2008-09 NBA Thread

[wotdoiput]

Traiblazers going nowhere?? Oden, Roy, Aldridge, Jack, Outlaw now Channing Frye?? Yeah I can see how they are going nowhere!!! In all honesty now they are building a really good team for the future, and if they can keep everyone will be hard to beat in a few years.

The draft turned out ok, a few picks that surprised me a little. For example the 76ers passing up on Al Thornton and taking Thadeaus Young instead, seemed a little odd to me. And those damn Spurs getting Tiago Splitter. Ok he may not come over for a season or two, but once he gets here... damn.

The trades made it interesting. On second thoughts I think AJ and Don are right about the Allen trade. Celtics should definately make the Playoffs now.

Cahrlotte trade is interesting, Richardsons big contract goes for GS, but he is still a good player imo... plus Pietrus is alledged to be a target of Toronto. Charlotte finally get a real scorer in J Rich but his contract is massive, but if the resign Gerald Wallace and can stay fit I think they will go far.

 

[A.J.]

I have to say i'm a wee bit surpirsed that Vince Carter resigned with New Jersey a si thought he would try to land in Orlando to play for his hometown team. But then looking at it...it makes a lot sense as New Jersey is a team that can actually make it out the east if they get a low post player that is good. Really so far free agency has been dull as the key player sout will resign with their teams and Rashard Lewis has choice to make as its either he wants to get paid or win a championship. If i was him i go to a winner as i rather win now then make all this money and never be a winner.

Then of course trade talk has died down as i predict when the season starts KG and Kobe will still be with their teams as its hard to trade these guys.

 

[wotdoiput]

I was surprised about Vince too, not that he stayed at New Jersey, but the fact that he resigned after opting out so quick. Thought he may have tested out the free agent waters to see what he was worth.

Your right AJ, the nets could make it out of the East Kidd, Jefferson, Carter.... Kristic back Williams Sean and Marcus Boone, Moore.. doesnt look too bad at all.. especialy for the East.

Read a report that Lewis is going to sign for Orlando. Once it seemed Vince would stay at the Nets I htought that Lewis going to the Magic was a lock. Makes me wonder if they will resign Darko know. But Dwight Howard and Rashard Lewis together could be scary.

Hope Charlotte keep Gerald Wallace, will make their starting 5 fairly handy.

 

[A.J.]

With report of Lewis going to Orlando I have to say that gets the Magic a playoff spot again as thats what the Magic needed is a guy that can create his own shot and score. As the have a low post game in Dwight Howard though he needs to work on posting up to the basket and gettng his range out to at least 10-15 feet from teh ring and get a nice shot as he is money in the paint. Lewis will give them that scorer they need and in the east that will get you in the playoffs.

The Bobcats do need to keep Gerald Wallace but I think since Lewis is going to the Magic that Seattle will know try and get Wallace to come play for them as Seattle will then have Durnat, Green, and Wallace. Though if I was Wallace I been a losingteam for awhile I'll take my money and go to a playoff contending team at least. Last I heard Miami was interested in him and that could pull that off.

 

[wotdoiput]

Well i see that the Magic have pulled abck their offer to Darko once they signed Lewis. I think this is a mistake, Darko is till young and improving as they give him more minutes. Ye he is a bit inconsistent but that comes with not having many minutes and he will only improve on that. He had a very good playoff series agaisnt the Pistons as well, despite the fact he seemed to have few plays run for him offensively he can still score.

I see the Bulls are interested and I htink this would be a great play by them if they can get Darko. To me it would eliminate the need for the Bulls to get Gasol as Darko to me could fit their need. Keep Nocioni as well and they keep looking more formidable. Blocks galore with Wallace, Darko and Tyrus Thomas in that front court. Perhaps even a sign and trade for Duhon could be something that the Bulls consider?

Id also love for Darko to go to the Europea.. i mean Toronto Raptors love to see Darko/Bosh/Bargs in the front court

 

[Nikateen]

Has anyone watched the Summer League games on NBA TV? I watched the Pistons and Sixers game last night... Rodney Stuckey (Detroit's 1st round, 15th pick from this year's draft) looked pretty impressive aside from picking up 8 fouls, haha. But, the summer league officals are more strict with physical contact. I was still impressed by his athletic ability and his great speed for his size. Hopefully he translates that well at the NBA level.

