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Saturday, February 01, 2014

OT: NBA February 2014

In total, 14 former Lakers are under contract with other teams—more if training camp invites and traded draft picks are included:
Charlotte Bobcats: Ramon Sessions, Josh McRoberts, Jannero Pargo and Chris Douglas-Roberts (training camp invite)
Cleveland Cavaliers: Earl Clark
Clippers: Matt Barnes, Antawn Jamison
Houston Rockets: Dwight Howard, Patrick Beverley (drafted 42nd overall in 2009, traded immediately to the Miami Heat)
Indiana Pacers: Andrew Bynum
Miami Heat: Toney Douglas (drafted 29th overall in 2009, traded immediately to the New York Knicks)
Milwaukee Bucks: Caron Butler
Minnesota Timberwolves: Ronny Turiaf
New York Knicks: Metta World Peace
Oklahoma City Thunder: Derek Fisher
Phoenix Suns: Gerald Green (training camp invite)
San Antonio Spurs: Shannon Brown
Utah Jazz: Malcolm Thomas (training camp invite)
Washington Wizards: Trevor Ariza

Mellow Mouse, Benevolent Space Tyrant Posted: February 01, 2014 at 03:05 PM | 740 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
Tags: nba

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1. Mellow Mouse, Benevolent Space Tyrant Posted: February 03, 2014 at 08:04 AM (#4650596)

I estimate there is one ex-Laker for every Primate interested in basketball.

2. yo la tengo Posted: February 03, 2014 at 08:47 AM (#4650604)

Left a question dangling at the end of the last thread. By my count there are about 13 former Gators in the NBA right now. Where does this rank for a single college being represented in the league? Pretty impressive for Billy D. since UF is SUCH a football school.

3. PJ Martinez Posted: February 03, 2014 at 09:14 AM (#4650605)

Looks like there are 21 Kentucky Wildcats in the league. I suspect that's no. 1, but you can check yourself on that site, if you're curious. (Other high numbers: 16 Tar Heels, 15 Blue Devils.)

4. Mark S. is bored Posted: February 03, 2014 at 09:41 AM (#4650613)

Suns - Lakers talking Okafor for Gasol trade.

The Phoenix Suns have emerged as a potential trade suitor for Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol, according to sources close to the process.

Sources told ESPN.com that the Suns, among the options being weighed as part of their well-chronicled desire to acquire an established player as they make an unexpected playoff push this season, have been exploring the feasibility of trading for the Lakers' four-time All-Star.

One option for the Suns, by virtue of their $5.6 million in available salary-cap space, is swapping the expiring contract of injured big man Emeka Okafor for Gasol, even though Okafor's $14.5 million salary this season falls well shy of Gasol's $19.3 million.

5. jmurph Posted: February 03, 2014 at 09:48 AM (#4650621)

Why would the Lakers not make that deal? The optics of giving up? I think their fans are smart enough to understand. If they could get one of Phoenix's 1st rounders, it's obviously even better.

6. NJ in NY (Now with Baby!) Posted: February 03, 2014 at 10:03 AM (#4650636)

I was going to post about how the West has 3 tiers and wonder if people felt that PHX acquiring Gasol would move them from tier 3 to tier 2 but then I took a cursory glance at records/rosters/some advanced stats and I really think the Western playoff picture is 2 tiers:

OKC-LAC-SAS
GSW-HOU-MEM-POR-PHX

Out of those 8 teams, I could be talked into anyone of them emerging from the West. Of course, OKC is still the favorite, but...man it should be a hell of a May.

7. Mark S. is bored Posted: February 03, 2014 at 10:04 AM (#4650637)

Why would the Lakers not make that deal? The optics of giving up? I think their fans are smart enough to understand. If they could get one of Phoenix's 1st rounders, it's obviously even better.

It's more that they don't want to be seen as making a move for purely financial reasons. If they get a pick or a young player, they can couch it as a rebuilding move.

8. jmurph Posted: February 03, 2014 at 10:36 AM (#4650663)

It's more that they don't want to be seen as making a move for purely financial reasons. If they get a pick or a young player, they can couch it as a rebuilding move.

I get the argument, but if any franchise should have a deep reservoir of goodwill built up due to sustained success, it's the Lakers. Surely their fans know the owners aren't just going to pocket the profit.

9. John M. Perkins Posted: February 03, 2014 at 10:58 AM (#4650692)

Let's Rodeo!

Kentucky has the most players, but Texas with 12 would win a 7 game series this year.

10. CFBF Is The Victim of Unfathomable Pinheadery Posted: February 03, 2014 at 11:28 AM (#4650726)

I saw a photo of Calathes from his first start the other night. He wasn't a particularly good-looking sort in college, but damn, it looks like he aged 30 years and took a severe beating at some point over the last several seasons. Playing professional basketball in Greece is tough.

11. aberg Posted: February 03, 2014 at 11:40 AM (#4650746)

Kentucky has the most players, but Texas with 12 would win a 7 game series this year.

I think Georgetown just has Hibbert, Jeff Green, Greg Monroe, Hollis Thompson, Henry Sims, and Otto Porter right now. Dajuan Summers has had stints, but I'm not sure if he's on a roster now.

