DUDE KOBE HEAD ALWAYS BEEN BIG LOL IT JUST WASNT AS NOTICEABLE UNTIL HE CUT HIS FRO NOW HE LOOKS OLD ;D ;D ;D
Exactly....but did I see gray/grey!?
So the playoffs begin this weekend. Here's how the seedings look as of today:
Eastern Conference Western Conference
#1-Cleveland Cavaliers #1-Los Angeles Lakers
#2-Orlando Magic #2-Dallas Mavericks
#3-Atlanta Hawks #3-Utah Jazz
#4-Boston Celtics #4-Phoenix Suns
#5-Miami Heat #5-Denver Nuggets
#6-Milwaukee Bucks #6-Portland Trailblazers
#7-Charlotte Bobcats (first ever playoff appearance) #7-San Antonio Spurs
#8-Chicago Bulls #8-Oklahoma City Thunder
So who you think will win Eastern Conference? Western Conference?
Then who do you think will win the NBA Title?
Right now I say Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Los Angeles Lakers with Cavs winning in 7. Lakers' bench will hurt them and Kobe injured. But I would not be suprised if a team like Bobcats or Thunder make it pretty far.
I can't wait to see what Durant does in the first round. Youngest player to EVER lead the league in scoring. That's pretty amazing. You just know Artest is gonna be all over him though, so It'll be interesting.Artest is good, physical and knows how to do things that the refs don't catch. However, he won't stop Durantula. The thing I like about Kevin Durant vs your typical "scorer" is that he stays within the flow of the game. He doesn't take an exorbitant amount of shots and is willing to pass. When you face a scorer like him, it keeps the defense honest because if you double-team him, he will get the ball to the open guy.
So who you think will win Eastern Conference? Western Conference?
Then who do you think will win the NBA Title?
Artest is good, physical and knows how to do things that the refs don't catch. However, he won't stop Durantula. The thing I like about Kevin Durant vs your typical "scorer" is that he stays within the flow of the game. He doesn't take an exorbitant amount of shots and is willing to pass. When you face a scorer like him, it keeps the defense honest because if you double-team him, he will get the ball to the open guy.
Troy Polamalu
Edwin Moses
Kevin Durant
He'll be the best Offensive player in the game before long.
First of all I love 'Durantula'. :DI can't take credit for it. I watch too much SportsCenter in the morning. :D
First of all I love 'Durantula'.
I can't take credit for it. I watch too much SportsCenter in the morning. :D
([url]http://alt.coxnewsweb.com/shared-blogs/austin/golden/upload/2010/02/the_durantula_is_having_an_mvp_1/durantula_credit.jpg[/url])
This is a very old thread but I wanted to ask a Kobe Bryant related question and didn't see the need of starting another thread.....lol!No. Now put this thread back in the archives, lol!
One thing that's been mentioned is Kobe's decline in points scored this year and a lot of people think it has to do with the last couple of years of NBA Finals appearances and his olympic participation.
Do you think it's highly possible we're beginning to see the decline of Kobe Bryant or is this just his legs being very tired coupled with the injuries he has?
Cleveland in the East but a LeBron / Matt Barnes match up is concerning. That dude isn't going to back down from nobody. Plus Orlando is loaded. Shaq will have to make a difference.
:D
Shaq and Ilgauskas are going to have to get Dwight Howard in foul trouble early for the Cavs to blow past them. The problem for the Cavs comes in the fact that anyone from the Magic can launch a 3 pointer at any second if you make a mistake.
Bulls are gonna get swept. I still think Bobcats can make their series against Orlando interesting.
*sigh* I remember the days when my Bulls were the #1 seed playing the #8 seeded Cavs. Things have turned upside down. That's alright. We can still shock the world! We HAVE beaten them twice this year.You can beat them twice in the playoffs too, but still lose the other four. lol
...ok, what in the world was K.G. thinking??? 1 Game suspension already!? Geez... :-\He wasn't...
They stepped on teh Durantula.Boy, did they! He and the Thunder will adjust. If they do, he likely won't be the offensive focus of game two. Likely, Westbrook will be the initial threat, which will free up opportunities for Durant.
Boy, did they! He and the Thunder will adjust. If they do, he likely won't be the offensive focus of game two. Likely, Westbrook will be the initial threat, which will free up opportunities for Durant.
...ok, what in the world was K.G. thinking??? 1 Game suspension already!? Geez... :-\
I think nerves played a part too. It was his very first playoff game.Per the part in bold, it's very possible, though I've never seen this kid appear nervous. And I agree that the Lakers don't look unbeatable. Bynum looked good, but gee, who was covering him? LOL.
The Lakers looked better than the Thunder, but they still didn't look great. Right now I don't think they could be the Mavs or the Cavs.
Ok so Chicago Bulls Noah really should stop running his mouth before Cleveland sweeps them!Let him talk. Talk is cheap.
Ok so Chicago Bulls Noah really should stop running his mouth before Cleveland sweeps them!
Noah says: Cleveland sucks
Lebron says: 40pts, 8 rebs, 8 asts.
I don't think it makes a difference what Noah says. :D
Ok so Chicago Bulls Noah really should stop running his mouth before Cleveland sweeps them!
...yeah but the game was close. I mean, c'mon, Cleveland is supposed to be blowing these cats out! They were up by 5 points with 5 mins. left to play in Game 2 against the 8th seed. What's up with that? :-\
...yeah but the game was close. I mean, c'mon, Cleveland is supposed to be blowing these cats out! They were up by 5 points with 5 mins. left to play in Game 2 against the 8th seed. What's up with that? :-\Close only counts when tossing horse shoes and hand grenades. All that matters in the playoffs is getting the "W", which Chicago has yet to do.
...yeah but the game was close.
Close only counts when tossing horse shoes and hand grenades.
Close only counts when tossing horse shoes and hand grenades. All that matters in the playoffs is getting the "W", which Chicago has yet to do.
...bye bye Miami! LOLThey didn't look good at all. I
They didn't look good at all. I
f/when they lose the series against Boston, I'm sure it will fuel even more speculation about Wade's being scooped up by another team in free agency next season. I feel bad for him. He carried this team into the playoffs. Without him, they'd be like the Nets or Sixers. It's like somebody (I don't remember who, maybe RJ) said, a championship caliber team needs a good 2nd option. Jermaine Oneal has not proven to be that option for the Heat.
...I thought D Wade is a free agent this summer? I've heard by some that D Wade wants to go back home to play. (Chicago)
If D Wade goes to Chicago I think that could make Chicago a potential heavy-playoff team next season!! Chicago has got to be one of the most disappointing franchises in history winnning 6 championships and now sorry again.....lol!
...no they're not man. lol They're on Post Jordan/Pippen Era. lol
But look at a team like the Lakers who have been consistently good over the last 25+ years. ::) :-\
If D Wade goes to Chicago I think that could make Chicago a potential heavy-playoff team next season!! Chicago has got to be one of the most disappointing franchises in history winnning 6 championships and now sorry again.....lol!My friend, you have a penchant for hyperbole. :D
...man, I'm going to the courts today to pretend I'm Ray Allen. LOL I love watching this guy play. Did yall see the Shooting performance last night? Whew!
If D Wade goes to Chicago I think that could make Chicago a potential heavy-playoff team next season!! Chicago has got to be one of the most disappointing franchises in history winnning 6 championships and now sorry again.....lol!
The Celtics/Heat series is really suprising me so far. I thought it would be more competitive. But Celtics won't make it past 2nd Round.
...their 2nd round is going to be a "War" and I cannot wait! (Cleveland vs Boston) That's going to be a very fun series to watch. The NBA needs to have the Veteran Refs. in that series of games. The new refs. won't let them play and will cause everyone to be "T'ed - up" and suspended quick. ::)The only series I'm looking forward to (if it happens) is Cleveland and Orlando. That will be a hot matchup. I haven't paid attention to the seeding, but if it's possible for the next round, I'd love to see the Celtics and Hawks go to battle again. Their series over the last couple of years have been epic.
The only series I'm looking forward to (if it happens) is Cleveland and Orlando. That will be a hot matchup. I haven't paid attention to the seeding, but if it's possible for the next round, I'd love to see the Celtics and Hawks go to battle again. Their series over the last couple of years have been epic.
...man I'm telling you, Boston vs. Cleveland will be a good one.It may be....But the only one I'm looking forward to is Cleveland and Orlando.
Any series you looking forward to in the West?Honestly, no. I wouldn't mind seeing Dallas make some noise, or Denver. Other than that, I just want to see the Lakers go down.
Lol I still see some "surprise" team getting pretty far.
I say Atlanta
Any series you looking forward to in the West?
