NBA Discussion Thread*

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » May 6, 2008, 2:08 am

Spang wrote:The Suns should have done what the Hornets are doing.

It's great to see that boring/dirty style of basketball get worked over. The Suns should have done it last year.

Zamtuk · Post by **Zamtuk** » May 10, 2008, 3:30 pm

D'Antoni to NY Knicks. Smart money is on Lebron following in 2010.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » May 10, 2008, 3:47 pm

Zamtuk wrote:D'Antoni to NY Knicks. Smart money is on Lebron following in 2010.

It will be interesting to see what happens. I'm sure they had to tell D'Antoni something like that to get him to sign.

The Knicks management is stupid but at least they spend money. Chicago is on the cheap side.

Unless something changes, the Suns will be an uninspired low playoff seed next year. Not much can change so hopefully they'll grab one "athletic" player in the draft that will entertain and another good one or two rookies in 2010, and then huge changes in 2011 with Nash and Shaq out of the picture. Incoming: Two years of mediocrity for the Suns but I hope they are at least smart enough to be focusing on 2011 with their player moves.

Sueven · Post by **Sueven** » May 10, 2008, 11:15 pm

D'Antoni plus Knicks seems absurdly bizarre. He's going to base an offense around Eddy Curry and Zach Randolph and Stephon Marbury? Uhh... OK.

The Knicks might plan to pursue LeBron, but there's not much they could "promise" D'Antoni beyond that. I still think that the Nets have a vastly superior position at this point, what with an upcoming move to Brooklyn and Jay-Z as part owner and all that.

Zamtuk · Post by **Zamtuk** » May 11, 2008, 12:29 am

I heard around the rumor mill that Avery Johnson could be coming to Phoenix. His offense always needed a big man, and you have plenty of those around, so that could be a bonus for you. His focus on defense (save the playoffs apparently) could improve the Suns as well.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » May 11, 2008, 12:42 am

Zamtuk wrote:I heard around the rumor mill that Avery Johnson could be coming to Phoenix. His offense always needed a big man, and you have plenty of those around, so that could be a bonus for you. His focus on defense (save the playoffs apparently) could improve the Suns as well.

It's possible although I have seen in the local papers a statement that the Suns weren't interested in Avery Johnson.

The only reason he'd be good would be to beat Dallas in the playoffs next year with AJ as coach...it would be another slap in the face to Mark Cuban like the year Nash got MVP and beat Dallas in the playoffs after leaving the Mavs.

I don't know who we'll get. I'm indifferent to Avery Johnson but he'd be better than a lot of others. Some people are saying Eddie Johnson and Dan Marjele...please. Those people would suck as coaches. Most fans can't think beyond old Suns players for coaches.

I can't think of a name that really excites me atm.

Tyek · Post by **Tyek** » May 11, 2008, 1:55 pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWGILBNhIng

Charles Barkley is a dumbass.

noel · Post by **noel** » May 11, 2008, 2:26 pm

D'Antoni to NY only makes sense if Donnie Walsh is going to somehow work a miracle and clean house.

AJ to Phoenix makes no sense whatsoever to me. Anyone that thinks AJ is an improvement over D'Antoni needs his/her head examined.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » May 11, 2008, 3:18 pm

noel wrote:D'Antoni to NY only makes sense if Donnie Walsh is going to somehow work a miracle and clean house.

AJ to Phoenix makes no sense whatsoever to me. Anyone that thinks AJ is an improvement over D'Antoni needs his/her head examined.

I don't think they'll get a coach better than D'Antoni. With Vets like Nash and Shaq on the team, they probably can't bring in a rookie coach. Skiles would get eaten alive in Phoenix if he tried his bullshit coaching tactics.

Some think bringing back Paul Westphal would be the best choice. He was the coach during the Barkley years when the Suns went to the finals.

I know a laid back coaching style works well with the Suns. A Pat Riley type wouldn't go over well here.

noel · Post by **noel** » May 11, 2008, 5:35 pm

Winnow wrote:
noel wrote:D'Antoni to NY only makes sense if Donnie Walsh is going to somehow work a miracle and clean house.

AJ to Phoenix makes no sense whatsoever to me. Anyone that thinks AJ is an improvement over D'Antoni needs his/her head examined.

