The NBA Thread

[Karl]

Well, the 2008-2009 NBA season tipped-off last night. I know there are some basketball heads out there in the kickball world, so maybe we can keep a running dialogue of the season.

Some thoughts:

-- Baron Davis plays for the Clippers now?! wtf, man. This makes them my early favorite team, just cause BD is cizool.

-- Then Clips get owned by the Lakers. The more things change, the more Kobe is still the man.

-- Knicks won a game. Starbury gets benched. Sweet!

-- Boston Celtics are picked by ESPN to repeat, barring injury.

[AmericanMike]

- 76ers will be a top team contending with Celtics.
- Larry Brown coaches the Bobcats.
- Many coaching changes, I think 10?

[JOB]

-Oden played and is hurt already
-As Monkey alluded to, Elton on the Sixers make them a contender
-D'Antoni not playing Starbury or Curry is a great move which sends a good message
-I still hate the Knicks and always will

[AmericanMike]

I really want to get into this season. I use to be a childhood fan before the game turned into a street balling game.
I would pay attention every season by reading, but never officially followed the season on TV.
So, I may officially put my support behind the Knicks this season.

For many years as a child, I hated Starks and Ewing. But the fact that the Knicks don't have that mentality any more AND the fact that they cut Ewing Jr. by handing him his pink slip on national TV. Now that is classy. That really sent a message out.

[Karl]

hmmm, 76ers, eh? I'll have to keep a closer eye on them.

Curry is a new coach for the Pistons and won his first game, although the Detroit Free Press says it's more of the same from the players - go up by 20, let the other team back in the game, go up by 15, win by 2. Annoying.

New coaches also at the Mavs (Avery Johnson doing color for ESPN) the Suns, Bobcats, Pistons, 76ers? Not sure who else.

Chicago won big in their opener. I hope this is the year that Lebron leaves Cleveland, than that crappy city can fade back in to obscurity.

[Lost_Sage]

My hometown Warriors tease me for 2 years by flirting with relevance ... not sure if this is year #3 ...

[Retired]

My hometown Warriors tease me for 2 years by flirting with relevance ... not sure if this is year #3 ...

My team is the Blue Balls Champs. Get you all excited, but can't finish the job. They are still my team. GO SUNS!

[Karl]

Well, the suns handled a manu-less spurs team last night, which is great, cause i hate the spurs.

There is a website i love, www.freedarko.com, and they used to be in love with the old look suns and how that team with stoudamire and the other quick bigs who could run the floor and how they broke the traditional mold of an nba offense (center/forward/forward/guard/guard).

Then with the intro of Shaq last year they said it was over for the Suns and their experiment to just put five really athletic guys out there as opposed to putting specialists.

I don't think the Suns are over per say, but if they are going to put all of their eggs in Shaq's basket, especially in the West, they are still in for a few difficult years.

[Retired]

Well, the suns handled a manu-less spurs team last night, which is great, cause i hate the spurs.

There is a website i love, http://www.freedarko.com, and they used to be in love with the old look suns and how that team with stoudamire and the other quick bigs who could run the floor and how they broke the traditional mold of an nba offense (center/forward/forward/guard/guard).

Then with the intro of Shaq last year they said it was over for the Suns and their experiment to just put five really athletic guys out there as opposed to putting specialists.

I don't think the Suns are over per say, but if they are going to put all of their eggs in Shaq's basket, especially in the West, they are still in for a few difficult years.

Hate doesn't describe my feelings for the Spurs. The Suns were fun to watch before the O'Neal era. The only advise I can tell the Suns are BOARDS, BOARDS, BOARDS! I hate when a team not only out rebounds us, but when we give up a ton of offensive rebounds.

