Author Topic: The NBA thread (Read 1519587 times)

TakingBackSunday · « **Reply #8340 on:** February 14, 2013, 07:05:10 PM »

How can you root against this dude if you're not a cavs fan

That is some hardcore Kobe/Jordan fandom

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #8341 on:** February 14, 2013, 07:11:14 PM »

Why is Kobe even in this discussion

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #8342 on:** February 14, 2013, 07:11:45 PM »

Kobe will never be in the GOAT discussion - he's just not that good

TakingBackSunday · « **Reply #8343 on:** February 14, 2013, 07:14:52 PM »

oh man, rage incoming

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #8344 on:** February 14, 2013, 07:17:11 PM »

Quote from: AWESOM-O on February 14, 2013, 07:07:56 PM

Right, but I'd be very surprised if his shooting % is sustainable without his athleticism. His FT% of 74%, IMO, indicates that much of his FG% success comes from his unparalleled ability to get separation and shoot over people, as opposed to great shooting form. Plus he gets a lot of made field goals off fast breaks, which will also drop his FG% once he slows down.

That's what I'm hoping anyway.

Quote from: BrandNew on February 14, 2013, 07:05:10 PM
How can you root against this dude if you're not a cavs fan

That is some hardcore Kobe/Jordan fandom

I mainly just root against him going down at the GOAT. I don't want to see him get that spot because he's had everything handed to him throughout his career. Also because he's a douche, and the GOAT should be more of a dick. True karmic justice would have been him turning into a Kwame-esque bust, but since that's out of the question, I'm rooting for his all-time ranking to be kept below Jordan/Kareem/Magic/Bird/Russell.

Maybe you missed the spot-up shooting stats in that quote, or haven't been watching him shoot. As long as he has leg strength and height, he can shoot at close to the current rate.

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #8345 on:** February 14, 2013, 07:19:47 PM »

i mean, maybe Kobe can one day hope to get more rings than Horry or Kerr, if he pushes for a trade...but he's still not in the GOAT discussion ever

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #8346 on:** February 14, 2013, 07:23:53 PM »

League Pass has been total shit the past few days, better not screw up tonight or i'll...why i'll...

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #8347 on:** February 14, 2013, 07:41:39 PM »

AWESOME-O admits Kobe does not belong in GOAT discussion

AWESOME-O discusses LeBron's place in GOAT discussion

flawless victory, drops mic /out

some salt for that paper cut from David Thorpe:
http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8940532/nba-lebron-james-vs-kevin-durant

Quote

LeBron James
I often define talent as "production without mechanics," and this applies to LeBron's incredibly improved shooting production. LeBron still does not stay balanced on most of his shots. He does not follow through consistently or hold his follow-through as long as he should. He also still falls backward too often. But his results suggest that his focus on this part of his game is stronger than ever, in part thanks to his recognition that he needs to save his body to some degree for a long playoff run.

Simply put, LeBron might be the single best NBA player this season as a spot-up shooter. Yes, you read that right. It is a frightening thought for NBA coaches who must concoct a game plan for LeBron and the Heat.

Better shooter?
Believe it or not, LeBron is now one of the top shooters in the game. But he's still not the best. That title belongs to Durant, who is so good from deep and still a bit better at knowing where to find great perimeter looks than LeBron. However, as LeBron ages, there is the possibility that he will one day be the top 3-point threat in the league.

Quote

But he also makes the passes defenses don't see coming. The man no one accounts for in transition. The teammate left open after defenses rotate and err. Those kinds of buckets are gold for a team and demoralizing for defenses. Remember when LeBron was too "sticky" with the ball? Now he is the best ball-mover/passer/elite scorer we've seen since Larry Bird.

Quote

Durant has made big strides here. His ability to stay in front of most ball handlers and bother shooters with his outstretched hand, coupled with the effort he makes physically and mentally as he executes his team's game plan, puts him into elite status as a defender for the first time. But LeBron can still defend almost anyone in the NBA and do it better than almost anyone at each position except center.

Quote

Then, a new argument will emerge:

LeBron versus Jordan.

Jordan assumed his status without anyone pushing him on the court -- he was mostly driven by what Bird and Magic had done in the past and used anything to motivate himself, as we learned during his Hall of Fame speech. So with Durant on LeBron's heels, it's possible LeBron could end up with similar accomplishments to Jordan when it's all said and done.