I don't think they'll get a coach better than D'Antoni. With Vets like Nash and Shaq on the team, they probably can't bring in a rookie coach. Skiles would get eaten alive in Phoenix if he tried his bullshit coaching tactics.

Some think bringing back Paul Westphal would be the best choice. He was the coach during the Barkley years when the Suns went to the finals.

I know a laid back coaching style works well with the Suns. A Pat Riley type wouldn't go over well here.

I just wouldn't wanna see AJ there. I really don't think he's a very good coach based on his performance in the playoffs the last two years.

I do think he's a good guy, and hilarious to listen to, but I think he'd benefit more from an assistant job under someone other than Nelson for a few years.

Pherr the Dorf · Post by **Pherr the Dorf** » May 12, 2008, 12:01 pm

noel wrote:
Winnow wrote:
noel wrote:D'Antoni to NY only makes sense if Donnie Walsh is going to somehow work a miracle and clean house.

AJ to Phoenix makes no sense whatsoever to me. Anyone that thinks AJ is an improvement over D'Antoni needs his/her head examined.

I don't think they'll get a coach better than D'Antoni. With Vets like Nash and Shaq on the team, they probably can't bring in a rookie coach. Skiles would get eaten alive in Phoenix if he tried his bullshit coaching tactics.

Some think bringing back Paul Westphal would be the best choice. He was the coach during the Barkley years when the Suns went to the finals.

I know a laid back coaching style works well with the Suns. A Pat Riley type wouldn't go over well here.
I just wouldn't wanna see AJ there. I really don't think he's a very good coach based on his performance in the playoffs the last two years.

I do think he's a good guy, and hilarious to listen to, but I think he'd benefit more from an assistant job under someone other than Nelson for a few years.

Either that or coach more like... no make that anything like... Nellie

Post by **Sylvus** » May 16, 2008, 2:30 pm

Sure is quiet in here!

Aardor · Post by **Aardor** » May 16, 2008, 2:41 pm

I have had nothing to say really. The games so far have been amazing. Game 7 of Spurs Hornets is going to be one hell of a game.

Kilmoll the Sexy · Post by **Kilmoll the Sexy** » May 16, 2008, 4:36 pm

Celtics are going to put it away in Cleveland for their first road win.

Post by **Sylvus** » May 16, 2008, 4:52 pm

I'd hate to see another Detroit vs. Cleveland series, but I have to hope that the Cavs win so that Detroit will have home court advantage.

noel · Post by **noel** » May 19, 2008, 1:05 am

I think Detroit wins the Eastern Conference if they go in in the first game, and punch the Celts in the mouth. They need to find a way to pile on the intensity and not let up, and the first game of the series is the ideal time to do it. I'd love to see the Celts/Lakers, but I'm kinda tired of the way the Celtics have played in these playoffs.

It'd also be nice to see the Lakers vs. the Pistons in the finals as it would be a nice rematch. Lets not forget that it was the loss to the Pistons (and Shaq and Kobe being dumbasses) that caused the Lakers to be broken up 4 or 5 years ago.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » May 19, 2008, 1:33 am

The Celtics have not impressed during the playoffs. The Cavs should be beaten by double digits every game in a sweep or in 5 games at the most.

Pistons should make quick work of them. A late pickup of PJ Brown is the only thing keeping the Celtics alive.

Hoping New Orleans pulls it out. Horry cheap shotted West last game. As long as West is OK and the Spurs don't cheat any more, it should be the Hornets vs Lakers with the Pistons/Hornets in the finals.

Spang · Post by **Spang** » May 19, 2008, 1:43 am

The Celtics make more money if they play 7 games each series.

Zamtuk · Post by **Zamtuk** » May 19, 2008, 12:13 pm

I was actually about to jump on winnow's Fuck Spurs bandwagon. However, I realize that they will lost by about 20 tonight, so nm.

noel · Post by **noel** » May 19, 2008, 12:38 pm

I have to say, that foul Horry put on West was just brutal to watch. Really a fucked up play. Sad that a guy's game has gone from the money shot to the cheap shot.

Leonaerd · Post by **Leonaerd** » May 20, 2008, 12:24 am

I'm glad the Spurs won. I hope they keep winning, because it would be sweet, sweet, sweet vengeance for the Pistons to slay them in the finals.

