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Sunday, May 03, 2009

NBA Playoffs Thread

I estimate that only 10-12 Primates care about the NBA Playoffs, but with our own thread, we won’t detract from what this site is really about: the Duke Lacrosse case and Pavement’s discography.

robinred Posted: May 03, 2009 at 06:34 PM | 21164 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
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   3901. Dr. I likes his panda steak medium rare Posted: June 30, 2009 at 09:40 PM (#3238200)
Billups was one of the great acquisitions of Detroit. He had bounced around the league, and was a backup in Minnesota to Terrell Brandon. Minnesota let him walk just as Terrell Brandon's career was being destroyed by injuries. (Seriously odd/bad timing.) Then he became a full time starter in Detroit, and not just a backup who was forced to start because of injuries. The Detroit signing of Billups was sort of like hitting the jackpot when you consider that previously he seemed to be viewed as a journeyman/backup. Good/lucky move by Detroit.
   3902. tshipman Posted: June 30, 2009 at 09:43 PM (#3238204)
Billups was one of the great acquisitions of Detroit. He had bounced around the league, and was a backup in Minnesota to Terrell Brandon. Minnesota let him walk just as Terrell Brandon's career was being destroyed by injuries. (Seriously odd/bad timing.) Then he became a full time starter in Detroit, and not just a backup who was forced to start because of injuries. The Detroit signing of Billups was sort of like hitting the jackpot when you consider that previously he seemed to be viewed as a journeyman/backup. Good/lucky move by Detroit.


Heard on TV: "Shaq and Kobe just got beat by some guy named Chauncey. Way to go, Chauncey!"
   3903. Backlasher Posted: June 30, 2009 at 11:06 PM (#3238260)
RE: Chauncey

Maybe I am remembering incorrectly, but I thought in the Minn. days, they were running Brandon and Chauncey on the same unit often. Chauncey was being used almost as a combo guard giving Peeler a break. Likewise for D'Antonio, they would use him with Nick the Quick. Pitino poisoned him so bad, teams were seeing if he was a 2. It wasn't till Brandon had injury issues that Chauncey started playing the point as more a full time position. Of course, everything came together in Detroit.

RE: Fortson

As previously mentioned, Fortson had a rep as a head case. He could get buried on the bench for Nellie at the prime of his career. He was definately the type of player that was an asset for Nellie ball.

Blair hit the boards in college the way Barkley hit the boards in college. He also has Barkley's ass. I don't think he has his shot, ball handling or passing ability though.
   3904. JC in DC Posted: June 30, 2009 at 11:19 PM (#3238277)
Blair hit the boards in college the way Barkley hit the boards in college. He also has Barkley's ass. I don't think he has his shot, ball handling or passing ability though.


Do you think he has Barkley's explosiveness? I don't. I remember Barkley could get up like few people, and could get up and down quicker than most. He was an incredible athlete for such a heavy dude.
   3905. Dr. I likes his panda steak medium rare Posted: July 01, 2009 at 01:58 AM (#3238467)
Maybe I am remembering incorrectly, but I thought in the Minn. days, they were running Brandon and Chauncey on the same unit often. Chauncey was being used almost as a combo guard giving Peeler a break.


I think that is about right. Chauncey was more or less the 6th man on the Wolves, at least until Brandon got hurt. He could shoot, and was playing some at the 2 as well as the 1. If he had strictly been backing up Brandon, he wouldn't have got on the court very much, as Brandon was a 30-35 min/game guy.

Chauncey was pretty popular with the local fans in those days (I was living in Minneapolis at the time). He was a pretty good player at that point, but wasn't quite getting starter's minutes. It is interesting that Minnesota saw him as a player that they could let go. They could have had him for a reasonable salary. After letting Billups go, with Brandon's career basically done and William Avery turning out to be a total bust, it was Troy Hudson time. Not pretty days. Troy's game was at least better than his album was.

......

That said, Chauncey would have helped the Wolves, but it is not like he was the missing piece that would have guaranteed them a title. The West was stacked in those days, with the Lakers, Spurs, and Kings all at the top of their game. Dallas was also very strong. There was really only one year where the Wolves were legitimately in the hunt. In 2003-04 when they had KG, Sam, and Spree and Wally could still contribute, the Wolves were arguably the best team in the NBA over the course of the season. 2004 turned out to be a pretty good year for Chauncey's team, so we shouldn't feel to bad for him.
   3906. robinred Posted: July 01, 2009 at 02:08 PM (#3238881)
Do you think he has Barkley's explosiveness?


No. Barkley was a unique player.
   3907. Jimmy P Posted: July 01, 2009 at 03:30 PM (#3238947)
Please let someone else sign Turkoglu to a big money deal. Please. The Blazers don't need that.
   3908. The Good Face Posted: July 01, 2009 at 04:08 PM (#3238975)
Do you think he has Barkley's explosiveness?


No. Barkley was a unique player.


Pretty much. I'm a huge Big East fan, I've watched Blair plenty of times. He's a wide body, very strong, with tremendous hands and good timing, but he's a below the rim kind of player. I think he's a great value pick where he went, but he's no Barkley. Barkley was a freakish athlete.
   3909. Moses Taylor lost his pants to a pair of nines Posted: July 01, 2009 at 04:50 PM (#3239021)
How big is the deal going to be, Jimmy? They've only got about $8-9mil free. 5 years is the longest he can sign for. That's not great (if they gave him every penny of that), but it's not bad. And I trust Pritchard more than almost any other GM around right now. I could see them still being interested in trading for Hinrich (Outlaw/Blake, perhaps?). Hinrich/Roy/Hedo/Aldridge/Pryzbilla/Oden/Webster/Bayless/Fernandez is potentially a GREAT team next season.
   3910. Jimmy P Posted: July 01, 2009 at 05:01 PM (#3239035)
How big is the deal going to be, Jimmy? They've only got about $8-9mil free. 5 years is the longest he can sign for.

I can't find numbers, but Pritchard called him at 12:01 am last night. There's a few things that worry me. 1) Hedo is the exact same type of player as Roy. Guys who have the ball at the end and create. I don't know how they can have both of them. 2) Hedo just had his best season and averaged 16 points a game, 6-7 boards, 4 assists or so. He's 30 and he isn't getting better than now. In year 3, he's not going to be worth it.

I just don't think it's a good deal long term. I don't think he's near good enough to push them over, and I think long-term it hampers them.
   3911. jmurph Posted: July 01, 2009 at 05:16 PM (#3239053)
I don't think he's near good enough to push them over, and I think long-term it hampers them.


I think this is a great point. I think you consider splashing the cash on Boozer or Okur, had they opted out (though Boozer will certainly command 10+ per year), but Hedo doesn't give you anything you don't already have.
   3912. Los Angeles El Hombre of Anaheim Posted: July 01, 2009 at 05:28 PM (#3239074)
The guy Portland should really be going hard after is Odom. His skillset would be unique on the Blazers, a big man who can also handle the ball, and a willing sidekick who would defer to a star player (Roy). Plus, Odom is younger than Hedo, and the signing would deal the Lakers a wicked blow to the gut.

