NBA

[Sir Thursday]

Just saw this quote on TrueHoop and thought it was great:

Battier then went on to credit the Rockets' cult status among stat geeks to Rockets' general manager, Daryl Morey. "It's who we are," Battier said. "I don't think we're going to get the love of the six foot blonde bombshell. That's what the Lakers are here for. It's alright, I like our demographic."

:D

[ZANNI_1276]

Why is it a bad trade for Detroit though? They weren't going anywhere this season with Billups anyway. They probably would have gotten out of the first round. Is it worth giving up the next season as well? IMO, Dumars did the smart thing here by blowing it up when he has the chance.

Well if he was aiming at just a salary dump, well I guess the move was OK. But it wasn't. He thought he could put AI on the court with Sheed, Rip and company and make one last run - that is at the title - these guys did go to the confernce finals in 2008.

That is why he made the deal - to get expiring contract yes, but to also WIN. he thought AI was the scorer/missing player. He knew the only peice he could move that had value was Chauncy so he pulled the trigger in as i mentioned earlier in what will be considered one of the WORST TRADES OF ALL TIME, not an OK trade or a win/win but all time stinker. All you have to do is look at how many minutes AI played in the post season with his "bad back". So if you thought it was a good deal - cool.

Obviously, if Dumars had not passed on Carmello, Wade AND Bosh in favor of Darko, there would be no need to blow anything up.

In that business those are the moves that get you shit canned. It is funny for all the pats on the back Joe D gives himself he never has ceded that this was a huge error - let alone address it in public. I don't have to go through the whole possible future hall of famer(s) for a an inadequate role player argument - i think it is safe to say this was in hind sight a pretty bad move.

I mean I am great with it because well, I hate the Pistons so I am hoping Joe D keeps up the good work. I am thinking Joe giving Carlos Boozer a big contract would be just as smart as the Billups/AI Trade - LOL...Come'on Joe bring Booze back east!

[Relic]

What did Layden do to help Denver?

New York Knickerbockers President and General Manager Scott Layden announced today that they have acquired NBA All-Star Antonio McDyess, the draft rights to Frank Williams, the 25th overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft, and a 2003 second-round draft choice from the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Marcus Camby, Mark Jackson and the draft rights to Maybyner Hilario, the seventh overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft.

haha i know it was awhile ago but im still bitter. I think Amare and Boozer were still available in that draft when they took Nene.

[Caliban]

Nice flop Rondo. Unreal how this guy plays.

[Relic]

how many of these games can the celtics play? jeez...

[Arbor Gold]

Kyra Sedgwick is a fucking moron. Why not just say, "I'm only sitting courtside so I can promote my TNT tv show and I don't really give a shit about the game."

Nice to see LA up by 37, surprised to see Odom in there after that hard fall on Sunday.

[ZANNI_1276]

how many of these games can the celtics play? jeez...

1 game - 2 max even if that queen Garnett decides to suit up ala willis reed*.

I have been extremely disappointed with Orlando this postseason. Blowing leads of 28, yesterday 14 and not scoring for extended periods while your defense disintegrates right in front of you, not giving the ball to your big man enough - which I truly find puzzling. I still think this series may go the full 7 but I look for Boston to advance and really - this series should be over if you take the 14 point lead from yesterday, the big baby game - way to go Orlando, this is text book "how to lose a series in 7 games that was f^cking winnable".

*= Only reason I mention it in all the game summaries I have read about last nights game mentioned something along the lines of KG hasn't played YET or SO FAR. I think it would be ridiculous for him to jeopardize his future to even consider it but I don't care either way personally b/c in the end, I don't think it will matter.

Other game out west last night was pretty much what I expected at least from my perspective; this just has been a teeter-tauter series. One thing I have been really surprised is overall none of these games have been close, all pretty much lop-sided games. HOU’s turn game 6 and then 7 is going to be a bloody mess.

[Jaime L]

how many of these games can the celtics play? jeez...

It is remarkable. Say what you will about the Celtics, but between the playoffs this year and last, they got the heart of a champion.

But the Magic? They're living up to my expectations. And though they got giftwrapped a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals, I'm not sure they're going to accept it. Howard gets a lot of hype for his sick athleticism, but he's really a #2 on a championship type team solely because of his personality. And you can argue Ron Jeremy is one of the worst crunchtime coaches in the league. Pretty sure I'd rather see the Celtics play the Cavs, because at least there I can count on them to scratch and claw for every inch.

[ZANNI_1276]

But the Magic? They're living up to my expectations. And though they got giftwrapped a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals, I'm not sure they're going to accept it. Howard gets a lot of hype for his sick athleticism, but he's really a #2 on a championship type team solely because of his personality. And you can argue Ron Jeremy is one of the worst crunchtime coaches in the league. Pretty sure I'd rather see the Celtics play the Cavs, because at least there I can count on them to scratch and claw for every inch.

