NBA 2007-2008 Thread

C-Fan · Post by **C-Fan** » 05 Jan 2008 13:15

Brandon Roy is very impressive. I wouldn't put him in the same class as LeBron/Wade/Paul/Bosh/Howard etc, but he's solid. He's not as fast or athletic as a lot of other point guards, but he's a good decision-maker, which should give him a solid career for longer than players who rely on athleticism.

This year's Blazers are an interesting group. There are 2 schools of thought on them. The first group would argue that the Blazers should play their old players with expiring contracts, so they can interest other teams in buying them out. If the Blazers tank the season, can trade off their old contracts, and get a good pick next year (OJ Mayo, Gordon, Rose, Love, etc), then they will truly be a force because they'll also have Roy and Oden. The other school of thought, is that it's good to play the young guys now and teach them how to win. The problem with this is it lowers their chance of getting a high pick next year, and even if they are successful this season, they're going to take a while to learn how to incorporate Oden back in the system anyway.

I think Toronto will make the playoffs, but not do well there. Toronto shoots the 3 better than any other team in the NBA, but they also go to the FT line fewer than any other team. That tells me they are a perimeter team, which can work in the regular season, but can kill you in the playoffs. I like Calderon a lot, but they really need TJ Ford back. That kid just has bad luck. And that's coming from a Shaun Livingston fan.

Delfino never really impressed me much.

Oh, and if you haven't voted for All-Stars yet, make a point to vote for Chris Bosh. Basketballwise he doesn't deserve a spot over KG or LeBron, and personally I voted for Sheed over him, but after seeing this video,you HAVE to vote for Bosh.

slapdash21 · Post by **slapdash21** » 05 Jan 2008 15:22

KG + Pierce + Ray Allen + really solid bench = 28-3

is garnett still leading in all-star votes?

C-Fan · Post by **C-Fan** » 05 Jan 2008 16:02

Last I checked, and he deserves it.

The Celtics are a fun team to watch. I'm happy for KG and Pierce, because they are good, talented guys who've had to suffer too many losses over their careers. KG deserves a ring... I just want my Suns to get one first.

The Celtics record is pretty gaudy, but it's also a bit misleading. That record has mostly been built against shitty Eastern Conference teams and some weak Western Conference ones. The only legit contender the Celts have played was the Pistons, and the Pistons beat them at the last second. Still, that's an impressive showing. I think that the Pistons' record is more impressive, because they've already gone out west and beaten a lot of teams over 500, and they still have a record that's almost as good as the Cs. Similarly, Phoenix's record is impressive, because not only do they have the best record in the West, they did most of that on the road.

I feel like I can pretty safely guarantee that the EC finals will be the Pistons and Celtics. I think that series would probably go 6 or 7... but I wouldn't want to bet on who would win.

Celts play Detroit again tonight. Keep an eye on the result.

C-Fan · Post by **C-Fan** » 05 Jan 2008 20:27

The Suns need to start playing defense. There's no way they make the finals if they continue to play defense this badly.

C-Fan · Post by **C-Fan** » 05 Feb 2008 14:27

This videonicely demonstrates how Wade's spin move is actually a traveling violation.

Here's a video of dunk contestant Jamario Moon previewing some of his dunks. The best one is the last dunk: look at his reflection in the floor. Then watch it again and see where he jumps from. While Jordan and others made the "free throw line dunk" famous, Moon takes it to another level. It's like, the "van exel free throw line dunk." I guess there's a chance it's fake, but we'll know at the All-Star game.

While we're on this video posting kick, here's a vid of one of my all-time favorite plays. JR Rider makes the crazy shot. He pulled a Homer!

Actually, this shot may be even better, just because it's Ben Wallace (one of the worst shooters in NBA history.

In past years I was able to pretty easily predict who was going to win the dunk contest, but this year the field looks harder than ever. I have high hopes for it.

bdams19 · Post by **bdams19** » 05 Feb 2008 15:04

I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE DUNK CONTEST. All high flyers who have crazy hops, there is no way you say anyone has a clear edge.

BainbridgeShred · Post by **BainbridgeShred** » 06 Feb 2008 20:56

What's everyones opinion on Shaq to the Sun's and Gasol to the Lakers? Who will win when these two teams play their last game of the year on ESPN?