So much for the Cavs sweep......lol!No, I wasn't surprised. On any given night, any team can lose
Anybody suprised both #8 seeds won? Not suprised by Thunder because for one I thought from the beginning they would not go down easily and second, Lakers ususally lose Game 3 for some odd reasons.
Bulls, on the other hand, suprised me. But there were warning signs in Game 2 particurly the points inside the paint.
So much for the Cavs sweep......lol!
Anybody suprised both #8 seeds won? Not suprised by Thunder because for one I thought from the beginning they would not go down easily and second, Lakers ususally lose Game 3 for some odd reasons.
Bulls, on the other hand, suprised me. But there were warning signs in Game 2 particurly the points inside the paint.
Well Heat are still in it...............................for now.....lol!Oh, I thought that was your oozing that I was smelling. :D
Bulls are about done unless something crazy happens.....lol!
Is anybody smelling the biggest upset in NBA playoffs history? Thunder over Lakers?
yeah but this would be bigger that the year Golden State upset Dallas IMO.Possibly, but the Lakers just don't seem to have that swagger at this point in the season.
...man, what's up with Dallas? :-\
That's what I was thinking last night! How the heck does San Antonio have a 3-1 lead in a series many thought Dallas would win.
...idk, but it looks like Dallas will be checking out early. :-\
...L.A. on the other hand have no reason to be tied 2-2 with OKC. They should've been up 3-1 by now. :-\ ?/?
hahaha, you seen how james walked out without even saying nothing to anybody again... pouting....
Lebron James. Best player in the NBA.After yesterday, Dwayne Wade will get a few votes. He was nothing short of amazing. Dude willed his team to victory.
Is there any doubt left? If not Lebron, then who?
Lebron James. Best player in the NBA.
Is there any doubt left? If not Lebron, then who?
After yesterday, Dwayne Wade will get a few votes. He was nothing short of amazing. Dude willed his team to victory.
For now still Kobe but maybe within 3 years neither Kobe or Lebron, according to Kenny Smith.....
A few votes for being better than Lebron? I don't think he would unless the voting took place in South Beach. :DMy opinion is the same as yours, that LeBron is the best around. I was just saying that, since topics like this are so subjective, Wade would likely get votes if people watched his performance yesterday.
Outstanding basketball player though. Remember the NBA Finals where he pretty much carried the team?
He can do that at times.
Are you a time traveller from the year 2008? ?/?
My opinion is the same as yours, that LeBron is the best around. I was just saying that, since topics like this are so subjective, Wade would likely get votes if people watched his performance yesterday.
Dwayne Wade will get a few votes.
There's no doubt. I can tell by the way you worded it.
There are even people who think that even though Kobe scores less, rebounds less, and doesn't pass as well, he's still the best in the league. (Churchy...Joshuag...I'm looking in your direction)
Lebron James. Best player in the NBA.
Is there any doubt left? If not Lebron, then who?
For now still Kobe but maybe within 3 years neither Kobe or Lebron, according to Kenny Smith.....
There are even people who think that even though Kobe scores less, rebounds less, and doesn't pass as well, he's still the best in the league. (Churchy...Joshuag...I'm looking in your direction)
*asking what he looking at......lol*
Ready to see my Spurs put away the Mavs tonight!I don't know how San Antonio does it year after year. I don't like them, but I've got mad respect for them. Popovich is a sure HOFer.
That plus a Lakers loss will make this a blessed Tuesday. ;D 8)
...finally! Boston vs. Cleveland. Let's get it on!
Cavs in 6.Did you expect anything less?
Laker blew the mess out of Thunder!
...I have to give the Bulls a standing ovation. They took it to Cleveland. D. Rose's shots just did not want to go in the cylinder late in the 4th. That's got to be tough. It'll be cool to see D. Wade with them back home next year. LOL
Did you expect anything less?
...I have to give the Bulls a standing ovation. They took it to Cleveland. D. Rose's shots just did not want to go in the cylinder late in the 4th. That's got to be tough. It'll be cool to see D. Wade with them back home next year. LOL
For now still Kobe but maybe within 3 years neither Kobe or Lebron, according to Kenny Smith.....
Kevin Durant!!
What's that churchyreal? You're just holding that glass of Kobe kool-aid for joshuag? Oh, ok.
:D :D :D
ATL lost to Milwaukee again. It was nice having ole Woodson around but now, He Gone
[url]http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/dan_shaughnessy/04/25/celtics/index.html[/url] ([url]http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/dan_shaughnessy/04/25/celtics/index.html[/url])
This is interesting. He thinks that the Celtics will beat the Cavs.
Anybody buying his argument?
...the playoffs just got real interesting to me. Seems like Cleveland's in trouble already.
...and Dwight Howard just donated $35k to the league. :-\
[url]http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Dwight-Howard-has-to-pay-35-000-just-for-blogg?urn=nba,237611[/url] ([url]http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Dwight-Howard-has-to-pay-35-000-just-for-blogg?urn=nba,237611[/url])
Yeeeeeaaaaahhh Baby!! ROUND TWO!!!!!
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Lebron to win 2nd MVP ([url]http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-james-mvp[/url])
Duh.
...yeah. Will he get that ring though? Shoot, will Kobe pick up his 2nd?
...yeah. Will he get that ring though? Shoot, will Kobe pick up his 2nd?
I don't know man. Boston looks rejuvenated and your Magic are no joke.
And Lebron is injured. :(
Well lakers won and the hawk won as well. Now comes the second round.. Lakers and jazz I say lakers in 6 if not 5.
Boston vs Cavs, If they slow down james then boston if they dont cavs in 6 if not 7.
The others are not that important hahah but the Orlando magics may beat boston and cavs hahahha
Lakers barely won.....lol but I guess a win is a win.
I say Lakers in 7, Hawks win their series Sunday, I got to think a little more on the Spurs/Suns series cause that is tight, I say Cavs in 7 and I think Magic will beat Hawks or Bucks.
Compared to Derek Fisher, he's a lightning bolt. LOL
The lakers always have a problem with fast guards... in the east there arent any fast point guards...lol and please dont say Mo' williams is fast, lol!!
Compared to Derek Fisher, he's a lightning bolt. LOL
The Lakers will win in 5/6...Utah is a great team but we (Lakers) have their numbers.
I agree but it's going to be tough to get back in the Finals. If Suns win, we/yall (since I'm not a true fan :P ::)) going to the Finals. If Spurs, it's going to be in 7 and boil down to small things.
I honestly believe that Lakers will beat any team in the Finals.
I made a few corrections for you.
When there's talk of the best point guards in the NBA, rarely is the name Rajon Rondo mentioned. Y'all betta rekanize! That boy is the troof! I don't even like Boston, but I know a superstar when I see one.
Truth.That's a testament to his work ethic. Dude is always working on his game. I hear he's even been working with Mark Price (one of the best free throw shooters of all time) to improve his free throws.
Initially he was considered the weakest link on the team and there was question as to whether they could win with him.
He's now the best thing Boston has going. All-Star calibur.
When there's talk of the best point guards in the NBA, rarely is the name Rajon Rondo mentioned. Y'all betta rekanize! That boy is the troof! I don't even like Boston, but I know a superstar when I see one.
So where would you put him rank wise? Right now I would go...That's tough for me. CP3 is my favorite, but I can't discount the intangibles that people like Rondo, Williams, J Kidd and others bring to the table. I'll try to give my top 5. (Some on the list are sentimental faves.) Here goes:
1. C. Paul
2. D. Williams
3. S. Nash
4. R. Rondo
5. J. Nelson
6. D. Rose
7. T. Parker
That's tough for me. CP3 is my favorite, but I can't discount the intangibles that people like Rondo, Williams, J Kidd and others bring to the table. I'll try to give my top 5. (Some on the list are sentimental faves.) Here goes:
1. CP3
2. D. Williams
3. S. Nash
4. Rondo
5. J. Kidd
The order of those is somewhat interchangeable for me. I'll take any of them, except for maybe Kidd (only because he's not as young as he used to be. But in his prime, most definitely)
1. C. Paul
2. D. Williams
3. S. Nash
4. R. Rondo
5. J. Nelson
6. D. Rose
7. T. Parker
1. CP3
2. D. Williams
3. S. Nash
4. Rondo
5. J. Kidd
This is why he didn't make the list. I really ment the PG's of now. Kidd is one of the best ever, but he's over the hill now.I'm not quite ready to say that he's over the hill yet. I mean, he's still one of the best floor generals out there. His game savy has done much for the Mavs this season. His numbers aren't what they used to be (except for his 3 point percentage, which I believe this season was the best of his career), but he still has such of a command for the offense and getting guys into position, that his contribution cannot be discounted.
