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Friday, February 03, 2012

OT: NBA Monthly Thread, February 2012

I estimate that there may be more than 10-12 Primates who want to talk about the inevitable dominance of the Philadelphia 76ers, and with our own thread, we won’t detract from what this site is really about: the pharmaceutical industry, allergies, and obscure movies.

Athletic Supporter gangnam style Posted: February 03, 2012 at 04:46 AM | 1392 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
Tags: phillies, twins

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401. Los Angeles El Hombre of Anaheim

Posted: February 10, 2012 at 03:34 PM (#4058249)

Well, he is going to have to find out the hard way, right, LAAFP?

After all these questions, there's a fair chance Kobe's going to try to eat his lunch. Try to.

402. Athletic Supporter gangnam style Posted: February 10, 2012 at 04:32 PM (#4058317)

Pomeroy on Anthony Davis. He came up briefly before. I've watched a couple more UK games since then and continue to be really impressed. Similar to Pomeroy's comments I'm really amazed at how well he plays within himself for a college freshman, very high basketball IQ, etc.. He'll be a very good #1 pick.

403. Jimmy P Posted: February 10, 2012 at 04:45 PM (#4058325)

Simmons has his All-Star picks up.

Highlights:

-huge Celtic bias. Both Pierce and Rondo
-Anderson Varejao starting. Reasoning:

Besides, Varejao has been more of an impact player this year — he's the best at what he does, and that's saying something. You win with what he does.

Yup, 10-14 and he's not the best player on the team.

-Talking about Paul Millsap

sorry, I'd much rather watch someone like Harden than a slasher/grinder like Paul Millsap. Why are we obligated to reward the best guy on a 13-11 team, anyway? Who cares?

Right, we want the 2nd best player off a 10-14 team!

404. robinred

Posted: February 10, 2012 at 05:00 PM (#4058337)

Kevin Ding on Lin, through the eyes of the 13 year-old son of his cousin, Justin Wu:

http://www.ocregister.com/sports/justin-339740-jeremy-lin.html

405. you got a STEAGLES? you're gonna need a STEAGLES. Posted: February 10, 2012 at 05:05 PM (#4058344)

in fairness, anderson varejao is a hell of a player.

and paul millsap has kind of blown chunks over the last 10 games.

406. andrewberg Posted: February 10, 2012 at 05:14 PM (#4058351)

The thing that remains to be seen about Davis is how his offensive game develops. I do not mean to say that he won't develop ways to score on his own, and even if he doesn't, he's still a pretty valuable player in the category of Marcus Camby or maybe Tyson Chandler. He is so athletic and even skilled that it seems obvious that he will learn either how to crash the rim on the PNR, shoot a baby hook, knock down a 12 footer, or get to the rim on two dribbles. Still, it will be fun to see which way his development goes.

407. Athletic Supporter gangnam style Posted: February 10, 2012 at 05:15 PM (#4058352)

I imagine most of you have seen this lincredible video already. If not, yeah, watch it.

408. you got a STEAGLES? you're gonna need a STEAGLES. Posted: February 10, 2012 at 05:46 PM (#4058403)

I imagine most of you have seen this lincredible video already. If not, yeah, watch it.

that's astoundingly great. when was it shot?

[Tommy Beer] Tommy Beer: Since 1991, just 3 players posted 20 pts & 8 assists in their first 2 starts. We know about LBJ and Jeremy Lin... the 3rd was Greg Anthony about 32 minutes ago

409. Athletic Supporter gangnam style Posted: February 10, 2012 at 06:29 PM (#4058442)

that's astoundingly great. when was it shot?

It's dated Nov 2011, probably about right.

Tommy Beer: Since 1991, just 3 players posted 20 pts & 8 assists in their first 2 starts. We know about LBJ and Jeremy Lin... the 3rd was Greg Anthony

Well, now we have a floor and a ceiling for Lin.

410. madvillain Posted: February 10, 2012 at 06:59 PM (#4058460)

Pomeroy on Anthony Davis. He came up briefly before. I've watched a couple more UK games since then and continue to be really impressed. Similar to Pomeroy's comments I'm really amazed at how well he plays within himself for a college freshman, very high basketball IQ, etc.. He'll be a very good #1 pick.

He's a hell of a player. Instant impact defensively and he has good hands, that's a great combination.

411. Quaker Posted: February 10, 2012 at 07:02 PM (#4058462)

Millsap: 17.4 & 11 on .496 from the field and 89% from the stripe is really "blowing chunks" over the last 10 games.