[JOB]

As a native NYer my favorite teams have always been local ones (Yankees, Giants and Islanders) with the exception of NBA. I'm more of a College BB fan then NBA and am a fierce and loyal Redmen (Storm) supporter. To this degree when I started watching NBA real young and the Knicks drafted Ewing who went to my least favorite college Georgetown I knew I wouldn't be a Knicks fan. I start watching Larry Bird, McHale, Parrish, DJ, Ainge, Carr, etc...and a Celtics fan is born. Also the fact that I'm almost 100% Irish probably helps. I hate everything else in Boston Sports but have since I was 8 and started watching NBA been a Celtics fan.

[Lost_Sage]

I always rooted for the Celtics instead of the Lakers ... which makes me a bad California basketball fan ... but a good Northern California basketball fan ...

As a native NYer my favorite teams have always been local ones (Yankees, Giants and Islanders) with the exception of NBA. I'm more of a College BB fan then NBA and am a fierce and loyal Redmen (Storm) supporter. To this degree when I started watching BNBA real young and the Knicks drafted Ewing who went to my least favorite college Georgetown I knew I wouldn't be a Knicks fan. I start watching Larry Bird, McHale, Parrish, DJ, Ainge, Carr, etc...and a Celtics fan is born. Also the fact that I'm almost 100% Irish probably helps. I hate everything else in Boston Sports but have since I was 8 and started watching NBA been a Celtics fan.

[BigEasy]

Don't overlook the Hornets in the West. Some new faces to help Paul get to the finals this year.

[SnackPack]

Garnett, Pierce, and Allen keep Celtics on top despite the loss of Posey (not the biggest baddest player in the league but def did all the things he needed to when he needed to)

Sixers bring on Brand gives them a leg up but we'll see if they live up to the hype they are getting this year.

Also i predict this is the season that decides whether or not LeBron stays with the Cavs... doesn't he have to stay until '10? either way if the team can keep up with him i think he'll stick around if not ... peace out. I'm rooting for the Cavs and don't wish them back in to obsecurity.

I'm interested to see how the Bulls pan out this season... I'd like to see them get it together and put up a fight in their Division.

[Karl]

Don't overlook the Hornets in the West. Some new faces to help Paul get to the finals this year.

Oh man, after last season no one's overlooking the Hornets. Go Chris Paul, Go!

[AmericanMike]

Also i predict this is the season that decides whether or not LeBron stays with the Cavs... doesn't he have to stay until '10? either way if the team can keep up with him i think he'll stick around if not ... peace out. I'm rooting for the Cavs and don't wish them back in to obsecurity.

Yes, but the Cavs may try and trade him to free up room. look out Knicks

[JOB]

Also i predict this is the season that decides whether or not LeBron stays with the Cavs... doesn't he have to stay until '10? either way if the team can keep up with him i think he'll stick around if not ... peace out. I'm rooting for the Cavs and don't wish them back in to obsecurity.

Yes, but the Cavs may try and trade him to free up room. look out Knicks

There is no way the Cavs will trade LeBron. That would be a PR nightmare. if he leaves a free agent eventually then so be it but they won't trade him IMHO.

[SnackPack]

agreed!

There is no way the Cavs will trade LeBron.

[Karl]

Anyone who thinks Lebron stays in Cleveland another season is a fool. I just don't see that team advancing past the semis and Mike Brown is an idiot.

[SnackPack]

Anyone who thinks Lebron stays in Cleveland another season is a fool. I just don't see that team advancing past the semis and Mike Brown is an idiot.

his 60 million dollar contract that says he'll be there til 2010 begs to differ. Cavs won't give him up...

and anyone who wears leggings with footstraps over their cleats for a kickball game is a fool ... and if they aren't at least they look like one.

[Karl]

Anyone who thinks Lebron stays in Cleveland another season is a fool. I just don't see that team advancing past the semis and Mike Brown is an idiot.

his 60 million dollar contract that says he'll be there til 2010 begs to differ. Cavs won't give him up...

and anyone who wears leggings with footstraps over their cleats for a kickball game is a fool ... and if they aren't at least they look like one.

good morning leila! you're all sorts of fired up today.

60 million doesn't mean much to 'bron anymore. Winning a championship is all that's on his mind now.