Animale · Post by **Animale** » May 20, 2008, 1:48 am

I think the Celtics are going to maul the Pistons. Defense is probably a wash between the two, and the Celtics have quite a bit more offensive prowess. Pierce > Prince (and all Pistons), Allen (if he figures out how to shoot again) = Rip, Garnett > 'Sheed, Rondo = injured Billups, and PerkPoweBigBabyPJ > McDyessMaxiell. We'll see how the matchups work out, but I think the Celtics are the more talented team. Now, Saunders will coach circles around Doc because... well, its hard not to. But in the end the NBA is about talent and hunger, and the Celtics have more of both.

Celtics in 5.

Animale

noel · Post by **noel** » May 20, 2008, 8:47 am

I'm not saying your wrong, Animale, but I'd sure feel better about your assertion if the Celts could have beat the Hawks just ONE time in Atlanta. I can understand going to seven games with the Cavs, but the Hawks? What we've learned about the Celtics in the first two rounds is that if you can beat them one time at home and hang on, you're going to beat them. More than any other team I can recall, the Celtics play like two totally different teams at home and away. Sure they're the more talented team. On paper they should destroy most every team they face, but they don't play like that outside of the Garden. I also don't agree that Saunders is the better coach... maybe he's the better coach until the playoffs, but his record would indicate that deep in the playoffs, you're better off with someone else.

When the finals roll around, whichever Western Conference team is playing will have infinitely better coaching than the Eastern conference. Sure the Lakers lost a few years back to a fairly similar Pistons team, but Flip Saunders is no Larry Brown.

After last night's game with the Hornets/Spurs, it wouldn't surprise me at all to see the Spurs/Pistons in the finals. I'm sure game 1 or 2 will feature Horry smashing into Kobe's back or yanking on his pinky finger of his shooting hand. At least the difference will be that Kobe will get up and kill him before heading to the training room.

If the Lakers can somehow beat the Spurs, I think they'll absolutely destroy the Celtics. The Celtics are like a Spurs-light team.

I won't be surprised if the Lakers beat the Spurs or if the Spurs beat the Lakers, but I will be surprised if the Celts beat the Pistons.

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » May 20, 2008, 10:46 am

hehe, someone slapped some pics like this on our site director's door:

Obi-Wan Ginobili

Post by **Sylvus** » May 20, 2008, 11:28 am

I'm pretty sure that Billups is going to be good with that injury. There was talk of him being mostly better before he sat out game 5, and that was like a week ago.

Hard to say who will win this series, as I don't know which Celtics team is going to show up, but the coaching and experience edge definitely favors Detroit. How has the Celtics bench been playing? Detroit's has been playing really well.

noel · Post by **noel** » May 20, 2008, 11:46 am

I believe one of the criticisms of the Celts in the last series was that their bench was nowhere to be found.

Apparently Ray Allen is dealing with some severe family issues (per Greg Anthony on Jim Rome is Burning yesterday) and that's affecting his focus.

Post by **Sylvus** » May 20, 2008, 12:03 pm

noel wrote:Apparently Ray Allen is dealing with some severe family issues (per Greg Anthony on Jim Rome is Burning yesterday) and that's affecting his focus.

I've always been a fan of Jesus Shuttlesworth, and I hope that his family issues are soon resolved. Soon as in mid-June, or whenever the Pistons have moved onto the NBA Finals.

Kilmoll the Sexy · Post by **Kilmoll the Sexy** » May 20, 2008, 3:12 pm

If Doc Rivers was not a complete retard, he would have had Ray Allen sitting most of the Cavs series and had James Posey guarding Lebron to free up Pierce to go nuts on the offensive end. It would also have been nice if he had been bringing in House and PJ Brown way more often to get things going...and sitting Sam bricklayer Cassell on the far end of the bench and tell him to not bother taking off the sweats.

The thing with the Pistons is that they do not have a Lebron or even a Joe Johnson. I would expect to see Pierce doing a lot more slashing to the basket. If he does that it should free up Allen to knock down some kick-out 3's. I could see Cassell getting more minutes in this series to matchup on Billups if he is healthy enough to keep posting up Rondo. If they do play him, they should break every finger on his shooting hand so he cannot launch up any shots.

noel · Post by **noel** » May 20, 2008, 3:25 pm

Kilmoll the Sexy wrote:...thing with the Pistons is that they do not have a Lebron or even a Joe Johnson.