Please just stick to overhyping the 6ers.

412. you got a STEAGLES? you're gonna need a STEAGLES. Posted: February 10, 2012 at 07:13 PM (#4058472)

Millsap: 17.4 & 11 on .496 from the field and 89% from the stripe is really "blowing chunks" over the last 10 games.

Please just stick to overhyping the 6ers.

10 games was overzealous, but the guy is coming off a 6 game stretch where he shot 30/71 from the field. for a PF who wants to be an allstar, yeah i'm gonna say that really kind of is blowing chunks.

413. Quaker Posted: February 10, 2012 at 07:23 PM (#4058474)

"Overzealous?" I think wrong is the word you're looking for.

Really enjoying your selective endpointing though. Should Love not be considered for the All-Star game because he had a 43 for 112 6 game stretch?

414. you got a STEAGLES? you're gonna need a STEAGLES. Posted: February 10, 2012 at 07:50 PM (#4058488)

Really enjoying your selective endpointing though. Should Love not be considered for the All-Star game because he had a 43 for 112 6 game stretch?

it's not really selective endpointing so much as it's something i saw on twitter a few days ago that stuck with me a game longer than it should have.

and yes, kevin love should be disqualified from all star consideration because of his 43/112 6 game stretch. if he wants to show up for the 3 point contest, i guess that would be fine, but otherwise, he can sit in the stands.

415. NJ in NY Posted: February 10, 2012 at 08:30 PM (#4058500)

In case anyone was wondering when's the next time the ASG is coming to Chicago:

"They'd have to force me to take the All-Star Game," Jerry Reinsdorf said. "They take over the building, your season-ticket holders have to be in a lottery to see if they get tickets and then they don't get a good ticket. Really, no good can come out of it and all it can do is upset your fans."

416. Tom Cervo, backup catcher Posted: February 10, 2012 at 09:19 PM (#4058520)

Knicks 13 Lakers 4. Lin 9 points and 2 assists. This is awesome.

417. ray james Posted: February 10, 2012 at 09:20 PM (#4058521)

I'm laughing my ass off watching the Lakers/Knicks game. Lin's the greatest thing to happen to the NBA since the 24 second clock.

418. NJ in NY Posted: February 10, 2012 at 09:27 PM (#4058525)

Steve Blake is a piece of ####.

EDIT: I only hope Jeremy's ankle is fine.

419. ray james Posted: February 10, 2012 at 09:34 PM (#4058530)

Between Lin, Fields and Novak, the Knicks are like the Revenge of the Nerds.

420. NJ in NY Posted: February 10, 2012 at 09:37 PM (#4058531)

The offense is so bad without Lin.

421. Los Angeles El Hombre of Anaheim

Posted: February 10, 2012 at 09:40 PM (#4058534)

Lin and Novak were two of the starting five for Reno in the D-League just a few weeks ago.

422. Athletic Supporter gangnam style Posted: February 10, 2012 at 09:43 PM (#4058538)

This game is being played at a high school level right now.

423. Los Angeles El Hombre of Anaheim

Posted: February 10, 2012 at 09:47 PM (#4058543)

Just tuning in now. Lakers on the road? 2nd of a back-to-back? Shooting 25%? Sounds about right.

424. Los Angeles El Hombre of Anaheim

Posted: February 10, 2012 at 10:04 PM (#4058553)

That spin move in the lane was... Linsane.

425. Los Angeles El Hombre of Anaheim

Posted: February 10, 2012 at 10:05 PM (#4058554)

and yes, kevin love should be disqualified from all star consideration because of his 43/112 6 game stretch.

Love's top five in scoring, rebounding, and PER. You're making me want to root against the Sixers.

426. FancyPantsHandle glistening with foreign substance Posted: February 10, 2012 at 10:23 PM (#4058568)

Love's top five in scoring, rebounding, and PER. You're making me want to root against the Sixers.

I reflexively root against all Philly teams, no steagles required.

427. NJ in NY Posted: February 10, 2012 at 10:59 PM (#4058579)

Am I the only one that realizes the Lakers stole a possession since the refs took the FTs away and gave the ball back to LAL?

