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selowitch · Oct 29, 2008, 08:31 PM

I see a sign that the San Antonio Spurs are going to win the championship: (Spurs head coach) Gregg Popovich has stolen (Los Angeles Lakers head coach) Phil Jackson's beard!

Sealobo · Oct 29, 2008, 09:00 PM

Houston Rockets.

Yao, Artest, and the Second Round Virgin™ McGrady.

selowitch · Oct 29, 2008, 10:03 PM

I love Yao Ming. His abilities haven't even peaked yet. What a great player. It'll be interesting to see if the Celtics can repeat (or even make it back to the Finals), and whether Andrew Bynum will put the Lakers over the top. The Suns had a nice opening-night win against San Antonio, but will any fans stay awake for their new slow-it-down-walk-it-up style?

angelmb · Oct 30, 2008, 04:16 AM

Rooting for the Celtics as usual.

Dakar V · Oct 30, 2008, 07:10 AM

I'll go with the Hornets going to the Finals out West.

Raptors fan, though.

TheWOAT · Oct 30, 2008, 11:25 AM

Warrior fan... and Monta Ellis is starting to piss me off.

Celtics will repeat.

Dakar V · Oct 30, 2008, 11:27 AM

Good luck chasing him down when he's cruising down the road at a brisk 30 mph on his moped.

TheWOAT · Oct 30, 2008, 11:34 AM

The extra weight from his cast slows him down to a glacial 29.5 mph.
If he tries to fight his suspension, I will boo him almost as loudly as I did Mike Dunleavy.

When I think of crunch time performer, I immediately think of DeMarcus Nelson.

Dakar V · Oct 30, 2008, 11:35 AM

Just hope he comes back nearly 100%, because I'd hate to see an arbitration if GS voids his contract.

TheWOAT · Oct 30, 2008, 11:53 AM

Yeah, I hope he does, but there is a good chance he wont...If he comes back as just another skinny 6'2 pg (lets say Rafer Alston with a jumper), then I hope they void his deal. Above average players dont deserve 6/62.

ShortcutToMoncton · Oct 30, 2008, 12:23 PM

Raptors looking pretty solid with the new Twin Towers version! If they stay healthy, I can see a solid season for them. If.

greg

Dakar V · Oct 30, 2008, 12:25 PM

I'm not falling for Jermaine's tricks. Bargnani with 5 rebounds I'm happy to see.

How much do you know about Roko? Last night was my first glimpse and he looked either overanxious or overwhelmed.

TheWOAT · Oct 30, 2008, 12:31 PM

I saw Jermaine Oneal play last year against the Warriors, he was lighting up AlHarrington, Warriors took him out and put in the venerable Austin Croshere. Croshere seemed to be able to muscle JO out of the paint area and JO lost his touch.. in the 4th quarter Harrington was guarding him again but he seemed to had lost his confidence and was a non factor... it also helped that Ellis was unstopable... but from my POV, Austin Croshere bothered him enough to get in his head and his play turned to crap.

Then there was that PUNK'd episode where the bouncers wouldnt let him into an Allen IVerson hosted party... the dude was about to cry...

In summation, JO brings ZERO toughness. maybe you guys can pick up Danny Fortson.

ShortcutToMoncton · Oct 30, 2008, 12:31 PM

I don't think there's much to know. He's young, he need to gain at least 10 pounds, he's fast, he's got pretty solid handles, not much of a jump shot, and he's never played NBA. Seems like he's got potential, but I'm sure it'll be a rough first season. By all accounts he's very intelligent and eager to learn from the coaches, though, which is always a great sign.

He slightly better last night than during the preseason, especially turnover-wise. Right now it seems like his shot is the weak point in his game... but they said that about Jose/Ford too, and look how that turned out. So we'll see.

As for "Jermaine's tricks"....what chu talkin bout Willis, he looks good out there. Believe, believe....and then let him break your heart.

greg

Dakar V · Oct 30, 2008, 12:34 PM

Originally Posted by TheWOAT

In summation, JO brings ZERO toughness. maybe you guys can pick up Danny Fortson.

No thanks, we have tons of undersized forwards already.

TheWOAT · Oct 30, 2008, 12:37 PM

Oh, not to play, just to be there as a threat to join in a fight if one breaks loose.

How is Candace Parker's less talented older brother playing so far?

ShortcutToMoncton · Oct 30, 2008, 12:37 PM

Originally Posted by TheWOAT

In summation, JO brings ZERO toughness. maybe you guys can pick up Danny Fortson.

