NBA 2012-2013 Discussion, keep it classy

[Power Player]

Agree with all of it. The problem with Dwight is his lack of offensive game, even though he did develop both hands, he still cant finish unless he is close to the rim.

His defense is devastating though. What I hate is how he blamed Orlando for everything. The Magic built a team around him and didn't even get a real PF so he could have all that space underneath to shake and bake and he still sucked on offense.

I truly think he should go to Dallas and play next to Dirk. That would be his best bet. Without Kobe, he has no chance in LA.

LA needs to find the next star wing to groom under Kobe if they intend to keep Dwight.

Of course that may be a problem since they emptied 9mm a year on Steve Nash who no one will want.

I am sure they will try and trad Gasol for youth, but why not keep Gasol at C and trade Dwight to HOU for youth instead? It just does not seem like Gasol has much value on the trade market.

Dwight will have Harden, and that would be a good situation for him.

 

[stringertom]

Jason Collins breaks the barrier by coming out today...first admitted gay player in any of the four major American sports leagues.

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

Agree with all of it. The problem with Dwight is his lack of offensive game, even though he did develop both hands, he still cant finish unless he is close to the rim.

There's no reason why the likes of Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan, and even Serge Ibaka are more offensively polished than Dwight Howard. All of them have less years in the league and all came into the league equally raw offensively.

There are even footage of Dwight Howard working out with The Dream. Why don't we see it in the game? The Dream became The Dream because he was slightly undersized, so he shook the bigger guys (Patrick Ewing, David Robinson, Shaq, etc.)

Dwight Howard is bigger than everyone he's going up against, why is he flinging his arm and getting tagged with offensive fouls left and right?

 

[CCNM]

Jason Collins breaks the barrier by coming out today...first admitted gay player in any of the four major American sports leagues.

Congratulations to him. I hope he doesn't suffer too much for doing it (losing endorsements, being ostracised?, etc).

 

[bluetrain4]

Congratulations to him. I hope he doesn't suffer too much for doing it (losing endorsements, being ostracised?, etc).

Problem is he's an aging player with declining skills, so he may not get picked up in free agency.

I say that simply because I really want to see how it would all play out - what would fan reaction, teammate dynamics, and press coverage look like if he were actually on a roster and visible to all watching. There's still a chance of that happening, but there's also a very realistic chance that he won't get signed.

Anyway, congrats to him.

 

[Feña14]

Jason Collins breaks the barrier by coming out today...first admitted gay player in any of the four major American sports leagues.

Are you watching the build up to the Bulls game on TNT? Shaq, Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith talked about it at length, they always make some great points, it was interesting to hear their opinions on it.

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

Are you watching the build up to the Bulls game on TNT? Shaq, Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith talked about it at length, they always make some great points, it was interesting to hear their opinions on it.

I think Charles Barkley said it best:

Something along the lines of... First of all, it's none of my business (whether he's gay or not). He should be allowed do and be as he pleases. Second of all, it's great that he's taken a leadership role on this matter.

 

[LeeD]

Warriors still in it..... ho hum.

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

Marc Gasol >> Brook Lopez > Dwight Howard

 

[Feña14]

I think Charles Barkley said it best:

Something along the lines of... First of all, it's none of my business (whether he's gay or not). He should be allowed do and be as he pleases. Second of all, it's great that he's taken a leadership role on this matter.

I thought they all made great points, as usual. It's not hard to see why the show wins so many awards over there. Unfortunately the show ends for us as soon as the game finishes, it would be good to get the post game show too!

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

I thought they all made great points, as usual. It's not hard to see why the show wins so many awards over there. Unfortunately the show ends for us as soon as the game finishes, it would be good to get the post game show too!

Is nba.com still replaying episodes? There have been many good ones since the Playoffs started.

Yesterday, they fast forwarded the Bucks/Heat highlight because they could.

 

[LeeD]

Was there ever any intrique in Heat/Bucks?
Manimal, when he's not injured, gives those guys a run for their money at center, and he's a lot shorter.

 

[Feña14]

Is nba.com still replaying episodes? There have been many good ones since the Playoffs started.

