***OFFICIAL NBA SEASON THREAD***

[PapaJupe2k]

Originally posted by James Logan
Davis sure does score big from time to time, but he's a big-mouth, show-off, no-team play ball-hugger, and they don't need him. It's no coincidence that he never stays in one place very long. How many times has he been traded since coming out of Iowa after his freshman year? Three?

[James Logan]

Originally posted by PapaJupe2k
It's no coincidence that he never stays in one place very long. How many times has he been traded since coming out of Iowa after his freshman year? Three?

Well, he's played for Charlotte, Miami, Cleveland and now Boston since he came into the league in 1998. Was traded by the Hornets with Anthony Mason, Eddie Jones and Dale Ellis to the Miami Heat for P.J. Brown, Jamal Mashburn, Tim James, Rodney Buford and Otis Thorpe. Traded by the Heat to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a three-team deal in which the Cavaliers also received Brian Skinner from the Toronto Raptors, the Heat received Chris Gatling from the Cavaliers, and the Raptors received Don MacLean and cash from the Heat. And now traded to the Celtics with a couple of dudes for Eric Williams, Tony Battie and another dude.

Likes being traded, it seems. :)

[adamjohnson]

What is with the Dallas MAvericks???

Theyve now dropped four in a row.

[James Logan]

Originally posted by adamjohnson
What is with the Dallas MAvericks???

Theyve now dropped four in a row.

They suck. ;)

Kiddin'. I'm pissed at my Cavs over here. After winning three in a row, they drop an OT game in Orlando (I was at the Waterhouse to watch the game and my oh my...what a game it was!), and then they lose to the Chicago fuckin' Bulls. Shame. They were 5-5 in the last ten games before that and getting better, with the trade working well and Carlos Boozer improving every day...Shame. Here's hoping they get back on track and beat Portland tonight, because they got Indiana, New Jersey, the Lakers, Toronto and Boston coming up in the next 10, and those are gonna be tough games.

[adamjohnson]

The last two games theyve played alot better tyhough.

[Bullet Tooth Tony]

I'm quite impressed with Magic's results recently (I don't see much of the action in the UK for some reason we don't get any coverage til after the all star game) but for how long can Orlando hope to hold on to T-Mac...the guy's a living legend!

[RicochetShaw]

Boy, does they Atlantic division suck or what? They have ONE team (The Nets) over .500, and they're only 2 games over! The NBA is really in a piss-poor condition, especially with how lopsided the conferences are. I mean why even have an NBA finals? We all know it's going to go to the West...

[James Logan]

For all you LeBron bashers:

As noted just today on TV, and confirmed by what I checked on nba.com, today Dec. 31st 2003, LeBron James is currently the only player in the NBA to average over 20 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists a game. The one and only one. TMac, Kevin Garnett and Kobe come just short -- but they're not there.

Boo-yeah. ;)

(And the first one who says "Yeah but the Cavaliers still can't win shit"...gets his ass flogged. ;) )

[James Logan]

Well, nba.com also has Paul Pierce up there, with just 6.0 assists...but on other places updated today they got him under 6. Whatever...LeBron's one of the only two. ;)

[Jyrka]

Yeah but the Cavaliers still can't win shit

oh and happy new year to the schmoes, i'm in

[James Logan]

Originally posted by Jyrka
Yeah but the Cavaliers still can't win shit


Don't rub it in. ;)

[Lynn Minmei]

Go Grizzlies!

[jackson13]

Originally posted by James Logan
For all you LeBron bashers......

Im starting to come around. The kid (hes younger than me) has proven that he actually is more than just hype and for that im starting to like him. He is not the new MJ though. No one will ever be better than Jordan was. Shaq and Kobe are still my favorites, but James has started to impress me. Just took him awhile, thats all. (And by that I mean it took me awhile to be impressed. Hes stayed consistant since the season began and thats whats impressed me the most)

[James Logan]

Well, the NY Knicks got Stephon Marbury and Penny Hardaway in exchange for Antonio McDyess, Howard Eisley, another dude and a few draft picks.

I think Isiah Thomas just got himself the best trade he could. I mean, now the Knicks got an undisputed All-Star, a great backcourt teaming Marbury and Allan Houston, a nice-lookin' starting five (Mutombo-Van Horn-Thomas-Houston-Marbury), and Penny on the bench. Only question now is: will Van Horn have to go (he and Marbury hated each other when they played for New Jersey)?

Other question is: am I the only one to think the Suns are getting under salary cap so they can go after Kobe Bryant when the season ends? ;)

[horrorfreak13]

I honeslty have no idea what the Suns were thinking making this trade. Marbury is a franchise player and he is only 26. I still think the Knicks suck but they are in a conference with about 10 teams that are just as bad as them or worse.

[James Logan]

The Lakers dropped their fourth in a row. ;)

I knew not having Shaq AND Karl Malone at the same time would prove a problem, but this big a problem...imagine both of them injure themselves during the playoffs, or Kobe and Karl, or Shaq and Kobe. The Unbeata-Lakers would be in some trouble, heh? ;)

On the downside...the Magic have dropped their sixth in a row. I saw 'em play last week against Cleveland and at Miami, and the way they played in Miami was just horrible. Worst defence I've seen in a long, long while. Wonder if we got another 19-game losing streak on our hands...only 13 more to go! ;)

[jackson13]

Just curious here, what is Orlandos record? I know its gotta be pretty bad but I dont know exactly what it is.

[horrorfreak13]

Originally posted by jackson13
Just curious here, what is Orlandos record? I know its gotta be pretty bad but I dont know exactly what it is.

8-28 worst in the league and amazing enought 8 and a half games out of 8th place in the East which mean if they w.... no it's not going to happen could it?

Saw the Cavs-Raptors game last night and it seems LeBron James is the real deal by scoring 21 points last night. although the team lost 75-69 in a terrible shooting game

[Bullet Tooth Tony]

Originally posted by James Logan
The Lakers dropped their fourth in a row. ;)

I knew not having Shaq AND Karl Malone at the same time would prove a problem, but this big a problem...imagine both of them injure themselves during the playoffs, or Kobe and Karl, or Shaq and Kobe. The Unbeata-Lakers would be in some trouble, heh? ;)

On the downside...the Magic have dropped their sixth in a row. I saw 'em play last week against Cleveland and at Miami, and the way they played in Miami was just horrible. Worst defence I've seen in a long, long while. Wonder if we got another 19-game losing streak on our hands...only 13 more to go! ;)

By the looks of things the Magic are going for 20!

On a side note, I don't know everything about B-Ball (remember I'm English!) I recently bought a USA jersey with McGrady on the back but his number is six? Why?

[Freddy Krueger6]

Originally posted by horrorfreak13
Saw the Cavs-Raptors game last night and it seems LeBron James is the real deal by scoring 21 points last night. although the team lost 75-69 in a terrible shooting game

Yep but that was a beauty of a dunk by Carter now wasnt it ....but he did have a ruff day like pretty mcuh everyone else did on the court..thank god he stepped it up in the fourth like oh so many times....but who really impressed me alst night was Lonny Baxter....i say BRING ON THE CLIPS!

[James Logan]

This is fun. The Lakers are now Shaq-less, Mailman-less, and Kobe-less. Gary Payton must feel like he's back in Seattle. ;)

There IS a God after all... :D

[James Logan]

Oh, and speaking about Seattle, the Cavaliers won a game (yay!). ;) And LeBron was terrific, not only scoring 27 points and ending up with 9 rebounds, 9 assists and 2 steals, but playing a big fourth quarter and helping the Cavs grab a win.

On the rumor side...it seems like Mike Fratello is set to coach the NY Knicks, starting sometime this week. Now allow me to say that if this happens...Isiah Thomas is the second coming of GMs. He's been here what, a month, and he gets Stephon Marbury for nothing, AND a name and quality head coach? Geez...man's good.

[Freddy Krueger6]

Yep Isiah thomas is a master at what he does.....


But i gotta say ...GO RAPS GO!!..i hoep they whoops some ass today:D

[docholiday_13]

Well Vince fucked up his leg today. He pulled a quad or some shit.

Am I worried?? Hells no! I think Grunwald made that big trade with this day in mind. Now the thought of the Vinceless Raptors doesnt cause every team in the league to laugh their asses off. Rose and Marshall can hold down the fort (hopefully) and MoPete and Lamond Murrey can try to fill Vince's void (hopefully).

Well I may be jumping the gun here. Could be Vince is fine, but I've never been able to laugh off an injury to him before so let me enjoy this!

[Indiana Sev]

Vince is injured again!?



http://ebaumsworld.com/forumfun/sucks2.jpg

[horrorfreak13]

Originally posted by Indiana Sev
Vince is injured again!?



http://ebaumsworld.com/forumfun/sucks2.jpg

Hopefully it's not serious. He was having a good year too. DAMN!

[Freddy Krueger6]

Well the raptors held it down tonight....But i don't think vince will be gone for awhile.

[James Logan]

Isiah Thomas did even better than we thought...he got Lenny Wilkens as the Knicks new coach. Damn, the man's good. :)

[Indiana Sev]

Originally posted by James Logan
Isiah Thomas did even better than we thought...he got Lenny Wilkens as the Knicks new coach. Damn, the man's good. :)

You mean the coach with the record of all-time losses in the NBA? :D

and wins.

[Freddy Krueger6]

Well hopefully he does a better job than he did here in T.O...I think he's just to soft to be a good coach...come on we all know that he has the most wins and loses in the league because he's been around forever.....

[James Logan]

Points taken. But some coaches have been here for long too, and didn't win as much as he did.

Isiah Thomas had three people in mind for the job: Mike Fratello, Chuck Daly and Lenny Wilkens. All three are above-average coaches. But Fratello can blow a team up if he pushes his folks too hard, and Chuck Daly apparently doesn't want to come out of his "retirement" any time soon. As for Wilkens, he has the experience, he's had the winning, he's earned the respect, he's worked with big and small teams, and he knows how to coach terrific point guards like Stephon Marbury. And that's why I think he's way better than 99% of the other people who could've had the job out there.

[Goku]

Lenny is a fossil. He has no idea how to relate to players anymore. Toronto completely tuned him out when he was here.

Maybe he'll do well, I hope so cuz he seemed like one of the nicest guys in the world. But he absolutely sucked when he was with Toronto.

[Indiana Sev]

Originally posted by Indiana Sev
Is Vince Carter injured yet? :p

RE: Yes Sev, he is.

Sev: Hmm, this is getting tiresome.

RE: Don't worry, he'll be back soon.

Sev: Yes, but won't he just get injured all over again?

RE: Yes, yes he will.

Sev: If this goes on, the Raptors will never get on a roll and won't make the playoffs. :(

RE: Right again Indiana.

Sev: Who gives a shit, the Celtics are my favorite team anyway, Raptors are my second. The Celtics are real men and play through injuries.

RE: You're a genius. Marry me!

Sev: :cool:

[Freddy Krueger6]

eh relax with the carter and raptors comments.I mean tell me is it his fault he gets injured?every player gets injured maybe not to this extent but he'll be back in the next 2 games.And about the raptors not making it far,carter missing 4 games or so wont hurt there entire season,and i don't think he should play through this injury.why?he'll get even more injured and miss more time.I'll tell you now once the raps acquire a big man,they'll be a good contender in the playoffs.wont be surprised if they win east.

[Indiana Sev]

Originally posted by Freddy Krueger6
eh relax with the carter and raptors comments.I mean tell me is it his fault he gets injured?every player gets injured maybe not to this extent but he'll be back in the next 2 games.And about the raptors not making it far,carter missing 4 games or so wont hurt there entire season,and i don't think he should play through this injury.why?he'll get even more injured and miss more time.I'll tell you now once the raps acquire a big man,they'll be a good contender in the playoffs.wont be surprised if they win east.

Hey, I like Vince and the team. I'm just getting frustrated, that's all.

Whenever things are rolling - he gets hurt. It's getting boring.

[horrorfreak13]

Originally posted by Indiana Sev
RE: Yes Sev, he is.

Sev: Hmm, this is getting tiresome.

RE: Don't worry, he'll be back soon.

Sev: Yes, but won't he just get injured all over again?

RE: Yes, yes he will.

Sev: If this goes on, the Raptors will never get on a roll and won't make the playoffs. :(

RE: Right again Indiana.

