I'll take Teri Hatcher/Marcia Cross anytime.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Jun 01, 2007 at 11:29 AM
seems like east finals game 5 wont just end. now on 2OT  :o
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Jun 01, 2007 at 11:44 AM
jordan-like classic? LeBron was 48-9-7 vs the Pistons for 2OT, hitting the game-winning layup  ;D

Hail the King!  ;)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: JAZZ on Jun 01, 2007 at 11:44 AM
48 pts 2OT

last 25 pts of Cleveland

last 29 of 30

shot after shot

phenomenal game by LBJ

Beat Detroit
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: boredfilmmaker on Jun 01, 2007 at 11:49 AM
now that's what you call a one-man show!
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Jun 01, 2007 at 11:53 AM
now im thinking Bron passing the ball last game1 was a bad decision  ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: runner10 on Jun 01, 2007 at 12:01 PM
Now that was a basketball game!!!  Spurs, that's how to play exciting basketball.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: garee on Jun 01, 2007 at 08:25 PM
it seems that lebron is standing in the way of webber and if ever, eventually finley for the nba championship.

what a superb game by lebron. i think the commentator mention "jordanesque"
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Jun 02, 2007 at 01:00 AM
what do u think of Steve Kerr as the new Suns GM  ;)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Jun 02, 2007 at 10:09 AM
(http://nightmare.org/wp-images/lbj_we_are_all_witnesses.jpg)
Yeah.........that game cemented it.  Im now a certified LeBron Fan.

Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: garee on Jun 02, 2007 at 12:01 PM
what do u think of Steve Kerr as the new Suns GM  ;)

i think Steve is a Kobe fan, he will push with the deal no.1 of bill simmons  ;D

1st year as GM then an NBA finals appearance, probably a championship trophy. sweet ;D  :D  ;)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on Jun 03, 2007 at 12:29 AM
what do u think of Steve Kerr as the new Suns GM  ;)

The Suns just added another 3-point threat to their team!!!   ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: skylynx888 on Jun 03, 2007 at 11:28 AM
kawawa naman c webber  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Jun 03, 2007 at 03:03 PM
The Cavs are in the Finals.....at least Ill have something to root for.........Long Live the King!!!  ;D ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Jun 03, 2007 at 03:30 PM
(http://img02.picoodle.com/img/img02/8/6/3/f_experrtsm_693db1c.jpg)

well what do "experts" know...
hehehe....."bilog pa rin ang bola" ika nga... ;D ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Jun 04, 2007 at 08:40 AM
this might be the end of the pistons era in the east. i doubt billups and webber will come back
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: bumblebee on Jun 04, 2007 at 08:41 AM
(http://img02.picoodle.com/img/img02/8/6/3/f_experrtsm_693db1c.jpg)

well what do "experts" know...

Not to take anything from the Cavs and James, but the Pistons were horrible in this series don't you think?
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Jun 04, 2007 at 08:54 AM
Not to take anything from the Cavs and James, but the Pistons were horrible in this series don't you think?
Yes, I could agree with that.    I think there is some internal squabble among the Pistons.   

Another factor would be the league's policy on keeping a free-flowing game to generate offense.  I miss those play-off hard fouls.  Sometimes I think nobody can touch anyone anymore on defense.  Play-off intensity isnt what it used to be.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: bumblebee on Jun 04, 2007 at 09:02 AM
I agree. Now, it's "win or go home". Dati, it's "do or die".
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: JAZZ on Jun 04, 2007 at 10:46 AM
I favor this change otherwise Detroit would have been more boring to watch if they revert to their Bad Boys days. Imagine LBJ driving to the lanes going strong for the slam but 3 Pistons come hard at him crashing him to the ground for free throws. 

If you have a thing with free throw contests, fine with me but I think I'll watch Bron slam that one in any given Sunday.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: sardaukar on Jun 04, 2007 at 10:58 AM
So I'm watching the finals after all. Hadn't planned on it anymore if it was SA v. Det. ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: runner10 on Jun 04, 2007 at 11:07 AM
For sure the Cavs will be the underdog in the finals.  I'll be rooting for the Bron & Co.
But if I were to bet, I'll put my money on the ZZZZZzzzzzpurs (even though I hate them).
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: geckoph on Jun 04, 2007 at 05:09 PM
Well, ano na nga playoff record ni Flip Saunders...8 straight 1st round elimination with Minnesota, then, 3 straight conference finals elimination with Minnesota and Detroit...that's 3 down 5 to go...yun ay kung papayag si Dumars na mangyari yun...
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: john5479 on Jun 06, 2007 at 10:47 PM
I like the message that bill russel gave to lebron and company, as much as he likes how the spurs play and admiring duncan...he goes out saying to the cavs that they dont just represent cleveland, they represent the Eastern Conference, make me proud!!! 8)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Jun 07, 2007 at 01:32 PM
Kerr looking to tweak Suns after hiring made official (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2895960)

maybe no major trades after all  ::)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Jun 08, 2007 at 10:10 AM
king james fails to impress on his first finals appearance, 4pts on 0/7 fg at the half  :o  but interestingly they're only down by 5, 35-40
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Jun 08, 2007 at 02:14 PM
(http://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2007/0607/nba_a_spurs2_412.jpg)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on Jun 08, 2007 at 05:42 PM
Can't wait for October... oh yeah, we don't have a champion yet! ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: lord_vader on Jun 08, 2007 at 11:43 PM
(http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a323/nmsgmd2/stwitnessppscv6.jpg)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Jun 12, 2007 at 12:31 AM
(http://espn-i.starwave.com/media/apphoto/56956681-85c3-450e-a9a1-214493c7afe0.jpg)

like the spurs fan said, bring out LeBroom  ;D  i guess The King arrived in the finals too early...
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on Jun 12, 2007 at 01:13 AM
I know the veteran Spurs might be thinking sweep...but so did the Pistons and they're the ones who got swept after they lead 2-0.

Let's see what King James and his royal subjects can do to stave off a San Antonio invasion. 
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: geckoph on Jun 12, 2007 at 07:38 AM
Really? There are people out there who had that thought? Pistons sweeping the Cavs? Surprising...
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on Jun 12, 2007 at 10:18 AM
Really? There are people out there who had that thought? Pistons sweeping the Cavs? Surprising...