C-Fan · Post by **C-Fan** » 06 Feb 2008 21:57

Gasol to the Lakers was an amazing trade for the Lakers. I think it's one of the best trades I can recall during my lifetime. The Lakers gave up Kwame Brown, who sucks and doesn't understand the Triangle Offense, and they also gave up some draft picks (but given that Kobe wants to win now, and that the Lakers record is too good to get a good pick next year, aren't worth much) and some players they never use. What did they get in return? One of the best big men in the league who is smart enough to understand the offense. When Bynum gets back, the Lakers are going to be scary as hell. Amazing trade for the Lakers.

I'm pretty sure the Shaq deal happened as a direct result of the Gasol trade. The Suns are the only team I actively root for, and my gut instinct when I heard the news today was that it was a very bad trade. The Suns are successful because we stick to our game plan, which is to speed the game up and outrun people. I would be hard pressed to pick a big-man who fits worse with this system than Shaq. On top of that, we lost Marion, who was a perfect fit in our system. Yes, I know that Marion wasn't happy in Phx, and yes, I know that the Suns need a legit big man for the playoffs, but I still have this gut feeling that it was a bad trade. Given Shaq's exponential decline each year, and the big contract he brings, this trade gives me the impression that we are gambling on winning it all this year, or giving up completely if we lose. The one x-factor in the equation is how Shaq will play if we draw the Lakers in the playoffs. I think that Shaq's hatred of Kobe may be enough to light fire under his ass and help us win a series against the Lakers, but who knows if he'll even be healthy enough then. I'm just praying that the Suns win it all, and I can look back on my gut reaction and laugh about it. But today, right now, I have this bad feeling like we placed a bad bet.

bdams19 · Post by **bdams19** » 06 Feb 2008 22:47

I agree that Gasol is a godsend for the lakers and that bynum can't get back fast enough.

I thought the only reason they traded Marion is because he wanted out and his contract was almost up. It seems like they had to get something for him and keep the cap, so they got Shaq. WTF?! Not only can Shaq not match Marion's minutes, but he cannot run the floor or even provide that dominating presence that he used to. Will it open up other people? Maybe, but I don't think Nash needs too much help with that and I'd rather he have the ball instead of Shaq when it comes to dishing it out to the open man. I hate this trade for the suns, who are a very exciting team to watch.

C-Fan · Post by **C-Fan** » 07 Feb 2008 11:58

Here's a great analysis of the Shaq trade. I hope he's right.

Bringerofpie · Post by **Bringerofpie** » 07 Feb 2008 14:34

I actually thought that the Shaq/Marion trade was great. Then again, I'm a Heat fan.

Reilly compared Wade and Marion to Jordan and Pippin. Not really realistic, but a guy can dream.

BainbridgeShred · Post by **BainbridgeShred** » 08 Feb 2008 15:11

As far as the article goes Ken, I'm not sure I agree with the first two points. The Suns this year and last, were a very, very good team, and when it came down to it, the Spurs had to wheel and deal their way past them, in what was hardly an even series.

With that said, after the initial shock, my first reaction to the news was that it was a pretty good move for the Suns. In Basketball, you just can never really argue against aquiring a big for your team, especially when that big is one of the top 3 centers of all-time, rank him where you want.

So while I disagree with most of that guys analysis about the Sun's not being a contender with Marion, I agree totally with the third point. Shaq is going to compete and play well in my opinion, and with both the Lakers and San Antonio out there now (Not to mention the rest of the West) you really had to double down here on this one. Good look for the Suns.

Senor Grommet · Post by **Senor Grommet** » 08 Feb 2008 16:38

Help me to understand. Keep in mind, I used to be nearly obsessed with b-ball and football. I would watch every game I could.

Why do people spend time watching sports on TV? Now that I have stopped watching religiously for about 8-10 years, I think back and say, "Wow, how stupid of me to have spent so much time invested in watching sports when I could have been out there getting better at one of them, or just using my time in different ways (hanging out with friends, reading, pickin up the ladies, etc. etc.)" Do you ever take a step back and question the amount of time you spend following televised athletics or do you question the benefits it provides you?

