Basketball Thread

[IAmBlu3]

i thought the magic were stupid for letting courtney lee go in the first place. hopefully....my rockets make it to the semifinals.

 

[Kingdom Come]

Your Rockets?

You live in the Clutch City?

 

[IAmBlu3]

nope. i just root for them. me and aaron brooks share the same first name so i'm a fan

 

[Kingdom Come]

Lolk.

Rockets gonna win a championship this year. Rockets-Celtics Finals. Y'all best believe.

 

[Masmasher@]

huh, if dats da case, then which teams r built 4 da "postseason play"
cuz they r da teams 2 beat in da East, cuz no 1 else in da East dont have anything else 2 survive in da postseason

well i mean the magic will make the semi finals but its gonna be the celtics vs the lakers in the playoffs probably

 

[Kingdom Come]

Celtics VS Magic in Eastern Conference Finals. I doubt Flash and King James can co-exist with one ball.

Lakers VS Rockets in Western Conference Finals. If this isn't rigged it's gonna be Rockets in 6. If it is, then Lakers in 7 like they did us last time.

 

[Golem the Stern Father]

They (Heat) will break the single-season win record [of 72]. And I think they have a legit shot at the Lakers' 33-game [winning] streak [in 1971-72], as well. And only the Lakers have even a remote shot at beating them in a playoff series. They will never lose two games in a row this year.

They have put together a much better roster than anybody could ever have expected.There is now no good way to defend them. They are unguardable. They are indefensible. They are just too good and have added so much shooting and are so versatile that they will score at will.

And with Erik Spoelstra coaching, they will be in the top three defensive teams in the league, as well. The other 29 teams better hope the lockout gets moved up a year.

Discuss. 10char

 

[Kingdom Come]

Bull****. Hype them up as much as you want.

I just see them as the NBA's version of the 2008 New England Patriots. OVERRATED!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok, they will be good no doubt about that. But, how are Lebron and D Wade gonna be able to handle playing on the same team? There is only one ball to go around. Oh, and Bosh can't play Defense, I would go at him all day.

 

[127crazie]

I don't see the Heat topping 72 wins. Maybe next year or the year after that, but right now I'm seeing a sort of street-ball thing going on in South Beach. Unless they practice REALLY hard, they're going to need more actual experience playing together before they win big.

 

[Tokyoinamerica]

**** Lebron...go Bulls

 

[Golem the Stern Father]

Who says they can't share the ball together? We don't know how they will perform on the court, so saying its a guarantee that they can't get cooperate and share is nonsensical.

I find Jeff Van Gundy's words a little out of context, but as part of his job, he has to analyze this team. Probably overanalyzing. Each of these players had to have the ball a lot on their respective teams because that was a (if not the most) beneficial way for their team to win games. Abuse the most effective tactic, play to win. (Though you can never win a team game without team contribution)

go Bulls

I second this.

**** Lebron..

I, uh, hmmm.....

 

[Kingdom Come]

I can honestly say I have always cheered for Miami. All things Miami because, I have always had people in Miami and have been going there ever sinc I was just a lil tike. But because of Lebron I hope they DONT win a championship any time soon.

 

[Cyn]

Lolk.

Rockets gonna win a championship this year. Rockets-Celtics Finals. Y'all best believe.

We have to believe. I remember the excitement in Houston when I was a kid and we won two. Those were the days.

 

[tko112]

Rockets' chances 4 a championship went down da moment they traded Ariza

 

[IAmBlu3]

Ariza? he wasn't even an all star.

 

[tko112]

in other news, preseaon starts October 3rd

 

[theeboredone]

Sig says it all for what team I root for. Though I will say I'm scared of the Heat or a more focused Orlando team. Regardless, the last team I want to see win is Miami or Boston.

Thunder look very promising, let's hope they can keep all their young players for a while. Money may become an issue.

 

[IAmBlu3]

i'm also praying the thunder do bad. people are overrating them so dam much. they did good against an inconsistent lakers team so now everyone thinks they're gonna be the second seed next year. definitely not counting on it, but hey. can always be wrong.

also, that sig is dope.

 

[1048576]

Every time you post I imagine your avatar talking and it cracks me up.

 

[theeboredone]

I think the Thunder are the most dangerous to the Lakers in the West. You can break each team down, and I don't see any of them rivaling the Lakers as much as Thunder. Perhaps Denver if JR Smith and Melo stay, and George Karl brings the team together (they totally fell apart after he left). Portland if they can stay healthy for once in their lives. Dallas and San Antonio is getting too old and predictable. Phoenix is done. Not sure how Yao is gonna be with the Rockets right now.

Thunder are young, athletic, and play with plenty of energy. If there is still a glaring hole in the Lakers roster, it's PG play. I'm not sure how good of a defender Blake is, but I don't see him taking on Russel Westbrook. On top of that, I'm sure he will have a better jump shot, so Kobe playing Rondo defense for the most part won't help. I don't see KD shooting 35% or something in the series again, so he should improve as well. Finally, one thing I'm considered about is Kobe's health. I think he's always had some knick knack injury the past few years, and he has been hurt earlier in his career as well. I wouldn't be surprised if he gets hurt sometime during the season. In any case, the Lakers will still hold a huge advantage down low (especially if Bynum is healthy).

