I believe that KG (Kevin Garnett) will take the Timberwolves , finally to the Championship this year, your thoughts??:p

Your insane. The T'Wolves will be lucky not to be in the lottery this year.

Cheers :)

Now how did you know i was insane, , you know i got a brand new brain, it was called "NORMAL" but then the assistant picked it up and he thought he was doing better and handed the Dr the one that said "AB" Normal,:lol: get it??

And yes the TWolves will win it all this year.

No they won't, even the Wizards have a better chance. :lol: BTW, strategyonly, I would reccoment you try our Fantasy NBA League at CivFanatics.

AHAHA you smart asse, :lol:

Wizards, HUH, are they an NBA Team? :confused: :p

Yes, I would reccomend that as well.

Garnett is one of my favorite players, but the Big Ticket needs another movie if he wants to go anywhere *bad pun*

I'm worried about the Spurs, Duncan & Ginobili are aging and the bench is really old too. This could be the last year of competing for an NBA championship for this team, then its likely lower seedings with little actual chance to win.

NBA talking of opening a European Division in the near future ( European teams )

Did you see that new hopeful, Sun Ming Ming, damn 7'8" now thats alota pizza, LOL

AHAHA you smart asse, :lol:

Wizards, HUH, are they an NBA Team? :confused: :p

Yes, they are, they're quite a good one too, 50 wins this season? :mischief:


P.S., NBA Fantasy League!!!!!

Oh, come on. Everyone knows the Bulls are the best team in the NBA. Well, maybe not THE best, but top five, no doubt in my mind.

Oh, come on. Everyone knows the Bulls are the best team in the NBA. Well, maybe not THE best, but top five, no doubt in my mind.

Probably, but the Wizards/Heat, Spurs, Suns, and Mavericks are up there with them.

I think the Suns will have a great chance this season, But overall, there is NO one team that really stands out, i think this year has the (somewhat) equality, Every team has a damn good chance, all depends on how the first part of the season goes.

I believe that KG (Kevin Garnett) will take the Timberwolves , finally to the Championship this year, your thoughts??:p

I think they'll be facing the Sixers in the NBA finals :D

Well, we both can hope ;)

Probably, but the Wizards/Heat, Spurs, Suns, and Mavericks are up there with them.

Probably not, the Heat, Spurs, Suns, Mavs, and Cavs are all better.

Probably not, the Heat, Spurs, Suns, Mavs, and Cavs are all better.


Did you check out my flags , like your avatar??
http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=189517 ;)

Probably not, the Heat, Spurs, Suns, Mavs, and Cavs are all better.

I'm willing to bet that the Bulls will end up with a second or first seed in the East...

If you think the Pistons are not elite anymore because they lost Ben Wallace, then you can't say the Bulls are overrated for having Ben Wallace ;)

Suns will be a force with Stoudamire back, I actually wouldn't mind seeing a great Spurs-Suns series with the Spurs losing. Winning three championships makes you less stressed out when your team loses :D

Did you see that new hopeful, Sun Ming Ming, damn 7'8" now thats alota pizza, LOL

Yeah but they also said that the guy couldn't run down the court more than
twice before he was exausted :mischief: . He is a good dunker though :scan: .

I'm willing to bet that the Bulls will end up with a second or first seed in the East...

If you think the Pistons are not elite anymore because they lost Ben Wallace, then you can't say the Bulls are overrated for having Ben Wallace ;)

Suns will be a force with Stoudamire back, I actually wouldn't mind seeing a great Spurs-Suns series with the Spurs losing. Winning three championships makes you less stressed out when your team loses :D

Yeah, and the Cavs are getting Larry Hughes back. Remember they won over 50 games despite the fact that their second best player missed over 50 games!

And I never said that the pistons aren't elite anymore. They will still be a force in the east. Anyways, there are several teams you could put ahead of the Bulls right now, but we won't know for sure until the games are played.

Having Larry Hughes as your second best player isn't necessarily a great thing to have. Of course, you can't go wrong with LeBron James and Ilglauskas and Marshall are pretty good too. Since he's a former Sixer, I figure I'll mention that Eric Snow is a classy guy and a good defender, but there isn't much else he's good for now (since he's starting to get old and he never could shoot). Who's the Cavs starting PG?

Overall, Cleveland isn't a bad team, I'll have to wait and see how good they are, though.

Having Larry Hughes as your second best player isn't necessarily a great thing to have. Of course, you can't go wrong with LeBron James and Ilglauskas and Marshall are pretty good too. Since he's a former Sixer, I figure I'll mention that Eric Snow is a classy guy and a good defender, but there isn't much else he's good for now (since he's starting to get old and he never could shoot). Who's the Cavs starting PG?