Yeah, really.  What's surprising is that Cleveland won 4 straight games...

That's why there was a clamor for Saunders' head after Detroit lost the series.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: geckoph on Jun 12, 2007 at 12:03 PM
I wasn't surprise at all at Cleveland's 4 straight wins...I thought Cleveland should have won the first 2 games...Cleveland lost to themselves, actually...those where the games where LBJ was TOO unselfish...

As for Choke Saunders of Detroit...I wasn't surprise at that, as well...He has proven he's a good/great regular season coach, but, not during the playoffs...he's the Dirk Nowitzki of coaching, good/great during regular play, but, chokes during the playoffs...anyway, here's the latest tally on Choke Saunders -- 8 straight 1st round elimination and 3 straight conference finals elimination...that's 5 more conference finals elimination to go...

Anyway, let's forget the "could have, should have, would have..." of the Cleveland vs. Detroit series...'coz I believe, based on their battle, Cleveland is the better team and they won...

As for the NBA Finals...I am for the Spurs (always have...have been a Spurs fan, since, the Admiral entered the league...)...the next few games will be interesting, since, the Cavs will be hosting the next 3 games...these are the games where we can get our answer on whether or not Tony Parker will win the Finals MVP, if ever the Spurs win the series...eventhough, I am a Spurs fan...I am not really a fan of Tony Parker, nevertheless, he's my pick for Finals MVP for the first 2 games...

Naturally, if the Cavs makes a comeback and wins...there is no question that LBJ will be named Finals MVP...
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on Jun 12, 2007 at 01:14 PM
 :D

Cleveland may be representing the East, but they're certainly not the best that the East has to offer.  Same can be said of San Antonio.  SA should allocate one ring to the Warriors for taking out the Mavericks, some may say two more rings for both Stern and Stu(pid) Jackson for that Phoenix brouhaha.

As to why Cleveland won against Detroit, many are saying that the Pistons lost because they took the Cavaliers too lightly.  Same thing that is being expected from San Antonio right now.  People would not clamor for Saunders' firing if Cleveland has shown without a shadow of a doubt that they are the better team this year.  The Pistons just choked that's why they're blaming Flip.  Cleveland didn't lost to themselves, it was the Pistons who did!

As for the latest tally on Flip Saunders, name me one better replacement out there.  Billups and Price didn't have a good series, and still they're putting all the blame on Flip?
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: bumblebee on Jun 12, 2007 at 01:26 PM
The Cavs should just enjoy this series. Learn a thing or two, get used to the atmosphere. In two years, I think they could be champs.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Jun 12, 2007 at 02:26 PM
the cavs may not be the best the east can offer, but they're the best team for me for surviving the playoffs, same with the spurs in the west. they won. they're the better team in each series. life is unpredictable and unfair, so teams shouldn't be whiners, they should adjust, which i hope the cavs do. but they're up against the consistent veteran spurs, so good luck  ;D

as for the cavs next year, i'd say trade hughes. bron needs a better #2
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: bumblebee on Jun 12, 2007 at 03:19 PM
Well, they did make it this far so I think the Cavs should just stick with the current roster. Nasa East naman sila e ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: geckoph on Jun 12, 2007 at 03:33 PM
:D

Cleveland may be representing the East, but they're certainly not the best that the East has to offer.  Same can be said of San Antonio.  SA should allocate one ring to the Warriors for taking out the Mavericks, some may say two more rings for both Stern and Stu(pid) Jackson for that Phoenix brouhaha.

As to why Cleveland won against Detroit, many are saying that the Pistons lost because they took the Cavaliers too lightly.  Same thing that is being expected from San Antonio right now.  People would not clamor for Saunders' firing if Cleveland has shown without a shadow of a doubt that they are the better team this year.  The Pistons just choked that's why they're blaming Flip.  Cleveland didn't lost to themselves, it was the Pistons who did!

As for the latest tally on Flip Saunders, name me one better replacement out there.  Billups and Price didn't have a good series, and still they're putting all the blame on Flip?

Is there anyone better than choke Saunders out there? Maybe yes, maybe no...nevertheless, I did say he's a good/great regular season coach...I think I'll stick to he's a good regular season coach... :)

San Antonio? Not the best that the West has to offer? At least, they can make right the wrong...that is the "Best in the West" won the championship trophy...which Dallas failed to accomplish last season...
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on Jun 12, 2007 at 04:30 PM
Is there anyone better than choke Saunders out there? Maybe yes, maybe no...nevertheless, I did say he's a good/great regular season coach...I think I'll stick to he's a good regular season coach... :)

San Antonio? Not the best that the West has to offer? At least, they can make right the wrong...that is the "Best in the West" won the championship trophy...which Dallas failed to accomplish last season...

What I'm saying is... replace Saunders if you can get anyone out there who'll do better.  The Pistons lost not because of the X's and O's... has Mike Brown outcoached Saunders?  Most definitely not!  The Pistons played poorly and they paid for it... at any rate, I think they knew that just like the Cavs, they don't have any chance to beat the Spurs.

Saying that Saunders is a good regular coach may apply to almost all of the current coaches out there... only Jackson, Riley, and Popovich are better based on your criteria.  What about Jerry Sloan?  Is there any tally on him?

It's time to retool the Pistons... they had their time.  They've invested so much on their starting 5 to the point where they gave up on Okur, Darko, and Arroyo.  If I were Dumars, I'll try to find a way to deal Rasheed and Hamilton.  Keep Prince, re-sign Billups.  Try to re-sign Webber to the same cheap amount.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: geckoph on Jun 12, 2007 at 11:52 PM
Only Jackson, Riley and Popovich are better than Saunders during the regular season? I believe there is "at least" one more coach who is better than Saunders -- Don Nelson...plus, Saunders' "playoffs accomplishments" or his "coaching accomplishments as opposed to other coaches" has nothing to do with me calling him a "good" regular season coach...
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on Jun 13, 2007 at 08:42 AM
Only Jackson, Riley and Popovich are better than Saunders during the regular season? I believe there is "at least" one more coach who is better than Saunders -- Don Nelson...plus, Saunders' "playoffs accomplishments" or his "coaching accomplishments as opposed to other coaches" has nothing to do with me calling him a "good" regular season coach...

