The Official NBA 2005-06 Thread

[Cletus Kasady]

I don't get why Bill Simmons is part of that league; he's not what you'd call a "celebrity". Maybe they just wanted somebody who would unabashedly make fun of Star Jones.

[FallingEdge]

Camby, Bosh, Dwight Howard, and Chris Paul all better be reserves or there will be hell to pay.

Hell I tell ya!

[Hokuto Shingo]

Dirk for MVP The Mavs are the best team in the West. You may not admit it yet but you will very soon.

[Mario Lemieux!]

So...why did TO have to give up a 1st round pick in addition to Rose in order to land AD from NY?

WE should be getting a draft pick in return...gah!

Oh well, now we can sign Mike James, bitch!

[Cletus Kasady]

You could argue that in terms of depth they're on San Antonio's level; plus, they have more experience than anybody other than San Antonio and the best player not named Tim Duncan...and the Spurs have been setback by injuries (moderate as they may be)...but their offense is still last in the league in assists. If Dirk goes cold (as he did in the Houston series even though they were throwing Ryan Bowen at him most of the time), they're in trouble offensively. Harris and Terry are both very talented, but they aren't exactly floor generals.

If I had to pick a team other than SA to win the West, it'd be them in a heartbeat.

[Hoonyo]

If I had to pick a team other than SA to win the West, it'd be the Phoenix fucking Suns.

They have depth. They have the best player not named Tim Duncan. Their offense leads the league in assists. They have trouble offensively once in a blue moon. They're the 2nd best team in the West, and they still don't have Amare. I predicted in the beginning of the season the Suns were going to win their division and it looks like they will. They're definitely a lot better than they were last year. Diaw is a beast and is good at running the offense for Nash. They have more offensive options, and their defense is much improved.

[Warblade49]

Some more information on the Celebrity NBA Fantasy League.

• Hey, remember that NBA.com Celebrity Fantasy League that I'm participating in despte the fact that I'm not really a celebrity? After 13 weeks, I'm 11-2 and breathing down Bernie Mac's neck (he's 12-1), thanks to Mamba's heroics and the efforts of Joe Johnson, Paul Pierce and some others. I haven't lost in nine weeks. Well, apparently Bernie is sufficiently frightened because A.) he stopped talking trash on the message board, and B.) he tried to pull off the shadiest trade in fantasy history this week. Check this out:

1. Bernie is 12-1, Kenny Smith is 1-12. Have you ever heard of a league where a 1-12 team can trade with a 12-1 team? Me neither.

2. Bernie offered Richard Jefferson, Rashard Lewis and Kenyon Martin for Gilbert Arenas, Andrei Kirilenko and Keith Van Horn. Basically, it's a 3-for-2, with Bernie getting the best 2 guys in the trade (including Arenas, who's a top-10 guy) without giving up either of his top two guys (Tim Duncan and Dwyane Wade).

3. Even though he's 1-12 and already eliminated from the playoffs, Kenny accepted the offer.

Now everyone in the league has to vote on whether it goes through. Obviously, I protested, but I'm relying on people like Star Jones and Pamela Anderson to A.) do the right thing, and B) care in the first place. Geez, how do you think this is going to turn out? Did you ever think you would see a shady trade in a league where the profits go to charity? Me neither. If this trade goes through, I'm writing a 2500-word review of "Mr 3000." And it won't be pretty.

[GeoG2]

Why has Isiah purposely turned NY into a bad contract dump?

[jae hoon]

Phoenix wont beat SA, they still dont play defense. As fun as they are to watch, you still have to play Defense to win it all.

[FallingEdge]

Some more information on the Celebrity NBA Fantasy League.

• Hey, remember that NBA.com Celebrity Fantasy League that I'm participating in despte the fact that I'm not really a celebrity? After 13 weeks, I'm 11-2 and breathing down Bernie Mac's neck (he's 12-1), thanks to Mamba's heroics and the efforts of Joe Johnson, Paul Pierce and some others. I haven't lost in nine weeks. Well, apparently Bernie is sufficiently frightened because A.) he stopped talking trash on the message board, and B.) he tried to pull off the shadiest trade in fantasy history this week. Check this out:

1. Bernie is 12-1, Kenny Smith is 1-12. Have you ever heard of a league where a 1-12 team can trade with a 12-1 team? Me neither.

2. Bernie offered Richard Jefferson, Rashard Lewis and Kenyon Martin for Gilbert Arenas, Andrei Kirilenko and Keith Van Horn. Basically, it's a 3-for-2, with Bernie getting the best 2 guys in the trade (including Arenas, who's a top-10 guy) without giving up either of his top two guys (Tim Duncan and Dwyane Wade).

3. Even though he's 1-12 and already eliminated from the playoffs, Kenny accepted the offer.

Now everyone in the league has to vote on whether it goes through. Obviously, I protested, but I'm relying on people like Star Jones and Pamela Anderson to A.) do the right thing, and B) care in the first place. Geez, how do you think this is going to turn out? Did you ever think you would see a shady trade in a league where the profits go to charity? Me neither. If this trade goes through, I'm writing a 2500-word review of "Mr 3000." And it won't be pretty.


:rofl: That's pretty damn funny. Simmons is the truth.

[BshidoHEAT]

Magic offically have lost their heart. :(
:cries:

[The Epidemic]

what hearts....

[The D Man]

Joe Jeezy.

[Night]

The fan voted all stars (the starters) have been announced:

Isn't it funny how Houston has TWO all star starters yet can't win a game for shit. I think this speaks to a.) Tracy McGrady not being as good as people think he is or b.) Yao Ming not being as good as people think he is.

And since I KNOW Tracy McGrady lives up to the hype and is backing up his end of that duo - Yao, I'm looking at you.

NO team with two all star starters should be under 500.

When it's an international fan voted thing... it's NO surprise that T-Mac and Yao are on the team with billions of people voting for them.

Here's something:

What is the hottest selling jersey in China? If everyone's first reaction is immediately Yao, everyone is WRONG.

T-Mac is #1. What's even MORE surprising... is that Yao isn't even #2. IVERSON is #2. Yao is #3 lol.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2313239

[Hoonyo]

Phoenix wont beat SA, they still dont play defense. As fun as they are to watch, you still have to play Defense to win it all.I don't know man. The Suns are definitely a better team defensively. It's an old wive's tale that they still don't play defense. Four of their five starters are good individual defenders. Sure Nash sucks, but he's doing better as a help defender this year. Don't let this year's stats fool you into thinking they're the same. They had like 3 2OT and a 3OT game that they lost so the numbers are inflated.

[Cletus Kasady]

Phoenix is always going to allow other teams to score a lot more points because their up-tempo offense creates more possessions for the other team. They were near the middle of the league last year in percentage defense, and they haven't moved up much either. I kinda question the merits of their defensive interior being Marion/Stoudemire earlier; they're both great athletically, but teams are probably a lot more willing to drive in against that than against Empire Wallace.

Aren't they starting Diaw/Thomas as their PF/C now?

[TGC]

Suns are a better overall team this year, but I dunno if it's enough to win a championship. I would love to see them win one, as they are way overdue. With amare, it will help, but we will see.

Suns without amare did beat 100% SA last time. It may or may have not been a flook, but i still believe in my team.

[Hoonyo]

Did anyone catch the highlights of TO playing in a charity basketball game? He's pretty good :wow:

[PBalla]

When it's an international fan voted thing... it's NO surprise that T-Mac and Yao are on the team with billions of people voting for them.

Here's something:

What is the hottest selling jersey in China? If everyone's first reaction is immediately Yao, everyone is WRONG.

T-Mac is #1. What's even MORE surprising... is that Yao isn't even #2. IVERSON is #2. Yao is #3 lol.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2313239
Doesnt AI have some azn in him? Haven't read the link yet btw.

[PC2000]

It is ok bosh. I still love you. :(

[Mario Lemieux!]

Me too, me too =(

[DanielLarusso]

Damn the Lakers have really been shitting it out lately. Losing to Detroit is one thing, but three straight losses to the Pacers, Bobcats and Hornets?

I don't think it's time to say RIP Lakers just yet, but it's getting there.

[Cletus Kasady]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2313239

I had known about the story, but didn't actually click the link until just now...that sign's freaking hilarious. Yao doesn't even get any love from Chinese people anymore. :lol:

[Carpet Lint]

No one's talking about the dunks...?

Which was the better dunk?

Carmello one-handing over Ratliff, and one?

Or Kirk Snyder teabagging and essentially JUMPING OVER Von Wafer?

How would those compare to Vince's one over Alonzo earlier in the year, when he bumped into him mid-air and STILL threw it down?

Any of those three could be dunk of the year, along with Fred Jones (?) stealing the ball, keeping it in bounds by dancing on the line, with the reverse two hander in traffic. That was a crazy dunk.

[HaiDuongRiceMan]

^ Vids please. I really wanna see that one over Zo...

[Carpet Lint]

That one was a while ago. I think it was the first Nets/Heat game this year. Not sure where to find highlights of it.

I go to nba.com for highlights. Just click on game highlights in that NBA TV BROADBAND section in the middle right to pop up the video window. I always check out the top 10 in editors picks before I go to bed.

That one was a while ago. I think it was the first Nets/Heat game this year. Not sure where to find highlights of it.

I go to nba.com for highlights. Just click on game highlights in that NBA TV BROADBAND section in the middle right to pop up the video window. I always check out the top 10 in editors picks before I go to bed.

I don't know how long they keep games up there, but it might be possible the Vince dunk is still there, way at the bottom of the game highlights section. It's a bitch to scroll down though. Zo got dunked on like nine times that game, by everyone.

Check out the Carmello dunk - against Portland, over Ratliff. I think it's also dunk of the day.

Kirk Snyder's was against the Lakers, and it's play of the day.

Snyder's dunk was just as good as T-Mac's over Bradley, but better, since he pretty much jumped over Von Wafer.

I don't remember which game that Fred Jones dunk is from or even if it is Fred Jones. I was hoping someone else would remember it too.

[Ephidel]

Damn the Lakers have really been shitting it out lately. Losing to Detroit is one thing, but three straight losses to the Pacers, Bobcats and Hornets?

I don't think it's time to say RIP Lakers just yet, but it's getting there.

Injury bug has taken this team by storm - they stop playing defense and kobe is looking pretty tired as of late...

I dunno, it's not going to get any easier since they face the Mavs soon - Yao's back too when they face the Rockets....this could get very ugly.