All in all, I still think LA comes out of the West.

 

[IAmBlu3]

If artest ends up guarding KD again, the same thing's gonna happen as last year. Artest shut down pierce and KD last year. Dallas is old but their line up is just so stacked that i can't deny them a shot. Mark Cuban really seems insistent on buying a championship lol. I don't really think phoenix is done. I know they're not making the finals but playoffs isn't out of the question. Kobe's spent the entire summer resting so i'm hopeful that he won't have any nagging injuries this upcoming season.

@1048576: haha thanks? i think.

 

[theeboredone]

I'm not sure if Artest can check KD like that again. KD will have playoff experience, overall experience, and will definitely be more of a leader. Yes Artest can still be physical with him, but when KD is constantly on the move ala Ray Allen or trying to take Artest on the drive, that's where Artest really struggles. I know Artest lost weight to gain foot speed, but there is only so much foot speed you can gain, especially given the fact he's in his 30s now.

 

[Virtual Kruncher]

Sig says it all for what team I root for. Though I will say I'm scared of the Heat or a more focused Orlando team. Regardless, the last team I want to see win is Miami or Boston.

Thunder look very promising, let's hope they can keep all their young players for a while. Money may become an issue.

Sorry to go off-topic, but what game is that in your sig?

 

[theeboredone]

I'm not too sure in all honesty. I actually found it off another site. It would have to been in their 2008-2009 campaign though as Bynum was injured and Walton was still relevant. Also, Ariza is healthy and there as well.

 

[evileric]

that might be good news

 

[Narigo1]

if carmelo gets traded to the bulls without trading noah, the bulls may be the best team in the east

 

[IAmBlu3]

they can't get him. they're trying to trade luol deng but his contract is terrible. i don't think they can pull it off with shipping noah.

 

[theeboredone]

Luol Deng fell off the face of the earth in terms of potential. I remember Barkley talking about him like he was gonna be the next best thing. What a shame. Dude gets paid and is now sitting happy.

I'll be happy as long as the Heat don't come out of the East.

 

[Narigo1]

Personally i think the magic and the celtics are better than the heat because they could expose Heat interior d.

I think the Heat are overrated, they have three superstars, a mike miller, second round scrubs and no bench

 

[theeboredone]

I know the Heat have a week interior, but look on the other side. With D-Wade, LeBron, or Bosh going to the hole strong while passing to each other, you're asking the bigs to constantly rotate and move their feet. They are gonna get into foul trouble which will leave them even more vulnerable inside. I mean we all know that you will get called for a foul if you sneeze on D-Wade, LeBron is a monster going to the rim, and Bosh will get his.

 

[IAmBlu3]

bosh? going to the hole strong? hell nah lol.

i like wade but he plays too wreckless. he might be out the league in like 3 years lol.

Magic are a better team but they always crumble in the playoffs to me. they're worse than lebron's "elbow". I think celtics will make it to the finals again and play the lakers.

 

[jugfingers]

. I think celtics will make it to the finals again and play the lakers.

I would cry.

 

[theeboredone]

bosh? going to the hole strong? hell nah lol.

i like wade but he plays too wreckless. he might be out the league in like 3 years lol.

Magic are a better team but they always crumble in the playoffs to me. they're worse than lebron's "elbow". I think celtics will make it to the finals again and play the lakers.

Well last year, Bosh averaged 7 FTA per game. That's 4 fouls minimum. I know he won't have the ball in his hand as much, but I'm just saying the Heat can be one of those teams that can get your bigs into easy foul trouble.

 

[127crazie]

Well last year, Bosh averaged 7 FTA per game. That's 4 fouls minimum. I know he won't have the ball in his hand as much, but I'm just saying the Heat can be one of those teams that can get your bigs into easy foul trouble.

True, but I'm still not convinced that the Heat aren't going to crumble inside against the likes of Dwight Howard. They have an OK starting center in Joel Anthony/Big Z, but guys like Dwight/Bynum when healthy/etc will eat them alive.

Bosh is admittedly a great offensive finesse-y PF, but he's what, 230 lbs.? The Heat just don't have enough banging power in the post. Not so say that the Superfriends won't be amazing, but I still see them as being vulnerable down in the paint.

 

[tko112]

u know, i heard da Rockets r limilting Yao to 25 min a game dis season

thoughts any1?

 

[IAmBlu3]

i think that'd be the smartest thing to do. that man's foot stays injured so they gotta keep him off of it.

i hear the nets are the front runners for getting melo.....he'd be an idiot to go there if he thinks it'll be a better spot than denver.

 

[Masmasher@]

^too late lmao

 

[Maaaaaaaaaan]

Oh wow, I created this thread ages ago and forgot about it for some reason. lol

I love that it took off so well though, seriously. I knew there were some fans of the roundball out there.