Jackson, Riley and Popovich are the only current coaches who has won a championship.  You listed Saunders' failures/accomplishments in the postseason and labeled him as only a good regular season coach.  I assumed you also mean that he is a bad coach to have in the playoffs.  With that in mind, I named those three above as the only 3 coaches better than Saunders based on your criteria.  Not even Jerry Sloan nor Don Nelson is on the same league as those three, again based on your criteria.

For me, Saunders is on the same league as Don Nelson, Lawrence Frank, Rick Carlisle, Avery Johnson, and Eddie Jordan to name a few.  Jerry Sloan is a notch higher than them.  Of the aforementioned coaches, only Rick Carlisle is available and I don't think that Dumars would want to go the same route again.  The ultimate coach for me if I have a team would be Don Nelson on offense and Rick Carlisle on defense.  Two coaches just like football, I think.  ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: garee on Jun 13, 2007 at 11:52 AM
Spurs win game3 75-72

3-0 lead best of 7

Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Wiggum on Jun 13, 2007 at 12:11 PM
Potentially the first NBA Finals sweep since the Lakers' 4-0 romp over NJ in 2002.  When's the NBA Draft?  :) 
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Jun 13, 2007 at 12:32 PM
spurs won despite the spurs big 3 meltdown. wow  ;D

im happy for finley  ;)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: geckoph on Jun 13, 2007 at 12:34 PM
The 3rd game was really ugly to watch...either both teams are playing good defense or they're shooting poorly...neverthless, I'm happy the Spurs won...
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on Jun 13, 2007 at 01:12 PM
The 3rd game was really ugly to watch...either both teams are playing good defense or they're shooting poorly...neverthless, I'm happy the Spurs won...

I have the same sentiment, bro!  Cleveland has had their chances... it wasn't the best defense of San Antonio that they saw during the 4th Quarter but they still can't score.  A see-saw battle where two teams answer each other's scoring is waaayyy better than seeing two teams answering each other's misses.

This series is... O-V-E-...  ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: geckoph on Jun 13, 2007 at 01:36 PM
Parker? Finals MVP? It's still his after 3 games...
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Jun 13, 2007 at 01:40 PM
I have the same sentiment, bro!  Cleveland has had their chances... it wasn't the best defense of San Antonio that they saw during the 4th Quarter but they still can't score.  A see-saw battle where two teams answer each other's scoring is waaayyy better than seeing two teams answering each other's misses.

This series is... O-V-E-...  ;D

yeah.........ho....hum......

im more excited sa offseason.....kasi talunan yung team ko..... ;D ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on Jun 13, 2007 at 04:43 PM
yeah.........ho....hum......

im more excited sa offseason.....kasi talunan yung team ko..... ;D ;D

Me too... my top 5 teams are all out.. heheh.  Last year, two of my teams are vying for it.  I had the same excitement watching last year as I do now.  Mas ok siguro na isa lang sa team mo ang lumalaban for the championship, makes it more nerve-wracking.  ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Jun 15, 2007 at 08:02 AM
Right team at the right time for Robert Horry.   He could win his 7th ring if the Spurs close it tonight.   More than MJ, more than Magic.   He practically bagged it when he hip-checked Nash, hehehehe  ;D ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Jun 15, 2007 at 09:35 AM
has there ever been 2 Finals MVPs? i'd still go with Parker. if Manu wasn't able to win co-MVP with Duncan before, then i'll vote for TP only. but of course, TD's presence was very important as always. anyway, the Spurs isn't a team with much egos. the ultimate goal is one win away guys  ;)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on Jun 15, 2007 at 11:55 AM
Wow! Spurs win the series. A shocker. Who woulda thought?  ::)  ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Jun 15, 2007 at 12:09 PM
If I were Kobe, Id migrate to the East.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: john5479 on Jun 15, 2007 at 12:10 PM
I dont find it a shock at all that the spurs won :)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Jun 15, 2007 at 12:21 PM
witness the sweep  :D

(http://espn-i.starwave.com/media/apphoto/e418aba3-2de5-4fd9-b348-5a4aef53ae9d.jpg)


next challenge for the champs, try to repeat  :P
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: geckoph on Jun 15, 2007 at 12:25 PM
...How "SWEEP" it is, 8th sweep in NBA history;
...Finley's 1st, Horry's 7th (the most by any player in NBA history who didn't play for the Boston Celtics) and everyone's in-between;
...Spurs' 4th championship trophy, joining the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls as the only teams in NBA history to win four titles;
...Parker wins Finals MVP.

WOOHOO!!!
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Jun 15, 2007 at 12:45 PM
a 5th ring is still possible with these 2

(http://espn-i.starwave.com/media/apphoto/f4bdcf9c-c9c6-45c6-8b09-3765c2568cd5.jpg)

who would've thought finley's the first ex-mavs big 3 to get a ring

(http://espn-i.starwave.com/media/apphoto/9b5657cd-f9d9-432e-9901-4266e424250d.jpg)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on Jun 15, 2007 at 02:54 PM
With a possibility of adding two more very good international players (Luis Scola and I think a 7-footer), the Spurs does look good to repeat or at least win another one for its 5th.  This year, in my opinion, it was only the Mavericks who can beat this team in a 7-game series.  They should thank the Warriors for taking care of the Mavs!  :)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on Jun 15, 2007 at 05:31 PM
History's against the Spurs in terms of repeating.  ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: DVD_Freak on Jun 15, 2007 at 06:46 PM
until they can actually repeat...history does dictate they wouldn't be able to do so.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Hitman on Jun 15, 2007 at 06:59 PM
BIG BORING SERIES!!! :(

wlang kwenta ang cast at ang ending...
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: The Stig on Jun 16, 2007 at 12:52 PM
Marunong naman palang tumawa si Tim Duncan.  ::)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Wiggum on Jun 17, 2007 at 08:50 AM
Here we go again: Kobe reportedly stands firm on his trade demand (http://www.pe.com/sports/basketball/breakout/stories/PE_Sports_Local_D_lakers_16.3dccb4a.html), with teams like NY and Chicago possibly involved.  If this is going to happen (which I really doubt), I think NY would be a better fit.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: jeckjeck on Jun 18, 2007 at 12:45 PM
BIG BORING SERIES!!! :(

wlang kwenta ang cast at ang ending...

even the celebrations when SA won already were so dull... most of the SA players just raised their arms and had huge smiles on their mugs... Si Finley lang yata yung medyo emotional...  :P
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Jun 18, 2007 at 12:49 PM
its becoming a habit every June  ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on Jun 18, 2007 at 10:59 PM
D@mnit!