12. Der-K: downgraded to lurker Posted: February 03, 2014 at 11:57 AM (#4650775)

GT would start Bosh / Favors / T.Young / Shumpert / Jack, with Will Bynum, Anthony Morrow, and Glen Rice Jr. coming off the bench. Weird that they're down to eight dudes (Lawal didn't get through training camp).

13. Der-K: downgraded to lurker Posted: February 03, 2014 at 12:00 PM (#4650782)

Kansas has 14 (and might get a 15th in Drew Gooden at some point) - shocking lack of (current) star power, though (Cole Aldrich, Darrell Arthur, Mario Chalmers, Nick Collison, Xavier Henry, Kirk Hinrich, Ben McLemore, Marcus Morris, Markieff Morris, Paul Pierce, Thomas Robinson, Brandon Rush, Tyshawn Taylor, Jeff Withey).

Only 9 Texas guys have played so far this season, by the way (so far, no Gibson, Pittman, or Damion James). Mind you, a Durant/Alridge core is a nice start.

14. rr

Posted: February 03, 2014 at 12:17 PM (#4650797)

Based on what I see in the blogosphere, most Lakers fans would be fine with trading Pau to PHX, which has some picks they really can't use, including Indiana's. Lakers fans are talking Embiid/Parker/Wiggina as the losses mount. The main rumor out there is Pau for Okafor and the Indiana pick, which will of course fall at the end of the first round.

If PHX just wants to do Pau for Okafor so the Lakers save some money...well, the Lakers are 3-18 over the last 21 games, even with Pau, so I am not sure I would do that. I would also certainly understand if PHX does not want to give up any picks for a rental.

15. My name is Votto, and I love to get blotto Posted: February 03, 2014 at 12:18 PM (#4650798)

Something is screwy with that RealGM link. Will Bynum (Georgia Tech) appears on the list of former Arizona Wildcats. Ekbe Udoh (Baylor) appears on the list of former Michigan Wolverines. Were they college transfers?

UCLA can throw out a pretty strong team with Westbrook, Darren Collison, Afflalo, Kevin Love and mbah-amoute. You could do worse for a starting 5.

16. aberg Posted: February 03, 2014 at 12:24 PM (#4650803)

The main rumor out there is Pau for Okafor and the Indiana pick, which will of course fall at the end of the first round.

My ironic hope is that the Lakers somehow manage to make Phoenix take back the boondoggle of a contract around Steve Nash, and he instantly returns to form.

17. jmurph Posted: February 03, 2014 at 12:32 PM (#4650809)

I would also certainly understand if PHX does not want to give up any picks for a rental.

I still think it's a great deal for them. Helps them get to the playoffs, which I buy as a legitimate goal for them, even if it's a first round exit. They must be hemorrhaging fans out there over the past few years. And they get the first crack at re-signing a still very good Pau.

18. aberg Posted: February 03, 2014 at 12:40 PM (#4650818)

still very good Pau.

How good is he? He has not looked very good when I have seen him. His WS/48 has declined precipitously for the last 3 years and he has career lows in TS and EFG%. Do people think that is a function of the poor team around him?

19. yo la tengo Posted: February 03, 2014 at 12:41 PM (#4650821)

Would those dozen Gators make a solid roster? A front court with Lee, Noah, Horford, Haslem and Speaights. Some good guard play from Beal and various wingmen types in Miller, Bonner, Brewer, Parsons. Murphy and Calathes haven;t shown much yet but there's some promise on that roster.

20. Tom Cervo, backup catcher Posted: February 03, 2014 at 01:05 PM (#4650849)

Arizona's would be interesting, though not that good.

PG: Jerryd Bayless
SG: Andre Iguodala
SF: Chase Budinger
PF: Channing Frye
C: Jordan Hill
Bench: Jason Terry, Richard Jefferson, Derrick Williams, and Solomon Hill. No rim protection and Iguodala is the only good distributor.

21. nick swisher hygiene Posted: February 03, 2014 at 01:13 PM (#4650858)

best Tar Heel lineup: Lawson, Danny Green, and.....let's say Vince, Brandan Wright and Ed Davis? John Henson? everybody else is over the hill or barely started.

22. Manny Coon Posted: February 03, 2014 at 01:24 PM (#4650866)

Westbrook, Darren Collison, Afflalo, Kevin Love and mbah-amoute

UCLA is pretty deep, they also have Matt Barnes, Ariza, Jrue, Farmar. They have a lot of good guards and wings. Pretty weak up front though, Ryan Hollins is their best big after Love. They are also an interesting group because of their 12 players half are on the Clippers or Wolves.

23. aberg Posted: February 03, 2014 at 01:24 PM (#4650867)

This is a fun game. Here are some other notable groups.

