Author Topic: The NBA thread (Read 1519576 times)

Stoney Mason · « **Reply #19920 on:** April 24, 2018, 10:27:46 AM »

Quote from: benjipwns on April 23, 2018, 08:20:09 PM

durant's oddities where he's totally wired differently from everyone else can be amusing

my favorite thing about durant are all his tattoos that are just inside his jersey fit so they never show

also the warriors all getting frustrated with him slowing things down so he could call isolation plays last year was funny or green yapping at him when he would pull his "sorry, can't help you, i'm denying my guy the ball" defense routine when he sees a play coming towards his area of the court

For what its worth I like that Durant is the way he is. Not in that I think its cool but in that I think NBA players of all the sports seem to be the most human to me. By that I mean they are just like us. They are just as petty, have just as must unjustified ego, and behave the same way regular people do. I think that's an endearing quality of the NBA. The players don't feel like phony robots compared to other sports.

It also makes for fun 30 for 30's later in their life.

agrajag · « **Reply #19921 on:** April 24, 2018, 10:58:50 AM »

Other athletes aren't petty? Have you seen UFC brah?

curly · « **Reply #19922 on:** April 24, 2018, 11:00:54 AM »

One of my favorite Durant being weird moments was when the warriors got blown out in his first game with them and everybody freaked out so he did the whole practicing-in-an-empty-gym-by-yourself thing, except with the media present and recording video of him yelling at himself about how the haters said he was a coward, had no drive, etc. Afterwards when they asked him about it he said, "Nobody in this arena right now, and that’s when you get better. Nobody sees you when you’re doing this stuff right here, but luckily y’all was in here watching," which almost sounds like a Zen koan.

curly · « **Reply #19923 on:** April 24, 2018, 11:20:16 AM »

Quote from: agrajag on April 24, 2018, 10:58:50 AM

Other athletes aren't petty? Have you seen UFC brah?

Those are people suffering from mental illness

agrajag · « **Reply #19924 on:** April 24, 2018, 11:25:38 AM »

You would too after repeated head trauma

curly · « **Reply #19925 on:** April 24, 2018, 11:39:12 AM »

did you ever talk to the wrestlers in high school, they started out that way

Nola · « **Reply #19926 on:** April 24, 2018, 04:17:52 PM »

Since this thread is also fairly interested in Boogie, this article by Zach Lowe talking mostly about the Boogie-Pelicans fit(he sees it as a mixed bag), but also about the early negotiations on Boogie's next contract is fairly interesting. It's looking like the Pels(against what I suspected would be Dell handing Boogie a blank check and letting him fill it in like they basically did with Jrue) are going to play a bit of hardball. At least more so than I expected.

Quote

The Pelicans have broached internally the idea of offering Cousins a two- or three-year deal at less than the max, per sources familiar with the discussions. I would not expect that to go over well with Cousins' camp. But the Pelicans have the dual leverage of winning without Cousins and a tepid market for him.

http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/23297808/zach-lowe-anthony-davis-demarcus-cousins-new-orleans-pelicans-nba-playoffs

shosta · « **Reply #19927 on:** April 24, 2018, 04:38:57 PM »

Fuck him once, shame on you. Fuck him twice, and Cousins will kill you, too.

etiolate · « **Reply #19928 on:** April 24, 2018, 04:44:40 PM »

I was expecting a two year deal at high salary. The injury weakens Cousins bargaining position and I don't think any other team will offer him multi-max.

You're also dealing with the Pels history of paying oft-injured players and being weighted down by their contract. You're also wondering if the Pels medical squad can ever get something right. (Though I think Boogie has his own specialists on it.)

I think Cousins gives the Pels someone who can rest Davis and play minutes with a second unit while Davis rests. The big test will be his defensive mobility after the injury. His offensive game is already pretty well adapted.

Nola · « **Reply #19929 on:** April 24, 2018, 05:15:12 PM »

The Pels are in a delicate situation.

On the one hand you have the playoff unit that has played better than any Cousins/AD combo so far. Which fits much more ideally with what Gentry and Erman - who they just picked the options up on - wants to do on both ends.

On the other hand Davis and Rondo both love Cousins. And the 9 game stretch before he went down showed there was definitely something emerging. And AD certainly has no desire to play center for 82 games still.