Kobe's still demanding a trade to Chicago. It seems like he's dead-set on leaving the LAkers coz of lack of improvements to their line-up. I think he got pissed eversince the Jason Kidd deal went pffft.

I read somewhere that there's an audio clip where fans ask if Kobe's staying (in LA) and Kobe replied "Get a Bulls/Chicago uniform..." Even his website's saying that he's not budging on the trade demand. He wants out.


Say it ain't so, Kobe...  :'(
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: The Stig on Jun 18, 2007 at 11:11 PM
Get Kobe some help and keep him in LA Dammit!
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on Jun 18, 2007 at 11:24 PM
Posted this one in a TSN blog of a friend:
Kobe might turn out to be the epitome of a "me-first" player BUT I don't think that he's this stupid to keep on flip-flopping on the trade demand. Just like ChickLives, I smell a zen strategy working here.

Tell the world that Kobe is available, and then wait for the offers to see who's available there. Then try to work the talks so that suddenly Bryant is not being traded but someone else instead. That's how I normally do in Fantasy basketball... although admittedly trading in the NBA is ten times more complex than in Fantasyland.


His blog has some "insider" (not sure if true) info as to the state of the Lakers trades... read it here: DEFCON 24 (http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/LakerKev/89226)!
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Jun 22, 2007 at 09:19 AM
KG: No to Celtics, Yes to Suns (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2912075)  ???

(http://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2007/0621/nba_g_garnett_nash_275.jpg)

Amare for KG deal...sweet  :-*  Besides, MVP Nash won't be around that long anymore. And you know the Suns offense without him
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: runner10 on Jun 22, 2007 at 09:32 AM
KG: No to Celtics, Yes to Suns (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2912075)  ???

(http://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2007/0621/nba_g_garnett_nash_275.jpg)

Amare for KG deal...sweet  :-*  Besides, MVP Nash won't be around that long anymore. And you know the Suns offense without him

KG is a choker.  I'll go for Amare anytime. 
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Hitman on Jun 22, 2007 at 09:38 AM
amare is more versatile than KG, period...
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on Jun 22, 2007 at 12:03 PM
I think Amare and KG aren't your typical "go-to-guy" when the game's on the line. But they're equally talented on both offense and defense (although I'd pick KG on defense). The only thing going for Amare right now is youth, but then again, Stoudamire's injury is still suspect.

Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Jun 22, 2007 at 02:56 PM
i just pray the twolves won't be forced to trade KG with Marion and the others. Nash, Amare, KG  ???
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on Jun 22, 2007 at 08:19 PM
If I were Kevin McHale, I'll only deal KG to the Suns if both Amare and Barbosa is involved.  Perhaps a deal like KG + Davis for Amare, Barbosa and Diaw. 

Heck if I were McHale, I would just trade KG to the Lakers for Kwame Brown, Brian Cook, and Smush Parker!  ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on Jun 22, 2007 at 09:25 PM
Biggest rumor so far!!!


The twin cities news papers are reporting an expanded Timberwolves trade rumor:

This one is gaining momentum and has Kevin Garnett going to the Suns as part of a three team deal with the Celtics that would bring the T-Wolves Kurt Thomas from the Suns and Theo Ratliff from the Celtics, both of whom have expiring contracts after next season.

The Suns would send forward Shawn Marion to the Celtics, who would then send guard Sebastian Telfair to the T-Wolves.

The T-Wolves would get the Celtics' No. 5 overall pick and the Suns' No. 24 overall pick in next week's NBA draft, and keep their No. 7 overall pick.

In addition, the second-round conditional pick they owe Boston for a past deal would be eliminated.


Taken from a blog of another friend at TSN, a very reliable source for Suns news... This just in! (http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/gamepass/89991)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Wiggum on Jun 26, 2007 at 07:46 AM
Now, this is more like it: KB and KG in purple and gold?? (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19419768/)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Jun 26, 2007 at 07:56 AM
Now, this is more like it: KB and KG in purple and gold?? (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19419768/)
If they cant win with Odom and Bynum around.......Id certainly welcome this.........do it Mitch!!!!!

PG ?
SG Kobe Bryant
SF Luke Walton
PF Brian Cook
C   Kevin Garnett

Even with KG, I dont think it will still be enough to supplant the Spurs or the Suns......they need help in the PG position.....Billups perhaps??? hehehehe....wishful thinking.. :P
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Jun 26, 2007 at 09:17 AM
seems unfair for the twolves when they can get at least marion and barbosa, or possibly even amare  ::)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: geckoph on Jun 26, 2007 at 03:57 PM
match ba salary nila? is KG's salary = marion's salary + barbosa's salary?
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Jun 26, 2007 at 05:44 PM
doesn't match but accdg to the trade machine (http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/traderesult?players=261~2166~510&teams=21~16~16), valid naman raw  :D  even add raja bell (http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/traderesult?players=261~2166~49~510&teams=21~16~16~16) and its still valid  ::)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: geckoph on Jun 26, 2007 at 11:32 PM
you're probably right...valid naman sya sa phoenix...kaso, ayaw naman ng minnesota kay matrix, kahit siguro isama pa ng phoenix si barbosa...kahit isama pa si bell...alam naman natin ang galing ni KG...lugi pa rin ang minnesota...
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on Jun 27, 2007 at 01:53 AM
If they cant win with Odom and Bynum around.......Id certainly welcome this.........do it Mitch!!!!!

PG ?
SG Kobe Bryant
SF Luke Walton
PF Brian Cook
C   Kevin Garnett

Even with KG, I dont think it will still be enough to supplant the Spurs or the Suns......they need help in the PG position.....Billups perhaps??? hehehehe....wishful thinking.. :P

Possible starters:
PG  ? / Jordan  ;D
SG  Kobe
SF  Luke Walton / Mo Evans / Vlad Rad
PF  Kevin Garnett
C   Kwame Brown / C. Mihm

With KG, plus an improved Farmar or a new starting PG to be named later (c'mon Chauncey don't be shy!) this is a team that can compete with the Spurs, the Suns, and the Mavs (don't sleep on the Mavs).  Defense from the bigs would still be the key!  Billups and Kidd are really not wishful thinking if (and only if) the Lakers can land Garnett.  Landing Garnett would be the first step needed to lure those PGs out there.  Brevin Knight is also a good pickup.  And if defense is the only concern on the PG position, Earl Watson can be had on the cheap.