[SnackPack]

few point on that, mr. know-it-all... i mean... PR:

a.) money does matter if you don't agree remove head from ass and think again... there has been talk about LeBron even going to Europe for a 50 million a year contract--unlikely yeah but impossible, hell no-- esp since Mr. James has on more than one occassion declared that he would like to be the first billionaire athlete... how do you become a billionaire.. you sign on for big contracts!

b.) hes said time in time again that he loves Cleveland, his teammates his coaches and the fans and will work towards a championship WITH the Cavs until 2010 when his contract is up then will step back and reevalute the situation but RIGHT NOW he is not going anywhere.

c.) right now its agreed he could use a right hand man... even jordan had pippen ( ) but the team he has not is not just a bunch of misfits.. one man can do so much but his teammates were with him through seven games in the EC semi-finals against the Celtics last year so um they have potential to make it happen

d.) you're a hater... just cause you couldn't survive in Ohio doesn't mean LeBron can't...

Anyone who thinks Lebron stays in Cleveland another season is a fool. I just don't see that team advancing past the semis and Mike Brown is an idiot.

his 60 million dollar contract that says he'll be there til 2010 begs to differ. Cavs won't give him up...

and anyone who wears leggings with footstraps over their cleats for a kickball game is a fool ... and if they aren't at least they look like one.

good morning leila! you're all sorts of fired up today.

60 million doesn't mean much to 'bron anymore. Winning a championship is all that's on his mind now.

[JOB]

Anyone who thinks Lebron stays in Cleveland another season is a fool. I just don't see that team advancing past the semis and Mike Brown is an idiot.

i completely agree that he won't stay in Clevleand but I just don't think the Cavs can trade him. They need to try and win with him and then if he leaves he leaves. they won't get anywhere near value for him anyway...

[SnackPack]

i completely agree that he won't stay in Clevleand .

jobby don't be a sell out... have some loyalty for god sakes... SOME people do believe in sticking with a team for more than a season or two... just sayin. not everyone is always looking out just for themselves.

maybe im overidealizing lebron but i think he has more loyalty and sense of teamwork in his right pinky than most people have in their whole bodies. not to say that i think that hes not a lil frustrated and contemplating it but i just dont think hes the type of person to jump ship hes seems like the ttype of guy that would stick around and help the team bail itself out.

plus if he stays until 2010 (whats one more season after this? hes only what... 24? its not like he has a ticking clock under him or something) he could manage to take the cavs to a championship and THAT would look huge cause then LeBron took a nothing team and led them to a championship... never gave up ... THAT will not only put LeBron down in the books as a great athlete but a sports hero legend.

[JOB]

i completely agree that he won't stay in Clevleand .

jobby don't be a sell out... have some loyalty for god sakes... SOME people do believe in sticking with a team for more than a season or two... just sayin. not everyone is always looking out just for themselves.

maybe im overidealizing lebron but i think he has more loyalty and sense of teamwork in his right pinky than most people have in their whole bodies. not to say that i think that hes not a lil frustrated and contemplating it but i just dont think hes the type of person to jump ship hes seems like the ttype of guy that would stick around and help the team bail itself out.

plus if he stays until 2010 (whats one more season after this? hes only what... 24? its not like he has a ticking clock under him or something) he could manage to take the cavs to a championship and THAT would look huge cause then LeBron took a nothing team and led them to a championship... never gave up ... THAT will not only put LeBron down in the books as a great athlete but a sports hero legend.

ha ha no my feeling is he will not stay in Cleveland. Could he? sure, but I don't think he will. Not selling out, just being honest. i think the original conversation was abotu whther he would eb traded which i still think he won't be.


I'm all for loyalty! Although I have been on 4 different kickball teams in two seasons although most with the same core, they just kept evolving into other teams!

I you Lei!

