The Thread of the 2009-2010 NBA Season

[whomario]

Just in case you missed it (and look here in time) :

Bulls-Celtics just started, might be interesting after that great series.

Plus later tonight Suns-Warriors. Over/under 260 points ?

marquis daniels´ hair is interesting ...

[Chief Rum]

Originally Posted by whomario

marquis daniels´ hair is interesting ...

More or less interesting than Artest's hair?

[whomario]

Originally Posted by Chief Rum

More or less interesting than Artest's hair?

this version ? About equal

Dwight Howard in the 1st quarter : 12 points, 11 boards, 2-9 FTs.

[whomario]

Carter injures his ankle, hope it´s just a sprain ...

Boston looks pretty good ... Leading chicago by 25 (who are on a back-to-back, but still)

a great game by Rondo. You won´t find many players being this much of a factor without scoring (1-2 shooting for 2 points). 15 assists on 1 TO.

[Big Fo]

Originally Posted by whomario

Carter injures his ankle, hope it´s just a sprain ...

It's a mild sprain, he's day-to-day, so that's good news.

Howard's one-handed catch/block was impressive. It was another 20-20 night for him.

[duckman]

Thunder are 2-0 after beating the Pistons 91-83. They are playing MUCH better than last season.

[MikeVic]

Ah Wince Carter. I liked Orlando last year, and they had to go and get Carter to make me not like the team. Great.

[whomario]

I got a real kick out of seeing Nash having a big assist game (20 to go with 18 points) and seeing Frye do well who i really wish well. He made 6/7 on three last night, must be sth in the water in Phoenix that makes everybody a 3 point shooter and score the basketball. Or for a more plausible explanation : Must be kind of fun playing with this Nash character
There´s no one in the league that´s better at recognizing/creating passing angles for people cutting to the basket, his way to keep the dribble alive until a cutting man gets open should be recomended viewing for any guard.

The charlotte-new york game yesterday was great comedy towards the end, so many mistakes on offense ... The Bobcats can´t finish games and the knicks end-game management was disastrous.
Really loved seeing Gallinari doing well. Yeah, he can´t guard anybody (Even slalom-vlade tried to attack him off the bounce and he does that like twice a year) but he´s got great fluidity in his offensive movement to go with a great shooting touch.

Nellie-lineup watch : 2 game, 2 different starting lineups (randolph in place of turiaf)

[DaddyTorgo]

Celtics are delicious!

[whomario]

Knicks getting booed less than a half into their home opener, good times

They are chucking up 3s at an alarming clip early in the year. Gallinari promoted to the starting lineup (and he´s the sole reason i watch them in league pass until Portland-Houston starts) , that was fast.

[whomario]

Manu Ginobili apparently just took out a bat (yes, the flying creature thingy) Play of the Year !

The Halloween game between the Kings and Spurs was interrupted twice when a bat began flying around the court -- that is, until Manu Ginobili whacked the bat out of midair with his hand.
This feat of supreme hand-eye coordination will top all of the day's highlight reels -- he dazed the bat with the blow, then picked it up and walked it off the court, waving to the delighted crowd. We sense a "Where Amazing Happens" commercial in the making.

Ariza looking good.



ok, he actually kinda killed it, this i don´t approve ...

[miami_fan]

Can someone get this guy the mental help he obviously needs?

Stephon Marbury booted out of front-row seat at MSG for New York Knicks home opener - ESPN

NEW YORK -- Stephon Marbury didn't steal the show at the New York Knicks home opener. But he sure provided quite a sideshow.

The former Knicks point guard made good on his promise to show up for his former team's home opener and sit in the front row. But Marbury was asked to leave those seats when ushers examined his ticket and determined he was sitting in the wrong spot.

Rather than relocate, Marbury left the arena just as the first quarter was ending.

Adding to the bizarre scene, Marbury pulled out a video camera shortly after arriving and began shooting the live action, at one point standing up -- thereby blocking the view of the fans behind him -- while play was ongoing.

A Madison Square Garden security official spoke to Marbury during a timeout, and it was then discovered that Marbury was holding a ticket for Row A. But the seat he was occupying -- just a couple chairs down from Spike Lee's regular seat -- was actually in Row AA, and Marbury was asked to move.

