The NBA basketball thread 2013-2014

[baseballfrk8998]

[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1399177627' post='9227721']If the Clippers lose this game the NBA and Staples should force them to remove the posters covering the banners and legends.[/quote]

There's still :50 or so left in this game but the Clippers are the best team in the league right now IMO.. They're solid everywhere and their bench is ridiculously deep.

[scratchswinger]

Blake= Top 5 talent

D'Andre better get most improved and defensive player of the year, he deserves both.

*Edit* just saw both awards were already handed out. Bummer....

[scratchswinger]

It's a crime that CP3 is not wearing purple and gold. Cuban and Stern should be ashamed.

[TheGameChanger]

Great Effort from Curry.

[mnplayer]

Can we please see this Russell Westbrook more often? 27 points on 10-16 with 16 assists.

[baseballfrk8998]

[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1399182045' post='9227935']Blake= Top 5 talent

D'Andre better get most improved and defensive player of the year, he deserves both.

*Edit* just saw both awards were already handed out. Bummer....[/quote]

I've seen you throw out top 5 talent numerous times. What exactly do you mean?

My wife and I are huge fans of Blake Griffin, but in terms of raw talent and not athleticism, I have a hard time believing he's top 5 in the league.

Top 5 in athleticism? Absolutely, all day every day.

In terms of raw talent, I think there are several guys ahead of him:

LeBron, Curry, Durant, CP3, Aldridge, Duncan, Dirk, Love, etc.

I guess I'd just need you to define talent for me. His jumper has come a long ways, but he still has a long ways to go as well. His athleticism still bails him out of a lot of situations.

[TheGameChanger]

[quote name='baseballfrk8998' timestamp='1399184349' post='9228017']
[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1399182045' post='9227935']Blake= Top 5 talent

D'Andre better get most improved and defensive player of the year, he deserves both.

*Edit* just saw both awards were already handed out. Bummer....[/quote]

I've seen you throw out top 5 talent numerous times. What exactly do you mean?

My wife and I are huge fans of Blake Griffin, but in terms of raw talent and not athleticism, I have a hard time believing he's top 5 in the league.

Top 5 in athleticism? Absolutely, all day every day.

In terms of raw talent, I think there are several guys ahead of him:

LeBron, Curry, Durant, CP3, Aldridge, Duncan, Dirk, Love, etc.

I guess I'd just need you to define talent for me. His jumper has come a long ways, but he still has a long ways to go as well. His athleticism still bails him out of a lot of situations.
[/quote]

My top 5 is the folllowing

Lebron
KD
Davis
Westbrook
Melo

I Did have Blake 3rd in my MVP count this year.

[baseballfrk8998]

[quote name='TheGameChanger' timestamp='1399184523' post='9228023'][quote name='baseballfrk8998' timestamp='1399184349' post='9228017']
[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1399182045' post='9227935']Blake= Top 5 talent

D'Andre better get most improved and defensive player of the year, he deserves both.

*Edit* just saw both awards were already handed out. Bummer....[/quote]

I've seen you throw out top 5 talent numerous times. What exactly do you mean?

My wife and I are huge fans of Blake Griffin, but in terms of raw talent and not athleticism, I have a hard time believing he's top 5 in the league.

Top 5 in athleticism? Absolutely, all day every day.

In terms of raw talent, I think there are several guys ahead of him:

LeBron, Curry, Durant, CP3, Aldridge, Duncan, Dirk, Love, etc.

I guess I'd just need you to define talent for me. His jumper has come a long ways, but he still has a long ways to go as well. His athleticism still bails him out of a lot of situations.
[/quote]

My top 5 is the folllowing

Lebron
KD
Davis
Westbrook
Melo

I Did have Blake 3rd in my MVP count this year.[/quote]

I completely forgot about Davis myself. Westbrook was close for me as well..

I'm just not sure I understand what he means by "top 5 talent."

[MtlJeff]

[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1399182045' post='9227935']
Blake= Top 5 talent

D'Andre better get most improved and defensive player of the year, he deserves both.

*Edit* just saw both awards were already handed out. Bummer....
[/quote]

I'd be OK with him winning MIP. I think Doc was being a bit ambitious with his DPOY comments though, he's certainly very good, not sure he's in Noah's stratosphere yet. Noah doesn't have the highlight reel shot blocks but he's always in great position. Guys like him and Marc Gasol don't stand out unless you watch them exclusively

I've seen a ton of Bulls games, often what i'll do is just watch Noah for 10-12 straight possesions, you can see how good he is at disrupting plays without doing anything highlight worthy

[MtlJeff]

Dear NBA point guard, you know who you are. I'm sorry i ever doubted you

[MtlJeff]

[quote name='baseballfrk8998' timestamp='1399172543' post='9227359']
Westbrook with a triple double while shooting over 50% from the field with 16 assists. That's why you can't trade the guy IMO. His upside is incredible.
[/quote]

Best game of his career, and yes this game is what makes him so frustrating. No way he needs to shoot 31 times in a game. So many times yesterday he got into the lane and kicked it out, or found a big guy....if he's not shooting well ....DO THAT!!!!!