Sev: Who gives a shit, the Celtics are my favorite team anyway, Raptors are my second. The Celtics are real men and play through injuries.

RE: You're a genius. Marry me!

Sev: :cool:

:D I had a pretty good laugh at that one. Carter's injured now which huts my pool a little bit but I have Duncan, Miller, Vashon Lenord, Abdur-Rahim, etc, etc. and a 8 point lead on 1st place and now onto the 3rd week in a row where I have an opponent who dosen't set their lineups

[Freddy Krueger6]

Originally posted by Indiana Sev
Hey, I like Vince and the team. I'm just getting frustrated, that's all.

Whenever things are rolling - he gets hurt. It's getting boring.

Last year things were never rolling,This year they weren't playing very impressive basketball either IMO.No consistency in there play at all.Maybe this is what they needed Vince to get injured and come back with a vengance after seeing his teem lose 2 straight.Hmmm well we'll see.

[James Logan]

Originally posted by Freddy Krueger6
Maybe this is what they needed Vince to get injured and come back with a vengance after seeing his teem lose 2 straight.

Vince...and "coming back with a vengeance"? :)

Don't get me wrong, Vince is the man when it comes down to crunch time, tight game, someone needs to score. But as for the "I-ve-been-injured-a-week-the-boys-dropped-two-I'll-play-like-a-God-to-prove-to-them-I'm-with-them" spirit...I dunno. Way I see it, there's a larger chance he's gonna come back and they're gonna drop one and then win one, or vice versa. Or even drop two in a row again.

[Freddy Krueger6]

Originally posted by James Logan
Vince...and "coming back with a vengeance"? :)

Don't get me wrong, Vince is the man when it comes down to crunch time, tight game, someone needs to score. But as for the "I-ve-been-injured-a-week-the-boys-dropped-two-I'll-play-like-a-God-to-prove-to-them-I'm-with-them" spirit...I dunno. Way I see it, there's a larger chance he's gonna come back and they're gonna drop one and then win one, or vice versa. Or even drop two in a row again.

Well we'll see I didn't say it WILL happen but member it was a nice kick in the ass showing him the way his teams been playing.Bosh sat out and hes playin much better then when he was say 1 week or 2 prior to his injury.I know alot of it is due to the fact he needed a much rest but hey superstarrs step up when needed and right now carter is definatly needed...maybe watching his team lose two games i thought they very well could ahve won was a reality check.

[Goku]

Carter is far from a 'superstar' any longer. (top 20, but not top 10 anymore)

Bosh might become something, (he looks good, and shows smarts) but there have been many failures (obviously)

[James Logan]

Originally posted by Goku
Carter is far from a 'superstar' any longer. (top 20, but not top 10 anymore)


Talent-wise, and crunch-time-pressure wise, he's still up there with the best. He's got three handicaps right now: a) he gets injured too often; b) he doesn't seem to be able to score as much as he used to: c) his performances are up 'n down, up 'n down.

I think it's a shame. Man used to be one of the Top Five players in the East...and I get the feeling he's getting cocky and resting on his laurels. Might be just me, but when I see Paul Pierce, Allen Iverson or Tracy McGrady fighting for every game and playing through the pain, I always do indeed get the feeling the Vince-Meister isn't on the same level as those guys anymore.

[Goku]

Originally posted by James Logan
.

I think it's a shame. Man used to be one of the Top Five players in the East...and I get the feeling he's getting cocky and resting on his laurels. .

I get that impression too. He vastly overachieved from his first game on (till injuries). I think he is satisfied with the allstar votes, and the perrenial accolades from his coaches (I thought Kevin Oneil would kick his ass, but I guess not. Vince still refuses to attack the paint, even when you can hear Oneil yelling at him to, but Oneil never sits him, or calls him out. All he does is praise him)

I used to love Vince, thought he'd be top 5 all nba, let alone the east. But I'm sick of him. I'm starting to agree with Keon Clark that Carter wants to be a superstar (or whatever you wanna call it) but doesn't want to do what it takes to become a superstar. Enough players have mentioned, or seemed to mention, his lack of drive/laziness that it becomes hard to believe there isn't at least some truth there.

[James Logan]

Originally posted by Goku
I'm starting to agree with Keon Clark that Carter wants to be a superstar (or whatever you wanna call it) but doesn't want to do what it takes to become a superstar.

My thoughts exactly. Well put, Keon. :)

On another note, the Cavaliers just kicked some Sixers butt, without LeBron, but with a 15 pt -- 15 rebounds Carlos Boozer. Now I know we're only halfway through the season, and I know the Cavs aren't even playoff bound (but they're getting better)...but am I the only one to think Carlos Boozer definitely deserves the Most Improved Player award, hands down?

[Goku]

Boozer is legit. He has that solid inside-out game that other's do, except he has also the muscle to push people around/bang inside.

Nicest thing about him is that he improves his game each year. Too many players don't do that, or simply can't.

He has to be on the short-list for most improved. I didn't look up his stats, but everytime I see the highlights he puts up good numbers. Ron Murray off Seattle looked like he had the award locked up, until he started acting like a primadona. He is around 14ppg now. Still a big turnaround from last year, but sports writers (I believe) are the ones who vote, and they definitely appreciate a guy like Boozer more than a potential headcase like Murray.

[horrorfreak13]

The Raptors lose to the Bulls. Jesus it the Bulls with pretty much nothing.

Here's something I didn't see coming The New Jersey Nets fired thier head coach today Byron Scott. The Nets will announce at 2PM that Assistant coach Lawrence Frank will be the head coach

from ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1718853)

[James Logan]

Originally posted by Goku

He has to be on the short-list for most improved. I didn't look up his stats, but everytime I see the highlights he puts up good numbers.

Here're Boozer's numbers for last year:
10 pts, 7.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.73 steals

And this year:
13.7 pts, 10.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.05 steals

That's +3.7 points, +3 rebounds, +0.8 assists, and +0.8 steals a game. In only eight more minutes a game. And the man's also the 6th best rebounder in the NBA, 8th in FG Percentage (50.2%), and 17th in doubles doubles. And it's only his second season.

On another note, I find the Nets coach change stupid, except if Byron Scott was having some serious problems with his players. I haven't looked deep into the story, but that's the only valid reason to fire a coach who holds his team over .500 and top of its division. If Scott got fired simply because the Nets owners and managers are greedy and want even BETTER results, then that's a pretty half-arsed call.

[Goku]

I thought this was his third or fourth season (no idea why....I just checked nba. com and it is his second

I was listening to a cleveland broadcast a week or so ago, and the announcers gave me the impression that Boozer has consistently improved his game over the last few years. I didn't know that he has only ever had ONE offseason.

I'm not sure a second year player should get the award. Guys are supposed to improve a lot their second year. I don't know who else is out there, but I think someone who has been around a few seasons will win it.


on the Frank hiring, he is supposedly a JeffVan Gundy, Pat Riley school coach.

also, Boston's Obrien apparently just retired. Kind of shocked his owners by the sounds of it (I read this on a basketball message board, so I don't really know the whole story.)

[horrorfreak13]

Originally posted by Goku
Boston's Obrien apparently just retired. Kind of shocked his owners by the sounds of it (I read this on a basketball message board, so I don't really know the whole story.)

Apparently it's true I just read it on TSN.ca so but no one knows why they did it yet so.

[Haddonfield]

He didnt retire, he just quit the Celtics. He wasnt too happyt about what Danny Ainge has done since he took over. Trading Walker was one thing but the last trade, getting Davis and giving up two of his fave players was the last straw. Add in more Vin Baker crap....what really sturred the drink was just a few days ago Ainge and O'Brian had a talk about the younger guys getting more playing time, where was O'Brian is all about WIN THIS GAME NOW!

They just didnt see eye to eye so he left. Its a shame too. 7 years with the Celts, one Eastern Conference trip, then the damn Baker trade killed the team, killed it killed it killed it!!!!!

Well that and getting screwed by not getting Duncan but thats a different rant! :)

[horrorfreak13]

Here's something I realized after listening to a Toronto radio show last night if you want to be a head coach be in the Western Conference. Out of the 15 teams in the Eastern Confrence 14 of the have changed coaches in the past year. The only team to have not changed their coach yet is in Atlanta and they are rumoured to make a coaching change any day now which means eventually in the past year all 15 teams in the East have changed conferences.

:eek:

[Goku]

lol, thats crazy. And Atlanta seems like a team that would be most likely to make a coaching change (a big name brought in to sell to the few remaining fans)

I;m not sure how I feel about the Obrien move. He is very well respected (Ainge sure isn't) I kind of respect him for standing up, and not just being a company man, but damn. That's a real slap in the face to the players (especially the younger guys, even though his beef was with management).

on another note, did anyone see what Utah did to Karl Malone? They played some kind of skit over the sound system at their last game. Some kind of joke phone call between Karl and Kobe Bryant and they made a joke about Kobe's legal trouble. What were they thinking? (although I probably would have laughed if I heard it) Malone says he will never forgive them LOL

[Freddy Krueger6]

DAMN!..what a great performance by Vince Carter and the entire team yesterday.They laid it all out but came two points away from a win(THAT PISSED ME OFF SOOOO MUCH).I really thought the raps deserved this win they played with so much desire you could see the intensity in Vince Carters eyes(WHEN HE NAILED THE 3 BALL I WENT CRAZY!!!!)but a loss is a loss.If the raps continue this play they will be a VERY tuff team to beat.


But what a game that was yesterday i felt like i was watching a playoff game.

[horrorfreak13]

Anybody catch Shaq's comments last night. He told a local LA TV station that the officials were trying to take over the game and said " My message to David Stern is get some people in there that understand the game and don't try to take over the game because people pay good money to see good athletes play,'' 'Let us play, don't be trying to take over the game.''

He used profanity live on TV and could you blame him Carter got fouled and there was no call twice and Shaq got fouled and wasn't called at all.

I hate when referees want to become the focal point of the game and control who wins stupid fucking premaddonas.

[ReservoirDog]

Originally posted by horrorfreak13
Anybody catch Shaq's comments last night.
I saw the comments live and there was no bleeping. Here's a clip of what he said and keep in mind since this was live with no delay they were not able to bleep it out. Hilarious! Too bad he will most likely be suspended and fined.

http://www.clublakers.com/video/shaqcusses0201.wmv

[horrorfreak13]

Originally posted by ReservoirDog
I saw the comments live and there was no bleeping. Here's a clip of what he said and keep in mind since this was live with no delay they were not able to bleep it out. Hilarious! Too bad he will most likely be suspended and fined.



Yeah he pretty much will be suspended I wonder what the people at that station were thinking afterwords.

[James Logan]

Shaq rules. :)

I'd like to rant a tad about the All-Star reserves (announced today).
First of all, I'm pissed neither LeBron nor Carmelo are on the teams. Sure, they're rookies, sure they're overhyped (the hype surrounding them would be too much for MJ himself), but look at the stats, look at the performances, look at the play -- these two guys would've deserved spots on these rosters. Plain and simple.
And then...Jamal Maagloire? The man's averaging 11pts and 9 rebounds a game, and you're telling me he deserves an All-Star spot more than Carlos Boozer or Lamar Odom or Donyell Marshall?
Michael Redd...I don't know if he really deserves his spot either. Sure, he's got the stats -- but who else on the Milwaukee Bucks roster can score 22 a game regularly, heh?
And finally, I'm disappointed my little favorite Tony Parker didn't make the West squad, but hey -- there's Kobe, Ray Allen, Sam Cassell and Steve Francis ahead and they sure as hell deserve their spots.

Oh, and Yao Ming starting instead of Shaq? Bullshit! SOMEONE TAKE THOSE VOTING BALLOTS AWAY FROM ALL THOSE CHINESE KIDS!

[horrorfreak13]

Originally posted by James Logan
Oh, and Yao Ming starting instead of Shaq? Bullshit! SOMEONE TAKE THOSE VOTING BALLOTS AWAY FROM ALL THOSE CHINESE KIDS!

Actually Shaq got more internet votes than Yao Ming and Yao Ming got more paper ballots available in Canada and in the US

[adamjohnson]

shaq has been injured as well.

I am a little upset no mor Mavs, especialyl Nashy, made it on the reserves. Good for Dirk though.