After turning down a $1.99 million, one-year offer from the Boston Celtics early in the summer, Marbury remained unsigned through the summer. He recently said he plans to sit out the entire 2009-10 season before making a comeback next season.

[molson]

That whole A/AA row thing has disappointed me in the past too.

It's hard to believe the Celtics offered him $2 million. He'll never see that money again.

[stevew]

Cavs best the BobCraps to even their record. 4 games in 5 days in at least 3 cities to start the season sucks.

And Shack is old.

[Karlifornia]

Brandon Jennings looking solid so far. He seems really dedicated to getting better.

[Neon_Chaos]

Originally Posted by molson

That whole A/AA row thing has disappointed me in the past too.

It's hard to believe the Celtics offered him $2 million. He'll never see that money again.

I don't think he needs money.

[stevew]

I dunno, Antoine Walker probably made about as much as Starbury and is broke.

These dudes and their money, wow.

[whomario]

Suns are 3-0 Ah well, just 3 games but i sure wish that they have a good last run with their run n gun style.

Channing Frye made 20 3s in 4 years and 5500 minutes of play, now with Phoenix he has 13 in 3 games (96 minutes), 6 apiece the last 2.

Hill looks like a 25 year old out there

Paul and Rondo engaged in a pretty funny little catfight

[Chief Rum]

Originally Posted by whomario

Suns are 3-0 Ah well, just 3 games but i sure wish that they have a good last run with their run n gun style.

Channing Frye made 20 3s in 4 years and 5500 minutes of play, now with Phoenix he has 13 in 3 games (96 minutes), 6 apiece the last 2.

Hill looks like a 25 year old out there

Paul and Rondo engaged in a pretty funny little catfight

Should be 2-1. They were outplayed everywhere but the final score in LA.

Fortunately for them, the Clippers are still the Clippers.

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

Rondo and the Celtics reportedly agree on a 5/$55 deal. Fair for both sides, I'd say. Hopefully they can put a team around him that allows him to shine.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by Ronnie Dobbs2

Rondo and the Celtics reportedly agree on a 5/$55 deal. Fair for both sides, I'd say. Hopefully they can put a team around him that allows him to shine.

excellent!

I love the guy, and as far as +defense and pass-first PG's go in the league he's right up there. And he can score if he needs to - from penetration.

Not sure he'll age well since speed is a huge weapon of his, but we have him locked-up through years when he's young so that's not a worry yet.

[Sublime 2]

Originally Posted by Ronnie Dobbs2

Rondo and the Celtics reportedly agree on a 5/$55 deal. Fair for both sides, I'd say. Hopefully they can put a team around him that allows him to shine.

Awesome news!!

[TroyF]

Good signing for the Celtics.

Early observations from games I've seen:

1) I still think Orlando is the best team in the East.
2) Boston isn't far behind.
3) Carmelo Anthony - 117 minutes, 113 points, 69 shot attempts, 13 assists, 6 turnovers. . . yikes. . .
4) Brandon Jennings looks like the real deal.
5) Outside of Orlando, I don't know who can score on the Celtics defense. I think Orlando will.
6) Channing Frye is playing really, really well.
7) The Knicks are really, really bad, but they play hard. (the ending of the Knicks/Bobcats game was comedy gold)
8) The Clippers actually look good, even in their losses. About the time Griffin comes back, Camby will go down for 10 or 15. Still, I like the team they have.
9) Amare, I took you over Melo in my fantasy draft. I hated to do it, but I thought you were going to be good. Please, please start doing that. k, thx.
10) The Nets look horrible. Just horrible.

[Groundhog]

Originally Posted by TroyF

1) I still think Orlando is the best team in the East.
2) Boston isn't far behind.

It's really tough to tell. Before the season I thought Orlando was far-and-away the best team in the East. Then I watched the Bos-Cle & Bos-Chi games, and well, now I'm not sure. Boston looks really, really good. Like 2008 championship team good.

4) Brandon Jennings looks like the real deal.

Yes he does. I'll admit that I thought he was going to stink. Shows you once again how big a difference there is between the Euro game and the US game.

6) Channing Frye is playing really, really well.

He's playing like the kind of player he looked like he'd develop into as a rookie Knick. Finally.