Yesterday, they fast forwarded the Bucks/Heat highlight because they could.

They do, I usually catch up on them the next day. I've been enjoying the Warriors and Nuggets the most, I found it strange how it didn't get alot of hype before the playoffs, instead most of the talk was about Lakers/Spurs, Knicks/Celtics and Clippers/Grizzlies.

The styles of the Warriors and Nuggets meant it was always going to be entertaining, for me anyway.

 

[LeeD]

Barkley always said, "live by the 3, die by the 3's".
Of course, he also said MichaelRedd would outshot KennyJet.
And his golf swing is something to behold.

 

[stringertom]

Barkley always said, "live by the 3, die by the 3's".
Of course, he also said MichaelRedd would outshot KennyJet.
And his golf swing is something to behold.

You mean "snake beheading"??? Chuckles is great on the NBA telecasts and he adapted well to analyzing the NCAA tourney but his best comedic work on TV was as Hank Haney's project on The Golf Channel!

 

[Power Player]

Im bummed the Nuggs and Warriors had to meet up first round. Easily my 2 favorite playoff teams to watch.

It also sucks that Lee is hurt. Lee and Bogut together would have been nice. They could go inside more and Curry would have just been even more unstoppable.

Rooting for GSW..just love their game, love the players and love the bright yellow homecourt and crowd.

 

[LeeD]

GS has to stick HarrisonBarnes closer to the rim, because his long range shooting is really lacking compared to Curry/Jack/Thompson.
With his youth and speed, and leaping, he could really help out the Bogut/Ezeli/Biedrins post players, while providing a real inside scoring threat with his athletic abilities.

 

[Feña14]

Im bummed the Nuggs and Warriors had to meet up first round. Easily my 2 favorite playoff teams to watch.

It also sucks that Lee is hurt. Lee and Bogut together would have been nice. They could go inside more and Curry would have just been even more unstoppable.

Rooting for GSW..just love their game, love the players and love the bright yellow homecourt and crowd.

Agreed. A front line of Lee and Bogut, with a backcourt of Curry and Thompson is scary. Throw in the likes of Barnes, Jack and Landry, it looks good.

It's funny to think that Bogut is the healthy one, it always seems like a matter of time before he's out.

 

[LeeD]

While Bogut is better off than any other time as a Warrior, don't be fooled thinking he's anywhere near 100%, or more likely, 85%.
Notice his minutes are controlled. Coach Jackson knows he needs Bogut for beginning of games, to establish some toughness inside, then it's a free for all run and gun offence and a trapping steal based defense when Bogut is out.
But with Westbrook, Kobe, and some key player's injured or tired, it's the great equalizer.
Advantage Heat. But is Bosh disappearing?

 

[pinky42]

There are even footage of Dwight Howard working out with The Dream. Why don't we see it in the game? The Dream became The Dream because he was slightly undersized, so he shook the bigger guys (Patrick Ewing, David Robinson, Shaq, etc.)

Dwight Howard is bigger than everyone he's going up against, why is he flinging his arm and getting tagged with offensive fouls left and right?

I don't think Howard has the footwork and touch to pull that off. He should take Shaq's advice and just concentrate on developing two moves. One going right and another going left. That's it. Anything more is asking too much of him.

Barkley called Howard on his lack of a post game. He not only doesn't know what to do when he gets the ball, he also doesn't know how to get in position to get the ball in the first place.

The Lakers shouldn't try to build around him. Some teams are content with making the playoffs but the Lakers judge success with championships. And Howard isn't good enough to get them over the hump.

 

[Feña14]

I don't think Howard has the footwork and touch to pull that off. He should take Shaq's advice and just concentrate on developing two moves. One going right and another going left. That's it. Anything more is asking too much of him.

Barkley called Howard on his lack of a post game. He not only doesn't know what to do when he gets the ball, he also doesn't know how to get in position to get the ball in the first place.

The Lakers shouldn't try to build around him. Some teams are content with making the playoffs but the Lakers judge success with championships. And Howard isn't good enough to get them over the hump.

It's interesting that the Lakers had Marc Gasol, arguably the best center in the league at the moment. After trading him for Pau they won 2 titles, so they can't be too upset about the outcome of the trade. No doubt they would swap Marc for Howard at the moment though!