[James Logan]

There's no Stephon Marbury either. I don't know if being traded from West to East halfway through the first half of the season was a handicap for him, or if it's just because Phoenix sucked through its 15 to 20 first games, but the kid sure as hell would've deserved a spot on the East roster. More than Michael Redd, in my eyes.

[James Logan]

Originally posted by horrorfreak13
Actually Shaq got more internet votes than Yao Ming and Yao Ming got more paper ballots available in Canada and in the US

You've gotta be shittin' me -- people who actually know what basketball is can't favor Yao over Shaq. I know the whole Internet/paper thing, but as we had some paper ballots available around over here in France, I figure maybe they got some in China. I don't think a lot of little Chinese kiddies got the Internet on a DSL connection to log on nba.com while momma boils the rice for dinner, anyways. :)

And about Shaq being injured...The man still played 30 games out of a possible 45, that's 66% of games. And throughout those games, he averaged 4 more points, 2 more rebounds, 1.5 more assists, 0.1 more steals, 0.5 more blocks than Yao, all that shooting 55% from the floor (the most efficient field goal percentage in the league today). All that playing roughly the same playing time as Yao and shooting the ball 390 times to Yao's 530. Add to that the fact that Shaq played two games this year where he ended up with 8 assists, one 36-point game, one 20-rebound game and one 9-block game. Also add to that that Shaq is playing with the Lakers, where other high-scorers and stars include Kobe Bryant, Gary Payton and Karl Malone. Add to that that Shaq still is a living legend, 3 times NBA champion, 3 times NBA Finals MVP, one of the 50 greatest players of all time, MVP in '99-'00, 9 times an All-Star, co-MVP of the 2000 All-Star game, 2-time regular season scoring champion in 1995 and 2000, 5-time regular season field goal percentage champion, won one IBM Award rewarding the player who statistically contributes most to his team, was Rookie of the Year in 1993 and won 2 Olympics medals.
What did Yao ever do? He was tall and he scored 2 points in his only All-Star appearance. He wasn't even the first Chinese to play in the NBA, and he wasn't even Rookie of the Year last season (Amare Stoudemire got the award).

C'mon, let's be honest here. Injured, no injured, or even dead, Shaq is worth the overhyped Yao a thousand times.

[Freddy Krueger6]

Well to me i dont care who starts or who comes of the bench.Its a fun filled weekend and as long as it's enjoyable then im HAPPY!


Oh ye and GO RAPS!!!

[docholiday_13]

Originally posted by James Logan
You've gotta be shittin' me -- people who actually know what basketball is can't favor Yao over Shaq. I know the whole Internet/paper thing, but as we had some paper ballots available around over here in France, I figure maybe they got some in China. I don't think a lot of little Chinese kiddies got the Internet on a DSL connection to log on nba.com while momma boils the rice for dinner, anyways. :)

And about Shaq being injured...The man still played 30 games out of a possible 45, that's 66% of games. And throughout those games, he averaged 4 more points, 2 more rebounds, 1.5 more assists, 0.1 more steals, 0.5 more blocks than Yao, all that shooting 55% from the floor (the most efficient field goal percentage in the league today). All that playing roughly the same playing time as Yao and shooting the ball 390 times to Yao's 530. Add to that the fact that Shaq played two games this year where he ended up with 8 assists, one 36-point game, one 20-rebound game and one 9-block game. Also add to that that Shaq is playing with the Lakers, where other high-scorers and stars include Kobe Bryant, Gary Payton and Karl Malone. Add to that that Shaq still is a living legend, 3 times NBA champion, 3 times NBA Finals MVP, one of the 50 greatest players of all time, MVP in '99-'00, 9 times an All-Star, co-MVP of the 2000 All-Star game, 2-time regular season scoring champion in 1995 and 2000, 5-time regular season field goal percentage champion, won one IBM Award rewarding the player who statistically contributes most to his team, was Rookie of the Year in 1993 and won 2 Olympics medals.
What did Yao ever do? He was tall and he scored 2 points in his only All-Star appearance. He wasn't even the first Chinese to play in the NBA, and he wasn't even Rookie of the Year last season (Amare Stoudemire got the award).

C'mon, let's be honest here. Injured, no injured, or even dead, Shaq is worth the overhyped Yao a thousand times.


Maybe people voted for Yao because he isn't an egotistical tub of crap who's trademark move consists of elbowing a defender in the chest and then reaching up 2 inchs to slam dunk the basketball :D.


This years game is going to be a raping. How in God's name can the West counter Shaq, Yao and Duncan? Used to be Mutombo would hold down the fort against those beasts but now who will it be? O'Neal? Magloire?

:eek:

[bmain77]

The biggest crime of the NBA all star voting is why people keep voting for Vince Carter. Its bad enough he is simply voted a starter, but to be a leading vote getter is seriously wrong. At one time he was probably the most explosive players getting to the hoop. Now his game resembles Allan Houstons and Reggie Miller more than Michael Jordan. Sure he'll thrown down the occasional high light jam, but he isn't half the player he was 2 or 3 seasons back.

[Freddy Krueger6]

well we all have our own opinions.

Sure vince hasnt played like he did when he first entered this league but he's still an all around dominant player.he's just been plagued with injuries and this season i think he's doing a pretty good job of gettin back in the flow of things.These last 3 games he's played with a DOMINANT FORCE an ALLSTAR whose been stepping up showing all his critics wrong.Reggie Miller Alan Houston come on you've gotta be kiddin me no?They wouldn't drive in if a so upset maybe is because he doesn't finish them (like he used to)he passes it out which usually ends up with a good look to the basket leading to a deuce or trey.Vince does a good job i think you have to remember he does get double and triple teamed every time he touches the ball, it's a tuff situation to be in.Now im not sayin vince is perfect because he's not by far.But he's gradually becomin an all around player.Think for a sec.When he first entered the NBA de he pass this well?Did he shoot this well?could he play defence this well?...ummm my answer NO.So now that he can do all this he can be a MUCH better player then he has ever been.Give the guy some time and just watch.HE SHOULD BE AN EASTERN CONFERANCE ALLSTAR STARTER.

Now my question is who would u have start instead of Carter for the East?

[adamjohnson]

Maybe not instead but Bron Bron (hes a baby still so he gets a baby name) should definetely be starting for the east. There are a TON of great rookies this year and he absolutely the best rookie of all time.

[Freddy Krueger6]

well LeBron doesn't play Vinces position.But LeBron does deserve a spot on the All star squad.

[adamjohnson]

Thats why I said he should necessarily replace him. Him and Melo, although I like Bron Bron better, both got jipped out of rookie year All Star Appearances.

[Freddy Krueger6]

ye i agree..bron and melo are playin an all star year its just tehre no much competition out now.if they put ijn melo who would they take iverson?j kidd?Baron Davis?Michael Redd? ....YES MICHAEL REDD GET HIM OUT OF TEHRE NA DPUT IN BRON!LOL

[James Logan]

I'd have put in LeBron instead of Michael Redd. Or if you don't like Michael Redd, at least give Stephon Marbury the goddamn spot, he deserves it as much.

As for Melo...he can take Brad Miller's spot, as far as I see it. Sure Miller is a center and Carmelo's a power forward, but the West team has enough players who can play center, Sacramento already got an All-Star in Peja Stojakovic, Denver's terrific first half-season would've deserved an All-Star as a reward, Carmelo's showtime play would fit an All-Star game fine, and he is worth Brad statistically (he rebounds and blocks less, but he scores more and steals more).

Having said that, even though I believe not having these two on the squads is unfair, I'm not gonna rant about it all day long. They're rookies, they got long and glorious careers comin', they'll have their dozen All-Star selections each before they retire anyway. :)

[James Logan]

Originally posted by docholiday_13
Maybe people voted for Yao because he isn't an egotistical tub of crap who's trademark move consists of elbowing a defender in the chest and then reaching up 2 inchs to slam dunk the basketball :D.


Aw, c'mon. ;) Sure Shaq is getting tougher these days, and sure each time he comes back from an injury (every other week for the past two seasons, it seems), he takes less risks for himself and bumps people around. And yes, he does get away with more elbow bumps and pushed and shoves -- but a) that's what you get when you weigh more than my mom and dad put together ;); b) superstars always get some kind of special treatment, MJ used to get it; c) it doesn't necessarily allow a player to score 30 a game -- I remember Bill Cartwright elbowing everyone left and right when he was a Bull (even knocking out Hakeem Olajuwon...HAKEEM OLAJUWON!), he didn't score 25 PPG and get the MPV award. :D

And let's face it, if you compare Shaq and Yao, Shaq's quicker, Shaq's more powerful, he's got better fundamentals, and he's more of a showmaker.

Now don't get me wrong, I think Yao is a very good center, definitely one of the best centers to come into the NBA the last few years. But he doesn't deserve an All-Star starting spot. He's good, but much of that comes from his sheer size -- because let's face it, he's slow, he's somewhat predictable, and from time to time you even get the feeling he's not really sure what to go for. That's stuff you can work on, and I'm sure he'll get even better with time. But right now we're in 2004, Shaq is better, and this whole Yao thing is just an overblown PR operation to open up the 2 billion-customer Chinese market to NBA products.

[docholiday_13]

I think it all justs boils down to the fact that Shaq (as good as he is) is old news. Yao is a big and talented Chinese guy. He's quiet and soft spoken as opposed to Shaq's abbrasive personality. Maybe Shaq has just rubbed too many people the wrong way over the past few years.

I mean, let's face it, he's not too popular outside of L.A or among sex crazed Orlandonites currently residing in France :D .

[Haddonfield]

Originally posted by James Logan
Aw, c'mon. ;) Sure Shaq is getting tougher these days, and sure each time he comes back from an injury (every other week for the past two seasons, it seems), he takes less risks for himself and bumps people around. And yes, he does get away with more elbow bumps and pushed and shoves -- but a) that's what you get when you weigh more than my mom and dad put together ;); b) superstars always get some kind of special treatment, MJ used to get it; c) it doesn't necessarily allow a player to score 30 a game -- I remember Bill Cartwright elbowing everyone left and right when he was a Bull (even knocking out Hakeem Olajuwon...HAKEEM OLAJUWON!), he didn't score 25 PPG and get the MPV award. :D

And let's face it, if you compare Shaq and Yao, Shaq's quicker, Shaq's more powerful, he's got better fundamentals, and he's more of a showmaker.

Now don't get me wrong, I think Yao is a very good center, definitely one of the best centers to come into the NBA the last few years. But he doesn't deserve an All-Star starting spot. He's good, but much of that comes from his sheer size -- because let's face it, he's slow, he's somewhat predictable, and from time to time you even get the feeling he's not really sure what to go for. That's stuff you can work on, and I'm sure he'll get even better with time. But right now we're in 2004, Shaq is better, and this whole Yao thing is just an overblown PR operation to open up the 2 billion-customer Chinese market to NBA products.


sorry but every negative thing you just said aboy Yao you could say about Shaq. Big, Slow....the fact that size makes him good. Predictable. Sounds like Kazam to me.

I like both guys, Im a big Shaq fan, but the times they are a changing...the Lakers and now the Yankees...outside of the west coast, people have turned...and its almost all Bryants fault but oh well...its the truth.

[James Logan]

Originally posted by Haddonfield
sorry but every negative thing you just said aboy Yao you could say about Shaq. Big, Slow....the fact that size makes him good. Predictable. Sounds like Kazam to me.


Shaq ain't slow. Sure, compared to Tracy McGrady, he's slow. But for a big man...he's one fast motherfucker. Less and less true, of course, but he still could body-fake Yao out of his shorts. ;)

[James Logan]

Oh, and I'd just like to bring to your attentions that the Cleveland Cavaliers lost tonight, but they did take the L.A. Lakers into overtime, and despite a terrific Gary Payton who not only scored but (as per usual) guarded him like shit on velcro (he made him airball his final shot during regulation), LeBron did score 32 with 4 three pointers out of 4, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. And my new favorite power forward, Carlos Boozer, put up 25 points, 16 rebounds and 7 assists to face Medvendeko's 7 points and 6 rebounds.