The wildcard is honestly Cousins and how he takes a hard negotiation. He's done everything you could ask of a player since getting here, he clearly loves this team and wants to be here, and no doubt Demps sell to Cousins will be that he wants the space to help try and add another impact player(local reporters say that George is at the top of their most wanted board, however unlikely). However, Cousins just got screwed out of money in Sacramento, and he could easily see this as him getting stabbed in the back by New Orleans as well, and if the Pelicans are perceived to have crossed that line things could get ugly all over. Ugly like CP3 and D-West seething over the Shinn era Hornets trying to trade Chandler for OKC scrubs to save money. Which in their own words was the breaking point where both started seeking exit strategies.

Akala · « **Reply #19930 on:** April 24, 2018, 08:09:19 PM »

It's gonna be interesting. Agree that I really think they will need to toe the line and not seem like they're screwing him or risk the whole thing crumbling (even though going a different direction might be better for everyone else involved). Hopefully Boogie can be convinced to take a 'bet on yourself' high-value short-term deal (and recover from injury, which isn't guaranteed). He's been great so far, I am pulling for him.

Its just the people that question the fit (in all facets) have legitimate points.

Nola · « **Reply #19931 on:** April 24, 2018, 08:49:03 PM »

https://twitter.com/sbordow/status/988512267284111360

benjipwns · « **Reply #19932 on:** April 24, 2018, 09:22:49 PM »

maybe the report was garbled and the Suns are actually trying to build a backcourt in the late 1990s?

edit: ha they were both on the 2001 Suns

El Babua · « **Reply #19933 on:** April 24, 2018, 11:35:20 PM »

Got that work by the Sixers again.

Congrats Philly fans.

As far as the Heat goes, it's gonna be hard as hell offloading these contracts. We're gonna be a middling team for the next few years with this roster. Best case scenario is hope Whiteside, Dragic and/or Waiters have good numbers before the ASB so we can get rid of them for picks. I don't see us competing talent wise to Philly/Boston the next few years and whatever team LeBron ends up playing for.

Good job, good effort for the season though. Been fun (and frustrating) as hell.

Human Snorenado · « **Reply #19934 on:** April 25, 2018, 12:15:12 AM »

#trusttheprocess

etiolate · « **Reply #19935 on:** April 25, 2018, 12:20:31 AM »

Sacramento news:

Kings fired longtime PA Scott Moak. A lot of people upset at this move. Even Amick tweeted about it.

Also related, the Bee finally let go Aliene Voisin. She was the one that kept writing the negative Cousins articles and had a history of attacking certain players.

Jerry Reynolds also retiring.

benjipwns · « **Reply #19936 on:** April 25, 2018, 12:41:36 AM »

NBA BEEF SQUASHED:

Quote

Matt Barnes has weighed in on the engagement ... saying he's happy for EVERYONE involved!

"I have two beautiful boys from my ex we are both focussing on co-parenting & providing the best atmosphere & childhood for them," Barnes said ... "They love him, so I love it.

"Despite not seeing eye to eye initially w Derek he & I are on the same page & communicate weekly about Isaiah and Carter."

"With that being said congrats on the engagement!"

benjipwns · « **Reply #19937 on:** April 25, 2018, 12:50:07 AM »

now if i only i could find some explanation and conclusion about the NBA's greatest yet most irrelevant feud of the last couple decades between Rick Brunson and Chris Jefferies

my favorite part was when Jefferies got traded to the Bulls, and then later that season the Bulls went and traded for Brunson too:
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2003-12-12/sports/0312120417_1_bulls-general-manager-john-paxson-scottie-pippen

Quote

The disparaging comments Chris Jefferies and Rick Brunson traded last week won't affect Brunson's trade to the Bulls next Monday. General manager John Paxson talked to Brunson, who assured him he would handle the situation professionally and directly. Brunson isn't eligible to be traded until Dec. 15, at which time the Bulls will send Roger Mason Jr. to Toronto.

Jefferies, who may not stick with the Bulls, accused Brunson of being a locker-room spy for Toronto coach Kevin O'Neill and claimed the veteran reserve point guard wasn't popular with his Raptors teammates. Brunson fired back, saying Jefferies "can't play and can't be coached."

Jerome Williams, who talked to Jefferies about keeping problems in house, said Brunson's intense attitude can some the wrong way. "But we have to embrace a new teammate," Williams said. "You don't have to marry a guy or be his best friend. But when we're on the floor, we have to be together."