428. you got a STEAGLES? you're gonna need a STEAGLES. Posted: February 10, 2012 at 11:14 PM (#4058584)

Love's top five in scoring, rebounding, and PER. You're making me want to root against the Sixers.

that's basically what i do in this thread anyway, so..

tough loss tonight, and a disappointing end to a difficult stretch. the team did everything right, but they just had a lapse towards the end of the 3rd/start of the 4th where they forgot how to block out reggie evans, and where every shot they took on the offensive end was a contested mid-range jumper. it's happened before, but when it pops up, the game just gets frustrating as hell. and when the stagnant offense gets combined with a complete inability to rebound on the defensive glass, it makes for a 16-2 run that turns a 7 point lead into a 7 point deficit.

also, free throws are still an issue.

also, when the team is getting killed on the glass, evan turner really needs to get on the court.

tomorrow they're at cleveland. cleveland will be without kyrie irving. hopefully that'll get the sixers right after their first losing streak of the season.

429. Dandy Little Glove Man Posted: February 10, 2012 at 11:18 PM (#4058587)

Am I the only one that realizes the Lakers stole a possession since the refs took the FTs away and gave the ball back to LAL?

That was my first reaction, too. Shouldn't it be Knicks ball at least? If someone alerts them of this issue, will the Knicks get back-to-back possessions later to make up for it?

430. JC in DC Posted: February 10, 2012 at 11:20 PM (#4058588)

29 points for Lin. He and Shumpert looking good together.

431. The Id of SugarBear Blanks

Posted: February 10, 2012 at 11:21 PM (#4058591)

Well I for one just can't wait for Melo to come back and hold the ball for 12 seconds per possession.

432. JC in DC Posted: February 10, 2012 at 11:26 PM (#4058596)

34 points!!!!

433. Adam M

Posted: February 10, 2012 at 11:26 PM (#4058597)

Linconceivable!

434. The Id of SugarBear Blanks

Posted: February 10, 2012 at 11:26 PM (#4058598)

Unfvckingreal.

435. nick swisher hygiene Posted: February 10, 2012 at 11:27 PM (#4058599)

Kobe gonna have to learn that you don't antagonize the Yellow Mamba......

436. Liver of blaspheming 'zop Posted: February 10, 2012 at 11:32 PM (#4058602)

Eat ####, Kobe.

437. JC in DC Posted: February 10, 2012 at 11:34 PM (#4058604)

I love Kobe. He is locked in. This duel is awesome. Lin v. Kobe. One for the ages.

438. The Id of SugarBear Blanks

Posted: February 10, 2012 at 11:35 PM (#4058605)

Lin finishes/draws contact around the rim very, very well. That's his meal ticket.

439. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: February 10, 2012 at 11:36 PM (#4058606)

Every time the ball isn't in either Lin's or Kobe's hands, something stupid happens. This game is super fun, but most of the other players are trying as hard as they can to ruin it for me.

440. Liver of blaspheming 'zop Posted: February 10, 2012 at 11:41 PM (#4058611)

How the ####. In this day and age, with all the scouting and sabermetrics and video and whatnot, how the ####.

441. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: February 10, 2012 at 11:45 PM (#4058612)

He's adorable.

442. NJ in NY Posted: February 10, 2012 at 11:47 PM (#4058614)

I don't know what to say or think.

443. Adam M

Posted: February 10, 2012 at 11:47 PM (#4058615)

I can't wait to see Kobe's quotes about this game.

444. Crispix Attacks 2: Swag Airlines Posted: February 10, 2012 at 11:48 PM (#4058616)

People who defy ethnic stereotypes are the new market inefficiency. Of course Billy Beane was on to it first with Kurt Suzuki.

445. The Id of SugarBear Blanks

Posted: February 10, 2012 at 11:50 PM (#4058617)

Simmons mentioned Billy Ray Bates ... other out of nowhereish kind of guys -- Leon Wood blew up early on and sank, Flip Murray blew up early and leveled off. Four NBA games are like a whole MLB season in terms of what they tell you, but we'll see. I don't think any of the people I mentioned were as consistent and as good as Lin's been.

446. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: February 10, 2012 at 11:52 PM (#4058618)

The stuff about Lin's "basketball IQ" and court vision that the half-time guys and the announcers keep talking up seem off to me. He looks like a smart player, certainly, but I didn't see any passes tonight that surprised me. What Lin has is great quickness, strength, and body control to get into the lane and either finish or find the easy pass. He has a good enough shot that they can't cheat off of him, and no one on the Lakers had a chance at staying in front of him. That's not really about "court vision" or anything complicated. He's just an athlete who plays ball.