 

[A.J.]

I haven't been paying much attention to the summer league games. I have only read about Kevin Durant and Greg Oden summer league debuts but aside from that no. I really thing summer league is a good tune up for rookies of what its like in an actual NBA game from the flow to the way ref call fouls. But Detroit got what they they needed though the team isnt that young and their reign on he the east looks to be ending.

 

[Nikateen]

I haven't been paying much attention to the summer league games. I have only read about Kevin Durant and Greg Oden summer league debuts but aside from that no. I really thing summer league is a good tune up for rookies of what its like in an actual NBA game from the flow to the way ref call fouls. But Detroit got what they they needed though the team isnt that young and their reign on he the east looks to be ending.

While I can't say their run isn't coming to an end, it is debatable. If Rodney Stuckey and Aaron Afflalo turn out to be as good as advertised, that will once again set the back court for the next 5 - 10 years. But, that's only if they both live up to their potential. Also, Tayshaun is still fairly young and Detroit's bench is pretty deep aside from the front court help. All Detroit really needs is youth and athleticism at the front court and they'll be in contention for quite a while. Rasheed Wallace is getting old, but he's still one of the best post up players in the NBA (when he wants to be). The Pistons only question now remains at Center and a good scoring back-up SF. While Cleveland may have beaten Detroit this year in the ECF, I highly doubt that will happen again. Detroit, Chicago, and Miami have all made improvements to their already great teams, and Cleveland hasn't done anything at all.

Chicago is the future of the East, but I'm not counting out Detroit, 'cause if their draft picks pan out, they will be contending year in and year out. Also, with Cleveland not being able to dump Larry Hughes and his ridiculous contract, I could see them being stuck with that same team for a couple years. And, if they don't make it back to the NBA Finals within that time, I would not be surprised at all if LeBron went out West or to New York. Danny Ferry is under a lot of pressure in Cleveland and I don't think he has what it takes to assemble a team around LeBron.

 

[A.J.]

Very good points but right now the way the East is composed its really who ever can put together a good stretch towards the end of the season they can win the East. Right now Its really up in the air though I can see either the Cavs, Pistons, Heat or the Nets in the Finals. I really like Chicago but they have no low post scoring and you cant win the east without some low post scoring.

But lets get to some news that is happening now and like how the Blazers are going buy out Steve Francis contract for the tune of 30 million dollars! its really sad that to think here a team wants to pay you not to play on your team. The Franchise as he is called has never been that but a complainer as he has been bad luck for any team he has been on. Good move by Portland as they get clear up cap room and can make some moves in the future. But for Francis he needs to understand that he is no Franchise player and will have to take a pay cut to play some where else. I cant really see him heading anywhere but who knows who will pick him up.

 

[CMPunkMark]

Kevin Garnett is officially a Celtic.

I'm not sure how I feel about this. Losing Al Jefferson, who's going to be a superstar stings. Also, the Celts have Rondo at PG, Perkins at Center, and a depleted bench. If the Celtics don't sniff the Eastern Conference finals, people are going to call for Ainge's head.

The only way this trade can be justified is if the Celtics win a championship in the next 3 seasons.

 

[Lil Wes]

Good move for the Celtics. KG will fit quite well there I think. Hes got Peirce and Ray Allen now to work with. This is a big step for Boston even though they lose Jefferson. I think they can contend for the playoffs,since it is the Eastern Conference. But the T Wolves got a good deal two 5 young players (ex Ratliff) and 2 number one drafts picks. So good deal for both sides. Boston should be a load better this upcoming year and it's about time.

 

[A.J.]

Good move for the Celtics. KG will fit quite well there I think. Hes got Peirce and Ray Allen now to work with. This is a big step for Boston even though they lose Jefferson. I think they can contend for the playoffs,since it is the Eastern Conference. But the T Wolves got a good deal two 5 young players (ex Ratliff) and 2 number one drafts picks. So good deal for both sides. Boston should be a load better this upcoming year and it's about time.

This is deal has a very short window of oppertunity for the Celtics as for me and even being east they have 2-3 to make it out of the east to the finals. It looks good as you have the inside presence of KG the outside shooting Allena and Paul can do both so from the looks they look solid, but the supporting cast needs to be there for them. But good trade Boston is easily a top three team in the east know.