Brunson was one of the more popular Bulls last season and has earned a reputation as a professional who pushes opponents in practice. Scottie Pippen, who played with Brunson in Portland, called him "a great teammate."

tho my favorite short term escalation beef...I know a lot of people will go for the time Doug Christie and Rick Fox got into it and then their wives both bolted out of the crowd to get into the fray, especially since Christie's wife ran around like half of the Staples Center to get involved...but for me, it was when (then Warrior) Chris Mills wanted to fight the entire Jail Blazers team and blocked their team bus at the arena with his car, iirc he wasn't even undressed, he heard they were leaving and he flew from the locker room

benjipwns · « **Reply #19938 on:** April 25, 2018, 12:52:47 AM »

i'll settle for this chris mills moment, especially because of all the logos all over this and the messed up aspect ratio that says to me YouTube CLASSIC:

Stoney Mason · « **Reply #19939 on:** April 25, 2018, 05:56:57 AM »

Quote

Hassan Whiteside finishes the 5 game series with a total of 26 points, 16 fouls, and 12 turnovers.

agrajag · « **Reply #19940 on:** April 25, 2018, 09:51:26 AM »

At the rate Whiteside's going he'll be back playing overseas soon

Stoney Mason · « **Reply #19941 on:** April 25, 2018, 08:45:37 PM »

Tremendous Lebron game again. Heading for 40 again.

Stoney Mason · « **Reply #19942 on:** April 25, 2018, 09:44:46 PM »

GOAT!

Huff · « **Reply #19943 on:** April 25, 2018, 09:45:40 PM »

What a crazy final 10 seconds

Stoney Mason · « **Reply #19944 on:** April 25, 2018, 09:53:03 PM »

https://twitter.com/_MarcusD2_/status/989319694158004224

Stoney Mason · « **Reply #19945 on:** April 25, 2018, 10:02:21 PM »

Kevin Love 2-11

11 points.

And the sad thing was this actually wasn't a bad game by his standards. At least he was active for the most part.

I'd rather have Joe Ingles than Kevin Love.

Stoney Mason · « **Reply #19946 on:** April 25, 2018, 10:19:52 PM »

Just noticed that the OKC/Utah is on NBA TV when most hoops heads would prefer to see that one over Houston/Wolves.

I guess Rockets are #1 seed though.

Stoney Mason · « **Reply #19947 on:** April 25, 2018, 11:52:10 PM »

Westbrook going off

Akala · « **Reply #19948 on:** April 25, 2018, 11:58:26 PM »

I have lunch tomorrow riding on OKC

Headed to pels G1 as of now awooo

benjipwns · « **Reply #19949 on:** April 26, 2018, 12:30:01 AM »

Hawks officially fire Budenholzer, he had almost $15 million left on his contract.

Huff · « **Reply #19950 on:** April 26, 2018, 08:45:29 AM »

https://twitter.com/barstoolsports/status/989335296306221056?s=21

Stoney Mason · « **Reply #19951 on:** April 27, 2018, 09:33:52 PM »

Looking like Game 7 for Pacers/Cavs.

We'll see if Utah can finish it out at home tonight.

El Babua · « **Reply #19952 on:** April 27, 2018, 09:58:15 PM »

Silver knows a 7 game series will be more profitable so he's holding off on the calls for tonight.

Stoney Mason · « **Reply #19953 on:** April 27, 2018, 10:33:19 PM »

Kevin Love

3-10 7 Points

Salary:22 million.

When we talk about the off-season, there are two logical positions you have with Lebron. It's to basically be Kobe and just be a god in your city and make the max and coast off into the sunset. Nothing wrong with that. And in most cases, I would think that would make sense but in this case you have Love under contract for two more years at 24 and 26 million. You also have Tristan Thompson for two more years at 17 and 19 million respectively. That does not seem to be a fun way to coast out for your last few years which makes staying seem like a non-option.

Playing in Houston, Philly, or LA has to seem like a far more favorable option, even if you shave some money off of the salary. We'll see in the off-season.

Stoney Mason · « **Reply #19954 on:** April 28, 2018, 01:01:53 AM »

This game is so weird. OKC is literally one player.

etiolate · « **Reply #19955 on:** April 28, 2018, 01:04:35 AM »

that was an illegal screen by Adams that they called a foul on the Jazz

Adams just jogged up to Ingles and shouldered him into George

Stoney Mason · « **Reply #19956 on:** April 28, 2018, 01:10:58 AM »

That was one ugly ass raggedy ass game.

etiolate · « **Reply #19957 on:** April 28, 2018, 01:15:21 AM »

that was some bad late game officiating

OKC looked lost even though they got it close. It was just Russ heaving shots. Jazz offense wasn't much better. Got really simple and basic towards the end with bad shots.