I'm glad Pritchard called Hedo instead.
   3913. Rivers McCown Posted: July 01, 2009 at 05:36 PM (#3239083)
Count me in on Turkoglu being a bad fit for the Blazers. Actually, this whole FA class is a bad fit for the Blazers.
   3914. JC in DC Posted: July 01, 2009 at 05:37 PM (#3239086)
I don't know, Softball. Who pushes Odom on that team? I'm not sure there are many places where Odom works. On LA, he's got a great coach and a player who can push him; I just don't see that on Portland.
   3915. Jimmy P Posted: July 01, 2009 at 05:38 PM (#3239089)
Count me in on Turkoglu being a bad fit for the Blazers. Actually, this whole FA class is a bad fit for the Blazers.


They really need a point guard that doesn't need the ball and can knock down threes. They can always play Rudy, Webster, or Outlaw at the 3.
   3916. Los Angeles El Hombre of Anaheim Posted: July 01, 2009 at 05:43 PM (#3239095)
If the Blazers are really shifting into a Win Now mentality, the guy they should be going after (besides Odom) is Jason Kidd. Steve Blake simply isn't a championship-caliber point guard, and while Kidd isn't what he once was he's still a lot more than Steve Blake ever was and ever will be. I don't think Portland should go after Hedo, but I agree with the more aggressive mentality. At some point, you have to stop building for a franchise's future and start considering yourself built, and ready to win. Outside of the Lakers and San Antonio, is there a team in the West better than Portland? I don't think so. They're one player away from being championship material.
   3917. Jimmy P Posted: July 01, 2009 at 05:47 PM (#3239098)
Outside of the Lakers and San Antonio, is there a team in the West better than Portland? I don't think so. They're one player away from being championship material.

But Hedo's not that guy. And spending money just because you have it is dumb. Kidd would be good, Ben Gordon would be good, trading for Hinrich would be good. I just don't see how Hedo fits.
   3918. Los Angeles El Hombre of Anaheim Posted: July 01, 2009 at 05:56 PM (#3239112)
I don't know, Softball. Who pushes Odom on that team?
I think he'd be just fine in Portland. In his one season in Miami, Odom played very well with Wade and Eddie Jones, teammates who didn't spend 30 minutes a game in his ear like Kobe does. Odom's issues in L.A. come from him not being able to handle the ball like he did with Miami or the Clips, and going from top dog to second banana was a difficult transition for him and he tends to let the game drift away when he's not heavily involved. Kobe Bryant's a great, great player, but he's savage in the way Jordan was with his teammates, and for a nice guy like Odom who wouldn't think of confronting Bryant, spending a lot of time without the ball while Bryant did the Kobe thing was probably pretty discouraging.
   3919. robinred Posted: July 01, 2009 at 06:10 PM (#3239138)
But Hedo's not that guy. And spending money just because you have it is dumb. Kidd would be good, Ben Gordon would be good, trading for Hinrich would be good. I just don't see how Hedo fits
.

Kidd does make sense for Portland. Turkoglu can fit in any scheme, I think--and he provides some things they don't have. That said, getting Kidd on a two-year would be better than giving a huge contract to Turkoglu.

I think he'd be just fine in Portland. In his one season in Miami, Odom played very well with Wade and Eddie Jones, teammates who didn't spend 30 minutes a game in his ear like Kobe does. Odom's issues in L.A. come from him not being able to handle the ball like he did with Miami or the Clips, and going from top dog to second banana was a difficult transition for him and he tends to let the game drift away when he's not heavily involved. Kobe Bryant's a great, great player, but he's savage in the way Jordan was with his teammates, and for a nice guy like Odom who wouldn't think of confronting Bryant, spending a lot of time without the ball while Bryant did the Kobe thing was probably pretty discouraging.


Maybe, but I think if this is even true that it is mostly in the past. Odom is pushing 30 and has played a lot of minutes; he is not the Miami Odom anymore. I think one reason Odom likes playing for the Lakers is he does not really have a "top dog" mentality. He seems comforatble as the #3, and I don't think he would want to be the "missing piece" expected to provide leadership for a different team (not that he won't do it if the money is really good elsewhere).

If Odom does walk, Bill Simmons will write a columm talking about how Kobe's overbearing personality was the reason, no matter what the money issues are.
   3920. Jimmy P Posted: July 01, 2009 at 06:37 PM (#3239213)
For real salary and contract idiocy, the Blackhawks just signed Marian Hossa to a 12 year deal. For as bad as NBA contracts are, they're nowhere near as stupid as NHL ones. The NHL GMs got the salary cap they wanted, and have proceeded to ruin it by signing 10+ year deals to everyone.
   3921. The cushions are crowded for Edmundo Posted: July 01, 2009 at 06:49 PM (#3239247)
There doesn't seem to be too much Hedo love here. He seems to be a player who can play 2 or 3 roles. I'm more of a casual observer of the NBA but I think I'd love me some Hedo on my team, except the 76ers have 3s and 4s and nothing else if Miller goes. Is it just that he's 30 and looking for a big contract that might start getting albatrossy at the end?
   3922. jmurph Posted: July 01, 2009 at 06:53 PM (#3239259)
The notion that Odom is deserving of a long-term contract at 8 or 10 a year is, uh, interesting. Let's try to keep in mind he's coming off a year in which he averaged 11 points a game in 30 minutes.
   3923. Jimmy P Posted: July 01, 2009 at 06:57 PM (#3239268)
Is it just that he's 30 and looking for a big contract that might start getting albatrossy at the end?

That's what it is for me. Hedo's a good player, no doubt, but he's not great. Due to how weak this free agent class is, and the playoffs he just had, he's going to command far more than he's worth. Basketball wise, it would probably help the Blazers - although I'm not 100% sold on that - but financial and salary cap wise it could really hurt them. Although, by year five, "Hedo Turkoglu's Expiring Contract" could have a ton of trade value.
   3924. Famous Original Joe C Posted: July 01, 2009 at 07:00 PM (#3239276)
If Odom does walk, Bill Simmons will write a columm talking about how Kobe's overbearing personality was the reason, no matter what the money issues are.

And every Laker fan here will feel the need to comment on it.
   3925. Los Angeles El Hombre of Anaheim Posted: July 01, 2009 at 07:00 PM (#3239277)
When you're a young contender, "eventual expiring contract" probably isn't what you're aiming for. :-)
I'm more of a casual observer of the NBA but I think I'd love me some Hedo on my team, except the 76ers have 3s and 4s and nothing else if Miller goes.
This reminds me, I heard a rumor on one of the ESPN radio syndications that Miller wants to come to the Lakers. Any truth to that? Anyone else hear that anywhere?
   3926. Spivey Posted: July 01, 2009 at 07:01 PM (#3239281)
I think Hinrich is a much better fit than Kidd, for Portland. I only bring this up since Moses (or someone) suggested a possible trade. Kidd loses a lot of value with the ball not in his hands - and Roy is a better creater at this point, and he needs the ball to be in his hands.

