The thread of the 2008-2009 NBA Season

[Karlifornia]

Micheal Ruffin is still in the league?

[Coffee Warlord]

As a benchwarmer/injured list player with an expiring contract.

[rjolley]

Ruffin was then shipped off to Portland for Ike Diogu and cash.

[Anthony]

i just want the Knicks to ship Lee and Robinson off the team just so they can package Eddy Curry and Jared Jeffries along with them and basically start the clock for the 2010 bonanza.

[sooner333]

Well, nevermind. The Thunder didn't clear Chandler medically.

[Karlifornia]

Warriors up one on the Lakeshow in the 2nd quarter. The Warriors season is pretty much over already, but I really want this win.

[stevew]

Danny ferry needs to make me proud tomorrow. I hope for Camby and dream of Amare. I sure hope he keeps JJ and Andy unless its for Amare. JJ is gonna be a stud in 2 years.

[Groundhog]

Well, I'd take Amare if we kept one of Andy or JJ (pref. JJ of course, but Phoenix aren't going to give Amare away, either).

[stevew]

There must be Something seriously wrong with Chandler cause that was a good trade for the Sonics

[sooner333]

There must be Something seriously wrong with Chandler cause that was a good trade for the Sonics

Yeah, it looks like the Thunder's doctors found some kind of turf toe condition that couldn't be operated on but could effect him essentially for the entire length of the contract. I guess it's not worth it to take on the salary for a couple of possible worthless years. Especially when they can try and use it in the offseason and with the young nucleus of talent, it might be easier to convince a free agent that winning is closer than you might have thought.

[stevew]

Well, I'd take Amare if we kept one of Andy or JJ (pref. JJ of course, but Phoenix aren't going to give Amare away, either).

I don't have the contracts in front of me but if we could send out enough to take back JRich and Amare and crap and get them under the lux tax I'd basically do any combo of picks and players not named LeBron.

[DaddyTorgo]

i think with phoenix back to the running game they're even less likely to deal amare

[Karlifornia]

..and the Warriors are about to lose. Just not enough....hopefully they luck out in the lottery this offseason.

[LloydLungs]

Yeah, it looks like the Thunder's doctors found some kind of turf toe condition that couldn't be operated on but could effect him essentially for the entire length of the contract. I guess it's not worth it to take on the salary for a couple of possible worthless years.

I've been saying all year that Chandler had to be playing with a chronic injury. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure it out for anyone who's watched the Hornets closely this year. At age 26, his performance mysteriously cratered. It was very likely something was wrong. The Hornets were trying to sneak him and his $12 mil out the door before he became untradeable. Didn't happen -- OKC figured it out. This is why y'all got him so cheap.

But not before a solid 24-hour national media cycle of "OMG OMG the Hornets are broke, New Orleans can't support two franchises, OMG OMG Seattle OMG they traded Chandler for nothing RELOCATION OMG KANSAS CITY OMG!!!"

I want to pull my hair out sometimes over this stuff. I truly hate the media.

Of course, NOW we're in trouble, with now four untradeable big contracts and no apparent way out of luxury tax hell.

[RainMaker]

My Bulls trading Gooden, Simmons, Nocioni, and Ruffin for Salmons and Miller is a little odd. None of the guys in the deal really hurt them in the 2010 class and it seems like a deal to not be pressured into overpaying for someone at the end of this season. Nocioni has been one of my favorite players over the past few seasons, will miss watching him play.

The rumors of getting Bosh had me real excited. Figure Rose and him could make a poor man's Parker and Duncan in the East. But I'm guessing it's probably smart for them to wait till 2010 and have a shot at some of the big names coming out. Really glad they didn't get suckered into an Amare deal.

[MikeVic]

Suns appear to have scored 140+ in back-to-back games since getting rid of Porter? I know the opponents weren't great, but that's still fun to see.

[Coffee Warlord]

My Bulls trading Gooden, Simmons, Nocioni, and Ruffin for Salmons and Miller is a little odd. None of the guys in the deal really hurt them in the 2010 class and it seems like a deal to not be pressured into overpaying for someone at the end of this season. Nocioni has been one of my favorite players over the past few seasons, will miss watching him play.

I always dug Nocioni, but he hasn't been the same this year. Whether that's our Please Dear God Fire Him coach or just the team chemistry, dunno.

BUT, on salary sides, Miller's contract expires for the 2010 class, and Fishboy could be a great longer-term pickup. So it's does position them for the big crop. I'm betting another trade is in order before the dealine as well (though I'm gonna be pissed if they dump Hinrich.)

[stevew]

Does Shaq and JRich for Pavs, Big Ben, and Wally work on the trade Machine? That puts us over the top IMO and its realistic given the Suns financial concerns.

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

Yes, it works, though I would be surprised in Phoenix was willing to go that far.

[Neuqua]

Reports are Bulls trade Larry Hughes to the Knicks for Tim Thomas and Jerome James

[stevew]

Yes, it works, though I would be surprised in Phoenix was willing to go that far.

I think it puts them under the lux tax the next two years. I'd even throw in the Cavs first this year cause it makes us a ton better.