Totally agree about the Magic. Dwight Howard is an enigma - he is either pulling a disapearing act OR his team mates aren't bright enough to get him the ball, i think it is probably a little of both. He posts the strangest numbers for a man that imposing and talented. He does grab the boards but literally disapears on the offensive end - I mean VANISHES - espcially in crunch time - how long did Orlando go without scoring a bucket last night? That is a HUGE issue with this club and pretty much the reason they should be booking thier vacations next week.

Look not sure how much blame you can put on Ron Jeremy - he isn't out there blowing leads and playing dumb ball but I will say the man is wound so tight and creates some unneeded tension internally for the Magic.

Pretty sure we are in for a CAVs v CELTICS eastern finals.

[aeu]

So if you thought it was a good deal - cool.

It is not good deal in itself, a lot depends on what they will do with the cap space. This is just the first step of many things you have to do when you realize your window has closed.

I very much doubt that they thought "Now we have a championship team" when they got Iverson. Everybody knew it was a downgrade, especially considering how poorly Iverson fits with the rest of that roster. I'm sure somewhere at the back of their minds, there was a whisper saying "Well, it IS Allen Iverson, who knows, maybe he will magically become amazing again. Stranger things have happened to people in their contract years." But that's not the reason they made this deal. it was all about cap space and giving Rodney Stuckey more chances.

(As a side note, even if Dumars was that dilusional, that still doesn't make it a bad deal. There is almost no downside. They weren't going anywhere with Billups, this year or the next. Now, they can start rebuilding.)

But the Magic? They're living up to my expectations. And though they got giftwrapped a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals, I'm not sure they're going to accept it. Howard gets a lot of hype for his sick athleticism, but he's really a #2 on a championship type team solely because of his personality. And you can argue Ron Jeremy is one of the worst crunchtime coaches in the league. Pretty sure I'd rather see the Celtics play the Cavs, because at least there I can count on them to scratch and claw for every inch.

Word, other than the part about wanting to see Celtics in the finals. I really can do with less KG, Perkins, Davis, House, Rando, etc, etc..

I agree that Howard doesn't seem to have a #1 type personality, but the issue is really his offensive arsenal - or lack thereof. Whoever taught him that running skyhook needs to be fired.

[ZANNI_1276]

It is not good deal in itself, a lot depends on what they will do with the cap space. This is just the first step of many things you have to do when you realize your window has closed.

I very much doubt that they thought "Now we have a championship team" when they got Iverson. Everybody knew it was a downgrade, especially considering how poorly Iverson fits with the rest of that roster. I'm sure somewhere at the back of their minds, there was a whisper saying "Well, it IS Allen Iverson, who knows, maybe he will magically become amazing again. Stranger things have happened to people in their contract years." But that's not the reason they made this deal. it was all about cap space and giving Rodney Stuckey more chances.

(As a side note, even if Dumars was that dilusional, that still doesn't make it a bad deal. There is almost no downside. They weren't going anywhere with Billups, this year or the next. Now, they can start rebuilding.)

I understand wanting to develop Stuckey - I do - he is going to be a slick little ball player, needs to be more of PG though. But the logic of making one last run with AI was the big driver for the deal - totally agree with you that it was crap shoot on which AI you were going to get. I do disagree with the NO DOWNSIDE though because I think a Billups/Stuckey combo with Rip, sheed, Prince and company would have been a tough team, but much of the underachieving needs to be put on a combination of the Coach and how the players reacted/interacted with him. Inmates were totaly running the asylum in Detroit 2008/09. I hear what you are saying about the clearing cap space as well but he was/is selling it to the City/Fans of Detoit that the intention was to make a run for the prize and cap space was secondary and that is where the disconnect comes from. If that is why you did it, then own it IMO.

Even if they go out and get a prize FA, the deal will be judged on the success of Chauncey in DEN and well, I think he is going thrive over there for the next few years.

I agree that Howard doesn't seem to have a #1 type personality, but the issue is really his offensive arsenal - or lack thereof. Whoever taught him that running skyhook needs to be fired.

Me too. But what bothers me about Howard is he really has not developed offensively or at the least shown signs of improvement on the offensive end as much as you would want from an up and coming superstar. So dead on the money with that running sky hook, I would stroke out like Van Gundy if I had to watch that crap for 82+ games.

I know everyone likes the Van Gundy/Ron Jeremy porn reference but this offseason I think the Magic should be compared more appropriately to say Marylin Chambers, because they blow all the big leads and take it up the butt with a smile on their face.

[Jaime L]

Look not sure how much blame you can put on Ron Jeremy - he isn't out there blowing leads and playing dumb ball but I will say the man is wound so tight and creates some unneeded tension internally for the Magic.