Personally, I see the Minnesota-Phoenix-Boston deal as the most likely to happen.  :(
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: bumblebee on Jun 27, 2007 at 07:55 AM
For me, KG, at this point in his career, is overrated.

If I were Kerr, I would focus on Leandro's consistency and Amare's defense.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: runner10 on Jun 27, 2007 at 09:23 AM
For me, KG, at this point in his career, is overrated.

If I were Kerr, I would focus on Leandro's consistency and Amare's defense.

I agree with bumblebee.  KG is at best a good player with a salary of a superstar -- way over rated and a proven choker in the games that matter.  Heck, he even can't get the TWolves to the play-offs and even if he does, they are out for sure in the 1st round.  I'll stick with what the Suns have right now.  Just develop the exisiting players and perhaps add 1 or 2 more quality role players to deepen the bench a bit. 

Kerr shouldn't shake the Suns' line-up too much.  Besides, if not for the Horry cheap shot, the Suns would have been the champs.  My cents of course.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Jun 27, 2007 at 09:39 AM
boykins and gerald wallace are also free agents  ;)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Jun 27, 2007 at 10:14 AM
I agree with bumblebee.  KG is at best a good player with a salary of a superstar -- way over rated and a proven choker in the games that matter.  Heck, he even can't get the TWolves to the play-offs and even if he does, they are out for sure in the 1st round.  I'll stick with what the Suns have right now.  Just develop the exisiting players and perhaps add 1 or 2 more quality role players to deepen the bench a bit. 

Kerr shouldn't shake the Suns' line-up too much.  Besides, if not for the Horry cheap shot, the Suns would have been the champs.  My cents of course.
ok, my take:

cmon now guys,    a player who has a career average of 20.5 pts, 11.4 rebs, 4.5 assist, 1.4 stls and 1.7 blks certainly wouldnt qualify only as a good player.   In reality, KG never really had a teammate to rely on other than himself.   The only capable all-star caliber players he had for teammates were Cassell and Sprewell, and those two are  borderline all-stars at best.

I wouldnt call that over rated in my opinion.  And if im gonna go hypothetical and switch KG and Amare, Ill be surprised if Amare could produce those numbers night in and night out without Nash at his side.

Thats why Id take KG over Amare.   Better range, better passer, better defender.   The only thing going on for Amare's value is age and slashing capability.   Other than that, including intangibles and heart, its all KG for me.



Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: bumblebee on Jun 27, 2007 at 10:43 AM
It's one thing to have good numbers. It's another to make them count.

KG will slow down the Suns. I wouldn't want that.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: runner10 on Jun 27, 2007 at 11:07 AM
It's one thing to have good numbers. It's another to make them count.

Amen to this.  KG can definitely post the numbers on the stat sheet but he can't post the numbers on the "W" column -- and this for $20M a year.  I think he will be the next Karl Malone... one of the best players not to win a ring.  Oh wait... I take that back.... Karl Malone delivers (pun intended) the numbers on the "W" column and is a play-off regular.  My opinion, of course.

Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: bumblebee on Jun 27, 2007 at 11:20 AM
The only reason why Malone doesn't have a ring is MJ ;D And no, KG is no Malone.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Chito C. on Jun 27, 2007 at 12:29 PM
But Malone has John Stockton
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on Jun 27, 2007 at 12:42 PM
But Malone has John Stockton

True that!
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: bumblebee on Jun 27, 2007 at 12:49 PM
But Malone has John Stockton

Yup, but it doesn't make him less.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Jun 27, 2007 at 12:56 PM
My point is.....with or without the "W", no true basketball fan would call KG "way overrated" and simply a "good player".   He leads the league in efficiency rating.   No supertar can win much with that line-up, especially if you're in the Western Conference.  Its a different matter though if they are playing in the Eastern Conference (eg  Lebron)...... ;D ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on Jun 27, 2007 at 07:58 PM
For me, anyone can call KG over-rated as long as he gets traded to the Lakers.  From there, he can erase that overrated tag.  And oh, between Malone and KG... I would definitely choose KG.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Wiggum on Jun 27, 2007 at 08:09 PM
Looks like KG is definitely on the move, but not to the Lakers.  Check out the latest ESPN report on the KG sweepstakes (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2917781).  I agree with one of the earlier posts that KG doesn't seem like a good fit for the run-and-gun Suns.  But I wouldn't be surprised if he eventually ends up there, with Amare as the casualty.  Sayang - I would've wanted to see KG team up with Kobe.  It will be interesting to see what LA's Plan B is, in case the pursuit for KG falls through.

If Amare ends up in Atlanta, at least he'll have new unis (http://www.nba.com/hawks/news/newuniform_pr_062707.html) to wear. :) 
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Jun 27, 2007 at 10:59 PM
Kinda funny in the rumored four team trade between LA Lakers, Boston, Indiana and Minnesota........would you think former Celtics Danny Ainge, Kevin McHale and Larry Bird would actually help and give KG to the Lakers???  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: clea on Jun 27, 2007 at 11:04 PM
even though Cassell is a borderline all-star, IMO he is a very good clutch player and has extreme heart; he isn't afraid t take the shots when it matters... ;)

garnett is a very good regular season player, same as dirk; unless he learns to take over games in the playoffs, that's the only way he'll be known for :P
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: bumblebee on Jun 28, 2007 at 07:31 AM
Kinda funny in the rumored four team trade between LA Lakers, Boston, Indiana and Minnesota........would you think former Celtics Danny Ainge, Kevin McHale and Larry Bird would actually help and give KG to the Lakers???  ;D ;D ;D

Maybe they don't like him ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: john5479 on Jun 28, 2007 at 07:45 AM
I still prefer KG moving to the lakers, call him overrated or good but IMO he is still one of the best power forwards in the game today. This gives kobe a legit number two guy. I believe KG will thrive in a position where he is not the main man.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Jun 28, 2007 at 08:01 AM
I still prefer KG moving to the lakers, call him overrated or good but IMO he is still one of the best power forwards in the game today. This gives kobe a legit number two guy. I believe KG will thrive in a position where he is not the main man.

