Nba

[e p]

Discuss Basketball here.

NBA

NCAA

Your school team


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Pistons are my team and have been even before their victory last year.


:cool:

[magicbus]

Me too. Kinda stupid when people just start watching during the playoffs, but I've loved the Pistons forever. :thumb:

[Reaganista]

76ers, b.

[The Big Show's Banana]

Dallas Mavericks, this years champions 1-0

[Mekkalayakay]

I haven't been following basketball as much ever since the Jazz vs. Bulls show down, 1996. I was 7 years old, and of course, a bull's fan. :cool:

[IwantAcookie]

I like the Blazers, they'll make it into the playoffs this year (barely) but they'll get eliminated in the first round.

[e p]

Favorite (existing) players:

Ben Wallace
Dirk Nowitzki
Steve Nash
Jason Kidd
Allen Iverson
Kirk Heinrich (followed his career since KU)
Paul Pierce
LeBron
Carmello Anthony



..just a few


:thumb:

[IwantAcookie]

favorite current players

Earl Boykins (5' 6" and in the NBA)
Theo Ratliff
Ben Wallace
Kobe Bryant
Jason Kidd
Grant Hill (I know he never plays, but he used to be great)
Kirk Heinrich
Kevin Garnett

[e p]

Favorite retired/dead players:

Wilt "The Stilt" Chamberlain
MJ
Larry Bird
Dominique Wilkins
Jerry West
Spud Webb (Dunk contest winner. 5'2'' tall)

..at the moment

:thumb:

[Red Stripe]

Nets, but i dont pay attention to the NBA and NCAA, MICHIGAN (they got a good hockey team) and Boston College

and Yao is my favorite player

[ZEROthirtythree]

Go Wizards.

[bball_1523]

so how does this thread work, just random bball discussion?

Oh well, I'm a bulls fan and have been one since they were winning the championship. Any other real bulls fans that didn't bandwagon?

[boss]

alston's gonna be nuts for the raps

[radianteclipse]

I see the Cavs doing some great things this year. I have a good feeling they will make the playoffs as a 5 or 6 seed, and they will be a team that could surprise people and maybe even go far.

[boss]

yeah the cavs have some potential...but thats provided drew gooden lives up to the hype

and richard jefferson is my fav player....but I dont really like the nets

[IwantAcookie]

I think the cavs will make it into the playoffs...barely

[Red Stripe]

how many years until the bobcats have a winning record?

i say 3

[Pink Panther]

Pacers <3 but i fell asleep watching the game so now i dunno who won.

[enjoy_cai]

Finals this year:

Timberwolves v.s. Miami

[boss]

finals this year
spurs vs pistons

simply put the pistons are the only good team in the east that are still completely together without anyone important leaving and their teamwork is just superb.

since the west lost shaq then we can say the lakers are out. cassell's age is catching him and sprewell doesnt even wanna play there anymore. the kings always get screwed and webber will get hurt again and peja wants out. the mavs only have dirk that can fully support them.

so the spurs are the only team in the west who have a chance because they have great teamwork as well. and the addition of brent barry makes it better

[ICB]

In my opinion (and basketball expertise) :

Crash And Burn Teams this year: New Jersey Nets, Chicago Bulls, Golden State Warriors, New Orleans Hornets, Philadelphia 76ers, Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, Cleveland Caveliers, Sacramento Kings

Teams that have an overall better year: Orlando Magic, Miami Heat, Washington Wizards, San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, Charlotte Bobcats (they've shown some talent so far).

I think that the Lakers will make the playoffs this year, but I doubt they'll get past the first round.

[OrbDragon]

The Spurs will win it all this year again. Here's why: Tim Duncan is a winner...he is the epitome of what an athlete should be...unselfish and still be a leader. Garnett is also great...but sometimes I feel he forces his game too much instead of letting it come to him...his teammates only play off him....Duncan feeds off his teammates and his teammates also feed off him. He always lets the game come to him. He is still the best player on earth...and if he had role players in the Olympics instead of young borderline Allstars+Allen Iverson...Team USA would've won the gold. Plus...Manu Ginobili might be the best non-American player on earth (even better than Dirk)...I'm glad Pop finally will give him the freedom to do his thing....what was he thinking last year by starting Hedo Turkoglu over him?! With Tony Parker, Bruce Bowen en shooter Brent Barry...they have all the key components to win it...athleticism, defensive toughness and playmaking.

The Nuggets sure look disappointing so far...I thought with the addition of K-Mart they'd be very much improved...but so far they don't have any chemistry...they are too loaded up front. They need to trade Marcus Camby for a good shooting guard...because losing Voshon Lenard hurt their team. They have no shooters on the team. Carmelo Anthony has been really selfish and whiny. Earl Boykins seems to be the only guy with his head straight.

LeBron James looks really good...his numbers already suggest he's going to push for the MVP-race...he singlehandedly beat the Suns the other day.

The Pistons is most peoples pick, but I think they'll become complacent...they are deep though. Tayshaun Prince is the real key to their chance of winning it all again...just like in last years finals when he hounded Kobe Bryant.

Kobe already showed his true face with the Lakers...I think he needs to let guys like Lamar Odom flourish too...I think there will be more drama in Laker camp if this continues. He is playing 1 on 5 now...what a dick. I sure hope his foot injury will bench him so he can watch his teammates play. I think they'll battle for the 8th spot in the playoffs with Memphis, Portland and Denver.

I like Orlando...I think in a year or 2 they become real good. It's good to see Grant Hill putting up numbers again...I just hope he'll play the whole season. Dwight Howard has shown promise so far. They are in the sleeper in the East.

In the West, The Suns have obviously been an exciting team loaded with athleticism. Steve Nash will throw tons of alley-oop passes this year...and Amare Stoudemire will be a beast...that guy can throw it down hard.

[OrbDragon]

I think the Jazz, not the Timberwolves, who will challenge the Spurs for the West title...they are much better now with an improved Boozer added to their line-up. Andrei Kirilenko is my pick for Defensive MVP...he can guard the perimeter and post equally well. He rebounds, steals, blocks shots, great hands around the basket. If Matt Harpring stays healthy...look out.