Edit - ^Yeah Synder's dunk over Wafer really surprised me. I mean, I knew this guy could dunk but not like that! Wafer just had no hope of recovering on that play...

[spideyman]

u think orlando is going to trade francis?

[ashurax]

and then the pistons lose to the hawks

[BshidoHEAT]

Makes the Magic losing to the Hawks seem pretty insignifigant heh.

The Magic are definitely going to trade Francis, but I only hope it's for someone that helps us right away, anything less would hurt team chemestry. (for example, I would not trade Francis for J.Crawford like some rumors have it)

[ViciousSLASH]

Did anyone catch the highlights of TO playing in a charity basketball game? He's pretty good :wow:


Football players are complete freaks.

Julius Peppers started at North Carolina in basketball I think.

[Hokuto Shingo]

Football players are complete freaks.

Julius Peppers started at North Carolina in basketball I think.

Yeah he started for UNC a few years ago.

Anyway lets make that 12 in a row for my Mavs. Who's hating?

[Mario Lemieux!]

McNabb played for Syracuse but I don't remember if he was a starter though.


Didn't TO try out for the Hawks or something? This was during the pre-season...

[Morphiend]

charlie ward won the heisman then started for the knicks!

still a couple spots left in the srk baseball league if anyone's interested. id rather keep the number of managers low (12) to promote free agency and stuff.

[PC2000]

Another tough OT loss by the raps. :(
Make your FTs please... PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeee

[Hoonyo]

Brian Cook WTF?

[BshidoHEAT]

(NSFW)

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/62235/nbas_greatest_fights//

I dunno if it was already posted but as the address says... NBA's Greatest Fights. Ahh the memories!

[Carpet Lint]

Early reports are that Billups, Rip, and Big Ben all made the All-Star reserves.

Apparently Paul Pierce and CHRIS BOSH are on it too.

But reports are that Gilbert Arenas didn't make it? That's fucking crazy.

I guess we'll have to wait until tomorrow.

[mystikazien]

Early reports are that Billups, Rip, and Big Ben all made the All-Star reserves.

Apparently Paul Pierce and CHRIS BOSH are on it too.

But reports are that Gilbert Arenas didn't make it? That's fucking crazy.

I guess we'll have to wait until tomorrow.
wtf Arenas didn't make it??? he's top 3-4 guard in the East....

[Hoonyo]

i'm surprised antawn jamison didn't make it. he's a double-double machine this season and shoots the 3 at a nice %. but if arenas didn't make it then antawn didn't stand a chance.

[PBalla]

yeah i dunno how the mavs are at 12 in a row, sheesh

any word on pauls injury? i started him over arenas last night cuz i was forced to blah

[The D Man]

It's funny. Detroit had the great start and were chasing 70 wins. Everybody praises they're starting 5 how they're the greatest ever and all this shit. Now everyone wants to nominate they're whole starting 5 for the all-star game.

Dallas is what, about 1.5 games back? Nobody's nominating there whole starting 5. They'll get in one all-star (Dirk) while Detroit will prolly get 4. Dallas is playing just as well. Let's put in Josh Howard and Jason Terry and hell Erick Dampier.

That's why my Hawks got in that ass. Joe Johnson bitches.

[totaltoanage]

wtf hawks?!! ummm look at their record, they are fucking done. nobody's team is even as the maverick's lineup, maybe detroit.

[BshidoHEAT]

Looks like Bosh is on the team, that's good. But if Dwight doesn't make it, I'll turn super saiyan and punch through someone's chest cavity.

[PC2000]

Wow 4 Detroit players made reserves

but who cares about all that when CHRIS BOSH!! made it.

[Carpet Lint]

Official All-Star Reserves!!!

Billups
Rip
Big Ben
Rasheed
Pierce
Vince
BOSH BOSH BOSH

Parker
Allen
Gasol
Dirk
Marion
KG
Brand

Good choices for the West - can't really argue against any of them. (Haha, Melo didn't make it.) I thought Chris Paul is All-Star level, but I can't say who I would choose him over. Ray Allen? Tony Parker? ...eh... He's got the rookie game though, so he's okay.

Can't believe Gilbert Arenas didn't make it. That's fucking stupid. He's a more deserving All-Star than almost all of those seven. He'll probably be named as the replacement for JO then.

Jamison, Howard, or Jefferson should have gone over Rasheed as a foward. Redd should have gone over that bitch Vince.

No Jamison OR Arenas? Damn, Washington fans must be pissed.

Hahahaha, Bosh is an All-Star. Awesomeness. Rookie game, sophomore game, now the real game. Hinrich and Melo are going to make the All-Star game soon...that'll be five guys from the same draft. That's sick.

Dallas is what, about 1.5 games back? Nobody's nominating there whole starting 5. They'll get in one all-star (Dirk) while Detroit will prolly get 4. Dallas is playing just as well. Let's put in Josh Howard and Jason Terry and hell Erick Dampier.
Holy shit, did you just say Erick Dampier should be an All-Star?

Look at Detroit's starters and look at the comparitive talent level of the East.

And then look at Dallas' guys and the rest of the guys in the West. There's no way you're telling me Jason Terry or Josh Howard should make the team over Nash, Kobe, Parker, Ray Allen, or Chris Paul.

And Dampier...that's just retarded. Stop being such a fanboy.

[The D Man]

I was being sarcastic dumbass.

It's a crime that Arenas didn't make the all-star team. Team success shouldn't have that much to do with being an all-star.

[Carpet Lint]

You're absolutely fantastic at being sarcastic then.

And you can't even use the team record card against Arenas, since you have Bosh and Paul Pierce on the team. Though they are fowards and all the guards on the team already come from winning teams...so it's possible.

[jae hoon]

Melo really should have made it, that is a snub.

Dallas is killing Miami, Miami always seems to play like shit against the top teams.

[Hokuto Shingo]

Well fellas...thats another one for my boys.

Dirk
27 pts 11/16

You can give me that anyday of the week over taking 45+ shots.

[The D Man]

Great job Pat Riley, you're the man.

If it ain't broke don't fix it. EJ and Damon fit so well with the squad. Now they have like no cohesiveness whatsoever.

[Cletus Kasady]

I think the coaches voted for four Pistons because they got tired of hearing the "disrespect" angle that they keep trying to play. Arenas belongs on that list over Hamilton, and Dwight Howard should be above Rasheed (because as much as I appreciate his game and fun, crazy, homeless-person-esque insanity, 15/6 are not All-Star numbers).

I think Melo belonged on there too, but to make room for him you'd have to take off somebody like Garnett or Marion, so I can't really argue there. And as much as I was clamoring for Chris Paul, you can't put him above Tony Parker, and Ray Allen should probably be a mainstay at guard.

[Ephidel]

13 wins in a row - goooooo Mavs!!!

Anyway, was Gilbert Arenas overlooked or something? An All - Star this man should be...

[TGC]

Damn as much as i hate the east team, I'd have to say dwight howard definetly deserves to be on that team cause that guy is just a talented player.

[Hoonyo]

The Commish decided to replace O'Neal's spot with Arenas.

[Ephidel]

The Commish decided to replace O'Neal's spot with Arenas.

Makes sense with O'Neal's injury or whatever, so I guess that Sheed gets the starting PF slot for the east now...

[Hoonyo]

From what I read so far, Flip doesn't plan on starting either of the Wallace brothers in place of O'Neal. I think Bosh will get the starting nod.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/allstar2006/news/story?id=2325922

[PBalla]

The Commish decided to replace O'Neal's spot with Arenas.
:pleased:

[Ephidel]

^I wouldn't mind if Bosh started over Sheed, Bosh is such a talented player anyway...

Again, I'm just happy that Arenas is on the team now.

[Feyz]

CB4 for the start :rock:

[Hunter D]

Garnett shouldn't be on the AS team. IMO Melo has had the better season.

[Ephidel]

Western Conference All - Star team this year is made up of a lot of power fowards - Even Gasol made it over Melo...

[spideyman]

gasol is way better than melo. melo is so over-rated.

[jae hoon]

gasol is way better than melo. melo is so over-rated.

Yeah averaging 25 plus points, 5 reb, shooting almost 10 ft a game and shooting 48 percent from the field while carrying your team to the top record in the division is overrated.

Melo deserved to go.

[Hunter D]

gasol is way better than melo. melo is so over-rated.
Both players are good, but Melo is in a different league than Gasol. Melo has been dominating this year. Even when he has a bad shooting night he does things to help his team win.

[donaldducktm]

i thought this was cool so...check it out

http://www.nba.com/dunk/

[spideyman]

melo's d is horrible. at his size he should be getting more boards and blocks. his fg% is only 46 not 48. the last 2 years his best was 43.

[Carpet Lint]

Gasol's going as a center.

That's how the All-Star game works. If Melo qualified as a center then he would have been in. You can't have an All-Star game of all forwards, no matter how neat that would be.

A lot of guys in the West are deserving All-Stars. But there's more deserving All-Stars than there are spots on the All-Star team.

Garnett's averaging 21.7 points, 11.6 boards, 4.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.37 blocks.

Carmelo 25.8, 5.3, 2.7, 1.22, .59. He averages two more buckets a game. But would you trade those two buckets for six more boards, two more assists, and one more block?

KG's percentages are all better than Melo's too.

FG% .535 to .461
FT% .791 to .790

Melo averages four more points, but he needs four more shots to do it. Plus, Melo takes like two threes a game even though he's shooting .228 from beyond.

No real reason to put Carmelo over The Big Ticket, aside from team records.

And come on. It's Kevin Garnett. Seriously, who doesn't think Kevin Garnett is an All-Star?

[Def1n1tely]

goddamn anyone catch the mia det game? that shit was killer.. mia comes back to win by 2 after being down the whole game

billups was clutch but wade is hella clutch. made i think the last 10 points including the game winning bucket. was even high fiving fans courtside after the game. u nice dwyane.

[donaldducktm]

dude Dwayne Wade was a superstar in that game. he literally willed that game back and with the help of his teamates. the best play of the game was that CRAZY layup by wade, not even physicists can figure out that acrobatic play. then the rebound -> gamewinning shot was CRAZZZAY

[Cletus Kasady]

So, if San Antonio is only 1 game back of Detroit...that means they deserve, like, 3.5 All-Stars, right?