447. PreservedFish Posted: February 10, 2012 at 11:52 PM (#4058619)

That's the first Knicks game I've watched in years, and it was ####### awesome.

448. NJ in NY Posted: February 10, 2012 at 11:56 PM (#4058622)

449. PreservedFish Posted: February 10, 2012 at 11:57 PM (#4058623)

The stuff about Lin's "basketball IQ" and court vision seem off to me.

Absolutely. He played that game like Allen Iverson. Fearless and crazy.

450. Howie Menckel Posted: February 10, 2012 at 11:58 PM (#4058624)

Stoudemire can work with this Lin-led group, and might even prefer it to what he had before.

The real intrigue is if 'melo can retool his game. I'm not sure. His style can win you 50 games in the West, as he's proven, with the right parts - but what was the ceiling?

I'm skeptical that Anthony can make it all work when he comes back, frankly...

Funny to see the fans during the post-game MSG Lin interview (and briefly during the game) chanting "MVP, MVP!"
:)

451. Liver of blaspheming 'zop Posted: February 10, 2012 at 11:58 PM (#4058625)

To be fair, NJ, the dude did go to Harvard.

452. The Id of SugarBear Blanks

Posted: February 11, 2012 at 12:00 AM (#4058626)

Melo's got a better chance of stopping him than the other teams do.

453. nick swisher hygiene Posted: February 11, 2012 at 12:01 AM (#4058628)

446--yup. they're making up stuff that he doesn't have, and ignoring him being a really good athlete and aggressive player with a nose for the rim--of course, the fact that they can't see the relatively obvious stuff explains why nobody else could see it either.

I have to agree with whoever upthread pointed out the Asian-American filter at work: the first Asian-American NBA success, and he's a point guard?--"smart....works hard...student of the game....."

454. NJ in NY Posted: February 11, 2012 at 12:04 AM (#4058629)

List of players with 4 or more consecutive games where they scored 20 or more points with 6 or more assists while shooting greater than 50% from the floor since the '05-'06 season:

Dwyane Wade
LeBron James
Deron Williams
Chris Paul
Eric Gordon
Andre Igoudala
Steve Nash
Jeremy Lin

455. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: February 11, 2012 at 12:07 AM (#4058630)

Absolutely. He played that game like Allen Iverson. Fearless and crazy.

That's a way better comp than any of the announcers suggested. Lin doesn't look to be the freak that Iverson was, but's he's about 80 million times more similar to Iverson than to John Stockton (cite: Magic Johnson at half-time).

EDIT: obviously, funning aside, Lin isn't a Hall of Famer. (Probably.)

456. JC in DC Posted: February 11, 2012 at 12:08 AM (#4058632)

He played that game like Allen Iverson. Fearless and crazy.

Right! The Asian guy played like a black guy: w/o intelligence! AI had bball IQ. So does Lin. I disagree with Matt Clement's comments. Hubie pointed to a few plays where Lin used his court vision and bball IQ. He does choose his spots, he does know situation.

457. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: February 11, 2012 at 12:11 AM (#4058636)

I don't think Lin lacks intelligence or vision, and I didn't say he does. (Or that Iverson did.)

But Lin didn't win tonight's game on the back of his (perfectly solid) vision or IQ. He did it by beating his man off the dribble and finishing among the bodies in the lane.

458. Der_K Posted: February 11, 2012 at 12:12 AM (#4058637)

I agree about the AA filter as well... but he does see the court (and angles) really well - it's part of why he gets a lot of steals, how he squirms around people to get to the basket, how he's creating for others (I don't think, as I said a few posts ago, that's he a particularly creative passer or good dribbler). Now, that's "court IQ', not "intellectual IQ" - but he's got it. I mean, Shumpert's a better athlete than Lin (not nearly the body control, I'll give you that)...

EDIT: Magic compared him to Stockton? Yeesh. How about this - he's more Ginobili than Iverson.

459. JC in DC Posted: February 11, 2012 at 12:16 AM (#4058639)

I agree about the AA filter as well... but he does see the court (and angles) really well - it's part of why he gets a lot of steals, how he squirms around people to get to the basket, how he's creating for others (I don't think, as I said a few posts ago, that's he a particularly creative passer or good dribbler). Now, that's "court IQ', not "intellectual IQ" - but he's got it. I mean, Shumpert's a better athlete than Lin (not nearly the body control, I'll give you that)...