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

Yeah, but they get their relief without trading Richardson. Seems like a lot for them to give up, and your first is not worth all that much anyway.

[Coffee Warlord]

Reports are Bulls trade Larry Hughes to the Knicks for Tim Thomas and Jerome James

So they're trading one player they threw on the inactive list and ignored for a player they threw on the inactive list and ignored a couple seasons ago?

[Arles]

Does Shaq and JRich for Pavs, Big Ben, and Wally work on the trade Machine? That puts us over the top IMO and its realistic given the Suns financial concerns.
Suns won't be making any moves until the offseason. The 35 cents for the dollar deals will be just as available then ;)

Although, if the Suns could move Shaq for Wally's expiring and Pavlovic, I'd consider it.

[Arles]

Tim Thomas back to the Bulls in big deal:
The Chicago Bulls made their second big trade in two days on Thursday, agreeing to send Larry Hughes to the Knicks for Jerome James, Tim Thomas and Anthony Roberson, two league sources told ESPN.com.

Sources: New York Knicks acquire Larry Hughes, send 3 to Chicago Bulls - ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3919012)

[Coffee Warlord]

I still can't imagine Thomas having any interest in playing in Chicago.

[rjolley]

What are the contracts of the players the Bulls have acquired over the past 24 hours?

[stevew]

Suns won't be making any moves until the offseason. The 35 cents for the dollar deals will be just as available then ;)

Although, if the Suns could move Shaq for Wally's expiring and Pavlovic, I'd consider it.

That's unrealistic cause we would be paying close to 40 million to have shaq next year. At least including Big Ben makes it more like 26 after lux tax

[JeeberD]

Marc Stein: Looks like we have a fairly significant three-way deal that has been submitted to the league just before the trade deadline.

NBA front-office sources tell ESPN.com that Orlando is acquiring Rafer Alston from Houston to fill the void created at point guard by Jameer Nelson's shoulder injury.

The Rockets will receive Memphis guard Kyle Lowry, Orlando forward Brian Cook and perhaps two other minimum-salaried players to make the finances work.

The Grizzlies will receive a first-round pick from Orlando.

-----------

As much as I dislike Rafer...meh.

[JeeberD]

Dola-

Though supposedly there is a second Rockets trade needing approval.

*crosses fingers*

[sterlingice]

Dola-

Though supposedly there is a second Rockets trade needing approval.

*crosses fingers*

Yeah, that original trade is a whole lot of "eh". As soon as T-Mac was out for the season, we're first round and done again.

Any word on the other deal?

SI

[JeeberD]

Nothing firm yet, though there's lots of speculation that it may be Landry on the way out since we picked up Cook.

Though I don't necessarily agree with the "As soon as T-Mac was out for the season, we're first round and done again" line. We've played much better without him this season...

[JonInMiddleGA]

Though I don't necessarily agree with the "As soon as T-Mac was out for the season, we're first round and done again" line. We've played much better without him this season...

That's one of those random comments that triggers my curiosity, so off I go to look it up.

Rockets record without McGrady this year: 13-6
Rockets record with McGrady this year: 20-15

I'm sure opponents & situations probably play a role in that but your observation appears closer to the mark than I would have guessed for sure.

[Honolulu_Blue]

You know, every year there is this big build up to the NBA trade deadline. It's all over the internet and sports shows. ESPN has that trade analyzer thing for months. It always seems, however, like no big deals are ever made and every deadline is "anticlimactic."

Is that really the case? Has there been traditionally a lot of movement at the deadline? Big deals? Or a large number of smaller deals?

[gstelmack]

I'm still trying to figure out how T-Mac's playoff history makes you think that having him on the roster ensures a second round playoff appearance, given that he's NEVER advanced that far in his entire career.

[sterlingice]

I'm still trying to figure out how T-Mac's playoff history makes you think that having him on the roster ensures a second round playoff appearance, given that he's NEVER advanced that far in his entire career.

I don't necessarily think it's "TMac = better playoff team". It's that with TMac we have a better team than without him, I think, and I think we had a good enough team to make it to the second round this year whereas we haven't in the past

SI

[sterlingice]

You know, every year there is this big build up to the NBA trade deadline. It's all over the internet and sports shows. ESPN has that trade analyzer thing for months. It always seems, however, like no big deals are ever made and every deadline is "anticlimactic."

Is that really the case? Has there been traditionally a lot of movement at the deadline? Big deals? Or a large number of smaller deals?

Isn't that pretty much true of the trade deadline in baseball and hockey, too (football's cap making big trades unlikely and at the deadline, moreso)?

SI

[Logan]

From Hollinger's column grading the trades, I laughed at the analysis of the Knicks picking up Hughes:

"The good news is that the trade gives them a true 2-guard for the first time since they traded Jamal Crawford, so that will help balance out the roster. The bad news is that it's Larry Hughes."

In case anyone would like to read the full thing:
John Hollinger: Trade grades - ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&page=TradeGrades-090218)

[Neuqua]

More reports saying Bulls trade Thabo Sefolosha to the Thunder for a 1st round pick. (They have 3 in the upcoming draft, the Bulls will receive the worst one.)