[Simon Adebisi]

goddamn anyone catch the mia det game? that shit was killer.. mia comes back to win by 2 after being down the whole game

billups was clutch but wade is hella clutch. made i think the last 10 points including the game winning bucket. was even high fiving fans courtside after the game. u nice dwyane.


Holy smokes......who's that in your avatar?

About the NBA dunk contest, 4 contestants this year? French pro league opened up their dunk contest to amateurs...

http://gobasket.free.fr/asg_05.htm

Here's a video of a French dunk contest in December.

[Ephidel]

That 360 by wade in the piston/heat game was awesome the other day...

The wizards are starting to come around (YES!), I really like that team.

[PC2000]

Boshless raptors > KG by 4 points :D

[Carpet Lint]

Odd trade rumour going around...

First, the three-way. New York, Orlando, and Denver.

New York
- Deals Penny, David Lee, Jamal Crawford, and Trevor Ariza
- Gets K-Mart, Earl Watson, Voshon Lenard

Denver
- Deals K-Mart, Watson, Lenard
- Gets Steve Francis, David Lee

- Orlando
- Deads Francis
- Gets Jamal Crawford and Trevor Ariza

These might just be the main names attached - I didn't check salaries, so a couple of minor guys could be thrown in to balance salaries and talent.

And contingent on that deal going through...

Orlando trades Kelvin Cato ($8.5 million or so expiring contract) and a protected first rounder to Detroit for Carlos Arroyo and DARKO.



I don't really understand why they would do the three-way, but the DARKO trade makes sense.

Arroyo plays like 10 minutes a game and Hunter can easily replace him, Darko doesn't play at all, and I'm pretty sure he's not going to resign with Detroit after his rookie contract. They get a nice expiring contract to clear up space to resign Big Ben and a first which they can maybe swing for...something. I honestly don't know what Detroit's missing at this point.

Orlando's guessing that their first rounder will probably not be able to get them a player better than Darko (which I agree with because Darko's not that bad), and Arroyo replaces Francis.

[jae hoon]

Darko never got the chance to prove whether he can play. While I dont know about him being an all pro, I can see him being a good 15-18 ppg and 8-10 rpg guy. Which is still nothing to sneeze at.

[Hunter D]

Orlando could beast next season with a frontcourt that consists of Darko and Howard.

Edit: Carpet lint, KG has better numbers but Melo dominates games more. Garnett does is shit quietly and doesn't come up big when games get intense.

[BshidoHEAT]

I really wouldn't want J.Craw, but if I don't have to give up Diener and a pick, to get Ariza, Arroyo, and Darko, I'd definitely do it.

[Warblade49]

Odd trade rumour going around...

First, the three-way. New York, Orlando, and Denver.

New York
- Deals Penny, David Lee, Jamal Crawford, and Trevor Ariza
- Gets K-Mart, Earl Watson, Voshon Lenard

Denver
- Deals K-Mart, Watson, Lenard
- Gets Steve Francis, David Lee

- Orlando
- Deads Francis
- Gets Jamal Crawford and Trevor Ariza

These might just be the main names attached - I didn't check salaries, so a couple of minor guys could be thrown in to balance salaries and talent.

And contingent on that deal going through...

Orlando trades Kelvin Cato ($8.5 million or so expiring contract) and a protected first rounder to Detroit for Carlos Arroyo and DARKO.



I don't really understand why they would do the three-way, but the DARKO trade makes sense.

Arroyo plays like 10 minutes a game and Hunter can easily replace him, Darko doesn't play at all, and I'm pretty sure he's not going to resign with Detroit after his rookie contract. They get a nice expiring contract to clear up space to resign Big Ben and a first which they can maybe swing for...something. I honestly don't know what Detroit's missing at this point.

Orlando's guessing that their first rounder will probably not be able to get them a player better than Darko (which I agree with because Darko's not that bad), and Arroyo replaces Francis.


But where does Penny go to in that trade?

[Hoonyo]

i'm reading on espn that new york wants to get steve francis... wtf starbury+franchise ??

[Major]

Francis and Marbury? Are they trying to kill Brown?! lol...

Penny, sad to see how he has wasted away. Most of it is his fault, be something to see him go back to Orlando.

[BshidoHEAT]

Orlando needs a miricle right now.......
Make that NY trade Otis/Twardski, DO SOMETHING TO SALVAGE THIS FRANCISE!

[Carpet Lint]

Oops, sorry - forgot about Penny. He would go to Denver to balance out K-Mart's contract. Denver's doing it for cap relief aka Penny Hardaway.

Darko never got the chance to prove whether he can play. While I dont know about him being an all pro, I can see him being a good 15-18 ppg and 8-10 rpg guy. Which is still nothing to sneeze at.
Well I haven't watched Darko play except for Game 5 of the 2004 Finals when he broke his hand during garbage time.

But yeah, there's a reason he went so high in that draft, even though it had guys like Wade, Carmelo, Bosh, Hinrich, Ford, Ridour, Howard, and etc.

He's supposed to be a seven footer with passing skills, who can handle the ball, and has inside-outside game with three point range. His raw skillset was supposed to be impressive, and even with three years rotting away on the bench in Detroit, I think he's still pretty young - isn't he only like 21 or 22 now? Now compare that with Araujo who was like 36 when we drafted him.

Darko's still got youth to realize his potential with another team, and definately, a front court of Darko and Dwight seems scary.

(Almost as scary as "the next Duncan and Robinson" - BOSH AND VILLANEUVA!!!)

Orlando could beast next season with a frontcourt that consists of Darko and Howard.

Edit: Carpet lint, KG has better numbers but Melo dominates games more. Garnett does is shit quietly and doesn't come up big when games get intense.
I don't know if I agree with that, but since I don't watch the Timberwolves or the Nuggets, I can't really say otherwise.

I have a hard time imagining it though. Who else are they going to run the ball through in Minnesota? There's no one else that can create or score. They have to run plays for Garnett.

I think Elton Brand or Donyell Marshall are guys who puts up big stats quietly. A lot of their action is off offensive boards and stuff like that.

I haven't really heard of any unclutchness from Garnett, but again, I haven't seen that much so I don't know. When I hear that though, I think of his game-winning block against Phoenix this year, and his monsterous Game 7 against the Kings two years ago - the same year they beat Denver in the playoffs.

I'm a Carmelo fan though. Here's a guy who's done nothing but win at every level he's played at, and he's had more playoff experience already than everyone in that insane 2003 draft class aside from Wade. ...and maybe Darko - the only guy in that draft so far that has a ring. That's right, never forget - DARKO HAS A RING.

That's going to be some crazy trivia question ten years from now, when guys from that draft have taken over the league. "Who was the first to get a ring? Lebron? Wade? Carmelo? Bosh? Or Darko?"

[BshidoHEAT]

I hope Darko comes to Orlando, he'll bring his rough and tumble aggresive personality and his championship experience to a young Magic organization building around Travis Diener.

[Mario Lemieux!]

Don't forget his Championship experience!

[Carpet Lint]

Don't forget his Championship experience!
Otherwise know as...somehow managing to break your hand in garbage time and miss your chance to play in the Olympics.

GO DARKO!!!

Hey, you should change your signature to *retires* Elle, oh, elle.

[ViciousSLASH]

Darko is gonna explode like O'Neal did when he got traded and was actually allowed to play.

But in a much bigger way. He's been practicing with Wallace and Wallace everyday. Team him up with Howard, and dayum. That's a nice ebony and ivory twin tower team up right there.

[jae hoon]

Watched Quite Frankly today, good interview with the Big O. He pretty much called most of the players today spoiled little bitches and for the most part he is right.

It is going to be tough for NY to do anything, they have essential alot of non movable parts. They have so many bench players with huge contracts that no one will take. Plus guys like Starbury and Eddie Curry who has basically been a bust in NY. The Knicks best players so far are the rookies.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2331049

If this is true and Orlando gets rid of Cato's contract and gets Milic and Arroyo, imo Orlando gets the best of that deal. Arroyo is an underrated point guard who played well for a bad Utah team.

Seattle traded Radmonvic for Wilcox, im going to sound crazy but I like this trade for Seattle as well. Wilcox isnt great but he is a post presence, he can rebound he can block some shots and he does have a bit of a low post game.

[Zephyranthes]

"Ebony and Ivoreee! Here together in perfect harmony..."

I like Darko. I like how Pistons fans would always chant "We Want Darko" when the game was about to be over. He hardly ever really complained about his role, too. All I can think of was that time last year when he demanded a trade, but as far as I know, he never really had a bad attitude. Unlike some other players who would be considered busts.

Like Kwame, for instance. Dude was always getting booed by his own crowd. Sure he played a lot more than Darko, but still... I'd rather have The Human Victory Cigar over The Greatest Potential This World Has Ever Seen.

---

The Radmonovic/Wilcox trade was a great trade for both teams. But it's terrible trade for my Warriors. This just means our rivals keep getting better while we remain in a fat slump. I would hope Mullin would pull off some kinda heist before Feb. 23rd, but I don't think it's gonna happen. I really want someone like Jamaal Magloire on the Warriors but that's highly unlikely this season.

[jae hoon]

Kwame Brown is just the new Michael Olowakandi. Alot of potential and talent all for nothing.

[Carpet Lint]

"Darko & Dwight" sounds like a wicked sitcom name. I would watch it.

...or does "Dwight & Darko" sound better?

*cue theme song*
"It's Darko & Dwight, they're best bros in Orlaaaaan-do, HE dunks in the air while HE dyes his hair, it's Darko & Dwight, la la la la, Darkoooooo aaaaaand Dwiiiiiiight, do do do do do dododo! Waaaaaah..."

Steve Francis: I miss Cuttino.
Brian Hill: Okay guys, let's dribble some balls!
Dwight: Sure thing, coach!

Darko: ...

*audience eeewwwws*

Dwight: Darko! He said let's dribble SOME balls, not dribble ON YOUR balls!

*audience laughs*

Brian Hill: DAR-KO!!!
Dwight: Oh, Darko. *what-can-ya-do-shrug into the camera*

*cue theme song*
"It's Darko & Dwight, best bros in Orlando, he dunks in the air while he dyes his hair, it's Darko & Dwight, la la la la, Darkoooooo aaaaaand Dwiiiiiiight, do do do do do dododo! Waaaaaah..."

*20th Century FOX*
DUNDUNDUNAAAAAAA DUNA DUNA DUNDUNDUNAAAAAAA



This has to happen now.