Where's the love for Derrick Rose?!?!Well, I limited myself to five. So, there were a lot of guys who's game I love (including Rose) that I didn't put on. My list could go on and on, frankly.
Where Derek Fisher?...lol
He's on the Top 5 Point Guards that need to retire list. :DSJ, I need to borrow this for a second:
Where's the love for Derrick Rose?!?!
D. Rose is a very good, up and coming PG in the league. But, I think his assist per needs to go up. I'm all for little guys who can score, but for me, my PG needs to average 10 apg or get very close as well as putting the ball in the hole.
I do see where Kidd would fit higher on my list
In relation to this I think it was stupid to Fire the coach of the Bulls. They said Rose has had significant development under Del Negro. I think that's a ridiculous move.....but oh well.....lol!Not so stupid when you understand the dynamics of the relationship between Del Negro and the GM. You don't fight your boss and expect to keep your job.
D. Rose is a very good, up and coming PG in the league. But, I think his assist per needs to go up. I'm all for little guys who can score, but for me, my PG needs to average 10 apg or get very close as well as putting the ball in the hole.
I do see where Kidd would fit higher on my list
Not so stupid when you understand the dynamics of the relationship between Del Negro and the GM. You don't fight your boss and expect to keep your job.
I don't know how it all went down. Bottom line: you don't hit your boss and expect to stay employed.
I'm so disappointed in my Spurs. We just couldn't get it right last night. Fought back so many times and just kept letting it slip away. We gotta do better. :-\
...playing the Suns will not be a walk in the park man. San Antonio will be fine.
...on another note, Cleveland better make there adjustments because the Celtics aren't jokin' around.
...playing the Suns will not be a walk in the park man. San Antonio will be fine.
...on another note, Cleveland better make there adjustments because the Celtics aren't jokin' around.
I get just as much joy in a San Antonio loss as I do in a L.A. win.!!!!!
...I don't see L.A. in a 7 Game Series with Utah though. On the other hand they may be one Bynum away from it. :-\
...Well, my O-town boys get to get off their jet-ski's and play (practice) tonight. ;D
...well, I guess Atl. was tired last night. :-\ ;D
lol I guess so. Orlando looking like a championship contender and the Cavs & Celtics better be watching carefully.Always? You forget they swept Denver in round one of the 2008 playoffs. In fact, they have a history of game three wins.
Lakers looked alright and I guarantee you they will lose Game 3. For some reason, they always lose Game 3. I'm glad Lakers are playing Jazz instead of Nuggets.
Always? You forget they swept Denver in round one of the 2008 playoffs. In fact, they have a history of game three wins.
Orlando looking like a championship contender
Yes indeed. Great offensive weapons. Dwight makes them tough defensively.
Maybe everyone was wrong about Cleveland being favorites to win it all. :-\
If Lebron comes to the Knicks, I'd go to Knicks games for the first time in 15yrs. The city would be his.
...the Knicks are due man. I think he too knows that the city would be his. If it were me I'd be gone, no doubt!
So the Suns are up 2-0. I was thinking about which team would be better for Lakers and idk, I'm beginning to think Suns will give Lakers a run for the money because Suns are very fast and Lakers are just big......lol!
This going to be interesting!
So the Suns are up 2-0. I was thinking about which team would be better for Lakers and idk, I'm beginning to think Suns will give Lakers a run for the money because Suns are very fast and Lakers are just big......lol!
This going to be interesting!
Interesting...Who would the Raptors want in return? Odom and who? Who would the Lakers be willing to part with (that the Raptors would want). Possibility of a 3-team deal?
Please go sit down before you hurt yourself, LOL!!!
Here's the rumor, Bosh maybe going to the lakers this summer...
Interesting...Who would the Raptors want in return? Odom and who? Who would the Lakers be willing to part with (that the Raptors would want). Possibility of a 3-team deal?
Please go sit down before you hurt yourself, LOL!!!
Here's the rumor, Bosh maybe going to the lakers this summer...
Interesting...Who would the Raptors want in return? Odom and who? Who would the Lakers be willing to part with (that the Raptors would want). Possibility of a 3-team deal?
If I'm not mistaken, I think, Bosh is a FA.You're right. I forgot about that. In that case, who would they release?
That would be the dumbest trade in history! Lakers need to keep the team as is.I'm going to create a super hero based upon you. I'm going to name him Hyperbole Man.
You're right. I forgot about that. In that case, who would they release?I'm going to create a super hero based upon you. I'm going to name him Hyperbole Man.
That would be the dumbest trade in history! Lakers need to keep the team as is.
If I'm not mistaken, I think, Bosh is a FA.
Trading bynum for bosh wouldnt be to bad concerning bynum stays getting hurt every year
...I don't see Chris Bosh in L.A. Chris will probably be in the N.Y. with Lebron. lol New York better snatch these cats up NOW that they have the chance. This is a golden opportunity for them.
So is it ok for me to assume that you do not think Cleveland will win title this year?
:-\
It's hard to trade a player (Bosh) who isn't under contract with you. :D
bosh agreed or stated he wouldnt have a problem if raptors did a sign-n-trade with him, depending on the market...
The Hawks are toast.
The Hawks are toast.
...lol, Chris just wants to get out. Once again, New York better make some moves cause I know the Bobcats have no problem snatching him up. lol
Yeah now the question if they will even win 1 game. And while I'm at it, let me ask........is Woodson toast too?I hope not. Looking at his record, he's improved the team's win percentage every single year. It's only a matter of time before he gets a team deep into the playoffs. He deserves to continue, in my opinion. I hate when winning coaches get fired for not winning it all. In one year, only one out of 30 coaches can win it all. Should there be 29 firings each year?
:-\
I hope not. Looking at his record, he's improved the team's win percentage every single year. It's only a matter of time before he gets a team deep into the playoffs. He deserves to continue, in my opinion. I hate when winning coaches get fired for not winning it all. In one year, only one out of 30 coaches can win it all. Should there be 29 firings each year?
Right. That's how I feel as well. I mean he's improved the team each and every year he has coached. I think it's not fair that everytime a team falters, even if it did "good/great" the coach gets axed. For example, there are those that believe that if Cavs don't make Finals (which is looking more and more possible), Mike Brown is out. :-\If that happens, *in my best churchyreal voice*, that would be the dumbest executive decision ever made!
If that happens, *in my best churchyreal voice*, that would be the dumbest executive decision ever made!
Rajon Rondo: 29pts, 18 rebounds, 13 assists.Beast! I been tryna tell y'all!!!
Goodness gracious.
Rajon Rondo: 29pts, 18 rebounds, 13 assists.
Goodness gracious.
...those are numbers for a Center, Forward or Shooting Guard. What makes those numbers ridiculous is that Rondo is at the Point. :oYou must have been a Pistons fan back then. :D
...you know, they had guys in the 80's that came off the bench for one reason; put you on your back. When a Point Guard has those type of numbers and practically owns the Paint Area my mind drifts back to the 80's. lol
Lakers/Magic in Finals
Magic win in 6 or 7! Magic are dominant!
That's how I see it too. I'm pulling for the Cavs though.As am I. As far as Orlando's dominance is concerned, I'd say look at who they're playing before jumping to any conclusions. They're supposed to look dominant playing the likes of Miami and Atlanta. Playing Boston or Cleveland, I'd suspect they'd look far less dominant, if at all.
I think everyone underestimated the Celtics.Everyone? Not I. They've got the same core group of guys that won the championship two years ago. In addition, Rondo's game is far better now than when they won it all. They are, and always have been, a formidable opponent.
You must have been a Pistons fan back then. :D
As am I. As far as Orlando's dominance is concerned, I'd say look at who they're playing before jumping to any conclusions. They're supposed to look dominant playing the likes of Miami and Atlanta. Playing Boston or Cleveland, I'd suspect they'd look far less dominant, if at all.
If Magic face Celtics Magic win in 6. If they face Cavs its going to 7.
Old Superman vs. Young Superman.So am I....But first, the Cavs have to get rid of those pesky Celtics.
Shaq is not the player Dwight is at this point in his career but bigger he's than Dwight and probably stronger, which is saying something. I think if Shaq really turns it on (and he'll likely use the silly Superman thing as motivation), he can greatly diminish his impact. Howard, aka 'Foul on You' can't be constant in foul trouble as he was in in Round 1 and expect the Magic to beat the Cavs.
I think I'm looking forward to a possible Magic-Cavs matchup as much as any Finals matchup.
So am I....But first, the Cavs have to get rid of those pesky Celtics.
And that's no guarantee at this point.There are no guarantees in any series, only predictions.
There are no guarantees in any series, only predictions.
The Lakers vs Phoenix...should be a great series. I think my Lakers will take it in 6!