[SnackPack]

few point on that, mr. know-it-all... i mean... PR:

a.) money does matter if you don't agree remove head from ass and think again... there has been talk about LeBron even going to Europe for a 50 million a year contract--unlikely yeah but impossible, hell no-- esp since Mr. James has on more than one occassion declared that he would like to be the first billionaire athlete... how do you become a billionaire.. you sign on for big contracts!

to clarify this comment... this was to illustrate that money does matter not to suggest that i think he will actually leave the Cavs or the NBA for this.. its just a possibility that i think some people disregard but i do believe its entirely possible.

[Karl]

blah blah blah, okay okay. i think if presented with the right situation, lebron would leave cleveland this year. not just presented with the right situation, but also faced with continued bad personnel decisions by the cavs, e.g. ben wallace acquisition.

if he doesn't leave this year, he is definitely coming to play for the brooklyn nets when that all goes down.

d.) you're a hater... just cause you couldn't survive in Ohio doesn't mean LeBron can't...

guilty as charged. ohio is definitely one of my least favorite places and cleveland is my least favorite team/city. armpit of the nation!

[SnackPack]

i completely agree that he won't stay in Clevleand .

jobby don't be a sell out... have some loyalty for god sakes... SOME people do believe in sticking with a team for more than a season or two... just sayin. not everyone is always looking out just for themselves.

maybe im overidealizing lebron but i think he has more loyalty and sense of teamwork in his right pinky than most people have in their whole bodies. not to say that i think that hes not a lil frustrated and contemplating it but i just dont think hes the type of person to jump ship hes seems like the ttype of guy that would stick around and help the team bail itself out.

plus if he stays until 2010 (whats one more season after this? hes only what... 24? its not like he has a ticking clock under him or something) he could manage to take the cavs to a championship and THAT would look huge cause then LeBron took a nothing team and led them to a championship... never gave up ... THAT will not only put LeBron down in the books as a great athlete but a sports hero legend.

ha ha no my feeling is he will not stay in Cleveland. Could he? sure, but I don't think he will. Not selling out, just being honest. i think the original conversation was abotu whther he would eb traded which i still think he won't be.


I'm all for loyalty! Although I have been on 4 different kickball teams in two seasons although most with the same core, they just kept evolving into other teams!

I you Lei!

i wasn't implying you were not loyal just to be clear-- that was just a low (unnecessary and undeserved) blow to kp from me. id edit the comment perhaps but eh wtf im salty and feisty today so i won't

and i believe though part of the discussion at one point was about whether LB would be traded (whcih i agree with you 100% that he will not) by Cavs part of the convo also included people saying they hope Lebron does leave or that they are willing to bet that he will.

i suppose there is not point in continuing speculation at this point ... lets just get through 2008/9 for now... but MHO = lebron won't leave (but i've been wrong before) and i hope i'm right cause i love the cavs and i love lebron.

[SnackPack]

ps. i you too job-

[Karl]

hey! how bout those new orleans hornets last night?

[SnackPack]

blah blah blah, okay okay.

you're so eloquent you should work in communication :P [/quote]


i think if presented with the right situation, lebron would leave cleveland this year. not just presented with the right situation, but also faced with continued bad personnel decisions by the cavs, e.g. ben wallace acquisition.[/quote]
agreed... he needs help from the inside he can't do it alone- and agreed it is POSSIBILITY (imho not a stong one)[/quote]


if he doesn't leave this year, he is definitely coming to play for the brooklyn nets when that all goes down.[/quote]
if JayZ has his way... def. and i probably would get over the sting of being wrong quick enough to go to tip off of the first game to watch the man play in good old NY[/quote]

d.) you're a hater... just cause you couldn't survive in Ohio doesn't mean LeBron can't...

guilty as charged. ohio is definitely one of my least favorite places and cleveland is my least favorite team/city. armpit of the nation! [/quote]

[SnackPack]

hey! how bout those new orleans hornets last night?

i l word when you sense confrontation and your accent comes out... whats your native language again... changethesubjectnese?

[Karl]

hey! how bout those new orleans hornets last night?

i l word when you sense confrontation and your accent comes out... whats your native language again... changethesubjectnese?

why, were you really hoping for confrontation here? or was your plan to keep loading this thread up with really well veiled jabs and insults in the hope that i wouldn't notice and you could passive/aggressively get some things off your chest today?