So true. They just have 4 guys that can score instead of one, and good team defense with one of the best defensive players in the league and bolstered by the team's overall toughness.

The real separator though is that the Pistons have several players that know what it means to win a conference finals/championship and more importantly know what it means to show up for them. No one on the Celtics including their coach has that experience, but hey... at least they have a nice history.

Edit: Forgot Cassell -- Oddly he wasn't really that hard to forget.

Animale · Post by **Animale** » May 20, 2008, 4:07 pm

On a side note... the refs have been absolutely horrific in every game I've watched this playoffs. Outright favortism for the home teams, phantom calls, ignoring major violations, major inconsistencies on calls from quarter to quarter, or even minute to minute. Crazy stuff, and it really hinders my enjoyment of the game when a guy gets called for a handcheck on one side of the court, then has 2 guys grabbing his arms and another pushing him in the small of the back as he tries to put in a layup on the other side and nothing is called.

Any comments on this?

Animale

Truant · Post by **Truant** » May 20, 2008, 4:53 pm

Animale wrote:Any comments on this?
Animale

Welcome to the NBA.

There's a reason that nearly every serious sports bettor I met during my time in Vegas refused to bet on NBA games (especially playoffs).

noel · Post by **noel** » May 20, 2008, 5:12 pm

Truant wrote:
Animale wrote:Any comments on this?
Animale
Welcome to the NBA.

I think that sums it up pretty well. At least they're starting to use replay a bit these days. Frankly, I think the fans will always be upset about the NBA because fans always have access to an immediate instant replay and breakdown of the plays whereas the refs have to watch a high-speed game in real time. I don't envy even the most hard working and attentive NBA refs.

The one thing I hate to see, be it Kobe or Lebron or KG or anyone is the bullshit star favoritism. A foul is a foul. A travel is a travel, and it should be that way even if your name is Lebron James.

Sueven · Post by **Sueven** » May 20, 2008, 9:14 pm

Noel wrote:So true. They just have 4 guys that can score instead of one, and good team defense with one of the best defensive players in the league and bolstered by the team's overall toughness.

I think Kilmoll's point was a good one. The Celtics also have excellent team defense (better than the Pistons according to most every metric that I'm aware of). The one thing they don't have is a lockdown perimeter defender who can stay on the court the whole game and man up on a big, strong, slashing guard like Joe Johnson or LeBron James. The Boston defense matches up with the Detroit offense better than against Atlanta or Cleveland, despite the fact that Detroit is the best offensive team of the three. Doesn't mean that Boston will win (I'm a little unnerved by going 0 for 6 on the road too), but it is a valuable point.

noel · Post by **noel** » May 20, 2008, 9:28 pm

Sueven wrote:
Noel wrote:So true. They just have 4 guys that can score instead of one, and good team defense with one of the best defensive players in the league and bolstered by the team's overall toughness.
I think Kilmoll's point was a good one. The Celtics also have excellent team defense (better than the Pistons according to most every metric that I'm aware of). The one thing they don't have is a lockdown perimeter defender who can stay on the court the whole game and man up on a big, strong, slashing guard like Joe Johnson or LeBron James. The Boston defense matches up with the Detroit offense better than against Atlanta or Cleveland, despite the fact that Detroit is the best offensive team of the three. Doesn't mean that Boston will win (I'm a little unnerved by going 0 for 6 on the road too), but it is a valuable point.

Oh no doubt. Totally agree on all counts. I think the Celts are slightly better defensively than the Pistons. The point I was trying to make is that you're not going to have a team that's just going to send in their star to go 1 on 5 ala the Cavs in the early games.

On another NBA note, D. Wade can't get a break. Grats Heat on #2!

Sueven · Post by **Sueven** » May 20, 2008, 9:34 pm

Yeah, the Pistons aren't nearly as incompetent in terms of offensive strategy as the Cavs.

One thing that may help the Celtics is that the Pistons don't have nearly the youth and athleticism of the Hawks.

And, while #1 is certainly better than #2, this is another two-star draft... the difference between 1 and 2 is a hell of a lot smaller than the difference between 2 and 3.

noel · Post by **noel** » May 20, 2008, 9:36 pm

Sueven wrote:Yeah, the Pistons aren't nearly as incompetent in terms of offensive strategy as the Cavs.