I think it's also terrific how well the Cleveland newcomers hold up. I used to think the trades Cleveland did were kinda lame (except the Ricky Davis one...anything to get HIM outta town), but Jeff McInnis has been delivering his 8 points and 6 assists a game; Eric Williams has been delivering his 12 points and 4 rebounds...I really think all Cleveland needs now is a good small forward, Scottie Pippen-like, and a tough center (I tend to find Ilgauskas kind of soft, but he IS good), and they got themselves a playoffs team. LeBron is already dominating, Carlos Boozer is one of the best power forwards in the game right now, Ilgauskas (albeit soft, as I said) has a great touch as a center...it's too bad the Cavaliers didn't start the year on the same pace, because they'd be in the top 6 in the East.

[Haddonfield]

Ive always been a big Eric Williams fan. and the Cavs did play there hearts out yesterday. A healthy/mistrial - led Lakers team is still the team to beat.

[James Logan]

What the hell is happening to Karl Malone? The man missed 23 of the Lakers's 47. Before this season, in an 18-year career, he'd missed less than a dozen games all the way through, and now he's a DNP every other game?

I don't wanna pound on Karl, he's still doing great for someone who's 41 years old, but the Lakers really need him or Kobe to be there on the floor with Shaq and Payton, and right now none of them are around, and the Lakers have lost 11 of their last 20. Before that, they'd lost 7 games out of 27.

Sure a healthy, no injuries, no trial Lakers team is THE team to beat...but will we ever see such a team (other than the Lakers's opening fifteen games of the season)?

[James Logan]

I'd just like to point out one thing about the Cavaliers...

They went 4-3 in the preseason (57% of victories)
They went 0-2 in October (0%)
They went 4-11 in November (27%)
They went 6-9 in December (40%)
They went 7-7 in January (50%)
And now are 2-1 in February (67%)

Sure they're just numbers, but this team is definitely getting better. Take October and November out and they're 15-17 and a playoff team...And besides, they're 7-3 on their last ten games, and they got the easy part of their schedule ahead, with 15 games on the road (26 in the first part of the season), and about fifteen games against teams who as of now should not make the playoffs.

So what do you guys think? Cavaliers, playoffs -- still possible? :)

[RicochetShaw]

Originally posted by James Logan

So what do you guys think? Cavaliers, playoffs -- still possible? :)


Yes, they're in the East. My High School basketball team could make the playoffs in that conference. ;)

[adamjohnson]

So could mine, but then again, theyre number one in the state sooo...

[horrorfreak13]

Originally posted by RicochetShaw
Yes, they're in the East. My High School basketball team could make the playoffs in that conference. ;)

:D

That's funny because it's so fucking true. 8 Teams in the West are better than anybody in the East it's pathetic

[Haddonfield]

It is scary how better the west is, its also scary how bad NJ has become....its also scary for me to think that Indiana can make some damage.....but they are my east choice. Indy will make some noise.

[James Logan]

Well, shite, I come in and hype up the Cavs a bit, and they lose three games in a row. Bastards. ;)

As for the big team in the East...I don't know. Personal favorites of mine are Boston. Now don't get me wrong, I know no team in the East can beat a team of the West in the Finals, but if I had to bet on one team getting to the Finals for the East, it'd be Boston. (that's my bet every year, mind ;) ). I love Paul Pierce, and I think now with Raef LaFrentz inside they can do some serious damage.

The Pacers are the real favorites now though. Winning 70% of their games so far...that's nice. I mean, that's the best record in the league -- it's impressive. They got a great young team, and Rick Carlisle is a terrific coach, and they got some veterans to mix it up all nicely. I think they can make it back to the Finals this year too.

New Jersey isn't there anymore -- they're back to a Jason Kidd/Kenyon Martin combo, pure and simple. With Mutombo and Mourning gone, they got no one of terrific quality at center, and Kittles and Jefferson go on and off.
Detroit can make it far, they're a solid team. I'd have to say that (putting aside favorites-but-underdogs Boston), they're the most likely to get to the Conference Finals with Indiana. No ego problems, the best center in the conference, Hamilton and Billups to score the ball, a great bunch of role players...
Milwaukee won't keep its pace up for long. And in the playoffs, any capable defense will just shut down Redd (who isn't that great a player anyway) and wait for the Bucks to fall apart.
New Orleans is having a so-so season. They could go far, but it'd be the surprise of the year for me. It all depends on Mashburn's health come April.
Toronto's a one-man team. Shut down Vince Carter, Jalen Rose and Donyell Marshall might show up big enough to make the Raptors win a couple of games, but not a series.
New York is an underdog but one that could get past the first round too. Stephon Marbury plays terrific ball, Allan Houston and Keith Van Horn regularly do what they gotta do, and if Mutombo is healthy for the playoffs, he can be the solid defensive threat the Knicks need.

But it's not all done yet. Philly, Miami and Cleveland can all still make it to the playoffs -- which I think would make the playoffs less open, as all three are, to a certain extent, weaker collective teams on paper than the aforementioned.

[James Logan]

I think the 8 qualified teams in the West are decided already, though. Not the order, but the eight teams there right now -- Sacramento, Minnesota, San Antonio, Dallas, the Lakers, Houston, Memphis and Denver should be the ones playing playoff ball come April.

Oh, and I hope n°2 and n°7 stay the same. That'd mean a Minnesota vs. Memphis first round matchup, and if that ever happens, then the Wolves should go past the first round of the playoffs for the first time since Kevin Garnett got there. :) And I think this season they really deserve to.

[James Logan]

Well, Portland got rid of Rasheed Wallace and Wesley Person, traded to Atlanta for Shareef Abdur-Rahim and Theo Ratliff.

Now I'm sure the trade works for Portland -- they lose Wallace's intensity, but they also clean up their act, get the best shot blocker in the NBA, and a smooth shooter who's had better statistics than Sheed this year (Abdur-Rahim is averaging 20pts and 9 rebounds a game).
Atlanta, though...Well, they get Rasheed Wallace, who might be able to play a pretty nice one-two punch with guard Jason Terry, and who should juice the team up a bit, but I don't know if that's gonna help much.

I think both teams are making shots in the long run here. Portland shouldn't make the playoffs this year, so they're cleaning up their image to build a team for the following seasons; and Atlanta...well, either they want to build a team around Rasheed; or they want Rasheed to pull 'em up a bit for the end of the season, let him go, and hence have some room free under the salary cap. I don't know. I don't think either team will be playing in March this season.

I kinda wished Isiah Thomas could've pulled his trick of sending Kurt Thomas and a couple of benchers to Portland for Rasheed. I mean, imagine the Knicks, with Marbury, Houston, Van Horn, Wallace, and Mutombo. They'd have been my new top contender in the East...and as I love the Knicks, it'd've been terrific.

[horrorfreak13]

I think this trade helps Portland a lot Abdur Rahim has played great this year and Rasheed Wallace has been a little bit of a problem the past couple of years.

Atlanta sucks anyways so more power in the West not like they needed it.

[James Logan]

Oh, and the Sixers fired head coach Randy Ayers to replace him with one of his assistants (Chris Ford). Apparently, the 76ers front office isn't satisfied by the 21-31 record (2-8 in the last 10) the Sixers have shown so far this season, and Ayers has been having problems giving the team some spirit, getting both Glenn Robinson and Allen Iverson (to some extent) pissed against the way he ran things.

Chris Ford is an experienced coach, he's coached the Celtics, Bucks and Clippers before.

[horrorfreak13]

You think Allen Iverson misses Larry Brown now?

[James Logan]

Originally posted by James Logan
and Atlanta...well, either they want to build a team around Rasheed; or they want Rasheed to pull 'em up a bit for the end of the season, let him go, and hence have some room free under the salary cap.

Confirming my sentiment:

"I can't explain enough how tough a trade it was for me personally, because of Shareef. He's a class guy and the consummate professional.


"It's just unfortunate that he's got the highest salary on this team...", Atlanta GM B. Knight

I think Atlanta is going with freeing some room under the salary cap and then trying to build something with or without Rasheed depending on how clean his act is until the end of the season. Kind of a gamble, but hey...could work.

[Benny]

Originally posted by James Logan
Oh, and the Sixers fired head coach Randy Ayers to replace him with one of his assistants (Chris Ford). Apparently, the 76ers front office isn't satisfied by the 21-31 record (2-8 in the last 10) the Sixers have shown so far this season, and Ayers has been having problems giving the team some spirit, getting both Glenn Robinson and Allen Iverson (to some extent) pissed against the way he ran things.

Chris Ford is an experienced coach, he's coached the Celtics, Bucks and Clippers before.

About time we got rid of Ayers! Maybe the Sixers can rebound and make the playoffs. Chris Ford is an experienced coach, plus he's a Jersey boy like me, so I'm hoping he can turn things around and work well with Iverson.


You think 'Sheed will turn around Atlanta? I doubt it, but at least he's out of Portland...

[Haddonfield]

From what I saw the Philly players didnt seem to be too broken up about the situation. Gee, what a shock.

[Goku]

why does Portland want Rahim when they have Zach? Neither can play center. and Rahim looks kinda slow for the 3. Makes me think of Orlando picking up Howard, even though they already had gooden (who left Memphis cuz he couldn't play the 3)

[horrorfreak13]

I had to put this up this is too funny

http://espn.go.com/i/page2/quickie/040211_quickie.jpg :D

[James Logan]

Originally posted by horrorfreak13


http://espn.go.com/i/page2/quickie/040211_quickie.jpg :D

:D

And no, Benny, I don't think Sheed will come around. I wish he would -- he's a terrific player and if he only behaved better he'd be considered one of the very best in the league. But if he doesn't want to seize opportunites...fuck him. :)

[horrorfreak13]

Originally posted by James Logan
:D

And no, Benny, I don't think Sheed will come around. I wish he would -- he's a terrific player and if he only behaved better he'd be considered one of the very best in the league. But if he doesn't want to seize opportunites...fuck him. :)

I couldn't have said that any better.

[FrankT.JMackey]

Good trade for both sides I would say, Atlanta gets what they want in cap room at the end of the season and Portland gets rid of trouble (Rasheed) and gets 2 quality players in return. It will be interesting to see how Abdur Rahim does on a team that can actually win.

My Raps are on the road against the Sonics tonight and it's going to be a tough game... I'm just glad to be back at .500 again.

[horrorfreak13]

Originally posted by FrankT.JMackey
My Raps are on the road against the Sonics tonight and it's going to be a tough game... I'm just glad to be back at .500 again.

Now time to get over .500 and hopefully see another big game from Morris Peterson. Also Vince Carter and Donyell Marshall having a big game would be great too.

Then again it's the Eastern conference where aprobably a High School team would make the playoffs in that conference. :D

[FrankT.JMackey]

Originally posted by horrorfreak13
Now time to get over .500 and hopefully see another big game from Morris Peterson. Also Vince Carter and Donyell Marshall having a big game would be great too.

Then again it's the Eastern conference where aprobably a High School team would make the playoffs in that conference. :D

I'd like to see Mo Pete play like that consistently but knowing him he'll probably put up 5 points tonight. He needs to do more than throw up 3 pointers too.

Seattle have some good players (Allen & Lewis especially) but they are weak in the middle just like we are.

[FrankT.JMackey]

Shaq is a big baby... this is what he had to say after being outplayed by Yao Ming...

"He made the shots, but he got the whistle, too," O'Neal said. "He's a big guy and has a soft touch. I don't think he'll ever be able to play me one-on-one, ever, ever, ever."

[horrorfreak13]

Originally posted by FrankT.JMackey
Shaq is a big baby... this is what he had to say after being outplayed by Yao Ming...

"He made the shots, but he got the whistle, too," O'Neal said. "He's a big guy and has a soft touch. I don't think he'll ever be able to play me one-on-one, ever, ever, ever."

Yeah and how many times does Shaq get the whistle. My thoughts exactly

[FrankT.JMackey]

And to think I was actually starting to like Shaq again after watching his play against the Raps and his live tirade on the refs.

[horrorfreak13]

Well Chris Bosh got injured last night which means he might not play in the rookie game which sucks because he's played great this year. Oh well bett er to have him healthy in the long run.

The Celtics placed Vin Baker on waviers today which is the next step in releasing him he missed his 10th game which has triggerred a clause in his contract that would allow the Celtics to release him.

For the entire artice on TSN.ca read here (http://www.tsn.ca/nba/news_story.asp?id=72065)

[James Logan]

What a rookie game, baby, what a rookie game!