In other news, I am insane.

[BshidoHEAT]

^ I could see that happening LOL
But Dwight's name would have to be first. He is the face of the franchise.

And boy would this create some buzz around here for the Magic.

[Cletus Kasady]

Anybody else rooting for the other rumored trade (Steve Francis plus filler for Crawford and one of Ariza/Lee/Robinson, plus filler) to go down? My dream is to have them on the court at the same time fighting to the death for the ball, and for Francis to start longing for his soulmate Cuttino again under the intense media scrutiny of NYC.

[The D Man]

Isiah knows he done after this year, so why not screw over your cap, coach, and chemistry even more?

[Cool-Breeze]

Yoooo What up fella's sorry I have been away so long, Had to handle some personal biz wit my lady and job, Believe me you dont want to know those 2 subjects alone are like a whole new thread. Anyways my 2 Cents.

Yes Kevin "The Big Ticket" Garnett is on the decline, True his Averages seem up par or up to regualr status right? But then again look at the Game productivity against the playoff bound teams.
Jan 1. 2006 vs Heat 11 points 11 rbs
Jan 30. 2006 vs Boston after the trade 15pts 6 rbs 9 turnovers
Feb 1. 2006 vs Pistons 15pts 15 rbs 6 turnovers
Feb 10. 2006 vs utah 16pts 18 rbs 4 turnovers
Feb 4 2006 vs Warriors 15 pts 11 rbs only 2 turnovers

But my point is he needs to be Mr. 23 and above just for Minnesota to compete most of the time, He isnt as agressive against most teams, this man used to dominate the paint no matter who was there. He seems to nolonger be up for the Challenge when facing "Groundhog Day" or Yao or the Wallace's and so forth.

Tracy Mcgrady is also on my current decline list, I have watched to much of his games here on the East coast, and yes I might add im not impressed, he is showing why Orlando was more than happy to give him up the way they did.
People tend to call him "The Clutch" due to his 4th Quarter antics but call it Ball hoggin when Kobe does the same thing:confused: ?
Also Tracy is now in the NBA,it shouldnt take a player labeled a SUPERSTAR 4 quarters to get at least semi hot, A SUPERSTAR is the one who carries the team, not the other way around, Yes I know you can have your slumps but come on, I have seen thsi man play almost all game and end the game with 7 points 3 assists, or like 10 points no rebounds no steals maybe an assist here or there, TOO MANY GAMES for a SUPERSTAR to not be in double figures and aide his team in a win.
The Yao excuse nolonger works Yao may play 12 minutes or 15, get 15 in those minutes and sit til the 4th, where is McGrady during this time period? Juwan Howard who I always thought was overrated at one point held good slack, Swift is so so, but Tracy is the one the team is supposed to count on and he lets them down alot, I also dont feel niether him or Yao deserved spots on the All-Star team.

D.Wade is hot but not a top 3 MVP candidate sorry.
Nice game the Lakers played against utah great sharing of the ball I loved it.
Kobe's shooting range is really getting sick yo, I mean he is becoming unstoppable.

[Cletus Kasady]

Re: Garnett: Not sure if they still have it up on ESPN.com, but one of the last pieces that Ralph Wiley wrote was about how there's not really a "next Jordan" (or wasn't quite at the time, because Lebron was still adjusting), but rather a "good Jordan" (Garnett) and a "bad Jordan" (Kobe), neither of which was quite Jordan because they either lacked his killer instinct (in Garnett's case), or his ability to play within a team (Kobe). Although it dealt, to an extent, with more of the 2004 playoffs than anything, I still think it applies.

[Carpet Lint]

DARKO TRADED!

To the Magic for Cato and next year's first rounder. Top five protected in 2007, unprotected in 2008.

Dwight & Darko here we come!

Not a bad trade for either team, I guess. Orlando's tanking this season, so it's nice they don't have to give up this year's pick since it's likely to be a top 5-10 pick. Detroit getting cap space and a top 15 first rounder - or anything at all honestly - for Darko isn't that bad either.

___________

Garnett doesn't have killer instinct? Really? I am way off base then. When Bosh was starting out and people were still comparing him to Garnett, people were always saying Bosh lacked Garnett's intensity and mean streak. What, is he just coasting now like Paul Pierce?

[The Deadpool]

Garnett never had a mean streak. He's too reluctant to take the shot.

[Cletus Kasady]

Garnett being overly demonstrative at times isn't the equivalent of a killer instinct IMO. I think back to Garnett's Sacramento series in 2004; he sort of went off in Game 7, but when you take into account that hobbled Chris Webber had no business being out on the court against him, you can't help but think he should have played better. As it stood, they wouldn't have won that series without Cassell bailing them out of Game 2 and Sprewell catching fire in Game 5.

Even last year, Garnett wasn't enough to get that team into the playoffs, whereas Shaq hasn't missed the playoffs since his rookie season, and Duncan's made the second round every time they're healthy (even before they were loaded).

[Cool-Breeze]

My GOD did anyone see that Houston vs Phoneix game???
WTF happened? How many 3 pointers did they hit in that game? 3 People in double figures, all I saw was pre-school ball, people passing the rock like we back home on the play ground.
Neither Yao nor Tracy Show up in this game which fuels my point about the so called "Mr.Clutch".

I really think Ray Allen is Mr. Clutch just not a lot of meaningful games to fuel that arguement.

Chicago looked solid against the no defense playing sixers Blah, five people in double figures, horrible performance time for us to make some moves ugh.

HAWKS DEFEAT LAKERS HAWKS DEFEAT LAKERS HAWKS DEFEAT LAKERS
Whether you all like it or not, besides the Pistons the Atlanta Hawks even when losing play with the most heart in the east, I think the Bucks are up there as well but these damn hawks have heart. To many damn Point Guards, I dont know what the freegin Organization was thinking when getting all these guys, Ivey, Lue, Stoudamire, Johnson pfft.

Lakers go into the half at .500 Kobe a strong MVP candidate due to that fact.

[donaldducktm]

does anybody know when the all-star events will be on TNT tonight? i'm in pacific time

[Carpet Lint]

Okay, I guess the fact that it took Kevin Garnett seven games into the series and like eight years overall to have a monster game kind of craps out his clutch/big game thing.

_____________

HAWKS DEFEAT LAKERS HAWKS DEFEAT LAKERS HAWKS DEFEAT LAKERS
Whether you all like it or not, besides the Pistons the Atlanta Hawks even when losing play with the most heart in the east, I think the Bucks are up there as well but these damn hawks have heart. To many damn Point Guards, I dont know what the freegin Organization was thinking when getting all these guys, Ivey, Lue, Stoudamire, Johnson pfft.
Well I don't think anyone but the Hawks thought that Joe Johnson was a point guard. And don't forget Tony Delk. Yeah, Hawks are weird - they have a bunch of point guards, but none of them can play. And instead of Chris Paul, they draft Marvin Williams, even though they already have a fifty other SF's. Imagine Chris Paul on the Hawks. That could like almost double their current win total.

I was watching that game against the Lakers though, and it wasn't so much the Hawks winning but the Lakers losing. In Toronto all I hear about is how bad the Raptors' perimeter defense is and how we don't have a legitimate center or shot blocker down low to prevent people from getting into the paint...but the Lakers have it like ten times worse. They really miss Chris Mihm, I'm thinking. They let the Hawks score like 90 points in the paint. I'm positive they allowed an all time NBA record for Zaza Pachulia reverse layups allowed in the paint.

It was nice to watch Kobe try and distribute the ball in the first quarter too. It's like when I play Halo with my 6 year-old cousin - I run around with him, let him kill a couple of aliens...but then I get bored and I leave him in the dust and rush through the level killing everyone myself.

It's funny because he ended up with like 8 assists after one, and finished the game with 9. The Lakers have one play - everyone stands still for 20 seconds, Kobe launches a three, and then everyone runs back and stands still for 20 seconds on defense. I don't understand why they don't run screens or anything for him, and he has to create by himself from scratch everytime down the floor. What the hell is the point of the triangle?

When you watch Lakers games, it just makes you realize how ridiculous Kobe is. Without Iverson, the Sixers are like a 16 win team. Without Kobe, I don't think the Lakers can win a single game. Maybe one or two, whenever Odom feels like playing.

________________

I still like Nash for MVP though. I liked Iverson better last year, but now he's got Webber and Iggy, Philly's record is worse. And now without Amare, it's that much more obvious that it's all Nash. I mean, they replaced Joe Johnson and Q-Rich with Raja Bell and Eddie House without missing a beat. Some of the props goes to management...but Diaw becoming a nightly triple double threat - that's gotta be Nash. I bet even I could average eight points a game running with Nash.

Marion's crazy too, but I checked that on 82games.com, he has the highest assisted FG% (the percentage of his field goals that led to someone else being credited with an assist) in the league by a huge margin - so it's all Nash baby.

________________

Was watching the Rookie Challenge...pretty boring, but aside from Chris Paul, my boy Charlie was the best rookie. I keep hearing about how Channing Frye's so awesome and how they don't want to trade him...but every time I watch him play, there's nothing that impresses me about him.

And Nate Robinson sucks. Yeah, he can jump and whatever, but if you're like 5'5" (there's no way he's even 5'9") with no point guard skills, then you're not going to be able to do much.

...though not a bad 20th pick, I guess.

And Dwight Howard is a fucking beast - I don't know if that's been said enough. He's leading the league in rebounds? I had no idea. Now that Shawn Kemp is lying in a gutter face down somewhere, and Shaq's old, can we officially designate the NBA's official man-child title for Dwight?

He looks like he can just devour Nate Robinson and no one would notice.

[FallingEdge]

And Dwight Howard is a fucking beast - I don't know if that's been said enough. He's leading the league in rebounds? I had no idea. Now that Shawn Kemp is lying in a gutter face down somewhere, and Shaq's old, can we officially designate the NBA's official man-child title for Dwight?

He looks like he can just devour Nate Robinson and no one would notice.

Howard is the man. I am glad that we have him on our team as Howard and Nelson will be the future of the Magic. Get rid of Francis and Hill and get a 1st round pick and some decent players and I'll be happy.

[jae hoon]

Nate has been one of the bright spots for NY, He is like Earl Boykins with better hops. And no Dwight isnt the manchild, that title goes to Amare.