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #8348 on:** February 14, 2013, 07:43:54 PM »

man, Clippers vs Lakers is gonna be such an anticlimax after Heat-Thunder. The Clippers steamrolled the Rockets like nothing I've ever seen last night, think they had 46 in the first quarter

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #8349 on:** February 14, 2013, 07:55:57 PM »

Perhaps you could respond meaningfully without annoying everyone in this thread? Or maybe quit saying things that can't be supported rationally and expecting sympathy.

Do you know the difference between 'spot-up shooting' and a jump shot off the dribble btw? Which of those is reliant on a big vertical jump and which is one that players can still excel at when they're pushing 40?

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #8350 on:** February 14, 2013, 08:05:00 PM »

oh fuck Reggie on the mic tonight

Marv and Steve can only hope to contain him

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #8351 on:** February 14, 2013, 08:07:25 PM »

very sensible!

I suppose all those 'LeBron is better than Kobe' articles wore you down, oh wait no-one else even took it seriously enough to discuss it

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #8352 on:** February 14, 2013, 08:08:03 PM »

don't take this seriously for god's sake, i'm just having fun

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #8353 on:** February 14, 2013, 08:16:01 PM »

it's funny how the media version of the game today is a battle of shooting efficiency between LeBron and Durant rather than a game between two teams that might meet in the Finals

TakingBackSunday · « **Reply #8354 on:** February 14, 2013, 08:32:35 PM »

62 of 82

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #8355 on:** February 14, 2013, 08:35:22 PM »

The practice question is kind of insulting to Kerr and Miller, really. I read this book, The Art of a Beautiful Game by Chris Ballard (?) that had a section where the author challenged Kerr to a shooting contest while he was GM for the Suns. Kerr was completely cold, having not been on a court in years, no warm-up, wearing work clothes...he still hit basically every shot. In an empty gym, those guys just don't miss. Good to hear Steve shoot Marv down on that one.

Bosh still killing it too. Not a very disciplined game so far though

TakingBackSunday · « **Reply #8356 on:** February 14, 2013, 08:42:56 PM »

fffuuuuuuuuuuck

hope he's okay

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #8357 on:** February 14, 2013, 08:45:14 PM »

that was nasty, looked purely accidental to me though.

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #8358 on:** February 14, 2013, 08:50:29 PM »

LeBron 3-5 for 11 in the first, exactly 60%

TakingBackSunday · « **Reply #8359 on:** February 14, 2013, 09:13:47 PM »

Bosh has been playing really well tonight

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #8360 on:** February 14, 2013, 09:15:22 PM »

I am actually glad Ray Allen is not on the Celtics, even with 2 guards out with ACL injuries

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #8361 on:** February 14, 2013, 09:17:21 PM »

this is a nightmare game for OKC. Their lack of sophistication on offense is really clear. Miami knows how to stop their 'A' options, and their 'B' and 'C' shots aren't good enough to compete with the looks Miami is getting. And they are sulking as a result. Could be another epic Westbrook press conference after this

TakingBackSunday · « **Reply #8362 on:** February 14, 2013, 09:23:47 PM »

god.

damn.

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #8363 on:** February 14, 2013, 09:25:21 PM »

sent to die

Smooth Groove · « **Reply #8364 on:** February 14, 2013, 09:25:57 PM »

LOL Jordan

He once said Kobe is "probably" a top 10 guard, not top 10 overall. Now he's saying he'll take Kobe over Lebron. I think that MJ is just saying this because it's already guaranteed that Kobe will be considered a lesser player and Lebron is the one with a legit chance to equal or surpass him.

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8949448/michael-jordan-pick-kobe-bryant-lebron-james

TakingBackSunday · « **Reply #8365 on:** February 14, 2013, 09:26:15 PM »

double fouls are fucking pathetic

lebron angry

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #8366 on:** February 14, 2013, 09:28:39 PM »

Quote from: Smooth Groove on February 14, 2013, 09:25:57 PM

LOL Jordan

He once said Kobe is "probably" a top 10 guard, not top 10 overall. Now he's saying he'll take Kobe over Lebron. I think that MJ is just saying this because it's already guaranteed that Kobe will be considered a lesser player and Lebron is the one with a legit chance to equal or surpass him.