 

[LeeD]

Book on Pau is if you play him tough, hack him, lean on him, and get your hand in his face, he will look to pass...and then disappear.
Book on Marc is if you allow him to score his 15, he won't ask for more.
Book on Howard is, you don't know what to expect, except he's willing to mash in the pit and he can't make freebies.
Book on Bosh is that he's willing to rest, collect his check, and allow James and Wade to do all the work.
With that book in hand, TyChandler is looking good, as is DeAndreJordan and the part time playing AndrewBogut.

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

It's interesting that the Lakers had Marc Gasol, arguably the best center in the league at the moment. After trading him for Pau they won 2 titles, so they can't be too upset about the outcome of the trade. No doubt they would swap Marc for Howard at the moment though!

Well when they swapped the brothers, Pau Gasol really was the best center in the league, or an indistinguishable 2nd best. But since he's got a ring, he's been "soft".

 

[Feña14]

Well when they swapped the brothers, Pau Gasol really was the best center in the league, or an indistinguishable 2nd best. But since he's got a ring, he's been "soft".

Yup, he helped them win two titles afterall. Even if they had Marc now, with the team they have, they probably wouldn't be winning any titles. On that basis you'd have to say the trade was a success. It will be interesting to see what they do in the off season, I can't really see what way they can go. They gambled a bit last year with Howard and Nash, what to do this year?

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

Yup, he helped them win two titles afterall. Even if they had Marc now, with the team they have, they probably wouldn't be winning any titles. On that basis you'd have to say the trade was a success. It will be interesting to see what they do in the off season, I can't really see what way they can go. They gambled a bit last year with Howard and Nash, what to do this year?

Do nothing with Kobe and Nash, then sign-and-trade Dwight Howard for good pieces.

And keep Pau Gasol.

 

[stringertom]

The ATL evened their series behind Josh Smith's big game but must snag a game on the road if they want to take advantage of their long home streak vs the Pacers.

The Nets bounced back well after the Game 4 heartbreaker. I like their chances in Game 6 to force a showdown back in Brooklyn.

Houston avoided the sweep but it's back to OKC. Interesting stat...Durant has 30 straight playoff games with 20+ points.

 

[hollywood9826]

Jason Collins breaks the barrier by coming out today...first admitted gay player in any of the four major American sports leagues.

There is speculation that the reason he came out was to force a team to sin him so he wont pull out the discrimination card.

It just matters if a team wants the headache of listening to ignorant fans breating him at all times.

His talent is probably at a poiont wehre it is not worth it. He may not get signed but he may not have been signed anyway.

 

[Ronaldo]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Amaechi

 

[volleygirl]

Congratulations to him. I hope he doesn't suffer too much for doing it (losing endorsements, being ostracised?, etc).

Are you serious? How many endorsements do you think bench warmers who avg 3 points a game usually get? He will earn way more in endorsements now than he ever has.

 

[stringertom]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Amaechi

Amaechi waited four years after retirement to come out, even though it was not exactly a secret here in Orlando which team he was playing on off-court.

 

[Power Player]

Amaechi waited four years after retirement to come out, even though it was not exactly a secret here in Orlando which team he was playing on off-court.

Heard about Glenn Davis? lol.

 

[volleygirl]

Heard about Glenn Davis? lol.

Are you saying he got the nickname "big baby" because he liked being spanked by other guys?

 

[Power Player]

Are you saying he got the nickname "big baby" because he liked being spanked by other guys?

He is actually a really good guy in the community. He's just rather open minded about things. Which is no big deal, just funny to think about since the guy is so physically imposing.

When he went down, our interior defense completely went to hell.

 

[Feña14]

The ATL evened their series behind Josh Smith's big game but must snag a game on the road if they want to take advantage of their long home streak vs the Pacers.

The Nets bounced back well after the Game 4 heartbreaker. I like their chances in Game 6 to force a showdown back in Brooklyn.

Houston avoided the sweep but it's back to OKC. Interesting stat...Durant has 30 straight playoff games with 20+ points.