10) The Nets look horrible. Just horrible.

I like their foundation of young talent, but they don't have any superstars. Lopez could get there.

[TroyF]

Boston looks great now. But tell me who is better prepared to deal with injuries? Orlando is scary deep. I think they could even lose Howard for 15 games and still go 11-4. They were missing three starters the other day and won a game. That's ridiculously good.

The Celtics? I love em. Their defense sucks the life right out of you. They also have 4 key rotation players 32 or older. (Allen, Peirce, KG, Wallace) Only Vince Carter fits that criteria for the Magic.

[Lathum]

24 total first quarter points in barnburner between the Nets-Bobcats and it looks like there are less people in attendance then at a WNBA game.

Glad I decided not to get the NBA League Pass. The Saints will probably outscore both these teams tonight.

[RainMaker]

Originally Posted by TroyF

4) Brandon Jennings looks like the real deal.

Looking forward to seeing him live tomorrow night. Was dreading this game on the schedule and trying to unload the tickets but now it seems like I'll get to see this year's ROY play.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by TroyF

Boston looks great now. But tell me who is better prepared to deal with injuries? Orlando is scary deep. I think they could even lose Howard for 15 games and still go 11-4. They were missing three starters the other day and won a game. That's ridiculously good.

The Celtics? I love em. Their defense sucks the life right out of you. They also have 4 key rotation players 32 or older. (Allen, Peirce, KG, Wallace) Only Vince Carter fits that criteria for the Magic.

I think with the addition of Wallace the Celtics are much better positioned to defend Orlando (well that and Orlando losing Turk)

[TroyF]

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

I think with the addition of Wallace the Celtics are much better positioned to defend Orlando (well that and Orlando losing Turk)

I just don't see it. Orlando will spread the floor with four outside bombers. Sheed is a much better post defender than perimeter defender at this point in his career. I also don't think Orlando is going to miss Turk. VC can create his own shot and score at the end of games. A healthy Nelson gives the Celtics a lot of problems with his penetration and kick outs.

I could be wrong. The Celtics are a damned good team. I just think Orlando is better.

[Chief Rum]

The Clips play very strong again for most of the game, and again, almost fall apart in the second half and end up having to eek out a home win against a not great Wolves team.

Really, this comes down to coaching. There were lots of second half failures last year, especially in the fourth quarter, where the team would be humming along and then would just blow it. That's how they lost to PHX last week, and how they lost to UTA on Friday.

The real reason the Clips struggle now isn't personnel, but coaching. Someone has to tell Dunleavy as a coach, he makes a very good GM, bump himself upstairs permanently and get someone to head the squad who knows enough to get out of their way and let them do their thing.

[whomario]

Originally Posted by Lathum

24 total first quarter points in barnburner between the Nets-Bobcats

got worse apparently for the Nets, they didn´t score a single point for more than 10 minutes in the 3rd/4th quarter, went 0-11 with 9 TOs in that stretch. 24-0 run Bobcats and the win.
Gerald Wallace with 24/20

Rockets beat the Jazz by 17 in Utah and are now 3-1 Scoring 113 points, 8 player in double figures, including Chuck Hayes for the 2nd time in 3 years (had quite a few in 06-07). Brooks 19 and 9 assists again, Scola 14/15, Budinger 17 off the bench, Ariza 15.
Battier a +36 in a 17 point game.

New York with another huger 4th quarter, this time enough to win a game.

Kevin Martin scores 48 to help the Kings beat the Grizzlies. The other 4 Kings starters (may, evans, Thompson, Mason) combine for 12 points. Off the bench Hawes has 21/11/7 , Udrih 16, Casspi 15 and Nocioni 13.

Casspi looks great , really fits the NBA game well with his ability to run the floor very well and shoot the ball.

[whomario]

Allen Iverson is an absolute Idiot. Why you would sign him is beyond me. Go tell me he "still got it", but even if he´d score a guaranteed 25 a game i wouldn´t want him anywhere near a team i support and how the Grizzlies let him anywhere near their young talent is beyond me.