Overall, Cleveland isn't a bad team, I'll have to wait and see how good they are, though.

Larry Hughes is actually quite a good player. He's a top notch defender and isn't too shabby putting the ball in the hole either. He's by no means anywhere near a top 25 player, but when playing second fiddle to the best player in the league, he definitely fits.

I guess I'm biased because of the crappy job he did for the Sixers his first two years, plus the fact that he was a Golden State Warrior for a long time where he would definitely put up good numbers because there was no one else on the team. I'm glad he fits in with the Cavs.

I dunno, Varajao was great for the Cavs in the games I saw them, including the Pistons series. He would seem to be a more vital piece to thier team than Hughes...

I dunno, Varajao was great for the Cavs in the games I saw them, including the Pistons series. He would seem to be a more vital piece to thier team than Hughes...

He was great against the Pistons, but during the season last year he came off the bench behind Drew Gooden, so he hasn't yet emerged as the number two guy. It wouldn't be surprising if he is called the two guy at the end of the year, but until he at least earns the starting PF spot, it's hard to call him that.

And Louis, Eric Frickin' Snow is our PG, not that we actually need one with LeBron James

Larrry Hughes is some trash. He's big time overrated.

Says a jaded Wizards fan maybe? :mischief:

I think that the Bulls are going to be really good this year for three reasons: Andres Nocioni, Luol Deng, and Kirk Hinrich. They'll be the main guys. Then there's Big Ben(s). The starting five would look nice like that, with Noc playing at the four spot. He can defend those guys, and his driving ability makes it easy to get buy them. The Bulls will be an elite team in the East this year, mark my words.

Larry Hughes doesn't really fit in with the Cavs. They only signed him because he was the biggest name at the time available and they needed to show Lebron they would build a serious contender. But Hughes is not a good fit with Lebron and they had to overpay for him.

Azale you're right about Varejao. He is key for them and gives them some muscle and energy underneath the rim. The Cavs frontcourt (Gooden/Varejao/Ilgauskus) molested the Pistons frontcourt. In fact Varejao was also throwing around Team USA post players like they were strawmen in the preseason FIBA game.

Says a jaded Wizards fan maybe? :mischief:

Maybe. :p Actually, no, I'm not, Caron Butler, Antonio Daniels, and Darius Songalia are better than him.

All three combined into one player maybe, not individually. Larry Hughes & Gilbert Arenas was an awesome duo, but I suppose he was not worth the price the Cavs were willing to pay.

Varejao brings alot of energy I've noticed, you can feel it. He just makes plays from his pure energy, he reminds me of Ginobili in that regard.

Let's go Mavs...

Let's go Mavs...


Are the MAVs, bringing back Dirk Nowitzki, if so, they will do ok.

Are the MAVs, bringing back Dirk Nowitzki, if so, they will do ok.

Of course they are, Dirk is Dallas.

The Mavs are actually a pretty young team in thier core. Stackhouse is kinda old, but Nowitzki, Daniels, Howard, Dampier, and most of the team have many good years left (in Dampier's case, mediocre years, but he is a good fouler and defender!)

Being from MN, we dont get to see the MAVs play that often, if they are on ESPN then maybe.

And Louis, Eric Frickin' Snow is our PG, not that we actually need one with LeBron James

I wasn't sure if he was the starter. I'm guessing he's not all that popular in Cleveland. He's the kind of player who plays more with heart than talent. Normally he can't hit a shot to save his life, but there was some games late one season for the Sixers where Iverson was injured and he'd take a game over, hitting threes, getting teams to buy pump fakes and drawing fouls, etc. Plus he covered shooting guards, since Iverson wasn't tall enough. This didn't happen often enough, plus his body began to break down because of injuries, but I still like him because of the effort he brings to games.

We just lost a great Legend.

http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=190952

Kick Off tonight!!! Whose going to win???

Miami and Phoenix.

I think i will go with the Bulls just because Miami will be overconfident in this being the first game. never know??

http://www.ticketspot.com/images/seo/sports-nba-boston-celtics-banner.jpg

Do it for Red.

I think i will go with the Bulls just because Miami will be overconfident in this being the first game. never know??

And it looks like the Bulls are going to dominate tonight. Thomas and Wallace were BIG additions.

Thats what i am afraid of, the Timberwolves will do tomorrow also, be to darn over confident, i hope not.

Thats what i am afraid of, the Timberwolves will do tomorrow also, be to darn over confident, i hope not.