Stoney Mason · « **Reply #19958 on:** April 28, 2018, 01:16:54 AM »

Normally I would bitch about Westbrook and the shots. 43 shot attempts tonight. 39 in last game.

But if he's the only one scoring and the system is that limited and Donovan isn't adjusting anything then it is what it is. I mean with the system they have, this is the offense and he especially didn't get any help from anyone else tonight.

That team is a mess. And this is a franchise that has had so many stars in such a short time and just can't implement an offense to make it work.

El Babua · « **Reply #19959 on:** April 28, 2018, 01:17:11 AM »

5 attempts to make a shot failed

Mitt still had to bribe the refs though

Stoney Mason · « **Reply #19960 on:** April 28, 2018, 01:24:46 AM »

Quote from: Exodust on April 28, 2018, 01:13:26 AM

Damn, lost a bet on that. Russ can only carry them for so long.

What's his new contract look like again? Wouldn't be surprised if he'd want to go somewhere else.

Russ signed an extension so he is there until 2022–23 unless he forces his way out which seems unlikely.

I mean he is the franchise for good or bad and he embraced it with the extension. He became the favorite son when Durant left, so its highly unlikely either side will ever leave the partnership.

He is an amazing talent and athlete and player but he needs a shitload of help to ever get back to being a really great team. They had Harden and Durant who helped obscure his flaws but when its just Russ, there are a lot of holes that need to be filled and Donovan ain't helping either because he doesn't have the juice or he is just not creating it with these rosters.

Honestly Paul George doesn't come out of this smelling like a Rose either and I'm generally a big proponent of his.

Nola · « **Reply #19961 on:** April 28, 2018, 01:28:49 AM »

Quote from: Exodust on April 28, 2018, 01:13:26 AM

Damn, lost a bet on that. Russ can only carry them for so long.

What's his new contract look like again? Wouldn't be surprised if he'd want to go somewhere else.

Russ is the problem TBH.

I feel like you are never going to have fluid winning team basketball when one guy is hunting for triple doubles all season and taking 43 shots in an elimination playoff game.

The announcers actually distilled it perfectly, at the end of the day Russ only really trusts Russ and that will forever handicap him.

Stoney Mason · « **Reply #19962 on:** April 28, 2018, 01:52:08 AM »

Quote from: Nola on April 28, 2018, 01:28:49 AM

Quote from: Exodust on April 28, 2018, 01:13:26 AM
Damn, lost a bet on that. Russ can only carry them for so long.

What's his new contract look like again? Wouldn't be surprised if he'd want to go somewhere else.

Russ is the problem TBH.

I feel like you are never going to have fluid winning team basketball when one guy is hunting for triple doubles all season and taking 43 shots in an elimination playoff game.

The announcers actually distilled it perfectly, at the end of the day Russ only really trusts Russ and that will forever handicap him.

I mean I agree

I don't ever want to absolve OKC ownership of their role in this. Because by being cheap fuckers they set the wheels in motion for everything that came after by trading away Harden.

But Westbrook has never seemingly gotten over that phase of his career that the top stars of this generation did where you realize just doing it all yourself only leads you to an eventual dead end. I posted a few pages back that watching Westbrook reminds me of Iverson. He's a much better all-around player than Iverson ever was and he's not a knucklehead like Iverson was, but he has that same thing where he's so talented, that it just devolves into him looking for his own offense instead of setting up the lesser players.

benjipwns · « **Reply #19963 on:** April 28, 2018, 01:52:09 AM »

everyone's forgetting superstar Carmelo Anthony who gets $28 million next season (assuming he doesn't opt out)

who averaged... 11.8 ppg and 5.7 rpg in 32 mpg

weirdly, Michael Beasley averaged 13.2 ppg and 5.6 rpg in 22 mpg this season for the Knicks

good times

benjipwns · « **Reply #19964 on:** April 28, 2018, 01:56:16 AM »

Paul George shot 0/10 after the first quarter, including all of his 0/6 threes

after that first game where he hit 8/11 he's been worse than Russ at jacking up bricks from three

Stoney Mason · « **Reply #19965 on:** April 28, 2018, 01:58:21 AM »

Yeah, Carmelo was obviously on the decline even before this season. And if they were just looking for a three point spot up shooter there were better options around. They just got caught up in the name and the hype.