[bball_1523]

Jazz are definitely up there with the other elite teams, not because they have star players, but because they are a TEAM.

right now there are too many good teams everywhere, I mean surprise after surprise...Jazz, Sonics, Raptors, Clippers, Magic, Suns!!!!!

But I'm sticking with the Spurs this year to go all the way. They have too much depth and can play at any style of tempo.

[boss]

and we all know the spurs would be an even greater force if duncan can just hit at least 65% of his free throws

[OrbDragon]

and we all know the spurs would be an even greater force if duncan can just hit at least 65% of his free throws

Duncans free throw woes are even harder to fathom than Shaq's...because TD was a pretty good free throw shooter early in his career.

[LTJ386]

Isn't anyone playing on their school's team?

I'm in the eighth grade and my school has four teams, one A, one B, and two C. The coahes decide the A and B teams, and the remaining players are put into a draft. I made B last year and this year I made C. There are probably a few B teamers that I could school, but playing on C will be fun. My goal is to score 200 points and win some kind of trophy.

[ICB]

About Kobe, I think this is a stat you should look for throughout the year (i.e. Friday) Kobe scores 41, Lakers lose.

[Drumma]

76ers all the way

[OrbDragon]

I think the Sonics are the suprise team so far...I didn't expect it since they lost a key player in Brent Barry. Rashard Lewis seems dramatically improved.

[Tangy zizzle]

The Sonics have done surprsingly well. I think they're the best "team" in the league. They have 2 superstars in Lewsi and Allen and a good core of role players around them.

I've been dissapointed with the Knicks( my fave team) so far. Sure Marbury's playing well (as he always does) but where's his help? I thought the addition of Jamal Crawford was supposed to help soften the blow of Houston's injury troubles? I'm looking for a 2nd half season turnaround. They'll finish 4th in the East.

Look for the Pacers to lose abour 4-5 games straight (depending on how long Jackson, Artest and O'Neill are out for). They've basically lost their core. Jamaal Tinsley's numbers will also go down as he now has no one to defend him and no one to pass to.

[OrbDragon]

^^^ Indeed...it'll be interesting to see which Eastern conference teams will profit the most with the Pistons and Pacers suspensions.

[boss]

Knicks wont finish fourth
I'll even be surprised if they make the playoffs because their big men simply can't hold it down, allan houston's career is done, and tim thomas isnt that good of a replacement

Just because tinsley has no one to pass to doesnt mean his numbers will go down. Croshere, both Jones' can score as well just not as great as the other 3. But tinsley will still get his assists from there and he'll shoot more so his PPG will rise also.

and only wallace is suspeded for 6 games so i doubt that they will have any affect on dipping in the standings

[dancetomdance182]

I'm kind of disappointed at the Nuggets..
they have a decent team, all around team..i don't know why their not doing so well

[boss]

suns and sonics are owning the league right now

[looozer]

I'm a Wizards fan. Until this year, it has been a tragic existence. Actually, I am a casual supporter, not a fanatic. You get the drift though. In the NCAA, I support North Carolina. I attend a school in the UNC system, so they are our bretheren. I love Rashad McCants.

I think the Suns and Sonics are the teams to be reckoned with out west this year. The Suns have 5 excellent men on the floor, including the league's best pure point guard, and possibly the league's best power forward (who is actually usually lined up at the #5 slot thanks to a 3 guard, 2 forward set). The Sonics somehow win because Ray Allen is a phenom, and Rashard Lewis is also brilliant. Luke Ridnour is a solid point, and their guard play is strong overall. However, the lack of a big man might hurt them down the stretch. I love the Jazz because almost everyone on that team can shoot a jumpshot from anywhere on the floor. They're a class act, and fun to watch. White guys are trying to take over the NBA!

I like the Heat in the East. Wade and Shaq are the new Kobe/Shaq duo. Orlando definitely got the better end of the Francis/T-Mac deal. In Stevie Franchise, they got a floor leader who is erratic, entertaining, passionate, and commanding. While not all of these qualities are good, they make fans interested in the team, and make the team win games. About T-Mac in Houston... yeah, anyway. Detroit still looks good. Cleveland has improved quite a bit. And I'm quite impressed with Washington. Above .500?! Yay! Maybe we can make the playoffs this year? I shouldn't say it and jinx them.

Now, for players I like and why...

1. Allen Iverson. AI is my favorite because he is a fearless underdog. He slashes to the rack against men twice his size no matter how hard he gets hit. Sometimes he takes stupid shots, but besides Kyle Korver, who else would you want shooting? If he were on a decent team, he'd shoot a much higher percentage.
2. Steve Francis. As much as I hate to say this, I love Stevie because he can dunk. I drool with anticipation when he gets on breakaways. He's a pretty good player too, and he's maturing into one of the better point guards.
3. Ben Wallace. You can't hate his afro, you can't hate his work ethic, and you can't hate his defense... unless you're playing against it.
4. Kobe Bryant. This man is a phenom. Comparisons to Jordan are unfair because MJ was a better team player, and a better person. Granted his capabilities approach superhuman levels, but Kobe is an arrogant ***, and a poor teammate. Still, I love to watch him play. There's no shot he can't make at any given moment.
5. Kirk Hinrich. He was a great shooter in college, and is a great point guard as a pro. I also loved it when our shooting guard lit him up for 31 points back in December 2002.

College players:
1. Dee Brown (Illinois- Big Ten). He's just entertaining to watch. He is extremely quick, and has amazing skills.
2. JJ Redick (Duke- ACC). I know I should hate him as a Carolina fan, or I should hate him for his attitude. However, made threes are a thing of beauty. This man can shoot them like no other. His shot is a thing of beauty... unless it's against Carolina.
3. Travis Diener (Marquette- C-USA). He's a pretty cool point guard. He can shoot really well. He doesn't really have any amazing capabilities, but he has good floor vision, and usually grabs 5 rebounds and makes at least 5 assists in addition to leading his team is scoring on numerous occasions.
4. Pierre Pierce (Iowa- Big Ten). His shooting against Carolina was phenomenal. Carolina won the game, so I resever the right to like him.
5. Rashad McCants (North Carolina- ACC). If there is something this man can't do, I have yet to see it. He's from Asheville (coolness points), and he has the coolest tattoo I've seen ("Born to be hated on one bicep, Desperate to be loved on the other = more coolness points). He dunked on a friend of mine in high school (more coolness points).