Solid trade for the Bulls I think, I was a big fan of Thabo but he just is not panning out. We should pick somewhere in the 15-20 range, which is where we drafted him at.

[hoopsguy]

OK, so from what I'm hearing the Bulls are left with the following:

Guards: Rose, Hinrich, Salmons, Gordon (gone after year?)
Forwards: Deng, Ty. Thomas, Ti. Thomas, Noah
Centers: Miller, James, Gray
Picks: 1st from OKC (non-lottery in bad draft)

I do not know the contract stuff on Tim Thomas and James, but this is a pretty ugly roster. I guess it is not exactly a murderers row of teams competing for the 8th spot in the East, but that roster does not feel remotely close.

[Coffee Warlord]

Thomas and James both expire in 2010. As does Miller, and Salmons has an option.

So, if I'm right, 2010 for the Bulls...

G: Rose, Hinrich, Gordon if he resigns, Salmons if he resigns.
F: Deng, Tyrus
C: Noah, Gray

They should be primed for the FA crop, though it's gonna be ugly in the meantime.

[Neuqua]

I think we're pretty much joining the 2010 FA bonanza and hoping the lure of playing in Chicago with a developed Derrick Rose will entice Stoudemire or Bosh to sign here.

[Groundhog]

HOLY SHIT JEROME JAMES GOT MOVED. BIGGEST TRADE DEADLINE MOVE EVER/

[Honolulu_Blue]

Isn't that pretty much true of the trade deadline in baseball and hockey, too (football's cap making big trades unlikely and at the deadline, moreso)?

SI

That's not true at all with the NHL. There tends to be a LOT of movement on the NHL deadline day. Sure, not everyone who is rumored to be traded actually ends up getting traded and the cap limits potential deals, but even over the last few "cap era" deadline days a lot of trades are made and a lot of players are moved.

Here's a link that provides the number of trades and players moved on the deadline day since 1980:

http://www.tsn.ca/tradecentre/feature/?id=10407

Here are the numbers for the last 10 years:

<TABLE><TBODY><TR class=bg1><TD class=noBr>1997-98</TD><TD class=noBr>March 24, 1998</TD><TD class=noBr>19</TD><TD class=noBr>38</TD></TR><TR class=bg1><TD class=noBr>1998-99</TD><TD class=noBr>March 23, 1999</TD><TD class=noBr>21</TD><TD class=noBr>30</TD></TR><TR class=bg1><TD class=noBr>1999-00</TD><TD class=noBr>March 14, 2000</TD><TD class=noBr>12</TD><TD class=noBr>23</TD></TR><TR class=bg1><TD class=noBr>2000-01</TD><TD class=noBr>March 13, 2001</TD><TD class=noBr>17</TD><TD class=noBr>31</TD></TR><TR class=bg1><TD class=noBr>2001-02</TD><TD class=noBr>March 19, 2002</TD><TD class=noBr>17</TD><TD class=noBr>35</TD></TR><TR class=bg1><TD class=noBr>2002-03</TD><TD class=noBr>March 11, 2003</TD><TD class=noBr>24</TD><TD class=noBr>46</TD></TR><TR class=bg1><TD class=noBr>2003-04</TD><TD class=noBr>March 9, 2004</TD><TD class=noBr>20</TD><TD class=noBr>32</TD></TR><TR class=bg1><TD class=noBr>2005-06</TD><TD class=noBr>March 9, 2006</TD><TD class=noBr>25</TD><TD class=noBr>40</TD></TR><TR class=bg1><TD class=noBr>2006-07</TD><TD class=noBr>February 27, 2007</TD><TD class=noBr>25</TD><TD class=noBr>44</TD></TR><TR class=bg1><TD class=noBr>2007-08</TD><TD class=noBr>February 26, 2008</TD><TD class=noBr>25</TD><TD class=noBr>45</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

The first number is the number of trades, the second number is the number of players moved. 25 trades and 45 players moved in one day is pretty significant.

[stevew]

You know, every year there is this big build up to the NBA trade deadline. It's all over the internet and sports shows. ESPN has that trade analyzer thing for months. It always seems, however, like no big deals are ever made and every deadline is "anticlimactic."

Is that really the case? Has there been traditionally a lot of movement at the deadline? Big deals? Or a large number of smaller deals?

Along the same lines, I was trying to figure out the last team that won a title with a key max salary FA as their centerpiece. Other than Shaq.

[Groundhog]

I'm dissapointed that the Cavs weren't able to get something done, especially since they apparently didn't mind at all bringing on excess salaries. I'm not surprised though. I think the Suns were our best shot, both Shaq and Amar'e (what's with that ' anyway), but I think they'd likely just be happy to see how they go for the rest of the year with a new coach given their performance of late.

I actually think Larry Hughes, if healthy (a massive if), could fit in well in New York. They play a far similar style of ball to the one that Hughes flourished in at Washington.