Nola · « **Reply #19966 on:** April 28, 2018, 02:05:26 AM »

Quote from: Stoney Mason on April 28, 2018, 01:52:08 AM

I mean I agree

I don't ever want to absolve OKC ownership of their role in this. Because by being cheap fuckers they set the wheels in motion for everything that came after by trading away Harden.

But Westbrook has never seemingly gotten over that phase of his career that the top stars of this generation did where you realize just doing it all yourself only leads you to an eventual dead end. I posted a few pages back that watching Westbrook reminds me of Iverson. He's a much better all-around player than Iverson ever was and he's not a knucklehead like Iverson was, but he has that same thing where he's so talented, that it just devolves into him looking for his own offense instead of setting up the lesser players.

Or even players close to his equal TBH. Similar to Iverson when it took Denver taking a slight step back in talent by trading Iverson for Chauncey in order to take a step forward as a team(maybe not the ideal comparison but still).

Honestly I could not agree more. I have felt the parallels for a while. Incredible talent that struggles trusting others and playing team ball.

The guy had a 57% usage rate in the second half tonight. Took 30 of his 43 shots(the whole team only took 50 for that half). Once that margin for error shrinks in the playoffs, I feel like you just can't realistically expect to go all the way with that sort of play style. But I just don't think it is in Westbrook's nature to change, which like Iverson will be his tragic flaw. Which like Iverson is a shame because he is just so damn talented.

benjipwns · « **Reply #19967 on:** April 28, 2018, 02:06:56 AM »

today in unfairly picking on ESPN's "experts"

agrajag · « **Reply #19968 on:** April 28, 2018, 03:22:27 PM »

What if OKC trade Paul George for Lebron

Stoney Mason · « **Reply #19969 on:** April 28, 2018, 09:08:29 PM »

If celtics lose Jaylen Brown and still win...

Stoney Mason · « **Reply #19970 on:** April 28, 2018, 09:48:23 PM »

What a system. It feels like they can literally put anybody out there and it still works.

hint hint OKC, Cleveland.

Stoney Mason · « **Reply #19971 on:** April 28, 2018, 10:18:18 PM »

I'm gonna say Warriors in 6 for next series. Pelicans are a great story and a great season but Warriors are Warriors and until that changes or somebody is missing for the entire series, its hard to pick against them.

etiolate · « **Reply #19972 on:** April 28, 2018, 11:00:52 PM »

It's hard to root for Durant and Zaza.

Stoney Mason · « **Reply #19973 on:** April 28, 2018, 11:01:34 PM »

Nothing wrong with rooting for the Pelicans. I'm rooting for them too and the Rockets when/if they play the Warriors also.

I respect the Warriors and realize they are on paper the superior team in the league by far but they don't have any players that are my personal favorites like Lebron is a personal favorite of mine.

I do like how the Pelicans have come out. I was scared they were going to come out playing scared. I think half the battle with the Warriors is actually feeling you can legit beat them which few teams do. The more important half of it of course is playing to their level.

etiolate · « **Reply #19974 on:** April 28, 2018, 11:11:07 PM »

Pels lack of bench v Warriors bench is what I'm watching.

Nola · « **Reply #19975 on:** April 28, 2018, 11:11:36 PM »

A continuation of our rebounding problems, suspect defense, crazy crowd and some home-cooking by the refs and only down by 1 at the quarter.

I'll take it for now. Just can't let the lead get too wide with Davis resting.

EDIT: Looks like this is gonna be a 40+ minute Davis night with how little rest he is getting. Fatigue has been our silent killer against the Warriors all season. We have won many of quarters against them only to eventually gas out.

agrajag · « **Reply #19976 on:** April 28, 2018, 11:25:53 PM »

I think Rockets are gonna win it all

Nola · « **Reply #19977 on:** April 28, 2018, 11:33:20 PM »

Even Webber sees how bullshit this game is being called.

Home cooked by the end of the second quarter.

etiolate · « **Reply #19978 on:** April 28, 2018, 11:39:43 PM »

Basically the Dubs can hold on defense and the Pels can't. In a game like this, it makes a huge difference.

Nola · « **Reply #19979 on:** April 28, 2018, 11:41:29 PM »

Quote from: etiolate on April 28, 2018, 11:39:43 PM

Basically the Dubs can hold on defense and the Pels can't. In a game like this, it makes a huge difference.

Its very easy to hold down a team on defense when one team can play physical and the other team is called for fouls even when they don't. Like Iggy just throwing AD down and leading to a 5 on 4 fast break a moment ago.

23-3 FT differential, fuck off refs.

News:

Author Topic: The NBA thread (Read 1519576 times)