I think a guy like Odom makes sense - he fits in well, he's a 3rd banana that doesn't need a lot of shots, and he can play some 4 when Aldridge is in foul trouble or they want to go small.
   3927. Jimmy P Posted: July 01, 2009 at 07:02 PM (#3239285)
This reminds me, I heard a rumor on one of the ESPN radio syndications that Miller wants to come to the Lakers. Any truth to that? Anyone else hear that anywhere?

That's been around for years, and there's truth to it. Miller's from LA (or around there) and loves it. He loved living in LA, he just hated the Clippers. I could easily see him signing there.
   3928. Tripon Posted: July 01, 2009 at 07:04 PM (#3239290)
Miller still pisses me off for his Clipper year. The Lakers wouldn't want him anyway.
   3929. robinred Posted: July 01, 2009 at 07:05 PM (#3239294)
There doesn't seem to be too much Hedo love here.


You must have Rifkin on ignore, then.

He seems to be a player who can play 2 or 3 roles. I'm more of a casual observer of the NBA but I think I'd love me some Hedo on my team, except the 76ers have 3s and 4s and nothing else if Miller goes. Is it just that he's 30 and looking for a big contract that might start getting albatrossy at the end?


Well, I think Jimmy P is just against the Blazers in particular signing him for big money long-term. I would assume that Pritchard sees Hedo as one of two outside pieces he needs, along with internal improvement from Oden and Aldridge, to get the Blazers to the finals.

The notion that Odom is deserving of a long-term contract at 8 or 10 a year is, uh, interesting. Let's try to keep in mind he's coming off a year in which he averaged 11 points a game in 30 minutes.


I hope most GMs see it the way you do, since that would mean he will be back in LA. Odom is an unusual player in many ways, with some unique plusses and some big flaws, and I think his value is very context-dependent. Citing his scoring average as a putdown is an oversimplification. I did say earlier in the thread that I do not think there will be massive interest in him as a FA, though.
   3930. robinred Posted: July 01, 2009 at 07:12 PM (#3239315)
If Odom does walk, Bill Simmons will write a columm talking about how Kobe's overbearing personality was the reason, no matter what the money issues are.

And every Laker fan here will feel the need to comment on it.


And so will you, apparently.

I can see Celtic fans trying for some triangulation/gratification by using Simmons (ha ha ha you are talking about him instead of "enjoying your title") but actually his bizarre mental gymnastics to deal with the Lakers/Kobe winning it (and his numerous really bad predictions about other aspects of the playoffs) have added a nice, if petty, piece of enjoyment to #15.
   3931. jmurph Posted: July 01, 2009 at 07:23 PM (#3239344)
I hope most GMs see it the way you do, since that would mean he will be back in LA. Odom is an unusual player in many ways, with some unique plusses and some big flaws, and I think his value is very context-dependent. Citing his scoring average as a putdown is an oversimplification. I did say earlier in the thread that I do not think there will be massive interest in him as a FA, though.


Odom is just such a non-issue in my mind. His lack of effort, inconsistent play, total softness around the basket for a big guy (and he's also not a good outside shooter), no defense... I mean, honestly, is there any doubt that about 50 players in the league could have filled his 3rd/4th banana role this year for a lot cheaper? If he wasn't Lamar Odom: Former Lottery Pick/HS Stud, no one would spend this much time talking about him. His winning a ring with the Lakers doesn't make him a good long-term investment for anyone else.
   3932. Moses Taylor lost his pants to a pair of nines Posted: July 01, 2009 at 07:25 PM (#3239347)
I just don't think it's a good deal long term. I don't think he's near good enough to push them over, and I think long-term it hampers them.

I think they're pretty close, and he is an upgrade for that position and for the next 3 years he'll be worth it (to them). If they can upgrade PG too, I really think they're a title contender immediately. When you have an owner like Allen, the long term ramifications aren't going to hurt them. When the resign Roy and Aldridge, they're going to have cap issues anyway.

The guy Portland should really be going hard after is Odom. His skillset would be unique on the Blazers, a big man who can also handle the ball, and a willing sidekick who would defer to a star player (Roy). Plus, Odom is younger than Hedo, and the signing would deal the Lakers a wicked blow to the gut.

Disagree on Odom fitting better there. You've described Hedo, to an extent, but Hedo's more of a creator. I don't think having both Roy and Hedo who can both handle the ball and create is a bad thing, it probably helps the wear and tear on both of them. Odom is only 8 months younger, but he's played a lot more minutes than Hedo. If I had to bet on one of them staying effective longer, I'd bet on Hedo. The negative impact to the Lakers is a decent point though.

But Hedo's not that guy. And spending money just because you have it is dumb. Kidd would be good, Ben Gordon would be good, trading for Hinrich would be good. I just don't see how Hedo fits.

Now this is just insanity. A 36 year old PG who can't shoot and a severely undersized SG who can't do anything but shoot are better fits? Sure, Kidd could help. But how much? And while I could see Gordon working there, there isn't any scenario I can imagine where I'd prefer giving him $9mil a year than Hedo.

I think Hinrich is a much better fit than Kidd, for Portland. I only bring this up since Moses (or someone) suggested a possible trade. Kidd loses a lot of value with the ball not in his hands - and Roy is a better creater at this point, and he needs the ball to be in his hands.

Portland's wanted Hinrich for a while now. On draft night, Hinrich was supposedly telling people he expected to get traded to Portland.

I think a guy like Odom makes sense - he fits in well, he's a 3rd banana that doesn't need a lot of shots, and he can play some 4 when Aldridge is in foul trouble or they want to go small.

But Hedo makes more sense, because he's better and will cost about the same amount.
   3933. Spivey Posted: July 01, 2009 at 07:29 PM (#3239354)
I think Odom being able to play the 4 spot when you go small is a significant factor. I'm also at least a little weary of if Hedo will fade into obscurity like he's done most of his career if he doesn't basically get to run the offense. Odom is a significantly better defender too, enough so that I would *not* say that Hedo is clearly better.
   3934. JuanGone..except1game Posted: July 01, 2009 at 07:34 PM (#3239364)
I can see Celtic fans trying for some triangulation/gratification by using Simmons (ha ha ha you are talking about him instead of "enjoying your title") but actually his bizarre mental gymnastics to deal with the Lakers/Kobe winning it (and his numerous really bad predictions about other aspects of the playoffs) have added a nice, if petty, piece of enjoyment to #15.