27-16-10-2-1 ....that's quite a line. He had 7 turnovers too but you'll take that when he plays like this. I mean Durant had 5 turnovers too, and the Grizz are a great defense

I feel like if he [i]really [/i]wanted to, he could average 19-10-8 or something for a season. And OKC would almost certainly be a better team...

[MtlJeff]

So looking like the matchup everyone wanted in the East. Miami-Brooklyn. The Nets i believe were 4-0 against Miami this year. Obviously the former Celtics, if they get up for anything, it's playing Lebron. And Johnson presents matchup problems there too, as he does in any playoff series, being a 6-7 guard who can post up.

I also think Washington - Indiana will go 6-7 games. I feel like it's kind of a trap to pick Washington. Paul George had an OK Atlanta series, Hibbert just had a good game 7, and Washington cant stretch the floor like Atlanta can in terms of bigs. Hibbert should be a factor.

I guess the logical pick is Miami-Washington. But it wouldn't surprise me in the least if the Pacers snuck through again in 7 games

[TheGameChanger]

I Can't wait for Free Agency

[somaplr]

[quote name='MtlJeff' timestamp='1399227059' post='9229751']
[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1399182045' post='9227935']
Blake= Top 5 talent

D'Andre better get most improved and defensive player of the year, he deserves both.

*Edit* just saw both awards were already handed out. Bummer....
[/quote]

I'd be OK with him winning MIP. I think Doc was being a bit ambitious with his DPOY comments though, he's certainly very good, not sure he's in Noah's stratosphere yet. Noah doesn't have the highlight reel shot blocks but he's always in great position. Guys like him and Marc Gasol don't stand out unless you watch them exclusively

I've seen a ton of Bulls games, often what i'll do is just watch Noah for 10-12 straight possesions, you can see how good he is at disrupting plays without doing anything highlight worthy
[/quote]

Yes. Please watch Noah before you watch Jordan. The difference is night and day. Jordan has been a great on ball defender/weak side block shot guy this year - but Noah is everywhere.

Dragic received MOP like two weeks ago. I didnt' think that was close either - he was darn near and MVP candidate this year.

[tatertot]

[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1399182045' post='9227935']
Blake= Top 5 talent

D'Andre better get most improved and defensive player of the year, he deserves both.

*Edit* just saw both awards were already handed out. Bummer....
[/quote]

Blake is top 5 talent for lowering shoulder and giving stiff arms. He's the leagues' best fullback.

[tocino]

[quote name='tatertot' timestamp='1399297896' post='9234543']
[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1399182045' post='9227935']
Blake= Top 5 talent

D'Andre better get most improved and defensive player of the year, he deserves both.

*Edit* just saw both awards were already handed out. Bummer....
[/quote]

Blake is top 5 talent for lowering shoulder and giving stiff arms. He's the leagues' best fullback.
[/quote]

as much as I despise blake griffin (STOP FLOPPING! YOU DON'T NEED TO!), the guy is a talented scorer around the basket.

[tatertot]

[quote name='tocino' timestamp='1399301879' post='9234891']
[quote name='tatertot' timestamp='1399297896' post='9234543']
[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1399182045' post='9227935']
Blake= Top 5 talent

D'Andre better get most improved and defensive player of the year, he deserves both.

*Edit* just saw both awards were already handed out. Bummer....
[/quote]

Blake is top 5 talent for lowering shoulder and giving stiff arms. He's the leagues' best fullback.
[/quote]

as much as I despise blake griffin (STOP FLOPPING! YOU DON'T NEED TO!), the guy is a talented scorer around the basket.
[/quote]

He's as strong as a bull and can finish on some awkward shots. He's no Kevin McHale/Adrian Dantley talent.

[tocino]

I'm not saying i'm anywhere close to being as good as Blake but one thing I liked to do when i played a lot was drive to the basket with the intent of getting contact before I would put a shot up. Blake does the same except for the times he's just trying to dunk over you. That's why I thought it was funny last saturday when he drove into draymond on a fastbreak but draymond avoided the contact and he ended up falling onto the floor.

[SoonerChris]

I'm just going to leave this here.

 

[RJRJRJ]

I'm just going to leave this here.

 

 

I am fully on board with this.

[gambit]

I'm just going to leave this here.

 

 

I am fully on board with this.

 

Now that my Dubs are out I am too. I don't want to see KD as one of the greats that could never win it all.