Don't quite get the Hou-Griz-Orlando trade. I guess Lowry's contract expires before Alston? I actually don't mind Lowry, and I think he'll be an OK performer on a better team than the Grizz. I'm assuming Brooks is the starter in Houston now, and I'll be interested to see how he does in that role.

[stevew]

Bulls fans have to be excited to see gooden and Hughes out the door.

[Groundhog]

Yup. Gooden proved to a whole new crowd that stats don't come close to telling the whole story.

[Sublime 2]

I'm guessing the Celts court Mikki Moore hard! Joe Smith could still be released, but I think it would be risky for DA to wait on Joe, when there's a viable backup Center out there. I like Joe a little more, but I remember Moore terrorizing the C's when he was playing for the Nets, and he'd be better than the lifeless ex-C Patrick O'Bryant.

Then it's all about waiting for Marbury to get bought out and join the Celts. I've never been a huge fan of Marbury, but he'd unquestionably provide a ball handling and scoring backup pg that the second unit desperately needs. I fully consider Eddie a 2 at this point, and in no way a good fit for pg.

[RainMaker]

I still don't get why Cleveland is not going all out considering Lebron is as good as gone in 2 years.

[Neon_Chaos]

I found my basketball cards collection the other day...

Remember back in the mid-90's when Penny Hardaway and Grant Hill were pegged to be the future stars of the league... and then career-altering injuries sidelined their Hall of Fame-bound careers.

[Logan]

I think it's actually pretty amazing that Hill has made such a comeback and is still around.

[albionmoonlight]

I found my basketball cards collection the other day...

Remember back in the mid-90's when Penny Hardaway and Grant Hill were pegged to be the future stars of the league... and then career-altering injuries sidelined their Hall of Fame-bound careers.

If Hardaway's knee injury had ended his career instead of allowing him to hang on for 10 years as an overpaid joke of a player, we would remember him very differently.

After his third season in the league, he had already been to the NBA Finals and had twice been voted All-NBA First Team (not just an All Star--All-NBA First team. The best PG in the game). The guy was a 6'7" PG with a limitless future.

And, had it ended there, we would talk about him as "what could have been." Instead, we think of him limping around for 17 different teams at the end of his career, serving as a living example of why guaranteed contracts are great for players and horrible for teams.

[Neon_Chaos]

And I guess that's it for the Suns' playoff hopes...

Suns star Stoudemire out after eye surgery - NBA - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AuvErTUe_g10rUEa4vMYbue8vLYF?slug=ap-suns-stoudemireout&prov=ap&type=lgns)

[Arles]

And I guess that's it for the Suns' playoff hopes...

Suns star Stoudemire out after eye surgery - NBA - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AuvErTUe_g10rUEa4vMYbue8vLYF?slug=ap-suns-stoudemireout&prov=ap&type=lgns)
The Suns are just cursed. From Joe Johnson breaking his face, to Amare's knee, to Raja Bell tearing his calf against Dallas to the Amare/Diaw suspensions - whenever things look up for them a catastrophic injury will smack them down.

I don't think you'll see Amare back with Phoenix next season and I'm guessing he goes fairly cheap in the offseason. If the Suns don't make the playoffs, they will be in pretty dire financial shape.

[Anthony]

no one told them to move Marion for Shaq. they need to move Nash this offseason for whatever they can get, i'm talking KG to the Celtics kind of lopsided trade. but i'm not a Suns fan so i could care less.

[Arles]

no one told them to move Marion for Shaq.
Marion was washed up - Miami found that out. The Shaq move atleast made the Suns relevant and he's been their best player this season. This team would be a complete joke without Amare and Shaq - atleast they have an outside shot at a 7-8 seed with Shaq.

They need to move Nash this offseason for whatever they can get, i'm talking KG to the Celtics kind of lopsided trade. but i'm not a Suns fan so i could care less.
Nah, I'm not sure I want to pay Amare a max deal in the 2010 offense given the serious limitations in his game. I think moving him is the right idea, I just think the Suns will panic and get less than they should to save cash.

And I'd gladly take Al Jefferson and picks in a deal for Amare ;)

[BishopMVP]

I'm guessing the Celts court Mikki Moore hard! Joe Smith could still be released, but I think it would be risky for DA to wait on Joe, when there's a viable backup Center out there. I like Joe a little more, but I remember Moore terrorizing the C's when he was playing for the Nets, and he'd be better than the lifeless ex-C Patrick O'Bryant.

Then it's all about waiting for Marbury to get bought out and join the Celts. I've never been a huge fan of Marbury, but he'd unquestionably provide a ball handling and scoring backup pg that the second unit desperately needs. I fully consider Eddie a 2 at this point, and in no way a good fit for pg.Mikki Moore has declined a lot the last 2 years. Joe Smith would be a much better fit if we can convince him to come to Boston over Cleveland (they have more mid-level exception money - something like 5.6m to 2.4m).

[stevew]

I really want Joe back but I think he will sign with his boy KG.