Completely agree. Sore losers (Bill Simmons) feeling the need to spend 800 words explaining why winning a NBA Championship isn't that big of a deal says more about him than it does about the winner (Lakers/Kobe).

Odom is just such a non-issue in my mind. His lack of effort, inconsistent play, total softness around the basket for a big guy (and he's also not a good outside shooter), no defense... I mean, honestly, is there any doubt that about 50 players in the league could have filled his 3rd/4th banana role this year for a lot cheaper? If he wasn't Lamar Odom: Former Lottery Pick/HS Stud, no one would spend this much time talking about him. His winning a ring with the Lakers doesn't make him a good long-term investment for anyone else.


I think that your underestimating Lamar's impact and you are WAY wrong about his defensive ability. Lamar is one of the most versatile big-man defenders in the game. He's shown the ability to guard anyone from Centers to SF's. You can't find that type of versatility. Lamar can do things on the court that only a few can replicate, but of course he is maddeningly inconsistent which is his real problem. But I do agree that I wouldn't want to sign him for a long-term contract at this point, but that's not the same thing as saying that he wouldn't greatly help any of the elite teams in the NBA.
   3935. jmurph Posted: July 01, 2009 at 07:40 PM (#3239379)
The persecution complex of fans of the, what, 2nd most popular franchise in American sports, is kind of hilarious.
   3936. Los Angeles El Hombre of Anaheim Posted: July 01, 2009 at 07:48 PM (#3239398)
Count the ringzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. That's 15 zs, so take a few moments to gather them all in.
   3937. Moses Taylor lost his pants to a pair of nines Posted: July 01, 2009 at 07:49 PM (#3239400)
Odom is a significantly better defender too, enough so that I would *not* say that Hedo is clearly better.

Disagree. Both had good defensive playoffs - Odom moreso - but neither are usually considered *good* defensive players. Odom has been getting bigger (not fat, but muscle) and is drifting towards becoming a 4. He can defend some 4s, and Hedo has defended some 1s and 2s. The Blazers are trying to upgrade SF, and Hedo is much more likely to be able to stay at that position over the next 4 years. The Blazers don't need the option to play either guy at the 4, although Odom can do that for longer stretches.
   3938. Tom Cervo, backup catcher Posted: July 01, 2009 at 08:05 PM (#3239454)
I'm pleasantly surprised Boozer isn't opting out. Milsap has been a favorite of mine since he was drafted -- and I hope they re-sign him -- but I do not want to depend on him for offense. I don't see how he'd be able to maintain his style for 40 minutes a game either.
   3939. Slivers of Maranville (SdeB) Posted: July 01, 2009 at 08:08 PM (#3239464)
Its a shitty city, and the Spanish speaking population is only like 1%.


In fact, 7.6% of the population of Minneapolis was Hispanic in 2000, and it has some fairly large Mexican neighborhoods (which I have visited).

Although Rubio choosing where to play based on the size of the Hispanic population would be like me choosing which European city to live in based on which had the largest number of Australians.
   3940. robinred Posted: July 01, 2009 at 08:12 PM (#3239483)
The persecution complex of fans of the, what, 2nd most popular franchise in American sports, is kind of hilarious
.

And when it comes to all things Lakers-related, you are 100% objective and 100% money. These are direct quotes from you, from this thread:

"Nuggets in 6."

"The Lakers have no chance." (against Cleveland)

Like I always say to the Red Sox guys on the Red Sox fan culture threads, people bithcing about the behavior of your fan base usually means your team has been and is kicking ass.

That noted, as I said weeks ago, there are many, many Laker fans who are overprotective of and irrational about Kobe. But they are no more irrational about him than Beantown Bill is, and none of them has an ESPN column.

As to Odom: I can see why a Celtics fan would say the stuff you did; Garnett, a somewhat similar but superior player, has always given Odom a lot of problems and made him look bad in June 2008. But when Odom plays well, as we saw in G5 and G6 of the Denver series, in the Finals, and in some key regular season games, (his best game of the year was the win in Cleveland, and that is one reason I thought they could beat Cle had they played them) he brings enough different elements to the table that the Lakers almost always win (I said this weeks ago as well).

So, while Odom would help a lot of teams, I think he is more valuable to the Lakers than he is to anyone else, and I think Pritchard's offer to Hedo (which Moses makes some good points about) reflects this reality.
   3941. Famous Original Joe C Posted: July 01, 2009 at 08:16 PM (#3239495)
Count the ringzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. That's 15 zs, so take a few moments to gather them all in.

I got to 10, but then the other five were obscured by the letters "MPLS". Do you know what that's about?

And so will you, apparently.

Hey, you brought it up. In fact, as far as I can recall, the only time Bill Simmons perspective on the Lakers has been discussed in this thread is when it was brought up by a Laker fan.

Bitter Celtics fan rantings aside, in all seriousness, I'm glad to see this thread still going strong since I've been away.
   3942. robinred Posted: July 01, 2009 at 08:19 PM (#3239502)
Count the ringzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. That's 15 zs, so take a few moments to gather them all in.


I am with you in spirit here, but I don't know if we want to get into a ring-counting contest with C's fans. The Lakers are up 9-4 during Bill Simmons' life span, though (a guy at a Laker blog wrote that, and I thought it was funny).

I wonder who the Celtics will get. Rasheed? House is staying.
   3943. Jimmy P Posted: July 01, 2009 at 08:20 PM (#3239503)
And when it comes to all things Lakers-related, you are 100% objective and 100% money. These are direct quotes from you, from this thread:

Right, because being wrong obviously means the person was biased.
   3944. Moses Taylor lost his pants to a pair of nines Posted: July 01, 2009 at 08:23 PM (#3239510)
From ESPN Insider's rumor central:

Turkoglu nixed a four-year offer from Orlando, worth approximately $36 million, before the Magic dealt for Vince Carter, and the Magic did not make contact in the opening 12 hours of free agency.


That's a fair offer, and ideally I wouldn't want to go above that. So we know he'll probably get something bigger. 5/$45 is what I'm thinking, and outside of Portland I think that's a bad contract.

ESPN's Marc Stein reports that the Dallas Mavericks have made a three-year offer to Jason Kidd in the $21-25 million range.

This is just dumb.

According to a report today by the Daily News, a team source claims the Knicks will offer Lee a four-year deal worth $32M.

At least they made an offer, I guess. I'm surprised it's that big (just because of the FA stuff for next year).
   3945. robinred Posted: July 01, 2009 at 08:23 PM (#3239512)
Hey, you brought it up.


In passing, and you decided to bite. Also you are a self-described "Simmons apologist" and have lived up to that title. The guy does have some plusses as a writer, though, and I may buy his book.
   3946. robinred Posted: July 01, 2009 at 08:25 PM (#3239515)
Right, because being wrong obviously means the person was biased.