For Minny well hello lottery and heres to hoping that Al Jefferson can do what he did lasy tear in the west as he will play more west teams this year. But good deal for Minny they youth for KG and picks

 

[wotdoiput]

Well Im not sure about this trade either. Yes Boston know have KG, Pierce and Allen but what else?? What happens if one or more of htese guya get injured?? There is nothing on the bench that will set the world on fire. ATM their best backup is Tony Allen who is coming off major knee surgery.

If the big three stay fit then Boston can win the East and to me have a chance of winning it all. But only if they can add a few pieces to the puzzle on the bench. So veterans or even some young guys that can help with in some shape or form.

I actually really like this trade from the T-Wolves point of view. Adding Green, Gomes and Jefferson to a good young core of players. Add the draft picks they will gain and the future looks rosy in Minnesota. I htink they can win more games than last year as they are going to fairl deep at all posiotns. Maybe the excepation being Centre. I htink they may have an inconsitenat sort of season, but that comes with youth. But when they click look out.

May have some trouble purging a couple of Roster spots though. But I hear they bought out Hudson so thats a good start.

 

[Pduh]

Well Im not sure about this trade either. Yes Boston know have KG, Pierce and Allen but what else?? What happens if one or more of htese guya get injured?? There is nothing on the bench that will set the world on fire. ATM their best backup is Tony Allen who is coming off major knee surgery.

If the big three stay fit then Boston can win the East and to me have a chance of winning it all. But only if they can add a few pieces to the puzzle on the bench. So veterans or even some young guys that can help with in some shape or form.

I actually really like this trade from the T-Wolves point of view. Adding Green, Gomes and Jefferson to a good young core of players. Add the draft picks they will gain and the future looks rosy in Minnesota. I htink they can win more games than last year as they are going to fairl deep at all posiotns. Maybe the excepation being Centre. I htink they may have an inconsitenat sort of season, but that comes with youth. But when they click look out.

May have some trouble purging a couple of Roster spots though. But I hear they bought out Hudson so thats a good start.

I agree most of your post that the C's need depth/addition to the bench as well they also need to add some veterans.

Yep the Wolves have some good pieces to start for rebuilding to bad Kevin McHale is still the general manager for the wolves, with his track record you never know what dumb moves he will do.

Now the last part I disagree on your post is Troy Hudson, while they need depth and a veteran especially a veteran point guard. However I will not signed Hudson which he isn't good. They should've sign Brevin Knight when he was a free agent which they need a veteran pure point guard while Rondo who is still developing can learn something from Knight. But to bad the Clippers signed him. But yeah I rather pass on Hudson and look what my other options are.

 

[Lil Wes]

Bad news continues in Portland:

An exploratory arthroscopic surgery performed on Greg Oden today revealed cartilage damage to the Portland Trail Blazers rookie’s right knee. Oden is likely to miss the 2007-08 NBA season.

"Greg had an arthroscopy and a micro fracture surgery today," said team physician Dr. Don Roberts, who performed the surgery. "He was found to have articular cartilage damage in his right knee. The area of injury was not large and we were able to treat it with micro fracture, which stimulates the growth of cartilage. There are things about this that are positive for Greg. First of all he is young. The area where the damage was is small and the rest of his knee looked normal. All those are good signs for a complete recovery from micro fracture surgery."

Oden is expected to be on crutches for up to eight weeks. Recovery time from micro fracture surgery varies from person to person, but generally takes between six and 12 months for full recovery.

"Certainly this is a setback, but our future is still incredibly bright," said Trail Blazers General Manager Kevin Pritchard. "Is it disappointing? Yes. However, this is a great core of talent and players of strong character and will continue to be."

Oden, the #1 pick in June’s NBA Draft, averaged 15.7 points and 9.6 rebounds for Ohio State last season, leading the Buckeyes to the NCAA national championship game as a freshman.

"We know this discouraging news for all of our fans, however, the people of Portland are very enthusiastic and compassionate about their Trail Blazers and I know they will stand behind Greg and the team during his recovery," said Trail Blazers President Larry Miller. "We believe our fans and sponsors are going to continue to support us because they know we’re headed in the right direction."