Duke:
Kyrie Irving
JJ Reddick
Luol Deng
Carlos Boozer
Miles Plumlee
Bench: Dunleavy, Henderson, Brand, Battier, Singler

Kentucky:
Rajon Rondo
John Wall
Terrence Jones
Anthony Davis
Boogie Cousins
Bench: Bledsoe, Patterson, Meeks, Knight, MKG

UCONN:
Kemba Walker
Ray Allen
Rudy Gay
Emeka Okafor
Andre Drummond
Bench: Butler, Gordon, Villanueva, Thabeet

Wake Forest:
Chris Paul
Jeff Teague
James Johnson
Al Farouq Aminu
Tim Duncan
Bench: Josh Howard, Ish Smith

Ohio St:
Mike Conley
Daquan Cook
Evan Turner
Jared Sullinger
Kosta Koufos
Bench: Mullens, Oden

UNC:
Ty Lawson
Danny Green
Harrison Barnes
Tyler Hansbrough
John Henson
Bench: Felton, Marshall, Davis, Jamison, Carter

Kansas has 16 guys, none of whom is clearly better than a good bench player. Weird mix for them.

24. NJ in NY (Now with Baby!) Posted: February 03, 2014 at 01:55 PM (#4650889)

What does the HS team look like?

JR Smith
Kobe Bryant
LeBron James
Jermaine O'Neal
Andrew Bynum

BENCH: ?

I'm sure I'm forgetting a bunch of people

25. jmurph Posted: February 03, 2014 at 01:59 PM (#4650894)

Garnett... Al Jefferson?

26. rr

Posted: February 03, 2014 at 02:04 PM (#4650897)

How good is he?

He remains a skilled offensive player and a decent low-post stationary defender. He is a liability on Team D, though. The Pau/Odom synergy was a key facet of the 2008-11 Lakers--Odom covered Pau's weaknesses perfectly.

I have seen PHX 8-10 times; I think that Pau would help them playing 25-28 MPG.

27. rr

Posted: February 03, 2014 at 02:07 PM (#4650898)

Do people think that is a function of the poor team around him?

Somewhat. Historically, Pau has been more efficient when he has had Kobe out there with him to occupy the D. Some of it is just being old as well of course. Since PHX has a lot of guys who can shoot from the arc and athletic guards, Pau would look better with them than he does now.

28. aberg Posted: February 03, 2014 at 02:10 PM (#4650902)

What does the HS team look like?

Dwight is the big one. He'd absolutely start at C.

I think I'd go with this lineup:
Monta Ellis
Kobe Bryant
Lebron James
Josh Smith
Dwight Howard
Bench: Al Jefferson, JR Smith, Amir Johnson, Tyson Chandler, Martell Webster, Shaun Livingston

That's a poor shooting starting lineup. Ellis, Smith, and Howard are all notably awful shooters. Lebron has become great, but even Kobe isn't really a floor stretcher.

29. aberg Posted: February 03, 2014 at 02:21 PM (#4650912)

I started doing a foreign born player one, but it was too crowded. I'm breaking it down by region. Players who went to US college are not eligible.

Western Europe
Tony Parker
Marco Bellineli
Nic Batum
Dirk Nowitzki
Marc Gasol
Bench: Pau, Gallo, Bargnani, Rubio, Pietrus, Sefolosha

Eastern Europe
Goran Dragic
Alexei Shved
Andre Kirilenko
Marcin Gortat
Nikola Pekovic
Bench: Teletovic, Montiejunas, Mozgov, Udrih, Asik, Ilyasova

South America
Greivis Vasquez
Manu Ginobili
Carlos Delfino
Nene
Thiago Splitter
Bench: Varejao, Barbosa, Scola

Many of the African and Oceanian guys went to US college (Adams, Bogut, Mills, Aminu, Dieng). Ibaka deserves mention.

30. King Mekong Posted: February 03, 2014 at 02:27 PM (#4650914)

Texas best 5 might be

C: Aldridge
PF: Thompson
SF: Durant
G: Avery Bradley
G: Corey Joseph

31. STIGGLES don't want to talk about cracker barrel Posted: February 03, 2014 at 02:30 PM (#4650917)

washington:
isaiah thomas
nate robinson
terrence ross
jon brockman
spencer hawes

marquette:
dwayne wade
wes matthews
jimmy butler
jae crowder
steve novak

32. theboyqueen Posted: February 03, 2014 at 02:46 PM (#4650924)

33. theboyqueen Posted: February 03, 2014 at 02:48 PM (#4650925)

UCLA just has no inside presence, unfortunately.

34. theboyqueen Posted: February 03, 2014 at 02:50 PM (#4650927)

Actually, that Kentucky team would be scary good. Davis/Cousins down low would complement each other perfectly.

35. EddieA Posted: February 03, 2014 at 03:05 PM (#4650936)

The 3 Wake starters surrounding Duncan and Paul are fun, athletic players that aren't shooters. They need to trade Teague. I think Howard's in the D-league BTW and there's a good chance he doesn't have the athleticism anymore to make it back.
By PER, the best starting 5 is bound to be Kentucky (I get about 114 for Davis, Cousins, Wall, Bledsoe, Jones).

36. Mark S. is bored Posted: February 03, 2014 at 03:11 PM (#4650937)

Something is screwy with that RealGM link. Will Bynum (Georgia Tech) appears on the list of former Arizona Wildcats.

Bynum played at Arizona for two years before transferring to Georgia Tech.

