341 replies to this topic

[dolomite133]

Per @ESPNSteinLine, Rockets signed Samuel Dalembert after his contract offer from Sacramento was pulled off the table.

Nice move by Houston. They are coming together. And they should have some cap room next year to add another piece.

[knucklecup]

Anybody watching this Miami game?

Bosh, Lebron and Wade get fouled automatically upon putting the ball on the floor.

[Seabass177]

Watching Knicks/Nes, and I'm pretty impressed with Marshon Brooks. Knows what he's doing out there and plays some solid defense.

[Mike in CT]

Andrew Bynum's suspension has been reduced from 5 games to 4, "because of the shortened season".
http://lakersblog.la...on-reduced.html

[The Social Chair]

This was posted in the Celtics/Knicks game thread, but it's worth another post. A fantastic piece of production.

[Hendu's Gait]

I feel sorry for the Nets scorers and announcers. 4 Williamses on that team.

[ishmael]

I feel sorry for the Nets scorers and announcers. 4 Williamses on that team.

And one of their former Williamses (Sean) ended up puking on the Dallas bench last night:
http://eye-on-basket...748484/34059360

I assume there was no drug testing over the lockout, but I never knew marijuana had such severe withdrawal symptoms

[dolomite133]

How about a three way trade with Portland and Philly that nets us Nic Batum and Evan Turner for, say, Ray Allen and (insert player here).

Then we could amnesty Pierce, draft a big (Zeller? Plumlee?), re-sign Bass, KG (short money) and maybe Ray (if he's interested), and shop for some short-contract free agents that can bridge the gap between now and 2014.

[swingin val]

How about a three way trade with Portland and Philly that nets us Nic Batum and Evan Turner for, say, Ray Allen and (insert player here).

Then we could amnesty Pierce, draft a big (Zeller? Plumlee?), re-sign Bass, KG (short money) and maybe Ray (if he's interested), and shop for some short-contract free agents that can bridge the gap between now and 2014.

If the goal is to get under the cap in 2014, why exactly are they amnestying Pierce in this scenario then?

[nighthob]

Apparently the Westbrook/Durant problems came to a head tonight. Maybe there's hope for a Rondo/Westbrook trade, which could work pretty well for both squads. (Preparing bunker for Gerbilbombs.)

[The Social Chair]

Durant and Westbrook had an altercation on the bench and had to be separated. This could turn into Marbury/KG pt. 2.

[Montana Fan]

Time to roll with the Powder Blue. Karl has the Nuggets running and gunning out of the gate. Should be a fun team to watch.

[lars10]

Apparently the Westbrook/Durant problems came to a head tonight. Maybe there's hope for a Rondo/Westbrook trade, which could work pretty well for both squads. (Preparing bunker for Gerbilbombs.)

I'm confused as to why someone would want Westbrook over Rondo...Rondo is a better all around player, is hardly ever a problem with other teammates, and is 1/10th as selfish as Westbrook is. Rondo is ok with whatever role he is put in where Westbrook seemingly has to be the star even though there is a clear better player on his team.

[nighthob]

I'm confused as to why someone would want Westbrook over Rondo...Rondo is a better all around player, is hardly ever a problem with other teammates, and is 1/10th as selfish as Westbrook is. Rondo is ok with whatever role he is put in where Westbrook seemingly has to be the star even though there is a clear better player on his team.

I'm not sure where you got the idea that Rondo isn't a problem with other teammates when that's a regular theme with him. And, sadly, in Boston there actually isn't an offensive player better than Westbrook. Which is part of Boston's problem.

[lars10]

I'm not sure where you got the idea that Rondo isn't a problem with other teammates when that's a regular theme with him. And, sadly, in Boston there actually isn't an offensive player better than Westbrook. Which is part of Boston's problem.

So..you've seen Rondo actually fight any of his teammates? Rondo was/is a point guard on a team full of stars to now faded stars... he had to force his way to being respected by the big three. Westbrook is always a problem and it's for different reasons than Rondo..he's just a selfish player.

I think Rondo is as good a player offensively as Westbrook alone..he has a better field goal percentage but takes about 200-400 less shots a year. If you look at their stats they are similar players..the numbers are almost exactly the same other than points which is largely a factor of Rondo shooting a lot less than Westbrook... Whatever upgrade you get in points from Westbrook is lost in chemistry.