I have actually said several times in other threads that it doesn't. But in this case, well...
   3947. Los Angeles El Hombre of Anaheim Posted: July 01, 2009 at 08:27 PM (#3239522)
I got to 10, but then the other five were obscured by the letters "MPLS". Do you know what that's about?
You've got a little something greenish in your eye there. It's probably either bias or envy. I'd call an optometrist stat!

I am with you in spirit here, but I don't know if we want to get into a ring-counting contest with C's fans.
I don't mind doing that. Half of them weren't even alive when Russell won his last one. If there's any defensiveness, it's on the part of Celtic fans (like Simmons) desperate to defend a legacy they themselves don't even remember.

I wonder who the Celtics will get. Rasheed?
Wow. No. Bad idea.
   3948. JC in DC Posted: July 01, 2009 at 08:28 PM (#3239525)
4 years at $8 mill doesn't seem big for Lee, does it?


In passing, and you decided to bite.


I don't know how you say something in passing on a message board, and saying "you decided to bite" suggests you're baiting people and then complaining when they bite. Can we just take the discussions back to basketball, where they've been quite good.
   3949. Jimmy P Posted: July 01, 2009 at 08:28 PM (#3239529)
I have actually said several times in other threads that it doesn't. But in this case, well...

I guess I don't really care about anyone's bias in this group, and I especially don't care about the bias of national sportswriters. If I don't like what they say, I just don't read it.

ESPN's Marc Stein reports that the Dallas Mavericks have made a three-year offer to Jason Kidd in the $21-25 million range.

Cuban feels that he can't live without Kidd. Kidd had a nice year last year, but the Mavs are still a guy away.

Apparently, Rudy Fernandez is rather angry that Hedo is being pursued by the Blazers. So much so that he's talking about going back to Spain. Can't say I blame him, he played great last year, and adding Hedo would be a big decrease in Rudy's PT. Plus, they just traded one of his best friends away. Quick, Gar Forman, offer Hinrich for Rudy!
   3950. Los Angeles El Hombre of Anaheim Posted: July 01, 2009 at 08:30 PM (#3239531)
ESPN's Marc Stein reports that the Dallas Mavericks have made a three-year offer to Jason Kidd in the $21-25 million range.
The offer is to keep Dirk from staying in Germany and never, ever going back to Dallas.
   3951. RoyalsRetro (AG#1F) Posted: July 01, 2009 at 08:36 PM (#3239553)
Ugh, why is Joe Dumars after Charlie Villanueva? Just because he's buddy's with Ben Gordon? He doesn't exactly typify the kind of hard-nosed defensive player championship Pistons teams have had in the past. Any hints yet who the Pistons will interview for coach?


According to a report today by the Daily News, a team source claims the Knicks will offer Lee a four-year deal worth $32M.


Supposedly the Grizzlies are offering 5/$60. Ha!
   3952. JC in DC Posted: July 01, 2009 at 08:38 PM (#3239561)
Su
pposedly the Grizzlies are offering 5/$60. Ha!


If that's true, Jordan Hill's gonna get a lot of playing time.
   3953. robinred Posted: July 01, 2009 at 08:39 PM (#3239562)
Can we just take the discussions back to basketball, where they've been quite good.


Sure, after you scold me a little first.

Cuban feels that he can't live without Kidd. Kidd had a nice year last year, but the Mavs are still a guy away.


I think two or three, actually. I suppose we could specualte that Cuban cannot adnit that he made mistake with the Kidd deal and so has to go all-in.
   3954. JC in DC Posted: July 01, 2009 at 08:41 PM (#3239566)
Sure, after you scold me a little first.


You're right. I shouldn't have.
   3955. Famous Original Joe C Posted: July 01, 2009 at 08:44 PM (#3239578)
In passing, and you decided to bite. Also you are a self-described "Simmons apologist" and have lived up to that title.

All true.

I don't mind doing that. Half of them weren't even alive when Russell won his last one. If there's any defensiveness, it's on the part of Celtic fans (like Simmons) desperate to defend a legacy they themselves don't even remember.

How many times did you watch Jerry West play?

Can we just take the discussions back to basketball, where they've been quite good.

I hope the Lakers fans who I'm prodding and being prodded by know that I'm just having a little fun with all this oneupsmanship, nothing more. However, the Meta-Simmons conversation isn't interesting really, from either perspective.

So, consider this an olive branch, Lakers fans - I'll refrain from calling you a bunch of paranoid, front-running, soulless, tacit supporters of sexual misconduct, you guys don't call us ugly, racist, injury faking, Simmons-fellating, unrepentant Massholes, and we'll just talk draft and free agency. Deal? :-)

At least they made an offer, I guess. I'm surprised it's that big (just because of the FA stuff for next year).

Hey, they have to have someone decent under contract if they want a shot at signing Lebron.
   3956. Jimmy P Posted: July 01, 2009 at 08:46 PM (#3239583)
I suppose we could specualte that Cuban cannot adnit that he made mistake with the Kidd deal and so has to go all-in.

No, I'll give him more credit than that. The big mistake was the draft picks. Really, Kidd had a nice year last year. If he can keep it up, and they add another piece, they'll be pretty good.

Ugh, why is Joe Dumars after Charlie Villanueva?

Because he's just like Rasheed? Who knows, but if anything shows how screwed up the free agent market is this year, Charlie Villanueva is it.
   3957. Every Inge Counts Posted: July 01, 2009 at 08:55 PM (#3239619)
Ugh, why is Joe Dumars after Charlie Villanueva? Just because he's buddy's with Ben Gordon? He doesn't exactly typify the kind of hard-nosed defensive player championship Pistons teams have had in the past. Any hints yet who the Pistons will interview for coach?



Avery Johnson and Doug Collins are the two names popping up right now.
   3958. tshipman Posted: July 01, 2009 at 08:58 PM (#3239626)
No, I'll give him more credit than that. The big mistake was the draft picks. Really, Kidd had a nice year last year. If he can keep it up, and they add another piece, they'll be pretty good.


Well, Kidd had a pretty good year. You have to take a look at that year though. He was spending all his time guarding two's, with Barea and Terry guarding the 1's. Also, Devin Harris had a great year. It was a terrible trade at that time, and today. 3 years at 21-25 is compounding the mistake. If the Mavs' internal numbers are leading them that direction, they need to get new numbers.

Apparently, Rudy Fernandez is rather angry that Hedo is being pursued by the Blazers. So much so that he's talking about going back to Spain. Can't say I blame him, he played great last year, and adding Hedo would be a big decrease in Rudy's PT. Plus, they just traded one of his best friends away. Quick, Gar Forman, offer Hinrich for Rudy!