He said he had no problems with his hamstring, but had a big problem with the playing time he got from coach Lionel Hollins

“Go look at my resume and that will show you that I’m not a sixth man,” Iverson said. “I don’t think it has anything to do with me being selfish. It’s just who I am. I don’t want to change what gave me all the success that I’ve had since I’ve been in this league.”

per yahoo recap (there´s more quotes in various sources)

are you kidding me ? He misses basically all training camp and all of the preseason games, missed time in Detroit as well and now he´s complaining ? Because of playing time in his first game back from injury ? His first freaking game ?

[Neon_Chaos]

Originally Posted by whomario

Allen Iverson is an absolute Idiot. Why you would sign him is beyond me. Go tell me he "still got it", but even if he´d score a guaranteed 25 a game i wouldn´t want him anywhere near a team i support and how the Grizzlies let him anywhere near their young talent is beyond me.



per yahoo recap (there´s more quotes in various sources)

are you kidding me ? He misses basically all training camp and all of the preseason games, missed time in Detroit as well and now he´s complaining ? Because of playing time in his first game back from injury ? His first freaking game ?

[JPhillips]

If you're a big name free agent wanting to get into the NYC market after this season, who do you think is closer to being a championship team the Knicks or the Nets?

[whomario]

Current Roster ? Nets.

Overall situation ? Knicks.

The nets have a few nice pieces that would work well as 2nd, 3rd or 4th options, the Knicks don´t have that and are letting basically half the Roster walk after the season, which gives them a to of flexibility to build a team around whoever they might get as a superstar/cornerstone.

[Samdari]

Originally Posted by whomario

Current Roster ? Nets.

Overall situation ? Knicks.

The nets have a few nice pieces that would work well as 2nd, 3rd or 4th options, the Knicks don´t have that and are letting basically half the Roster walk after the season, which gives them a to of flexibility to build a team around whoever they might get as a superstar/cornerstone.

I think LeBron will be a sign and trade, so those pieces will be gone.

If by "overall situation" you mean that the Nets barely meet the definition of "in the New York market" I would agree wholeheartedly. LeBron being there would change that somewhat, but the Knicks are WAY ahead in the consciousness and media coverage in New York.

[TroyF]

Originally Posted by Samdari

I think LeBron will be a sign and trade, so those pieces will be gone.

If by "overall situation" you mean that the Nets barely meet the definition of "in the New York market" I would agree wholeheartedly. LeBron being there would change that somewhat, but the Knicks are WAY ahead in the consciousness and media coverage in New York.

First off, I don't think it'll be an S&T if he leaves. (I think he's gone, but I'll put the if in there anyway) Lebron will be unrestricted. It is not in his best interest to take away any piece of a team he's going to in order to help the Cavs. It's not in the Cavs best interest to take high salary

From a media standpoint, the Knicks are better. From an ownership standpoint I think both are extremely strong situations. (Neither owner will give a damn about the luxury tax)

The Nets have more current players than the Knicks. . . but how quickly will that change if Lebron is a Knick? The Knicks look to have one solid peice already in Gallarni. Bron would make two. I don't think it'd be long for a third or fourth to come down the pike.

We are down to 5 unbeatens early in the season. Celtics, Heat, Magic, Nuggets, Suns.

Denver starts off a 4 games in 5 nights trek against the Pacers, Nets, Heat and Hawks. The Hawks game is close to an auto loss. (very tough to win your 4th in 5th night on the road against a decent team, even early in the year) After those four games, JR Smith will be able to come back.

Miami is also a tough one. I'll be thrilled if the Nuggets take care of business against the Pacers/Nets, split the four and end the trip 5-2 overall. Without JR and with two critical division games early that'd be a sweet start.

[Chief Rum]

You know, I have seen a lot of S & T references by a few posters recently with respect to next summer, and I am not sure they realize that, for whatever reason, S & T's are pretty rare now. You just don't see them a lot, whereas before you saw them all the time (talking years ago now).

For the most part now, when a guy hits free agency, he's straight gone to another team, or he doesn't sign with anyone at all or goes to Europe.

[MrBug708]

I think a lot of S & T's have also decreased because a few of the teams that would normally be involved with them, were waiting for this next FA class

[molson]

Originally Posted by Samdari

If by "overall situation" you mean that the Nets barely meet the definition of "in the New York market" I would agree wholeheartedly. LeBron being there would change that somewhat, but the Knicks are WAY ahead in the consciousness and media coverage in New York.