[looozer]

Oh snap, I forgot Kevin Garnett. I tend to undervalue big men. This guy seems to be really nice and genuine and such, and he is a workhorse. He can dribble, he can shoot, he can pass, he can block... he has some of the greatest fundamentals for someone his size in the NBA.

[OrbDragon]

Looozer: the Wiz look pretty good this year. Alot of it has to do with the improved play of Larry Hughes, my current pick for Most Improved Player...he's playing great basketball out there...recently he had a triple double I believe. And Antawn Jamison is one of the most underrated acquisitions this year...they traded an over the hill scorer in Stackhouse for him...while Jamison is still one of the most versatile scorers in the league. He has a good perimeter game...very intelligent offensive player in the pivot too. Plus he doesn't wine about minutes...he accepted a reserve role last year in Dallas.

Gilbert Arenas is a pretty similair kind of player as Francis...very erratic ball handler, but still and explosive scorer. I still believer he'd be better at the two...and let Hughes do the point guard duties. Juan Dixon, Jarvis Hayes and Kwame Brown should improve...but they have to be consistant. They should make the playoffs this year because the young core of this team has been together for awhile now.

There is always a big debate on wether Garnett or Duncan is the better play...I'm still going with Duncan, because he plays off his teammates...I rather have him as a cornerstone because he is a much purer post scorer than Garnett...whose game is more perimeter oriented.

Has anyone seen the Dallas-Houston game thursday? ****, was Dirk Nowitzki on or what. He totally lit up for 53 points...sick. T-Mac also had 48 and nearly missed a triple double. Everytime one of these dudes shot you could predict a bucket....it was a classic shootout.

The Suns are indeed a fun team...especially Amare...that guy is just dominating. He is playing the 5 now and dunking over bigger guys on a nighly basis...sick. Steve Nash is the real reason for Phoenix' great start...like with Dallas, he sets up everybody. The rest is just quickness and athleticism from the starting five. There are a fun team to watch...but as it was evident today...they'll struggle against well-rounded ballclubs (like against the T-Wolves yesterday).

I'm pretty pissed Andrei Kirilenko went down. He has the most interesting game of all. He is fun to watch because he is involved in almost every **** play the Jazz make. He never looks up at the boxscore to see his stats...he's always focussed on the game. He's averaging over 4 blocks. Has anyone seen his rejection on Shaq? Sick.

I think the West will be all about Minnesota Vs. San Antonio when it all breaks down...but the Spurs are much deeper. They are always quietly on the radar...no one talks about them. But they have TD#21, Bruce Bowen, Manu Ginobili, Malik Rose, Tony Parker, Devin Brown and Brent Barry. They are the best team in the league....and they will win it all this year as long as Duncan is healthy.

[Drumma]

the kings will do well

[dancetomdance182]

the houston, dallas game where dirk scored 53 was like a one on one,
t mac vs. dirk

[boss]

duncan is the best powerforward
skillwise...duncan > amare
popularity...amare > duncan

[looozer]

Orb: Interesting point. Larry Hughes is the man, and he probably could handle point duties better than Arenas because of Arenas' poor ballhandling.

My school won both games of a double-header today. Exciting stuff, and excellent basketball :D

[Tangy zizzle]

I'm liking the magic at the moment. This is a big thing for me to say, as I hate Francis. I love the fact that Mobley can be away for 4+ games then come back and light it up. I still think that Grant Hill's (hopefully) healthy body is the main factor. The guy is the ultimate player. He's an all round type, and while he'll never get back to his older numbers, he's still good for 20,6 & 5 a night.

I'm waiting for the Suns to stumble. I can't deny that they've done incredibly well so far, but raw talent and flash can only get you so far. Yes, they'll stil make the play-offs but they'll be bottom 4, not top.

I'm impressed with the Knicks, finally. They just lost a game, but they're playing as a unit. I actually don't want Houston coming back, Crawford is a better player. Tim Thomas should be traded for a decent role player, not a wannbe-superstar. The emergence of Nazr Mohammed as an actual center is the key here. His 5 playing, solid rebounding and impressive scoring let Kurt Thomas do what he does best - A strong low-post presence, and a pure 4-man.

[Tangy zizzle]

Orb: Interesting point. Larry Hughes is the man, and he probably could handle point duties better than Arenas because of Arenas' poor ballhandling.

My school won both games of a double-header today. Exciting stuff, and excellent basketball :D

Larry Hughes know how to play basketball. He should be at the point and let Arenas take the 2, no doubt about it. Those 3 (Jamieson included) are one of the best triangles in the league. probably the best in the East...

[Guitar_fool]

I like the Blazers, they'll make it into the playoffs this year (barely) but they'll get eliminated in the first round.

so true

blazers made the playoffs all the past 26 years but last year.

amazing

[OrbDragon]

Grant Hill is one of the best stories so far indeed...he shows no signs of hampering. But his last comeback ended in January....so I hope things hold up for him. He also had one of the coolest quotes in the aftermath of the Pacers-Pistons brawl: "the Game will survive." He deserves to play on the All-star squad...I voted for him over Allen Iverson, LeBron and Dwyane Wade. He just deserves it...because most other players would've called it a career.

I think the MVP race boils down to 5 players at the moment:

Kevin Garnett: The ultimate versatile player...this should be the year where he takes it to a whole new level...his numbers don't lie right now

Tim Duncan: The ultimate team player...has led The Spurs to a franchise best start....and they haven't even gotten to their annual mid-season tear yet.

