NBA Discussion

[Funktipus]

It was great seeing Shumpert back on the court. He had a decent stat line for his 15 minutes.

[mark-2007]

I would've liked to have seen Melo in action, anyone know what tickets for the London game were priced at? Also, how is it worked out whose home game it is, surely it leaves one of the team an actual home game out of pocket? And also, are there/have there ever been any other games played outside of the US, aide from the few in London?

 

Busy watching Miami at Golden State from the other night. I don't know how it finishes yet, but the Warriors are sans Stephen Curry, so it'll be tough for them I imagine, and they're already trailing by twelve a little over halfway through the second quarter. LeBron is currently one point away from becoming the youngest to break 20,000 points. Mind you, he could've gotten there quite a bit ago had he stayed in Cleveland, where he'd likely have remained more of a pure scorer and not widened his game to become the facilitator he is now. Although, that said, he would most likely still be chasing his first championship too if that were the case. EDIT: It ended as a blow-out for Miami.

 

Also, Bradley Beal's coming into hi own with the Wizards at the minute. Took him a while to live up to his 3rd pick billing, but his recent good form ha coincided nicely with Wall' return and the Wizards look like they have the foundation of a solid, youthful backcourt.

Edited January 19, 2013 by mark-2007

[Funktipus]

Knicks-Nets today at MSG for MLK Day. Nets are on a roll - should be fun.

[mark-2007]

Just catching up on it now, looks like a good game. Amar'e, Melo and J.R. helped turn that 9 pt deficit into a 3 pt lead in the 3rd quarter, but they couldn't carry that momentum into the 4th. You living in New York, Funk? Is there much of a rivalry yet or not? Not sure if it could actually happen, but a 4th seed vs. 5th seed match-up in the first-round of the Eastern play-offs could do wonder for lighting the fire under a new NBA rivalry.

 

Also, look like the King-to-Seattle deal is pretty much wrapped up now, the sale and relocation are expected to be widely approved by the league and the other owners. Looking forward to Sonics-Thunder next year, although it could be a bit of an OKC landslide. There's a few names being banded around for coaching positions (Phil Jackson) and higher-up positions (Spur M R.C. Buford and even Larry Bird), not sure what, if any, credibility those rumours have.

Edited January 22, 2013 by mark-2007

[Funktipus]

Just catching up on it now, looks like a good game. Amar'e, Melo and J.R. helped turn that 9 pt deficit into a 3 pt lead in the 3rd quarter, but they couldn't carry that momentum into the 4th. You living in New York, Funk? Is there much of a rivalry yet or not? Not sure if it could actually happen, but a 4th seed vs. 5th seed match-up in the first-round of the Eastern play-offs could do wonder for lighting the fire under a new NBA rivalry.

 

So ticked off. Knicks had chances, but left too many points on the free throw line, and were outrebounded 52-37. You can't get out-worked like that, man. Really impressed with the Nets interior 'D'. Lopez is stepping up this year.

 

Yeah, I live in NYC(Bronx). Right now Knicks-Nets rivalry is still a work in progress. But it will get heated if both teams meet in the playoffs. As of today, Brooklyn's only a game out of first place.

 

Caught the Memphis-Chicago OT game this past weekend. The Bulls lost, but they will be a pain to deal with once Rose gets back. Even without him, they own the Knicks.

[Dragonjack]

I want Derrick Rose back in the game and a matter fact; any word on him returning to the NBA series for this year or am I missing out all the fun already? I honestly don't know really.

[ALeonard28]

I want Derrick Rose back in the game and a matter fact; any word on him returning to the NBA series for this year or am I missing out all the fun already? I honestly don't know really.

News story as of January 21st, Derrick Rose is close to being cleared for full contact practice. There is hope yet to see him play this year.

 

 

My Bold Predictions for the remainder of the year:

 

 

Lakers miss the playoffs (not so bold now, but I had predicted earlier)

Bulls make a deep playoff run with the return of Rose, lose to Miami

Warriors reach WCF

Knicks lose in first round

 

 

Awards**

 

MVP: Kevin Durant

DPOY: Tim Duncan

ROTY: Damian Lillard

6th Man: J.R. Smith

COTY: Vinny Del Negro

MIP: Jrue Holiday

 

 

Out of all these, I'm most proud of Jrue Holiday. I've been a fan of his, and it's been fun watching his breakout season. Stats have gone from:

 

2011: 13 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds on 43% shooting

2012: 19 points, 9 assists, 4 rebounds on 46% shooting

 

[mark-2007]

 

Warriors reach WCF

That's a pretty huge prediction! Warrior are hardly play-off veterans (last made it in '07, maybe? and hadn't made it in quite a while before then?). Still, I'd love to see it happen, if only just to see those smart uniformms more in the post-season. And I'm a big fan of Stephen Curry's game.

