The NBA basketball thread 2013-2014

[scratchswinger]

[quote name='MtlJeff' timestamp='1398619840' post='9181167']
[quote name='baseballfrk8998' timestamp='1398575376' post='9179309']
The West is an absolute toss up right now. If I was forced to pick a team right now, it would have to be LAC as they seem to be the most consistent team in the West thus far.. These games have been an absolute joy to watch. I can't remember a year with so many quality 1st round matchups.
[/quote]

Yeah the West just looks totally unpredictable. There's not a single series i'd confidently bet money on, other then i'm fairly sure the Clippers will beat the Warriors. Every other series is a complete toss up. Dallas is messing up San Antonio with some funky match-ups (like putting Marion on Parker, similar to what the Heat did with James last spring) and getting great play from guys like Monta. Portland/Houston every game is like 115-114, i mean anything can happen. Aldridge with two 40+ games, James Harden took 35 SHOTS! the other night...And Memphis is holding Durant and Westbrook to something like 6% shooting.

I still feel like Houston and Portland can't win the West because they don't defend. I don't think Golden State will beat the Clippers, and eventually Dallas will run out of steam (though if they beat SA, i could see them beating Portland or Houston though before losing to Clips/Grizz/OKC)

But i'll add Memphis to teams that could genuinely win the conference.
[/quote]

I like what LeBron said which was essentially that there are no seeds in the West and nothing should really be considered an upset. The first round reminds me more of March Madness than it does the NBA Playoffs.

[somaplr]

[quote name='mnplayer' timestamp='1398624674' post='9181551']
Can the league even force an owner to sell a team? The video tape, plus the comments that came out today are absurd. Get this guy out of the league.
[/quote]

They can not legally force him to sell. Too many anti-trust laws involved. People forget that owning an NBA team is like any other business and it's a non-public privately owned entity.

A lot of the media tends to forget that Adam Silver is hired by the NBA owners and works for the owners as head of the NBA organization. Unless the owners come out and try to "force" a sale from Sterling (which they won't, it's a slipper slope...so what if an owner makes an off color joke at a party or has skeletons in his closet - won't happen) or sponsors massively vacate the Clippers organization the only thing that can happen is that they can suspend him indefinitely from attending games (which the MLB did in the Schott case - being in Cincy I remember this vividly). People won't stop going to games.

This won't be easy is obviously is a huge test for Silver. I found it crazy that Sterling is the largest commercial real esate owner in LA and has never ONCE sold a property he's owned.

[scratchswinger]

[quote name='somaplr' timestamp='1398701578' post='9187327']
[quote name='mnplayer' timestamp='1398624674' post='9181551']
Can the league even force an owner to sell a team? The video tape, plus the comments that came out today are absurd. Get this guy out of the league.
[/quote]

They can not legally force him to sell. Too many anti-trust laws involved. People forget that owning an NBA team is like any other business and it's a non-public privately owned entity.

A lot of the media tends to forget that Adam Silver is hired by the NBA owners and works for the owners as head of the NBA organization. Unless the owners come out and try to "force" a sale from Sterling (which they won't, it's a slipper slope...so what if an owner makes an off color joke at a party or has skeletons in his closet - won't happen) or sponsors massively vacate the Clippers organization the only thing that can happen is that they can suspend him indefinitely from attending games (which the MLB did in the Schott case - being in Cincy I remember this vividly). People won't stop going to games.

This won't be easy is obviously is a huge test for Silver. I found it crazy that Sterling is the largest commercial real esate owner in LA and has never ONCE sold a property he's owned.
[/quote]

The only way that he will ever sell is if the business starts to loose money, if the NBA somehow forces that to happen then he will sell. But yeah he is a scumbag, he has had numerous law suits with tenants and employees many of them had to do with discrimination. He basically drags it out in court until the other parties sees that there is not an end in site. He will do the same thing with the Clippers. Everybody has known for years what this guy is all about, like I said before it's crazy that Buss and him were "friends". But now I wonder if anyone is really a friend of his.

The only fair resolution to the fan base and players is to allow them to come over to the Lakers....

[somaplr]

The only way the NBA can "make" him sell is thru financial insolvency (they did this with the Cavs in the early 80's).

I believe State Farm just pulled their sponsorship and other corporations should follow. That's where you hit him. Fans will still go to games. Revenue sharing will still come in his pockets. That still may not "make" him sell it, because Sterling has never sold anything he's owned (i find THAT fact just mind boggling).