Heh heh...that sounds suspicious, man. O'Neal's a six-time All-Star anda tough dude. He's a lot bigger than Croshere. Keep in mind that last year JO was playing on a bum knee... but I dunno, I wouldn't say JO's a banger but I've never heard anyone say he isn't tough. Injury-prone, yes, but he plays a decently physical game.

He's looked pretty good so far for the Raps... definitely an intelligent guy, and a defensive leader.

As for Danny Fortson...come on, man.

The two aren't even in the same league!

greg

TheWOAT · Oct 30, 2008, 12:42 PM

Fortson was on the Warriors for a spell, I am aware of his "high school level" skills... but he is a tough dude.

And the Croshere story is true, I was at the game and not drinking... maybe it was his low center of gravity, or maybe JO's knee gave him fits, but Croshere slowed him down, and after that JO seemed to lose interest.

Dakar V · Oct 30, 2008, 12:43 PM

JO has all the perseverance of a former Raptor we all know and love...

Jawbone54 · Oct 30, 2008, 02:03 PM

The Mavericks' antics have made me sick. I was a fan even during the losing years, but I've never been a fan of Mark Cuban, and I really didn't like the way he handled the Josh Howard situation. They're turning into an organization that is VERY difficult to claim as "my team."

That being said, I hope the Hornets take it this year. Chris Paul is as classy as they come, and it is my "local" team, after all.

New Orleans vs. Boston in the Finals.

Dakar V · Oct 30, 2008, 02:06 PM

I forget what Josh Howard did. I seem to recall the term unpatriotic being thrown around.

Shaddim · Oct 30, 2008, 03:00 PM

They still play pro basketball? I thought that ended when Jordan retired.

Dakar V · Oct 30, 2008, 03:03 PM

You're not fooling anyone.

Jawbone54 · Oct 30, 2008, 04:24 PM

Originally Posted by Dakar V

I forget what Josh Howard did. I seem to recall the term unpatriotic being thrown around.

"The Star-Spangled Banner is going on. I don’t even celebrate that s***. I’m black."

Apparently he thinks blacks aren't supposed to be patriotic.

To say something stupid is one thing, but for your boss to say this afterwards...

"That said, we will be going through some advanced communication-skill sessions together this training camp," Cuban said Tuesday. "I have explained to him that cellphone cameras are not your friend and that what you think you said on camera is never what people will hear when it shows up on YouTube or TV."

In other words, don't worry about saying that stuff...just don't say it where it will get on YouTube or ESPN. I remember he also dealt really lightly with Howard's insistence that everyone in the NBA smokes weed (including him).

Jawbone54 · Oct 30, 2008, 04:26 PM

Originally Posted by Shaddim

They still play pro basketball? I thought that ended when Jordan retired.

Ended, died, sucked...take your pick.

Dakar V · Oct 30, 2008, 04:47 PM

Originally Posted by Jawbone54

Apparently he thinks blacks aren't supposed to be patriotic.

I think he equates it with stimes of slavery. not that does't still make him a bone-head.

Originally Posted by Jawbone54

In other words, don't worry about saying that stuff...just don't say it where it will get on YouTube or ESPN. I remember he also dealt really lightly with Howard's insistence that everyone in the NBA smokes weed (including him).

Isn't that what people ask of celebs? (Sure you can have opinion but don't share it with everyone"). So... what do you want Mark to do? Forcibly change his opinions?

What do you want him to do about the weed thing? What was wrong with the statement?

paul w · Oct 30, 2008, 05:44 PM

I'm not sure about the Spurs - even if Duncan stays healthy and productive all season he should start to wear down at some point right?

I can merely say that while my Knicks will likely be bad, they'll be more fun, run and gun than they've been in a while. I know nobody cares, but I'm going to be laughing at the eventual sucker team that talks themselves into taking Marbury or Curry off our hands.

Otherwise the Hornets have officially replaced the Suns as the team I casually root for.

Dakar V · Oct 30, 2008, 07:59 PM

This Mavs Rockets game is fantastic.

Jawbone54 · Oct 30, 2008, 09:14 PM

Originally Posted by Dakar V

Isn't that what people ask of celebs? (Sure you can have opinion but don't share it with everyone"). So... what do you want Mark to do? Forcibly change his opinions?

What do you want him to do about the weed thing? What was wrong with the statement?