I would love the Lakers to get in on the Rudy Fernandez or Kirk Heinrich action. Unfortunately, they probably both cost too much. Kirk Heinrich is pretty much the ideal point guard for the Lakers next year.

you guys don't call us ugly, racist, injury faking, Simmons-fellating, unrepentant Massholes, and we'll just talk draft and free agency. Deal? :-)


Will you admit that Kevin McHale is a dangerous criminal who should be locked up?
   3959. Los Angeles El Hombre of Anaheim Posted: July 01, 2009 at 08:58 PM (#3239628)
How many times did you watch Jerry West play?
Never, and you won't catch me spending my days ranting about the West-Baylor Lakers. But I sure did watch me a whole lot of Magic Johnson, and the many rings that came during and after his reign.

I hope the Lakers fans who I'm prodding and being prodded by know that I'm just having a little fun with all this oneupsmanship, nothing more.
You're one of the reasons this thread rocks. Even if you do root for Evil.

No, I'll give [Mark Cuban] more credit than that. The big mistake was the draft picks.
I think the draft picks were okay, but right now the Mavs are moving towards the future while they've got as much as $56 million on the books for 2010-2010 even without Kidd's new contract. If they don't bring Kidd back and more or less slink out of the playoff picture, then Dirk'll may opt out, and you've pretty much got a bare cupboard. They're on the bad end of the success cycle, and it's hard for me to see how they can turn it around quickly.
   3960. Jimmy P Posted: July 01, 2009 at 09:02 PM (#3239635)
I would love the Lakers to get in on the Rudy Fernandez or Kirk Heinrich action. Unfortunately, they probably both cost too much. Kirk Heinrich is pretty much the ideal point guard for the Lakers next year.

Hinrich makes more than $10 million a season. Thank you, John Paxson. That's why the Bulls want to trade him. Rudy's a bargain, he's in the 2nd year of his rookie deal, so he makes $1 million.

They're on the bad end of the success cycle, and it's hard for me to see how they can turn it around quickly.

Which is pretty much why they're still going for it with this group. You don't try and win this year, then it's guaranteed Dirk leaves, and then you've got no good players and an empty building. With Dirk and Kidd, you'll be in the mix in the West, and sell tickets. Considering they couldn't get a better option for Kidd, it's a good basketball and business decision.
   3961. Los Angeles El Hombre of Anaheim Posted: July 01, 2009 at 09:09 PM (#3239645)
...And it ensures that Kidd and Dirk will be tradable assets going forward.
   3962. Famous Original Joe C Posted: July 01, 2009 at 09:22 PM (#3239671)
Will you admit that Kevin McHale is a dangerous criminal who should be locked up?

Whatever, Rambis had it coming.
   3963. JuanGone..except1game Posted: July 01, 2009 at 09:26 PM (#3239680)
I hope the Lakers fans who I'm prodding and being prodded by know that I'm just having a little fun with all this oneupsmanship, nothing more. However, the Meta-Simmons conversation isn't interesting really, from either perspective.

So, consider this an olive branch, Lakers fans - I'll refrain from calling you a bunch of paranoid, front-running, soulless, tacit supporters of sexual misconduct, you guys don't call us ugly, racist, injury faking, Simmons-fellating, unrepentant Massholes, and we'll just talk draft and free agency. Deal? :-)


As Bill would probably say "done and done". Seriously, I am a big Bill Simmons fan but if say Leonardo DiCaprio (Laker fan) had an ESPN column writing a post after the Celtics championship highlighting the theft of Ray Allen and Garnett from other teams, saying that they showed no heart by being taken to 7 games by the Hawks, and that they got lucky that Bynum had gotten hurt, Celtics fans wouldn't have been too happy. Plus, Bill and Chuck Klosterman dared question my reverence for the Motown 25th Anniversary special and Michael Jackson yesterday on the podcast, which were truly fighting words. Bill and I are currently in a timeout.
   3964. Famous Original Joe C Posted: July 01, 2009 at 09:29 PM (#3239688)
Which is pretty much why they're still going for it with this group. You don't try and win this year, then it's guaranteed Dirk leaves, and then you've got no good players and an empty building. With Dirk and Kidd, you'll be in the mix in the West, and sell tickets. Considering they couldn't get a better option for Kidd, it's a good basketball and business decision.

Yeah, they don't have a lot of options. Three years seems a bit nutty, but what the heck. They have basically no chance in the Wade/Lebron sweepstakes anyway, unless Cuban goes absolutely nuts. Plus, I can pull out my "vintage" 1995 Kidd/Mavs jersey at pick up games for another couple of years.

Thinking about the Mavs cap space/potential moves - I still can't believe Erick Dampier's contract. He makes $13 million in 2010-11! !!!!!! But Steve Nash was too expensive to extend.
   3965. Moses Taylor lost his pants to a pair of nines Posted: July 01, 2009 at 09:37 PM (#3239703)
Hinrich makes more than $10 million a season.

Once again, Hinrich has 3 years and $26.5mil left on his deal. Not great, but not as bad as you make it sound. That's decent starter money for an average to above average PG (factoring in defense). Yeah, he's overpaid as the 3rd guard on the Bulls, but that deal wasn't signed after the 1.7% lottery jackpot that was Rose.

Thinking about the Mavs cap space/potential moves - I still can't believe Erick Dampier's contract. He makes $13 million in 2010-11! !!!!!! But Steve Nash was too expensive to extend.

Heh, yeah. Not only is signing Kidd to that extension expounding on the badness of that trade, that's still a direct result of letting Nash walk.
   3966. JuanGone..except1game Posted: July 01, 2009 at 09:41 PM (#3239708)
Thinking about the Mavs cap space/potential moves - I still can't believe Erick Dampier's contract. He makes $13 million in 2010-11! !!!!!! But Steve Nash was too expensive to extend.


I'm not a Cuban fan so take this with a grain of salt, but that is still maybe the single worst move by a "good" NBA franchise in the last 10 years. Who just gives up a good/great point guard near their prime, without a real good reason? The Shaq move at least had a personal compenant, and the Suns decision to waste draft picks was more about a greedy owner, but at least their are good explanations. And in the end as you allude, Nash wasn't that expensive. Not re-signing Nash just seems so strange in retrospect.
   3967. Los Angeles El Hombre of Anaheim Posted: July 01, 2009 at 09:43 PM (#3239711)
Just in: Kobe Bryant will NOT opt out of his contract.

Not like he was going anywhere, but if he had opted out, he would have made something like a million less in 2009-2010, which would have helped with the salary cap. A few dollars less to sign Ariza and Odom with.
   3968. Famous Original Joe C Posted: July 01, 2009 at 09:54 PM (#3239725)
Not re-signing Nash just seems so strange in retrospect.

In retrospect, it sure does. At the time, though, the Nash contract seemed nutty - five years of second banana money to a 30 year old PG with defensive issues and a history of back injuries coming off a season in which he averaged 15/9? In a vacuum, at the time, this made sense. If I recall correctly, the consensus at the time was that, while Nash was going to make the Suns a fun (and improved) team, this was a crazy overpay.