I guess we'll know by the offseason where the Nets will end up - a move to Brooklyn and a rebranding as the "New York Nets" or "Brooklyn Nets" might move them up the NYC sports ladder of consciousness quite a bit. (A move to Newark might make them slightly more relevant, as they'd be within PATH access of NYC)

I can definitely see a LeBron-anchored "Brooklyn Nets" quickly surpassing the Knicks in trendiness/media attention.

[Samdari]

Originally Posted by molson

I can definitely see a LeBron-anchored "Brooklyn Nets" quickly surpassing the Knicks in trendiness/media attention.

I agree, even if they're in New Jersey, which they are assured of next season.

But remember, LeBron is going to make whatever team he is on relevant, and he knows this.

While New Jersey with LeBron would be more relevant than a LeBronless Knicks, LeBron on the Knicks >> LeBron on the Nets.

[molson]

Has there been any more speculation/talk of LeBron considering Europe if they offered him way more than an NBA team could, like $50 million/year?

The ensuing chaos would definitely be entertaining enough to root for that possibility, however much a longshot it might be.

[Samdari]

Originally Posted by molson

Has there been any more speculation/talk of LeBron considering Europe if they offered him way more than an NBA team could, like $50 million/year?

The ensuing chaos would definitely be entertaining enough to root for that possibility, however much a longshot it might be.

The idea of him being in New York started pretty much when he was drafted with the speculation (or more) being that he was worth $100 million MORE to Nike than he was in Cleveland. And that was just Nike. Total dollar value to him of endorsements by playing in NY/LA would be tough for a Euro team to make up in salary. Don't know what his endorsement value would be in Europe though.

[RainMaker]

Not to mention that a decision like Europe wouldn't just be about money. He does want to cement a legacy as one of the greatest players of all time. You can't do that in Europe.

[RainMaker]

Just wondering what Rondo has to do to get a fine/suspension from the league. I can't even count how many cheap shots and fights he's tried to start. He tried to pick a fight with Chris Paul after the game the other night. Does he have compromising pictures of Stern or something? Even Jordan got suspended in his career.

[TroyF]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

Just wondering what Rondo has to do to get a fine/suspension from the league. I can't even count how many cheap shots and fights he's tried to start. He tried to pick a fight with Chris Paul after the game the other night. Does he have compromising pictures of Stern or something? Even Jordan got suspended in his career.

I'm still stunned at the garbage he got away with in last year's Bulls series. I was cheering for the Celtics and thought he should have gotten at least a game for his BS.

[Groundhog]

It may not be all about money, but the fact remains that the Cavs can pay LeBron more than anyone else. If he does leave, I'd be surprised if it isn't a sign-and-trade. Having said that, I still don't think he leaves Cleveland.

I personally hope, outside of my pro-Cavs bias, that he doesn't because half the league (ok, slight exaggeration) shouldn't be rewarded for essentially tanking in the hope that they'll get LeBron/Bosh/whoever.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

Just wondering what Rondo has to do to get a fine/suspension from the league. I can't even count how many cheap shots and fights he's tried to start. He tried to pick a fight with Chris Paul after the game the other night. Does he have compromising pictures of Stern or something? Even Jordan got suspended in his career.

wahhh wahhh wahhhh

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by Groundhog

I personally hope that he doesn't because half the league (ok, slight exaggeration) shouldn't be rewarded for essentially tanking in the hope that they'll get LeBron/Bosh/whoever.

i agree

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by Groundhog

It may not be all about money, but the fact remains that the Cavs can pay LeBron more than anyone else. If he does leave, I'd be surprised if it isn't a sign-and-trade. Having said that, I still don't think he leaves Cleveland.

I personally hope, outside of my pro-Cavs bias, that he doesn't because half the league (ok, slight exaggeration) shouldn't be rewarded for essentially tanking in the hope that they'll get LeBron/Bosh/whoever.

His NBA salary has nothing to do with it. It's pennies compared to the endorsement dollars he'd get in NY over Cleveland. He wants to be the first billion dollar athlete in sports. Now tell me how he accomplishes that in Cleveland?