 

I'll join you in making some predictions though:

• Most Valuable Player: Kevin Durant - I'll stick with you on this one, although LeBron can never be ruled out and Chris Paul could be a slightly outside shout.
• Defensive Player of the Year: Serg Ibaka - he's going to be competing for this for a good while now if he keeps this up. His all-round game's improved a lot too, so he could be an outside bet for MIP. With Dwight falling off a bit thanks to niggling injuries and the Lakers form, along with Tyson Chandler not quite being his old imposing self, DPoY should be pretty open. As you say, Duncan's going to be a candidate, along with Larry Sanders and maybeeven Tony Allen?
• Rookie of the Year: Damian Lillard. I'll side with you again here, Lillard looks like he'll be a top point guard in the league in just a few years.
• Most Improved Player: Paul George. Jrue's been having a break-out year, and those stats you've quoted show that, but Paul George has stepped up in the absence of Danny Granger and is seeing stats jump in rebounds (from 5.6 to 7.8 pr game), assists (2.4 to 3.8), and points (12.1 to 17.2 ppg). That said, I keep comparing those leaps to Jrue's stats and you've got a point! Also, could Harden qualify for this? A bit of an obvious shout, and it's more down to a change of scenery than any real surprising leap in ability.
• 6th Man of the Year: J.R. Smith. I think Doom and Funk were debating this a week or so ago, between Smith and Crawford. I reckon it'll come down to one or the other. Smith's out-rebounding, out-scoring (marginally) and out-assisting Crawford, although he is playing a few more minutes.
• Coach of the Year: Scott Brooks, hardly a risky guess. I reckon it'll be one of the top three or four coaches in the West. Can't see anyone in the East getting it, although the Knicks' improvement might be cause to give it to Woodson.

Play-Off Predictions:

- Trailblazers to take the 8th seed in the West, ahead of Houston, Dallas and the Lakers - as you say, the Lakers missing the play-offs isn't a bold shout now. I keep thinking they've got to be able to pull off a string of wins to pull them back to around .500, but they're leaving it a bit late so make any real attack to get themselves a decent seed.

- Another Miami-OKC match-up in the Finals, with Durant leading the Thunder to the Larry O'Brien trophy (fresh off of his MVP crowning ).

- Knicks and Nets to meet in the 1st round (not even sure if this can technically happen - if not then the Conference semi) and the series goes to game 7, with the Knicks coming out on top.

Edited January 23, 2013 by mark-2007

[Funktipus]

The Bulls better handle Rose very, very carefully. Sometimes you have to save the player from himself and not try to push it.

 

Knicks are 7-9 over the last 16 games - not good. And I don't like how the current Knicks get flustered by physical teams (Memphis, Chicago, Boston). Speaking of which, Knicks have to send Garnett & Co. a message tomorrow night.

Edited January 24, 2013 by Funktipus

[ALeonard28]

Warriors reach WCF

That's a pretty huge prediction! Warrior are hardly play-off veterans (last made it in '07, maybe? and hadn't made it in quite a while before then?). Still, I'd love to see it happen, if only just to see those smart uniformms more in the post-season. And I'm a big fan of Stephen Curry's game.

 

I'll join you in making some predictions though:

• Most Valuable Player: Kevin Durant - I'll stick with you on this one, although LeBron can never be ruled out and Chris Paul could be a slightly outside shout.
• Defensive Player of the Year: Serg Ibaka - he's going to be competing for this for a good while now if he keeps this up. His all-round game's improved a lot too, so he could be an outside bet for MIP. With Dwight falling off a bit thanks to niggling injuries and the Lakers form, along with Tyson Chandler not quite being his old imposing self, DPoY should be pretty open. As you say, Duncan's going to be a candidate, along with Larry Sanders and maybeeven Tony Allen?
• Rookie of the Year: Damian Lillard. I'll side with you again here, Lillard looks like he'll be a top point guard in the league in just a few years.
• Most Improved Player: Paul George. Jrue's been having a break-out year, and those stats you've quoted show that, but Paul George has stepped up in the absence of Danny Granger and is seeing stats jump in rebounds (from 5.6 to 7.8 pr game), assists (2.4 to 3.8), and points (12.1 to 17.2 ppg). That said, I keep comparing those leaps to Jrue's stats and you've got a point! Also, could Harden qualify for this? A bit of an obvious shout, and it's more down to a change of scenery than any real surprising leap in ability.
• 6th Man of the Year: J.R. Smith. I think Doom and Funk were debating this a week or so ago, between Smith and Crawford. I reckon it'll come down to one or the other. Smith's out-rebounding, out-scoring (marginally) and out-assisting Crawford, although he is playing a few more minutes.
• Coach of the Year: Scott Brooks, hardly a risky guess. I reckon it'll be one of the top three or four coaches in the West. Can't see anyone in the East getting it, although the Knicks' improvement might be cause to give it to Woodson.