[Hunter D]

And Dwight Howard is a fucking beast - I don't know if that's been said enough. He's leading the league in rebounds? I had no idea. Now that Shawn Kemp is lying in a gutter face down somewhere, and Shaq's old, can we officially designate the NBA's official man-child title for Dwight?

He looks like he can just devour Nate Robinson and no one would notice.
Fuck you Lint. If the NBA allowed Kemp to continue smoking is "funny ciggarettes" he would be a lock for the HOF. They took it away from and destroyed the man child, turning him into slightly thinner version of oliver miller.:sad:

[jae hoon]

Fuck you Lint. If the NBA allowed Kemp to continue smoking is "funny ciggarettes" he would be a lock for the HOF. They took it away from and destroyed the man child, turning him into slightly thinner version of oliver miller.:sad:


No Shawn was on more then that. Pot was the lightest thing he did. He was also on crack for along time, which is what ultimetly caused his demise in the NBA.

[Hunter D]

No Shawn was on more then that. Pot was the lightest thing he did. He was also on crack for along time, which is what ultimetly caused his demise in the NBA.
He was a fiend too? :rofl:

[Carpet Lint]

Nate has been one of the bright spots for NY, He is like Earl Boykins with better hops. And no Dwight isnt the manchild, that title goes to Amare.
Oh yeah, Amare. How quickly I forget.

You're just saying Earl Boykins because they're both short. They're nothing alike.

And to be fair, it doesn't take much to be a bright spot for New York this year.

Robinson has no point guard skills at all. Boykins is quicker, is a better jump shooter, can make free-throws (like 87% versus 74% - how can you be a guard that's shorter than six feet and not make free throws?), and takes care of the ball. Nate has 1.56 turnovers in 19.7 minutes a game - that's not good.

Nate Robinson is a shooting guard that's like 5'5" tall. He can't make free throws, he can't take care of the ball, he can run an offense...what else do you ask for in a guard?

[Morphiend]

tnt right now, kenny, charles and that other guy are having a tourney for best dunk in the dunk contest ever.

lol at isaiah rider.

[HaiDuongRiceMan]

Wow...Walter McCarty singing the national anthem?

o_O

[The D Man]

They didn't even pick the right Vince Dunk.

Shoulda been the 360 windmill.

[Feyz]

Damn, Wade was broken on that last round... They dont call him the Flash for nothing.

[marcusg]

lol
San Antonio was voted 9% chance of winning the shoot out contest. They came and beat the fastest timed record.

[Hoonyo]

AI dunk was sick.

WTF was that tape for Josh Smith? He kinda got too low of a score for a foul line dunk though. I think he deserved better than 41.

[HaiDuongRiceMan]

This dunk contest is sick.

In the words of Kenny Smith, it "has the flu!"

[marcusg]

Man, I want Nate to win.
edit: BOOOOOOO, I didnt want him to win like that. It should of been another tie.
This also isnt the first time there was a tie in Dunk Contest. What about Jordan and Willkens.

[GeoG2]

Props to Nate. He deserved it for that Spudd dunk alone.

[PC2000]

Even though a few dunks were new and good but it can only be amazing done in 1 attempt... WAY too many misses for the past few years including today.

So even though I am a VC hater I still think he is the best dunker recently because not only can he come up with great dunks but also ALL in 1 try.

[Def1n1tely]

iguodala got robbed!

although the between the legs and behind the back dunks that he kept trying to do werent as creative as the one he did w/ iverson... he still shouldve won imo..

kinda disappointed we didnt get to see more of josh smith... a two handed from the free throw line is impressive but he killed himself w/ that tape..:rofl:

[Feyz]

Charles was fucking hilarious tonight...

[ckrazy]

i wanted nate to win but i didn't want him to win like that if only he made his dunks on his first attempt

[GeoG2]

Iggy only had one noteworthy dunk to me. Everything else was taken from J-Rich or what JR Smith did last year. Hell, he did two edits off of JR's dunk. That's not creative...

[ckrazy]

Iggy only had one noteworthy dunk to me. Everything else was taken from J-Rich or what JR Smith did last year. Hell, he did two edits off of JR's dunk. That's not creative...


yea i thought iggy didn't do all that well also but nate miss like abazillion time... well 13 on the last one lol..... and like 6 on the between the legs so it wasn't all that much better i was still rootin for nate but ugh... rather see him winning it with a :looney: dunk

[Def1n1tely]

-if iguodala finished off with something else, a little bit more creative he wouldve won it

-everytime they cut to lebron he's either looking at his nails or biting them haha

-kobe kinda had this surprised look that he didn't get booed by the fans when he was being introduced... i was kinda shocked too... maybe he'll get booed tommorow

[GeoG2]

Everyone is on his jock again. I doubt he's gonna get booed.

[The D Man]

When Nate dunked they cut to Kobe his lips said "What the fuck"

[Hoonyo]

Charles was fucking hilarious tonight...Agreed.

[donaldducktm]

-if iguodala finished off with something else, a little bit more creative he wouldve won it

-everytime they cut to lebron he's either looking at his nails or biting them haha

-kobe kinda had this surprised look that he didn't get booed by the fans when he was being introduced... i was kinda shocked too... maybe he'll get booed tommorow
Love him...or hate him...(Nike Commercial!)

anyway, i thought iggy's dunk with AI was SICK!!!! Nate Robinson deserved that win...good shit

[PopTardO]

AI2 got rob by the judges(looking at u kenny smith u ***), nate pull a birdman and still win? wtf

[Carpet Lint]

Nate's first dunk was his best. And I thought his Spudd dunk was fucking crazy, so that's saying something.

I thought Iggy deserved it for the one off the back of the glass alone, but...that's okay.

Both Nate and Iggy were crazy dunkers, but they just make 2000 Vince look that much better, since when you consider the dunks he did and that he did them all in one try...that's just ridiculous.

They didn't even pick the right Vince Dunk.

Shoulda been the 360 windmill.
Yeah, that's exactly what I was thinking. The one where he came from under the basket - that was the craziest dunk I've ever seen.

Iggy only had one noteworthy dunk to me. Everything else was taken from J-Rich or what JR Smith did last year. Hell, he did two edits off of JR's dunk. That's not creative...
Well Iggy did it off the bounce, but yeah, I agree - that JR behind the back dunk is completely underrated, I think.

JR Smith was great last year, and they should have brought him back. I mean...Hakeem Warrick? What the duh?

[kindaichi]

http://otafterhours.com/Uploader/files/61/kobe_wtf.gif

[PBalla]

lol

'he cant be that depressed he plays for the Knicks'

[BshidoHEAT]

SOmeone please say they recorded it :(

[ckrazy]

SOmeone please say they recorded it :(

go check youube lol

[BshidoHEAT]

EDIT: Nope it was just some stupid kids dunking on a 6 ft rim.:-/

[TGC]

WOOT WOOT all star today. Dont miss out guys.

[donaldducktm]

WOOT WOOT all star today. Dont miss out guys.
well, some of the few past all-stars were pretty damn boring, but we'll see how it goes.

[BshidoHEAT]

Watch it for the in-game dunks. ;)

[Feyz]

http://savemyfile.net//files/31/aidunkwoah.gif

^ This dunk alone should have got Iggy the win.


LOL... I thought iverson was going to fake the pass and go for a layup. Just like in real games.

[monbaby]

All i want to see is...

Billups, Iverson, Wallace, Wallace, and Rip on the floor at the same time...

[DanielLarusso]

Nate DEFINATELY deserved to win that contest. Iggy's behind the backboard was the only NEW shit he did.

The only reason why Nate didn't MURDER him was because he took 30 minutes a piece to do his last two dunks and it took away from the wow factor. He did that dunk over Webb the first try and that really shook up the house. If he would've did his other dunks on the first try it wouldn't have even been close.

His dunks had a higher degree of difficulty than Iggy's, AND he's 5'9.

Now the judges putting up a 10 then pulling it down so Nate could win, that was fucked up. Even though he did deserve to win, the judges shouldn't have tainted his victory like that, and if they put up a 10 for Iggy let it stay up.

[google]

Nate DEFINATELY deserved to win that contest. Iggy's behind the backboard was the only NEW shit he did.

The only reason why Nate didn't MURDER him was because he took 30 minutes a piece to do his last two dunks and it took away from the wow factor. He did that dunk over Webb the first try and that really shook up the house. If he would've did his other dunks on the first try it wouldn't have even been close.

His dunks had a higher degree of difficulty than Iggy's, AND he's 5'9.


Atleast AI did do something new. Nate Robinson's dunk were not harder than AI's.
AI might not have deserved to win, but Nate deserved to lose.

Nate took 58243995823 tries for a mediocre dunk. What a gimme. Nate Robinson had the advantage going in, and still deserved to lose.
No matter what Nate Robinson does, it's going to look sick. He's 5'6-5'7 and he's got hops, it's going to look magical everytime.

Atleast this dunk contest was better than last year's. Hopefully both contestants wll enter again next year. I wish J.Rich would enter again. That dude is bonkers.

[YellowS4]

Gotta agree w/a few of the posts here, I thought Iggy only had one dunk that made me go wow. I'd rather see Robinson try xx times compared to Chris "I got fucked out of the league" Birdman

[DanielLarusso]

Atleast AI did do something new. Nate Robinson's dunk were not harder than AI's.
AI might not have deserved to win, but Nate deserved to lose.

Nate took 58243995823 tries for a mediocre dunk. What a gimme. Nate Robinson had the advantage going in, and still deserved to lose.
No matter what Nate Robinson does, it's going to look sick. He's 5'6-5'7 and he's got hops, it's going to look magical everytime.

Atleast this dunk contest was better than last year's. Hopefully both contestants wll enter again next year. I wish J.Rich would enter again. That dude is bonkers.

The only dunk Iggy did that was harder than Nate's was the behind the backboard. That's it. Nate tried at least two dunks that had never been done. The off the backboard and between the legs had never been done. He didn't make it, but had he made it on his first try it would've been game over.

Also the between the legs and off the backboard had never been done, and he did make that one. Except it took him 50 tries to make it. Again, had he made it on his first try, game over. Nate has the mind of a masterful dunker, he just doesn't have the body to help him execute what's in his mind. That being said, he still held his own against, Iggy, who, other than the behind the backboard, didn't show me anything new. Maybe the behind the back one, but the degree of difficulty wasn't as high as off the glass between the legs.