I really liked the Wallace/Z and Joe/Andy pairings

[sterlingice]

Man, nice start of Aaron Brooks's Houston career

SI

[Chief Rum]

Man, nice start of Aaron Brooks's Houston career

SI

Huh? His Houston career started a year and a half ago.

If you're going for the "now that Alson is gone" vibe, you went too vague. ;)

[SackAttack]

Man, nice start of Aaron Brooks's Houston career

SI

When did he switch from the NFL to the NBA?

[sterlingice]

Huh? His Houston career started a year and a half ago.

If you're going for the "now that Alson is gone" vibe, you went too vague. ;)

I forgot "starting" in there ;)

SI

[SirFozzie]

celtics go boom. Ragin Rajan Rondo with 30 points...

If he keeps this up, we will actually have a Big 4 in Boston.

[Groundhog]

On Rubio and the 2009 NBA draft:

from Draftexpress.com


The news out of Spain last month was that Rubio's team DKV Joventut had unilaterally decided to double his salary on the year, from 80,000 Euro to 160,000. This is obviously an attempt to get his pay closer in line with what his value is to the team, as he's clearly their most important player. There's been some talk that Rubio's contract would not hold up in court if challenged, as a 6 million Euro buyout is obviously not proportionate to an 80,000 Euro contract. It's highly unlikely that it would get to that, though.

According to David Carro, the Spanish partner of Rubio's NBA agent, Dan Fegan, who we spoke with here at the Copa del Rey, there is “still a chance that Rubio could find his way into this year's draft.” Negotiations are reportedly underway to lower his buyout to more manageable proportions, possibly 3-4 million Euro. A solution could come as early as “this month” Carro told us, and in that case, Rubio would be able to afford getting out of his contract if he were to be “a top-3 pick” (which he very likely is), as long as he could pay off the buyout over the course of his rookie deal. Asked why Joventut would have any reason to even negotiate considering the leverage they hold in this situation, Carro responded that Rubio is the “image of the team” and that they “would not want to have a mad player.”


If he does declare, that would make this draft a little stronger. I'd take him WELL ahead of Brandon Jennings.

[Karlifornia]

On Rubio and the 2009 NBA draft:

from Draftexpress.com



If he does declare, that would make this draft a little stronger. I'd take him WELL ahead of Brandon Jennings.

I don't think anyone would disagree if Rubio showed up in this draft. I still think Jennings is getting experience that's gonna really pay off in the future.

[Groundhog]

Griffin might be the only guy I'd take over Rubio. I like Harden, but wings are easier to get your hands on than PGs. Big guys are the hardest of all and while I like Monroe and Hill, I don't think either is as safe a pick as Rubio.

[sterlingice]

Points 37, 38, and 39 on the night for Devin Harris tonight were one hell of a shot

SI

[Neuqua]

Points 37, 38, and 39 on the night for Devin Harris tonight were one hell of a shot

SI

Just an incredible shot.

[DaddyTorgo]

C's OBLITERATED the Nuggets tonight. 114-76. Yikes.

Was nice to see the C's lineup in garbage time featuring Gabe Pruitt, Bill Walker & J.R. Giddens all on the floor at once, and see even a little offense from the three young kids.

[Lathum]

Points 37, 38, and 39 on the night for Devin Harris tonight were one hell of a shot

SI

What an ending.

Can the 76rs sound any more like little bitches? The video proves the shot was good, just give the other guy credit and move on.

Every time I watch a Nets game I realize how much the MAvs got bitch slapped in the JAson Kidd deal.

[Sublime 2]

Low Risk...VERY High Upside!

Like I said before, I'm not a huge fan of Marbury personally, but I think he adds a ton to the Celts bench.


The New York Knicks and Stephon Marbury reached a buyout agreement Tuesday afternoon that would clear the way for Marbury to sign with the Boston Celtics, according to sources close to the situation.

"A comprehensive agreement was made this afternoon between the New York Knicks and Stephon Marbury. Under its terms, the grievance has been resolved and the Knicks have requested waivers on Stephon. No additional terms will be disclosed," the Knicks said in a statement released by the team.

Sources briefed on the state of the talks told ESPN.com that the Knicks and Marbury are on the verge of finalizing a separation package that will make Marbury eligible to play in the playoffs for another team because his release from New York would come before the league's Sunday deadline.

Link (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3931801)

[Groundhog]

Rockets spank the Cavs by 19 points and LeBron James has his first zero-assist game, finishing with a very un-LeBron like line of 21 PTS 1 REB 0 ASTS 3 TO, on 33% shooting.

[Groundhog]

Low Risk...VERY High Upside!

Like I said before, I'm not a huge fan of Marbury personally, but I think he adds a ton to the Celts bench.

If Marbury is just used to bring the ball up against a pressure defense while Rondo gets some rest, should work out OK if he stays sane.

Marbury looked like crap last time we saw him getting regular minutes, and I have little reason to think he'll be any better now after taking 2 seasons off, and being 32 years old.

[MikeVic]

I watched some Garnett biography thing a couple weeks ago, and they made it seem like Garnett really doesn't like Marbury. Something about them being childhood friends, then getting to play together in Minnesota... and then Marbury saying he wants to be the star and demanding a trade, hurting Garnett's feelings.

