Official NBA Discussion Thread

[countchocula]

The East is better than the West, so if anyone is playing bums, it's the Lakers (and Boston still has the better record!). Again, the loss is minor. Boston just needs to recoup.

[Darth Kenshin]

Originally Posted by countchocula

The East is better than the West, so if anyone is playing bums, it's the Lakers (and Boston still has the better record!). Again, the loss is minor. Boston just needs to recoup.

I think both conferences are equally tough, but for different reasons. I wouldn't be surprised if a 40-win team makes the playoffs in the East (right now Milwaukee is the 8 seed and they're 14-17), but out West the Jazz are 18-13 and in the 8 spot. However, the East is stronger at the top. Celtics are a bit better than LA, Cleveland is a bit better than the Spurs, and Orlando is at least a bit better than New Orleans. Neither LA nor Boston will have an easy time getting to the finals, but I think LA's road will be tougher because Boston will only have to play either Orlando or Cleveland (most likely the Cavs), but the 4-8 teams out West are pretty strong (especially Houston and Utah) and could give LA some trouble.

[rocknblues81]

I was impressed with the Hawks butt kicking of Denver tonight. Too bad the team can't win on the road. If they could be decent on the road they would have a chance to beat almost anybody in the playoffs. But a 6-8 road record doesn't cut it.

[jaw2929]

I saw that Washington beat Houston last night.... How the fuck does THAT happen?

Tonight Boston plays Portland... I'm going to try to catch that one online if I can. That should be good.

[KingofKings2525]

Mutumbo went back to the Rockets.

Good, I didn't want the Craptics to get him.

[KingofKings2525]

Anybody see any big trades coming? Last year we were spoiled with all the big trades that went down.

I see J.R. Smith being traded out of Denver
Lamar Odom possibly from the Lakers... Could be a swap for Marion in Miami.
For some reason I see the Clips and Cavs doing something as well.

[jaw2929]

I hope Mut-Mut is ready to go fishing in May. The Rocket's will be eliminated in the 1st or 2nd round of the post-season.

I'd be pretty displeased to see Marion end up in an LA Faker uniform.

[Darth Kenshin]

Originally Posted by KingofKings2525

Anybody see any big trades coming? Last year we were spoiled with all the big trades that went down.

I see J.R. Smith being traded out of Denver
Lamar Odom possibly from the Lakers... Could be a swap for Marion in Miami.
For some reason I see the Clips and Cavs doing something as well.

Odom for Marion makes too much sense. This should've been in play back in June when Michael Beasley measured in a 6'7 and it was clear he can't play the 4. Odom is a better complement for Miami, as he's a legit power forward, and he played great with Wade. Riley loves him as well, and Odom loved Miami. I don't understand how this hasn't happened yet. All I can say is whatever is holding the deal up, it probably still exists, so I unfortunately don't see it happening. Shame, too, cause I die a little inside every time I see Luke Walton starting.

I think the Cavs will dump Wally's expiring deal for a significant player. Not sure who (was thinking Jason Richardson before he got traded) but there's no question Cleveland can use some help, particularly at the 2. Michael Redd was the popular option early in the year.

[rocknblues81]

If the Hawks beat NJ on Friday they should move up into the top 4 or 5 in the rankings. That would be 9 wins in 10 games with a 2 point loss to Boston in there. Granted, it would probably be brief considering the Jan schedule, but they should be there for atleast a short time. They have a great 21-10 record and haven't had a totally repulsive loss since they lost to Cleveland on the road on November the 22nd.

They've only lost two games this year to a team that currently has a losing record. Which was Indy and Toronto and they were missing Josh Smith for both games and Horford only played 7 minutes that night against Indy.

The other losses have been to: Boston, Boston, Cleveland, Houston, SA, Dallas NJ and NJ a second time.

They have good victories over: Orlando, New Orleans, Miami, Cleveland, Detroit and Denver. It's too bad about the close losses to Dallas and to Boston though.

[john_rambo]

The kings won yesterday! We have officially become the greatest team in the history of professional sports!

[jaw2929]

Ha!

Brad Miller needs to escape Sacramento.

I can't believe Boston's lost 3 of their last 4 games, after going 19-0. I don't know what the fuck's going on with them. They did it last year though too, and got 66, so I'm not too worried. They just better get their shit sorted here soon.

[john_rambo]

Originally Posted by Trail_Blazer

Ha!

Brad Miller needs to escape Sacramento.