37. Gold Star - just Gold Star Posted: February 03, 2014 at 03:17 PM (#4650941)

Pau to the Suns is intriguing. With him, Hornacek could #### around and throw out a 3-center lineup that actually spaces the floor (Frye on the perimeter, Gasol at the elbow and Plumlee in the post).

38. Gold Star - just Gold Star Posted: February 03, 2014 at 03:26 PM (#4650944)

FIBA's World Cup draw was today. Americans got lucky, as the toughest competition in their group is Turkey. Group of Death has Spain, Serbia, France and Brazil (Iran and Egypt, too).

39. CFBF Is The Victim of Unfathomable Pinheadery Posted: February 03, 2014 at 03:28 PM (#4650946)

Would those dozen Gators make a solid roster? A front court with Lee, Noah, Horford, Haslem and Speaights. Some good guard play from Beal and various wingmen types in Miller, Bonner, Brewer, Parsons. Murphy and Calathes haven;t shown much yet but there's some promise on that roster.

Noah was a point guard until his sudden growth spurt his junior year of high school. Let Jo play the 1.

40. SPICEY WITH A SIDE OF BEER ON A BABYYYYYYY Posted: February 03, 2014 at 03:35 PM (#4650951)

This is a fun exercise. What would the best team of these be? Part of me wants to say Wake Forest, as I think you could surround Chris Paul and Tim Duncan with decent shooting YMCA players and still have a playoff team. The high school and western euro teams would be fun to watch, but they are kind of a cheat. I'm thinking Kentucky (more by quantity) and Duke are the ones that actually make sense as a team.

I'd still say Texas.

I'd take Durant over Paul and Aldridge over Duncan.

Kentucky is tough though. If these gains from Cousins and Davis are real, then I suppose they'd be the favorite.

41. STIGGLES don't want to talk about cracker barrel Posted: February 03, 2014 at 03:37 PM (#4650952)

FIBA's World Cup draw was today. Americans got lucky, as the toughest competition in their group is Turkey. Group of Death has Spain, Serbia, France and Brazil (Iran and Egypt, too).

this isn't soccer, so let's not pretend like it matters at all who else wound up in the US's group.

42. Manny Coon Posted: February 03, 2014 at 03:38 PM (#4650954)

UCLA just has no inside presence, unfortunately.

They would have no interior defense, but they could at least rebound, all of Westbrook, Barnes, Ariza, Holiday and Mbah a Moute are good rebounders for their positions and Love is one of the best. Having rebounders at positions would actually make Hollins less bad as well, he's actually decent defending the basket, but he's a bad rebounder and limited on offense.

43. Manny Coon Posted: February 03, 2014 at 03:45 PM (#4650959)

World Cup draw was today. Americans got lucky, as the toughest competition in their group is Turkey. Group of Death has Spain, Serbia, France and Brazil (Iran and Egypt, too).

It's not a group of death really because 4 teams make it through, so it just means for the 4 good teams wipe the floor with Egypt and Iran, in addition the USA is on the other side of the bracket so those 4 teams avoid the USA until the final.

44. Gold Star - just Gold Star Posted: February 03, 2014 at 03:52 PM (#4650961)

Ah. I was looking forward to a bloodbath in that group.

45. Gold Star - just Gold Star Posted: February 03, 2014 at 03:59 PM (#4650964)

this isn't soccer, so let's not pretend like it matters at all who else wound up in the US's group.

After USA Basketball's stumbles in 2002-06 and Spain throwing a scare into the Americans in London, I take nothing for granted.

46. . . . . . . . . . . Posted: February 03, 2014 at 04:00 PM (#4650966)

This is a fun exercise. What would the best team of these be?

This is a fun exercise. What would the best team of these be?

I've never understood why the league doesn't do more out of the box, off-season activities. Say this was a single weekend in the summer. Make it an 8 team tournament, 24 minute games, all held on Saturday except for championship, which is the full 48 and held on Sunday. Each player is paid $10k per game, except for the final, which is $5M aggregate for the winning team, winner take all. Participating players are insured and NBA teams get an amnesty if a player gets injured.

Make it $30 PPV. Who doesn't ####### buy that package?

47. Athletic Supporter wants to move your money around Posted: February 03, 2014 at 04:06 PM (#4650971)

South America
Greivis Vasquez
Manu Ginobili
Carlos Delfino
Nene
Thiago Splitter
Bench: Varejao, Barbosa, Scola

Vasquez went to (and starred at) Maryland

48. Gold Star - just Gold Star Posted: February 03, 2014 at 04:06 PM (#4650972)

I'd be all over it, but I can see the NBA owners freaking out. It would be a replay of the World Baseball Classic bullshit, with some players being leaned on by their employers to not take part.

49. aberg Posted: February 03, 2014 at 04:16 PM (#4650976)

You could make a starting 5 from Gonzaga players, but it would be awful:
Elias Harris
Austin Daye
Ronny Turiaf
Kelly Olynyk
Bob Sacre

It's surprising how few schools can put together teams like this. There are a handful of others than can cobble together a starting 5 of active players (Memphis, Syracuse, Louisville), but they all have gaping holes.

