Basketball Thread

[tko112]

Why don't you try some logic?

Like I said, the Hawks were a 50-win team last season (prorated to 82 games) without their best player, Al Horford, for almost the entire season.

Al Horford is >>> Joe Johnson. Joe Johnson was the third best player on the team. Lou Williams replaces 80% of Joe Johnson.

Casual fans for the loss.

If Al Horford is >>> Joe Johnson, then Josh Smith is >>> Al Horford

while you may have a point about the Hawks being a 50-win team last season, that was last season

this season, however, other than J-Smoove and Horford, they have no one else to step up, Williams won't be able to fill Johnson's shoes easily

 

[theeboredone]

I don't think insulting people while trying to get your view across is helping much.

Here are my few notes.

1. I don't know when Dwight is coming back. That will be huge on where the Lakers place. I can see them as a team trying to lock up a top 4 seed, but at the same time taking it easy. Mike Brown has to manage minutes better. Kobe played 38 mpg which is terrible. I know the team didn't have a bench last year, but they have 3.5 guys to run the offense through. Not all 4 guys have to be on the floor at once.

2. Not going to give a seeding for either side. I don't agree with the Hawks being 2. Spurs might still be a top 3. Nuggets to me are the Hawks of the West. A lot of "good" players that can help you in the regular season, but struggle in the playoffs. I'm still a firm believer of a team needing a superstar + good players to get you over the hill. Only team to prove me wrong in recent history is the 04 Pistons.

 

[Jane]

although shaddy definitely proved his basketball knowledge with that game 5 miami victory prediction, im having a hard time seeing how you could justify ATL locking up a 2 seed. I think you might just get a kick out of making bold, against-the-grain predictions. And didnt you say you were done with the nba after last season, o mighty enlightened one? Not to say i dont enjoy having you around, just wondering what happened with that.

 

[GOTM]

What's up with the Sixers hate? For a team that beat injured Chicago (still better than most teams), and took Boston to a game 7, got better in the off season, and have a full training camp and pre-season to gel with a great coach, they deserve at least a 4 seed IMO.

Honestly, who in the East is that much better? Miami will win it healthy. Chicago will get the 2 seed healthy. Other than that, I feel the Sixers are better on paper (and honestly, probably in practice), than every other team in the conference with the guys they've gotten this off season.

 

[shadrach kabango]

What's up with the Sixers hate?

Already answered, yet to be refuted.

although shaddy definitely proved his basketball knowledge with that game 5 miami victory prediction, im having a hard time seeing how you could justify ATL locking up a 2 seed. I think you might just get a kick out of making bold, against-the-grain predictions. And didnt you say you were done with the nba after last season, o mighty enlightened one? Not to say i dont enjoy having you around, just wondering what happened with that.

If I said ATL had a 25% chance for the 2nd seed, Indy and Boston 20%, New York 12%, Chicago 12%, Brooklyn 8% and Philadelphia 3% what would be the difference? It's a strawman to declare I'm suddenly saying the Hawks are a lock.

The utility the "predictions" really serve are as a proxy for how you think about the game. It's a loose framework of what you value, and little more than a flimsy excuse to throw up some logic. Or would you prefer gang signs?

How many more wins than 50 do you think the 2nd seed in the East has?

 

[Masmasher@]

No they didn't casualfan. They won last year based on an elite defense. They lost their two best defenders and replaced them with one above-average one (Bynum). They are replacing their best player (Iguodala) with a total non-factor (Evan Turner).

you have this cute annoying habit of throwing in little asides into your responses i would appreciate it if you would miss me with that dribble ok. play that stuff with someone else.
second you took a piece of my quote and alas...i have know i idea whether your agreeing or disagreeing
i was saying they fluked their way that far anyways
beyond that didnt you make your grand exit from this thread saying "im done with basketball"

 

[shadrach kabango]

Are you black or merely devoid of culture?

Trick question.

 

[Masmasher@]

Are you black or merely devoid of culture?

Trick question.

you cant be devoid of culture
its inherent
im sorry but this is another silly derailed comment

black by the way but again just saying play those games with someone else i aint ask for your little asides
just need confirmation on that

 

[Linguini]

lol, shadrach you got it all wrong man.

The nets are certainly better than mediocre, this doesn't need to be explained.

The celtics actually had a great offseason. With terry, green(who you underrate), and courtney lee on the court combined with a healthy avery bradley next season, you have a great team.

Pretty excited for the t-wolves next season, they're my team out west! I still think it's hilarious that almost their whole starting lineup is white hahaha

Heat are just OP in the east, gonna be predictable till the playoffs.

 

[shadrach kabango]

Jeff Green does not do anything above-average at the NBA.