Well this is bad for Portland losing the #1 Draft Pick. It's terrible for Oden and Blazers fans as this was a big step to something new in Portland. Looks like he will be out for about a year right now. Hopefully Oden can get a good recovery as I was really wanting to see what he could do in the NBA although alot of these type of injuries usually take around 2 years for a full recovery, Shame this had to happen now as if we see he might not be the same Oden as before to get his career started. Blazers have done an alright job building up younger talent but they needed a big man/defensive player. Could be another long year for them as well.

 

[A.J.]

I have to agree with you there Wes this bad for Portland as they were banking on Oden being there as having a twin towers with him and Aldridge but now thats gone. I see this being along season for the blazers as they have no real offense as they let Randolph go. The only sad thing about this is that people will begin to say that Oden is the new Sam Bowie and that is something Portland fans do not want. I hope he can come back as he is just 19 so the future is still there.

 

[RatedR_HBK11]

I have to agree with you there Wes this bad for Portland as they were banking on Oden being there as having a twin towers with him and Aldridge but now thats gone. I see this being along season for the blazers as they have no real offense as they let Randolph go. The only sad thing about this is that people will begin to say that Oden is the new Sam Bowie and that is something Portland fans do not want. I hope he can come back as he is just 19 so the future is still there.

You know, on draft day, I was one of the few people that was mad when Kevin Durant didn't get taken @ #1. We can kinda see why now.

 

[RatedR_HBK11]

Good move for the Celtics. KG will fit quite well there I think. Hes got Peirce and Ray Allen now to work with. This is a big step for Boston even though they lose Jefferson. I think they can contend for the playoffs,since it is the Eastern Conference. But the T Wolves got a good deal two 5 young players (ex Ratliff) and 2 number one drafts picks. So good deal for both sides. Boston should be a load better this upcoming year and it's about time.

Lotta people knocked Minnesota for this, but I don't see the faults in this, as Ratliff also has an expiring contract, so essentially we traded KG for an immediate rebuild, and our Joe Smith shit is done, so we can't really mess up now.

 

[Lil Wes]

You know, on draft day, I was one of the few people that was mad when Kevin Durant didn't get taken @ #1. We can kinda see why now.

I don't see why. Oden is what Portland needed was a big man, Aldridge is gone. Oden was one of the biggest hyped big man to be in the draft in quite some time. He can't help he got injured at the wrong time although it looks he's sorta injury prone hopefully this isn't a second coming of Sam Bowie.

But Like AJ said he is only 19 he has alot of seasons ahead of him if he stays healthy. So we can hope for the best as he has alot of skill and lead Ohio St very far last year.

Durant is a good player as well but I think Portland made the right decison taking Oden #1. It's not like this year was going to be anything special in the first place. The club still has alot of buidling to do they took Oden as the guy to build a team around with him out that will hurt but still they need to make some trades and start building. That team is awful right now and more than 30 win's in out of the question IMO.

 

[RatedR_HBK11]

I don't see why. Oden is what Portland needed was a big man, Aldridge is gone. Oden was one of the biggest hyped big man to be in the draft in quite some time. He can't help he got injured at the wrong time although it looks he's sorta injury prone hopefully this isn't a second coming of Sam Bowie.

But Like AJ said he is only 19 he has alot of seasons ahead of him if he stays healthy. So we can hope for the best as he has alot of skill and lead Ohio St very far last year.

Durant is a good player as well but I think Portland made the right decison taking Oden #1. It's not like this year was going to be anything special in the first place. The club still has alot of buidling to do they took Oden as the guy to build a team around with him out that will hurt but still they need to make some trades and start building. That team is awful right now and more than 30 win's in out of the question IMO.

Oden's great, but big men at #1 have been a repeating trend since 04's draft, it was only a matter of time before one of them drew scrutiny and Oden's the goat cause he can't stay healthy. This is Oden's 3rd injury in less than 2 years, and he hasn't suited up for more than 40 college games. I'm not doubting his skill, it's the fact that he made of plastic. He's a dominant player, but to have already suffered 2 injuries since being drafted is tough pill to swallow for Portland, meanwhile it's a steak & eggs breakfast for Seattle. Then to top it off, the Blazers kinda threw all their eggs in a basket by trading off their only offensive option sans Brandon Roy and getting...basically Frye. I dunno, maybe Oden will bounce back, but we at least know he ain't a ROY candidate.