Also, as I skimmed through everything I missed, I saw someone complaining about the title. Well, Blu3's dead right. This was an NBA discussion thread, first and foremost. Of course, all basketball is welcome, but don't expect experts in that field. Just sayin'.


Anyways, I'm gonna' start being more active in this thread with you guys. I'm too lazy to re-read things, so I'll just ask what teams you guys rep. Me, San Antonio Spurs for life. I'll be sure to let you guys know of happenings with our team, if you care. lol

Good to see Bored in here too, although I'll yield no love for the Lake Show.




Oh, and keeping Yao to limited minutes is a good idea. They should start using him like they did Mutumbo. It's tragic, but he's beyond his prime. The taller you are, the less of a career you have, really.

 

[Maaaaaaaaaan]

I think the Thunder are the most dangerous to the Lakers in the West. You can break each team down, and I don't see any of them rivaling the Lakers as much as Thunder. Perhaps Denver if JR Smith and Melo stay, and George Karl brings the team together (they totally fell apart after he left). Portland if they can stay healthy for once in their lives. Dallas and San Antonio is getting too old and predictable. Phoenix is done. Not sure how Yao is gonna be with the Rockets right now.

Thunder are young, athletic, and play with plenty of energy. If there is still a glaring hole in the Lakers roster, it's PG play. I'm not sure how good of a defender Blake is, but I don't see him taking on Russel Westbrook. On top of that, I'm sure he will have a better jump shot, so Kobe playing Rondo defense for the most part won't help. I don't see KD shooting 35% or something in the series again, so he should improve as well. Finally, one thing I'm considered about is Kobe's health. I think he's always had some knick knack injury the past few years, and he has been hurt earlier in his career as well. I wouldn't be surprised if he gets hurt sometime during the season. In any case, the Lakers will still hold a huge advantage down low (especially if Bynum is healthy).

All in all, I still think LA comes out of the West.

Double posting, who cares?

Bored's right about the West pretty much. Lakers are the current power, and should be viewed as such. Dallas has always been a one-trick pony, pun intended, and Phoenix doesn't have any firepower left. Utah's solid, but that's all they are. Houston's always good, but they're looking for a real talent right now. And as much as it pains me to say it, the Spurs are far too old right now. Our greatest weakness for the last 3 years is pisspoor rebounding, and it hasn't changed. We're too small. DeJuan Blair is my personal new favorite player, simply because he hustles and actually can ****ing rebound.

The juggernauts I see in the West are LA, Denver, and OKC.

Denver has bundles of talent, but year after year, they lose important games. I don't know what it is, but they don't have the mindset needed to grind out a playoff series. Billups is their best hope to change that, but I'm still not convinced it's enough.

As for OKC, they're scary. Kevin Durant is close to being in the best player of the league talks. His shooting is just too much of a threat, and I think he's much better than Dirk when it comes to versatility. The rest of their team is pretty average though, so...

The Lakers are the clear Western favorite right now. They're just too solid all around, and they've got a massive rebounder in Bynum, and a great PF in Gasol(even though I'm not a fan of him... lol)
Oh, and Kobe. The reigning best player in the game right now. His ability to run the offense covers up for their fairly poor PG situation, and he's just plain monstrous. He's not unbeatable, but he's definitely a heavy factor in every game. I miss Bruce Bowen whenever the Lakers come around.


At any rate, that's my quick view of the West. I'll do the East when it's not 6 in the morning.


Oh, and as for the Heat... I wouldn't be surprised if they could break the win record. I don't see them winning the title, or even the East, but I can see them dominating the regular season. Just my input there.

 

[IAmBlu3]

i refuse to consider the thunder a juggernaut. durant is a beast and can score all kinds of ways but as long as lebron is in the league(i know he went to heat but his skill didn't diminish), he won't be the best all around player. i think his assists are like 2 a game. he should at least step that up to six with all the double teams he's gonna get this year. exactly who did the thunder pick up this off season that has everyone going crazy and thinking they'll get the number 2 spot? they were an 8th seed last year, did well against the lakers, now they're somehow top 3? they're bench is below average. can you name someone on there without going to nba.com? lol. i know i can't. they have alotta energy....not as much talent.....it's like a team filled with joakim noah's lol. all energy, not that much talent.

dallas is not a threat. they win 50+ games every year and always manage to lose in the playoffs.

denver could really be something if they got their **** together. jr smith needs to learn his role and play it. he wants to be an all star but is wayyyy too inconsistent and only cares about how much he ends up on the highlight reel....hate this guy lol. kenyon martin is a high priced dud. he stays injured and he has those dumb *** lips tatooed on his neck. melo's leaving by february, i think, so expect to see a drop in wins....

I root for the rockets and the heat...well really just for lebron

rockets are good....just not elite

i think portland is top 3, talent wise....but they got messed up last year with all those injuries lol. if greg oden can stay healthy for 2 minutes, they'll be good.

heat should do well during the regular season....but i can see orlando beating them because they have no one that can guard dwight, even though his offense is non-existent when he can't throw you around and dunk it.