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8949448/michael-jordan-pick-kobe-bryant-lebron-james

ok, he picks the criteria by which he himself looks better than either (rings), that's classic MJ gamesmanship. But given his record as a GM, who on earth can take his opinions seriously anyway

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #8367 on:** February 14, 2013, 09:30:15 PM »

Spoelstra really needed to take that tech for LeBron. Everyone could see it coming after that silly double foul call

Smooth Groove · « **Reply #8368 on:** February 14, 2013, 09:31:12 PM »

Quote from: Cormacaroni on February 14, 2013, 09:28:39 PM

ok, he picks the criteria by which he himself looks better than either (rings), that's classic MJ gamesmanship. But given his record as a GM, who on earth can take his opinions seriously anyway

Yup, he will never live down the drafting of Kwame Brown

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #8369 on:** February 14, 2013, 09:33:43 PM »

TBH though, every GM has made blunders of that magnitude and many of them make up for it later (like David Kahn). It's because he keeps on doing it, and trading for/signing players that are equally horrible. It's only once he handed over the reins (to at least some degree) that Charlotte has gotten some glimmers of hope.

Smooth Groove · « **Reply #8370 on:** February 14, 2013, 09:34:08 PM »

Quote from: Cormacaroni on February 14, 2013, 09:28:39 PM

ok, he picks the criteria by which he himself looks better than either (rings), that's classic MJ gamesmanship. seriously anyway

Actually, it's pretty dumb of MJ. He makes Kobe's legacy much closer to his than it should.

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #8371 on:** February 14, 2013, 09:34:59 PM »

oh yeah but he also knows Kobe isn't getting a 6th

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #8372 on:** February 14, 2013, 09:35:09 PM »

i mean, come on

TakingBackSunday · « **Reply #8373 on:** February 14, 2013, 09:39:41 PM »

yeah there's not a high possibility of that happening

wow shaq is so fucking dumb on these halftime shows

Stoney Mason · « **Reply #8374 on:** February 14, 2013, 09:43:19 PM »

This game is a beat down so far.

Stoney Mason · « **Reply #8375 on:** February 14, 2013, 09:47:49 PM »

Quote from: Cormacaroni on February 14, 2013, 08:35:22 PM

The practice question is kind of insulting to Kerr and Miller, really. I read this book, The Art of a Beautiful Game by Chris Ballard (?) that had a section where the author challenged Kerr to a shooting contest while he was GM for the Suns. Kerr was completely cold, having not been on a court in years, no warm-up, wearing work clothes...he still hit basically every shot. In an empty gym, those guys just don't miss. Good to hear Steve shoot Marv down on that one.

Bosh still killing it too. Not a very disciplined game so far though

What was the question?

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #8376 on:** February 14, 2013, 09:51:57 PM »

Marv talked about LeBron hitting 60 of the past 60 shots (or whatever it was) - and asked Steve and Reggie if they could do that in an empty gym. Cold silence for a beat or two. Steve: 'Well, yeah. I could'

TakingBackSunday · « **Reply #8377 on:** February 14, 2013, 09:54:27 PM »

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=47741689&postcount=7356

people just can't shut the fuck up and compliment lebron

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #8378 on:** February 14, 2013, 09:57:34 PM »

Yeah, give LeBron Steve Nash, Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol and he'd be sub.500 FOR SURE

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #8379 on:** February 14, 2013, 09:58:00 PM »

I don't really fault Jordan for the Kwame pick; nearly every team would have drafted him in that situation. To me Jordan's failures are displayed by the bad picks and decisions he made out of thin air. Drafting Brandon Wright (then trading him for Jason Richardson) over Noah for instance, or making Adam Morrison a lottery pick. Those are legit stupid moves that can't be justified, and many teams wouldn't have made: I remember a lot of people questioning Morrison's ability to create his own offense and his poor play against athletic teams.

Perhaps other people rate drafts differently. But as a Lions fan/Joe Dumars hater, I focus on picks that weren't easy. I can't give the Lions credit for drafting someone like Stafford or Suh, who clearly were the best players available. On the flip side the Pistons drafting Darko was literally like failing to shoot a fish in a barrel.

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #8380 on:** February 14, 2013, 09:59:53 PM »

Yep. And even in his player days he was a terrible judge of talent - how the fuck could you not want Toni Kukoc on your team

Stoney Mason · « **Reply #8381 on:** February 14, 2013, 10:01:53 PM »

Quote from: Phoenix Dark on February 14, 2013, 09:58:00 PM

I don't really fault Jordan for the Kwame pick; nearly every team would have drafted him in that situation. To me Jordan's failures are displayed by the bad picks and decisions he made out of thin air. Drafting Brandon Wright (then trading him for Jason Richardson) over Noah for instance, or making Adam Morrison a lottery pick. Those are legit stupid moves that can't be justified, and many teams wouldn't have made: I remember a lot of people questioning Morrison's ability to create his own offense and his poor play against athletic teams.

