The Sports Bar

[jmt225]

Carl Nicks just got a fucking HUGE pay day in Tampa Bay. It sucks he's going to a division rival, but I'm still very happy for him. He deserves every penny. But hopefully he doesn't mind losing, because he's about to experience a lot of it.

Anyways, here's hoping the Saints now snatch up Grubbs.

 

[Big Sexy]

Pau Gasol is turning 32 this year, wouldn't it make more sense to umm...get younger instead of older? Who could the Bulls pick up at the Power Forward position that isn't older than Boozer? Since that is one of your complaints about him. BTW, Luol Deng is only 26 and Noah is 27. But why is Boozer being 30 such a bad thing? Dwayne Wade is the same age..It's more his production than his age.

And his age is a factor in his production drop. Some NBA players age well and it takes a while to see a drop off. Boozer hasn't aged well and it has shown in his play. I also wasn't necessarily campaigning for the Bulls to get Gasol. Just saying that they should legitimately try to get better because this current team isn't likely to beat Miami. Plus Gasol is still an upgrade over Boozer. He is a couple years older but he still puts up better numbers, and he can play center which would allow Noah to move over to his more natural 4 spot.

 

[The Bearded One]

Day two of free agency went a whole hell of a lot better than day one for the Jags. They got an absolute steal by keeping Dwight Lowery, who played great last year. They also didn't spend too much to keep Jeremy Mincey. I'm happy with the Chad Henne deal. The Jags may have overpaid a little for Laurent Robinson, but only $14 million guaranteed over five years isn't too bad. I'm hoping he plays like he did last year for the Cowboys.

Also, as much as this pains to say this, the Magic absolutely have to trade Dwight. It's becoming an embarrassment for the organization with the way they've handled this. Also, the Magic need to fire Otis Smith.

 

[The Crock]

I actually like the trade for both sides. Golden State wants to become a more well rounded team. They get that with a very good true center in Bogut and an all around solid player in Stephen Jackson. This gives GS a likely starting 5 of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Stephen Jackson, David Lee, and Andrew Bogut. That's a solid foundation.

For Milwaukee, they get rid of a disgruntled Jackson who doesn't want to be there and in return they get easily the best overall player in the deal, Monta Ellis. They also get the youngest player in the deal in Ekpe Udoh. I actually think the back court of Jennings and Ellis is perfect for the Bucks because now Jennings doesn't have to shoulder the scoring load (like he has the last couple years). He can focus on what he does best, which is be a true point guard while Ellis does the heavy scoring. Both guys will be better playing together.

I absolutely love the deal from Golden State's end. They're shying away from what they were with Ellis and Curry, becoming a more well-rounded team. When they're all healthy, they can give opposing teams fits. Bogut is a good player and is a HUGE upgrade over Biedrins and Jackson is a savvy veteran who can offer some leadership. Great move.

If it plays out like you laid it out for the Bucks, then that'll be a damn good backcourt... But I can't say for certain how I feel about it until I see Jennings and Ellis work together for a prolonged amount of time. Jennings will have to defer to Ellis, definitely, but my concern comes from both Ellis and Jennings trying to go out and score. That just can't work. We'll see, though I'm more inclined to follow in line with what you said.

 

[Big Sexy]

I really think Brandon Jennings wants to be a pass first point guard, he just hasn't been able to because of the lack of scorers around him. Hopefully he proves me right and becomes that with Ellis.

 

[Moon Knight]

And his age is a factor in his production drop. Some NBA players age well and it takes a while to see a drop off. Boozer hasn't aged well and it has shown in his play. I also wasn't necessarily campaigning for the Bulls to get Gasol. Just saying that they should legitimately try to get better because this current team isn't likely to beat Miami. Plus Gasol is still an upgrade over Boozer. He is a couple years older but he still puts up better numbers, and he can play center which would allow Noah to move over to his more natural 4 spot.

Yeah, he used to be pretty good but dropped off rather fast. I just don't support a move for Gasol because I am a Laker fan and I don't think they really need him. I would go younger, maybe start Gibson and make a move for a lesser player but with a bigger upside. I am not against a move to replace him, just that with Asik and Gibson there are better options than Gasol who is likely to decline really fast. The Bulls are very deep up front and an excellent rebounding team.

I wouldn't count them out against Miami, the Bulls have yet to lose scoring over 100 and has the second best defense. Also today the Bulls beat Miami in Chicago without Rose and the Heat having all their big 3. The Bulls are actually very deep team and I wouldn't underestimate them. They might be able to take Miami in a 7 game series. That win over Miami was huge.

 

[Big Sexy]

The playoffs are a different animal. Chicago went 3-0 against Miami in the regular season last year but then lost 4 out of 5 in the playoffs. The Bulls roster is virtually the same as last year just with the addition of Rip who can't stay healthy. They may be better because they have had another year to build chemistry but let's not forget Miami is also better. They added Battier and Norris Cole plus they have also had another year to gel together as a team.

 

[jmt225]

The Saints signed Grubbs. With that they remain to have the best OLine in the league, by far.

 

[GI Cake]

Can the Bulls have the right to say they have the best backup unit in Basketball? Last night against the Heat without Derrick Rose who was out with an injury. In the first half, the backup unit scored more points than LeBron and Wade together. The Bulls later went on to win that game.

 

[Harthan]

Can the Bulls have the right to say they have the best backup unit in Basketball? Last night against the Heat without Derrick Rose who was out with an injury. In the first half, the backup unit scored more points than LeBron and Wade together. The Bulls later went on to win that game.