Dirk Nowitzki: People expected Dallas to struggle with Nash's departure....but Dirk has carried this team all by himself to a great start so far...seemingly scoring at will. His defense is dramatically improved.

LeBron James: Same reason as Nowitzki. No one expected the Cavs to do so well after Boozers departure....LeBron has carried them up to the Easts upper class...despite still delevoping his own game. Imagine what would happen if James actually reaches his peak.

Steve Nash: He is the catalyst of the Phoenix Suns success. The young athletic players don't have to work for their shots like last year...Steve's passing, ball-pushing and penetrating in the hole has given everybody open looks and easy transition baskets.

[dancetomdance182]

i vote for Steve Nash, he's making a new basketball team out of the Suns. Just like what Kidd did for the Nets. I'm pretty sure he won't get the MVP award.

[ThePatient]

Whoa, I didn't think anyone else besides me liked the Wiz, anywhere, in the world. :amaze:

And my Terps have already lost two games, what the hell? And one loss, today, was to George Washington. :confused:

It sucked to like MD sports teams today...

[looozer]

Whoa, I didn't think anyone else besides me liked the Wiz, anywhere, in the world. :amaze:

And my Terps have already lost two games, what the hell? And one loss, today, was to George Washington. :confused:

It sucked to like MD sports teams today...
I'm from NoVA... gotta love the Wiz. I guess I could cheer for the Hornets, Bobcats or Hawks? :confused:

I go to school in Asheville. Anyway, UNCA plays Maryland on Sunday. I guarantee you guys will win. I'm gonna try to get tickets, because that'd just be rad.

[OrbDragon]

Looks like the Sonics are for real indeed...they beat the Spurs at home...pretty darn impressively too. Danny Fortson was a big reason why.

[dancetomdance182]

Ray Allen was unmissable. He's proving again that he's the best shooter in the league.

[OrbDragon]

Ray Allen is definately having his best season. I'm also liking Luke Ridnour...he's going to be good.



I just stumbled onto this impressive image:

http://msn.foxsports.com/id/3234330_7_2.jpg

Welcome to the NBA, Dwight Howard.

[Reaganista]

oh shi

[dancetomdance182]

Wow did anyone see Houston comeback and beat San Antonio. T-Mac is a crazy beast. 13 points in 35 seconds. CRAZY!

[looozer]

I just stumbled onto this impressive image:

http://msn.foxsports.com/id/3234330_7_2.jpg

Welcome to the NBA, Dwight Howard.
Someone has to say this, so I'm going to. Usually only white girls are in that position.

[Illmatic]

OHHH SNAP.

I'm a Celtics fan, so this year is pretty rough. If it weren't for the Eastern Conference I'd be thinking about the Lottery already. When your best player essentially hates playing basketball, it's rough.

I'm also a fan of basketball done right, so I'm pulling for the Sonics, Suns, Clippers, and Jazz (and boy am I pissed that AK-47 got hurt...he has to be a legitimate MVP candidate).

[OrbDragon]

Someone has to say this, so I'm going to. Usually only white girls are in that position.

:lol:


Well, The Celtics did beat the Sonics yesterday. But I hardly believe they'll be able to play that well all year.

[Tangy zizzle]

The Sonics will bow out in the first round of the playoffs, as will the Suns.

[boss]

aahhh!!!
finally the suck *** raptors snapped the 7 game losing streak
But they did play well, Bosh really took it to KG

[OrbDragon]

the Suns won again too...when are these guys going to lose again *sigh*

[ICB]

The Sonics will bow out in the first round of the playoffs, as will the Suns.

Maybe not. I think that they'll both go to the second round, then crash and burn. Time will tell.

[looozer]

Suns-Sonics tomorrow night. Something's gotta give...

[Tangy zizzle]

^ I soooo badly want to see that game.

I'm gonna go with my epertise on this one and pick the Suns by 11.

[Illmatic]

The Suns are gonna punish the Sonics. Although if the Sonics are hitting their threes, you never know.

[OrbDragon]

It was a close game 112-110...but The Suns prevailed. Steve Nash was the difference...he gave Luke Ridnour some hoops class there.

[Illmatic]

Great game. At this rate, Steve Nash would get my MVP vote for sure. I've played with guys like him. His selflessness is infectious; once you see one guy on your team running up and down the court, setting up teammates, everybody starts doing it, and soon you've got five guys looking out for one another.

[looozer]

I fell asleep :upset:

Well actually, I went to bed after the third quarter because I was absolutely pooped. I was flipping back and forth between the Suns/Sonics game and the Wizards/Lakers game. Both were exciting. All I have to say is "in your face, rapist" (to Kobe). As for the Suns game, I can't believe the Suns' shooting from downtown was so awful, or that Steve Nash dropped such crazy Js. Anyway, I think the Wizards will get waxed tonight, but at least they took it to the Lakers :D

[ThePatient]

Hot damm that was a great game between the Wiz and Lakers.

Were those jerseys they were wearing from before they moved to D.C.?

[Illmatic]

They might have been from when they were the Washington Bullets (or before that, when they were the Baltimore Bullets).

[ThePatient]

Yeah thats what I meant, because the commentator said something about them wearing the jerseys from after they moved next week or something.

I wish they were still in Baltimore, and still called the oh-so-not PC Bullets. Its such an awesome name. :(

[looozer]

They should stay in Washington, and be re-named in the Bullets. Washington Bullets is a Clash song, and therefore an awesome name. I believe the song came well after the name, but you get the idea.

Edit: So I don't double-post, looks like the Suns are a phenomenon this year. It looks to me like they killed the Wizards, and that would be an accomplishment if they were playing like they were vs the Lakers. Kobe was the only reason why the Lakers even hung close.

[ThePatient]

But Baltimore's crime rate is higher, so we should get to be the Bullets. I mean seriously, we earned it.

[OrbDragon]

But Baltimore's crime rate is higher, so we should get to be the Bullets. I mean seriously, we earned it.