 

[Pduh]

You know, on draft day, I was one of the few people that was mad when Kevin Durant didn't get taken @ #1. We can kinda see why now.

The thing is that you can find guys like Durant anytime, but it's hard to find a big man especially now days in the NBA. You gotta take a big man in the draft especially with potential and so much talent. You probably won't see a big man in the draft for a long while. Big man is pretty much the most important in basketball and like I said it is very hard to find a big man now days in the NBA.

 

[Lil Wes]

Oden's great, but big men at #1 have been a repeating trend since 04's draft,

Yeah but were they as hyped as Oden coming into the Draft? No because Oden was an unbeliveable talent in High School and played very well at Ohio St, He and Conley lead that team throughout the Tournament.

The NBA hasn't had a big man defender like Oden come into the draft in quite some time.

Howard came into the draft overlooked and in a pretty weak class. He has now turned out to be a great player that has luckily stayed Injury free. Bogut is shit..Enough said about him and he was also in a weak class same for the 06 Draft. O7's Draft was one of the better classes since 2003. The Oden's potential is there he will just have to keep away from injuries and actually show he can play NBA ball which only Howard and Bargnani have done recently.

This is Oden's 3rd injury in less than 2 years, and he hasn't suited up for more than 40 college games.

He is very injury prone but he is also very young which even the Doc's said would help him recover from the Knee Surgery. So yes it was a risk but it was also the right move. How many times has a guy like Durant came into the NBA and did jackshit to improve and carry a team. Portland needed a big man to help that team on both sides of the ball. The have Roy who is there shooter and took Green in the 2nd round. Frye is shit so Oden was the right pick.

I'm not doubting his skill, it's the fact that he made of plastic. He's a dominant player, but to have already suffered 2 injuries since being drafted is tough pill to swallow for Portland,

Having losing as much as Portland does is the tough pill for them to swallow. They needed someone to build around which is risky with Durant as he isn't a very good defensive player. He is basically catch and shoot. They needed an all around leader on both sides of the ball but being injury prone is risky.

I dunno, maybe Oden will bounce back, but we at least know he ain't a ROY candidate.

No, Roy will have to lead this team for now. Portland has a ton of work to do before they ever get back to the team that was making the playoffs yearly only to get thier asses handed to them by Kobe & Shaq.

 

[elijah]

Roy looked good last night against San Antonio but it was obvious McMillian will use LeMarcus Aldridge as his go-to guy this season. And the Blazers didn't look to shabby in trying to incorporate a running offense in the likeness of Phoenix. However, when Oden returns, they may want to slow the offense down and go big. Afterall, the road to the NBA title goes through San Antonio and not Phoenix.

 

[X]

Wow huh, not alot of NBA talk. I'm really enjoying this season so far.

Just got done watching my Celtics beat the 76ers. First half was rough and we played real terrible defense, but we tightened it up in the second half and got the W. Celtics are the real deal this year, and it'll be an absolutely huge disappointment if they don't make the playoffs (though from the looks of the Atlantic Division, the only real threat is Toronto; NJ is overrated, I'm sorry).

Aboubt to tune into the Lakers-Nuggets game next. Thats the thing I love about basketball, even if you don't know the teams (like college basketball) or don't like the teams, you can still enjoy the game because it's so fast paced and theres so much action. It's not like watching a baseball or football game between two teams you have no interest in, which is just boring.

So who do you guys think are the top 5 teams right now in the NBA? Sort of a mini-Power Ranking if you will. For me right now it would be the following, none of them in any paticuliar order.

1. Celtics
2. Spurs
3. Suns
4. Magic
5. Dallas/Detroit (toss up depending on injuries IMO)

 

[RBH]

The top team right now is the Celtics but there are many competitive teams out there. They are not the New England Patriots, they will fall at a point. The Lakers have improved alot and are making a run at the Pacific. I see the Lakers, Suns and Spurs battling for the West with the Mavs also there. The Celtics, Pistons and Magic will lead the east. It is gonna be great this year tho!