Play-Off Predictions:

- Trailblazers to take the 8th seed in the West, ahead of Houston, Dallas and the Lakers - as you say, the Lakers missing the play-offs isn't a bold shout now. I keep thinking they've got to be able to pull off a string of wins to pull them back to around .500, but they're leaving it a bit late so make any real attack to get themselves a decent seed.

- Another Miami-OKC match-up in the Finals, with Durant leading the Thunder to the Larry O'Brien trophy (fresh off of his MVP crowning ).

- Knicks and Nets to meet in the 1st round (not even sure if this can technically happen - if not then the Conference semi) and the series goes to game 7, with the Knicks coming out on top.

Oh don't I know it lol. But they're playing great basketball, and I predicted they would beat CP3 and the Clippers. They've already won more games than last year, and this only 40 games into the season, rather than their 23 wins in 66 tries last year. At this pace they'll go about 51-31, their best record since 1992.

 

As far as MVP goes, I know LeBron will be deserving, I'm simply predicting KD35 gets voted in. If the Knicks hadn't tanked recently I would name Melo as a candidate as well.

 

I love Paul George as well, so as long as it's either of them winning it I'll be happy

But yes, I think James Harden could be considered. But where most look just at a players stats, I think a player showing actual improvements in their game is much more important.

 

Crawford is well deserving for the 6th Man, but J.R. hits his first two game winners of his career and his efficiency has skyrocketed. But tell me with honesty that both of these guys shouldn't be starting lol.

[Jonesizzle]

The thing about JR Smith is that he has always had these skills, he just wasn't consistent... at all. He knows his role in NY and has grown up. I think the Knicks will dig far into the playoffs this year, giving Miami some trouble.

 

If D Rose comes back strong then people will remember the Bulls. It's scary how well they are doing without the MVP.

[Funktipus]

The thing about JR Smith is that he has always had these skills, he just wasn't consistent... at all. He knows his role in NY and has grown up. I think the Knicks will dig far into the playoffs this year, giving Miami some trouble.

 

If D Rose comes back strong then people will remember the Bulls. It's scary how well they are doing without the MVP.

J.R.'s responded to Woodson's coaching - my favorite line was when Woody told J.R. to 'pull his pants up'. J.R.'s kept his "knuckleheadness' to a minimum this year.

 

As for the Knicks playoff chances, they won't go far unless they man-up and get physical. They're not playing the same defense they did early in the season.

[mark-2007]

Yeah, Woodson seems to be getting the best out of J.R. That, along with his part in Melo's improvement, could see him as possibly the only Eastern Conference candidate for Coach of the Year - although he won't stand a chance if they keep sliding like they are. And yeah, I'm with you on that Funk. I think that, come Play-Off time, the Knicks will struggle when teams have a chance to hone their defences to target opposition's weaknesses. The Knicks weaknesses are glaringly obvious and, along with their aging team, they could face an upset. Still, I'd love to see them go deep into the East! I'd love to see a Knicks-Heat ECF, with the Thunder and either the Clippers or the Warriors in the WCF.

 

Looking forward to Rose's return, but I'm hoping the Bulls don't rush him. I think they've surprised a lot of people, including myself, with how well they've coped without him. I was expecting them to be in the dogfight for 8th seed in the East. With them standing at joint 4th seed, I think that they can afford to be patient with Rose and aren't in a situation where they have to rush him back to ensure that NBA basketball continues come April 20th. I'm a bit worried that he'll lose his explosiveness, as a lot of his game came from attacking the paint. He might have to try develop more as a facilitator and jump-shooter if his legs don't allow him to showcase his athleticism as he has been.

 

Also @ALeonard: The Warriors seem like the real deal, beating the Clippers and the Thunder in consecutive games. I wouldn't go as far to say that they're contenders, that's perhaps a bit too far, but maybe that WCF appearance you predicted isn't such a long shot as I first thought!