[MtlJeff]

[quote name='TheGameChanger' timestamp='1399286795' post='9233809']
I Can't wait for Free Agency
[/quote]

I'm anxious about Toronto, Lowry had a great playoffs, he's not a max player but his agent will probably ask for near max. I want Lowry, but want him at 10-12M for 4 years.

Patterson and Vasquez were important too. Ideally they keep all 3.

If the lose Patterson i'd like to see them go after a Spencer Hawes type. Big guys who can shoot are great

[mnplayer]

If Jeremy Lin is getting 15M next year Lowry at 12M would be highway robbery. I think he'll probably get 16M somewhere, he did say he loves Toronto so who knows. Good showing from the Raptors, put them on the map if nothing else.

[TheGameChanger]

Lowry will get close to MAX. Teams are going to overpay for a alot of guys this year.

[eagle1997]

[quote name='MtlJeff' timestamp='1399232201' post='9230089']So looking like the matchup everyone wanted in the East. Miami-Brooklyn. The Nets i believe were 4-0 against Miami this year. Obviously the former Celtics, if they get up for anything, it's playing Lebron. And Johnson presents matchup problems there too, as he does in any playoff series, being a 6-7 guard who can post up.

I also think Washington - Indiana will go 6-7 games. I feel like it's kind of a trap to pick Washington. Paul George had an OK Atlanta series, Hibbert just had a good game 7, and Washington cant stretch the floor like Atlanta can in terms of bigs. Hibbert should be a factor.

I guess the logical pick is Miami-Washington. But it wouldn't surprise me in the least if the Pacers snuck through again in 7 games[/quote]

Astute observations Jeff. As a long-suffering Bullets fan, I sure do hope you are wrong however.

After watching Game 1 this evening, I can see the series going at least 6. Really hope the good guy wizards can pull it out.

[tatertot]

How can Roy hibbert suck this much?

18 min.
0 points
0 rebounds
5 fouls

[eagle1997]

[quote name='tatertot' timestamp='1399344365' post='9239751']
How can Roy hibbert suck this much?

18 min.
0 points
0 rebounds
5 fouls
[/quote]

did you watch the pacers first round series at all? dude is the first all-star to get shut out of consecutive playoff games since naismith. i hope the pacers play him as much as possible.

[tatertot]

[quote name='eagle1997' timestamp='1399344638' post='9239783']
[quote name='tatertot' timestamp='1399344365' post='9239751']
How can Roy hibbert suck this much?

18 min.
0 points
0 rebounds
5 fouls
[/quote]

did you watch the pacers first round series at all? dude is the first all-star to get shut out of consecutive playoff games since naismith. i hope the pacers play him as much as possible.
[/quote]

I know ... But his level of suck continues to impress.

BTW ... CP3 will never miss another trey. Ever.

[deadsolid...shank]

Anyone else getting tired of watching Griffin lower his shoulder and just bulling his way down low. I'm sorry, but when you lead with that shoulder and initiate contact, it should be an offensive foul. Reminds me of Shaq backing people down with his butt. The defender has a right to his position also.

There were a few posts a while back discussing whether he is a top five talent. He's crazy athletic, but there are so many out there with so much better refined basketball skills.

Have to love the "head flop" too, throwing it back like he just really got hit hard. Quite the actor.

Is the NBA going to get a cut of the Clippers if they auction them off. The way their games are being officiated it appears the league would like a title in LA to boost the final price. They are really getting a boatload of calls.

[somaplr]

[quote name='deadsolid...shank' timestamp='1399378879' post='9241053']
Anyone else getting tired of watching Griffin lower his shoulder and just bulling his way down low. I'm sorry, but when you lead with that shoulder and initiate contact, it should be an offensive foul. Reminds me of Shaq backing people down with his butt. The defender has a right to his position also.

There were a few posts a while back discussing whether he is a top five talent. He's crazy athletic, but there are so many out there with so much better refined basketball skills.

Have to love the "head flop" too, throwing it back like he just really got hit hard. Quite the actor.

Is the NBA going to get a cut of the Clippers if they auction them off. The way their games are being officiated it appears the league would like a title in LA to boost the final price. They are really getting a boatload of calls.
[/quote]

Blake isn't even in the top 5 of the flopper/exaggeration foul list - ironically, it's a lot of the "great players" that do this - LeBron & Wade are probably the biggest offenders, Harden, CP3, etc. I hate it as well, but initiating contact isn't an offensive foul. The stuff that I really hate, that's not basketball or gamesmenship, is the stuff after the whistle and cheap shots. Blake (the stupied holding Ibaka with his feet tripping thing) is in that group along with Patrick Beverly, etc.

NBA won't get a cut. They are appointting a temporary CEO to run the operations until the sale. At the sale, the sale price will go to Sterling. They can't come in a seize property, but can make you sell (apparently), if you don't abide by the rules of the organizations (NBA), which wasn't reported earlier and not in the guidelines.