[Groundhog]

Yeah, the Garnett/Marbury thing has been spoken about for years, but you'd think surely there would be no way in hell the Celtics would sign him unless Garnett has given them the OK.

[sterlingice]

Back to the same old song, when writing about the NBA, I really enjoy Bill Simmons:

The Sports Guy: Bill Simmons Welcome to the No Benjamins Association - ESPN Page 2 (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/090227)

SI

[albionmoonlight]

I wonder if minor league baseball attendance will be up this summer. As people decide that major league sports are too expensive and/or overpriced, I could see them choosing instead to go see a minor league game for 1/5 the price.

Kind of like how Wal-Mart is doing just fine in the recession, thank you very much.

[gstelmack]

I know they keep talking about "middle-class" families buying tickets, but that's been going out the window for a while. Sports have gone after the corporate market, pushing out the "average fan", and all of a sudden the corporate types are cutting back big-time, and those "middle-class" families that have been priced out of the sports seats have already moved on to other options. Those that haven't will be able to continue attending thanks to all the promotions being run. I think pro sports is laying in the bed they made over the last decade or so.

[RainMaker]

The Bulls lost two legends yesterday. Norm Van Lier and Johnny "Red" Kerr. Both were fixtures on TV over the years, including Kerr who was the color man during the Jordan years. His most memorable commentating moment probably came during "the shot" which has him screaming in the background.

YouTube - Michael Jordan:"THE SHOT" (Cleveland '89) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdGT4us0zwg)

[Groundhog]

Shaq is awesome:

"After Shaquille O'Neal (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/847/) scored 45 against Toronto on Friday, Raptors star Chris Bosh (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3707/) said O'Neal had benefited from officials ignoring his three-second lane violations. 'I heard what Chris Bosh said, and that's strong words coming from the RuPaul of big men,' O'Neal said. 'I'm going to do the same thing (in their next meeting) I did before — make him quit. Make 'em quit and complain. It's what I do.' O'Neal is the only NBA player other than Stephon Marbury (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3099/) and Bernard King to record 40-point games with four teams. 'I warned these guys he can do that,' Lakers coach Phil Jackson said."

[Groundhog]

Some other tidbits from the waiver wire:

Gooden to the Spurs - Wow. I think Duncan would kill Gooden with his bare-hands after 3 games. The Spurs offense on both ends of the court is so damn structured that I just don't think Gooden will slot in like the under-skilled/over-working role players that flesh out the majority of their roster.

Joe Smith to the Cavs - Yes! Make it happen. Like what I'm seeing from Hickson for the most part, but a vet like Smith could prove invaluable, especially come playoffs time.

Luther Head to the Nets - I liked Head in college and thought he showed promise his first two seasons, but with Von Wafer beating him out of the rotation in Houston, it makes me think that there isn't something wrong with the guy. Still, maybe he'll find a home in NJ if he signs there, as CDR hasn't done an awful lot his rookie year.

[Groundhog]

dola

I should make it clear that the above 3 signings are just the current rumours. Nothing has actually happened yet.

[sooner333]

Groundhog--Quick aside...is Ebi Ere still scoring points in bunches Down Under? I just remember hearing that he was doing well down there and was wondering how he was doing (if he's even still playing there).

[Groundhog]

Groundhog--Quick aside...is Ebi Ere still scoring points in bunches Down Under? I just remember hearing that he was doing well down there and was wondering how he was doing (if he's even still playing there).

Yup, he sure is. He bounces around from one team to the next down here, but he's one of the better imports we've ever had. His team - arguably the most talented ever to play in our league - is in the Finals which start tomorrow night.

Ere has a bit of a reputation as a shameless gunner down here, which is kind of fair considering how he plays, but the guy puts points on the board like few others can.

[stevew]

Wow.
Was that ill advised 3 as bad as it sounded from Randolph at the end of the cavs clips game? I can't believe the Cavs came back and won that.

[bhlloy]

Yeah, just saw it on Sportscenter and it was definitely as bad as it sounded. Why anyone wants this guy on their team is completely beyond me. But hey, it's the Clippers.

[Groundhog]

I remember reading a quote from Randolph a few weeks back. Not sure what the topic was, but his exact words were "Well, I'm a pretty good player". In reality, he's a pretty good example of a waste of talent. Very few guys are capable of posting the kind of empty numbers he's shown he can put up most nights.

Strangest of all is that he was still consired a desirable commodity at PF until quite recently, leading me to believe that some GMs and scouts still just look at box scores.

[stevew]

I was listening to the game on XM, and got all pissed off cause the Cavs were getting killed. Checked back like 20mins later, and then it was a game. Will have to record SportsCenter cause it definately sounded like a moment that had to be seen. The Clips radio guy was totally dumbfounded it seemed. Bonus points if someone can find a link and post it in this thread.

[Groundhog]

Perfect time to post this once again:

YouTube - Zach Randolph Play Around Feb 24 2008 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lvYf08X6tc)

[Chief Rum]

:(

[stevew]

Hmm, would be interesting to put together a rotation of players that people who read box scores think are good, but in reality suck ass and are losers.