 

Speaking of the Warriors, David Lee's been named to the All Star reserves, ending a 15 year drought for the franchise - last pick was way back in 1997 with Latrell Sprewell (despite him choking his coach earlier in the season)! Unfortunately Curry didn't make the cut, but I suppose it's no huge surprise in a league loaded with point guard talent.

 

Eastern Conference:

 

Starters:

• Rajon Rondo
• Dwyane Wade
• LeBron James
• Carmelo Anthony
• Kevin Garnett

Reserves:

• Jrue Holiday
• Kyrie Irving
• Luol Deng
• Paul George
• Chris Bosh
• Tyson Chandler
• Joakim Noah

Western Conference:

 

Starters:

• Chris Paul
• Kobe Bryant
• Kevin Durant
• Blake Griffin
• Dwight Howard

Reserves:

• - Tony Parker
• - Russell Westbrook
• - James Harden
• - LaMarcus Aldridge
• - Tim Duncan
• - David Lee
• - Zach Randolph

In the East, I'm quite surprised to see this was Chandler's first All-Star pick, and I'm not so sure it's his best year. I don't think Garnett deserves a starting spot necessarily. I'm pretty pleased with the selections of Kyrie and Paul George - I think they were both in my picks. I would've put Kyrie ahead of Rondo as a starter in the East, as Irving showed the other night in the Celtics-Cavs match-up where he exploded for 40 points.

 

In the West, I'm very surprised to see Dwight make the starting five. I don't think he's deserving of it this year. I would've place any of the other bigs in the reserves ahead of Dwight - maybe even Lee himself. Other than that, the West's looking pretty solid. As mentioned, I'd have liked to have seen Curry in there, but it's a tough conference with the likes of CP3, Parker and Russ - although Curry is ahead of Parker stats-wise this year (just about, I reckon).

 

What's everyone's thoughts?

Edited January 25, 2013 by mark-2007

[Jonesizzle]

mark, I don't think the Bulls are rushing Rose at all. If anybody is, it's Nike... I remember whenever they aired a commercial before the season which implied Rose was going to be back for the start of the season. I have read that he has been traveling with the team and has been participating in practice and doing some slight contact practice. After watching Adrian Peterson tear his ACL last year and almost break the NFL's most rushing yards in a season this year, I have no doubt that Rose could return full force. Technology now-a-days allows these doctors to do stuff they weren't able to do 5-10 years ago, so I've seen.

 

I also don't take who is in the all-star game so serious. For the past few years Yao Ming was voted in as a starter when he didn't even start a damn game. I'm surprised we don't see Derrick Rose in there somewhere. Fan-voting all-star games are nice and all, but don't expect the people who deserve to be there to be there. Although, I am pleased to see J - Rue (that's what I call him, lol) in there as he has been having a great season and is finally coming out of his shell.

 

But putting Kyrie in front of Rondo? Rondo has had 4 triple-doubles this year so far, and averages a double-double a game with points and assists. He is easily one of the most enjoyable players to watch as far as great basketball fundamentals go. Once, or even if, he ever gets a good jump shot down he will be the best player in the league.

[mark-2007]

Yeah, All-Star appearances aren't all that important, but it's nice to see players get recognition for stand-out years, and it's something that players are remembered for after they've retired. Rondo's more of a pure facilitator. As you say, he needs to develop a better jumper. He's still young, as is Kyrie, so both have a lot of time to develop a more all-round game. Rajon needs to ramp up his contribution in actual scoring, whilst Kyrie needs to become a better facilitator. Kyrie's 6th in the league in points per game though. That's pretty impressive for a guy only in his second season, and he's f*cking fun to watch, as is Rondo. I'd say they're more neck and neck than some might think, just different types of players.

 

Also, just looking over some stats for other potential Most Improved Player candidates, what about Greivis Vasquez with the Hornets? 8.9 to 14.3 points per game leap, 2.6 to 4.6 in rebounds, and 5.4 to 9.2 jump in apg - not far off a double-double average, of which he's recorded 16 already this season.

[Jonesizzle]

Vasquez is a excellent candidate for Most Improved Player. He didn't even cross my mind when thinking about it, but he has had a great season. If those Horn... Pelicans come together and unleash all the potential they have, then they will be a force to reckon with in the West here in a few years.

[Funktipus]

Knicks finally manned-up - ugly game, but they grind out a tough win against the Celtics. I thought Amar'e did a good job.

 

Felton is supposed to play tonight in Philly. Knicks need him in the worst way.

[mark-2007]

Hearing reports that Rondo's picked up an injury. A hyperextended knee that he picked up against the Hawks caused him to miss the game against the Heat today, but has turned out to be a torn ACL ligament in his right knee. Out for the season, according to Adrian Wojnarowski.