:lol:

[boss]

man i wanna see JO and ben go at it on christmas
thats gonna be intense and JO's loaded w/ energy so he's gonna come out banging

[Vaya]

They should stay in Washington, and be re-named in the Bullets. Washington Bullets is a Clash song, and therefore an awesome name. I believe the song came well after the name, but you get the idea.

Edit: So I don't double-post, looks like the Suns are a phenomenon this year. It looks to me like they killed the Wizards, and that would be an accomplishment if they were playing like they were vs the Lakers. Kobe was the only reason why the Lakers even hung close.


suns are great, me being a suns fan and i live in arizona and they are pretty big here especially right now. The suns aren't just getting lucky, the whole team is playing to the best of its abilities and still has room for improvement, they are like last years pistons they work as a team, everyone helps out, everyone is a key player to the team. They have also proved they can win without steve nash or amare when both missed a game. The suns only have room for improvement with everyone young on the team other then nash and bo outlaw.

Also people say the suns have no depth in there roster, they do have really good depth

casey jacobsen - great outside shooter, proved that he can even start tonight when they won the grizzlies with him starting

leandro barbosa - he is a great backup for nash, he is learning every game. He is more of a project out of brazil, he is very fast and isnt selfish with the ball

bo outlaw - great defender, which is why the suns got him to defend and rebound, since they had rebounding problems last year

steven hunter - top shot blocker, last year with the magic he averaged 4.44 blocks and 4.7 rebounds, he was an inexpensive solution for us and has been nothing but good to the team, only weak point is free throw shooting

jackson vroman - vroman is pure energy and already seems like a second round steal, despite having a broken thumb during camp he managed to be start once for Q and did good. in college he averaged 13.9 points and a conference high 9.6 rebounds

jake voskuhl - his work ethnic has been great despite being injured right now. he is used when the suns need a bigger man for the center job. great defensive player

and the starting rotation is just great amare, marion, Q, nash, joe johnson

i really expect the suns to go far this year with the 23-3 record the suns have does not lie. No team since Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls were at their best has gotten off to a better start to a season than the Phoenix Suns.

[OrbDragon]

I think you are overrating the Suns' bench a bit...but The Suns are indeed an exciting team. Joe Johnson may be their key player...he is averaging around 50 percent from beyond the arc...crazy. But I still believe they won't be able to beat The Spurs in the playoffs.

As I was anticipating, all the sportswriters are discussing the Shaq Vs. Kobe game tomorrow....but you'll see that all the raving of what 'might' happen will be just a bunch of hype. It will be a good game though.

[Illmatic]

I think you are overrating the Suns' bench a bit...but The Suns are indeed an exciting team. Joe Johnson may be their key player...he is averaging around 50 percent from beyond the arc...crazy. But I still believe they won't be able to beat The Spurs in the playoffs.

You better be rooting for them to beat the Spurs in the playoffs. Unless you're a Spurs fan.

I am worried, though. Their starting five is averaging 35+ minutes a game each, and with Nash's bad back and all, that can't be a good omen. They have to make a move at the deadline to improve their bench (like the C's did a few years ago with Delk and Rogers).

As I was anticipating, all the sportswriters are discussing the Shaq Vs. Kobe game tomorrow....but you'll see that all the raving of what 'might' happen will be just a bunch of hype. It will be a good game though.

Personally, I'm hoping for a big brawl.

[NS_Joker]

forget shaq and kobe. i wanna see wade vs kobe. shaq can't really challenge kobe 1on1... its just not humanly possible, he sorta just stands there and blocks the lane, but wade can ball w/ him. i just ask for wade to dunk over kobe once. god i hate kobe, he's such a fake. as for a fight or something like that, i doubt anything will happen. if it did happen it would probably be sparked by caron butler, but he's suspended for tomorrow's game so no worries =]

[OrbDragon]

I'm looking forward to the Suns-Spurs game...it should be a great one. We'll finally get to see how good these Suns really are. Duncan Vs. Stoudemire: fundamentals vs. flashyness.

[OrbDragon]

****...I was hoping for a good close match...but The Spurs blew Phoenix away by twenty. The Suns' lack of depth was really evident in this game. Meanwhile the Spurs beat Phoenix at their own game....scoring 115 points fueled by Tony Parkers uptempo game.

Amare showed he was for real though....dropping 37 points...that ain't easy to do against the best interior defense in the league. Duncan always had trouble with him. Remember that in his rookie season Amare did that nasty reverse on TD during the first round playoff series.

[guitarsuperstar]

my san antonio spurs destroyed the suns, the fact of the matter is the suns just don't play defense, they are an extremely talented and atheltic team, but is they don't play d they just won't be a legitimate contender

[dancetomdance182]

I don't understand why, the Nets aren't doing as well even though they got Carter.

[OrbDragon]

I think it's too early to tell yet about the Nets...I think we'll know more 10 games ahead.

[boss]

nets are still screwed w/ carter
but he's been playing well for them and finally playing defence
why didnt he do that here in toronto
jerk

[dancetomdance182]

nets are still screwed w/ carter
but he's been playing well for them and finally playing defence
why didnt he do that here in toronto
jerk

Well, I guess he thought that the Raptors sucked. He knew they were never going anywhere so he didn't even try.

[Illmatic]

Like the Nets don't suck?

[OrbDragon]

Did anyone see Amare go off for 50 last night? That guy is going to dominate in a few years.

[dancetomdance182]

Well he is dominating right now. The Suns need more defense.

[NS_Joker]

go heat, hopefully they make it 15 in a row tonight against the sonics.

[ElephantThugtastic]

Kobe can't win without Shaq. I hope Shaq and the Heat win the NBA title. Dwayne Wade is awesome, too. He is better than Kobe and a lot less egotistical.

[dancetomdance182]

Well the Heat are going to make the Finals.

[boss]

Well, I guess he thought that the Raptors sucked. He knew they were never going anywhere so he didn't even try.

raptors > nets

[OrbDragon]

Kobe is a better individual player than Wade now...no question there. But Wade is a much better team player.

[KappaKid17]

I think I've been more impressed with Wade than any other player this year, thus far. Him, and Steve Nash I guess.