50. AROM Posted: February 03, 2014 at 04:16 PM (#4650977)

How good is he? He has not looked very good when I have seen him. His WS/48 has declined precipitously for the last 3 years and he has career lows in TS and EFG%. Do people think that is a function of the poor team around him?

Gasol has pretty much everything working against him.

1. Old (not extremely, but lots of mileage)
2. Lots of injuries
3. His game doesn't really match what D'Antoni wants to do

It's been a great run, I wish him well if he's traded.

51. aberg Posted: February 03, 2014 at 04:17 PM (#4650978)

Vasquez went to (and starred at) Maryland

That's right. My mistake. He was fun to watch there, too. They'll have to put Barbosa in and hope he and Manu can handle the play making duties.

52. ASmitty Posted: February 03, 2014 at 04:34 PM (#4650989)

While it feels odd for me to make two strat-o-matic posts in one day, my friends and I do a strat-o-matic football tournament each year with teams selected by collegiate conference. Individual colleges wouldn't really be possible, so thinking broader allows for more realistic rosters.

I imagine the basketball rosters get more intricate if you look at the entire Big Ten, entire ACC, etc.

53. Manny Coon Posted: February 03, 2014 at 04:59 PM (#4651000)

While it feels odd for me to make two strat-o-matic posts in one day, my friends and I do a strat-o-matic football tournament each year with teams selected by collegiate conference. Individual colleges wouldn't really be possible, so thinking broader allows for more realistic rosters.

I imagine the basketball rosters get more intricate if you look at the entire Big Ten, entire ACC, etc.

Big 12 has a killer frontline of Aldridge-Griffin-Durant, but their back court is weak (Tony Allen and Mario Chalmers maybe? I don't know)

ACC is tough Paul-Redick-Melo-Bosh-Duncan, plus guys like Irving, Lawson, Carter, Brand, Favors, Battier, Boozer, Plumlee.

SEC is also strong up front Wall-Bledsoe-Joe Johnson-Horford-Davis with Cousins, Noah, Lee, DeAndre Jordan, Rondo, Parsons, Miller, Brewers, Beal.

Pac-10 is strong Westbrook-Harden-Igoudala-Love-Bogut with Lopez, Lopez, Ryan Anderson, DeRozan, Ariza, Frye, Holiday, Taj Gibson, Mayo, Isaiah Thomas, Klay Thompson.

Big East doesn't have as many players, but as good quality and well distributed by postion: Lowry-Wade-Korver-David West-Hibbert; Jimmy Butler, Wilson Chandler, Jeff Green, Hayward, Monroe, Wes Matthews.

Big 10 is pretty weak compared to those. Haven't looked at the smaller conferences as much.

54. Gold Star - just Gold Star Posted: February 03, 2014 at 05:04 PM (#4651003)

Bresnahan of the LA Times reporting the Gasol trade is being held up because the Lakers want a better '14 first-round pick from the Suns; Phoenix currently offering its own (17th right now).

55. Mark S. is bored Posted: February 03, 2014 at 05:08 PM (#4651007)

Bresnahan of the LA Times reporting the Gasol trade is being held up because the Lakers want a better '14 first-round pick from the Suns; Phoenix currently offering its own (17th right now).

Same reason they weren't able to trade Gasol for Bynum to save even more money.

56. Fourth True Outcome Posted: February 03, 2014 at 05:18 PM (#4651012)

That's right. My mistake. He was fun to watch there, too. They'll have to put Barbosa in and hope he and Manu can handle the play making duties.

They could also have Prigioni handle the point.

57. tshipman

Posted: February 03, 2014 at 07:25 PM (#4651068)

Bresnahan of the LA Times reporting the Gasol trade is being held up because the Lakers want a better '14 first-round pick from the Suns; Phoenix currently offering its own (17th right now).

This is madness. Gasol is crispy-fried toast. A midround pick would be a great get for him right now.

58. Thok Posted: February 03, 2014 at 07:52 PM (#4651082)

USC is sort of interesting for only having five players and no true point guard or center. You get

Demar Derozan
Taj Gibson
OJ Mayo
Nikola Vuecvic
Nick Young

which is a lineup that you could actually run with for a few minutes here or there if you were desperate.

59. theboyqueen Posted: February 03, 2014 at 07:58 PM (#4651089)

Seriously why isn't a 1 on 1 tournament part of all star weekend. They could get rid of everything else and nobody would care, because it would be sick.

Kobe in his prime is probably the favorite against anybody, but at this point I'm not sure who could take Durant.

60. Gold Star - just Gold Star Posted: February 03, 2014 at 07:59 PM (#4651091)

This is madness. Gasol is crispy-fried toast. A midround pick would be a great get for him right now.

Agree that the 17th pick (and $5 million in cap relief) would be a good return. Disagree about the toast. Gasol is first-team "Needs a Change of Scenery." The last few seasons in LA have sucked for poor Pau. Kobe's wife (allegedly) convinced Pau's girlfriend to break up with him. His chance to start over in Houston is scotched due to Stern's basketball reasons. He's currently playing for a coach whose style doesn't suit his strengths. The team has fallen apart to the point it's him and Swaggy generating the offense. (Yes, Nash returns soon, but banking on his health is not a good idea.)