Randolph would obviously be the starting PF of that squad.

Larry Hughes is probably the starting 2, but I don't even think he's fooling the Casual fan anymore.

[stevew]

Oh wow, just saw the Randolph play. That's probably as stupid as the one in Groundhogs clip, but not nearly as funny.

[Neon_Chaos]

Sweet jeez. Just saw the Randolph three on ESPN.com

WORST SHOT OF THE SEASON.

[stevew]

I'm pretty sure they had a timeout left too.

[Neon_Chaos]

With six seconds left, down by two at home, common thinking would be to go for OT, right?

I'm amazed Randolph actually dribbled twice, looked at the clock and said "BOMBS AWAY, B*TCH!"

[MikeVic]

Hmm, would be interesting to put together a rotation of players that people who read box scores think are good, but in reality suck ass and are losers.

Randolph would obviously be the starting PF of that squad.

Larry Hughes is probably the starting 2, but I don't even think he's fooling the Casual fan anymore.

I like this idea. I have Randolph on my fantasy team, and he's done well when healthy/not suspended. But I got the impression he's a bad basketball player.

[albionmoonlight]

YouTube - Cavs-Clippers 87-83 I James Triple-Double 32pts,1reb,11ast,Ilgauskas 16pts vs Randolph 20pts,12reb (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xihsh2xepZA)

Zach's three is at the two minute mark.

[stevew]

Simmons had a good take on the game.

ESPN A dumbfounding night in the 'Dumbleavy Era' (http://m.espn.go.com/wireless/story?storyId=3971130&top)

[Groundhog]

Interesting article re: the new "prime" age of these preps-to-pros who are the legends of the current NBA:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/steve_aschburner/03/11/prep.pros/1.html

[MikeVic]

I had Maggette on my fantasy team, and now only have Jackson from GS. But I still look at the box scores, and noticed that Maggette seems to get a nice amount of points, but his FG numbers are never high.

I looked at his career stats, and it seems like his FTM and FTA are actually higher than his FGA and FGM. Is this common, or is Maggette just good at getting to the line? He shoots something like 80% from the line, so this seems to be an effective scorer I think?

[Groundhog]

Maggette's best attribute is that he gets to the line a hell of a lot, and knocks them down. That's his game. Well, that, and attempting bad jump shots. ;)

[MikeVic]

lol, if you look at the game right now vs the Nets... Maggette has 12 points on 0-for-1 shooting and 12-of-14 in free throws.

[sterlingice]

Seriously, how does Houston go into New Orleans without Yao and win (I hate to say it, but I picked against Houston in Streak for the Cash after I saw Yao was out)

SI

[LloydLungs]

Seriously, how does Houston go into New Orleans without Yao and win (I hate to say it, but I picked against Houston in Streak for the Cash after I saw Yao was out)

I just got back home from watching this abortion. I wish I had a good answer. The Hornets have been quietly dysfunctional all season. They've had a TON of bad losses at home.

I even said before the game, Chandler's probably going to take the night off now that Yao's out. Then Chandler, with Yao out and a 248-year-old Mutombo starting the damn game, drops a 4 and 7 and fouls out. THREE games like this from him in the last week alone. THIS is why we traded his dumb butt, not because the franchise is in financial peril in New Orleans, *you two dumbfucks on PTI*...

Okay, maybe I'm feeling a bit high strung right now...

[MikeVic]

Just thought I'd post this to stir some NBA excitement. :)

Scoop Jackson: 12 things to watch in the NBA - ESPN Page 2 (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=jackson/090325&sportCat=nba)

NCAA. NIT. WBC. NFL. Owner meetings. Fantasy baseball. Lance's broken collarbone. Schilling's retirement. "Twilight" DVD release. Prince 3-CD release. David Letterman, Harrison Ford and Bruce Willis all getting married. The Dow and S&P recoveries. Anything T.O.

It's easy to get caught up in everything going on, but while no one seems to be paying attention, there are plots, subplots, intrigue, suspense and pseudo-conspiracies boiling in the NBA. And with less than a month left before the playoff jump-off, here are 12 things that need your full attention. Like, immediately.

Dwyane Wade
Wade is doing it on offense and defense, where he's about to become the first player 6-4 or shorter to block 100 shots.

1. The three-way race for MVP: Can it be split three ways? Is there such a thing as tri-MVP? If people tell you that either LeBron James, Kobe Bryant or Dwyane Wade deserves the MVP and the other two don't ... they are lying. To you and to themselves. It's like choosing which M&M color tastes best.

There've been tight races before in MVP voting, but nothing like this in recent memory. Because not only is the MVP on the line, so is the undisputed mythic "best player alive" title. It's going to be mesmerizing to see who makes the strongest case as the season comes to a close. Someone is going to get robbed.

2. Will the Lakers make us believe that anything will be different in this year's playoffs? Last year Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol balled out during the Western Conference playoffs. Then the Finals came. With Andrew Bynum's injury making this season feel like déjà vu all over again, what are the Lakers going to do to make those in Laker Nation believe that Yogi Berra isn't watching over them?