Possibly, but there's also OKC to contend with there with indisputable Sixth Man of the Year James Harden.

 

[CH David]

Possibly, but there's also OKC to contend with there with indisputable Sixth Man of the Year James Harden.

Whole bench rotation > James Harden.

 

[Harthan]

Whole bench rotation > James Harden.

Well, it's not like the rest of OKC's bench sucks or anything. I'm not saying it's hands down one way or the other but there's a case to be made for both.

 

[CH David]

Well, it's not like the rest of OKC's bench sucks or anything. I'm not saying it's hands down one way or the other but there's a case to be made for both.

Right. I'm not saying they are definitively better. Hell I don't pay attention to the West that much, and whenever you hear about OKC it's always Durant, Westbrook, or Harden. I just figured you were implying Harden was better than the Bulls bench.

 

[Stormtrooper]

Mario Williams signed with the Bills.

As a Jets fan, it sucks, but I'm glad to see Buffalo becoming a serious contender. Now they need to sign/draft a Wide Receiver opposite Stevie Johnson (and a O-Lineman or 2), and they could be a legit threat to make the playoffs.

 

[The Bearded One]

I'm disappointed the Jags didn't get a chance at Mario.

At least I got some good news with Dwight staying with the Magic through at least next season. The Magic have been having a really good year in spite of the distraction, which makes me excited to see how good this team will be now that there is no distraction.

 

[Stormtrooper]

I'm disappointed the Jags didn't get a chance at Mario.

Buffalo played it brilliantly. They made sure that Mario never had the chance to even leave Buffalo and visit anyone.

At least I got some good news with Dwight staying with the Magic through at least next season. The Magic have been having a really good year in spite of the distraction, which makes me excited to see how good this team will be now that there is no distraction.

I think he finally came to his senses that he needed to make a concrete decision. I think this will buy him the rest of this season. If he doesn't sign a new contract in the offseason, they should likely deal him before the season starts, so that they can get as much as possible without the distraction.

 

[The Talon]

So guys, on a scale of 1-10, how absolutely screwed are the New Jersey Nets now that Superman's waived the FA option?

 

[Stormtrooper]

So guys, on a scale of 1-10, how absolutely screwed are the New Jersey Nets now that Superman's waived the FA option?

Not at all, really. Waiving his opt-out just means that we will go through the exact same thing in the offseason. The Nets could have just done the deal then.

 

[The Talon]

No, ESPN is saying that he's staying for the 2012-2013 season as well.

 

[Stormtrooper]

No, ESPN is saying that he's staying for the 2012-2013 season as well.

No, what they are saying is that he is waiving his opt-out clause, which puts him under contract for the next season, which is the final year of his contract. After next season, he is an unrestricted Free Agent, free to sign with whoever he wants.

This same drama that we had this season will just start all over again, where he is undecided if he wants to sign with the Magic, and they will be forced to trade him or risk losing him for nothing.

 

[The Brain]

So is a Bulls vs. Heat Eastern Conference Finals match just a foregone conclusion? I realize they are by far the two favorites out of the east but the way the Chicago media talks about it it's like it's already offically on the schedule. Every day I hear talk about how the Bulls match up against the Heat in a seven game series. They use the word when instead of if. I've just never heard people just assume something so much so far in advance.

 

[CH David]

So is a Bulls vs. Heat Eastern Conference Finals match just a foregone conclusion? I realize they are by far the two favorites out of the east but the way the Chicago media talks about it it's like it's already offically on the schedule. Every day I hear talk about how the Bulls match up against the Heat in a seven game series. They use the word when instead of if. I've just never heard people just assume something so much so far in advance.

They definitely are the two best teams in the East. Now whether that translates to a second matchup in a row in the Conference Finals we shall find out. If they both remain healthy it is the likely matchup, but teams do step it up in the playoffs.

 

[The Bearded One]

Buffalo played it brilliantly. They made sure that Mario never had the chance to even leave Buffalo and visit anyone.

They did. Have to give credit where credit is due, even if it is disappointing.

I think he finally came to his senses that he needed to make a concrete decision. I think this will buy him the rest of this season. If he doesn't sign a new contract in the offseason, they should likely deal him before the season starts, so that they can get as much as possible without the distraction.

I'm not sure if they should deal him before the season starts. They should try to get more pieces around him first to try to entice him into staying. As long as Otis Smith is GM, though, I don't see that happening.

 

[Harthan]

So is a Bulls vs. Heat Eastern Conference Finals match just a foregone conclusion? I realize they are by far the two favorites out of the east but the way the Chicago media talks about it it's like it's already offically on the schedule. Every day I hear talk about how the Bulls match up against the Heat in a seven game series. They use the word when instead of if. I've just never heard people just assume something so much so far in advance.

It's the most likely scenario, of course. I honestly can't see anyone other than the Magic getting in there, but you never know.

 

[Moon Knight]

So is a Bulls vs. Heat Eastern Conference Finals match just a foregone conclusion? I realize they are by far the two favorites out of the east but the way the Chicago media talks about it it's like it's already offically on the schedule. Every day I hear talk about how the Bulls match up against the Heat in a seven game series. They use the word when instead of if. I've just never heard people just assume something so much so far in advance.

You must have not been watching in the 90's, they assumed a Bulls championship every year Jordan was there before the season even started. People assumed a Heat championship last year and a Celtics championship the year Garnett and Allen got there along with multiple Laker titles. I hear it every year basically.