If Pau comes to Phoenix, the crack training staff has two months to get him back into fighting shape for the postseason. The Suns wouldn't need Pau to carry the team, but to fit in. Youthful energy has a way of reviving old legs. So does a 13-game improvement in the standings.

61. tshipman

Posted: February 03, 2014 at 08:09 PM (#4651100)

Disagree about the toast. Gasol is first-team "Needs a Change of Scenery." The last few seasons in LA have sucked for poor Pau. Kobe's wife (allegedly) convinced Pau's girlfriend to break up with him. His chance to start over in Houston is scotched due to Stern's basketball reasons. He's currently playing for a coach whose style doesn't suit his strengths. The team has fallen apart to the point it's him and Swaggy generating the offense. (Yes, Nash returns soon, but banking on his health is not a good idea.)

If Pau comes to Phoenix, the crack training staff has two months to get him back into fighting shape for the postseason. The Suns wouldn't need Pau to carry the team, but to fit in. Youthful energy has a way of reviving old legs. So does a 13-game improvement in the standings.

I hope that you work in management for Phoenix.
Maybe they will get more than a midround pick for him.

62. Gold Star - just Gold Star Posted: February 03, 2014 at 08:14 PM (#4651105)

If I'm Phoenix, I'm offering nothing more than cap relief and the Pacers' pick.

63. Athletic Supporter wants to move your money around Posted: February 03, 2014 at 08:50 PM (#4651121)

ACC is tough Paul-Redick-Melo-Bosh-Duncan, plus guys like Irving, Lawson, Carter, Brand, Favors, Battier, Boozer, Plumlee.

I guess it depends whether we go with contemporary affiliations or current ones, but having Melo on the ACC team is creating some serious cognitive dissonance for me.

64. ASmitty Posted: February 03, 2014 at 08:58 PM (#4651127)

Well, since I started the conference issue, I will say for our tournament, we required that the team CURRENTLY be in the conference AND that the team was in the conference when the player in question was there.

So, under our rules, Melo wouldn't qualify for any team. Alternatives would put him on the Big East or ACC.

65. Crispix reaches boiling point with lackluster play Posted: February 03, 2014 at 09:21 PM (#4651145)

I guess it depends whether we go with contemporary affiliations or current ones, but having Melo on the ACC team is creating some serious cognitive dissonance for me.

Not to mention Kyle Korver in the Big East.

66. STIGGLES don't want to talk about cracker barrel Posted: February 03, 2014 at 10:02 PM (#4651164)

speaking of the big east, this guy on xavier is right out of central casting for "big unathletic white guy lumbering his big unathletic ass up and down a basketball court" from his knee braces (and i assume, his orthotic foot inserts) right up to his recspec goggles (and i assume, sleep apnea treatments).

67. SPICEY WITH A SIDE OF BEER ON A BABYYYYYYY Posted: February 03, 2014 at 10:30 PM (#4651178)

Marcus Smart is getting outplayed and frustrated by Kane from Iowa State.

68. SPICEY WITH A SIDE OF BEER ON A BABYYYYYYY Posted: February 03, 2014 at 10:36 PM (#4651181)

Peoples!

Tell me what Deandre Kane's draft prospects are. He looks to be legit 6'4 combo guard with average NBA athleticism. But he's also 24

69. Gold Star - just Gold Star Posted: February 04, 2014 at 12:07 AM (#4651203)

Jo Noah will be Adam Silver's first fine levied and, perhaps, suspension.

70. Meatwad Posted: February 04, 2014 at 01:18 AM (#4651213)

" Noah might be looking at a fine and a suspension after being ejected in the third quarter. After picking up his second technical, Noah individually pointed at each official and angrily screamed an expletive before being escorted off the floor."

gotta love noah

71. smileyy Posted: February 04, 2014 at 08:05 AM (#4651235)

That guy on Xavier's rec league credentials are burnished by the fact that he was at least 50lbs fatter when he played at Western Michigan -- Matt Stainbrook.

72. Gold Star - just Gold Star Posted: February 04, 2014 at 08:17 AM (#4651241)

Video of Noah leaving the floor.

73. Crispix reaches boiling point with lackluster play Posted: February 04, 2014 at 08:37 AM (#4651250)

You're telling me Matt Stainbrook isn't an NBA prospect? What? WHAT?

74. yo la tengo Posted: February 04, 2014 at 08:44 AM (#4651254)

#53 - So the SEC team is all UK and UF? Sounds about right...

75. AROM Posted: February 04, 2014 at 09:11 AM (#4651270)

This is madness. Gasol is crispy-fried toast. A midround pick would be a great get for him right now.

I don't think he's toast, but a mid-first round pick and salary relief for a free agent to be? Come on Lakers, don't be so greedy. Jump on this.

76. GregD Posted: February 04, 2014 at 09:22 AM (#4651278)

#53 - So the SEC team is all UK and UF? Sounds about right...