I think Hinrich being out was important, his defence on Williams has been important all series. No surprise to see Williams put up 23 and 10 without him there to take him out the game.

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

Gallinari is having two separate surgeries to repair his knee:

http://www.nba.com/2013/news/04/30/nuggets-gallinari-surgery.ap/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpts

I don't get it, why two separate surgeries to repair the meniscus and then the ACL? Aren't they usually done in one operation?

 

[CCNM]

Hope the Rockets can win another game (I'm a fan of Kevin McHale's from the Boston days).

 

[jamesblakefan#1]

Book on Pau is if you play him tough, hack him, lean on him, and get your hand in his face, he will look to pass...and then disappear.
Book on Marc is if you allow him to score his 15, he won't ask for more.
Book on Howard is, you don't know what to expect, except he's willing to mash in the pit and he can't make freebies.
Book on Bosh is that he's willing to rest, collect his check, and allow James and Wade to do all the work.
With that book in hand, TyChandler is looking good, as is DeAndreJordan and the part time playing AndrewBogut.

Just saw this post, what?

Bogut can't stay healthy to save his god damn life. He's pretty much damaged goods as far as being a franchise C. Chandler's up there and age and Jordan is pretty much a poor man's Dwight (FT shooting and all).

You sound like one of those ESPN analysts with that hyperbole.

People are getting stuck in the moment with Dwight. He did play most of this season hurt, if he gets healthy he's def worth a max contract to most teams, off court headaches and all. He just has to be somewhere where he wants to be and you have to coddle him like a baby unfortunately.

 

[jamesblakefan#1]

Do nothing with Kobe and Nash, then sign-and-trade Dwight Howard for good pieces.

And keep Pau Gasol.

I like Pau, I really do, but if it's him or Dwight, LA would be stupid with a capital S to keep Pau. Pau's on the downside of his career and has too much mileage to keep over Dwight long term. If you can get good pieces for Pau you trade him in a heartbeat given that his main man Kobe is likely out for the majority of next year.

Kobe'll be butthurt but he'll get over it or realize that his time as king of La is ending and his best hope at a last shot at glory is by latching on to a healthy Dwight, not an aging Pau. They will be willing to turn the keys over to Dwight, if he shapes up. Time heals wounds, and when the summer rolls around most of this stuff will be forgotten and LA will be bending over backwards to keep Dwight.

 

[LeeD]

If you read that hyperbole of mine, and read between the lines, Howard is the premier center in the league.
I already mentioned Bogut plays half the game.
The Gasols are just too soft with the modern double ups, one in front, one behind.
Might as well throw in stiff BrookLopez here. Serviceable, not your top two options, but he IS playing well.

 

[Ronaldo]

Heard on NBA TV Game Time that Phil Jackson is interested in returning to the NBA. But Toronto???

 

[Disgruntled Worker]

I like Pau, I really do, but if it's him or Dwight, LA would be stupid with a capital S to keep Pau. Pau's on the downside of his career and has too much mileage to keep over Dwight long term. If you can get good pieces for Pau you trade him in a heartbeat given that his main man Kobe is likely out for the majority of next year.

Kobe'll be butthurt but he'll get over it or realize that his time as king of La is ending and his best hope at a last shot at glory is by latching on to a healthy Dwight, not an aging Pau. They will be willing to turn the keys over to Dwight, if he shapes up. Time heals wounds, and when the summer rolls around most of this stuff will be forgotten and LA will be bending over backwards to keep Dwight.

Say what you want about Pau, but the Lakers pretty much did nothing but win when they first acquired him from Memphis. He is the consummate professional and is as offensively intelligent a player as they come. He can still be a role player for LA.

 

[jamesblakefan#1]

Say what you want about Pau, but the Lakers pretty much did nothing but win when they first acquired him from Memphis. He is the consummate professional and is as offensively intelligent a player as they come. He can still be a role player for LA.

Again, I like Pau but if some team's willing to give up young talent & or picks for him - it was mentioned that Minn wanted him for Derrick Williams and some other pieces - I'd do it in a heartbeat. He's not getting any younger and is on the downside of his (hall of fame) career right now.

MWP's commentary on Facebook is hilarious right now.