[ckrazy]

lol i was watching some reply of it and nate listed at 5,9 i live in seattle and been to a couple of huskie game and met theh dude he like morer 5,7 or 5,8

[google]

The only dunk Iggy did that was harder than Nate's was the behind the backboard. That's it. Nate tried at least two dunks that had never been done. The off the backboard and between the legs had never been done. He didn't make it, but had he made it on his first try it would've been game over.

Also the between the legs and off the backboard had never been done, and he did make that one. Except it took him 50 tries to make it. Again, had he made it on his first try, game over. Nate has the mind of a masterful dunker, he just doesn't have the body to help him execute what's in his mind. That being said, he still held his own against, Iggy, who, other than the behind the backboard, didn't show me anything new. Maybe the behind the back one, but the degree of difficulty wasn't as high as off the glass between the legs.

The off the backboard was not impressive. Remember..this is a DUNK contest.

That dunk is on the same level as the Amare/Nash Dunk. Atleast Amare finished it with a 180, and it didn't take 1000 tries.

Nate didn't even get the full effect of his last dunk either. His foot touched the ground before he got the ball off. That (first)last dunk was not difficult. I can do that dunk, even with the goofy between the legs toss.

I wish he did make it on his first try. Maybe AI wouldn't have been so stiff from sitting for an hour. I'm not saying AI's last dunk was impressive, but atleat it didn't take him a 1000 times. He missed his first(two?) behind the back attempts, and switched it up to an easier dunk. Because clearly, he didn't have to do much to win after Nate's awful performance. But the judges..those judges..

They need to go back to the old rules.

[FallingEdge]

Shaq's remote control shoe...

That's classic right there :tup:

[FallingEdge]

This All Star intro is pretty fucking cool if you ask me.

[4neqs]

Intro with orchestra playing "Lose Yourself" and the theme from "2001:A Space Odyssey" (LOL aka Ric Flair's theme) = good. I'm not so sure if I like the color scheme of these uniforms, though.

[4neqs]

LOL, oh Shaq.

[DanielLarusso]

Three quarters of this All-Star game have gone by so far and up to this point its been the Western Conference All-Stars vs. the Detroit Pistons.

I wonder does having Flip as the coach have anything to do with this.

[4neqs]

Probably is. It was Pistons+James or Pistons+Pierce for looong stretches. All I can say is, at least the halftime's better than last year's cowboy midget disaster. :looney:

[ckrazy]

leborn can't make a free throw to save his life... dispite having a decent game so far lol pretty impress by the pistons but it nothing we havn't seen before.

[FallingEdge]

Here comes the finish...

This has been a damn good game.

[4neqs]

East!

Great game. Man, everyone sucked at free throws tonight though.

[jae hoon]

Ahhh wtf T Mac got obviously fouled on that shot. Oh well good game anyways.

[YellowS4]

I like how theres 3 former Raps on the AS teams :S Not a bad game overall though.

[Carpet Lint]

I like how theres 3 former Raps on the AS teams :S Not a bad game overall though.
Don't forget Chauncey Billups, who played like twenty games for the Raptors back in like...1997 or something.

I'm happy. Bosh with 8 and 8 in 16 meaningful minutes, including the sickest dunk of the night, maybe next to T-Mac's windmill in the first.

Next year, we'll have Lebron, Wade, Melo, Bosh, and maybe Captain Kirk, TJ Ford, or Josh Howard. And what the hell - maybe even Darko. That's four, maye six or seven All-Stars from the same draft.

Just for reference, members of the 1996 draft that were playing today include...Iverson, Ray Allen, Kobe, and Nash. And also JO who was voted in.

I think Iverson/Wade/Lebron/Bosh/Wallace was probably the best line-up Flip threw out there. The best player from the best draft ever, three guys from the second best draft ever, and an undrafted guy.

Lebron was smart. Did what he needed to do to get an All-Star MVP trophy. Score 20 in the first half, coast for the rest of the game, and just make sure your team wins.

[DanielLarusso]

I think Iverson/Wade/Lebron/Bosh/Wallace was probably the best line-up Flip threw out there. The best player from the best draft ever, three guys from the second best draft ever, and an undrafted guy.



I hate to say it but the best line up Flip threw out there was Billups/Hamilton/Wallace/Wallace/whoever

[Carpet Lint]

It was the four Pistons + Pierce.

When Flip brought them out in the first half, the West went on a 8-0 run or something. They had a 15 point lead or something that started when all Pistons were on the floor.

And it only got worse when the second half started and Flip went with the starters again (ie. Vince at SF versus T-Mac and Lebron at PF versus Duncan). The Iverson, Wade, Lebron, Bosh, Wallace/Shaq line-up was the one that got the comeback started.

And when it got close again, the four Pistons + Pierce started rolling. Rip put on his mask and shit was on.

Rasheed was terrible, 'cept for a couple of plays defensively where he clogged up the paint. The team gained absolutely nothing when he was on the court. 1-6, 0-4 threes, 1 foul, 1 steal, 2 points in 17 minutes. No optimal line-up could have included Rasheed, who shouldn't even have been in Houston in the first place.

And Pierce was pretty much a nonfactor the entire game too, so I think it was more Chauncey (who I might have chosen as the MVP over Lebron) and Big Ben that were killing it, offensively and defensively respectively. Rather than the Pistons as a group.

Ray Allen pretty much single-handedly killed his team whenever he touched the ball. 4-13, 0-7 threes...dribbling the ball in place for 15 seconds each possession...not so good.

[ckrazy]

i havn't watch a sonic game in forever still upset over my seahawk lost to even watch the sonic but now i know why the sonic suck so much arse this year ray allen isn't doing good this year and the rest of the team just crap

[YellowS4]

Don't forget Chauncey Billups, who played like twenty games for the Raptors back in like...1997 or something.
Carter, McGrady and Billups. Who am I missing? Unless you already include Bosh as a former :sad:

[google]

If the West wasn't so worried about T-Mac, they would have won the game. Just give the ball to Kobe and watch. That move Kobe did near the end was just plain sick.

I don't think Melo is going to make it next year. If he didn't make it this year, I doubt he will make it next year. Same for T.J.

I'm going to make a prediction. In the next 5 years, Lebron James game will decrease. I just don't see him becoming any better than he is now, and I think he'll get worse down the road.

I also should slap Collins for saying his (Lebron) layup reminded him of Jordan's infamous layup. It looked like another layup from any other athletic dude.

[kindaichi]

I also should slap Collins for saying his (Lebron) layup reminded him of Jordan's infamous layup. It looked like another layup from any other athletic dude.


yeah because most of them got it from Jordan?

I should slap you for saying you should slap Collins =D

[Galactic]

If the West wasn't so worried about T-Mac, they would have won the game. Just give the ball to Kobe and watch. That move Kobe did near the end was just plain sick.



What are you talking about? T-Mac shot a high percentage and obviously got fouled on that last shot attempt, which he probably would have made giving how his night was going. If it went into OT T-Mac could have went after Wilt's record.

Yeah Kobe's last move was nice, but no nicer than T-mac's windmill.

I think T-mac was feeling some bad vibes ont he court tho. I dunno what his whole personal drama is, but it's effecting his game. He shot terribly from the free throw line, i think 1 for 6 or something like that, and he missed 2 easy alley oop dunks that he usually makes.

Speaking of missed dunks, wtf Vince?!?

^_-;

[kindaichi]

What are you talking about? T-Mac shot a high percentage and obviously got fouled on that last shot attempt, which he probably would have made giving how his night was going. If it went into OT T-Mac could have went after Wilt's record.

Yeah Kobe's last move was nice, but no nicer than T-mac's windmill.

I think T-mac was feeling some bad vibes ont he court tho. I dunno what his whole personal drama is, but it's effecting his game. He shot terribly from the free throw line, i think 1 for 6 or something like that, and he missed 2 easy alley oop dunks that he usually makes.

Speaking of missed dunks, wtf Vince?!?

^_-;


yeah all-star weekend + homecourt + favorite player in the town= I think the West was trying to get him to cheer up by making him the MVP

[ViciousSLASH]

I think Iverson/Wade/Lebron/Bosh/Wallace was probably the best line-up Flip threw out there. The best player from the best draft ever, three guys from the second best draft ever, and an undrafted guy.

Lebron was smart. Did what he needed to do to get an All-Star MVP trophy. Score 20 in the first half, coast for the rest of the game, and just make sure your team wins.

You read that Slam too ?

I taped the All Star game, so I might not even watch it. Maybe I will for hijinks, like Shaq being point or AI playing Center or something. Stuff likes makes all star games fun.

The best all star line up I ever saw ( ever saw mind you ) was when Rick Adaman put in Shaq, Duncan, Dirk, Garnett, and Webber. I think that was the line it, it was all 7 footers ( or almost seven footers in KG's case, webbers too I think ) , and they dwarfed everyone.

Does anyone think the magic should tank the rest of the season and get JJ reddick ?

Howard, Darko, Hill, Reddick, Nelson. That would be a good lineup for a rebuilding team.

I think the Sixers need to blow up their shit, and start over. Being in playoff limbo is getting lame, it's like the worst situation for a team and it's fans.

Playoff Limbo = being JUST good enough each year to barely make the playoffs and then get destroyed in the first round. You don't get high draft picks and it's no fun.

I'd rather have the sixers be like the raptors or hornets, where they are slowly rebuilding with youth and good picks ( I want a damn angry martian to play for my team ) not giving huge contracts to decaying all stars. Fuck you Billy King, I love AI, but you should've had the balls to trade him a couple of years ago when his value was WAY higher. Now the only bright spot philly has is Iggy.

Sigh.

[Carpet Lint]

Carter, McGrady and Billups. Who am I missing? Unless you already include Bosh as a former :sad:
Oh shit I didn't even notice. I must have subconsciously accepted it already. :sad:

________

I don't know if Reddick's going to be top five. Everyone's saying how he's only 6'4" so he's going to have problems getting his shot off against NBA defenders. Also, the only way he can effectively score in the NBA is with a system of screens and picks and whatnot, like what the Pistons run for Rip, but no team's going to run an offense like that through a rookie.

But the fact that he's such a retardedly good shooter is going to keep him in the lottery for sure. But he's going to slip to like 7-10th, which is where the Magic might draft anyway.

EDIT: Hey, does anyone else think that Shelden Williams looks like Ken Griffey Jr. from that Simpsons episode where he got gigantism?