Right. He's got bball IQ: look at how many easier buckets the whole team is getting because of him. And he's getting past guys b/c he sees lanes and angles, and sees them quickly. Plus, tonight he got to beat up on Fisher and Steve Blake. Getting past old, tired LA guards was about choosing spots. I'm loving the Jeremy Lin show, but he doesn't have anything like AI's quickness. He's much more deliberate.

460. you got a STEAGLES? you're gonna need a STEAGLES. Posted: February 11, 2012 at 12:20 AM (#4058642)

EDIT: Magic compared him to Stockton? Yeesh. How about this - he's more Ginobili than Iverson.

manu can shoot.

how about baron davis?

461. Tom Cervo, backup catcher Posted: February 11, 2012 at 12:23 AM (#4058643)

Four NBA games are like a whole MLB season in terms of what they tell you, but we'll see.

That can't be right. Is Kevin Pelton around to answer?

462. NJ in NY Posted: February 11, 2012 at 12:28 AM (#4058644)

manu can shoot.

Lin is now 13 for 21 on mid range jumpers (10-23 ft). I don't know whether or not he can shoot, but...can't write it off yet.

463. Los Angeles El Hombre of Anaheim

Posted: February 11, 2012 at 12:31 AM (#4058645)

Hubie pointed to a few plays where Lin used his court vision and bball IQ. He does choose his spots, he does know situation.

Oh, of course. The whole thing is that Jeremy's smart and has court vision... AND he's athletic. This play is a good example: He sees the defense in transition and the only guy between him and the basket is the corpse that used to be Derek Fisher. He jukes right, Fisher bites, and BOOM, goes left, spins right around him and gets a spectacular layup. The Lakers don't have a PG who can do that. Neither does Dallas, Orlando, Detroit, New Orleans, or Utah.

464. smileyy Posted: February 11, 2012 at 12:48 AM (#4058649)

[456] Yellow Chocolate! I'd say that's like curry-flavored chocolate, but I think that's reserved for the first real Indian-American sensation.

465. smileyy Posted: February 11, 2012 at 12:50 AM (#4058652)

Watching some of the Lin highlights, what I'm impressed by is his body control. The guy can finish at the rim in traffic.

466. NJ in NY Posted: February 11, 2012 at 12:53 AM (#4058653)

@ESPNStatsInfo Jeremy Lin has 89 points thru his first 3 starts. That is the most pts by ANY NBA PLAYER in his first 3 starts since the merger (1976-77)

EDIT: Apologies for overloading on Lin stuff. I'm really happy. And really confused.

467. Tripon Posted: February 11, 2012 at 12:59 AM (#4058654)

Jeremey Lin is Yellow Curry.

468. tshipman

Posted: February 11, 2012 at 01:16 AM (#4058657)

Jeremey Lin is Yellow Curry.

Can we call him "Coffin Bread"? It has the following benefits:

A. Sounds cool.
B. Is actually Taiwanese
C. Doesn't have the word "yellow" in it.

469. Dandy Little Glove Man Posted: February 11, 2012 at 01:28 AM (#4058659)

Apologies for overloading on Lin stuff. I'm really happy. And really confused.

No apology necessary. I think fans of every team are pretty well entertained and fascinated by his performance so far. And tomorrow night is Lin versus Rubio!!!

470. Los Angeles El Hombre of Anaheim

Posted: February 11, 2012 at 01:30 AM (#4058660)

Can we call him "Coffin Bread"?

471. NJ in NY Posted: February 11, 2012 at 01:32 AM (#4058661)

No. Means nothing to NBA fans. I'm Taiwanese, and it means nothing to me in a sporting context. I think Linsanity works fine, and the Lin-based nicknames have caught on organically so we should stick with that.

I really like Super Lintendo. Especially in this context, "Super Lintendo, Sega Genesis. When Melo hurt his groin, man, I couldn't picture this"

472. Tripon Posted: February 11, 2012 at 01:34 AM (#4058663)

Lin isn't the Asian Tim Tebow. For one thing, he can actually pass the ball.

473. tshipman

Posted: February 11, 2012 at 01:35 AM (#4058664)

No. Means nothing to NBA fans. I'm Taiwanese, and it means nothing to me in a sporting context. I think Linsanity works fine, and the Lin-based nicknames have caught on organically so we should stick with that.

I'm fine with anything that doesn't have the word "Yellow" in it.

Linston Dunkhill?