Jason Collins would help the clippers out. He is a tough player. All the dirty work. He can control Zach Randolph because no one else can

https://www.facebook.com/RonArtest?ref=stream

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

I like Pau, I really do, but if it's him or Dwight, LA would be stupid with a capital S to keep Pau. Pau's on the downside of his career and has too much mileage to keep over Dwight long term. If you can get good pieces for Pau you trade him in a heartbeat given that his main man Kobe is likely out for the majority of next year.

Kobe'll be butthurt but he'll get over it or realize that his time as king of La is ending and his best hope at a last shot at glory is by latching on to a healthy Dwight, not an aging Pau. They will be willing to turn the keys over to Dwight, if he shapes up. Time heals wounds, and when the summer rolls around most of this stuff will be forgotten and LA will be bending over backwards to keep Dwight.

The thing with Pau Gasol is, when he's not soft, he's productive on both ends of the floor, and still among the top ranks on both ends.

Dwight Howard has too many red flags. Immaturity is well documented. Also, he's been in the league since 2004, and he STILL has zero moves and remains an offensive liability. Almost a decade into the league, if he hasn't figured it out by now, when's he going to figure it out?

Pau Gasol can help you win now, Dwight Howard still needs development (yes, still, and he's a supposed max-contract player. Please)

That's why I'm in favor of Lakers signing-and-trading Dwight Howard for pieces who are ready to win NOW. Kobe ain't going to wait around some immature crybaby to "get it".

 

[Disgruntled Worker]

Gasol and Randolph are an old school, tough-nosed front court. A harken back to the days of true, fear-inducing centers and forwards.

 

[jamesblakefan#1]

The thing with Pau Gasol is, when he's not soft, he's productive on both ends of the floor, and still among the top ranks on both ends.

Dwight Howard has too many red flags. Immaturity is well documented. Also, he's been in the league since 2004, and he STILL has zero moves and remains an offensive liability. Almost a decade into the league, if he hasn't figured it out by now, when's he going to figure it out?

Pau Gasol can help you win now, Dwight Howard still needs development (yes, still, and he's a supposed max-contract player. Please)

That's why I'm in favor of Lakers signing-and-trading Dwight Howard for pieces who are ready to win NOW. Kobe ain't going to wait around some immature crybaby to "get it".

Again, you're going overboard here with your assessment of Dwight. On the court, he can still be a force. He had injuries this year and was coming off back surgery, but still put up numbers that are top 5 for Cs in the league easily. Off the court he needs to be coddled and told that he's the man, and I agree he's a flake. But if he's paid and you laugh at his lame *** jokes he'll bring it on the court. Pau has never been an elite defender, Dwight is a top defensive C.

Even if LA gets these pieces, would they really be better than OKC/LAC/MEM/SA/etc in the West with Pau and no Dwight next year? Of course not. Dwight in the right situation can be that guy. Is he an elite all time great C? No, and it's not a given that he will become that. But it'd be kneejerk if they gave him away after trading for him less than a year ago. LA wants him back. If Dwight wants to stay in LA, he'll be there, there's slim to no chance they're trading him away.

Kobe doesn't have a say in the matter if I'm the Lakers. He's literally on his last legs now and will be eating $30 mil while rehabbing half of next year more than likely. If he doesn't want to play with Dwight, then get cutthroat and amnesty his ***. I know that sounds like sacrilege, but he knows more than anyone that this is a business and Dwight is the better fit long term for LA than Pau. If you can keep both (Dwight and Pau) then of course, but they shouldn't be shopping Dwight either.

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

Again, you're going overboard here with your assessment of Dwight. On the court, he can still be a force. He had injuries this year and was coming off back surgery, but still put up numbers that are top 5 for Cs in the league easily. Off the court he needs to be coddled and told that he's the man, and I agree he's a flake. But if he's paid and you laugh at his lame *** jokes he'll bring it on the court. Pau has never been an elite defender, Dwight is a top defensive C.