[tocino]

[quote name='somaplr' timestamp='1398705649' post='9187933']
The only way the NBA can "make" him sell is thru financial insolvency (they did this with the Cavs in the early 80's).

I believe State Farm just pulled their sponsorship and other corporations should follow. That's where you hit him. Fans will still go to games. Revenue sharing will still come in his pockets. That still may not "make" him sell it, because Sterling has never sold anything he's owned (i find THAT fact just mind boggling).
[/quote]

The NBA has a press conference scheduled for Tuesday to discuss the matter. I don't think he sells either but I could see the commisioner banning him from attending games and possibly losing draft picks. I don't think any big-time NBA free agents would ever willingly sign there. He basically screwed the clippers right when they are on the verge of being a long-term championship contender

[tatertot]

IF it is Sterling on the tape, he's headed for a LONG vacation.

Don't know why any free agent of any color would sign with him after this, but I don't think Sterling cares. It's not about winning for him, it's about owning a money-maker. Remember, this is the man that kept Elgin Baylor as GM for 22 years ... and 1 playoff series win.

[mnplayer]

[quote name='tatertot' timestamp='1398713287' post='9188849']
IF it is Sterling on the tape, he's headed for a LONG vacation.

Don't know why any free agent of any color would sign with him after this, but I don't think Sterling cares. It's not about winning for him, it's about owning a money-maker. Remember, this is the man that kept Elgin Baylor as GM for 22 years ... and 1 playoff series win.
[/quote]

I agree, if he stays the team is going to suck. Current players will want to leave and nobody will want to come, but the team will probably still be profitable. I'm really interested to see what his response is going to be. Seems already like he's trying to spin it by saying it was taken out of context and those aren't really his views, etc.

[scratchswinger]

It's going to be interesting to see what they have to say tomorrow at the press conference. I personally don't think they will or can take the team from him.

[priceless]

How did major league baseball get rid of the lady that owned the Reds at one time. Can the NBA do likewise?

[tocino]

[quote name='mnplayer' timestamp='1398716948' post='9189297']
[quote name='tatertot' timestamp='1398713287' post='9188849']
IF it is Sterling on the tape, he's headed for a LONG vacation.

Don't know why any free agent of any color would sign with him after this, but I don't think Sterling cares. It's not about winning for him, it's about owning a money-maker. Remember, this is the man that kept Elgin Baylor as GM for 22 years ... and 1 playoff series win.
[/quote]

I agree, if he stays the team is going to suck. Current players will want to leave and nobody will want to come, but the team will probably still be profitable. I'm really interested to see what his response is going to be. Seems already like he's trying to spin it by saying it was taken out of context and those aren't really his views, etc.
[/quote]

yeah, even if all of the sponsors leave and no one wants to play for him, sterling is guaranteed to make money from the revenue sharing alone. He also bought the franchise for around $18-20 million and they are estimating it's worth at least $700+ million now. The more i think about it, the more I believe he will keep the team... they may fine or suspend him or even sanction the team but I doubt he will ever sell without putting up a long, protracted fight

[gambit]

They cannot take the team unless the team is not generating enough money to pay bill, i.e. player contracts. This is not the first time he's been accused of being a racist. I don't know if this is true, but I read the league can only fine him a max of $1 million? That's like the equivalent of $100 to us regular folk. Hardly enough to write home about. As far as players not signing with the Clips, of course they will. Maybe not the best of the best, but people want to get paid and there are only so many spots on each team so someone will have to sign with the Clips. If they stink it up and get lottery picks then they'll sign too. And anyone who signs would play hard assuming they want a big contract elsewhere.

[tatertot]

On a non-Sterling related note ...

Did anybody notice Simmons had a "Playoff MVP" story up on Grantland ... after 2 games?

[somaplr]

[quote name='priceless' timestamp='1398718113' post='9189439']
How did major league baseball get rid of the lady that owned the Reds at one time. Can the NBA do likewise?
[/quote]

They suspended her from coming to games - then she sold. (Marege Schott I referenced above). No, they can not force someone to sell unless it's insolvent.

[tocino]

it sucks that the sterling story is over ridng a really great playoff weekend. The East has been a lot more competitve than a lot of people were thinking and the West has been straight rediculous. I thought that it was going to end up being the spurs and the thunder in the end but I'm not sure they're going to make it out of the 1st round!!!

ok, i think the spurs will still make it to at least the western conference finals (too experienced, exceptional coaching, etc...) but thunder/grizz is a coin-flip to me now AND i'm not sure either of those teams gets passed their 2nd round opponent

[tatertot]

I think the West champ is going to be beat-up and tired after 3 tough rounds ... and the Heat might go into the finals 12-2 (if not better).