_________

And SLAM is the shit. But I only really thumb through it for the pictures. I think this month's Slam-a-da-month was Desmond Mason destroying Matt Carroll.

I think Matt Carroll is the new Shawn Bradley. If Matt Carroll is in the paint, you automatically get +10 to your dunk rating.

[VolTRON]

Quite honestly JJ isn't going to be much of an NBA player. I can't imagine him guarding someone like Kobe or Tracy, so I wouldnt want him on the team.

[Carpet Lint]

You don't want anyone on your team that can't guard Kobe or T-Mac?

Isn't that like...everyone in the league not named Tayshaun Prince?

[VolTRON]

I didn't say T-Mac, I said Tracy as in Tracy Morgan the other black guy!

[Hunter D]

I don't know if Reddick's going to be top five. Everyone's saying how he's only 6'4" so he's going to have problems getting his shot off against NBA defenders. Also, the only way he can effectively score in the NBA is with a system of screens and picks and whatnot, like what the Pistons run for Rip, but no team's going to run an offense like that through a rookie.

But the fact that he's such a retardedly good shooter is going to keep him in the lottery for sure. But he's going to slip to like 7-10th, which is where the Magic might draft anyway.

Reddick has definitely moved up into the first round. The negatives that the scouts have been saying he has haven't been seen this year, but there is one reason to be creful when considering taking him he is a duke player. The only duke players that have become contributers on their teams are the ones that got out of coach K's system. The rest have been busts. I can't forget how Ferry was hyped up to be the next Bird.:rofl:

[Hokuto Shingo]

Reddick has definitely moved up into the first round. The negatives that the scouts have been saying he has haven't been seen this year, but there is one reason to be creful when considering taking him he is a duke player. The only duke players that have become contributers on their teams are the ones that got out of coach K's system. The rest have been busts. I can't forget how Ferry was hyped up to be the next Bird.:rofl:

If he had 3 more inches he'd be number 1.

[Def1n1tely]

haha... fucking lebron stole tmacs glory for the night

not a lot of crazy highlights this year.. way too many missed lobs... everyone was throwing them too high or no one was catching them

[Cool-Breeze]

Ahhh no Capret Lint, when the Detroit squad was in they Narrowed the gap in the lead remember it did get up to 21 points as well.
The AI, Bosh, Lebron, Ben, Carter line up was nasty I liked it alot.

Now on to Reddick, ummm Ray Allen is 6'4 right??? So really the only play on JJ would be the fact that all Dukies SUCK once they reach the NBA.
His shot is remarkable, but he tends to get labled a spot up shooter, Isnt that what they called Dirk for a while? What about Peja?

I think he should go in the top 6 at least, Im looking at morrison for the top 3, not seeing anyone perfrom in college ball curently to make me just go "ooh ohhh he going first yo"

[Krimzon Khaoz]

That was the first time that ive ever seen vince miss a dunk. Ever

Wouldve been sweet if he made that one where he tried to damn near rip the whole rim off... instead, the ball flew 50 yards in the opposite direction

[The Deadpool]

I believe Ray Allen is close to 6'6 or 6'7

[google]

yeah because most of them got it from Jordan?

I should slap you for saying you should slap Collins =D

Do you even know what I am talking about?

T-Mac did shoot a nice percentage, but he also took shots he didn't have to. It's not like he's playing with his normal Houston Rockets, he's on the All-Star Team.

I just watched the highlights again. Galatic, you truly believe that a gimme windmill was on the same level as Kobe splitting two defenders(plus the way he did it)and then hits a game tieing fade away?

[Hunter D]

Morrison is porjected to be the first or second pick in the draft. The other guy that might get picked first is Rudy Gay from UCONN. Reddick is a first round pick, but I doubt he's top ten. College numbers don't mean jack shit. Vince Carter never averaged 20 points a game in college and was the third option in the NC offense (behind Jamison and Shammod Williams). Guys like Kurt Thomas, Eric Montross, and Marcus Fizer were 20 and 10 guys when they were playing college ball so don't put too much faith in college stats.

[PC2000]

Eric Montross was a monster in TO! He averaged almost 48 bench minutes

[Mario Lemieux!]

lol...Eric Montross!!!

[kindaichi]

Morrison is porjected to be the first or second pick in the draft. The other guy that might get picked first is Rudy Gay from UCONN. Reddick is a first round pick, but I doubt he's top ten. College numbers don't mean jack shit. Vince Carter never averaged 20 points a game in college and was the third option in the NC offense (behind Jamison and Shammod Williams). Guys like Kurt Thomas, Eric Montross, and Marcus Fizer were 20 and 10 guys when they were playing college ball so don't but too much faith in college stats.

fizer actually started playing well before he tore his ACL

and Thomas is actually effective---not great, of course, but he gets the job done

[Cool-Breeze]

I believe Ray Allen is close to 6'6 or 6'7

Naw he isnt dog, sorry to burst ya bubble, he is 6'4, go watch ummm
"He Got Game" sports always list players one inch above there actuall height.
He is 6'4, He was also presumed to be so called NON-Dominant, they actually thought he wasnt good in terms of shooting, I think Redick has potential but not enough to be more than a shooter, he doesnt really play defense, he doesnt really dive to the hoop.

Some one made a statement about how and offense could be set up, and how Hamilton and the pistons run screens for him, well thats do to the fact that he runs and moves without the ball, something that made Reggie Miller Killa in the clutch.

[Hunter D]

Some one made a statement about how and offense could be set up, and how Hamilton and the pistons run screens for him, well thats do to the fact that he runs and moves without the ball, something that made Reggie Miller Killa in the clutch.
Reddick doesn't have the the size, quickness, or strength to do this.

Edit Allen has always been known for is lights out shooting.

[Cool-Breeze]

Reddick doesn't have the the size, quickness, or strength to do this.

Edit Allen has always been known for is lights out shooting.

Why do you all keep mentioning size like he is never gonna gain weight?
Look at Shaq in '93 how undersized he was, and skillfully Un-Matched, No one thought he would become a 50 great within his first 8 seasons come on.

JJ Redick is quick, he is often seen running the point, he isnt a slasher, he isnt Manu Ginoboli.
You guys cant get fixated on just guys who can dunk and jump high, people Like Reggie Miller, Steve Smith, Craig Ehlo, Mark Price, John Stockton, etc were good at there positions but, did what was required and excelled beyond expectation.
I said this before I dont think he will be a dominating PG or SG but dont write him off ONLY because he is a shooter, without shooters Jordan would not have gotten 3 rings, nor would have Shaq, nor Magic, nor Bird.

Ok Ray hasn't ALWAYS been known for lights out shooting thats a lie, when he was in Bucks town Robinson and Cassell did more shooting true Ray shot mad three pointers, but he slashed, Im not comparing Redick and him as players just there height, Also Ray was less than Redick is now in weight when he entered the league thats one of three reasons teams passed on him, know your history playa.
Ray isnt as quick in terms of speed as you think, And I watched him in U-Conn, Im 6'1, I played for wack ass Clark Atlanta and met alot of players at invitationals and other events in person. (Im 24 by the way 25 this year)

[Cletus Kasady]

I don't think Redick creates his own offense well enough to be the feature player on any team. I do think that his shot is good enough and that he moves well enough to get open that he's going to be a vital cog on a good team one day.

My biggest hope regarding Redick, however, is once he gets into the league everybody still hates his guts like the anti-Duke collegiate fans do now (and that the atrocious poetry he wrote a year or two back haunts him for the rest of his career).

[Warblade49]

From Sports Guy at the All Star Weekend in Houston. The MJ stuff was pretty funny.


Best Random Celebrity Moment Ever
So I'm leaving FanFest on Saturday afternoon when Sully gives me the "Come to the Four Seasons, we're hanging out in the hotel bar drinking Bloody Marys" phone call. Well, I can't turn down that offer. Not ever. Within 10 minutes, I'm sitting right there with them. And we're hanging out and talking hoops, debating whether to stay for a second drink, when none other than Charles Oakley saunters into the bar with three lady friends, eventually settling at the table right next to us. As soon as Oakley orders a round of shots for his table, as well as a martini for himself, we decide to order a second round of drinks for ourselves. I mean, where else can you drink 5 feet away from the real-life Shaft?



Twenty minutes later? MJ shows up with two friends and stops the room cold. (That's right, two brushes with MJ in 36 hours.) At first, it seems like he's just saying hello, but then we realize he's sitting down. Eventually, they move him into the inside booth, then block him with chairs on both sides so nobody can bother him. (I like to call this the Chair Armada, since it's the exact same strategy that guys use in strip joints when they don't want to be continually approached by below-average strippers trying to pull the "Maybe if I sit right on his lap, he'll feel bad for me and get a lap dance" routine. The Chair Armada never fails.) When Oakley ordered more drinks, we ended up ordering food and drinks for our table. For all we knew, we were staying all afternoon.

(And we did: Our bar bill ended up being like $400. Back to the story.)



Things kept rolling along. People kept walking over to say hello to MJ, pay tribute to him, kiss his ring ... it's almost like he's the real-life Michael Corleone (with Oakley as his Luca Brasi). At one point, his longtime agent David Falk sat about 30 feet away, waiting for an invite, finally giving up and coming over to say hello. (Falk asked MJ, "How late did you stay out last night?" followed by MJ casually saying "7:30," as we nodded admiringly.) And the drinks kept coming and coming and, occasionally, Oakley would get up and saunter around just to stretch his legs and look cool as I made comments like, "I wish you could rent Oak for parties." At one point, he was thinking about ordering food, stood up, looked over at all of us eating, noticed Rich's cheeseburger, asked if it was a cheeseburger, asked if it was good, kept glancing at it, kept glancing at it ... and I swear, we were all waiting for Oak to say the words, "Oak wants your cheeseburger, and he wants it now." But he didn't. He ended up ordering one himself. Too bad.



Well, two hours pass. Everyone finishes eating. The cigars come out. And I'm sitting there saying, "There's no way that the cards aren't coming out soon. It's impossible. MJ has never sat this long in one place without the cards coming out."



While we were waiting for that moment, just to make a strange afternoon stranger, I walked over to Elgin Baylor's table and talked about the Clips with him for 10 minutes (we're getting along these days -- that's a whole other story). And when I returned, the cards emerged, just as I predicted -- they started playing a game called "Bid Wist," a form of spades that's popular among NBA players, with Oakley and MJ teaming up against two of their friends. We got to see MJ's legendary competitive streak in action. He was trash-talking nonstop, snickering sarcastically, cackling with every good card, badgering his opponents to the point that I actually thought one of them would start crying. This wasn't Corporate MJ, the one you and I know. This was Urban MJ, the one that comes out for the black Super Bowl. We never get to see this one.