3. The A.I. Experiment: The only thing in the NBA that has more critics than the stimulus plan. Joe Dumars' season-opening trade has not provided the payoff many expected, but let's wait and see. If somehow Michael Curry can find a way to secure everyone's roles and rotations, and the Pistons no longer have those quarter-long scoring droughts that were their downfall in playoffs past, and somehow Sheed can step it up ...

4. The non-trade/trade of Tyson Chandler: Either Jeff Bower is going to come off as the luckiest GM in the game or a licensed idiot. If the Hornets play themselves into "elite" conversation in the West by season's end (and they've won 12 of their past 15 games) and upset either the Lakers or the Spurs in the playoffs, then Chandler's failing his physical with Oklahoma City may be the biggest blessing-in-disguise in the NBA this season.

Mo Williams
Mo Williams is averaging 18.0 points per game and shooting 43.6 percent from 3-point range.

5. Is Cleveland unbeatable? Is Mo Williams all it took? The fact that the Cavs are distancing themselves from Boston and Orlando is making many believe Cleveland -- and not the Lakers -- is now the odds-on favorites to win it all. The Cavs have a four-game lead over Boston and one-game lead over the Lakers (for best overall record); if that lead increases before April 19, all other teams become underdogs.

6. The Bulls, Bucks and Bobcats fighting to get whopped in the first round: I know, they say once the playoffs start everyone's record is 0-0. But let's be real. What's the point in these three teams fighting to play either Cleveland or Boston in the first round? Why will they battle? One: Experience. Two: Outside of perhaps Blake Griffin, there is no Kevin Durant or Michael Beasley coming out this year to make teams want to be in the lottery.

7. Rafer Alston: No disrespect to Dwight Howard but the rest of the season in Orlando isn't about him. If the Magic are going to win it's not dependant upon Howard's ability to dominate. The key to whatever happens to the Magic is in the hands and handles of That Guy Called Skip. And if Alston's veteran leadership, poise, knowledge and understanding of the game gets them to the Eastern Conference finals or beyond, then Magic GM Otis Smith is going to have to make a decision about what to do with Jameer Nelson, the original team leader, when Nelson returns from his shoulder injury next season.

8. What's going to happen in Phoenix if the Suns do not make the playoffs? You know the old saying of "blowing up a team" when it's time to overhaul the roster? Well, this time we might have to take that saying literally. Figuratively speaking.

9. Is Roger Mason Jr. really the next Robert Horry? All season long he has shown flashes of imitation. Now let's see how real he really is. If Mason Jr. wins one playoff series with an Horryesque shot at 0:01, then all teams in San Antonio's path to the Finals better beware. The second coming may be here. Because while everyone has been looking for the next Jordan or Magic or Dream, guess who they all wish they had as many rings as?

10. Utah? San Antonio? Orlando? Atlanta? One of these teams is going to shock someone. One of these teams is going disappoint. One of these teams is going to overachieve. One of these teams is never going to be the same. Which one will be which, no one knows. But the beauty will be in finding out.

11. Do the Houston Rockets still have a shot at the title? The Rockets are just a half-game behind the Spurs for the second-best record in the West and are 16-5 without McGrady, leading even the most die-hard Rockets fans into believing they have a legit shot at reaching the Western Conference finals. Or at least finally getting out of the first round. The intrigue will be if either of these two happens, what will the organization do when McGrady comes back next year? The more the Rockets win, the bigger the problem they are creating becomes.

12. How hungry will Boston be? KG's finally back. The roster is back to full strength. Marbury and Moore are getting situated. Ray's shot has been falling. Rondo is a year better. Eddie House is a year more valuable. P2 is back to feeling disrespected. Everything is in alignment for the Celts. Divine order. But will their desire to defend what they have be more powerful than the desire the other teams have for taking the title from them? Especially since Boston has shown a vulnerability it didn't last season.

Yeah, there are so many other things going on right now to distract us from life inside the NBA. But for those of you who can find that 25th hour in the eighth day of the week, make sure you don't sleep on the League over the next few weeks. Amazing happens there for a reason.

[stevew]

If the Cavs end the season with the best record in the league, anything other than a LeBron MVP would be highway robbery. Not that LeBron hasn't already lost twice when he should have won, though.

The Cavs are now 33-1 at home, 23-4 vs the Western Conference, and have the highest point differential in the league. If they don't win it all, I'm going to be significantly pissed.

[LloydLungs]

4. The non-trade/trade of Tyson Chandler: Either Jeff Bower is going to come off as the luckiest GM in the game or a licensed idiot. If the Hornets play themselves into "elite" conversation in the West by season's end (and they've won 12 of their past 15 games) and upset either the Lakers or the Spurs in the playoffs, then Chandler's failing his physical with Oklahoma City may be the biggest blessing-in-disguise in the NBA this season.

Still wondering whether ANYONE in the national media is going to pick up on the fact that Chandler has been a chronically injured piece of crap for the vast majority of this season.