Long way down from the 80s and 90s when the teams would have been deep south oriented (even if UK and UT and then Arkansas when they came in were better teams.) Barkley, Shaq, Chris Jackson, Chuck Person, McDyess, Sprewell, Horry, etc. Those games against Alabama and Auburn were terrifying in the 80s even if the teams were often mis-shaped and undisciplined. They always had ballers

77. jmurph Posted: February 04, 2014 at 09:26 AM (#4651283)

I don't think he's toast, but a mid-first round pick and salary relief for a free agent to be? Come on Lakers, don't be so greedy. Jump on this.

Agree. I promise this is not Kevin-style concern-trolling, but if they really have $-savings and a mid-first rounder on the table and don't pull the trigger, that would be a pretty bad indicator going forward of their ability to reload.

78. yo la tengo Posted: February 04, 2014 at 09:27 AM (#4651284)

I remember Wimp Sanderson's teams being an army of long armed, lightning fast, undisciplined ballplayers. There were fun to watch but I never saw any sign of a game plan in action. I also remember Gerald Glass from that era being scary to watch against UF.
Vernon Maxwell would be the only Gator from that era worth mentioning

79. Der-K: downgraded to lurker Posted: February 04, 2014 at 09:30 AM (#4651287)

I have an annual somewhere listing Gerald Glass as the top prospect in the country and Conlin as the best sportswriter.

Okay, that Stainbrook photo made me laugh.

Kane is considered a borderline prospect, an unlikely but not impossible draftee, afaict.

80. Crispix reaches boiling point with lackluster play Posted: February 04, 2014 at 09:53 AM (#4651309)

#53 - So the SEC team is all UK and UF? Sounds about right…

Brandon Bass, Glen Davis and Patrick Beverley are on the squad somewhere. And Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, or KenCalPo to his friends.

edit: I looked at Texas A&M and found that DeAndre Jordan went there. Who knew? He was not a star when drafted.

81. CFBF Is The Victim of Unfathomable Pinheadery Posted: February 04, 2014 at 10:01 AM (#4651316)

I remember Wimp Sanderson's teams being an army of long armed, lightning fast, undisciplined ballplayers. There were fun to watch but I never saw any sign of a game plan in action.

Ah. Known to a new generation as The Leonard Hamilton Stratagem.

82. rr

Posted: February 04, 2014 at 11:39 AM (#4651407)

Agree. I promise this is not Kevin-style concern-trolling, but if they really have $-savings and a mid-first rounder on the table and don't pull the trigger, that would be a pretty bad indicator going forward of their ability to reload.

I agree with everything implied before the comma, and I think the reasonably informed part of the fanbase wants Kupchak to pull the trigger. As to the macro-opinion, there are definitely many reasons to be concerned about the Jim Buss regime, and I have been going back-and-forth with people about it and posting numerous screeds on a Laker site (much more active here than there this year). The Veto is a big enough "Yeah, but" that I want to see what the FO does over the next couple of years before writing off Buss' ability to get the Lakers off the deck, and I am not going to biatch much if they just keep Pau. But as I pointed out to a guy on Lakers blog who resolutely defends the FO, none of Jim Buss' big decisions has actually worked:

Brown Hire
Nash Deal
D'Antoni Hire
Keeping D'Antoni rather than firing him in a last-ditch effort to placate Howard
Kobe extension

There are caveats and explanations that defenders in the fanbase use with all of them: Old Man Buss called the shots on the coaching hires, Nash got injured, Phil didn't really want the job, Howard is a clown and a jerk and was bailing anyway. Kobe's extension has not even officially kicked in yet, but it looks very bad and could not really have started off much worse.

So, the Jim Buss FO needs to start making big decisions that the people who defend it don't need to explain--because the decisions actually help the team.

83. Gold Star - just Gold Star Posted: February 04, 2014 at 12:03 PM (#4651423)

Word from the Suns camp is, talks are on hold until Pau returns from his groin injury. Makes sense.

I'm agnostic on the deal. I like Pau, but his acquisition isn't necessary to the team's future success.

84. aberg Posted: February 04, 2014 at 12:19 PM (#4651435)

You're telling me Matt Stainbrook isn't an NBA prospect? What? WHAT?

If Jaret Lorezen played in the NFL, anything is possible. Seriously, that picture makes him look like that episode of South Park where they all got addicted to Warcraft and sat in front of their computers all day. Annnnnnd, that guy murdered Georgetown when they played.

85. RollingWave Posted: February 04, 2014 at 08:34 PM (#4651783)

Dwight is the big one. He'd absolutely start at C.

I think I'd go with this lineup:
Monta Ellis
Kobe Bryant
Lebron James
Josh Smith
Dwight Howard
Bench: Al Jefferson, JR Smith, Amir Johnson, Tyson Chandler, Martell Webster, Shaun Livingston

That's a poor shooting starting lineup. Ellis, Smith, and Howard are all notably awful shooters. Lebron has become great, but even Kobe isn't really a floor stretcher.

I'd probably start Amir over Josh Smith at this point, especially from the perspective of roles.

But yeah, this team should destroy everyone when healthy, though of course, Kobe and Dwight feuding could ruin it all ;) (Or Kobe and Monta trying to take all the shots.)

86. Gold Star - just Gold Star Posted: February 04, 2014 at 09:27 PM (#4651813)

The Suns are starting out like a team with Thibs in their collective head.