All I can think of is that it is fun. Maybe that is reason enough.

Bringerofpie · Post by **Bringerofpie** » 08 Feb 2008 20:03

Well, not counting the occasional game that I spend watching with friends (so I say it doesn't count), I spend about 15 minutes a week following sports. I check scores and stats after some games. That's about it.

mosher · Post by **mosher** » 08 Feb 2008 20:06

Jeremy, I have a perhaps unique take on the situation in that I am a newbie basketball fan.

I am finding learning about the game and the various players (particularly the Toronto Raptors) gets me excited to see them take on another team knowing they will have a totally different story and approach to the game.

I like rooting for these characters that I have gradually become invested in, I want them to do well, I know what they struggle with and what their strengths are and it's an interesting drama being played out.

That and yeah, it's fun! I derive smiles and excitement from it, that should be enough!

Add on to all of this the fact that my family has also made the plunge into being NBA fans, they picked it up about a year before me but I am catching up in enthusiasm. So now not only are games entertaining, but they are a time where all our schedules and interests align for us all to get together and root for our home team.

That is the appeal in basketball for me.

Oh, and I am even interested in trying playing again. I wonder what position I would play? I think my mix of controlling psycho and generous nice little guy could make me a good point guard.

BainbridgeShred · Post by **BainbridgeShred** » 09 Feb 2008 00:11

I'm glad Mosher posted before I did because I was about to get defensive. I've spent a pretty good portion of my life I'd say playing and appreciating sports. Things me and my friends talked about included: Alcohol, Girls, Weed, Insults directed at one another, and Sports.

Mosher said a lot of good stuff that I would have said. I will add that as someone who was played a lot of sports, and plays Basketball currently a couple times a week, I find enjoyment in analysing what factors can go together to make a team better. The X's and O's of the game (Any game for that matter) aside, just the neurological aspect of how players, and teams generally, are able to play better or worse and what goes into it and so forth. Of course the X's and O's are another aspect entirely, though its so interrelated.

When I do play Basketball at open gym (Tue, Thur) we pick teams randomly at the start and do round robin if we have 20 or more players. It's really interesting to see how personalities and individual playing styles can effect a teams ability to win, especially when you are playing with extremely talented players. Basketball specifically is all about spacing and lanes, and of course finishing when you have the look. So when I watch professional sports, like Mosher said, I am able to relate with however the athlete is feeling. And plus, it's just an awesome feeling when you or someone(s) you want to win does in fact suceed to your expectations or disbelief.

Sports in general just show a lot about human beings that you don't necesarily get to see too often in most any other atmosphere. Especially when you are playing with people you know intimately and thus naturaly tie in all the other motivations you may have to want to win. Again, when I watch sports, I am able to appreciate what it means on a personal level to want to win so motherfucking badly some games, even if it isn't for any kind of championship or real, practical benefit to myself.

Please delete all these posts so we can get back to the topic.

BainbridgeShred · Post by **BainbridgeShred** » 10 Feb 2008 22:00

Anyone else think that Rasheed Wallace could easily be one of the best players in the NBA if he cared more?

C-Fan · Post by **C-Fan** » 11 Feb 2008 11:43

Yeah, I do. Charles Barkley made that argument on TV recently too. Sheed is big enough to legitly play in the post, and he can shoot from distance too. I've heard people argue that the Pistons won in 04 because Sheed actually realized he could win if he focussed.

Oh, and while I don't have time to give a long response to Jeremy's question, I guess my answer boils down to: I like seeing skilled people do amazing things. Like this. That's why I watch footbag videos, and that's why I watch the NBA too.

bdams19 · Post by **bdams19** » 17 Feb 2008 00:46

i went home (flight to bahamas tomorrow, ching a ling!) and my parents DO NOT HAVE A WORKING TV! They have 2 flat screens of like 45 and 70 inches and "the wiring is messed up." I MISSED THE SLAM DUNK CONTEST AND I ALREADY KNOW WHO WON. COME ON!

Bringerofpie · Post by **Bringerofpie** » 17 Feb 2008 07:21

http://www.theonion.com/content/news/sh ... oenix_suns