I think in 7.The only one I'd consider a major disappointment is San Antonio. Nonetheless, they were a 7 seed, so I guess the numbers panned out.
BTW this is the first time since 1999 that there have been 3 sweeps in the 2nd round. I can't believe we had 3 sweeps and the teams that were swept. Major disappointments!
As am I. As far as Orlando's dominance is concerned, I'd say look at who they're playing before jumping to any conclusions. They're supposed to look dominant playing the likes of Miami and Atlanta. Playing Boston or Cleveland, I'd suspect they'd look far less dominant, if at all.
They're supposed to look BETTER than both teams (you meant Charlotte, not Miami), but what they did to the Hawks, winning by an average of over 25ppg, was just ridiculous!If the Cavs win, I think it better prepares them for the next round. The Magic have only faced the equivalent of practice squads as of late. That won't be the case if they play either Boston or Cleveland. And you're right, I incorrectly mentioned Miami over Charlotte. My apologies to the lone Bobcat fan out there.
As of today the Magic are playing better than anyone in the playoffs.
How about this: The Magic swept. The Lakers swept. The Suns swept. And the Cavs are in the fight of their lives. :-\
If the Cavs win, I think it better prepares them for the next round. The Magic have only faced the equivalent of practice squads as of late. That won't be the case if they play either Boston or Cleveland. And you're right, I incorrectly mentioned Miami over Charlotte. My apologies to the lone Bobcat fan out there.
I believe Orlando gets the upper hand just because they get more rest. I don't think it'll be a cae walk but they'll take care of business in the Conference FinalsIs it possible that rest can equate to rust? I've seen it happen. I don't think they'll necessarily be rusty, but I'm not sure they can ride the same wave of momentum that they've been on of late. We'll soon see.
If the Cavs win, I think it better prepares them for the next round. The Magic have only faced the equivalent of practice squads as of late. That won't be the case if they play either Boston or Cleveland. And you're right, I incorrectly mentioned Miami over Charlotte. My apologies to the lone Bobcat fan out there.
My apologies to the lone Bobcat fan out there.
Is it possible that rest can equate to rust? I've seen it happen. I don't think they'll necessarily be rusty, but I'm not sure they can ride the same wave of momentum that they've been on of late. We'll soon see.
I think the Hawks are definitely better than a practice squad, but that's just me.You know, I once thought the same.....until that series. Maybe the Magic are just that good. I don't know. I hesitate to go that far.
You know, I once thought the same.....until that series. Maybe the Magic are just that good. I don't know. I hesitate to go that far.
Time will tell.Indeed. I'm certainly looking forward to it. You know, as we get deeper into the playoffs, I'm actually liking the idea of the Magic winning it all. At first, I really wanted LeBron to win it because he is such a good player and has really elevated the level of play of his teammates. But, I wouldn't mind seeing Howard win. I think then he will come out of Shaq's shadow. I still think his offensive game could use much improvement. He has the potential to dominate to the degree I haven't seen since Shaq was in his prime. But, I think he has the agility to be even more of a weapon than Shaq if he hones in his skills. I see his potential being something like a Shaq/Hakeem mix. The power of Shaq and the finesse of Hakeem. Can you imagine if Howard further improves his drop-step, his fade away, his overall range AND combines that with his power????? I shudder just thinking about it.
Indeed. I'm certainly looking forward to it. You know, as we get deeper into the playoffs, I'm actually liking the idea of the Magic winning it all. At first, I really wanted LeBron to win it because he is such a good player and has really elevated the level of play of his teammates. But, I wouldn't mind seeing Howard win. I think then he will come out of Shaq's shadow. I still think his offensive game could use much improvement. He has the potential to dominate to the degree I haven't seen since Shaq was in his prime. But, I think he has the agility to be even more of a weapon than Shaq if he hones in his skills. I see his potential being something like a Shaq/Hakeem mix. The power of Shaq and the finesse of Hakeem. Can you imagine if Howard further improves his drop-step, his fade away, his overall range AND combines that with his power????? I shudder just thinking about it.
That's a pretty bold statement. Hakeem is one of the most skilled big men I've seen.Hence the use of the word "potential". Not sure if he'll ever develop his game to that level. But, it sure would be a thing of beauty to see it come to fruition.
Rest can equate to rust but with Orlando, they only play one style of ball. So if their shooters are off, it wouldn't matter if they have 2 days or 2 months rest. I can see if they had a half-court game where timing and cutting is involved, but we all know that they will feed the post, wait for the double team, kick it back out and someone is going to launch. Other than that, they'll just let Nelson run. There's no execution element to their offense, so there will be no rust. Just a 48 minute shoot-a-round.
How bout a 32 point defeat of the Cavs? :o
And I bet Cavs win in Boston and this goes to 7 games like I predicted......lol! Maybe I'll be wrong. :-\ :D ;D
he still doesn't have that eye that a lot of us are used to seeing and have seen. The eye of continuous hunger to be great. The attitude that rubs off on your teamates and causes them to want to be great and give 120% night after night.
Went out and got the best record in the NBA and is about to lose to boston, hahaha Like I said before. Every team that has grabbed the best record in the nba over the past few years lost in the playoffs...lol !!!
Cavs are about to go fishing if their Golden child dont start playing ball... cause they got shaq, and jamison, etc that are good roll players...
As good as Lebron is, I believe the media and fans crowned him too early. King James really? He hasn't proved anything. That's why Scott Van Pelt took his throne in that SC commercial. :DI agree 100%!!!
It reminds me of Iverson's (The Answer) nickname; He didn't prove anything either.
As good as Lebron is, I believe the media and fans crowned him too early. King James really? He hasn't proved anything. That's why Scott Van Pelt took his throne in that SC commercial. :DHe is what they say he is. He has proven that he's one of the, if not THE best player in the league. Personally, I think there's more to the elbow issue than he's letting on. It's very unlike him to be as passive as he was throughout game 5. Something's definitely up.
It reminds me of Iverson's (The Answer) nickname; He didn't prove anything either.
He is what they say he is. He has proven that he's one of the, if not THE best player in the league. Personally, I think there's more to the elbow issue than he's letting on. It's very unlike him to be as passive as he was throughout game 5. Something's definitely up.
He is what they say he is. He has proven that he's one of the, if not THE best player in the league. Personally, I think there's more to the elbow issue than he's letting on. It's very unlike him to be as passive as he was throughout game 5. Something's definitely up.
He is what they say he is. He has proven that he's one of the, if not THE best player in the league. Personally, I think there's more to the elbow issue than he's letting on. It's very unlike him to be as passive as he was throughout game 5. Something's definitely up.
He is what they say he is. He has proven that he's one of the, if not THE best player in the league. Personally, I think there's more to the elbow issue than he's letting on. It's very unlike him to be as passive as he was throughout game 5. Something's definitely up.
At one point McGrady, Vince and AI were all deemed the best in the league. If Lebron is King, he should have a ring :-\. To me Kobe is still on top til he gets knocked down. I do agree that there has to be something else wrong with LBJ.
I don't recall a time when any of those guys were the concensus best at any point in their careers. Most exciting perhaps. The year after Jordan retired the Spurs won and Tim Duncan was considered the best. Not long after Kobe really took that over.
And yes, Lebron has taken that role from Kobe.
And no, you don't have to win a championship to be the best. That's Vulcan Logic at it's worst.
Here's the deal. Lebron is the best player in the NBA *who hasn't won a championship*.
Kobe is the best player in the NBA who have won a championship.
Only one way to remove them asteriks baby.
Put it like this. Kobe won't give Phoenix and/or the media a chance to dog him like they are doing LBJ today. The only reason I feel that Kobe's still at the top is because LBJ hasn't developed a winner's mentality. He doesn't have that killer instinct. When/If he ever gets that, will be the day he takes the top spot.
Put it like this. Kobe won't give Phoenix and/or the media a chance to dog him like they are doing LBJ today. The only reason I feel that Kobe's still at the top is because LBJ hasn't developed a winner's mentality. He doesn't have that killer instinct. When/If he ever gets that, will be the day he takes the top spot.I definitely can't get with the "winner's mentality" statement. As soon as I read that, him scoring the team's last 25 points in an epic performance in the playoffs comes to mind. That one on one duel with Pierce in the playoffs (I don't remember the year) was the stuff that legends are made of. Him averaging nearly a triple-double in the first round of this year's playoffs just doesn't speak of a man that doesn't have a winner's mentality.
I definitely can't get with the "winner's mentality" statement. As soon as I read that, him scoring the team's last 25 points in an epic performance in the playoffs comes to mind. That one on one duel with Pierce in the playoffs (I don't remember the year) was the stuff that legends are made of. Him averaging nearly a triple-double in the first round of this year's playoffs just doesn't speak of a man that doesn't have a winner's mentality.