Hehehe....wishful thinking, I already moved KG to the Lakers in my NBA 2k7 roster, trading him with Odom and Bynum.... ;D ;D from a 70s team ranking, the move immediately gave the Lakers a 91 team ranking......dandy.. ;D ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: kimpOy on Jun 28, 2007 at 09:47 AM
Timberwolves talking three-way Garnett deal
By Adrian Wojnarowski, Yahoo! Sports
June 27, 2007



NEW YORK – Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett is close to going to the Phoenix Suns in a monumental three-way trade that would send Phoenix forward Amare Stoudemire to the Atlanta Hawks, league sources said Wednesday.

Atlanta would move the Nos. 3 and 11 picks in Thursday's draft, as well as Zaza Pachulia and Anthony Johnson, to Minnesota.

Minnesota owner Glen Taylor has delivered a mandate to his basketball executives to get a deal done, one league executive said.

Yahoo! Sports has learned that the trade would also save the Hawks from an emerging showdown between the front office and coaching staff over whom to draft with the third pick. The front office and coaching staff had settled on Florida power forward Al Horford, but a faction of the Atlanta Spirit ownership group, with business interests in China, is pushing them to take Yi Jianlian.


The deal hinges on Atlanta general manager Billy Knight saying yes, as well as Hawks ownership, which is mired in lawsuits, being willing to increase payroll. It is believed that star Hawks guard Joe Johnson talked to his former Suns teammate on Wednesday and that the 24-year-old Stoudemire, a first-team All-NBA choice, told him that he'd welcome the trade.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Jun 28, 2007 at 09:54 AM
hawks will be an EAST finalist all of a sudden with johnson, smith and stoudemire  :-\
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: runner10 on Jun 28, 2007 at 09:56 AM
And oh, between Malone and KG... I would definitely choose KG.

Really?  Your team is down 1 with 20 ticks on the clock.  Between KG and Malone, I'd rather put the ball in the Mailman's hands (during the peak of his career of course).

For power forwards in the modern era, I would consider Duncan (even if he's boring) as #1, Malone #2 (don't like the Jazz either), McHale #3 and Barkley/KG/Dirk at 4,5 & 6 respectively.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on Jun 28, 2007 at 11:25 AM
Really?  Your team is down 1 with 20 ticks on the clock.  Between KG and Malone, I'd rather put the ball in the Mailman's hands (during the peak of his career of course).

For power forwards in the modern era, I would consider Duncan (even if he's boring) as #1, Malone #2 (don't like the Jazz either), McHale #3 and Barkley/KG/Dirk at 4,5 & 6 respectively.

What usually happened for the Jazz then was that the ball was in the hands of John Stockton, and there's a 75% chance that it will either be Malone or Stockton who will get the last shot.  My preference of KG over Malone is not hinging on who I would want to take the last shot but on who I think is an overall phenomenal athlete.  If it were taking the last shot, it would be a toss between Bird and Reggie Miller.

Karl Malone for me is the embodiment of what a Power Forward is.  The PFs of today would be eaten alive by the bruising game of the NBA then: the kind of no-harm, no-foul games then was so fun to watch.  And that is where Malone can be considered to stand over all competitors back then.  But for me, I will take McHale and his freaking long hands over Malone when playing in that type of game.  Similarly, if Malone was in his prime in the type of game we have today, he may end up drawing lots of offensive fouls.

The best PFs of today are those that can play multiple positions.  Duncan is a PF who can play the Center position.  Both Nowitzki and Garnett can play the SF and C positions.

If I were to rank those players you mentioned above, my preference would be: (1) KG, (2) Dirk, (3) Duncan, (4) McHale, (5) Malone, and (6) Barkley.  Barkley is last because although he gives position flexibility, he really is an SF playing like a PF (too small to guard my top 3 choices).
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: runner10 on Jun 28, 2007 at 11:51 AM
What usually happened for the Jazz then was that the ball was in the hands of John Stockton, and there's a 75% chance that it will either be Malone or Stockton who will get the last shot.  My preference of KG over Malone is not hinging on who I would want to take the last shot but on who I think is an overall phenomenal athlete.  If it were taking the last shot, it would be a toss between Bird and Reggie Miller.

Errrr.... on taking the last shot, I was just choosing between KG and Malone.  ;D

But if it's any player taking the last shot, I'll be surprised if anyone would choose anyone other than #23.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on Jun 28, 2007 at 11:58 AM
Malone (and a younger Derrick Coleman) then was the prototype big man: big, wide and can run like the wind (with the usual knows how to box out, can play D, reliable inside presence etc.) I think, like Jordan, Malone was pretty much dominant because of the lack of really athletic players that can match-up with him. Sure, the usual rough behemoths were there, but they couldn't do $hit against The Mailman coz he'll just run rings around them.

We seem to think that the players now are pampered because of the new rules, but then we forget how much the basketball players now have evolved into something other than no-blood-no-foul players. They know how to make use of their speed and the footwork of these players are unbelievable. These next gen players don't rely on rough plays when playing D, although they can and will resort to it at times.

 

Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: runner10 on Jun 28, 2007 at 12:02 PM
If I were to rank those players you mentioned above, my preference would be: (1) KG, (2) Dirk, (3) Duncan, (4) McHale, (5) Malone, and (6) Barkley.  Barkley is last because although he gives position flexibility, he really is an SF playing like a PF (too small to guard my top 3 choices).

Hmmmm... KG & Dirk over Timmy D?  I don't know about that but I think it's TD be a mile on this one (and to think that I hate the Spurs).   ;D

What about the others, how would you rank these 6 PFs?  
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: bumblebee on Jun 28, 2007 at 12:09 PM
TD, Dirk, KG.

Malone, Barkley, McHale.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on Jun 28, 2007 at 01:42 PM
Hmmmm... KG & Dirk over Timmy D?  I don't know about that but I think it's TD be a mile on this one (and to think that I hate the Spurs).   ;D

What about the others, how would you rank these 6 PFs? 