I can't believe Boston's lost 3 of their last 4 games, after going 19-0. I don't know what the fuck's going on with them. They did it last year though too, and got 66, so I'm not too worried. They just better get their shit sorted here soon.

I really want to keep this team in tact with Miller, I still like our future. The main guys I want gone... Beno, and Kenny Thomas. I do not dislike Beno, but I honestly think the team looks better when Bobby Jackson or Bobby Brown are in. I honestly would not be heart broken to see Salmons go either. I think he would need to go to a well established team to be as effective as he wants to be. Anyway, I will stick with us through thick and thin and maintain that even though our record is horrible, I still love our future.

[jaw2929]

Shit, I never even realized Houston traded Jackson back to the Kings.... I always find it interesting when players do 2nd stints with teams... Especially teams they're best known for playing on. Guys like Dan Majerle and Scottie Pippen, etc.

I see Jackson retiring with Sacramento, he's not gettin' any fuckin' younger!

[john_rambo]

Originally Posted by Trail_Blazer

Shit, I never even realized Houston traded Jackson back to the Kings.... I always find it interesting when players do 2nd stints with teams... Especially teams they're best known for playing on. Guys like Dan Majerle and Scottie Pippen, etc.

I see Jackson retiring with Sacramento, he's not gettin' any fuckin' younger!

Oh he's an old one now (I love having him on the team), but if you watch us, the energy he possesses rubs off on the team. He is 35 years old, but is still as quick as a lot of 25 years old, and I really hope he does retire with us. He was my favorite kings back in the first stint and he is now. I also just having that veteran leader on the team that may not put up the numbers, but has an impact outside of em.

Did I just make it 5 straight posts about the kings? I'm awesome!

[jaw2929]

Indeed you did friend.

You know, with me being a bandwagoner and all, it's actually possible for you to speak with someone else online about the Kings for a few posts.

[john_rambo]

Originally Posted by Trail_Blazer

Indeed you did friend.

You know, with me being a bandwagoner and all, it's actually possible for you to speak with someone else online about the Kings for a few posts.

Oh, yeah of course, I am assuming you are a kings fan now, considering our newfound success, am I right?

[jaw2929]

Not quite. LoL!

[countchocula]

Well, the Raptors suck. What a shame. I really thought this would be a breakout year. I wonder where Bosh will end up when he becomes a free agent. I could see Cleveland going after him to fill a potential Lebron-sized hole.

[Darth Kenshin]

Originally Posted by Trail_Blazer

I can't believe Boston's lost 3 of their last 4 games, after going 19-0. I don't know what the fuck's going on with them. They did it last year though too, and got 66, so I'm not too worried. They just better get their shit sorted here soon.

I don't think it's a bid deal. Like you said, they did the same thing last year for a bit, then got hot again. It might cost them home court, though. And although I don't think home court is that big a deal, I'm sure they'd rather not have to play a Game 7 in Cleveland (where the Cavs are currently undefeated).

[jaw2929]

Yeah, it's pretty important that Boston (or any team for that matter) have homecourt advantage if at all possible.

It wasn't until the Detroit series when Ray Allen finally showed up, and the C's were able to get a fuckin' win on the road. I don't give a shit WHAT team it is, homecourt advantage is almost necessary to win a Championship (I know Miami won without it in 2006, there are SOME exceptions).

[Darth Kenshin]

Originally Posted by Trail_Blazer

Yeah, it's pretty important that Boston (or any team for that matter) have homecourt advantage if at all possible.

It wasn't until the Detroit series when Ray Allen finally showed up, and the C's were able to get a fuckin' win on the road. I don't give a shit WHAT team it is, homecourt advantage is almost necessary to win a Championship (I know Miami won without it in 2006, there are SOME exceptions).

As I've said before, until last year, the last time the teams with the best records in both conferences met in the finals was in 2000. So it's not THAT important in the grand scheme of things. However, as you said, there's no telling how long it could take Boston to get into their groove, so they'd obviously be more comfortable with it. That said, I still think Cleveland beats them, and I don't think it matters who has home court.

[jaw2929]

I can't see it bro.... What makes Cleveland better than they were last year? They've not significantly improved overall as a team other than adding a solid PG. That's not much.... Though admittedly LeBron hasn't even fucking reached his PEAK yet, and he's better than he's ever been.

Regardless of who beats who, I think IMO he's surpassed Kobe Bryant as the best player in the league, and should be a fucking LOCK for the MVP.