Here's a good paragraph on the foibles of Jeff Green:

Green has ranked as a horrific defender for most of his career, at least by the numbers. The Thunder and Celtics were consistently worse on both ends of the court with Green on the floor versus on the bench, but the damage was usually more dramatic on defense — and especially when Green played power forward. His rebounding numbers are in the dreaded Andrea Bargnani/Hedo Turkoglu range for big men, opposing players bullied him in the post to the tune of just about 50 percent shooting over 2009-10 and 2010-11 combined (per the stat-tracking service Synergy Sports) and he generally failed most of the “guarding the perimeter” duties that came with his job. Overall, Synergy ranked Green 429th in 2010-11 among all NBA players in points allowed per possession on defense — an attempt at a catch-all metric that considers every play in which a guy is directly involved

He can't create his own shot, shoot from long-range or get to the line, either. Literally one of the worst players in the NBA. There's a decent chance he can be coached up / hidden in Boston, but best-case scenario they were bidding against themselves.

I like Courtney Lee, but Jason Terry is old. Non-stars do not age well, and even stars (Gary Payton) can fall off the planet in one off-season.

Anywho, I'm not the only person down on the Nets. Basketball Prospectus' forecast system projects them with 42.9 wins, 7th in the Eastern Conference. (Insider only.) Not one EC team other than Miami is projected for 50 wins.

 

[GOTM]

Already answered, yet to be refuted.

I don't call what you posted an answer because of how ignorant and stupid it was, lol.

"Philly, another team with potential with a terrible off-season. Their defense is going to be in big trouble. Brand was one of the best defenders in the NBA. Best post defender according to Synergy. Created turnovers. Good on pick-and-rolls. Long reach. Andre Igoudala is more productive than Bynum. They have a huge problem on the wing now; Evan Turner is a bust. It's Jrue Holiday's team, and while I like him, is he really going to take the leap? Personally I think he will, but the rest of the team is AIDS."

WHAT!?!!?!?!?!?!

"Brand was one of the best defenders in the NBA". Well **** me, I guess with two of the best defenders in the NBA we shoulda done a lot better than huh? He was old, slow, and weak. Yeah he blocked a couple shots every now and then, but couldn't switch on pick and rolls and couldn't rebound with his weak old *** legs.

"Andre Igoudala is more productive than Bynum". Can you quit life? I don't even think I can come close to saying how ******** this statement is.

"Evan Turner is a bust". Possibly, yet to be proven though. With Iggy out, and more playing time, and an actual post player to have the offense go through, this is the year we see his true value. He also doesn't give much up defensively to Iguodala.

 

[ahchoomattchu]

The NBA caved in to the fans: http://youtu.be/AnXQsJ8ung8

Spoiler

Not gonna lie though, it was kinda hype.

 

[theeboredone]

Beyond genius.

 

[The Real Gamer]

That was too good lol.

 

[shadrach kabango]

I don't call what you posted an answer because of how ignorant and stupid it was, lol.

From the looks of your post your basketball understanding is the equivalent of monkeys (you) throwing **** (your opinion) in the hopes of something sticking (insults? Liked the metaphor up til this point).

Well **** me, I guess with two of the best defenders in the NBA we shoulda done a lot better than huh? He was old, slow, and weak. Yeah he blocked a couple shots every now and then, but couldn't switch on pick and rolls and couldn't rebound with his weak old *** legs.

Brand may not pass the "eye-test" for you but the numbers overwhelmingly qualify him as playing on an elite defensive level last year. He was the best post-up defender in the NBA last year and it wasn't close. Check out Synergy's numbers. His team was better on defense when he was in the lineup, a tough feat considering his team ranked 3rd in defensive efficiency. His ratio of blocks/steals to fouls is absurd.

Can you quit life? I don't even think I can come close to saying how ******** this statement is.

Obvious troll is troll. Iguodala has been one of the best two-way players in the NBA for years. Andrew Bynum has been healthy one season.

The Sixers fell off the planet when Iguodala went to the bench, losing 8.2 points per 48 minutes. And you're making the case for the guy who was almost always his direct replacement:

"Evan Turner is a bust". Possibly, yet to be proven though. With Iggy out, and more playing time, and an actual post player to have the offense go through, this is the year we see his true value. He also doesn't give much up defensively to Iguodala.

Turner has been mediocre at best even with extended playing time. For a guy who needs the ball in his hands to be effective, he lacks the athleticism a wing needs at this level. His true shooting percentage is under 50%! That's not NBA rotation caliber.

Sounds like you just don't know basketball.

 

[CableCho57]

Scal's presence always turned his team into contenders

Back to back finals in New Jersey
2008 champs and 2010 appearance with Boston
Best record Chicago Bulls in 2011

and look how they all fared or will fare after he's gone

Scal for president

 

[Nike.]

You still here, bored?

 

[GOTM]

LOL. Don't know basketball. I watched all 82 (except 66 last season) Sixers games for the past 12 years.

I played basketball all 4 years in high school and received a division 2 scholarship. Before you tell me I don't know basketball know who you're talking to.