And I'm sitting there dying. For one thing, I love cards and have a gambling problem. Also, what would be a greater story than Sully and me getting winners against Oak and MJ? Sure, there wasn't a chance in hell, but it was fun to imagine. Meanwhile, the day kept getting stranger and stranger. Around 6, Shaquille O'Neal showed up with his posse, wearing a four-piece suit that caused MJ to joke, "I'm glad you're living up to the responsibility of the dress code." A little bit later, Bucks assistant Lester Conner showed up wearing a red sweatshirt with a giant Jordan logo on it .... when do you run into someone when you're randomly wearing their clothes? And MJ kept getting louder and louder, and he and Oakley were cleaning up, and we're all watching them while pretending not to watch, and then suddenly ...



MJ's wife shows up.



Uh-oh.



Everyone makes room for her. She sneaks in and sits down right next to him. And poor MJ looks like somebody who took a no-hitter into the ninth, then gave up a triple off the left-field wall. The trash-talking stops. He slumps in his seat like a little kid. The cigar goes out. No more hangin' with the boys. Time to be a husband again. Watching the whole thing unfold, I lean over to Sully just to say, "Look at that, he's just like us."



And he was. Just your average guy getting derailed by his wife. For once in my life, I didn't want to be like Mike.

[Hunter D]

I've been a fan of allen since is UCONN days when he would school AI anytime they played. He was called a lights out shooter then and was a lights out shooter with the bucks. The guy was the 5th pick overall in his draft for christs sakes so only four teams passed on him. He was a high pick because he can do everything really well offensively and was also a pretty good defender in college.

Edit I doubt reddick will be a 20 point guy in the NBA and he will be lucky to average 15 in a season. Coach K recruits guys that fit the system he runs at duke. The only perimeter player from Duke that has had any big seasons in the nba is Maggette for the Clippers. Everyone else (the Alaskan assassin, Dunleavy, Williams and others) have been busts, roleplayers, or out of the league in two years type of guys.

[Warblade49]

New Rule Changes for next season.


The NBA's competition committee approved five small rules changes that will take effect in the 2006-07 season if approved by the league's Board of Governors, ESPN.com learned Friday.

The most notable change would be to the so-called "clear path rule," covering situations in which a player is intentionally fouled to prevent a breakaway. The team being fouled would get two shots and the ball under the proposed change. Currently, the penalty is one shot and the ball.

The other changes approved by the league's competition committee, made up of one representative from each of the 30 teams, are as follows:

• When a player on the receiving end of a punching, elbowing or flagrant category two foul is unable to attempt his foul shots, one of the four teammates who were on the court when the foul happened would be able to take the free throws in his place. Under current rules, the team that committed the foul can choose any player on the opposing team -- even someone on the bench -- to shoot the free throws.

• Players who are not lined up along the lane would be prohibited from standing anywhere beneath the foul line extended when free throws are being shot. This would end the practice of a player dashing in from the corner to try to tip in a missed free throw.

• In an effort to improve the flow of the game, referees would be permitted to let play continue when a defending team gained possession of the ball a split-second after the shot clock expires. Under current rules, if the buzzer sounds when a shot is in mid-air and the ball misses the rim, the referees are required to stop play and award the ball out of bounds on the sideline.

• Unlimited substitutions would be allowed during all 20-second timeouts. Currently, they are allowed only during the final two minutes of each half.

The Board of Governors will vote on the proposed changes in April.

The "clear path" rule would be tweaked because statistics showed teams are averaging less than 2 points when clear path fouls are called.

"The original idea behind the clear path foul was we didn't want them to occur. But now, when they do occur, the offended team is not getting the yield point-wise that they should be," NBA vice president Stu Jackson told ESPN.com.

The committee turned down a proposal to move the markings along the foul lane, would would have allowed the non-shooting team's players to line up a few inches closer to the shooter when free throws were about to be attempted.

"We're going to continue to evaluate that one. There's a feeling that maybe it's getting more difficult to secure a rebound as the non-shooting team on a missed free throw, with buys getting pushed under [the basket]," Jackson said. "We didn't pass that one, but we're looking at it."

[Morphiend]

redick isn't just a shooter, he's worked on going to the hoop the past 2 seasons. and ive seen him take it to the hoop every game duke's on tv (which is a lot) every time duke plays on tv the announcers always mention how "he's no longer just a shooter but is now a SCORER." some of the shots he makes are just crazy. off balance catch and shoot, fadeaways, he doesn't need much to get a shot off. he's a pleasure to watch and when he's on, he's the most exciting player in college basketball. unfortunately morrison/gonzaga isn't on tv nearly as much as duke so i don't have an opinion on him.

[BshidoHEAT]

I don't watch College ball much, nor do I keep up with it. But what is JJ's work ethic?

That very well could predict his NBA career.

[ashurax]

my favorite quote from Bill Simmons on Page 2:

• Sitting two rows ahead of Joe Dumars, I was praying for Flip Saunders to accidentally put Dwyane Wade in with the four Pistons, just to see the expression on Joe D's face. Didn't happen.

[Hoonyo]

here's my favorite one:

Most Disappointing Moment
Stephen A. Smith showed up at Friday night's ESPN party, forcing me to watch him out of the corner of my eye for two hours so I could overhear him order a drink. Alas, he never did. But I think it would have gone something like this:

-- Bartender: What can I get you?

-- Smith: WHAT KIND OF BEERS DO YOU HAVE IN BOTTLES?

-- Bartender: Bud Light, Miller Light, Bud, Heineken.

-- Smith: I'M GONNA HAVE A BUD LIGHT PLEASE!

[Carpet Lint]

Morrison is porjected to be the first or second pick in the draft. The other guy that might get picked first is Rudy Gay from UCONN. Reddick is a first round pick, but I doubt he's top ten. College numbers don't mean jack shit. Vince Carter never averaged 20 points a game in college and was the third option in the NC offense (behind Jamison and Shammod Williams). Guys like Kurt Thomas, Eric Montross, and Marcus Fizer were 20 and 10 guys when they were playing college ball so don't put too much faith in college stats.
Lol, what the hell are you doing putting Kurth Thomas and Eric Montross in the same context? Raptors would kill to have Kurt Thomas on their team.

The thing with guys like Vince, who didn't have super duper college stats but went on to be productive NBA players...you could see that they had NBA game. Vince was behind Jamison and Williams in college, but you could see he had a sweet stroke, a suitable frame that he could eventually fill out, and that he was ATHLETIC AS FUCKING HELL.

Shaq's gained like five hundred pounds since he came into the league, but everyone could see that he had the FRAME to fill out. It was only a matter of time before he put some more muscle on. And also, young Orlando Shaq was also an athletic freak, and whenever I see old videos compilations of Orlando Shaq, it blows my mind how fast he can get down the floor.

A guy like Reddick has no athleticism and no frame with which to add more bulk or muscle. He's pretty much always going to be that big, that strong, and that fast. Unlike guys like Gay or Carney, who are athletic, prototypical wingmen. Not saying that they'll end up being better NBA players, but they'll be drafted high(er?) - that's all I'm saying.

Reddick's quick - in regards to reflexes, and his pump fakes, and dribble drives - but everytime I see him I don't get the impression that he has any real foot speed. He looks like he runs really slowly. He doesn't have the size or the athleticism for an NBA shooting guard, and that's gotta scare off a couple of GM's, which means he'll be slipping a bit in the draft. Teams are worried that he won't be able to create for himself as well and get off quality shots as well has he has versus quicker, more athletic, smarter NBA shooting guards, as opposed to the college players he's schooling now.

He could really succeed if he's in the proper system where he gets screens and picks set for him and the proper offensive system to compliment his skills, but not a lot of teams are going to do that for a rookie. Players like Reddick suffer from the more 1-on-1 nature of the NBA, whereas athletes like Vince benefit.

Ray Allen's only like 6'5", yeah, but if I remember correctly, he's always had some athleticism and some nice hops.

That said, Reddick's pure shooting ability makes him a lottery pick. And he's not a spot shooter - he can slash a bit, and pull up off the dribble. Maybe he won't be a franchise type kind of player, but a scoring talent like that will definately be valuable. Just depends on which team and what system he's in.

I don't think he'll go top five though.

[ashurax]

anyone know whom tnt picked for players 51-60 in their whole next 10 segment? didn't catch that on tv

[google]

A guy like Reddick has no athleticism and no frame with which to add more bulk or muscle. He's pretty much always going to be that big, that strong, and that fast.


Anybody can gain weight. Reddick used to be bigger than he is now.

Look at Kemp. Never in my life I thought he would be so out of shape at his age in the NBA. People always talk about frame--anyone can bulk up. A guy with a small frame can gain mass and muscle. But Reddick is in great shape anyways. Even for the NBA.

If you go by paper(which one shouldn't), Reddick should be the #1 pick. Best stats, best record, broke records, and his team has the 2nd hardest schedule.

But personally, I don't think he will be that good in the NBA. He'll be a high pick in the draft, but I don't expect much from him. It would be nice to see him do well, but I doubt it. If some how the Celtics got him, they would go crazy there. But that's not going to happen.

[Cool-Breeze]

here goes some memorabilia for you guys

http://www.nba.com/history/allstar/slam_dunk_video.html

And here is just somw wow stuff, oh this was in a Streetball game from And 1

http://www.crazyshit.com/cnt/medias/8214

[Carpet Lint]

Anybody can gain weight. Reddick used to be bigger than he is now.

Look at Kemp. Never in my life I thought he would be so out of shape at his age in the NBA. People always talk about frame--anyone can bulk up. A guy with a small frame can gain mass and muscle. But Reddick is in great shape anyways. Even for the NBA.
Adding weight isn't the same as bulking up. Getting fat and out of shape like Shawn Kemp did isn't the same as a guy like Moses Malone, who came into the league lean and lanky and played forward until he eventually filled out his frame enough to play center.

Redick isn't a big fat white guy like Greg Oden or something, but you can't say he's that athletic. There is such a thing as an NBA body. Guys like Gay or Carney have great athleticism by NBA standards. Guys like Redick aren't at that level of athleticism.

He's not