87. Gold Star - just Gold Star Posted: February 04, 2014 at 11:14 PM (#4651846)

If the Bulls were half-decent on offense, this would be a beatdown.

88. SPICEY WITH A SIDE OF BEER ON A BABYYYYYYY Posted: February 05, 2014 at 12:10 AM (#4651851)

A little scuttlebutt that Embiid is strongly considering going back to college. Now I will believe that when I see it. But that would be interesting.

89. Gold Star - just Gold Star Posted: February 05, 2014 at 12:39 AM (#4651856)

Charlotte's doing what now?

I can't figure out the Warriors. They looked so great after Iggy came back, only to flop bad. Lost 7 of 12, and about to fall a half-game behind PHX into 7th.

90. Tom Cervo, backup catcher Posted: February 05, 2014 at 12:40 AM (#4651857)

I can't figure out the Warriors. They looked so great after Iggy came back, only to flop bad. Lost 7 of 12, and about to fall a half-game behind PHX into 7th.

And they owe the Jazz an unprotected 1st round pick! I mean I know it's not going to happen, but a man can dream...

91. Athletic Supporter wants to move your money around Posted: February 05, 2014 at 02:56 AM (#4651870)

This Dunleavy-Cousins feud is one of the lamest things in existence.

92. RollingWave Posted: February 05, 2014 at 04:07 AM (#4651872)

And they owe the Jazz an unprotected 1st round pick! I mean I know it's not going to happen, but a man can dream...

In the West it is quite possible to fall out of the playoffs even if your a pretty damn good team.

93. Famous Original Joe C Posted: February 05, 2014 at 10:15 AM (#4651956)

I can't figure out the Warriors. They looked so great after Iggy came back, only to flop bad.

Primer RT
@kpelton: Since December 1, Klay Thompson's TS% is .513. (League average is .537.)

94. Moses Taylor, Unwavering Optimist Posted: February 05, 2014 at 10:46 AM (#4651980)

A little scuttlebutt that Embiid is strongly considering going back to college. Now I will believe that when I see it. But that would be interesting.

First it was Parker's turn, now Embiid's. I'm sure Wiggins is next. The odds of any of them going back is slim to none, IMO.

95. NJ in NY (Now with Baby!) Posted: February 05, 2014 at 11:32 AM (#4652012)

Simmons had a podcast with William Goldman yesterday and it was pretty funny to hear how hurt Simmons got when Goldman said that the 3 greatest players he's ever seen were Wilt, Jordan and LeBron. This would of course mean that LeBron>Bird and Simmons then (you could actually hear the pain/anguish in his voice) brought up how Goldman once wrote that people would forget how great Bird was and accused Goldman of doing the same. Goldman also said he thinks Durant is already Top 10, which Simmons also disagreed with.

Simmons mentioned that right now he thinks LeBron is 6th All Time and would wait until Durant has 10 seasons before really trying to place him.

96. aberg Posted: February 05, 2014 at 11:43 AM (#4652022)

First it was Parker's turn, now Embiid's. I'm sure Wiggins is next. The odds of any of them going back is slim to none, IMO.

I totally agree. These stories are inevitable in the middle of the season when their draft stock is not rising or falling with each game. It's a byproduct of having full time writers just covering the draft.

97. rr

Posted: February 05, 2014 at 12:00 PM (#4652038)

I would think that Wilt>Russell would be more of an issue for Simmons that James and Bird.

Golden State is one of my LP teams, so I have seen them play about 12-14 times. Thompson is very up-and-down and looks really bad some nights, so I do not find that number surprising.

98. SPICEY WITH A SIDE OF BEER ON A BABYYYYYYY Posted: February 05, 2014 at 12:05 PM (#4652044)

LeBron is easily better than Bird. I definitely agree with Durant not being ranked in the top 10 yet. I don't know that he'll ever get there, honestly.

That means he will be ranked over the likes of Olajuwon, Duncan, Robinson, Shaq (probably). He hasn't justified that yet, by a long shot.

99. rr

Posted: February 05, 2014 at 12:14 PM (#4652049)

I totally agree. These stories are inevitable in the middle of the season when their draft stock is not rising or falling with each game. It's a byproduct of having full time writers just covering the draft.

Good point. I would also suggest that big-time college ball at places like Duke and Kansas is really fun and intense this time of year: the buzz and energy at the conference games, tournament coming up, winter vibe on campus etc. and that may have an effect. I would guess that things will look different ot these guys in late March and early April when the season is over and there are millions of dollars on the table.

100. AROM Posted: February 05, 2014 at 12:28 PM (#4652063)

Kobe's extension has not even officially kicked in yet, but it looks very bad and could not really have started off much worse

Best I can say about that is Kobe will reduce the number of good free agents they can bring in over the next 2 years, keeping the team in deep lottery territory, so 3 years from now they can have mega cap space plus 2 young superstars in the making.

Looking at Simmons' ratings from his book, Lebron should be at least #4 right now, after Jordan, Russell, and Kareem. He has Magic and Bird at 4-5, but Lebron has clearly passed them, mainly because neither was much of a defender. Bird and Magic don't even have career length on Lebron. He's only about 2000 minutes behind Bird.

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