[scratchswinger]

It's unfortunate on many levels that a man like Sterling is as fortunate as he is and has the power that he holds. When some thinks "NBA owner" at least for me leadership, professionalism, integrity are all things that come to mind. When you hear that tape, none of those things are part of this mans life, I mean just the tone of his voice make me think of a drunken, senile man, certainly not the owner of businesses and tons of property. It just amazes me how some people can get this far in life.

[MtlJeff]

What most in the mainstream are not mentioning, Mark Jackson is the first to kind of reference it, is that the easiest way to "get rid of him" is for the fans to stop coming to games. Money talks, over and over and over and over....Mark Jackson was correct when he said the players, this is their job, they have their families, they have bills to pay. Not every player makes 10M a year. Play out your contract and then leave

But Joe fan, he doesn't need to go to the game. Just don't go to the game, boycott the game. These fans going on social media and commenting about how horrible Sterling is. Just never buy tickets. If 2000 people show up to the games, he won't keep the franchise anymore.

People want the league to get rid of him, the easiest way to get rid of him is for fans to boycott. Why aren't more people talking about this?

[gambit]

[quote name='MtlJeff' timestamp='1398726505' post='9190429']
What most in the mainstream are not mentioning, Mark Jackson is the first to kind of reference it, is that the easiest way to "get rid of him" is for the fans to stop coming to games. Money talks, over and over and over and over....Mark Jackson was correct when he said the players, this is their job, they have their families, they have bills to pay. Not every player makes 10M a year. Play out your contract and then leave

But Joe fan, he doesn't need to go to the game. Just don't go to the game, boycott the game. These fans going on social media and commenting about how horrible Sterling is. Just never buy tickets. If 2000 people show up to the games, he won't keep the franchise anymore.

People want the league to get rid of him, the easiest way to get rid of him is for fans to boycott. Why aren't more people talking about this?
[/quote]

People that have tix probably are going to go because they have tix...not just for the playoffs but season ticket holders as well. If they did sell tickets what does that do? Sterling has already made money off the initial sale. Also, people in America for the most part care more about entertainment than they do any social, moral, or political injustice. More people will wait in line for the next iPhone, Playstation, Xbox than take their time for a cause. Think of the Philly Eagles...they had a dog fighter and a racist and people came and forgave them pretty quickly as long as they produced Ws. When Blake is catching oops next year, or the Clips are making a run at the playoffs do you think fans will stay away? As long as they win people will come. They might not at first, but they'll always come back.

[scratchswinger]

I think it's funny that the opposing coach is urging fans not to attend,

[MtlJeff]

[quote name='gambit' timestamp='1398727314' post='9190527']
[quote name='MtlJeff' timestamp='1398726505' post='9190429']
What most in the mainstream are not mentioning, Mark Jackson is the first to kind of reference it, is that the easiest way to "get rid of him" is for the fans to stop coming to games. Money talks, over and over and over and over....Mark Jackson was correct when he said the players, this is their job, they have their families, they have bills to pay. Not every player makes 10M a year. Play out your contract and then leave

But Joe fan, he doesn't need to go to the game. Just don't go to the game, boycott the game. These fans going on social media and commenting about how horrible Sterling is. Just never buy tickets. If 2000 people show up to the games, he won't keep the franchise anymore.

People want the league to get rid of him, the easiest way to get rid of him is for fans to boycott. Why aren't more people talking about this?
[/quote]

People that have tix probably are going to go because they have tix...not just for the playoffs but season ticket holders as well. If they did sell tickets what does that do? Sterling has already made money off the initial sale. Also, people in America for the most part care more about entertainment than they do any social, moral, or political injustice. More people will wait in line for the next iPhone, Playstation, Xbox than take their time for a cause. Think of the Philly Eagles...they had a dog fighter and a racist and people came and forgave them pretty quickly as long as they produced Ws. When Blake is catching oops next year, or the Clips are making a run at the playoffs do you think fans will stay away? As long as they win people will come. They might not at first, but they'll always come back.
[/quote]

No i understand the guys who've bought tickets already, or season tickets. But i mean next season? Don't renew your season tickets, don't buy tickets.