[Darth Kenshin]

Cleveland is better for 2 reasons. First, Mo Williams adds a lot to that team. He's one of the best spot up shooters in the league, and having a solid ball handler lets them diversify their offense. If you remember last year, every single play was "give Bron the ball 25 feet away, set a high screen and lets see what happens." Now, Lebron can play off ball more, either coming off screens on baseline or curling, and even getting in the post.

Secondly, Lebron has ascended from "great player" to "best player in the league." I say that with some reservations (I'm convinced Kobe has another gear or two and is kind of on cruise control) but Lebron is much better than he was last year. Plus, with Williams as a ball handler, Lebron can expend more energy on defense. Which has shown... against Miami (either last week or 2 weeks ago... the game Cleveland won) he matched up against Marion for 3 quarters and down the stretch locked in on Wade. That's the kind of thing Lebron wasn't capable of in the past, and the main reason I thought Kobe was better than him last year (Kobe has done that for a while... even Pierce did it in the playoffs last year). Now, Bron is doing it. And it's scary. They have the best defense in the NBA, and Lebron's effort is the main reason for that.

[countchocula]

Originally Posted by Trail_Blazer

Regardless of who beats who, I think IMO he's surpassed Kobe Bryant as the best player in the league, and should be a fucking LOCK for the MVP.

Agreed.

[KingofKings2525]

Lebron is currently the best player in the league but I like what Kobe is doing. Setting his gears in cruise control until the playoffs will allow him to dominate for a good 6-7 more seasons.

[KingofKings2525]

Originally Posted by Trail_Blazer

I can't see it bro.... What makes Cleveland better than they were last year?

Same question to you. What makes Boston better than they were last year, hell even AS good as they were last year? They lost two key role players and Sam Cassell might as well have one foot out the door.

[jaw2929]

Cassell's injured. He's still on the team, eventually will come back I'm sure. Boston's just as good as they were last year, I don't know if they're better. They sure as fuck looked better winning 19 in a row, which is something they didn't do last season.

I can also say Rondo's improvement overall as a player, has really helped them out. Same with Perkins too, they've matured, and have helped the Big 3 this year. Not only that, but Ray Allen's finally adjusted to this system (not being the number 1 guy every single time) and THAT has helped as well.

As for Boston's bench? Powe and House are still there, along with Tony Allen. But I think Boston needs to find one more solid roleplayer before February that can help them.

Kenshin, I disagree that Cleveland's defense is better than Boston's. But I can't argue your other points of James' effort on D, as well as Williams. I still don't think it's enough to get 'em over the hump though. I guess we'll see.

[bigred760]

ESPN is talking about the Celtics maybe acquiring Stephon Marbury from the Knicks. Personally, I think that's a horrible idea . . . but it's out there.

[jaw2929]

Originally Posted by bigred760

ESPN is talking about the Celtics maybe acquiring Stephon Marbury from the Knicks. Personally, I think that's a horrible idea . . . but it's out there.

Oh fuck no.... I really don't want that piece of shit on our team! That would fucking suck!

[KingofKings2525]

Marbury is better than Rondo. He may be an asshole but he would be an upgrade on your team down the stretch even though Rondo is playing great.

[john_rambo]

Originally Posted by KingofKings2525

Marbury is better than Rondo. He may be an asshole but he would be an upgrade on your team down the stretch even though Rondo is playing great.

I actually gotta agree with you on that, though I think if Marbury joins the team he will be the backup. I'd take marbury on my team, I really think his rep is blown out of proportion, even in this, I think the knicks are just as much at fault as he is.

[Bourne101]

Marbury actually may not be a bad choice for the Celtics. He would be great coming off the bench for Rondo (Marbury is probably better than Rondo, but Rondo should still start) and he would probably have a much better attitude playing for a championship caliber team as opposed to the Knicks who have been one of the worst teams in the NBA for a while. I don't blame Marbury for being extremely pissed (although he has taken it a bit far), it can't be easy being the star of a consistently terrible team and all the commotion that goes on in that organization. I bet he would really appreciate being on a winning team.

[jaw2929]

Originally Posted by john_rambo

I actually gotta agree with you on that, though I think if Marbury joins the team he will be the backup. I'd take marbury on my team, I really think his rep is blown out of proportion, even in this, I think the knicks are just as much at fault as he is.

The whole problem with that is, his ego is SO fucking massive... Would he be able to keep the sonuvabitch in check, and take a backseat to an up-and-comer like Rondo?