I think it's hard to compare Westbrook and what he's doing as part of a two man team to any of the big three/four. Pierce's FG% is far higher than Westbrook but he takes about 100-200 shots less a year... when they have similar years Pierce hits about 60-100 more shots...and Westbrook is your point guard theoretically.

[nighthob]

Westbrook would be Boston's primary scorer (just as Rose is Chicago's). Something that Boston is sorely missing at the moment, and might not have at all depending on the state of Pierce's foot. And please don't give me that nonsense about how "you can't win without a pure pass first point guard!" as the last title winner with one of those was the Lakers, specifically Magic's Lakers. You can win with a lead guard running the show (as Miami did with Wade before the Superfiends era) or even a point forward.

[DeJesus Built My Hotrod]

In other news, Golden State dispatched the Knicks pretty handily (92-78) without playing Steph Curry. This after beating the Bulls 99-91. Of course, both NY and Chicago had to play in Oaktown as part of the always brutal west coast swing. But the noteworthy change is that the Warriors are actually focusing on and executing at defense.

Nobody should expect big things out of this squad but they are young, athletic (Brandon Rush was a huge addition here) and will likely be a painful draw for just about anyone they play. Hands down, man down indeed...

[AMS25]

Durant and Westbrook had an altercation on the bench and had to be separated. This could turn into Marbury/KG pt. 2.

Only the media and outside observers think that Durant and Westbrook have serious issues. Those who watch Durant and Westbrook on a regular basis report that there's no serious rift between the two players. Russ is just an emotional guy who got into foul trouble early and had a lousy shooting night. The Thunder are busy trying to extend Westbrook, not trade him.

[lars10]

Westbrook would be Boston's primary scorer (just as Rose is Chicago's). Something that Boston is sorely missing at the moment, and might not have at all depending on the state of Pierce's foot. And please don't give me that nonsense about how "you can't win without a pure pass first point guard!" as the last title winner with one of those was the Lakers, specifically Magic's Lakers. You can win with a lead guard running the show (as Miami did with Wade before the Superfiends era) or even a point forward.

or last year with Jason Kidd...

I think that this team needs a pass first point guard...I'd rather have Ray Allen throwing up threes than Westbrook any day...and Pierce when healthy. My point is is that Rondo fits with this group..I don't think Westbrook would..especially since Rose is more comparable to Rondo than he is to Westbrook in my mind...but maybe I need to see Westbrook play more.

Edited by lars10, 29 December 2011 - 02:07 PM.

[BigSoxFan]

or last year with Jason Kidd...

I think that this team needs a pass first point guard...I'd rather have Ray Allen throwing up threes than Westbrook any day...and Pierce when healthy. My point is is that Rondo fits with this group..I don't think Westbrook would..especially since Rose is more comparable to Rondo than he is to Westbrook in my mind...but maybe I need to see Westbrook play more.

I don't think you see Danny do a Rondo for Westbrook trade with this current squad in mind. If OKC would actually do that (they wouldn't), Danny would probably immediately begin the blow it up process with the thinking that Westbrook is a better building block than Rondo.

[nighthob]

or last year with Jason Kidd...

Someone better tell Kidd he was the focal point of the Mavs, because even T..J. thinks that his dad was a roleplayer.

I think that this team needs a pass first point guard...I'd rather have Ray Allen throwing up threes than Westbrook any day...and Pierce when healthy. My point is is that Rondo fits with this group..I don't think Westbrook would..especially since Rose is more comparable to Rondo than he is to Westbrook in my mind...but maybe I need to see Westbrook play more.

The Celtics have to work too hard for points because there's no one on this roster anymore that commands a doubleteam. And that's a gigantic problem. As Rose, Wade, James and countless others have shown, if the lead guy can force the defense to go balls out to stop him even Mo Williams looks competent. Would I rather have Rose? Sure, who wouldn't. But I'll take his clone, too. (Because they really are pretty much the same player, albeit Rose is better at most everything.)

Edited by nighthob, 29 December 2011 - 02:28 PM.

[fairlee76]

or last year with Jason Kidd...

I think that this team needs a pass first point guard...I'd rather have Ray Allen throwing up threes than Westbrook any day...and Pierce when healthy. My point is is that Rondo fits with this group..I don't think Westbrook would..especially since Rose is more comparable to Rondo than he is to Westbrook in my mind...but maybe I need to see Westbrook play more.