At the end of the day. Sterling is a miserable racist person. But if the people crying out for his head can't even stop pouring money in his pocket, and are so hooked on it that they are begging the NBA to step in and do what they can't....you know what, let him keep the team, because obviously society doesn't care as much as they say they do. Prove it. Society today thinks that writing something on twitter is meaningful and is sending a message.

Enough articles from 15 different ESPN writers. DONT GO TO THE GAMES!

[mnplayer]

Everyone is acting like it's a foregone conclusion that he won't sell the team instead of putting up a long fight to keep it. It seems like he's going to try and say that the tapes don't reflect his true views instead of standing by them and telling people there's nothing they can do to get him out of the league. I think he probably gets some fine and suspension and sells the team. I hope the owners want him out and I don't see a drawn out battle where he defends himself as being a racist helps him in any other business ventures. I do agree though if he stays the easiest way to get rid of him is to not buy tickets and don't go to the games.

[Rock Chalk Jayhawk]

Has Magic commented on this saga yet? I've stayed away from the story for the most part, except for what I hear on local sports radio.

[somaplr]

[quote name='Rock Chalk Jayhawk' timestamp='1398732234' post='9191191']Has Magic commented on this saga yet? I've stayed away from the story for the most part, except for what I hear on local sports radio.[/quote]

He was the person in the photo that kind of sparked the whole controversy with Sterlings g/f and one of his comments was about Magic, in a sense. Magic has commented and said he'll never attend a clippers game until sterling sells.

[Rock Chalk Jayhawk]

[quote name='somaplr' timestamp='1398733483' post='9191391'][quote name='Rock Chalk Jayhawk' timestamp='1398732234' post='9191191']Has Magic commented on this saga yet? I've stayed away from the story for the most part, except for what I hear on local sports radio.[/quote]

He was the person in the photo that kind of sparked the whole controversy with Sterlings g/f and one of his comments was about Magic, in a sense. Magic has commented and said he'll never attend a clippers game until sterling sells.[/quote]

Isn't that what Sterling wants, though? Magic not at games? If was him, I'd go to every game wearing a "Donald Sterling is a disgusting racist" tshirt at court side seats.

[MtlJeff]

I feel like if i played against Indiana tomorrow i could hit like twelve 3's. Especially if i was covered by Roy Hibbert.

Early in 3rd quarter, he gets matched up with Kyle Korver who has the ball in the corner. He's like "what are you going to do Kyle, certainly not shoot it, i'm going to give you all the space you want, i mean i know you are just dying to take it to the ri......wait, Kyle Korver is a big time penetrator right?"

swish

Oh Indiana

[Rock Chalk Jayhawk]

[quote name='MtlJeff' timestamp='1398735446' post='9191731']I feel like if i played against Indiana tomorrow i could hit like twelve 3's. Especially if i was covered by Roy Hibbert.

Early in 3rd quarter, he gets matched up with Kyle Korver who has the ball in the corner. He's like "what are you going to do Kyle, certainly not shoot it, i'm going to give you all the space you want, i mean i know you are just dying to take it to the ri......wait, Kyle Korver is a big time penetrator right?"

swish

Oh Indiana[/quote]

His game has gone to complete crap since the league instituted new around-the-rim blocking rules earlier this year. Adam Scott will soon know the feeling. Hey-O.

[TheGameChanger]

[quote name='MtlJeff' timestamp='1398735446' post='9191731']
I feel like if i played against Indiana tomorrow i could hit like twelve 3's. Especially if i was covered by Roy Hibbert.

Early in 3rd quarter, he gets matched up with Kyle Korver who has the ball in the corner. He's like "what are you going to do Kyle, certainly not shoot it, i'm going to give you all the space you want, i mean i know you are just dying to take it to the ri......wait, Kyle Korver is a big time penetrator right?"

swish

Oh Indiana
[/quote]

Kyle Korver is hitting shots now in the playoffs. Where was that 3 years ago.

[scratchswinger]

I wonder if the league now wishes that they would have allowed CP3 to Lakers vs giving him to Sterlings Clippers.

[tocino]

Heat sweep over Bobcats = expected
Spurs tied up vs Mavs = It was a bit scary in the beginning, but I think the Spurs win the next 2 in a row
Hawks 3-2 vs the Pacers = wth?!?! The hawks don't even have their best player... *smh*

[RJRJRJ]

Well apparently they're forcing Sterling to sell. Wonder how this is gonna play out. I don't see him stepping down without a fight.