Every team he's played for, has gotten BETTER once he left... Minnesota, New Jersey, Phoenix and watch the Knicks improve once he leaves. He's a fucking cancer, he's a chucker, and he's definitely NOT what the Celtics need.

The only way I could see this being a good thing, is if he does like 180, does what the Big 3 have done, put their ego's, and stat numbers aside, to win a Championship. If he and KG can get along (they didn't end on the best of terms) and Starbury's willing to make this sacrifice... THEN and ONLY THEN will it (hopefully) pay off, and end up as a good move on Boston and Ainge's part.

Otherwise fuck him, I hope he never gets outta NY.

[countchocula]

Yeah, why not go with someone cheaper and less...douchebag-y?

[Darth Kenshin]

Originally Posted by Trail_Blazer

If he and KG can get along (they didn't end on the best of terms) and Starbury's willing to make this sacrifice... THEN and ONLY THEN will it (hopefully) pay off, and end up as a good move on Boston and Ainge's part.

Funny thing is, they love each other now. They didn't get along when they played, but they were both very immature (Marbury hated Minnesota cause he couldn't get into bars at 19... just shows you where his head was). I think they'd get along fine.

But I don't see why Boston would risk this. It goes against everything that won them a championship. They could've made a trade for Iverson 2 years ago, but bailed. They're a chemistry-first team, and even if Marbury's exploits are exaggerated, he's not the kind of player they need. Plus, won't this kill Rondo's confidence? No way this happens.

[john_rambo]

Originally Posted by Trail_Blazer

The whole problem with that is, his ego is SO fucking massive... Would he be able to keep the sonuvabitch in check, and take a backseat to an up-and-comer like Rondo?

Every team he's played for, has gotten BETTER once he left... Minnesota, New Jersey, Phoenix and watch the Knicks improve once he leaves. He's a fucking cancer, he's a chucker, and he's definitely NOT what the Celtics need.

The only way I could see this being a good thing, is if he does like 180, does what the Big 3 have done, put their ego's, and stat numbers aside, to win a Championship. If he and KG can get along (they didn't end on the best of terms) and Starbury's willing to make this sacrifice... THEN and ONLY THEN will it (hopefully) pay off, and end up as a good move on Boston and Ainge's part.

Otherwise fuck him, I hope he never gets outta NY.

OK Minnesota improved, but you gotta look what happened to the teams he was traded from, in jersey, he was traded for Jason Kidd, one of the best pgs in the league, same thing happened in phoenix, they traded him mid season, they didnt make the playoffs, and got Nash in the off season, we all know how he turned out there. Thats why I think that rep is a little overrated, I know the dude is an asshole, but I also think he is not like a cancer.

[jaw2929]

I agree Kenshin, but I also wouldn't be surprised to see Ainge pull the trigger on it, with wanting someone who can come off the bench, and really help the team out. The POTENTIAL is there... Maybe Marbury's not a 'cancer', but he's really not done any goddamn thing worth mentioning, to benefit a team or get them to winning.

He's a "me first" and "gotta get my stats" player, I'm not sure he really cares about a Championship and shit. I could be wrong, he could totally change his tune, and sacrifice to win.... IF Boston does this, I really hope that's what happens. But the entire time he's been in the fuckin' league, he's not proven to be any different, no matter the team.

I also watched the Suns vs. Clippers game tonight. It was pretty much a given that Phoenix would dispose of the injury depleted Clips. But LA made it really interesting down the stretches of the 3rd and 4th quarters. Rookie Eric Gordon looks to be really solid, and has a lotta potential I think. Also picking up Fred Jones was a great move by the Clippers, as they were without Randolph, Baron Davis, Kaman, Ricky Davis and Jason Hart tonight.

Phoenix needs to learn how to close games better.

[jaw2929]

Well Boston loses to the motherfucking Charlotte BOBCATS in Overtime tonight. I can't figure it out.... They looked un-fucking-stoppable during their winning streak. On another board, a so-called Celtics fan is already talking about how LeBron's going to beat Kobe in the Finals!

Talk about a fucking fair-weather fan.... Shit.... Thing is, I believe this team is absolutely still capable of getting back to the Finals, and winning another Championship. I just don't know what the fuck's happening right now.... It's still early, and the C's didn't win 19 straight games for nothing.

[KingofKings2525]

They suck, that's what happening.

[jaw2929]

Really? Are you sure? Cuz I don't recall the Fakers beating them last year for the Championship.

I also didn't see the Fake-show win anywhere near 19 in a row this year either.