Colin Cowherd had maybe the best theory on this situation out of any that I've heard. Basically he said that Lebron took a backseat on purpose. He was doin the same thing Kobe did against PHX that one year. He also brought up a GREAT point...
Boston has 'A' players in Rondo, Pierce, Allen/Garnett (depending on the matchup)
LA has 'A' players in Kobe, Gasol, and KILLER role players like Bynum, Artest and Odom
Orlando has 'A' players in Dwight, Nelson, and KILLER role palyers like VC, Pietrus, Lewis
Cleveland has 1 'A' player in LBJ ans mediocre role players
Mo disappeared, Jamison is too little...those are supposed to be LBJ's sidekicks and they are playin like CRAP...so basically Cowherd is sayin that Lebron is tryin to tell ownership that his team isnt as good as the other superstars (which is horribly true)...
Honestly thats the only thing that makes ANY sense to me....They arent really playing any D on LBJ...he showed game 3 that he can score whenever he wants to. He chose to lay back last night and let his team blow it. I mean just LOOK at it.....Kobe played like trash against OKC for a few games but his boys pickd him up and won. Dwight has played horrible and they aint even lost a game yet....Boston ANYBODY can kill you....This is definitely his best team in Cleveland BUT its still not that good...
Oh yeah, the coach stinks too...
Colin Cowherd had maybe the best theory on this situation out of any that I've heard. Basically he said that Lebron took a backseat on purpose. He was doin the same thing Kobe did against PHX that one year. He also brought up a GREAT point...
Boston has 'A' players in Rondo, Pierce, Allen/Garnett (depending on the matchup)
LA has 'A' players in Kobe, Gasol, and KILLER role players like Bynum, Artest and Odom
Orlando has 'A' players in Dwight, Nelson, and KILLER role palyers like VC, Pietrus, Lewis
Cleveland has 1 'A' player in LBJ ans mediocre role players
Mo disappeared, Jamison is too little...those are supposed to be LBJ's sidekicks and they are playin like CRAP...so basically Cowherd is sayin that Lebron is tryin to tell ownership that his team isnt as good as the other superstars (which is horribly true)...
Honestly thats the only thing that makes ANY sense to me....They arent really playing any D on LBJ...he showed game 3 that he can score whenever he wants to. He chose to lay back last night and let his team blow it. I mean just LOOK at it.....Kobe played like trash against OKC for a few games but his boys pickd him up and won. Dwight has played horrible and they aint even lost a game yet....Boston ANYBODY can kill you....This is definitely his best team in Cleveland BUT its still not that good...
Oh yeah, the coach stinks too...
IF LBJ is making that statement, hasn't he chosen the absolute WRONG time to make it? :-\And, if that's the statement he's making, I wouldn't want him on my team regardless of his talent and drawing power. For the record, I don't think he's making that statement, or any of it's kind at all.
Unless he's REALLY sayin': "This team sucks without me and I'm out!" :-\
IF LBJ is making that statement, hasn't he chosen the absolute WRONG time to make it? :-\
Unless he's REALLY sayin': "This team sucks without me and I'm out!" :-\
...man, he was out since last summer. lol N.Y. Yankee Cap is packed and ready to go again. lol Sorry Cleveland.
LJ isnt going to NY... More money but less of a team to play with.. LJ, Wade, Bosh all say the same thing they want a ring.. the money will follow regardless where they are at... none of them are going to a team less than what they have now and any team that picks them up will have to promise in writting, signed on the dotted line, there will be a number two and 3 person able to score 20 and 10...
IDK what hes sayin....but i know what I see.:o
Fact remains that his team is really puttin their foot in it. Like come on....he has NO player to pick him up....Cleveland is all make or break on him...which is way unfair. And by ownership doing the dumbest things ever, hes gettin clearly frustrated.....
BTW...i like dwight...so anything less than like 20/15/3 is totally unacceptable.......
LJ isnt going to NY... More money but less of a team to play with.. LJ, Wade, Bosh all say the same thing they want a ring.. the money will follow regardless where they are at... none of them are going to a team less than what they have now and any team that picks them up will have to promise in writting, signed on the dotted line, there will be a number two and 3 person able to score 20 and 10...
Thats whats gonna make this free agency soooooooooo dope.....cuz all the teams can get somebody +1
NY has the cap room to go get two and keep david lee possibly
Nj has the cap room to go get one and they got god young players to develop
Chi-town can go get one to play wit D-Rose
Miami can go get one to play wit D Wade or get 2 different ones
...let me give you something else to think about. I heard about this on Mike & Mike. The New Jersey Nets' near future looks very promising.
[url]http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/2010/05/11/2010-05-11_owner_approved_call_em_new_jersey_nyets.html[/url] ([url]http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/2010/05/11/2010-05-11_owner_approved_call_em_new_jersey_nyets.html[/url])
...LBJ can pack the new arena in Brooklyn where they will move. They'll also have plenty of good picks in the Draft Lottery and again, lots of money. hmmm...
The location of that arena is about 20 minutes from my house. I would be buying Nets tickets like there's no tomorrow. I hear Jay-z is trying to woo James to NY. As much as I'd love it, It's hard to see him leaving Cleveland.
The location of that arena is about 20 minutes from my house. I would be buying Nets tickets like there's no tomorrow. I hear Jay-z is trying to woo James to NY. As much as I'd love it, It's hard to see him leaving Cleveland.
...yes Jay Z is. Yeah right dude, you'll see how hard it is for him to leave Cleveland if they lose Thurs. lol I bet the Yankees already sent him an Official Cap with LJ#6 on the side. LOL
IDK what hes sayin....but i know what I see.
Fact remains that his team is really puttin their foot in it. Like come on....he has NO player to pick him up....Cleveland is all make or break on him...which is way unfair. And by ownership doing the dumbest things ever, hes gettin clearly frustrated.....
BTW...i like dwight...so anything less than like 20/15/3 is totally unacceptable.......
It's funny how the Cavs were the favorites two weeks ago! Everyone said, "Cleveland has/had the deepest bench in the playoffs." Funny how things change so soon...smh. Now, LBJ doesn't have any help...C'MON SON! They had the best record in the league, they had the best home record in the league. For them to come out and lose twice at home...the way they did, it's unacceptable! If he wants to be mentioned with the greats of the game...he needs to play like them on a nightly basis.
It's funny how the Cavs were the favorites two weeks ago! Everyone said, "Cleveland has/had the deepest bench in the playoffs." Funny how things change so soon...smh. Now, LBJ doesn't have any help...C'MON SON! They had the best record in the league, they had the best home record in the league. For them to come out and lose twice at home...the way they did, it's unacceptable! If he wants to be mentioned with the greats of the game...he needs to play like them on a nightly basis.
Cleveland's point guards need to step up on both ends of the court. Rondo makes them look silly. They need to start returning the favor. The question is, are they able? Or, are they only good....well...adequate...for spotting up for 3's?
Kobe hasn't been playing great on a "nightly basis".
Difference? Kobe's teammates are picking up the slack when Kobe has been less than great.
In the first round Dwight spent half the series on the bench in foul trouble. That team is so good it really didn't matter. Orlando swept.
If Lebron doesn't have a great game the Cavs have a slim chance of winning.
Just sayin.
Cleveland's point guards need to step up on both ends of the court. Rondo makes them look silly. They need to start returning the favor. The question is, are they able? Or, are they only good....well...adequate...for spotting up for 3's?
I have a big issue with this. Not because of the quote, but because we are expecting them to do something they can't. I agree they need to step up on the defensive end, but they can't do it on the offensive if LBJ always has the ball in his hands. Just look at the stats from when Mo Williams was with the Bucks til now. Assist are down and turnovers are up. He's not the floor General, so I can't expect that to happen.He's not the floor general because he's not stepping into that role. That role isn't going to be given to him (or Delonte). He's got to step into it, like Rondo did. Let's say, for example, that somehow Cleveland landed Deron Williams or Chris Paul. Do you think that they would stop being floor generals and sit back and watch LeBron? No way! Instead, they'd be salivating at all of the pick and roll and alley oop opportunities that playing alongside a talent like his provides. They'd still be in the 20/10 club too.
Kobe hasn't been playing great on a "nightly basis".
He's not the floor general because he's not stepping into that role. That role isn't going to be given to him (or Delonte). He's got to step into it, like Rondo did. Let's say, for example, that somehow Cleveland landed Deron Williams or Chris Paul. Do you think that they would stop being floor generals and sit back and watch LeBron? No way! Instead, they'd be salivating at all of the pick and roll and alley oop opportunities that playing alongside a talent like his provides. They'd still be in the 20/10 club too.