[ICB]

Kobe can't win without Shaq. I hope Shaq and the Heat win the NBA title. Dwayne Wade is awesome, too. He is better than Kobe and a lot less egotistical.

So far he's won 16 times without Shaq. Shaq may be the best big man in the league, but all he's good for is grabbing the ball, dunking, or shooting from short ranges. But then again, the Heat are kicking some serious ***. Though I don't see it happening, it would be interesting to see a Lakers vs. Heat matchup in the Finals...


*dream on, dream on...*

[dancetomdance182]

So far he's won 16 times without Shaq. Shaq may be the best big man in the league, but all he's good for is grabbing the ball, dunking, or shooting from short ranges. But then again, the Heat are kicking some serious ***. Though I don't see it happening, it would be interesting to see a Lakers vs. Heat matchup in the Finals...


*dream on, dream on...*

I highly doubt that will ever happen.
It'll probably be the Suns or Spurs vs. Heat.

[looozer]

Or how about the Heat don't make it to the final? There ARE other teams in the Eastern Conference you know. There are other teams without overrated and oversized centers.

On that note, I'd like to congratulate the Wizards on their glorious victory over Seattle. I thought they might choke in the fourth quarter, but the outcome was never really in doubt :D

On a side note, the Wizards lost to the Heat. Twice.

[OrbDragon]

The Pistons are prolly the most pathetic defending champs I have witnessed so far. They have turned their championship swagger into arrogance and complacency...and they make excuses for everything. It's time for Brown to give Milicic some burn. The Grizz came to the Palace and gave the Pistons a taste of their own medicine by droping 101 and holding the 'bad boys' wannabe's to 79.

[dancetomdance182]

Or how about the Heat don't make it to the final? There ARE other teams in the Eastern Conference you know. There are other teams without overrated and oversized centers.

On that note, I'd like to congratulate the Wizards on their glorious victory over Seattle. I thought they might choke in the fourth quarter, but the outcome was never really in doubt :D

On a side note, the Wizards lost to the Heat. Twice.

I'm pretty sure the Heat will make it to the Finals. Their other contenders might be Pistons, or Wizards.

[boss]

heat and pistons eastern conference finals

[ThePatient]

I really like the Wizards to contend, the east is even weaker than it was since Detroit has fallen and Indiana doesn't have Artest.

And that Wiz vs. Sonics game was great. Almost as good as when they beat the Lakers. :)

[Reaganista]

Yeah, I loved how Detroit, from the weak and pathetic East, dismantled the Lakers dream team last year.

[ThePatient]

Watching the Lakers lose is almost as sweet as watching the Yankees lose. No matter who it is, its always great.

[Reaganista]

I was kinda conflicted because I've alway liked Karl Malone and was(am) pissed off at Larry Brown, but my Hatred of Kobe outwieghed this in the end and I rejoiced.

[ThePatient]

I love the Jazz, so it was horrible watching him play for the Lakers. John Stockton is the coolest white guy ever.

[Hess]

sorry u guys but the timberwolves are gonna take it all thins year. The pistons are over rated and all the 76ers have is....IVERSON......aint he isn't all that good anyhow1

[looozer]

Um no. Let me think of some teams that can beat the Wolves...

Suns
Sonics
Spurs
Bobcats

Yeah... I don't think a team that loses to the Bobcats really stands that good of a chance of going deep into the playoffs. Cassell, Spree, and KG make a great offense, but still...

[Simple Man]

You guys this the Hornets are going to have record season this year?

[dancetomdance182]

The Hornets are horrible. I really hated Detroit. I was rooting for the Lakers, but no team stood a chance except for the Nets. The Nets-Pistons series last year was great.

[Hess]

[QUOTE=detroit are over rated, the lakers are usless now with out shaq, and even then they wern't all that good. the shaq kobe pair up done more harm than good in my opinion. once the timberwolves pull ther thumbs out ther *** then they'll take it to the hole this year :thumb:

[dancetomdance182]

The Timberwolves are horrible, but my biggest dissapointment is the Houston Rockets.

[Simple Man]

What's the Wolves record?

[Illmatic]

John Stockton is the coolest white guy ever.

As a Celtics fan, I'm obviously going to disagree strongly.

[Illmatic]

Minnesota is 17-16.

Here's how I see the playoffs shaping up:

East:
1. Miami
2. Cleveland
3. New York
4. Detroit
5. Chicago
6. Orlando
7. Indiana
8. Boston

1. San Antonio
2. Phoenix
3. Seattle
4. Dallas
5. Minnesota
6. Sacramento
7. Memphis
8. Clippers (Gotta believe!)

NBA Finals: Spurs or Sonics over Heat

[looozer]

Minnesota is 17-16.

Here's how I see the playoffs shaping up:

East:
1. Miami
2. Cleveland
3. New York
4. Detroit
5. Chicago
6. Orlando
7. Indiana
8. Boston

1. San Antonio
2. Phoenix
3. Seattle
4. Dallas
5. Minnesota
6. Sacramento
7. Memphis
8. Clippers (Gotta believe!)

NBA Finals: Spurs or Sonics over Heat

I agree with you about the finals at least. However, I really don't see Boston AND New York making it and Washington missing out. We'll see. I know the Wiz are choke artists and all, but this is a GREAT year for them.

[Illmatic]

I don't think the Wizards have been truly tested yet, plus I'm wary of any team that is led by the two main players of those 30-52 Warriors teams from a few years ago.

[dancetomdance182]

I thought the Nets had a chance making the playoffs with Carter. But now Jefferson is injured and I doubt they would make it. If they do make it, Jefferson has a chance to come back, but still I don't think they will go far.

[looozer]

I don't think the Wizards have been truly tested yet, plus I'm wary of any team that is led by the two main players of those 30-52 Warriors teams from a few years ago.
That actually helps. Arenas and Jamison have matured since them, and they're building on chemistry that they had formed in the past rather than having to forge new connections. Hughes also used to play for the Warriors too, before Arenas arrived I think. Note how the Wizards have won 5 in a row, including a game against the Sonics that was NO CONTEST throughout. Note how the Wizards have a winning record. They're only one game out of second in the East. They've won almost 65% of their games. Boston is still below .500. I know the season is young and all, but still. The Wizards would have to take a hit harder than the one that Jay Williams received to drop below Boston.