Given that this group is likely only together for this season, I would worry less about who fits best with this group and more about who is the better building block going forward. And I think that is a still a matter of debate if you are deciding between Rondo and Westbrook.

Edited by fairlee76, 29 December 2011 - 02:39 PM.

[SoxFanInPdx]

How about a three way trade with Portland and Philly that nets us Nic Batum and Evan Turner for, say, Ray Allen and (insert player here).

Then we could amnesty Pierce, draft a big (Zeller? Plumlee?), re-sign Bass, KG (short money) and maybe Ray (if he's interested), and shop for some short-contract free agents that can bridge the gap between now and 2014.

Portland won't part with Batum unless it's something that blows them away. He's pretty much untouchable along with Aldridge.

[lars10]

Given that this group is likely only together for this season, I would worry less about who fits best with this group and more about who is the better building block going forward. And I think that is a still a matter of debate if you are deciding between Rondo and Westbrook.

That's my intended point too. When Rondo has had to score he's exploded..especially in the playoffs. Rondo has proven that he can play both roles..primary scorer or pass first point guard...I don't see the same out of Westbrook, but I admittedly have seen Rondo play a lot more.

[lars10]

Someone better tell Kidd he was the focal point of the Mavs, because even T..J. thinks that his dad was a roleplayer.

And please don't give me that nonsense about how "you can't win without a pure pass first point guard!" as the last title winner with one of those was the Lakers, specifically Magic's Lakers.

I just wanted to look this up..cause I was trying to figure out what PG I missed playing for Dallas in the finals.
I didn't say Jason Kidd was the focal point.. I'm saying that Jason Kidd was a pass first point guard that played for the NBA champion. And that was just last year...nowhere close to going back to Magic in 1988.
(You also of course have Rondo in 2008...Tony Parker..but after that I guess your point is valid for the 90s...of course that basically meant you either had Kobe or Jordan or Olajuwon)

Jason Kidd played 224:32 minutes in the finals...there is only one other player who played more on that team.
He had 38 assists..no other player on the team had over 19 (of course he also had 21 TO)
He shot 36 times (less than every other starter (and Barea and Terry) other than Tyson Chandler and made 14 and went 12 for 28 from 3.

Maybe I'm wrong that he wasn't the primary pass first PG..but he was certainly not anywhere close to a role player.
edit clarification

Edited by lars10, 29 December 2011 - 07:37 PM.

[nighthob]

I just wanted to look this up..cause I was trying to figure out what PG I missed playing for Dallas in the finals.

If you're changing the goalposts now and saying that any old "pass first point guard" will do, then why not deal Rondo for a talented scorer and then grab a roleplayer to play his spot on the floor? I mean if it literally doesn't matter whether or not they're an all-star or a roleplayer why not grab one of the many "pure pass first point guards!!!!!!" that abound in the league and trade the one they have for more help at the 2/3/4?

[lars10]

If you're changing the goalposts now and saying that any old "pass first point guard" will do, then why not deal Rondo for a talented scorer and then grab a roleplayer to play his spot on the floor? I mean if it literally doesn't matter whether or not they're an all-star or a roleplayer why not grab one of the many "pure pass first point guards!!!!!!" that abound in the league and trade the one they have for more help at the 2/3/4?

I guess i'm confused... I thought you said that no team had won a finals with a pure pass first point guard since Magic Johnson... I think you're the one changing the goalposts...
JKidd was definitely no Dirk..but you're minimizing his importance to last years team to a ridiculous extent..role player? please

And I don't even know what argument you're trying to make. I think we're talking about two different things. I'm not sayin trade Rondo for JKidd which is what I guess you're arguing.
Of course your point is still wrong since Rondo is a pass first PG and he won in 2008...

[page 2 protege]

Bulls vs. Clips ...or Rose vs. Paul on NBA TV right now

[page 2 protege]

Rose fired a rocket pass to Deng... followed it up with stripping Paul and laying it up going btw the legs... Bulls still only up 6

[page 2 protege]

why is brian cook still allowed to play in the NBA?