I said, "If he wants to be mentioned with the greats...he needs to play like them on a nightly basis." A bad offensive game doesn't mean he didn't hustle on D, gather rebounds, dish out assist and what not. The overall game constitutes a great night not just one aspect of it....JMT.
How can he step into that role if the offense requires LBJ to have the ball in his hands once they get past half court? Like I said, check the assist stats of Mo from when he was with the Bucks and now. There is a big difference when you run the show. As for Rondo, when Doc finally let him run the show, assist and points increased. Before that, Pierce ran the show.
How can he step into that role if the offense requires LBJ to have the ball in his hands once they get past half court? Like I said, check the assist stats of Mo from when he was with the Bucks and now. There is a big difference when you run the show. As for Rondo, when Doc finally let him run the show, assist and points increased. Before that, Pierce ran the show.Doc didn't just now let him run the show. The show was his to run for at least a couple of years. You never answered my question about Williams or Paul. My point is that the offense runs through LeBron because it has to. No one else steps up consistantly or with the same level of sucesss. If Mo or Delonte ran the point like CP3, there'd be no discussion about who the offense runs through. Before trades and injuries, West was New Orleans' go-to guy, but the offense ran through CP3. The same thing would be the case in Cleve. with a star PG.
Are we looking at the same stats?
Career high with Bucks: 6.3
This year with Cavs: 5.3
He wasn't exactly John Stockton before he came to the Cavs. What he can do very well is score, and his scoring has decreased in the playoffs.
I can see the Stockton point, but the -1 assist isn't because the guy he passed it to, missed the shot. There was a big strategy shift for Mo when he got to Cleveland. Let's face it; Rondo is better the Mo except for 3pt shooting. Even on defense. So what do we really expect Mo to do (as in step up)?
Absolutely. If there was any doubt about that before this series, there's none now.Most definitely
Rondo has put himself in the conversation of best pgs in the league.
Absolutely. If there was any doubt about that before this series, there's none now.
Rondo has put himself in the conversation of best pgs in the league.
Doc didn't just now let him run the show. The show was his to run for at least a couple of years. You never answered my question about Williams or Paul. My point is that the offense runs through LeBron because it has to. No one else steps up consistantly or with the same level of sucesss. If Mo or Delonte ran the point like CP3, there'd be no discussion about who the offense runs through. Before trades and injuries, West was New Orleans' go-to guy, but the offense ran through CP3. The same thing would be the case in Cleve. with a star PG.
LL, I didn't even see this response. CP3 or Williams would run the show in Cleveland and LBJ be the go-to-guy. Those are two pure PGs while I don't think Mo is. He definitely doesn't have the vision as the others. But that's Cleveland's fault. I didn't think he should've made the Allstar team period. IMOAnd that brings to mind this question: If LeBron stays in Cleveland, do you guys think that the Cavs should pursue a true PG? If so, should they move Williams to the 2 position or just get rid of him (or Delonte) period? I feel like they've got enough key components to win it all. I believe the PG position is the weakest link in their chain. They've got a whole crew of good fowards, and solid players at the 5 spot. Granted, Shaq is less of a force than he was in years past, but he can still do damage in spots.
And that brings to mind this question: If LeBron stays in Cleveland, do you guys think that the Cavs should pursue a true PG? If so, should they move Williams to the 2 position or just get rid of him (or Delonte) period? I feel like they've got enough key components to win it all. I believe the PG position is the weakest link in their chain. They've got a whole crew of good fowards, and solid players at the 5 spot. Granted, Shaq is less of a force than he was in years past, but he can still do damage in spots.
And that brings to mind this question: If LeBron stays in Cleveland, do you guys think that the Cavs should pursue a true PG? If so, should they move Williams to the 2 position or just get rid of him (or Delonte) period? I feel like they've got enough key components to win it all. I believe the PG position is the weakest link in their chain. They've got a whole crew of good fowards, and solid players at the 5 spot. Granted, Shaq is less of a force than he was in years past, but he can still do damage in spots.
Trade Mo and Delonte. I think they should pick up Andre Miller and/or try to steal D. Collison from the N.O.
Trade Mo and Delonte. I think they should pick up Andre Miller and/or try to steal D. Collison from the N.O.You know, Andre Miller came to mind as I asked that question. I think he'd make a great fit.
Picture this...Lebron going out west. I know at this stage it's about the money and loyalty to the city. But I think Lebron is better off going to the Western Conference if he wants to win a ring. The west is not as powerful as it has been in recent years and most of those relavent teams are aging. Kobe, Nash, The Spurs, Key pieces to the Nuggets; will be or are on the down slope and the only comp will be those boys from OKC. What do you think?
Picture this...Lebron going out west. I know at this stage it's about the money and loyalty to the city. But I think Lebron is better off going to the Western Conference if he wants to win a ring. The west is not as powerful as it has been in recent years and most of those relavant teams are aging. Kobe, Nash, The Spurs, Key pieces to the Nuggets; will be or are on the down slope and the only comp will be those boys from OKC. What do you think?I guess it depends upon how much money Western teams have available to make it happen. I faintly remember someone saying something about the Clippers. I really don't know. What I hear the most is that the teams with the best financial ability to put the pieces of the puzzle in place for LeBron are the Knicks and Nets, maybe the Bulls as well.
And that brings to mind this question: If LeBron stays in Cleveland, do you guys think that the Cavs should pursue a true PG? If so, should they move Williams to the 2 position or just get rid of him (or Delonte) period? I feel like they've got enough key components to win it all. I believe the PG position is the weakest link in their chain. They've got a whole crew of good fowards, and solid players at the 5 spot. Granted, Shaq is less of a force than he was in years past, but he can still do damage in spots.
A one two punch in the nba these days wont get you a ring... (unless your Kobe)
27 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists.How does one have a monster game like that and somehow still look bad? Maybe it was the massive amount of turnovers or maybe the low shooting percentage. Maybe it was the combination of the two. He just looked off to me.
He did everything he could. Injury and all.
How does one have a monster game like that and somehow still look bad? Maybe it was the massive amount of turnovers or maybe the low shooting percentage. Maybe it was the combination of the two. He just looked off to me.
...okay so we have Boston vs Orlando and L.A. vs. Phoenix.
...what are the match-ups to watch out for? What do the teams need to do to win?
...for me, Dwight Howard has got to stay out of Foul trouble yet play hard. Jameer Nelson is going to have to make Rondo play Defense yet Jameer is going to have to play tight Defense on Rondo. Vince Carter is going to have to slash and quit falling in love with the Jump Shot. The problems for Orlando IMHO will be in the paint. This will not be a walk in the park Series for my dudes. The Magic are about to really get tested.
I see both series being 7 games and I'm almost ready to believe that any one of the 4 teams are capable of being in the finals. The suns' speed will be interesting to watch and what the Lakers do. Yet I still believe size will be absolutely critical and will be the reason the Lakers win. I imagine this like the Thunder/Lakers series that went to 6. As far as Magic/Celtics that could go either way because I'm not taking Celtics lightly anymore like I did before facing Cavs! Right now my main prediction is:
Lakers vs. Magic in Finals and with Magic winning in 6 or 7.
My secondary pick is Lakers vs. Celtics in finals with Lakers winning in 7.
[url]http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AmRjCf0.EeBXf8AnbEbjH205nYcB?slug=ap-hawks-woodsonfired[/url] ([url]http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AmRjCf0.EeBXf8AnbEbjH205nYcB?slug=ap-hawks-woodsonfired[/url])
Shocker or not?......hmmm.
Woodson out as Hawks coach. To me it's kind of suprising because the team improved every year under his watch then again it's not that suprising.
[url]http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5189101[/url] ([url]http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5189101[/url])
OMG as I'm finding out about Woodson gone, now ESPN reports Mike Brown fired from the Cavs. This move is not as suprising.
The 2010 offseason will be very intriguing!
After seeing him get out-coached by Doc Rivers, this was neither disappointing nor surprising.
Yep ESPN just reported that both Mike Woodson and Mike Brown have been canned. I knew some heads had to roll but it still kinda shocks you when it happens. I know my opinion may not be taken well but I think that the Cavs quit on Mike Brown. Yes his offensive scheme leaves a lot to be desired but he shouldn't have to coach...WANT TO. After Game 3 I thought that the Cavs would wax the Celtics but something went terribly wrong...and guess what someone has to pay for that. Neither of these coaches will be unemployed for long. IMO
How does one have a monster game like that and somehow still look bad? Maybe it was the massive amount of turnovers or maybe the low shooting percentage. Maybe it was the combination of the two. He just looked off to me.
no body else was playing and boston gave him his points but kept the rest of the cavs from scoring.. also they kept james out of the paint.. his jump shot is not the greatest... even though everyone thinks so
Yea, he did look off. He gave it his best though.