One thing that may help the Celtics is that the Pistons don't have nearly the youth and athleticism of the Hawks.

And, while #1 is certainly better than #2, this is another two-star draft... the difference between 1 and 2 is a hell of a lot smaller than the difference between 2 and 3.

True they're not as young, but I think (?) their bench is fairly deep so that might compensate for their age.

I say if the Pistons win tonight, they win the series in 6. If not, Celts win in 7.

Sueven · Post by **Sueven** » May 20, 2008, 9:54 pm

And their bench is young

Kilmoll the Sexy · Post by **Kilmoll the Sexy** » May 21, 2008, 9:28 am

Pistons-Celtics, at least last night, lived up to what you would expect. The one surprise was Rajon Rondo's huge game. Every time the Pistons looked to get on a roll it seemed Rondo was getting a big steal or even <gasp> knocking down long jumpers. Other than that, it was what we have basically seen from all 3 regular season games with them.

If I am Detroit, I do make one big change. I say fuck Ray Allen and I leave him covered by my weakest defender and dare him to shoot. Right now his confidence is blown and he will not even attempt a shot from the outside. Drop in and double team Pierce or they are going to be done in 5.

Post by **Sylvus** » May 21, 2008, 11:17 am

Celtics will have to win on the road to win in 5, good luck!

Aardor · Post by **Aardor** » May 21, 2008, 11:23 am

Sylvus wrote:Celtics will have to win on the road to win in 5, good luck!

Every previous NBA champion has won at least 3 road games.

Pherr the Dorf · Post by **Pherr the Dorf** » May 22, 2008, 12:58 am

wowzers, I despise the Lakers but that was something I had to cheer on... that was reallllllyyy fun to watch

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » May 23, 2008, 3:47 am

Richard Hamilton & Co. ended Boston's perfect postseason at home.

oops. setback

Since the Celtics can't win on the road, they're done.

noel · Post by **noel** » May 23, 2008, 1:23 pm

I'd totally agree with you, and I very much want that to be the case, but lets not forget that the Pistons take games off from time to time. Hopefully they don't let me down. Pistons in 5!

Post by **Sylvus** » May 23, 2008, 2:29 pm

noel wrote:I'd totally agree with you, and I very much want that to be the case, but lets not forget that the Pistons take games off from time to time. Hopefully they don't let me down. Pistons in 5!

I'm going to game 3, yay me!

noel · Post by **noel** » May 23, 2008, 9:36 pm

Awesome man!!!! Have fun! Take pictures of Sam Cassel's spaceship if you see it!

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » May 23, 2008, 11:55 pm

noel wrote:Awesome man!!!! Have fun! Take pictures of Sam Cassel's spaceship if you see it!

dude, that's his head!

Kilmoll the Sexy · Post by **Kilmoll the Sexy** » May 25, 2008, 4:12 am

Winnow wrote:
Richard Hamilton & Co. ended Boston's perfect postseason at home.
oops. setback

Since the Celtics can't win on the road, they're done.

you were saying?

Animale · Post by **Animale** » May 30, 2008, 11:37 pm

My God... the refs are horrific. Did anybody see the "offensive foul" on Paul Pierce when he got his man into the air, pivoted to initiate contact, then let loose a 3 (which goes in). The guy is flying through the air at him, he does what you do when you get a man in the air to get the foul, and gets called for an offensive foul. Worst call out of all the bad calls this playoffs.

Of course, in the light of this call the Spurs don't have any reason to complain... the foul at the end of game 5 was on Barry so they were lucky it was only a non-call.

What a crock.

Animale

Kilmoll the Sexy · Post by **Kilmoll the Sexy** » May 31, 2008, 12:50 am

Winnow wrote:
Richard Hamilton & Co. ended Boston's perfect postseason at home.
oops. setback

Since the Celtics can't win on the road, they're done.

I would like to revisit this quote since it came from the sportstard. Could you PLEASE root for the Lakers in the Finals so Garnett can get a ring?

noel · Post by **noel** » June 4, 2008, 9:58 am

Lakers in 6.

Split the first two.

Win two more.

Win first game back in Boston.

Thx big3!