Stats don't tell the story, records do. Iguodala/Brand were not getting it done. We now receive the #2 center in the NBA, get solid vets that know their roles, have extended cap room, and have the opportunity for our younger guys to lower the burden on their shoulders with a post game (which we haven't had in forever).

Debate me, I love it.

Honestly what you sound like is someone who has received a list of stats from a source and thinks that's an all tell to how good players are. Show me the stats for a guy like Joel Anthony, and then tell me the Heat would have won the championship without him. I'd take heart and effort over long arms any day of the week. Stats can definitely turn a coach and owner onto some things that may otherwise be overlooked, but they cannot tell you how good a player is. Basketball sense and a nose for the game are way more important. Bynum brings youth, he grew up about 30 minutes away, and he's pumped to be the #1 guy. I'll take a young guy with a crazy skill set with loads of confidence than a possible retiree.

 

[theeboredone]

You still here, bored?

If you meant "here" as in Austin...then no lol.

 

[Nike.]

Oh, I meant the bball thread, which your obv here lol.
You left Austin? :oooo



I want to do an NBA Fantasy League. What do you think? Is there enough people here interested to do one?

 

[GOTM]

I'm in for one. I was thinking about starting one myself, but I'm all for you managing it

 

[shadrach kabango]

LOL. Don't know basketball. I watched all 82 (except 66 last season) Sixers games for the past 12 years.

I played basketball all 4 years in high school and received a division 2 scholarship. Before you tell me I don't know basketball know who you're talking to.

My dad has watched all sports for what, 40 years now? It doesn't matter if you still calibrate it like a casual fan.

Stats don't tell the story, records do.

D-Rose for MVP! Amirite?

Casualfan.

Show me the stats for a guy like Joel Anthony, and then tell me the Heat would have won the championship without him.

 

[GOTM]

LOL.

W/e man i'm done I got my points in I hate arguing online. Agree to disagree.

I'm all about this fantasy league though.

 

[theeboredone]

We tried an NFL SWF Fantasy league, and we couldn't get an 8th team. To be honest, I'm not big on fantasy bball leagues cause it requires more management. However, I wouldn't mind it if we could get the minimum number of people to sign up.

So yeah, count me in.

 

[Nike.]

I'm in for one. I was thinking about starting one myself, but I'm all for you managing it

I've only done NFL Fantasy, so I'm unsure as to how some of the rules work for the NBA (besides the obvious stats stuff). Looking it all up now.

If we wanted to do this, I think we'd need 8-12 teams. More couldn't hurt obv, but 8 seems like a legit minimum starting point.

• Nike
• GOTM
• Bored
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Anybody else interested?

EDIT: Bored added.

 

[GOTM]

Also, this isn't an arguing point I just wanted to bring it up. MVP really needs to start going to just that, the Most Valuable Player, not the best player in the league. If you took this one guy off of his team, what team would have a completely worse record than they do now.

I feel like if you take away Durant or Rose, the Thunder/Bulls do MUCH worse. If you take away Lebron, I think the Heat do worse, but not as bad.

 

[The Real Gamer]

Im interested.

 

[theeboredone]

Ninja'd you so hard Nike.

Also, I originally live in Dallas...done with school in ATX.

Also, too early to start a fantasy league? Season doesn't start till Halloween.

 

[GOTM]

I'd like to get at least a few pre-season games over with before we draft.

 

[Nike.]

Dat super ninja.

• Nike
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• Bored
• TheRealGamer
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TRG still here?!?!? Sweet.

Any yea, Draft would probably be at leastttt October, if not a week or so before opening day.

 

[GOTM]

We did our FFL draft a day before the season started, haha. At first we were worried we wouldn't have enough to time prepare/trade/sign, etc. but it turned out to be awesome. Got right into things.

 

[Nike.]

The day before??? Man lol.

Trying to contact Maaaaaaaaaaan, I'm sure he'd be interested.

 

[theeboredone]

Where has he been?

 

[Nike.]

Working and family obligations. He still goes to our get togethers, though.

 

[CableCho57]

I'm downskies

I brought that up a few months ago and there were hella people interested in doing a fantasy league. I made a list somewhere in a post a while back. anyways count me in

 

[Nike.]

• Nike
• GOTM
• Bored
• TheRealGamer
• CableCho
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[theeboredone]

My respect for Rose just went up exponentially.

http://sportige.com/chicago-bulls-09-2012-derrick-rose-crying-at-new-adidas-shoe-unveiling/

 

[Zigsta]

Spurs are free.

 

[Nike.]

My respect for Rose just went up exponentially.

http://sportige.com/chicago-bulls-09-2012-derrick-rose-crying-at-new-adidas-shoe-unveiling/

Saw that yesterday. I've been bandwagoning the Bulls for a few years now becuase of him.

Spurs are free.

HOW BOUT DEM HORNETS?

 

[ahchoomattchu]

I'm down to play!

It's just too bad I can't waste anymore of my very last draft picks on the WHITE MAMBA.