Pretty much. There was no Robin to Lebron's Batman. Boston did a great job.
Lebron is a good shooter. Is he a better shooter than Nowitzki or Stephen Curry? No.
He's not great, he's good.
Mike Brown deserved to get fired.
...well, I hope the Lakers vs. Suns game tonight isn't as bad as the Magic/Celtics. :-\Too bad. It was good to see him contributing. I'm no Laker fan, but I always like to see a guy come back from injuries and thrive. (Gotta love Grant Hill)
...this may be Bynum's last game too. That knee could only take so much. :-\
Too bad. It was good to see him contributing. I'm no Laker fan, but I always like to see a guy come back from injuries and thrive. (Gotta love Grant Hill)
...yeah, he's too young to be having all of these injuries. Man, Grant Hill is SOLID!!! Its very inspiring for me to watch him play. 37 yrs. old too. Wow!I think, because he spent so many of his years injured, he's not playing on normal 37 year old legs (by NBA standards).
Who here is man or woman enough to pick the Suns to win over the Lakers?? Cuz I'm not :-\ ;D :D
Who here is man or woman enough to pick the Suns to win over the Lakers?? Cuz I'm not :-\ ;D :DMan, I'd love to see the Suns (Steve Nash, in particular) win it all. Anything's possible, frankly. Sure, I pick the Suns. I have no clue whether or not they'll win, but I'll pick 'em anyway.
bynum will be ok, he will most likely play in the next game as well as tonight. Kobe will do kobe, and because the Suns are not that great on defense the lakers rollplayers will score much easier then if they played boston at the moment.
As for the finals, lakers will try and hold bynum and kobe back a little so they wil just do enough to win the series with the Suns but thats it. Now in the finals the lakers will put it all out kobe will run on one leg if need be and bynum will stand in one place if need be to win... Look what L.A did with thunder and that was a very fast pace team that could score they werent 100% then... So we will see what happens
Side note LJ is going somewhere but it wont be Cavs LOL!!!!
Where you think?Personally, at this point, I just don't care. I just hope his decision-making process doesn't turn out to be Favre-like. I want it over- SOON!
Personally, at this point, I just don't care. I just hope his decision-making process doesn't turn out to be Favre-like. I want it over- SOON!
Personally, at this point, I just don't care. I just hope his decision-making process doesn't turn out to be Favre-like. I want it over- SOON!
Man! The Lakers handled the Suns tonight! Odom really steped up and Kobe did his usual thing.
[/quote
Yes!!!
Free Agency is still 6 weeks away, so we've only just begun the rampant speculation and suppositions!
This NBA offseason could be more exciting than the regular season.
Lebron. Wade. Bosh. These guys are getting the lion's share of the media attention. But what about:
Nowitzki. Yao Ming. Joe Johnson. Amare Stoudemire. Rudy Gay. David Lee. Ray Allen. Richard Jefferson. Nate Robinson. Josh Howard. Jermaine O'Neal. Carlos Boozer. Paul Pierce. Tyrus Thomas.
July will be an exciting time for the NBA!!!
Nowitzki- he isnt leaving his team, and he wants to go where they will win and LA dont want him
Yao Ming- always hurt, too risky
Joe Johnson- not a great player but a good player, and not your number two punch but your 3rd option
Amare Stoudemire- He's playing in the wrong position, if he played in his natural position he wouldnt be putting up those same numbers, a PF at center
Rudy Gay- good player, but not great
David Lee- if I played for NY I would be the best player on the court for them too, haha he dont have muchh but him.
Ray Allen- AGE
Richard Jefferson-WHO, where, what team he playing for???
Nate Robinson- too small,
Josh Howard- stay hurt
Jermaine O'Neal- the young JO yes but the old one NO, he isnt doing much in miami and wont do much anywhere else.
Carlos Boozer- miami is his only hope ceause other than the Jazz no one will give up a younger player for him
Paul Pierce- too old and aint leaving Boston just like ray allen
Tyrus Thomas- can jump, run, block, but jumper is not there, doesnt play undercontrol
With LJ, wade, bosh if you combine two of them on any team you will be n play-offs and depending on your center and point guard you will get rings (Nash, billups, CP3) honestly you could put any point guard out there with them haha.. Now their egos can stay under control bring two or 3 of them together would be crazy, LA would have a fight in playoffs, But there is only two coaches that can handle the egos of all those guys on one team (riley and jackson) any other coach would get walked on and over quickly, and they dont have the guts to beach them but riley or jackson... hahah just think LJ being beached
This whole statement was very opinionated
Man if Kobe and Odum keep playing like they played last night, they are going to sweep the Suns. As far as the Eastern Conference is concerned, I really think that this series will go 7 games. The Magic will bounce back tonight.
I hope that someone puts a team together that can threaten the Lakers, otherwise its going to be chalk city year after year for the Lake show. :-\
Eastern conference could do anyway at this point but I still see Orlando coming out of Eastern Conference. I still think Magic are more capable of beating Lakers than Celtics this year. But the way it's looking.....idk!
As a Laker fan, I hope Boston beats the Magic because I will like to avenge our loss to them in 2008.
I'll have to go back through my old posts, but I coulda sworn I warned y'all about the Celtics. I admit, I was pulling for Cleveland, but I never doubted Boston's ability to surpise a lot of folks.
Boston never ceases to impress me. They play like a real team on both ends of the floor. They're a well-coached squad who has bought in to the ideals of their leader.
Right,In a way, I don't mind it. This is an opportunity for real coaches to coach, develop new game plans if the old one didn't work, stay ahead of the opponent. Granted, you can do that in one day too, but not as much thought will have gone into it.
However IF (and that's a big IF because you never know what Orlando might do) they make it to the Finals, they will lose to the Lakers in 6 or 7.....I guarantee it.
While I'm at, let me say that I have a problem with such the large gap between last night's game and the game Saturday. That's ridiculous to me!
As a Laker fan, I hope Boston beats the Magic because I will like to avenge our loss to them in 2008.
I hope to see a Lakers/Celtics finals.
I hope to see a Lakers/Celtics finals. Both are playing the best basketball right now, and it- to me- seems to be the match-up that will provide the most hard-faught series. That is not to say that the other two teams will not fight hard, but I just see this match-up as one of the ones that can go down in history as one of the best series- two storied franchises, one legendary coach, a Hall of Fame trio, a rising star, one of the game's best all-time players...and so on. Should be good for the ratings too.
...yeah, Orlando is missing Turk and Alston in my opinion. (Playmakers) The better Finals will be Boston and L.A. I actually see Boston beating L.A. They are playing hard nose defense which Pau Gasol isn't ready for. Bynum will also have issues with it. Odom and Artest will have to step up in that Series.
True. Not as good as Cavs - Lakers, but the history between these teams is enough to bring in good ratings.
...man, I thought L.A. was going to sweep Phoenix. :-\
I'm not shocked at all, considering the nature of NBA execs. I am, however, disappointed.
I didn't. I felt Suns would win at least 1 game. Lakers lose 3 game many times for some odd reason.
I'm totally shocked by the Magic and seriously underestimated Celitcs. At this point, it's looking like a Lakers/Celtics Finals and I want Lakers to win bad but to be honest, I would not be suprised if Celtics win in 6 again like 2008. Celtics are on a roll!
True. Not as good as Cavs - Lakers, but the history between these teams is enough to bring in good ratings.
If it's Lakers/Celtics, I may catch a part of a couple of games. Both teams are playing great TEAM ball. It may actually be interesting.
...yay! Orlando is not getting swept! :D
LOL! Maybe they will be the first team to ever be down 3-0 and win the series.........
NOT ;D :D
I'm kinda torn. On one hand, I'm glad the Magic got a win. I'd even like to see them win again, but for some reason, I'd like to see Boston win it all.
I'm still a little puzzled by the Cavs' decision to let go of Mike Brown. How do you fire someone who has won 66% of the games he's coached for your team- the coach of the year at that? He's taken his team to the brink of a championship. Unfortunately, there can only be one winner. He wasn't that guy, but that doesn't justify firing him, in my opinion. That's like saying, "Your body of work makes no difference. We're only going to judge you based upon your last series." The same thing happened to Byron Scott after winning the Coach of the Year honor. I just don't understand it.