474. Tripon Posted: February 11, 2012 at 01:47 AM (#4058666)

To an extent, yes. I assume teams, at least some of them, spend a lot of time on scouting/video/stats/tendencies breakdowns. Chris Ballard talked about this in terms of Houston in the Battier chapter in his last book--the stuff Battier did to get ready for LeBron James. The scouts coaches et al presumably know a LOT we don't know.

But yet, NBA basketball is still to a great extent a what-you-see-is-what-you-get kind of deal.

But here we have Lin, a guy who has bounced around, a guy who was in the free talent pile, getting inserted into the lineup and playing like a star--immediately. Did the scouts miss on him that badly (The guy got no D1 scholarship offers) and he is really freaking good? Or will the league "catch on" to him once they get some video etc. on him?

Or, was the guy this good all along, and would have been playing at Duke and been a first-rounder if he were a white guy or a black guy with the same skillset?

I remember people trashing certain NBA honks for not believing in Jimmer Freddette. But if anything, Jimmer proved that Lin is an underrated commodity. Jimmer was a lottery pick just by virtue of being a PG with some basketball skills that may or may not translate to the NBA, while Lin is showing (for now) his skills are translating.

475. tshipman

Posted: February 11, 2012 at 02:01 AM (#4058671)

I remember people trashing certain NBA honks for not believing in Jimmer Freddette. But if anything, Jimmer proved that Lin is an underrated commodity. Jimmer was a lottery pick just by virtue of being a PG with some basketball skills that may or may not translate to the NBA, while Lin is showing (for now) his skills are translating.

I don't see what Jimmer has to do with Lin. How does Jimmer being overhyped and terrible prove anything about Lin? Plenty of guys are underhyped out of college and are still terrible.

476. PJ Martinez Posted: February 11, 2012 at 02:18 AM (#4058676)

Here's every field goal by Lin against the Lakers. Fun stuff.

The thing jumps that out at me, besides the body control and taking contact as noted above? There are some pretty out-of-control shots here. Decent court vision and solid b-ball IQ, sure, but "deliberate" is not a word I'd use.

477. robinred

Posted: February 11, 2012 at 02:30 AM (#4058677)

"He has been phenomenal," Bryant said. "We have watched some tape on him. We came up with a strategy that we thought would be effective, but he was knocking down his jump shot, penetrating and he got around our guards. …

"Players don't usually come out of nowhere. If you can go back and take a look, his skill level was probably there from the beginning, but no one ever noticed. … It is a great story. It is a testament to perseverance and hard work. It is a good example to kids everywhere."

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/story/2012-02-09/Lins-third-career-high-in-a-row-leads-Knicks-past-Lakers/53045018/1

I am sure Adam M finds this very disappointing. Bynum (1/8 from the floor) had kind of a dickish quote about it, however.

478. robinred

Posted: February 11, 2012 at 02:41 AM (#4058679)

Side note: Stein is saying the Knicks were considering releasing Lin before his contract was guaranteed. Here are Tweets:

ESPNSteinLine Marc Stein
But then Lin uncorked 53 points against Nets and Jazz to render Tuesday 6 PM guarantee deadline immaterial and change course of his career
about an hour ago
ESPNSteinLine Marc Stein
I'm told Knicks had begun lining up potential replacements for Lin, chief among them vet Mike James from their D-League affiliate in Erie
about an hour ago
ESPNSteinLine Marc Stein
Tuesdy, remember, was deadline to release players w/unguaranteed contracts before those deals became guaranteed. Lin was in serious jeopardy
about an hour ago
ESPNSteinLine Marc Stein
Sources w/knowledge of New York's thinking say Knicks were leaning strongly toward releasing Lin before his breakout game last SAT vs. Nets
about an hour ago

479. Los Angeles El Hombre of Anaheim

Posted: February 11, 2012 at 02:51 AM (#4058680)

Harvard alum mock Jeremy Lin for having a job that requires a uniform:

NEW YORK—Knicks guard and recent sensation Jeremy Lin had his lunch at the Harvard Club of New York ruined by fellow Harvard alumni who derided Lin for having “a lower class job” that requires he wear a uniform.
“Oh hey there Lin, old chap,” said Lin’s former classmate Wendell Winchester. “I’m surprised you came in for lunch. I thought you’d be at the food trucks with the mail carriers and mechanics,” a remark that drew uproarious laughter from the Harvard alum also eating in the main dining room.