Of course, giving Erick Freaking Dampier SEVEN (7!) years and $73 million made Cuban's initial restraint moot. That was truly Isiah-esque.
   3969. ?Donde esta Dagoberto Campaneris? Posted: July 01, 2009 at 10:00 PM (#3239734)
Not like he was going anywhere, but if he had opted out, he would have made something like a million less in 2009-2010, which would have helped with the salary cap. A few dollars less to sign Ariza and Odom with.

Where did you hear that his number would come down if he opted out- I've not heard that before.
   3970. Los Angeles El Hombre of Anaheim Posted: July 01, 2009 at 10:05 PM (#3239736)
In retrospect, it sure does. At the time, though, the Nash contract seemed nutty - five years of second banana money to a 30 year old PG with defensive issues and a history of back injuries coming off a season in which he averaged 15/9? In a vacuum, at the time, this made sense.
That's pretty much how I remember it. Plus, the Mavs then went on to win 58, 60 (and a trip to the Finals), and 67 games the next three seasons, so it's not as they were suddenly adrift without Nash.

From ESPN.com, 8/25/2004:
DALLAS -- The Dallas Mavericks got a big man, completing an eight-player sign-and-trade deal Tuesday that will bring Erick Dampier from the Golden State Warriors.

In the deal, Dampier will receive a seven-year, $73 million contract, ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher has learned.

Dallas sends Christian Laettner, Eduardo Najera, two future first-round draft picks and the draft rights to guards Luis Flores and Mladen Sekularac to the Warriors for Dampier, Dan Dickau, Evan Eschmeyer and the draft rights to Steve Logan.
I guess Dampier was going to be the Mavs' man to guard Shaq, Duncan, etc. Insane then, insane now.
   3971. Dr. I likes his panda steak medium rare Posted: July 01, 2009 at 10:05 PM (#3239738)
I'm not a Cuban fan so take this with a grain of salt, but that is still maybe the single worst move by a "good" NBA franchise in the last 10 years. Who just gives up a good/great point guard near their prime, without a real good reason? The Shaq move at least had a personal compenant, and the Suns decision to waste draft picks was more about a greedy owner, but at least their are good explanations. And in the end as you allude, Nash wasn't that expensive. Not re-signing Nash just seems so strange in retrospect.


No kidding. The Mavs went from being a 52 win team to a 42 win team after the Nash move. Nash may not have been worth all 10 of these wins, but the Mavs dumped Nash just as the Western conference was becoming significantly weaker than it had previously been. Of course, with Nash (and a full season of D'Antoni) the Suns went from 29 wins to 62 wins, and could have won the title with a few better breaks. That was a pretty high impact move. The Mavs just outsmarted themselves, thinking that Nash a wouldn't age well.

.......

This is why this sort of reasoning is dangerous; while a guy very well might be at the height of his value, there is no guarantee that you will get equivalent value in a trade.
   3972. Los Angeles El Hombre of Anaheim Posted: July 01, 2009 at 10:08 PM (#3239741)
Where did you hear that his number would come down if he opted out- I've not heard that before.
It would have been either the 5- or 7-year max contract, with the contract structured so that value of the first season of the contract would actually be slightly less than the 5th season of his present contract. Of course, the new contract would quickly balloon, but for one year the Lakers would actually save some change. Moot point now.
   3973. Los Angeles El Hombre of Anaheim Posted: July 01, 2009 at 10:12 PM (#3239746)
The Mavs went from being a 52 win team to a 42 win team after the Nash move.
No, they went from 52-30 in 2003-2004 to 58 wins the next season.
   3974. Moses Taylor lost his pants to a pair of nines Posted: July 01, 2009 at 10:12 PM (#3239749)
Plus, the Mavs then went on to win 58, 60 (and a trip to the Finals), and 67 games the next three seasons,

The Mavs went from being a 52 win team to a 42 win team after the Nash move.

Heh.
   3975. Los Angeles El Hombre of Anaheim Posted: July 01, 2009 at 10:22 PM (#3239757)
From the Oregonian:
Sources say Toronto is preparing an offer of five years and $60 million for Turkoglu. ... However, in order for Toronto to clear enough money to sign Turkoglu to the five-year, $60 million deal, it would have to renounce the contracts of Shawn Marion, Anthony Parker, Carlos Delfino, Patrick O'Bryant and Quincy Douby. The team is leery of taking that path, having that same tactic backfire last season when it created room for the arrival of Jermaine O'Neal.
Emphasis mine. That can't possibly be a real offer. I refuse to believe anything so stupid.
   3976. Dr. I likes his panda steak medium rare Posted: July 01, 2009 at 10:23 PM (#3239759)
No, they went from 52-30 in 2003-2004 to 58 wins the next season.


Crap. I can't read. (I don't want to count the games with Avery Johnson. Is that OK?)
   3977. ?Donde esta Dagoberto Campaneris? Posted: July 01, 2009 at 10:28 PM (#3239764)
Is there anywhere where Laker fans can go and donate so as to insure that Portland actually makes that offer? Not only does it prevent them from bidding on Lamar, it saddles them with a guy who is overpaid as soon as he signs the deal.

It seems totally out of character for that team which has made a lot of good decisions the last few years.
   3978. Moses Taylor lost his pants to a pair of nines Posted: July 01, 2009 at 10:30 PM (#3239766)
3986: That offer is supposedly going to be from the Raptors. And I don't believe it either.
   3979. ?Donde esta Dagoberto Campaneris? Posted: July 01, 2009 at 10:37 PM (#3239771)
That's just me working on my ltercy skills.

I'm still willing to donate to Portland to make that offer- I did hear they were looking at Hedo. I hope it's true.
   3980. jmurph Posted: July 01, 2009 at 10:48 PM (#3239782)
Robinred-

I don't get any credit for (rightly) pointing out how many of you guys were overrating Rafer Alston? (Also, some things you missed: I had Boston over Orlando, Cleveland over Orlando, and LA over Orlando. I guess I have an anti-Magic bias, too.)

Other than that: good god man, way to offer yourself as an illustration of my point. Yikes.
   3981. JC in DC Posted: July 01, 2009 at 10:50 PM (#3239784)
That write-up of the Toronto offer makes no sense. It reads, "Toronto is preparing to do something requiring it to do something it doesn't want to do, having unsuccessfully done a similar thing recently."
   3982. Los Angeles El Hombre of Anaheim Posted: July 01, 2009 at 10:52 PM (#3239787)
I just find rumors. It's not my fault they're insane rumors.
   3983. Der_K is feeling better now. Posted: July 01, 2009 at 11:04 PM (#3239792)
At the time, though, the Nash contract seemed nutty - five years of second banana money to a 30 year old PG with defensive issues and a history of back injuries coming off a season in which he averaged 15/9? In a vacuum, at the time, this made sense. If I recall correctly, the consensus at the time was that, while Nash was going to make the Suns a fun (and improved) team, this was a crazy overpay.