I totally see what you're saying. Maybe they felt like it was Championship year and Cavs actually exited out earlier than last year. You know Cleveland was the favorite to win it all so I guess they felt that this was suppose to be it and that it faltered on lack of motivation or game plan not put together. Idk.Yes, I agree that the expectations were high. Maybe it's my thinking that's flawed. I guess owners only build teams for the post-season, so once you get there, that's when you go under the microscope. While I can see that line of thinking, I think it's short-sighted. Here's why:
Yes, I agree that the expectations were high. Maybe it's my thinking that's flawed. I guess owners only build teams for the post-season, so once you get there, that's when you go under the microscope. While I can see that line of thinking, I think it's short-sighted. Here's why:
If you have a coach that keeps getting your team to the post-season here's the trickle-down effect-
- More regular season ticket sales
- More overall income due to playing in the post-season
- More team jersey sales
- More concession revenues (due to having better attendance)
- More national exposure (TV time)
- etc...
Let's look at the Philadelphia Eagles as a prime example. I don't know all of the statistics off hand, but I do know that under Donovan McNabb, they went to the NFC championship multiple years. They went to the Superbowl one time. The stadium stays sold out for home games. Team jersey sales are among the leage leaders every year. They get much TV coverage- even in non-Philly markets. It all means much income for Jeffrey Lurie. That's why Andy Reid is still around despite never winning the Superbowl. Maybe there's a difference in mentality between football owners and basketball, but it shouldn't be too different. I don't know. I'm just baffled at how firing a winner is justified.
I'm kinda torn. On one hand, I'm glad the Magic got a win. I'd even like to see them win again, but for some reason, I'd like to see Boston win it all.
Yes, I agree that the expectations were high. Maybe it's my thinking that's flawed. I guess owners only build teams for the post-season, so once you get there, that's when you go under the microscope. While I can see that line of thinking, I think it's short-sighted. Here's why:
If you have a coach that keeps getting your team to the post-season here's the trickle-down effect-
- More regular season ticket sales
- More overall income due to playing in the post-season
- More team jersey sales
- More concession revenues (due to having better attendance)
- More national exposure (TV time)
- etc...
Let's look at the Philadelphia Eagles as a prime example. I don't know all of the statistics off hand, but I do know that under Donovan McNabb, they went to the NFC championship multiple years. They went to the Superbowl one time. The stadium stays sold out for home games. Team jersey sales are among the leage leaders every year. They get much TV coverage- even in non-Philly markets. It all means much income for Jeffrey Lurie. That's why Andy Reid is still around despite never winning the Superbowl. Maybe there's a difference in mentality between football owners and basketball, but it shouldn't be too different. I don't know. I'm just baffled at how firing a winner is justified.
Define "fine", cuz Byron hasn't coached in a couple of years. I think he deserves another shot. Then again, those chairs at ESPN do look kinda comfy, and there's a whole lot less stress.
...honestly, Mike Brown and Byron Scott will be fine. They have an opportunity to coach a group of guys that want to win and play team ball. Mike had a lot of headaches in that Cavs team.
...I was listening to some guys on ESPN News talk about how Lebron can have a say so or choice as to who he wants his next Coach to be and why. I think that's stupid! The Owner might as well give King James ownership if that's the case.
Define "fine", cuz Byron hasn't coached in a couple of years. I think he deserves another shot. Then again, those chairs at ESPN do look kinda comfy, and there's a whole lot less stress.
Maybe Lebron should be a player-coach like Bill Russell was...hmmm.Yep!! I believe that Coach Mike Brown will definitely land on his feet. I don't think that Byron Scott is necessarily the answer for Cleveland...I would do all I can to get Phil Jackson, a coach who has what they are trying to get.
Yep!! I believe that Coach Mike Brown will definitely land on his feet. I don't think that Byron Scott is necessarily the answer for Cleveland...I would do all I can to get Phil Jackson, a coach who has what they are trying to get.
True but while I"m a Lakers fan........for now.....I want Jackson to stay and end his career with Los Angeles or stay and win 2 more titles and then end his career in Chicago.....haha! ;DI don't want him to leave LA either but Dr. Buss is trying to get him to take a huge pay cut. I don't think that's fair to Phil. Just my honest opinion though. :-\
I don't want him to leave LA either but Dr. Buss is trying to get him to take a huge pay cut. I don't think that's fair to Phil. Just my honest opinion though. :-\
Well we've got ourselves a series people. Suns/Lakers 2-2. Not suprising at all to me. Expecting this thing to go to 7. Lakers really having problems with the Zone Defense....wow!
An Orlando comeback would be wonderful, but I don't think it's going to happen. Orlando may have the better team, according to some, but Boston has the better coach (according to me ;D)
An Orlando comeback would be wonderful, but I don't think it's going to happen. Orlando may have the better team, according to some, but Boston has the better coach (according to me ;D)
Maybe they are trying to improve the bench (which is, to me, their biggest weakness right now) and need someone to take a pay cut. BTW do you think Lakers should trade someone for Chris Bosh?I don't think that Bosh would fit, simply because he doesn't know the meaning of the word. "defense"
I'm going to use a hyperbole.....I guess ::) and say that the technical foul call against Perkins in the 2nd quarter of the Celtics/Magic game is the worst technical foul call I've seen in about 15 years of watching the NBA....the absolute worst!!!Yes, that was an unfortunate call. I think it will get reversed. Although, the replay shows that while he's walking away, he utters an expletive. Maybe that's why he was tee'd up.
Yes, that was an unfortunate call. I think it will get reversed. Although, the replay shows that while he's walking away, he utters an expletive. Maybe that's why he was tee'd up.
I think that if Orlando wins tonight, the series will be over for the Celtics. You can't allow yourself to wake a sleeping giant. Also, I can't believe that the Lakers lost. :o :o :o :o :o :o
It's good to see your boys gave you cause to but your Orlando Magic Jersey back on JFunky(did you change your pic to Fl Marlins or Rays). ;D ;D They did a good job. You gotta stick with your boys though win, lose or draw.
...btw, I'm not even going to lie to you all; I was scared and NOT laughing when Glen "Big Baby" Davis went down. I didn't see the elbow to the face but did see the flopping around at the time. After watching an ESPN special on Hank Gathers a few weeks ago my heart dropped and I was hollering "someone get the Paramedics!" Scary moment...
...I was happy to see he was fine and only had a Zab "Don't ever play with matches" Judah moment. ;)
The same thing happened to me during a game...my pride got in the way, I didn't want to fall....I staggered from one side of the court to the other. If somebody had hit me...I would've been down for the count.Happenend to me when I was playing football. I had one defender to beat. He went low and I tried to hurdle him. He caught my toe or something and I ended up landing on my head. Everything started going grey. I stood up to run back to the huddle. Instead, I wobbled along the sidelines. My coach immediately had me take a knee. After a few minutes I was fine, but he wouldn't let me play anymore.
Anybody ready to buy into Orlando making history?
...hey, Boston's hockey team went down after leading 3-0 this year. The city will go numb when the same thing happens to the Celtics. lol
I have a feeling it will be close. LA will do a better job against the zone, but Phoenix's confidence is pretty high. I believe their bench will step up again- maybe not with as many points, but with the energy and defensive intensity.Man, TNT or ESPN oughta be paying me!
Man, TNT or ESPN oughta be paying me!
Man, TNT or ESPN oughta be paying me!
And that being the first time ever in the NBA that happening?.....uh yeah.....LOL!
And that being the first time ever in the NBA that happening?.....uh yeah.....LOL!
Wow, Lakers barely won tonight thanks to Ron Artest.....LOL! I predict Lakers lose Game 6 and win Game 7 at home. The conspiracy theorist in me believes that.....LOL!
I don't think Phoenix utilized the zone the way they did in game 3 or 4...the bench didn't perform anywhere near what they did in game 3 or 4.
I love my Lakers!Bandwagoner! ;D
Bandwagoner! ;D
LL how could you say such a thing! I'm too much of lady to be bandwagon jumping :DYes ma'am. I stand corrected. :D
FYI mister, I've been a fan of the Lakers since the '90s. When all those people made a big hoop la about the Cavs when Lebron came on the scene, I didn't budge and I won't even if Kobe were to leave sooooo :P
:D :D :D
I love my Lakers!
<----Has NO dog in this fight...just wantsbasketball season to be overfootball season to begin. 8)
I'd like to see the old guys win another one.
If for no other reason than to hush the Lakers fanboys. They're almost as bad as theAppleJets fanboys. :P
I fixed it for you....
I hear your heart man. I hear you. :D
[url]http://lebron-james-watch.si.com/2010/06/01/pastor-delivers-sermon-on-lebron/[/url] ([url]http://lebron-james-watch.si.com/2010/06/01/pastor-delivers-sermon-on-lebron/[/url])
This is funny. This preacher does a sermon on the Lebron James situation and proposes what Lebron should do.