Lin tried to ignore Winchester, a trader at Goldman Sachs, by silently finishing his lobster bisque, but Winchester would not relent. “I get to choose what I wear to work each day,” said Winchester as he tugged at his H. Huntsman suit. “It’s 100% wool and cost over $5,000, but no worries, I make that in seconds. Your cute little uniform retails for $250. Bet it takes days for you to earn that much,” he scoffed, then added incredulously, “And it’s polyester!”

Unable to handle the merciless teasing, Lin quickly exited the dining room, but not before he heard Winchester announce, “Looks like Lin needs to get home early and take a nap. Guess he has to work another nighshift.”

480. Adam M

Posted: February 11, 2012 at 04:05 AM (#4058689)

I am sure Adam M finds this very disappointing.

Not at all. I interpreted Kobe's pre-game quotes as kind of dickish and expected his post-game quotes to reflect some sour grapes, but now I think he sincerely didn't know anything about Lin and was as surprised and impressed (if not delighted) as the rest of us to find out how good he is.

481. Athletic Supporter gangnam style Posted: February 11, 2012 at 07:00 AM (#4058704)

One key part of Lin's emergence has been the D'Antoni offense. He simply doesn't get this kind of opportunity in a more traditional offense. His game is free-wheeling and kind of funky; he's not a dead-eye shooter, he's okay at the PNR (certainly better than the Knicks' other choices but nothing special). His strength is this free-wheeling hyperaggressive style of play and he's getting a chance to do that. Not to take anyone away from Lin but this is a real strength of the D'Antoni system, giving players the flexibility do to this sort of playground type, unstructured thing.

How about Tony Parker for a stylistic comp actually? Same kind of penetrating-first attitude, not a 3 guy, good at floaters and finishing around the rim. (I had Westbrook here earlier, I think there is some resemblance there too, but Parker is a better match.)

482. NJ in NY Posted: February 11, 2012 at 07:08 AM (#4058706)

Kobe trying to sabotage the Knicks:

“Melo’s a hell of a scorer, and he has to do what he does best,” Bryant said. “He’s a great rebounder, tough on the offensive boards, and he’s a handful on the block. I hope he has the stubbornness to stay with it and not let you guys talk him into changing anything about his game, because I damn sure wouldn’t.”

EDIT: [481] There was a point during the game where they mentioned that OKC's game was next and that same thought occurred to me actually.

483. NJ in NY Posted: February 11, 2012 at 08:13 AM (#4058710)

Overlooked last night, aside from adding to his lead leaguing total of 53 missed dunks/layups*, Shump played a solid game, especially on the defensive end where Kobe was 3 for 11 against him.

*Estimate...may be low

484. Der_K Posted: February 11, 2012 at 10:56 AM (#4058755)

parker's not bad. thought about him when i floated manu.
it's so bizarre that we're even having this conversation - this is unprecedented, right? well, i guess flip murray is close enough.

favorite line i've seen was: don't stop believelin.

485. Der_K Posted: February 11, 2012 at 11:14 AM (#4058760)

ronald murray's first five games of his 2nd season in the league (the previous year, he played even less than lin last year):
24.6 pts, 5.2 reb, 4.8 ast, 1.0 stl, 1.6 to, .4 blk, 17.6 fga, 4.0 3pa, 6.8 fta, 51% fg, 35% 3pt, 76% ft
last four games for lin:
28.5 pts, 3.8 reb, 8.0 ast, 1.8 stl, 4.3 to, .3 blk, 18.3 fga, 3.5 3pa, 8.8 fta, 58% fg, 21% 3pt, 77% ft
don't have billy ray bates gamelogs available, butthat dude was amazing.

486. Athletic Supporter gangnam style Posted: February 11, 2012 at 12:48 PM (#4058800)

Sorry to crash the pity party but per hoopdata Shumpert's actually about at league average at the rim -- 62.5% (league average is 63.6).

According to them league average from 3-9 feet is only 38% (same as 10-15 and 16-23 foot 2's), can this really be right? Wonder if there is some weird effect where made shots from the lower end of that range are classified as layups if they go in and 3-9 if they don't.

487. I am going to be Frank Posted: February 11, 2012 at 01:30 PM (#4058831)

I'm a little late to the nickname but no way should "curry" be near any nickname for a Knicks player. Have you all forgotten the Knicks actually had a Curry and it was not a good experience.

488. I am going to be Frank Posted: February 11, 2012 at 01:31 PM (#4058833)

Oh and to use "yellow" in any nickname is just plain bad might as use "Oriental Express."