Less it be misunderstood, I ranked them not as PFs but as to what they will bring to my team if I were a GM.  TD may have all the hardware right now, but I think that (between the 3 of them) he won't be the unanimous top choice of the GMs if they were to pick one.  (See sample Fantasy League drafts)

Btw, I, for one, don't hate the Spurs (too bland to hate for my purpose).  heheheh
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on Jun 28, 2007 at 01:48 PM
Errrr.... on taking the last shot, I was just choosing between KG and Malone.  ;D

But if it's any player taking the last shot, I'll be surprised if anyone would choose anyone other than #23.

Ok, between KG and Malone... I will choose KG to take the last shot.  For a big man he has a good handle of the ball, and that makes him a better option for me.

I have chosen Bird and Reggie, over #23 (I assume you're talking about MJ).  Surprised?  ;)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: runner10 on Jun 28, 2007 at 01:55 PM
Ok, between KG and Malone... I will choose KG to take the last shot.  For a big man he has a good handle of the ball, and that makes him a better option for me.

I have chosen Bird and Reggie, over #23 (I assume you're talking about MJ).  Surprised?  ;)

Nope.  LOL  ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on Jun 28, 2007 at 02:03 PM
Nope.  LOL  ;D
;)

IMHO, MJ would have at least 3 rings less if Bird's career wasn't cut short by injuries.  Speaking of the Celtics, it has really been bad luck after bad luck after that.  Lewis, Len Bias... most recently, not getting the first 2 picks.  Some may say that you can include Pitino, Walker, and Ainge to that bad luck!  ;D  When players like KG and Marion refuse to go to a storied-franchise like the Celtics, you know that something is really, really wrong.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: runner10 on Jun 28, 2007 at 02:22 PM
;)

IMHO, MJ would have at least 3 rings less if Bird's career wasn't cut short by injuries.  Speaking of the Celtics, it has really been bad luck after bad luck after that.  Lewis, Len Bias... most recently, not getting the first 2 picks.  Some may say that you can include Pitino, Walker, and Ainge to that bad luck!  ;D  When players like KG and Marion refuse to go to a storied-franchise like the Celtics, you know that something is really, really wrong.

Boston?  The Celtics' rebuilding program is crap.  They need to overhaul their front office -- replacing Ainge would be a good starting point.  The once proud franchise is a struggling year after year.  They could use someone like a West or Colangelo to shake things up a bit. 

The reason for their bad luck?  I think they pissed off the leprechaun when they left the Boston Garden.  ;D

It's a good thing Boston has the Rex Sox, while they are waiting for their basketball team to shape up.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on Jun 28, 2007 at 02:52 PM
The reason for their bad luck?  I think they pissed off the leprechaun when they left the Boston Garden.  ;D

My sentiments exactly... I was actually about to suggest that they rebuild their 'now-legendary' home court (made of wood parquet?) to get back that "luck of the Irish".

Meanwhile, with two of the biggest names in the NBA being involved in trade talks, this coming draft is turning out to be one-hell-of-a-suspense thriller, donchathink?
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Jun 28, 2007 at 02:56 PM
The off season is more exciting than the recent finals???   Did I just said that??     ;D ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on Jun 28, 2007 at 02:59 PM
The off season is more exciting than the recent finals???   Did I just said that??     ;D ;D

I didn't hear you say that specifically... what I heard was a chorus saying that (me included).  ;D ;D ;D ;) ;) ;)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: runner10 on Jun 28, 2007 at 03:19 PM
The off season is more exciting than the recent finals???   Did I just said that??     ;D ;D

Yep.  I have been checking espn.com more this week than the whole finals series.  ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Jun 28, 2007 at 03:27 PM
I think the Draft will be televised over at Solarsports.......err... I mean BTV..
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Jun 28, 2007 at 03:37 PM
The off season is more exciting than the recent finals???   Did I just said that??     ;D ;D

too bad this will happen for many years until the East catches up with the West
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Jun 28, 2007 at 03:41 PM
Thats why I favor Bill Simmons' suggestion for a play-off format.......no more east and west........just seed them 1 to 16.........
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: runner10 on Jun 28, 2007 at 03:48 PM
Thats why I favor Bill Simmons' suggestion for a play-off format.......no more east and west........just seed them 1 to 16.........

I think this play-off format is worth a shot.... for a year at least.  I won't be surpised at all if the final 4 teams would all be from the west.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Jun 28, 2007 at 03:48 PM
Three-team deal with Garnett, Stoudemire cools (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2919016)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on Jun 28, 2007 at 04:55 PM
Three-team deal with Garnett, Stoudemire cools (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2919016)

Phoenix wouldn't be adding much with Garnett if they lose Stoudemire in the process.  Hmmm... the Lakers might enter the fray to help Atlanta out from the financial aspect of getting Stoudemire.  What if the Lakers take Stoudemire from the Hawks and exchange the expiring contact of Kwame Brown plus another player plus the 19th pick?
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: geckoph on Jun 28, 2007 at 05:29 PM
Thats why I favor Bill Simmons' suggestion for a play-off format.......no more east and west........just seed them 1 to 16.........

I don't think so...it's not the west's fault if they're the better conference...it's not the east's fault if they're the weaker conference...
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Jun 28, 2007 at 05:35 PM
Phoenix wouldn't be adding much with Garnett if they lose Stoudemire in the process.  Hmmm... the Lakers might enter the fray to help Atlanta out from the financial aspect of getting Stoudemire.  What if the Lakers take Stoudemire from the Hawks and exchange the expiring contact of Kwame Brown plus another player plus the 19th pick?

very very unfair  ;D

if he really wants a ring, he should sign in with the Spurs next year as an FA and create the true twin towers. add in tmac and we have the 21-1-21  ;D  but seriously, he should know that the Spurs are contenders, just ask Finley. well, if he wants to play with a friend, why not with AI next year  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on Jun 28, 2007 at 06:11 PM
LAkers news:

Quote
The Lakers reportedly are going beyond U.S. borders in their search for a new backcourt starter.

With Smush Parker out the door and Farmar having played only one NBA season, the Lakers have offered a multi-year contract to 30-year-old guard Theodoros Papaloukas, according to Eleftheros Tipos, a newspaper in Greece. The report said Papaloukas had confirmed the offer and was pondering it among a handful from NBA teams. Lakers officials declined to comment.

Papaloukas, a Greek native who is listed at 6 feet 7, was the Euroleague player of the year last season with CSKA Moscow, and is widely thought to be the best point guard in Europe.