[page 2 protege]

And CP3 just stripped Rose, now only a 3 Pt. chicago lead (Glad everyone is following my updates)

[page 2 protege]

A bullshit call on Rose, shooting 2

[ElUno20]

same old clipps. griffin has regressed to the point where he doesnt even pretend to play defense and the rest of the team is just as bad.

This is will be another shit year.

[page 2 protege]

Yeah, he's total offense... but I have faith in other's carrying him....namely Jordan.. Griffin isn't going to just START playing defense, someone needs to light him up.. .CP3 is still amazing though

[HomeRunBaker]

same old clipps. griffin has regressed to the point where he doesnt even pretend to play defense and the rest of the team is just as bad.

This is will be another shit year.

It's too bad because they have a TON of talent but are more concerned with Lob City and putting on a show for the crowd rather than play the game the way it is supposed to be played on the defensive end to get stops.

[page 2 protege]

Lob city was entertaining, but the Bulls take it by 13

[nighthob]

why is brian cook still allowed to play in the NBA?

Has anyone told him that he's still in the NBA?

[HomeRunBaker]

why is brian cook still allowed to play in the NBA?

Brian Cook has earned over $17m over his career playing basketball.......not counting his salary at Illinois.

Edited by HomeRunBaker, 31 December 2011 - 11:07 PM.

[Captaincoop]

It's too bad because they have a TON of talent but are more concerned with Lob City and putting on a show for the crowd rather than play the game the way it is supposed to be played on the defensive end to get stops.

Which is just fine with me, since the Celtics hold their first round pick.

[ishmael]

Which is just fine with me, since the Celtics hold their first round pick.

Only if it is outside the top 10.

Although, now that I think about it, this pick was the less favorable of the MIN and LAC 1st round picks. The Clips traded the more favorable pick to NOH in the Chris Paul trade. I believe this means that if the Clips had the 5th worst record in the NBA and MIN has the 11th worst record, then New Orleans gets the 5 pick from LAC and Boston the 11 from MIN via LAC. If somehow, both MIN and LAC are in the bottom 10 then the Celtics will have to wait till 2013 (still top 10 protected).

Source: http://www.draftexpr...sactions.php#19

Edited by ishmael, 01 January 2012 - 06:16 PM.

[Grin&MartyBarret]

DeMarcus Cousins has been sent home from tonights game against New Orleans, and the Kings released a statement stating that Cousins requested a trade.

His agent denies he requested a trade, and claims that Westphal "twisted his words". Either way, it's possible that huge amounts of talent and crazy are about to be made available.

[Sprowl]

DeMarcus Cousins has been sent home from tonights game against New Orleans, and the Kings released a statement stating that Cousins requested a trade.

His agent denies he requested a trade, and claims that Westphal "twisted his words". Either way, it's possible that huge amounts of talent and crazy are about to be made available.

So far in the NBA he has been a bricklayer, but he's a real physical specimen underneath. I hope Ainge calls with the right package at the perfect moment of maximum front office exasperation.

[HomeRunBaker]

So far in the NBA he has been a bricklayer, but he's a real physical specimen underneath. I hope Ainge calls with the right package at the perfect moment of maximum front office exasperation.

You don't want this clown anywhere near your basketball team.

[Brickowski]

They said the same thing about Ricky Davis and Gerald Green (and they were right).

Edited by Brickowski, 01 January 2012 - 10:01 PM.

[Koufax]

Ricky Davis played well for the Celtics. He was not a clown while he was here.

[Brickowski]

"Ricky Davis played well" is a relative term. Let's see how well he plays for the Red Claws.

As for Demarcus Cousins, he probably has more upside than Stiemsma.

[Boston Brawler]

I think we should make a play for him. He would be a huge upgrade over JO in point production and rebounding (which is our bigger issue). Maybe some mentoring from the big three and Doc would turn his attitude around.

[Brickowski]

I think we should make a play for him. He would be a huge upgrade over JO in point production and rebounding (which is our bigger issue). Maybe some mentoring from the big three and Doc would turn his attitude around.

Oh sure, he's talented. But his attitude issues go back to high school.

[dolomite133]

I think we should make a play for him. He would be a huge upgrade over JO in point production and rebounding (which is our bigger issue). Maybe some mentoring from the big three and Doc would turn his attitude around.

How do we "make a play for him?"

[Lazy vs Crazy]

Clippers pick and Bradley?