I don't think I'm going overboard with my assessment of Dwight. I'm no fan of him, but it's not because I don't like the guy, it's because he is ineffective as a complete center to the point where he demands a max contract. I don't think he deserves the hype and that kind of contract money. If you're going to seek out a max contract, then you better not be a liability in any capacity on the floor. Sign him to a less-than-max contract, then I'll be quiet.

Pau is not the elite defender that is Dwight Howard, that much is certain. But he's not a defensive liability in the same way that Howard is an offensive liability. One way or another, his inability to knock down free throws and dominate in the post (again, why, almost a decade in the league, if you don't dominate now, when will you?) robs his team of key possessions down the stretch.

Shaq couldn't shoot free throws. But because he could work in the post/paint, he could get you buckets, or get other guys in foul trouble. He was also a good passer, and because he was a threat as far as the post, he could get you open looks because he drew double and could pass to the open man. Actually, I'm tripping, every other established centers could do that to some degree. Shaq did it better than most, Howard can't do it.

But I'm speaking jibberish because Mike D'Antoni refuses to use his top big men, trade them both and camp at the 3 point line, spread the floor and get cutters and turn the game into a layup drill.

 

[volleygirl]

Just saw this post, what?

Bogut can't stay healthy to save his god damn life. He's pretty much damaged goods as far as being a franchise C. Chandler's up there and age and Jordan is pretty much a poor man's Dwight (FT shooting and all).

You sound like one of those ESPN analysts with that hyperbole.

People are getting stuck in the moment with Dwight. He did play most of this season hurt, if he gets healthy he's def worth a max contract to most teams, off court headaches and all. He just has to be somewhere where he wants to be and you have to coddle him like a baby unfortunately.

Theres nothing better than having to pay a guy a max contract then having to kiss his *** like hes a baby to actually get him to perform. Yea, that sure sounds like a max contract player to me.

 

[Power Player]

Just because I don't like Dwight doesn't mean I can't asses him as a player.

I am sure I watched more of his games than anyone here (Tom excluded).

He IS a max player and he IS the best C in the league.

The problem is that with the new CBA, it is tougher to have multiple max guys on your team. So if you pay Dwight the max, it is tough to build a roster around him. He is not a Lebron or Durant where you are getting a go to guy in crunch time. so you need to go out and get that guy as well.

That is the problem. Without Kobe, Dwight is not good. As seen by the spurs sweep.

This is why I think he would be better suited to go to Houston. Maybe he will get his wish and be traded to brooklyn..who knows.

 

[acura9927]

Dwight couldnt hold Akeem's jock for post moves. His only strenght is being built like a 7 Foot Greek God.

 

[tennismonkey]

highest paid players for 2012-2013 season. in today's nba, howard is a max contract player despite his many flaws. but he's hugely overpaid compared to the other superstars in the league. and kobe being paid $10 million more than lebron, bosh, dwade, cp3, durantula, etc is ridiculous.

1 Kobe Bryant, SG Los Angeles Lakers $27,849,149
2 Dirk Nowitzki, PF Dallas Mavericks $20,907,128
3 Amar'e Stoudemire, PF New York Knicks $19,948,799
4 Joe Johnson, SG Brooklyn Nets $19,752,645
5 Dwight Howard, C Los Angeles Lakers $19,536,360
6 Carmelo Anthony, SF New York Knicks $19,444,503
7 Pau Gasol, PF Los Angeles Lakers $19,000,000
8 Chris Paul, PG Los Angeles Clippers $17,779,458
9 Chris Bosh, C Miami Heat $17,545,000
10 LeBron James, SF Miami Heat $17,545,000
11 Dwyane Wade, SG Miami Heat $17,182,000
12 Deron Williams, PG Brooklyn Nets $17,177,795
13 Andrew Bynum, C Philadelphia 76ers $16,889,000
14 Paul Pierce, SF Boston Celtics $16,790,345
15 Kevin Durant, SF Oklahoma City Thunder $16,669,629
16 Zach Randolph, PF Memphis Grizzlies $16,500,000
17 Rudy Gay, SF Memphis Grizzlies $16,460,538
18 Derrick Rose, PG Chicago Bulls $16,402,500
19 Al Jefferson, C Utah Jazz $15,000,000
20 Carlos Boozer, PF Chicago Bulls $15,000,000