 

Given that they're on a six-game losing streak and currently sit at 8th seed in the East, could this mean no basketball in Boston come late April? The likes of Philly, Detroit and Toronto will be looking to capitalise.

Edited January 27, 2013 by mark-2007

[Jonesizzle]

I hate to be a downer, but I think the Celtics season is done. They should have a nice lottery pick by the for the draft and try to get some young raw talent. Really sad to see Rondo take a injury like this, especially a couple days about bragging of how great a player he is to watch.

[FAH-Q]

NOOOOOO RONDOOOOO!!!!!

[Funktipus]

Rondo's going to miss part of next season too.

 

UPDATE: According to WFAN, Rudy Gay is about to get traded to Toronto. Memphis is a serious contender - WTF are they thinking?

Edited January 30, 2013 by Funktipus

[luongo01]

The Gay to Toronto is a horrible deal.

 

The Raps are going to trade Ed Davis, who I think has the most potential on this team and is going to be a future all-star. This is a guy who wants to play for the Raps and they're trading him for Gay who has a massive contract and is going to bolt form here the first chance he gets.

 

Plus Calderon is a better PG than Lowry. Calderon actually passes while Lowry likes to hold on to the ball and drive himself.

 

This trade is just going to set the Raptors back. Making one bone headed move after another. Their starting lineup will be basically guys who like to keep the ball for themselves.

 

Although I really have no idea why Memphis are doing this deal. They are a contender and Davis is going to be sitting behind Randolph and M. Gasol.

 

 

[mark-2007]

 

Been reading on Hoopsworld that Memphis are shopping Rudy Hay, looking to shed some cap space to avoid the luxury tax, and bring in one or two players (plus maybe draft picks?) to help provide a wider arsenal for them come play-offs. I can understand the tax reasons, but there's also the usual question: why break a winning formula?

Called it (or at least I called a Rudy Hay trade)! ... along with half the internet.

 

I think this deal works well for Memphis. They're getting Tayshaun Prince, who'll add genuine veteran, champion experience, solid defence too. Austin Daye, who'll add a handy bit of depth. Pistons get Jose Calderon who is a serviceable PG at the very least but it could damage the development of Brandon Knight.

 

Raptors get the star name they were after, but I'd say Gay was a lower-tier "superstar", if even one at all. He's on huge money for the next couple years too, and it certainly leaves DeMar DeRozan's future in doubt, as his minutes could clash with Rudy's - seems stupid in retrospect that they offered him that contract back at the start of the season rather than allowing him to set his own value this coming off-season.

Edited January 31, 2013 by mark-2007

[Funktipus]

Now that I think about it, you might be right mark. If Tayshaun has anything left, his experience, defense and 3 point shooting are a huge asset. Gasol, Zach and Prince up front? Dayum!

[Nah Tso Gud]

Posted these over in a photo thread, but I figured I'd drop them here as well.

 

From last nights Lakers / Timberwolves game:

 

 

[mark-2007]

Did you take them yourself!? Nice work. They look professional, great quality. Did you get to sit in the media squares by each baseline?

 

Just a heads up for next time, watch out for flying Jason Richardsons.

 

 

[Nah Tso Gud]

Haha, Yep, sure did.. I got hooked up with some 2nd row baseline tickets thankfully they let me in with my gear. They've been getting tighter with that stuff lately... but apparently they don't mind it if you're in the spendy seats Ha.

[mark-2007]

Nice one, do you do freelance stuff for any media outlets?

 

Also, odd to see Boston on a three game winning streak and currently up vs. the Clippers by three points near the end of the game. Lakers pulled out another win tonight vs. the Pistons without Dwight - still not sure how well they'll fair come the end of the season. They've got the Nets, Celtics, Heat and Clippers, all away, aside from the Clippers, (along with the less feared Bobcats and Suns) in the next couple of weeks which could be tricky.

[Jonesizzle]

Although I really have no idea why Memphis are doing this deal. They are a contender and Davis is going to be sitting behind Randolph and M. Gasol.

They did it because Rudy Gay cost lots of money, and why over-pay a guy? Memphis made their biggest playoff push last year, without Rudy Gay (due to injury). Now they free up some cap space, and add nice quality depth to the team.

 

Nah Tso Gud, nice pictures sir.

[Funktipus]

Good 5-0 homestand by the Knicks, beating the teams they should beat. Now they play the Wizards and T'Wolves on the road, then the Clippers at home on Sunday. 31-15 so far - nice!