489. Slivers of Maranville (SdeB) Posted: February 11, 2012 at 01:52 PM (#4058855)

EDIT: Magic compared him to Stockton? Yeesh. How about this - he's more Ginobili than Iverson.

I think by the rules of sportswriting we have to compare him to another Asian player -- he's like a somewhat more agile Yao Ming!

490. Slivers of Maranville (SdeB) Posted: February 11, 2012 at 01:54 PM (#4058857)

As for nicknames -- how about "Kid Linomite!"

491. Dandy Little Glove Man Posted: February 11, 2012 at 01:59 PM (#4058862)

I'd say that Jeff Teague is a good comp for Lin, both in terms of his style and his sudden rise. Teague averaged about 12 minutes per game for two years as the backup to Mike Bibby and then Kirk Hinrich, and he played a total of 9 minutes in Atlanta's first round series against the Magic last year. After Hinrich got hurt, Teague suddenly became a starter playing 40 minutes per game in the second round against the Bulls, and in the first 5 games of the series he averaged 17 points, 3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists on 56% shooting. He showed the same knack for seeing openings to get to the rim and ability to change speeds off the dribble. Neither is an outstanding athlete, but they're both quick enough to get by most defenders, and they have surprisingly good body control around the rim. If Joe Johnson missed part of the season instead of Al Horford, I think that Teague could start putting up some massive numbers like Lin. As it is, I'd guess that Teague's current performance is similar to what Lin's production might look like when Melo returns.

492. NJ in NY Posted: February 11, 2012 at 03:28 PM (#4058906)

Sorry to crash the pity party but per hoopdata Shumpert's actually about at league average at the rim -- 62.5% (league average is 63.6).

I know what his numbers are. He still has missed at the very least 10 layups and/or dunks for...well, for no good reason.

493. you got a STEAGLES? you're gonna need a STEAGLES. Posted: February 11, 2012 at 04:50 PM (#4058944)

Sorry to crash the pity party but per hoopdata Shumpert's actually about at league average at the rim -- 62.5% (league average is 63.6).

I know what his numbers are. He still has missed at the very least 10 layups and/or dunks for...well, for no good reason.

just as a comparison, john wall misses 2.5 shots at the rim every game. he takes 6.3

boogie cousins is shooting 50% at the rim in 6+ attempts per game.

at this point, i'd say those two are probably the goldstandard for inefficiency at the rim.

494. PJ Martinez Posted: February 11, 2012 at 06:29 PM (#4059004)

Nate Silver crunches some (fairly basic) numbers, comparing Lin's streak of at least 20 points and 6 assists on 50+ percent shooting in four games to other players with similar streaks. Nothing revelatory, really, but seemed worth sharing.

495. NJ in NY Posted: February 11, 2012 at 07:24 PM (#4059022)

[494] Silver stole my schtick. Dammit.

496. NJ in NY Posted: February 11, 2012 at 07:41 PM (#4059033)

This makes sense:

A well-placed source within the Knick organization tells me that Toney Douglas is not in coach D’Antoni’s doghouse and is not injured. The reality is that Toney is dealing with some serious and ongoing off-court personal issues, and that is likely the primary reason for his inexplicably poor play this season.

497. Athletic Supporter gangnam style Posted: February 11, 2012 at 08:33 PM (#4059061)

From the link in [496]:

In comparison to their previous match-ups, Fields displayed a much better understanding of what Kobe likes to do, and he repeatedly forced the Laker-SG into difficult spinning, fade-away jump shots.

I noticed that Fields was doing the Battier thing of trying to block Kobe's vision by putting his hand in front of his eyes. Is this catching on?

498. NJ in NY Posted: February 11, 2012 at 10:34 PM (#4059094)

This is the first time I've ever seen Pekovic. At least, that I can remember. He has the body of a pro wrestler. I'm terrified of him. He's also killing the Knicks right now.

EDIT: Also, for the second game in a row, the referees have stolen a possession form the Knicks. So that's cool.

499. NJ in NY Posted: February 11, 2012 at 10:49 PM (#4059099)

Wolves playing Lin really well. Looks like the streak will end tonight.

500. PJ Martinez Posted: February 11, 2012 at 10:51 PM (#4059100)

Looks like the streak will end tonight.

The winning streak, maybe (though plenty of time, obviously). But Lin only needs 3 more points for 20, and one more assist for 6. That said, he'll need to hit most of his 4th-quarter field goals if he wants to be over 50% shooting again.

These are the important things, obviously.

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