Absolutely no defense, dunk-o-rama, LeBron and Mellow proving terrific... :) As I always said, kids deserve the hype. They were fantastic...LeBron could've won the Slam Dunk Contest with what he showed us yesterday.

Now there's one thing this rookie game I hope proved to people: LeBron James and Carlos Boozer are good. Role players, come to Cleveland...these boys deserve rings!

[jackson13]

Yo, NBA peeps, needing some help here. Awhile back someone posted a huge picture of the Staples Center. It was taken from obviously the upper deck and was looking down on the court at a game in progress. I'd like to make this picture the background wallpaper for my computer, except I cant seem to find it anywhere. Did someone take it down? Hell, it may have not even been in this thread, who knows? But, if someone knows the pic im talking about, and knows where its at, please either direct me there with a link or repost the pic all together.

Oh yeah, also, what a disappointing dunk contest last night. Oh how I long for the days of old with Wilkins, Spudd and Jordan.

[James Logan]

http://www.laphotos.com/downtown_staples_inside.jpg

http://www-scf.usc.edu/~josephli/images/15-StaplesCenter.jpg

That's all I could find around.

[RicochetShaw]

Originally posted by jackson13
Yo, NBA peeps, needing some help here. Awhile back someone posted a huge picture of the Staples Center. It was taken from obviously the upper deck and was looking down on the court at a game in progress. I'd like to make this picture the background wallpaper for my computer, except I cant seem to find it anywhere. Did someone take it down? Hell, it may have not even been in this thread, who knows? But, if someone knows the pic im talking about, and knows where its at, please either direct me there with a link or repost the pic all together.


Here's the pic you're talking about, jack (http://www.caphotos.com/d_downtown_s7/images/downtown_staples_laker_game.jpg)


And here's the thread it's found in (http://www.joblo.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=58350&highlight=staples)

[horrorfreak13]

Vashon Lenord a former Raptor wins the 3 point competition. Damn was wasn't he this good when he was with the Raptors.

The only thing I liked about the dunk contest was Jason Richardson's dunk but you got to give it to him and Freddy Jones for trying something new.

Also I'm hearing Denver will strongly pursue Kobe Bryant when he becomes a free agent next year. Damn imagine Denver with Kobe Bryant that will be a very good team.

[jackson13]

Thanks James for those pics but the one Ric posted in the link is the one I was looking for, so double thanks Ric.

[Haddonfield]

so the Nicks want my fellow alchoholic Vinny Baker?

Yikes...just when I thought they were trying to do the right thing. u put the Vin man in the Big Apple, forget about it.

I wish nothing but the best for Vinny but its going to take some time before any team should bite.

[James Logan]

Originally posted by horrorfreak13

Also I'm hearing Denver will strongly pursue Kobe Bryant when he becomes a free agent next year. Damn imagine Denver with Kobe Bryant that will be a very good team.

Could be true, and it'd be sweet -- Carmelo and Kobe playing together, that'd make the Nuggets a very, very solid team.

I only got two questions: if Kobe does leave, do you think he'll want to go someplace where they already have a star? and with everything that's happening to him right now...do you really think Kobe wants to live in Colorado?

[James Logan]

Oh, and the Knicks and Bucks traded Keith Van Horn and Michael Doleac for Tim Thomas and Nazr Mohammed. I think it's a good trade for both teams -- the Knicks get a little more athletic, which is what they've been going for ever since Isiah got there, and they get Van Horn (who doesn't love Stephon Marbury) outta town. And the Bucks get a solid big man to play inside and help out with some scoring.

As for Vin Baker...I'm thinking the Knicks figure that if they're gonna make the playoffs, with Van Horn out, they need a big, heavy dude to come off the bench, grab some rebounds and make some fouls. That's what the Knicks really need -- a bench. They've got some sweet guards on the bench (Penny Hardaway, Shandon Anderson, Moochie Norris), but forwards and centers...they just got Dikembe (or Kurt Thomas, depending on who they play to start the game). They need more ammo there.

[horrorfreak13]

Originally posted by James Logan
I only got two questions: if Kobe does leave, do you think he'll want to go someplace where they already have a star? and with everything that's happening to him right now...do you really think Kobe wants to live in Colorado?

I think Kobe wants to do what Tracy McGrady did when he was with Toronto was go and be the star for his own team. The living in Colorado thing is interesting I'll have to think about that one for a while

[Freddy Krueger6]

Well i enjoyed the all-star game yesterday alto loved the show and the final minutes got quite intense.But...the thing that pissed me off is how many minutes Vince Carter got!I htoguht he played great the first quarter,he was puttin on a nice show.Then what he played like 2 minutes in the third quarter and taht was it.COME ON give me a break he's the leading voter getter and played shit ass minutes!

[James Logan]

Originally posted by Freddy Krueger6
Well i enjoyed the all-star game yesterday alto loved the show and the final minutes got quite intense.But...the thing that pissed me off is how many minutes Vince Carter got!I htoguht he played great the first quarter,he was puttin on a nice show.Then what he played like 2 minutes in the third quarter and taht was it.COME ON give me a break he's the leading voter getter and played shit ass minutes!

I'm sure Rick Carlisle didn't call for that. Vince played well, he should've been on the floor in the 4th quarter -- but he wasn't. French commentator George Eddy suggested that Carter must've been the one who asked not to play all that much -- even saying he might've wanted to be careful not to injure his leg and miss games with the Raptors again.

Makes sense to me.

[Freddy Krueger6]

didnt u hear carter say him self he wanted to be in the game?he was getin stiff sittin on the bench?

[James Logan]

Originally posted by Freddy Krueger6
didnt u hear carter say him self he wanted to be in the game?

Mesa not'a heard that.

Well, then...either the Raptors didn't him to be played too much, or (the more obvious option) Rick Carlisle just wouldn't want to put him on the court. But I don't see why he'd have thought that way...he's been around the NBA long enough to know the players who get the most votes from the fans have to play a fair amount of minutes to give the people out there what they came to see.

I really don't know, then.

[FrankT.JMackey]

The damn Raptors gave up another must win against the Bulls, a team they definitely should have beat. Now they have 4 games in a row against some of the best teams in the league, if we lose all of them that will put us down to 6 games under .500! Goddamn it! Wake up guys!

[James Logan]

Originally posted by FrankT.JMackey
The damn Raptors...

...are apparently thinking of trading Donyell Marshall and Morris Peterson to Seattle for Brent Barry and Vladimir Radmanovic.

Somebody tell me this is a joke. Barry is a vet and a sharpshooter, sure, and Radmanovic is tall and Toronto needs someone inside -- but they're definitely not worth Marshall alone, so why give away him AND Mo Pete for these two?

Here's the Toronto Sun's take on things:

"The versatile Barry, 32, is earning $5.4 million US in the final year of his contract. If the Raptors acquired him, they either could try to re-sign him next summer or let him go and utilize his salary-cap space on someone else.

Of course, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Ltd., simply could be keen on cutting Raptors salaries for next season, with an NHL lockout possibly trashing revenues from the hockey side of the company."

Whatever. If this trade happens, I think we'll have found the worst trade of the season.

Oh, and the Hawks are talking about trading Rasheed Wallace already -- to Boston, Detroit or New York, apparently.

[horrorfreak13]

Originally posted by James Logan
...are apparently thinking of trading Donyell Marshall and Morris Peterson to Seattle for Brent Barry and Vladimir Radmanovic.


Only one word can describe this and that's NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No don' fucking do this Marshall has been their second best player on the damn team

[adamjohnson]

Baahahahah! Carters hurt! Again!

[horrorfreak13]

well the ankle isn't broken which is good news. while Utah has apparently swung the first deadline deals of the day ESPN reports that Utah will have 2 deals done today sending DeShawn Stevenson to Orlando for Gordan Gricek and dealing Keon Clark and Ben Hanlogten to Phoenix for Tom Gugliotta.

I just picked up Gricek for my damn NBA pool you fucking bastards I need him tonight FUCK!!!!!

Also did anybody see Gary Payton trying to eat one of the Golden State Warriors players. Maybe he skipped supper or wanted a snack

[horrorfreak13]

ESPN's Chad Ford reports that Rasheed Wallace has been traded to the Detroit Pistons still awaiting details

Details of the trade

To Detroit: Rasheed Wallace and Mike James

To Boston: Chucky Atkins, Lindsey Hunter and the Pistons first round pick this year.

To Atlanta: Chris Mills, Zeljko Rebraca, Bob Sura and the Bucks first round pick owed to Detroit.

[chiefxcel]

Great move by Detroit, they didn't give up much either. They now have Rasheed Wallace, Ben Wallace, Rip Hamilton, Chauncey Billups, Mehmet Okur, Tayshaun Prince, Corliss Williamson, and Mike James. And with Artest now being out indefinitely, Detroit can challenge for the division.

[horrorfreak13]

Vince Carter is out 2-4 weeks with a sprained left ankle coach Kevin O'Neill said today. This sucks especially for my damn pool that alrady has Larry Hughes and Brad Miller injured. DAMMIT!

[FrankT.JMackey]

Definitely a strong move for Detroit, they acquired Wallace and now they'll have enough cap room to re-sign Okur at the end of the season. For Atlanta the move makes sense because they are looking to cut spending and clear some more cap room (plus without Rasheed the Hawks will be even crappier which will mean a better draft prick) however what good is cap room when nobody wants to come to play for you since no one cares b-ball in Atlanta. I don't think this is the greatest move for Celtics as Ainge seems to be making bad trade after bad trade, sure they get reliable veteran point guards but they gave up a young point guard who had a good future and the Celtics are a team that is building for the future.

Here's some funny links to Sam Cassell http://www.startribune.com/stories/511/4618940.html and Ray Allen http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2001861515_sonicsreport20.html responding to Tim Thomas trashing them.

With Vince, Bosh and Rose now down it is not looking good at all for the Raps, we're definitely going to struggle and we're going to need the teams breathing down our necks (Boston, Miami, Philly) to struggle too if we want to make the playoffs. Donyell Marshall is going to have a large load to carry, I think O'Neil should be using Jerome Moiso more and it looks like he isn't going to have much of a choice now.

Will that Doogie Howser looking mother****** continue his undefeated streak tonight against the Raps? More than likely... the Nets are strong where the Raps aren't (PG and inside).

[scarecrow2012]

Damn what a season this year...
who would of thought that the Memphis Grizzlies would be in a play off chase....same goes for Cleveland and Denver....I'm not a huge NBA fan but i'm very impressed w/these teams who have so little and do so much

[FrankT.JMackey]

I am also suprised by these teams but I disagree with you that they do it with so little... Memphis has a solid nucleus of young players and a great coach, Denver made alot of improvements in the off-season such as signing Andre Miller, Earl Boykins and Voshon Lenard and by drafting a highly talented rookie in Carmello Anthony (even though he's an immature punk) and Clevealand got an impact player in James and Carlos Boozer has emerged as a terrific PF who is only going to get better.

I caught some games yesterday...

Toronto vs. Sacramento - The Raps had the lead at half and it seemed like the Kings just weren't into it but the Kings woke up and went to work in the second half and ended winning by about 20 points, Predrag's jumper is a beautiful thing.

San Antonio vs. Minnessota - The Spurs win in a nail biter, if only Parker and Ginobli could play this good on a regular basis. I was excited to see the Garnett/Duncan matchup for the first time but was disappointed to find out that Garnett doesn't guard Duncan on D while Duncan does guard KG on D, I wonder why that is.

[scarecrow2012]

i guess i couldn't find the right word for it...its not that they have so little but then again it is. I mean other than the fact that Lebron James was signed no one ever thought that the would be in a playoff chase. Suddenly Boozer steps up along w/some other impact players. As for Memphis i gave them no hope in hell after they traded Drew Gooden last year. But BAM!!!!! James Posey, Pau Gasol, Mike Miller they have all stepped up.

[adamjohnson]

Whos up for a little Mav action tonight!?

[James Logan]

The Cavaliers are so gonna make these playoffs (like I predicted before the season, mind ;) ). They're just two games behind Miami (who generally suck), and the 7th spot is Toronto's, who, with all the injuries piling up, is gonna have a hard time winning games for a few weeks. As for Philadelphia, they're playing up and down, and Iverson'll be missing their upcoming road trip games; and Boston can't even play straight anymore. Go LeBron, go C-Booz, put this team into the 8th slot!