[Illmatic]

I have a gut feeling that they will.

[Illmatic]

And I'm banking on Boston making the playoffs based on the Ewing Theory after the inevitable Paul Pierce trade (they're better off without him in crunch time, actually, and they can get good value for him).

[dancetomdance182]

Tonight, Nets against the Rockets. National TV, TNT. That will be an enjoyable game.

[Kurtz]

Kobe got injured. :(

[Kurtz]

Watching the Lakers lose is almost as sweet as watching the Yankees lose. No matter who it is, its always great.
:angry:

Do you happen to be from Boston?

[whatduffhuck7]

i live in michigan, pistons fam my whole life, and mich state fan too, oh by the way mich state is going to win ncaa title again this year. unless georgia tech gets home court atvan becuae there unstopable at home

[dancetomdance182]

Kobe is injured. He said its not season threatening. I think he's taking a MRI today.

[Illmatic]

i live in michigan, pistons fam my whole life, and mich state fan too, oh by the way mich state is going to win ncaa title again this year. unless georgia tech gets home court atvan becuae there unstopable at home
You'll have to go through the Illini first.

[looozer]

i live in michigan, pistons fam my whole life, and mich state fan too, oh by the way mich state is going to win ncaa title again this year. unless georgia tech gets home court atvan becuae there unstopable at home
I hate to break this to you, but no. If you can't beat Duke, you can't Illinois (as previously stated), and you can't beat UNC either.

[dancetomdance182]

This year is going to be UNC or Duke.

[Illmatic]

Nope.

[dancetomdance182]

The Jazz beat the Suns. It's weird the Jazz 2-11 and they beat the 2 best team. Suns and Spurs.

[Illmatic]

I'm going to bump the NBA topic by saying that the Celtics need to trade Paul Pierce badly.

Pierce to Memphis for Bonzi Wells, Jeff Posey/Stro Swift, and a first rounder could work out for both teams.

[dancetomdance182]

Did you hear about the rumour of Peja going to New York? Pretty sweet.
I'm going to bump the NBA topic by saying that the Celtics need to trade Paul Pierce badly.

Pierce to Memphis for Bonzi Wells, Jeff Posey/Stro Swift, and a first rounder could work out for both teams.

Hmm..I don't think the Celtics would do that, but who knows?

[Illmatic]

The Celtics have to do it....Pierce is unhappy and he's doggin' it, plus they play better when he's off the floor. Wells gives them a decent replacement, Posey/Swift add depth, and given the way the Grizzlies have played this season, that #1 could either be useless or a lotto pick.

The Celtics play best when they throw GP, Tony Allen, Ricky Davis, Al Harrington, and Mark Blount out there.

[dancetomdance182]

Hm..the All-Star game will be pretty neat. With McGrady in the West, and Shaq in the East. Now it can be Shaq vs. Yao. Pretty sweet.

[Illmatic]

The All-Star teams should look like this:

East:
PG - Wade
SG - Lebron
C - Shaq
SF - Grant Hill
PF - Jermaine O'Neal
Bench: Iverson, Arenas, Richard Jefferson, Hinrich, Jamison, Rip, Curry

West:
PG - Nash
SG - T-Mac
C - Amare
SF - Marion
PF - Dirk
Bench: Duncan, KG, Allen, Kobe, Yao, Lewis, Parker

The reason the ASG will be so good will be because of players like Wade, Lebron, Nash, and Hill bringing in a more selfess style of play. These past few draft classes have been terrific.

[dancetomdance182]

Carter made the all-star team. No matter how poorly he does his popularity makes him be in the all-star game. I remember Vince Carter was out for almost the first half of the season and he still made the all-star team. That was really ****ed up.

[Illmatic]

I said "should", not "will".

[dancetomdance182]

I said "should", not "will".

Just giving my thoughts.

[jimiSRVhendrix]

The All-Star teams should look like this:

East:
PG - Wade
SG - Lebron
C - Shaq
SF - Grant Hill
PF - Jermaine O'Neal
Bench: Iverson, Arenas, Richard Jefferson, Hinrich, Jamison, Rip, Curry

West:
PG - Nash
SG - T-Mac
C - Amare
SF - Marion
PF - Dirk
Bench: Duncan, KG, Allen, Kobe, Yao, Lewis, Parker

The reason the ASG will be so good will be because of players like Wade, Lebron, Nash, and Hill bringing in a more selfess style of play. These past few draft classes have been terrific.

I think Iverson will start, hes amazing.

[Illmatic]

I hope he won't...I'd rather see Wade and LeBron play.

[jimiSRVhendrix]

Ide like to see him start over Wade

[dancetomdance182]

Wade would probably be one of the reserves. Lebron will probably make the starting lineup because he will get enough popular votes.

[Happymeal]

Carmelo > Lebron

I can't believe why they're still losing though, even with K-Mart. They suck:upset:

Did you hear about the rumour of Peja going to New York? Pretty sweet.

nooooooooooooooooooooo

[Illmatic]

Ide like to see him start over Wade

Why?

[Reaganista]

Why?

He's the shortest player ever to win a scoring title. And league MVP.

And he's having a near-career year.

[Illmatic]

So is D-Wade. Who can play team ball.

[Reaganista]

They average almost exactly the same amount of assists, but Iverson can't play team ball?

[Illmatic]

To give you an idea of how useful assists are in determining how selfless a player is, Kobe Bryant is 11th in the league in assists per game.

[Reaganista]

And?

[Illmatic]

Kobe Bryant is an absolutely dreadful team player, but his apg average would lead you to believe otherwise.

[Reaganista]

Kobe Bryant is 3 NBA championships dreadful.

[Illmatic]

I never said he was a bad player, just a bad team player.