Exactly.
   3984. Jimmy P Posted: July 01, 2009 at 11:34 PM (#3239810)
while Nash was going to make the Suns a fun (and improved) team, this was a crazy overpay.

But no one even knew that. D'Antoni hadn't coached yet, and the Suns were horrible the year before.
   3985. Famous Original Joe C Posted: July 01, 2009 at 11:54 PM (#3239819)
But no one even knew that. D'Antoni hadn't coached yet, and the Suns were horrible the year before.

IIRC, D'Antoni coached for much of the previous (03-04) season.
   3986. Tripon Posted: July 02, 2009 at 12:00 AM (#3239824)
Emphasis mine. That can't possibly be a real offer. I refuse to believe anything so stupid.

This is the NBA. Its where stupidity happens.

Also, I bet the Raptors think they can ship any bad contract out in two years if they want to, and they'd be right since that is how the NBA works.
   3987. robinred Posted: July 02, 2009 at 12:09 AM (#3239831)
JC- (also Joe, jmurph)

I can be very annoying WRT the Lakers. And JC is right on another count--we should talk 'ball.

Softball,

The Rasheed-to-Boston thing was not an idea of mine--I actually heard it from a C's fan who'd seen it floated on-line, he said. But unless Wallace has really lost it,I don't see it as a bad idea for the Green. They could use a 4/5 to spell KG?Perkins, and Rasheed's penchant for camping out at the 3-line would seem to be Ok on a team with Perkins at the 5 and Rondo at the 1. Wallace also provides long arms around the hoop if not great activity on D.

Of course, we don't know about Powe's status, but Boston does need to add a vet off the pine who can help--that is clear.
   3988. robinred Posted: July 02, 2009 at 12:16 AM (#3239833)
Other than that: good god man, way to offer yourself as an illustration of my point. Yikes.


You have me all wrong, jmurph. Read my posts about Kobe's legacy and my predictions etc. And, as a Red Sox fan (as I would guess you are) should know, nasty generalizing about fanbases is not the way to go.
   3989. Famous Original Joe C Posted: July 02, 2009 at 12:18 AM (#3239834)
For real salary and contract idiocy, the Blackhawks just signed Marian Hossa to a 12 year deal.

For those of you unfamiliar with the NHL, Hossa is 30. At least he's an excellent player.

Rick DiPietro, a 27 year old roughly league average goalie, is under contract with the Islanders until 2021.
   3990. Shooty: Applying to be Fearless Leader Posted: July 02, 2009 at 12:19 AM (#3239835)
Gordon and Villanueva to the Pistons. I think Powe has been released by the Celtics. As a NorCal guy, I'd like to see him land with the Warriors for sentimental reasons.
   3991. Famous Original Joe C Posted: July 02, 2009 at 12:20 AM (#3239837)
Gordon and Villanueva to the Pistons. I think Powe has been released by the Celtics. As a NorCal guy, I'd like to see him land with the Warriors for sentimental reasons.

If Powe was released, maybe his knee is officially an issue going forward?
   3992. Joe Bivens, Idiot Posted: July 02, 2009 at 12:29 AM (#3239843)
Flipped!

Powe was released? When?

edit...ah, I saw.
   3993. Shooty: Applying to be Fearless Leader Posted: July 02, 2009 at 12:33 AM (#3239851)
The celtics didn't give him a qualifying offer so he's a free agent.

edit: He's out until the all star break, most likely.
   3994. PJ Martinez Posted: July 02, 2009 at 12:34 AM (#3239853)
Powe wasn't "released," per se; the Celtics declined to make him a qualifying offer.

As I understand it, no one expects him to play before the All-Star break. I love the guy, but it's hard to give him a roster spot in that situation, especially given his history of knee troubles. I'll be rooting for him.

And I'm not crazy about these moves by Dumars. Villanueva might be a good signing, but I wouldn't have spent that much on Ben Gordon, especially with Hamilton on the roster. Is Rip going to be traded? Otherwise, the Pistons are going to have a very well-paid sixth man.
   3995. robinred Posted: July 02, 2009 at 12:38 AM (#3239856)
While I see the reasoning in saying the Memphis/Lee and Toronto/Turkoglu offers (if legit) are nuts, (teams not contenders, huge commitments to guys who are pretty good ballplayers and no more) teams like that often have to overpay to get FA action. In addition, in Toronto's case, they may be thinking in terms of trying to keep Bosh by adding a piece to make the team better.

I think you can look at it in two ways in addition to just saying "mistake": I remember going to celticsblog after the Celtics added Ray Allen. Some guys were saying wait, there, is another move coming, but a lot were pissed--WTF is Ainge doing, etc. The nature of basketball is such that at times, except for obvious stuff, moves cannot be viewed in isolation. Second, long-term overpays often of course suck massive balls (Dampier)--but they can work, too. Many people mocked the Rashard Lewis contract when it was signed. And if the Mavs had won in 2006 or 2007--they didn't, but it was a championship-caliber club on which Dampier played a role.

Edit: This applies to what Joe D just did, too.

Nash/Kidd/Dallas: I agree with the "outsmarted themselves" line. Point guards often age fast and drop off quickly--but Nash's game does not depend all that much on hops and quickness, and he is very well-conditioned. He may last like Stockton did. And even though Kidd played pretty well last year, once they bailed on Nash, they should have kept Harris. Getting Kidd to replace Nash while losing Harris is high-quality tail-chasing--but it is still tail-chasing.

However, the Meta-Simmons conversation isn't interesting really, from either perspective.


I think it is actually, but this thread is not the right place for it, with a bunch of guys who want to talk about the league as a whole at this party who don't give a rat's ass about the mouthy rich kids slap-fighting on the patio and just want them to shut up.
   3996. DosRafaels Posted: July 02, 2009 at 12:52 AM (#3239883)
I think it is actually, but this thread is not the right place for it, with a bunch of guys who want to talk about the league as a whole at this party who don't give a rat's ass about the mouthy rich kids slap-fighting on the patio and just want them to shut up.


I'm not rich!
   3997. Der Komminsk-sar Posted: July 02, 2009 at 01:40 AM (#3239923)
memphis gets z-bo for quentin richardson.
   3998. JC in DC Posted: July 02, 2009 at 01:44 AM (#3239931)
The Rockets offered Gortat a contract. I'm not sure he's a starter, but that's a good move for a team suddenly without a center for the indefinite future.
   3999. JC in DC Posted: July 02, 2009 at 01:47 AM (#3239935)
memphis gets z-bo for quentin richardson


Nice move for a young team in need of a positive veteran lockerroom presence.
   4000. jmurph Posted: July 02, 2009 at 01:53 AM (#3239938)
Is Rip going to be traded? Otherwise, the Pistons are going to have a very well-paid sixth man.


His contract is fairly tradeable, I think, and they have a lot of needs. Adding a point guard to Gordon, Prince, and Charlie V. would certainly make for an interesting start.
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