As for the final trade this season...Detroit did a terrific move. Now I think we hold our finalists for the East -- I mean, to me it's them or Indiana, and on the paper, Detroit now has a way better roster. And besides, the Wallace Towers can hold down Jermaine O'Neal, no matter how terrific he is.

Actually...I'm thinking now that the Finals this year might be the closest Finals we've had since the mid-90s. Indiana plays like the best team in the League; Detroit has one of the best teams of the league on paper and two big men who can rival anyone; and every team in the West has its ups and downs. So who knows...?

[horrorfreak13]

Originally posted by James Logan
Actually...I'm thinking now that the Finals this year might be the closest Finals we've had since the mid-90s. Indiana plays like the best team in the League; Detroit has one of the best teams of the league on paper and two big men who can rival anyone; and every team in the West has its ups and downs. So who knows...?

That could be possible and I know Detroit looks a lot better now but I still think there are about 4 or 5 teams in the West that are better than them. Lakers, Sacramento, San Antonio, and Minnesota.

I hope it's a close series when it comes down to it but really it's patheitic when the 9th place team in the West can be like 6th in the East.

[James Logan]

Here's how the playoff matchups would look if the season stopped now or if nothing changed...

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Indiana Pacers vs. Miami Heat
New Jersey Nets vs. Toronto Raptors
Detroit Pistons vs. New York Knicks
New Orleans Hornets vs. Milwaukee Bucks

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Sacramento Kings vs. Denver Nuggets
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Houston Rockets
San Antonio Spurs vs. Memphis Grizzlies
L.A. Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks

Of course, everything is still very open. In the East, Indiana seems to have locked the top seed, but NJ and Detroit are still fighting for spot 2 behind; NO and Milwaukee are fighting for first-round court advantage; and after that all teams are pretty much very close (except Washington, Chicago and Orlando).
And in the West, everything's open. Every damn spot. Heck, with a little late-season surge, even Portland or Utah could make the playoffs.

[Grebdron]

You know what guys? Memphis doesn't have nothing. They have the best GM in the history of basketball. It's no coincidence that they got good when Jerry West (GOD) entered the picture.

[James Logan]

Originally posted by Grebdron
You know what guys? Memphis doesn't have nothing. They have the best GM in the history of basketball. It's no coincidence that they got good when Jerry West (GOD) entered the picture.

I totally agree. I kinda wish Jerry West would've signed up with a team in the Eastern Conference, though -- I'd've loved to see him take one team over there (the Conference where apparently no one stands a chance since MJ retired) and make it an NBA Champ.

Having said that, turning Memphis into the top of the West is one heck of a challenge too. And with the effects West's had on the franchise this season...I can't wait to see what things'll be like in a few seasons time.

[James Logan]

Originally posted by FrankT.JMackey
...a highly talented rookie in Carmello Anthony (even though he's an immature punk)...

How's Melo an "immature punk"? I only get the games over here (not much of the off-court stuff, except through the net), and the dude looks like a nice kid to me. Besides, his take on games, and the position Denver is in this year...he sounds pretty reasonable for a guy his age (19 going on 20).

Of course, I could've missed something...hence, the question. :)

[FrankT.JMackey]

Originally posted by James Logan
How's Melo an "immature punk"? I only get the games over here (not much of the off-court stuff, except through the net), and the dude looks like a nice kid to me. Besides, his take on games, and the position Denver is in this year...he sounds pretty reasonable for a guy his age (19 going on 20).

Of course, I could've missed something...hence, the question. :)

Two reasons... a) during a game this season against the Raptors he took a big suck attack on the bench and threw something and b) after he got snubbed for the All Star game he whined about it to the media and actually went as far as bashing a player that was picked over him (Andrei Kirilenko).

[James Logan]

Well, the first I don't see where's the big deal. Second one...I see where you're coming from. When Ron Artest did the same thing for not getting the Best Defensive Player Award last year, I actually went on and called him an immature prick too.

Good point. ;)

[James Logan]

Well, in the two big matchups of the night, the Kings beat the Lakers by 2 and the Mavericks whipped the Spurs by about 15 to 20 (but Tim Duncan got injured, so not exactly a fair fight ;) ).

The fun thing is that the Kings beat the Lakers, but didn't have Chris Webber, Brad Miller and Bobby Jackson. And still they won. Nice.

[Tarman]

Bibby had a nice game.He was lightiing it up from the 3 line and just couldnt be stopped.Peja once again is showing everybody why hes giving KG a run for his money.Cant wait until Webber and Miller come back.Not to big of a Bobby Jackson fan just because I think he doesnt let his offense set up and foreces alot of shots but hes still solid.Im also wondering why Gerald Wallace still isnt getting much playing time.Seems like he was the only one fighting for rebounds

[chiefxcel]

If Sacramento gets fully healthy, they're going to be incredibly hard to beat in a best of 7 series. Webber, Stojakovic, Bibby, Miller, Jackson, Divac, Christie, Peeler, Songaila. Great team, but can they get past the Lakers?

[adamjohnson]

Im not sure why this season but everyone seems to be overlooking the MAvericks. They dont have the record they had last year but this year thay have been consistently beating all the top teams in the west. Shoudl be interesting;

[chiefxcel]

The NBA playoffs are going to be so interesting this year, so many contenders. Can't just give the championship to the Lakers.

NBA Finals prediction: Detroit vs. Sacramento (Sac in 7)

[James Logan]

The East is up to Indiana or Detroit. The Nets have been having a nice streak lately, but not against any elite teams, and besides -- all they got is Jason Kidd and Kenyon Martin. Kind of slim against the top two teams in the conference.

In the West it's very open. As everyone mentioned, you got the Lakers, the Kings, the Spurs, the Mavericks...and a team we've been overlooking so far: the Wolves. I know they're probably just the level under, but they got this season's MVP in Kevin Garnett, they got Latrell Sprewell, Sam Cassell, Wally Sczerbiak (sp?), not many ego problems...I still think L.A. and San Antonio'll be the top teams to beat, but this year is so very very open indeed.

[scarecrow2012]

Originally posted by James Logan
The East is up to Indiana or Detroit. The Nets have been having a nice streak lately, but not against any elite teams, and besides -- all they got is Jason Kidd and Kenyon Martin. Kind of slim against the top two teams in the conference.

In the West it's very open. As everyone mentioned, you got the Lakers, the Kings, the Spurs, the Mavericks...and a team we've been overlooking so far: the Wolves. I know they're probably just the level under, but they got this season's MVP in Kevin Garnett, they got Latrell Sprewell, Sam Cassell, Wally Sczerbiak (sp?), not many ego problems...I still think L.A. and San Antonio'll be the top teams to beat, but this year is so very very open indeed.

Truthfully i think Indiana has the east w/out any fight..but then again i'm always wrong..

When it comes to the west i know the Lakers, Kings and Timberwolves are the best but as a fan i would love for it to come down to Memphis and Minnesota or Denver. As for the east it would be very comic like if the Cavailiars made it to the finals...who knows

[James Logan]

Originally posted by scarecrow2012
As for the east it would be very comic like if the Cavailiars made it to the finals...who knows

I'd dig that. :D But I really don't think there's any chance of that happening. If you have two decent big men, you just shut down C-Booz and Z and let LeBron score his points -- he can't win a championship on his own, even MJ couldn't. And if you got a terrific defender or two, you put 'em on LBJ, pressure him, tire him, and sooner or later the Cavs'll cave in (no pun intended).

I really think it's down to Indiana and Detroit in the East.

As for the West, call me crazy, but I don't think Sacramento's gonna make it. They're playing good, but...I don't know. They're playing soft. I still think the Lakers'll make it, or the Spurs -- but that depends how regular Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili can become.

[James Logan]

Cleveland blew Atlanta away last night (by 32, led by 40 at one point, LBJ put up 24 points and 7 rebounds, and Carlos Boozer and Zydrunas Ilgauskas keep playing like on a roll), and they're now only 1/2 games behind the 8th spot for the playoffs in the East. :cool:

[Tarman]

Kings are going to beat the 76sixers but by how much-Im gonna say 26 pts

[James Logan]

Cleveland just beat New Orleans on the road. I think this was a terrific win -- not only does the victory put the Cavaliers in a tie for the 8th place in the East (26-36), but I loved the way the Cavs played the game. It was a tough game, playoff atmosphere. LeBron put up 19 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists but was in foul trouble pretty early (4 fouls in the 3rd quarter, 5 at the end of the game), and when he had to sit out, the "other" Cavaliers completely turned it up. Carlos Boozer got 18 points and 8 rebounds, Jeff McInnis got 11 assists, Tony Battie had 12 points and 9 rebounds, Eric Williams had 15 and 11...A real team effort to win that game there.

The player I'm worried about is Ilgauskas. Sure, he's in progress, and he's better than many centers out there. But the guy, even though he got 4 blocked shots, is EXTREMELY soft on defense, meaning he doesn't push, he doesn't shove, he doesn't bump...And on offense, he kinda forces his shots, and they're always pretty much the same type (back to the basket, turn around, ugly jump shot). He shot 3 for 11 yesterday.

I think more than ever than the Cavaliers are going to make the playoffs. And if Z can play more regularly like he did last week than like he did yesterday, and if he can start chopping some arms on defense, I think we got ourselves a very nice team here.

[James Logan]

Originally posted by Tarman
Kings are going to beat the 76sixers but by how much-Im gonna say 26 pts

9, actually. ;)

Hey, am I the only one to think Samuel Dalembert rules? He had 20 points and 15 rebounds against the Kings, he's averaging 7 points and 7 rebounds a game...Maybe it's just me, but I think the guy is GOOD.

[FrankT.JMackey]

Meanwhile my Raptors played great for most of the game but gave the game up in the second half because NY got so many offensive rebounds and due to Marbury and Houston lighting them up at the end. It's nice to have Strickland and Glover now but it doesn't look like we're going to be in the playoffs, 2 tough games next with New Orleans tomorrow and Indiana on tuesday.

[RicochetShaw]

This may be late, but....

How about that Yao? Rockets may have lost to LA, but Yao shows that not only can he hold his own against Shaq, he can OUTPLAY him. Yao could be the next Hakeem, he's got some nice moves for being a big man.


GO ROCKETS!

[James Logan]

I don't think you can compare Yao to Hakeem for one very simple reason (to me): for all the qualities he has, Yao is definitely not quick. Hakeem, though, probably was the quickest center ever. His moves, his Dream Shake...Yao can never come close to being so good with his faints and his quickness.

Cavaliers beat the Bucks, with LeBron putting up 24 pts, 10 assists and 7 rebounds (and 3 steals). On the other hand, the Nuggets dropped to the Pistons, with Carmelo putting up only 8 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists (in less playing time, though, as the game was a blow out). Now the Cavaliers are tied for 7th place in the East, while the Nuggets have fallen to the 8th place in the West, with Utah just behind ready to take that playoff spot away.

Am I the only one thinking the Rookie of the Year title is going to play itself in the next ten games or so?

[adamjohnson]

No, its Bron's.

[James Logan]

Well, I was thinking that too, but from November through to December, everyone was saying Melo was playing better, and that with the Nuggets making the playoffs, Anthony would be the one to get the Award.

But now the Cavaliers are making the playoffs too, and LeBron is clearly putting up better stats and taking bigger responsabilities than Carmelo is.

I think the Award is LeBron's indeed. But if the Cavaliers don't make the playoffs, maybe that'll change. Maybe they'll have both kids be co-Rookies of the Year, but I'd be surprised.

[Grebdron]

The officiating in last night's Laker loss was an absolute abortion.

[Tarman]

Thats Bullshit on what there saying about Bowen.Hes the only one who plays Defense and is all over the player hes on.Hes not dirty he just plays D the way it needs to be played.Everyone complaining is acting like bitches.Im not even a Spurs fan but he plays balls out.

[James Logan]

Cavaliers are on a roll. ;)

[James Logan]

The Indiana Pacers are the first team in the NBA to clinch a playoff berth. It's mathematical, they will make the playoffs even if they lose all their remaining games.

The Pacers are 1st in the East and in the NBA and are on a 6 game winning streak -- anyone else think that if these boys make it to the Finals, we might actually have a serious series going?

[Grebdron]

Originally posted by James Logan
[B]The Pacers are 1st in the East and in the NBA and are on a 6 game winning streak -- anyone else think that if these boys make it to the Finals, we might actually have a serious series going?