[JOB]

i completely agree that he won't stay in Clevleand .

jobby don't be a sell out... have some loyalty for god sakes... SOME people do believe in sticking with a team for more than a season or two... just sayin. not everyone is always looking out just for themselves.

maybe im overidealizing lebron but i think he has more loyalty and sense of teamwork in his right pinky than most people have in their whole bodies. not to say that i think that hes not a lil frustrated and contemplating it but i just dont think hes the type of person to jump ship hes seems like the ttype of guy that would stick around and help the team bail itself out.

plus if he stays until 2010 (whats one more season after this? hes only what... 24? its not like he has a ticking clock under him or something) he could manage to take the cavs to a championship and THAT would look huge cause then LeBron took a nothing team and led them to a championship... never gave up ... THAT will not only put LeBron down in the books as a great athlete but a sports hero legend.

ha ha no my feeling is he will not stay in Cleveland. Could he? sure, but I don't think he will. Not selling out, just being honest. i think the original conversation was abotu whther he would eb traded which i still think he won't be.


I'm all for loyalty! Although I have been on 4 different kickball teams in two seasons although most with the same core, they just kept evolving into other teams!

I you Lei!

i wasn't implying you were not loyal just to be clear-- that was just a low (unnecessary and undeserved) blow to kp from me. id edit the comment perhaps but eh wtf im salty and feisty today so i won't

and i believe though part of the discussion at one point was about whether LB would be traded (whcih i agree with you 100% that he will not) by Cavs part of the convo also included people saying they hope Lebron does leave or that they are willing to bet that he will.

i suppose there is not point in continuing speculation at this point ... lets just get through 2008/9 for now... but MHO = lebron won't leave (but i've been wrong before) and i hope i'm right cause i love the cavs and i love lebron.

No offense taken of course. I knew you didn't mean me.


yeah, only LeBron will know at that point what LeBron will do....

[SnackPack]

hey! how bout those new orleans hornets last night?

i l word when you sense confrontation and your accent comes out... whats your native language again... changethesubjectnese?

why, were you really hoping for confrontation here? or was your plan to keep loading this thread up with really well veiled jabs and insults in the hope that i wouldn't notice and you could passive/aggressively get some things off your chest today?

aw kp... i did preface or proface or umm post face? uh idk whatever... that the comment (singular) was passive agressive and undeserved we had our ted moment at Boss Tweeds (if you recall) and you know how i feel about you and the "thing" with the "thing" and stuff

but if you can't be salty on the MB (even articially salty which is the case here) where can you be?? huh? huuuuhh? where do i go when i need to unload the salt?

hug it out big fella... hug it out.

long story short. i love the cavs. i want them to win and i want jayz to rap the national anthem at the next nets game... oohhhh yeah.

[FearTheFro]

Iverson to the Pistons for Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess?

[Karl]

the only thing i can think is that they want to add some who can attack more on offense, drive the lane and kick to sheed or tayshaun, while still feeding rip often enough. but taking on twice chauncey's salary, especially when they seem interested in brining up stuckey's PT, doesn't seem to make a lot of sense.

mcdyess -- well, he's been good to the team, but they've got a lot of people they can bring off the bench now.

it's a big gamble for sure. then again, that's what people said about 'sheed too. then again, that's what people said about darko too.

[FearTheFro]

the only thing i can think is that they want to add some who can attack more on offense, drive the lane and kick to sheed or tayshaun, while still feeding rip often enough. but taking on twice chauncey's salary, especially when they seem interested in brining up stuckey's PT, doesn't seem to make a lot of sense.

mcdyess -- well, he's been good to the team, but they've got a lot of people they can bring off the bench now.

it's a big gamble for sure. then again, that's what people said about 'sheed too. then again, that's what people said about darko too.

Iverson's got 22 mil. worth of expiring cap-money...