Yeah, it's probably unfair to blame him for this, like it was unfair to blame him (and fire him) after Wade got injured and his Heat lost to Pistons in '05. But man, these last two games were just hanging out there, ready to be seized, and yet his guys found a way to blow it both times. This series should be over; a 4-1 beatdown if the Magic executed just a little better. In Game 4, he was explicit in blaming himself for putting the double team on Pierce, allowing Big Baby a wide open look at the basket. At the time I respected his willingness to take the heat for his team's failed execution..only problem for him is it puts added scrutiny on every aspect of how he coached game 5. And when Dwight Howard, your mealticket, only touches (touches, not even shoots) the ball 3 times in the fourth quarter...I mean....that just feels like a coach outthinking himself. It's unfair to kill him for any one of these things, because depending on the flow of the action, each decision can be defended. It's just that overall sense you get with him, like a Schottenheimer sense, that these kinda things are just going to keep happening with him.

Pretty sure we are in for a CAVs v CELTICS eastern finals.

Apparently the Celtics are 34-0 in series where they lead 3-2. Ain't looking so hot for the Magic.

I agree that Howard doesn't seem to have a #1 type personality, but the issue is really his offensive arsenal - or lack thereof. Whoever taught him that running skyhook needs to be fired.

Yeah, he's been in the league long enough to have some kind of post up game. It's unfair to compare him to a Lebron or a Wade, because he's doesn't have the same killer instinct personality, but he does have that kind of talent and the same kind of responsibility it entails (ie: with great power comes great responsbility). There's no way either of those guys just go through as many seasons as he has without addressing the giant holes he has in his game: his post up game and his freethrow shooting. Granted Shaq never figured it out frorm the line, but he also never won without a true killer personality on his team either, so take that for what it's worth.

[ZANNI_1276]

Apparently the Celtics are 34-0 in series where they lead 3-2. Ain't looking so hot for the Magic.

Though I hate all these stupid BOS facts that are jammed down our throat but after these last two games I have a hard time believing they have the mental make up to over come it. Still thinking it goes 7 though and then we get to hear the BOS all time record in a game 7. Aghh....

Yeah, he's been in the league long enough to have some kind of post up game. It's unfair to compare him to a Lebron or a Wade, because he's doesn't have the same killer instinct personality, but he does have that kind of talent and the same kind of responsibility it entails (ie: with great power comes great responsbility). There's no way either of those guys just go through as many seasons as he has without addressing the giant holes he has in his game: his post up game and his freethrow shooting. Granted Shaq never figured it out frorm the line, but he also never won without a true killer personality on his team either, so take that for what it's worth.

I agree with you there and not just referring to LBJ or Wade but all the great one are always polishing their game and improving on it each year where Dwight really is same offensive player he was last year. He needs to add some different dimensions and you are dead on the money - how about a post game?????? I too am clueless why they don't even try to get the ball in his hands, Perkins should be picking up fouls in the opening minutes and sitting the pine most of the first half if A. - his teammates get him the rock and B. if his team mates had confidence in his ability to back some one in and put it in the bucket. You put these two factors together and that is why you have a guy who looks like Tarzan and plays like Jane on the offensive end. Still kid is young and hopefully he can develop it and if and when he does he will be a monster on both ends of the court. Just not this year.

Also appears Dwight is second guessing Van Gundy, "The coach has to recognize what's working on the floor and stick to it," said Howard. "Even if you don't have your starters in, the guys you put the most trust in. You gotta have trust in everybody. When you're in the situation where guys got it going, you know everybody's moving the ball and the energy is up, you have to stick with it. You have to stick with what works." Stan may want to brush up his resume, not good when the franchise player calls you out. Again not all Van Gundy's fault but the schemes/system comes from the top.

[Jaime L]

Also appears Dwight is second guessing Van Gundy, "The coach has to recognize what's working on the floor and stick to it," said Howard. "Even if you don't have your starters in, the guys you put the most trust in. You gotta have trust in everybody. When you're in the situation where guys got it going, you know everybody's moving the ball and the energy is up, you have to stick with it. You have to stick with what works." Stan may want to brush up his resume, not good when the franchise player calls you out. Again not all Van Gundy's fault but the schemes/system comes from the top.

Yeah and if y'remember, that's why Van Gundy was removed from the Heat after taking his team to the Eastern Conference Finals. It wasn't really a Riley powergrab as much as Shaq hated Van Gundy. Still does, and vice-versa. Never would've thought it could happen again, especially with a guy as amiable as Howard. But then I stop and think about how the Magic Brass shipped Grant Hill outta town, even though he was a good teammate, good leader and all-around good guy because they believed his mere presence would hinder Howard's development as a team leader. Which beside being one of the most ridiculous things I've ever heard, reflects to me that they're hyperaware of every single aspect surrounding Howard.