I don't think he should "lower the boom" on him or anything. It definitely wouldn't hurt to sound like he actually disapproved of it.

With the weed thing, I think Cuban could've asked him to not break the law during his free time, and made a public point to let others know it's wrong, setting a bad example, etc.

Gregg · Oct 31, 2008, 07:34 AM

Originally Posted by Shaddim

They still play pro basketball? I thought that ended when Jordan retired.

So I'm not the only one who has lost interest in the pro game since then... The marketing campaigns for the Bucks are always so hyped up, and then they fail to measure up. This year is so subdued, I can't even remember the slogan. I guess the marketing folks have been embarrassed by the team's lack of performance.

Dakar V · Oct 31, 2008, 07:43 AM

Originally Posted by Jawbone54

I don't think he should "lower the boom" on him or anything. It definitely wouldn't hurt to sound like he actually disapproved of it.

With the weed thing, I think Cuban could've asked him to not break the law during his free time, and made a public point to let others know it's wrong, setting a bad example, etc.

I don't think anything you've said here is unreasonable, per se. Maybe Cuban doesn't care. Maybe Cuban secretly agrees with him.
Personally, I think Cuban just respects his right to an opinion, no matter how ludicrous it is. Did you catch all the hate emails he posted on his blog after the incidents? Racists as hell, and put them up for the world to see (he later took them down, no doubt at Stern's request).

Anyway, marijuana is one of the most over-hyped subjects. I wouldn't be surprised if Cuban doesn't care that he does it in the off-season.

Jawbone54 · Oct 31, 2008, 11:28 AM

Originally Posted by Dakar V

I don't think anything you've said here is unreasonable, per se. Maybe Cuban doesn't care. Maybe Cuban secretly agrees with him. Personally, I think Cuban just respects his right to an opinion, no matter how ludicrous it is. Did you catch all the hate emails he posted on his blog after the incidents? Racists as hell, and put them up for the world to see (he later took them down, no doubt at Stern's request).

Yeah, Cuban is the type to pretty much let anything go. He's a very liberal guy (not just in the political sense), and he doesn't try to hide that.

I remember the hate Emails; that was just ridiculous.

Anyway, marijuana is one of the most over-hyped subjects. I wouldn't be surprised if Cuban doesn't care that he does it in the off-season.

I'm not the type to support the legalization of marijuana, but I do believe alcohol is much more dangerous. I guess the point isn't whether or not it's a big deal, but rather that it's still an illegal activity. As an NBA owner, Cuban has a responsibility, regardless of his feelings, to strongly (and publicly) discourage even moderate usage. His player is admitting to [B]breaking the law[B], after all. The country still feels pretty strongly about drug usage...even pot.

The bigger issue: Dallas seems destined to fall on hard times, maybe even in the near future. The West is too good for their sloppiness, no matter how much I love Dirk.

Dakar V · Oct 31, 2008, 11:34 AM

Originally Posted by Jawbone54

I'm not the type to support the legalization of marijuana, but I do believe alcohol is much more dangerous. I guess the point isn't whether or not it's a big deal, but rather that it's still an illegal activity. As an NBA owner, Cuban has a responsibility, regardless of his feelings, to strongly (and publicly) discourage even moderate usage. His player is admitting to [B]breaking the law[B], after all.

I'm not sure he has a responsibility. I'm surprised (but refreshed) that he didn't have some type of suspension (Coming from Stern, not Cuban).

Originally Posted by Jawbone54

The country still feels pretty strongly about drug usage...even pot.

A large chunk of the nation has also done pot. Like it or not, feelings are much more relaxed regarding it.

Originally Posted by Jawbone54

The bigger issue: Dallas seems destined to fall on hard times, maybe even in the near future. The West is too good for their sloppiness, no matter how much I love Dirk.

You're going to get at least one throwback year thanks to the coach, probably two (depending on the corpse formerly known as Jason Kidd). Dirk looks as good as ever.

Jawbone54 · Oct 31, 2008, 11:38 AM

Originally Posted by Dakar V

You're going to get at least one throwback year thanks to the coach, probably two (depending on the corpse formerly known as Jason Kidd). Dirk looks as good as ever.

Don't mention Kidd to me ever again. I'm still incredibly irked about that deal.

Dakar V · Oct 31, 2008, 11:39 AM

Originally Posted by Jawbone54

Don't mention Kidd to me ever again. I'm still incredibly irked about that deal.

Twice as irksome considering who the coach was at the time.