Perhaps other people rate drafts differently. But as a Lions fan/Joe Dumars hater, I focus on picks that weren't easy. I can't give the Lions credit for drafting someone like Stafford or Suh, who clearly were the best players available. On the flip side the Pistons drafting Darko was literally like failing to shoot a fish in a barrel.

Jordan will always be an awful GM/owner. His ego is such that it makes it inevitable.

Flannel Boy · « **Reply #8382 on:** February 14, 2013, 10:04:36 PM »

Quote from: Cormacaroni on February 14, 2013, 09:28:39 PM

Quote from: Smooth Groove on February 14, 2013, 09:25:57 PM
LOL Jordan

He once said Kobe is "probably" a top 10 guard, not top 10 overall. Now he's saying he'll take Kobe over Lebron. I think that MJ is just saying this because it's already guaranteed that Kobe will be considered a lesser player and Lebron is the one with a legit chance to equal or surpass him.

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8949448/michael-jordan-pick-kobe-bryant-lebron-james

ok, he picks the criteria by which he himself looks better than either (rings), that's classic MJ gamesmanship. But given his record as a GM, who on earth can take his opinions seriously anyway

If Kobe were to somehow get a sixth ring, Jordan would learn how PER works.

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #8383 on:** February 14, 2013, 10:06:10 PM »

offensive rebound by Bosh, didn't believe it 'til i saw the replay

this could get ugly. OKC are really pouty

Stoney Mason · « **Reply #8384 on:** February 14, 2013, 10:08:05 PM »

Brooks is gonna have so much pressure on him about Perkins after this game.

TakingBackSunday · « **Reply #8385 on:** February 14, 2013, 10:09:29 PM »

30 points, 10 of 16 for lebron

63%

Flannel Boy · « **Reply #8386 on:** February 14, 2013, 10:11:44 PM »

Quote from: BrandNew on February 14, 2013, 10:09:29 PM

30 points, 10 of 16 for lebron

63%

Rich man's Rudy Gay.

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #8387 on:** February 14, 2013, 10:12:01 PM »

Jordan also drafted DJ Augistine over Brook Lopez. Although to be fair I would have drafted Brandon Rush and been wrong too; I thought he'd be very good in the NBA.

TakingBackSunday · « **Reply #8388 on:** February 14, 2013, 10:12:08 PM »

reggie jackson looks like poot

TakingBackSunday · « **Reply #8389 on:** February 14, 2013, 10:14:05 PM »

all I ever think of when I see the birdman is how much those neck tattoos had to hurt

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #8390 on:** February 14, 2013, 10:14:34 PM »

and how little i want to buy meth from him

TakingBackSunday · « **Reply #8391 on:** February 14, 2013, 10:16:04 PM »

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=47742489&postcount=7419

more hilarity

it didn't occur to me he was konex. makes sense.

ToxicAdam · « **Reply #8392 on:** February 14, 2013, 10:16:16 PM »

I think a neck/face tattoo is a good move for a marginal NBA talent. Because it forces you to practice your ass off because you have nothing to fall back on at that point.

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #8393 on:** February 14, 2013, 10:17:25 PM »

Andersen was basically broke even when he was getting big paydays. I fully expect him to be bankrupt within a year of being out of the league.

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #8394 on:** February 14, 2013, 10:20:01 PM »

Quote from: BrandNew on February 14, 2013, 10:09:29 PM

30 points, 10 of 16 for lebron

63%

11 boards, 6 assists, may as well leave him in to get the triple-double

TakingBackSunday · « **Reply #8395 on:** February 14, 2013, 10:20:04 PM »

Westbrook just chucks all game

Stoney Mason · « **Reply #8396 on:** February 14, 2013, 10:22:08 PM »

Rashard Lewis

TakingBackSunday · « **Reply #8397 on:** February 14, 2013, 10:22:11 PM »

ooooh, game's getting interesting with lebron out

put him back in for the triple dub and back over the 60% mark

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #8398 on:** February 14, 2013, 10:23:02 PM »

Quote from: Stoney Mason on February 14, 2013, 10:22:08 PM

Rashard Lewis

It has to be tough to find the negatives for the Heat tonight but ...golf clap

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #8399 on:** February 14, 2013, 10:23:58 PM »

Has Chris Andersen ever shot from that far out before? I sense Riley's hand twitching for the red button that calls the hitman

News:

Author Topic: The NBA thread (Read 1519587 times)