He signed a three-year deal with CSKA Moscow in June 2006, a contract that could require a substantial buy-out price. The Lakers probably would have to use most or all of their mid-level exception — five years and about $30 million — to sign him. The mid-level exception is given to teams that are over the salary cap and can be divvied up to sign more than one free agent.

Papaloukas had 12 assists to lead Greece to an upset of the U.S. in the semifinals of the 2006 world championships. He had 10 points and nine assists for CSKA Moscow in a 94-75 exhibition victory over the Clippers last October, an effort that prompted Clippers forward Elton Brand to tell the Associated Press that he "definitely [had] flashbacks of Papaloukas," from the U.S. semifinal loss.

My gawd! This guy's a great pick-up, if he does get signed by El-Ay.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Jun 28, 2007 at 06:13 PM
LAkers news:

My gawd! This guy's a great pick-up, if he does get signed by El-Ay.
do it Mitch!!!!
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on Jun 28, 2007 at 06:25 PM
LAkers news:

My gawd! This guy's a great pick-up, if he does get signed by El-Ay.

I hope he doesn't turn out to be the second coming of Marko Jaric.  ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on Jun 28, 2007 at 06:56 PM
I hope he doesn't turn out to be the second coming of Marko Jaric.  ;D

I'll bet my balls he isn't.  ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Wiggum on Jun 28, 2007 at 07:07 PM
I think the Draft will be televised over at Solarsports.......err... I mean BTV..

Confirmed, telecast starts at 7:00 a.m. tomorrow on BTV with a replay tom night and on RPN 9 Sunday morning. 

 
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: john5479 on Jun 28, 2007 at 08:47 PM
Oden or Durant ? we'll find out tomorrow
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on Jun 28, 2007 at 08:53 PM
It's gonna be Oden. Durrant should be #1 and arguably the best talent in the draft; but you just can't pass up a big man like Oden.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Jun 28, 2007 at 09:20 PM
Oden or Durant ? we'll find out tomorrow

Blazers to take Ohio State center Oden at No. 1 (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2007/news/story?id=2919041)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Wiggum on Jun 29, 2007 at 09:52 AM
So far, the only "big" trades we're hearing are the ones involving Ray Allen and Zach Randolph.  What a disappointment.  >:( 
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Jun 29, 2007 at 10:31 AM
wow, i was expecting Randolph but not Ray Ray. Celtics should've just traded Pierce and start from scratch. but getting rid of Wally was a bonus, and they're in the East where big forwards aren't required. it will rain 3s again in Boston  :D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Jun 29, 2007 at 11:40 AM
LA Lakers have Gasol!!!!  ::)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: skylynx888 on Jun 29, 2007 at 11:43 AM
Jason Richardson to Bobcats for no. 8 pick Wright
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Jun 29, 2007 at 12:03 PM
LA Lakers have Gasol!!!!  ::)

any link?
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Munskie on Jun 29, 2007 at 12:04 PM
Hehe......they just drafted Marc Gasol....... ;D ;D

Pau's younger but less-skilled bro...
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Jun 29, 2007 at 12:15 PM
u got me there  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: kimpOy on Jun 29, 2007 at 12:27 PM
Oden to Portland, Durant to Sonics...

trade news
NY trades Frye, Francis to Portland's Randolph, Dickau and Jones

Sonics trade Ray Allen for Delonte West and 5th pick Jeff Green

Golden State trades 36th pick Jermeone Davidson and Jason Richardson to Charlotter's pick Brandon Wright 
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on Jun 29, 2007 at 12:44 PM
What was Jordan smoking when they traded for Richardson? The guy's got a huge contract and he hasn't been as mobile since his injury.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: RNIverson on Jun 29, 2007 at 12:58 PM
much like when he traded rip for stackhouse  ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: kimpOy on Jun 29, 2007 at 03:08 PM
and drafting number 1 kwame brown...

Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on Jun 29, 2007 at 05:11 PM
What was Jordan smoking when they traded for Richardson? The guy's got a huge contract and he hasn't been as mobile since his injury.

This would be a complete blooper once they decide not to re-sign Gerald Wallace.

Paging Mitch Kupchak... how about trying to trade back Kwame to MJ for either Wallace or Okafor?  ;D
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on Jul 31, 2007 at 02:52 PM
Source: Garnett going to Boston (http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=247923&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=33)
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Wiggum on Jul 31, 2007 at 05:33 PM
Source: Garnett going to Boston (http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=247923&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=33)

Wow - after that long lull in NBA transactions, finally a major trade!  Good move for Boston - KG + Ray Allen + Paul Pierce, not bad.  But didn't KG say that he didn't want to play there?  As for Minnesota, the team just became forgettable. :P  Sayang si Corey Brewer - could be a good pick in the fantasy leagues though. 
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on Jul 31, 2007 at 07:53 PM
Wow - after that long lull in NBA transactions, finally a major trade!  Good move for Boston - KG + Ray Allen + Paul Pierce, not bad.  But didn't KG say that he didn't want to play there?  As for Minnesota, the team just became forgettable. :P  Sayang si Corey Brewer - could be a good pick in the fantasy leagues though. 

Maybe KG changed his mind when Boston got Ray Allen.  Don't forget that Boston still has Ryan Gomes, Tony Allen and Perkins... this may put Boston in title contention at least in the Eastern Conference.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: Battousai on Jul 31, 2007 at 09:16 PM
I think the lure of a "weak" East was a big factor (aside from the relief of playing with two all stars in Allen and Pierce) in KG's decision. Plus, he won't get to face Duncan, Amare and the other bigs out West during the playoffs...unless they meet in the NBA Finals.
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: X-®an™ on Aug 10, 2007 at 05:13 PM
Penny gets comeback chance with Heat (http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=253381&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=11)

Shaq and Penny teams up again in Florida!!!
Title: Re: NBA '07
Post by: geckoph on Aug 30, 2007 at 02:57 AM
Mark Cuban - Cuban is the owner of the Dallas Mavericks NBA basketball team. He is the highly successful entrepreneur who founded HDNet, Broadcast.com and MicroSolutions. Cuban went on to sell Broadcast.com and Micro Solutions to Yahoo! and CompuServe, respectively. He is partnered with Kym Johnson, who returns for her third season.

...a contestant on the fifth season of "Dancing with the Stars"