Speaking of which I can't believe razzmatazz got a gig on ESPN. ugh.

Jawbone54 · Oct 31, 2008, 11:46 AM

Originally Posted by Dakar V

Twice as irksome considering who the coach was at the time.

Speaking of which I can't believe razzmatazz got a gig on ESPN. ugh.

Bah...ESPN will try anything (apparently).

He's a loud, opinionated guy, but I've never liked hearing him speak. I'm not sure if it's his voice or what, but its like grinding sandpaper on my cochlea.

TheWOAT · Oct 31, 2008, 11:46 AM

Avery Johnson = Poirnt Graurd.

Dakar V · Oct 31, 2008, 11:48 AM

Originally Posted by Jawbone54

Bah...ESPN will try anything (apparently).

He's a loud, opinionated guy, but I've never liked hearing him speak. I'm not sure if it's his voice or what, but its like grinding sandpaper on my cochlea.

It's his voice, it's definitely his voice. (Though his presentation leaves something to be desired, too)

Jawbone54 · Oct 31, 2008, 12:40 PM

Originally Posted by TheWOAT

Avery Johnson = Poirnt Graurd.

He's turrible!

Dakar V · Oct 31, 2008, 01:15 PM

Simmons, as always:

Speaking of ESPN, did I mention that we decided to form a pregame show team of Stu Scott, Avery Johnson and Bill Walton? Have we ever seen anything in television history that remotely approaches those three voices? Why couldn't they get Cartman from "South Park" to be the fourth guy? Hell, why couldn't they have brought in me? It's the ESPN Pregame Show, sponsored by Tylenol!

TheWOAT · Oct 31, 2008, 03:48 PM

In their defense, at least they are better than Tim Hardaway

Dakar V · Nov 3, 2008, 02:22 PM

So Iverson got traded.

Jawbone54 · Nov 3, 2008, 02:45 PM

Originally Posted by Dakar V

So Iverson got traded.

Wow...

I've never thought Iverson was the kind of guy to lead a team to greatness. Fantastic talent, sure...but a bit (i.e. "a lot") on the selfish side. Dumars should've traded for some young talent and prepared for the future.

Dakar V · Nov 3, 2008, 02:45 PM

It's a salary move.

ShortcutToMoncton · Nov 3, 2008, 03:01 PM

Right before the Raptors play them too! I was kinda looking forward to see how Calderon would fare against a big guy like Billups, but Iverson brings a whole different set of problems to the defence....

greg

Dakar V · Nov 3, 2008, 03:04 PM

I managed to grab a torrent of the GSW game. Ukic looked way less shaky, but its obvious he knows when he gets to the rim he can't finish like he did in the Euroleague. Calderon's defense is still (and likely always) suspect.

On the bright side, Bargnani is looking good down low (though Golden State would be the easiest he gets it). Mitchell's rotations are eerily solid so far, as well.

TheWOAT · Nov 3, 2008, 03:10 PM

I caught the game on NBA.com, the live stream... very slow, had to watch it in a small window... anyways... Maggette is off to bad start and we still dont have a go to guy, if we did, we would be 3-0 right now. How about that J.Oneal? Quite the superstar.

Dakar V · Nov 3, 2008, 03:15 PM

I have no idea why people poo-poo Maggette. He was something like third in the league behind Kobe and AI in free throw attempts, and is acknowledged as a very good defender. He's finally on a team that will give him minutes, and plays at a fast pace. This is exactly what he needs. He has an outside chance to make the All-Star team with Iverson now gone and if Manu starts slow.

As for J.O., I'll continue to hold out, though I'm glad he didn't get injured on that monster stuff he had in the 3rd, I believe.

TheWOAT · Nov 3, 2008, 03:28 PM

I liked the signing of Maggette. With him and Uber-Foyle (Turiaf) we are a decent rebounding team now. If only we had an average point guard...

There were a couple "sports writers" who complained about the Maggette signing, saying that the W's had too many "swing men", or similar players... but those writers tend not to watch any games, or know anything about the players they criticize,... or know anything about basketball... like those who say that JRich can create his own shot... obviously that person has never seen him play and just assumes that a 6'5 athletic guard automatically has a great first step and decent ball handling abilities...(I think even Michael Jordan didnt know what JRich's abilities were)

selowitch · Nov 3, 2008, 03:36 PM

Iverson was enjoying a nice renaissance in Denver; I wonder if he has enough left in the tank to get Detroit back to the Finals.