No.

It will be 4 or 5 years before any team in the East has any legitimate shot at beating a West team in a 7 game series.

[horrorfreak13]

Raptors don't show up in the 1st QTR and lose to Cleveland. I'm starting to like Cleveland's team and I think if they get in they could be a surprise.

Also Vin Baker is a free agent winning his case today meaning he can sign anywhere else the Raptors, Knicks, and Heat are the teams interested in his services.

No date has been set thought on Vin Baker's case against the Celtics.

You can read the full article from ESPN here (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1756752)

[James Logan]

Originally posted by Grebdron
No.

It will be 4 or 5 years before any team in the East has any legitimate shot at beating a West team in a 7 game series.

I'm not all that sure. Indiana and Detroit are both very, very solid teams, and I think they could take the best teams in the West. Not necessarily win, but definitely push them to 6 or 7 close games. Sure, on paper the teams in the West look better...but hey, Indiana has played more consistent basket-ball than any team in the West all season.

Gimme Indiana -- L.A or Detroit -- San Antonio Finals, or something like it, and it's definitely going to 6 games at least, none of them blow outs. I'll bet you one night of steamy hot sex on that one, Greb. ;)

[James Logan]

Originally posted by horrorfreak13
Raptors don't show up in the 1st QTR and lose to Cleveland. I'm starting to like Cleveland's team and I think if they get in they could be a surprise.

Also Vin Baker is a free agent winning his case today meaning he can sign anywhere else the Raptors, Knicks, and Heat are the teams interested in his services.


Same here about the Cavs. Bron and C-Booz are great as usual, but Ilgauskas is starting to become a BIG power inside as he should've been his whole career (damn injuries), and the "supporting cast" is really doing a TERRIFIC job.

As for Vin Baker, he signed with the New York Knicks. I think it's a move that could go both ways for NY. Either Baker disappoints again, and then they took a bad chance. Or he doesn't, and he's gonna be nice veteran help for the playoffs and a nice inside strength for next season. Time will tell.

[Tarman]

Once again my Kings come out on top.Doug Christie had a helluva game and 4 Kings scored in the 20's.Who's gonna give them so competition.

[Grebdron]

Originally posted by James Logan
I'm not all that sure. Indiana and Detroit are both very, very solid teams, and I think they could take the best teams in the West. Not necessarily win, but definitely push them to 6 or 7 close games. Sure, on paper the teams in the West look better...but hey, Indiana has played more consistent basket-ball than any team in the West all season.

Gimme Indiana -- L.A or Detroit -- San Antonio Finals, or something like it, and it's definitely going to 6 games at least, none of them blow outs. I'll bet you one night of steamy hot sex on that one, Greb. ;)

You're on. But I only pitch, no catching for me.

I will give you that MAYBE Indy or Detroit could take it to 6 games. But only because NBA officiating is the worst in any pro sport. They will go out of their way to make sure that an East team wins at least two games, just for money and ratings.

And Indy might have been "playing more consistent than any team in the west", but that's because the majority of their games are against Eastern conference teams. If the Lakers got to play teams like Miami and Cleveland 4 times every season, they'd roll right through.

[James Logan]

Hey, stop bashing Cleveland! ;)

[James Logan]

Cleveland beat Indiana by 3 points despite not scoring a single field-goal in the last three minutes of the game. That's their sixth win in the row, another huge game by Ilgauskas, and a slight consolidation of their 6th place in the East.

[chiefxcel]

Man, Cleveland's getting scary and they'll probably play Detroit or New Jersey in the first round. They can compete with either team. I hope they drop to 7th and take out New Jersey :D

[horrorfreak13]

Well Allen Iverson says he shouldn't come off the bench and play that he's the superstar and no MVP should come off the bench and he's no 6th man.

Hey I wonder if we should ask Kobe Bryant or other superstar players if they came off the bench for a game.

I think Allen Iverson and Terrell Owens are alike both a bunch of whiny babies.

[James Logan]

Let's hope Cleveland beats the Bulls tonight. That'd be 7 in a row, and consolidating their place as 6th in the East, facing New Jersey or Detroit. I'm loving this. :)

[James Logan]

Cleveland dropped to the Jazz, but they were playing without Jeff McInnis, so LeBron had to run a lot more, and against the solid defense the Jazz can put up, that can get pretty tiring. LBJ still got 14 points and 7 assists, though... :)

Detroit won one more too, beating Denver by a 21-point blow-out. I'm getting the feeling the East is gonna come down to two teams: Indiana and Detroit. No one's even close. Not even the Nets.

[horrorfreak13]

Originally posted by James Logan
I'm getting the feeling the East is gonna come down to two teams: Indiana and Detroit. No one's even close. Not even the Nets.

I think that's what it is between 2 teams because the East it's those 2 teams then everyone else. The West is a lot stronger than it is in the East where the 9th or 10th place team in the West could make it in the East. It's pathetic

[chiefxcel]

Detroit's definitely gotta be the favorite to win the East. They are a very deep team with plenty of good scorers and they play very solid defense. Orlando almost upset them last year and took that series to 7 so Detroit will have to dig deeper early on. Indiana is a solid team but still I don't see them beating Detroit in a best of 7 series and plus they usually aren't very good in the playoffs. Cleveland and Miami are on fire, but Cleveland definitely looks like one of the most dangerous teams in the East. I definitely wouldn't want to play them.

[RicochetShaw]

I'm watching the Kings-Rockets game on ESPN right now, and I'm not just saying this because I'm a Rockets fan (honestly, I'm not), but.. THIS IS THE WORST OFFICIATING I HAVE EVER SEEN. UGH!!!!!!!!! I'm seriously furious here, but I don't want to type this message in all caps, because I don't want to annoy anyone. But I really do feel like doing that. Honestly, I'm thinking about writing a letter of complaint to the NBA about this, this officiating is absolutely atrocious. Yao Ming just fouled out due to this horrible reffing. I honestly think these refs should be fined and/or sent back to training again.


If the Rockets lose because of this, I'm going to be even more infuriated.

[RicochetShaw]

I don't believe it. Worst officiating ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[James Logan]

Geez, no one does like the refs, heh? :)

[James Logan]

Steve Francis is such a whining bitch, though. Against the Warriors, when Mike Pietrus held him to 19 points, he reacted by saying: "He was fouling me the whole night, he wasn't guarding me. It was tough, 'cause I didn't know how the referees were going to call it. They were letting them foul me. (They) cross-blocked me all game, so if you're going to let that happen, you're going to get the result of what happened to me tonight."

Back two years ago, when they said Tony Parker was becoming one of the best point guards in the West, and they asked Steve Francis about his opinion, he reacted by saying he was "not impressed" and "you're not one of the greatest players if you haven't won a ring" (as we all know, Steve is a ten-time NBA champ' himself :rolleyes:).

And those are only two examples -- my most French chauvinist ones. ;) Francis just gets on my nerves, whining every time something goes against him.

[horrorfreak13]

Originally posted by James Logan
Steve Francis is such a whining bitch, though. Against the Warriors, when Mike Pietrus held him to 19 points, he reacted by saying: "He was fouling me the whole night, he wasn't guarding me. It was tough, 'cause I didn't know how the referees were going to call it. They were letting them foul me. (They) cross-blocked me all game, so if you're going to let that happen, you're going to get the result of what happened to me tonight."

Back two years ago, when they said Tony Parker was becoming one of the best point guards in the West, and they asked Steve Francis about his opinion, he reacted by saying he was "not impressed" and "you're not one of the greatest players if you haven't won a ring" (as we all know, Steve is a ten-time NBA champ' himself :rolleyes:).

And those are only two examples -- my most French chauvinist ones. ;) Francis just gets on my nerves, whining every time something goes against him.

Why is this not a suprise to me he whined about going to Vancouver and said he would never play in Canada before Vancouver drafted him.

[Grebdron]

Now THAT was a good-old "take 'em back behind the woodshed and spank their little asses" game by the Lakers. Now Excremento's gotta be shitting their pants.:D:D:D

[horrorfreak13]

Apparently Kevin O'Neil's days as head coach may be numbered. The Globe and Mail is reporting. From TSN.ca (http://www.tsn.ca/nba/news_story.asp?id=77906)

[James Logan]

Look at that kid! This is probably the Cavs's most important game of the regular season, a must-win...and LeBron James posts up 41 points, 13 assists, 6 rebounds and 3 steals -- including the 10 final points of his team and decisive plays in the last couple of minutes when Cleveland was still trailing.

Anyone still in doubt? ;)

[RicochetShaw]

Originally posted by James Logan

And those are only two examples -- my most French chauvinist ones. ;) Francis just gets on my nerves, whining every time something goes against him.


But man, I wish you saw that game James. I would wine if I were him, too. One of the Kings made a fast break, I believe it was Bibby, and took it to the hoop and threw it up to the rim. Francis was on Bibby's heels the whole time, and blocked the shot from behind, cleanly... but the ref called goaltending! And I'm not just saying it was clean because I'm a fan, the commentators were arguing that it was a clean block and showed several replays. You may be saying that was just one shot, but that was in the last couple minutes of the game, and was the turning point of the game. The Rockets had been leading before then.
And I was very worked up because that was a very important game, they were on the verge of beating the Kings at home. Beating the team with the best record at home would certainly give the Rockets a lot of confidence going into the playoffs. But alas...

[James Logan]

Oh, I don't doubt ya, Ric'. As much as I like the NBA, the officiating often tends to be terrible in the last few minutes of a game. But the way I see it, is that if it plays against you once, it'll play for you some other night. Besides, officiating isn't that easy -- even though some calls by the refs recently were just plain outrageous.

[Indiana Sev]

Originally posted by Indiana Sev
Is Vince Carter injured yet? :p

I thought I'd bring this beauty up one last time before season's end...

[James Logan]

Well, Allen Iverson won't play any of Philadelphia's last eight games, so I guess the Sixers are definitely screwed and won't make the playoffs. Wonder what the franchise is going to decide for next season, though...

[James Logan]

Oh, and one other thing:

I read about Carmelo Anthony refusing to return to the floor during the fourth quarter of a recent Denver vs. Detroit game -- he apparently threw some kind of ego fit or something. I only read about it because apparently Michael Jordan gave him a call to tell him it disappointed him (relating that to the incident of the mid-90s when Scottie Pippen refused to return to the court in the 4th quarter because Phil Jackson had chosen to let Toni Kukoc take the buzzer-beater and not him), and because apparently it definitely buried his chance to get the Rookie of the Year Award with LeBron.

Anyone see the game or can tell me more about how and why Melo did this? Doesn't sound very classy...

[horrorfreak13]

A Toronto radio statio reports Raptors GM Glen Grunwald has been fired this morning. The team has lost 5 straight games and are 3.5 games back of Boston for the final playoff spot.

[James Logan]

Advice to the next Raptors GM:

First move -- trade Vince Carter while he's still young and can score. Yeah. Trade Vince Carter...and trade him against no one, also known as "cash", and/or draft picks. And then build a team.

Oh, and convince the Canadian government to get those fuckin' taxes DOWN.

[James Logan]

I think a team like the Sixers or the Magic should try and get him. He can't lead a team to the top, I'm afraid to say, but he can be a luxurious co-leader for the likes of an Allen Iverson, or a Tracy McGrady. At least temporarily. And he'll get the cash in. ;)

[horrorfreak13]

Originally posted by James Logan
Advice to the next Raptors GM:

First move -- trade Vince Carter while he's still young and can score. Yeah. Trade Vince Carter...and trade him against no one, also known as "cash", and/or draft picks. And then build a team.

Oh, and convince the Canadian government to get those fuckin' taxes DOWN.

Unless the Raptors get something usefull there won't trade him. There aren't too many players like Vince Carter around and draft picks and cash won't do it.

We've convinced the government for years to kill the taxes but they won't do it because they are greedy bastards that's the Liberial government for ya a bunch of liars who said they were going to get rid of taxes years ago and we still have to pay 8% extra on every god damn thing. :mad:

[sergiopauloferreira]

first time i post in this board but i'm addicted to this game since i know myself as a person. i have a lot of cards of the NBA players that are like ten years old (alot of the good ones like garnett and cassel first season and many, many more).

what i think is funny is that this league isn't as well regarded as should be by most of the u.s. people as should be (you can notice by the people who post regularly), and i think it's the only sport that they're really the unbeatables. too bad.

btw, it's nice to see the league opening itself to the foreign players, especially the ones from down here, i don't know about the others but Nene is gonna stay on this league for a long time...