Oh, he also had that one guy...Shaquille something. But he ran Shaquille whatshisface right out of town.

[Reaganista]

He is 11th best in the league at setting his teammates up in scoring position.

[Illmatic]

That has nothing to do with how good you are as a team player.

[Reaganista]

It doesn't have everything to do with it, but it's absurd to say it has nothing to do with it.

[jimiSRVhendrix]

So is D-Wade. Who can play team ball.


If iverson had shaq on his team he could play team ball to.

[Illmatic]

D-Wade was playing team ball last year, too.

I don't see the big deal with Iverson leading the league in points; he also takes the most shots in the league. He has about a six ppg lead over Wade (29.1 to 23.5) but takes seven more shots per game (23.7 to 16.4).

[dancetomdance182]

D-Wade was playing team ball last year, too.

I don't see the big deal with Iverson leading the league in points; he also takes the most shots in the league. He has about a six ppg lead over Wade (29.1 to 23.5) but takes seven more shots per game (23.7 to 16.4).

I don't think Iverson can be a team player. I don't think there is a dependable player in the 76ers. Therefore, Iverson really doesn't have anyone to trust and pass to.

[Illmatic]

I know, but if we want an entertaining, well-played All Star Game, Wade should play on it. He's a more complete offensive player at the very least (I haven't seen him play enough to judge his defense; I do know that Iverson is surprisingly good for his size, mostly because he's so fast).

[Reaganista]

Iverson:

Ranks 1st in NBA in Points Per Game (29.1)
Ranks 4th in NBA in Steals Per Game (2.24)
Ranks 6th in NBA in Assists Per Game (7.5)
Ranks 1st in NBA in Minutes Per Game (42.1)

Wade:

Ranks 9th in NBA in Points Per Game (23.5)
Ranks 4th in NBA in Assists Per Game (7.6)

I know who I'd rather see start in an All-star game and I also know who deserves to start in an All-star game.

[Illmatic]

Iverson:

Ranks 1st in NBA in Points Per Game (29.1)
Ranks 4th in NBA in Steals Per Game (2.24)
Ranks 6th in NBA in Assists Per Game (7.5)
Ranks 1st in NBA in Minutes Per Game (42.1)

Wade:

Ranks 9th in NBA in Points Per Game (23.5)
Ranks 4th in NBA in Assists Per Game (7.6)

I know who I'd rather see start in an All-star game and I also know who deserves to start in an All-star game.

I should say that you can do this **** for baseball, but in basketball you can't judge players on statistics, but I'll player your game. Iverson has the most shots per game, so of course he has the most points per game (I love how you smoothly avoided comparing Iverson's poor 41% shooting clip to Wade's 49%), steals per game is not an accurate gauge of how good someone is defensively, and minutes per game has nothing to do with how good a player is (Antoine Walker is 4th in the league in minutes per game, but that doesn't make him good).

But I've said it once and I'll say it million times: in basketball, you can throw stats out the window, because they won't do you a whole lot of good.

[Reaganista]

I've said it once and I'll say it again I know who I'd rather see start in an All-star game and I also know who deserves to start in an All-star game.

[Illmatic]

Then you're wrong. It's that simple.

[dancetomdance182]

Iverson will get win the popular vote to start the All-Star game. Kidd and Wade will probably be picked by the coaches.

[Illmatic]

Who said anything about Kidd? Hinrich has been much better this year.

[Reaganista]

Then you're wrong. It's that simple.

While stats may not mean that much, random declarations (from jackasses, especially) mean considerably less.

[dancetomdance182]

Who said anything about Kidd? Hinrich has been much better this year.

I'm pretty sure Kidd will get picked. Coaches really like him, and he's getting to his old self.

[The Essential]

kidd's one of the best guards ever...

[Yppolitia]

Ive been a Spurs fan all my life. I think the loss of David Robinson was a kick in the nuts but we're doing really well without him, all the talents are coming out like Ginobli and Parker. DUNCAN RULES!!!!

[dancetomdance182]

Kidd is pretty awesome. I remember Kidd had a choice of going to the Spurs. If he did the Spurs would have been amazing.

[Illmatic]

Kidd really got screwed over by the Nets. He re-signed with them because they swore they'd try to be competitive, and then they went and traded Kenyon Martin and Kerry Kittles. If I was him, I'd have done the same thing he did: get knee surgery shortly before the season, and then take my sweet time rehabbing it.

[dancetomdance182]

Recently, he stated he does not want to be traded. For the sake of the Nets, Richard Jefferson desperately needs to come back.

[looozer]

But I've said it once and I'll say it million times: in basketball, you can throw stats out the window, because they won't do you a whole lot of good.
Actually, there is one stat that is meaningful. It's efficiency. It's some formula that factors in shots made v shots missed, steals v turnovers, blocks, rebounds, assists, etc. Efficient players are ones who make most of their shots, play tight defense, and handle the ball well. I think this is the one stat that holds some sort of credence.

[dancetomdance182]

Stats are very important in basketball. Stats tell if a player is good or not on the most part.

[Kurtz]

So Rudy Tomjanovich might be resigning.

Oh, piddles.

[Illmatic]

Stats are very important in basketball. Stats tell if a player is good or not on the most part.

I wouldn't say they're that important. Statistically, Paul Pierce or Stephon Marbury look better than Andrei Kirlienko, when the opposite is clearly true.

[dancetomdance182]

I mean, stats aren't everything, but I'm saying statistics are quite important.

[ICB]

So how about this news that Phil Jackson's being mentioned as the replacement for Rudy Tomjanovich in the Lakers? What do you think he'll do, take the Lakers job, or take the Knicks job, or just retire?

[The Essential]

kevin garnett rulez!!!!!

[dancetomdance182]

So how about this news that Phil Jackson's being mentioned as the replacement for Rudy Tomjanovich in the Lakers? What do you think he'll do, take the Lakers job, or take the Knicks job, or just retire?

I doubt he will go to the Lakers. I think he will most likely retire, but if he really wants to coach, he should go to the Knicks.