[Cyd V]

Originally posted by James Logan
Advice to the next Raptors GM:

First move -- trade Vince Carter while he's still young and can score. Yeah. Trade Vince Carter...and trade him against no one, also known as "cash", and/or draft picks. And then build a team.

Oh, and convince the Canadian government to get those fuckin' taxes DOWN.

They can't trade vinchenzo, he's a top 10 player, they'll do just fine building a team with him. They're gonna be loaded next year, they'll finally have a center, they're gonna sign Nash, and they'll have a lottary draft pick, maybe even a new coach...

[adamjohnson]

No, they wont sign Nash, hes happy and rich where he is.

[Cyd V]

Originally posted by adamjohnson
No, they wont sign Nash, hes happy and rich where he is.

They won't resign him, because there's a thing called the salary cap which won't allow Dallas to be the yanks of the nba (i don't know how they're not over the cap now), and nash is Canadian, and wants to play in toronto, and toronto will be under the cap next year.

[James Logan]

On Vince Carter: Man needs to be traded. He's injured every other night, and most of the time, it's just a medium injury he won't play through. And the nights he's not injured, he plays very good basket-ball, but he just doesn't have the edge it takes to win. He just doesn't smell blood in the water when he has to. I used to love the man, and I still think he's pretty fuckin' spectacular...but no team is going to the Finals with him leading them. The Raptors should trade him. Sure, with him, they can try and play the playoffs every year. But they shouldn't play for that -- they should go for the title in the end, like every team should.

On Steve Nash: Dallas already is over the salary cap. But Mark Cuban is filthy rich, and he just pays the luxury tax -- meaning that for every salary dollar over the cap he pays, he pays one more dollar to the NBA. That's why Dallas can hold on to Steve Nash if they do want to. As for the Raptors getting Nash...the only way they can do that is if they get some big salaries out of their team. That means pushing Vince Carter and/or Jalen Rose out. As I've pointed out above, I think Carter should be traded -- but only for a very good player too, and that player will come will a big paycheck too. As for Rose...I guess he can be traded too, but who'd want him?
Besides, getting Steve Nash could be nice. But they'd need someone on the end of his passes to score baskets. Vince Carter might do that, and with them both, the Raptors could get through a couple of rounds of the playoffs, but no more. Do they really want to pay the luxury tax for THAT?

Oh, and I know I'm a couple of days late, but YAY TONY PARKER! Our man TP just put up 29 points and 9 assists, in the Spurs's biggest game this year -- against the Lakers, in L.A., snapping the 11-game winning streak of the Lakies. That's right, Tony Parker scored 29 points and dished out 9 assists while Gary fuckin' Payton was guarding him. I love that kid. :)

[Cyd V]

Originally posted by James Logan
On Vince Carter: Man needs to be traded. He's injured every other night, and most of the time, it's just a medium injury he won't play through. And the nights he's not injured, he plays very good basket-ball, but he just doesn't have the edge it takes to win. He just doesn't smell blood in the water when he has to. I used to love the man, and I still think he's pretty fuckin' spectacular...but no team is going to the Finals with him leading them. The Raptors should trade him. Sure, with him, they can try and play the playoffs every year. But they shouldn't play for that -- they should go for the title in the end, like every team should.

On Steve Nash: Dallas already is over the salary cap. But Mark Cuban is filthy rich, and he just pays the luxury tax -- meaning that for every salary dollar over the cap he pays, he pays one more dollar to the NBA. That's why Dallas can hold on to Steve Nash if they do want to. As for the Raptors getting Nash...the only way they can do that is if they get some big salaries out of their team. That means pushing Vince Carter and/or Jalen Rose out. As I've pointed out above, I think Carter should be traded -- but only for a very good player too, and that player will come will a big paycheck too. As for Rose...I guess he can be traded too, but who'd want him?
Besides, getting Steve Nash could be nice. But they'd need someone on the end of his passes to score baskets. Vince Carter might do that, and with them both, the Raptors could get through a couple of rounds of the playoffs, but no more. Do they really want to pay the luxury tax for THAT?



Well Toronto will be 20 mill under the cap next year, maybe more, because, they finally will be free of Olijawan, and Montros's massive contracts, as well as the moron who signed them. So that should give them enough roon to sign a quality center as well as hopefully Steve Nash. Now this is what their starting 5 may look like next year...

C Dampier or they might draft a center with their top 6 draft pick.
PF Bosh (who will be much bigger)
SF Carter
SG Rose
PG Nash

And coming off the bench will be, peterson, alvin williams, and donyell marshal. Now that's a good fucking team, at least on paper and compared to everyone else in the east...

[horrorfreak13]

Originally posted by James Logan
On Vince Carter: Man needs to be traded. He's injured every other night, and most of the time, it's just a medium injury he won't play through. And the nights he's not injured, he plays very good basket-ball, but he just doesn't have the edge it takes to win. He just doesn't smell blood in the water when he has to. I used to love the man, and I still think he's pretty fuckin' spectacular...but no team is going to the Finals with him leading them. The Raptors should trade him. Sure, with him, they can try and play the playoffs every year. But they shouldn't play for that -- they should go for the title in the end, like every team should.


2 Questions 1. Who can you get for him and 2. Who has enough cap space to take on his huge contract not many teams can.

[James Logan]

1°) For Vince? Depends on how you can work the trade, the players going with it, the money. I'm thinking that right now, if you trade Vince Carter, you can get someone as good as a Michael Redd, an Eddie Jones, a Shawn Marion, an Amare Stoudemire, and so on. And with the money freed through the cap, you can sign someone else, perhaps someone big -- take Steve Nash, for instance.

2°) I don't agree with that -- a lot of teams have space under the cap, and a few more'll be willing to pay a luxury tax. Portland and Dallas always pay the luxury tax, for instance. As for the cap, a lot of teams are going to try to go after Kobe Bryant this year -- Denver, Atlanta, Memphis, pretty much any team who can. Some teams like Atlanta have freed their cap completely -- getting rid of Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Theo Ratliff, Rasheed Wallace. Thing is, Kobe can only go to one team. The others are gonna be left with cap space on their hands they're gonna want to fill. And a good GM would be able to take advantage of that situation to work some trades, including this one if needed.

[Grebdron]

Originally posted by James Logan
2°) I don't agree with that -- a lot of teams have space under the cap, and a few more'll be willing to pay a luxury tax. Portland and Dallas always pay the luxury tax, for instance. As for the cap, a lot of teams are going to try to go after Kobe Bryant this year -- Denver, Atlanta, Memphis, pretty much any team who can. Some teams like Atlanta have freed their cap completely -- getting rid of Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Theo Ratliff, Rasheed Wallace. Thing is, Kobe can only go to one team. The others are gonna be left with cap space on their hands they're gonna want to fill. And a good GM would be able to take advantage of that situation to work some trades, including this one if needed.

Kobe's not going anywhere. No team will be allowed to pay him as much as the Lakers, and Jerry Buss will not let it happen.

[James Logan]

I don't think Kobe'll be going anywhere either. Even though I can't even imagine what's going on in the kid's head, and what will be going on in there as the season ends, or how bad he's gonna want to lead a team on his own, I still think that in the end, the L.A. Lakers are gonna win the title this year -- and I think that if the Lakers keep playing as they play now, Kobe'll get the Finals MVP Award, and not Shaq. And if that isn't enough to convince him to stay put...

My point is, a lot of teams are preparing to convince the man to sign on with them. Whether he does or not is pretty much irrelevant to my point, which is that several NBA franchises are going to have some if not a lot of space under the cap come this summer.

[RicochetShaw]

Originally posted by Cyd V
and nash is Canadian, and wants to play in toronto, and toronto will be under the cap next year.



What is the Canadian media telling you people!? Nash may not be in Dallas next year (though I think he is), but he will NOT end up in Toronto.

[James Logan]

Well, regular season is ending, so I'm gonna give you people my Awards predictions...

MVP: Kevin Garnett (Minnesota Timberwolves), hands down
Rookie of the Year: LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers), hands down
Most Improved Player: Carlos Boozer (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Defensive Player of the Year: Ben Wallace (Detroit Pistons) or Bruce Bowen (San Antonio Spurs)
Sixth Man of the Year: Emanuel Ginobili (San Antonio Spurs)
Coach of the Year: Hubie Brown (Memphis Grizzlies) or Rick Carlisle (Indiana Pacers)
Executive of the Year: Joe Dumars (Detroit Pistons) or Isiah Thomas (New York Knicks)
All-NBA First Team: Shaquille O'Neal, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, Jason Kidd
All-NBA Defense Team: Ben Wallace, Kevin Garnett, Ron Artest, Bruce Bowen, Gary Payton
Rookie Team: Dwayne Wade, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, and no idea

Finals prediction: L.A. Lakers beat Detroit Pistons, 4-2 or 4-3

[James Logan]

On a sidenote, a little thing on the Cleveland Cavaliers not making the playoffs: ok, so I was wrong. But it was pretty damn close. And LeBron did answer all the expectations. And the Cavaliers did still just drop at the very doorstep of the playoffs, and they pretty much won twice as many games as last year.

Oh, fuck it -- they'll be here next season and they'll be fighting for better than just 8th place. ;)

[sergiopauloferreira]

I'm gonna throw my 2 cents on the awards too:

MVP: Kevin Garnett (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Rookie of the Year: Carmello Anthony (Dever Nuggets)
Most Improved Player: Carlos Boozer (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Defensive Player of the Year: Ben Wallace (Detroit Pistons)
Sixth Man of the Year: Antawn Jamison(Dallas Mavericks)
Coach of the Year: Hubie Brown (Memphis Grizzlies) or Jeff Bzdelik (Denver Nuggets)
Executive of the Year: Joe Dumars (Detroit Pistons) or Isiah Thomas (New York Knicks)
All-NBA First Team: Shaquille O'Neal, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Tracy McGrady, Jason Kidd
All-NBA Defense Team: Ben Wallace, Kevin Garnett, Ron Artest, Bruce Bowen, Gary Payton



Expect some awards to Denver. Going from 17 wins last year to the playoffs this year will payoff.

[James Logan]

A couple of months ago, I would've given the Nuggets the Executive of the Year and Coach of the Year Awards too, or at least shots at 'em. But since then...the truth is they're a team that's really improved a LOT, but Carmelo excepted (and even he, statistically, hasn't put up the season LeBron James has), no one on the team or staff really stands out as deserving an award. That's why I ended up not putting so much of 'em up.

[horrorfreak13]

MVP: Kevin Garnett
Rookie Of The Year: Lebron James(Cleveland Cavaliers) - how does it feel media to be wrong again
Most Improved Player - Carlos Boozer(Cleveland Cavaliers
Defensive Player Of The Year - Ben Wallace(Detroit Pistons)
6th Man- Emanuel Ginobili(San Antonio Spurs)
Coach Of The Year - Rick Carlisle(Indiana Pacers)
Executive Of The Year - Joe Dumars (Detroit Pistons)
All-NBA First Team: Shaquille O'Neal, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, Jason Kidd
All-NBA Defense Team: Ben Wallace, Kevin Garnett, Ron Artest, Bruce Bowen, Gary Payton
Rookie Team: Dwayne Wade, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, and ??????????

[Jyrka]

Hello, American cowboys!

I have a question about your great league of ball of the basket. Why the hell did Detroit pick Milicic over Carmelo? Hello? Hello? Sounds like the silliest thing to do ever. Well this and balancing a box of coco-pops on your nose.

[adamjohnson]

For those of you wondering who the last rookie player might be it WILL be either Josh HOward or Marquis Daniels. Hell it may be both. Josh averages 9 points a game and 5 boards, with a career high 19 points. Marquis has practically the same with 33 points on the 10th.

But those numbers dont speak much for how well they play. Their defense is probably Dallas's best, and they just go all out. They continue to impress me an deveryone who watches them. Watch them tonight against the rockets, if you can, and I think you will be too.

[Indiana Sev]

Please go here http://www.joblo.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=74843 for the 2004 NBA PLAYOFF THREAD.