I think they should be underconfident if anything. ;)

Miami and Phoenix.

Yikes Al :eek: , make sure to remind me to ask you to predict my teams to
lose when it really counts ;) .

Miami looked bad, and I didn't bother staying up for the LA-Phoenix game, what happened there?

Close game, even without Kobe. Lakers pulled out the win.

Pistons lost. :(

They look like a second round exist this year.

And 'Sheed looks like he'll have plenty of second quarter exists this year.

And 'Sheed looks like he'll have plenty of second quarter exists this year.

They need a more disciplinary coach like Larry Brown. He may have been an egomaniac, but at least he knew what he was doing, and how to coach defense.

Good, the Pistons were annoying me. They served thier purpose of destroying the Lakers :p

Good, the Pistons were annoying me. They served thier purpose of destroying the Lakers :p

Everybody loved them when they beat the Lakers. A year later, everyone hated them (except fans of them). What gives?

Everybody loved them when they beat the Lakers. A year later, everyone hated them (except fans of them). What gives?

People prefer to root for the chalenger/underdog...

I hate the Lakers with a passion that runs pure through my soul....the Pistons were also kinda annoying, they seem very full of themselves and that showed itself last year. Thier coach was annoying too, after a while.

Naturally, after the .4 game, I rooted for the complete destruction of the Lakers. It happened, in spectacular fashion. The next year, with the Lakers being total crud, there was much more spotlight on the Pistons. I don't hate them like the Lakers, they just annoy me :p

I'll root for the underdog sometimes, not always. I get enough underdog rooting done in the NCAA tournament.

I hate the Lakers with a passion that runs pure through my soul....the Pistons were also kinda annoying, they seem very full of themselves and that showed itself last year. Thier coach was annoying too, after a while.

Naturally, after the .4 game, I rooted for the complete destruction of the Lakers. It happened, in spectacular fashion. The next year, with the Lakers being total crud, there was much more spotlight on the Pistons. I don't hate them like the Lakers, they just annoy me :p

I'll root for the underdog sometimes, not always. I get enough underdog rooting done in the NCAA tournament.

I am in the same boat as your in my hate of the Lakers :mad: (started with
the Celtic Wars) and just escalated when they got Kobe. Pistons served us
well though when we needed 'em :goodjob: .

People prefer to root for the chalenger/underdog...

I don't think that the Spurs were much of an underdog, they did have a better record I believe, even though Pistons wee defending champs.

Watching a close game between my Pistons and the Celtics.

I don't think that the Spurs were much of an underdog, they did have a better record I believe, even though Pistons wee defending champs.

Watching a close game between my Pistons and the Celtics.

Pistons were defending champs, so Spurs were challengers....

Celtics lost...again. :( Only 0-3 team in the league (some 0-2's though). From what I've seen, they can keep up with the teams all the way until the 4th quarter, and then they seem to just give up a huge run they can't recover from. I mean, come on, they were leading in the 3rd quarter! We aren't too bad, although we are bad, we just can't put a good 4 quarters together. Spotty defense.

Tim Duncan is healthy again, which IMHO makes the Spurs the number 1 contender at this moment...

Celtics lost...again. :( Only 0-3 team in the league (some 0-2's though). From what I've seen, they can keep up with the teams all the way until the 4th quarter, and then they seem to just give up a huge run they can't recover from. I mean, come on, they were leading in the 3rd quarter! We aren't too bad, although we are bad, we just can't put a good 4 quarters together. Spotty defense.


How the heck did they lose? You got the second best player form the T-Wolves last year, and in this game i believe he had 33 points?? (WallyS):(

Celtics lost...again. :( Only 0-3 team in the league (some 0-2's though). From what I've seen, they can keep up with the teams all the way until the 4th quarter, and then they seem to just give up a huge run they can't recover from. I mean, come on, they were leading in the 3rd quarter! We aren't too bad, although we are bad, we just can't put a good 4 quarters together. Spotty defense.

Spotty Defense?!?!:eek: There's a difference between spotty defense and 125 points. That was terrible defense, by both teams.

How the heck did they lose? You got the second best player form the T-Wolves last year, and in this game i believe he had 33 points?? (WallyS)

Becuase Wally is some trash. He sucks, put him in the D-League where he belongs.

I didn't even know Szczerbiak played for Boston this year. While he can score, his defense is non-existant (he was one of those players that seemed impressive, but his team never won and I don't think Kevin Garnett was the only one to blame).

What teams are on top , i have been sick and havent had time to look even??

In the Atlantic, Philadelphia is on top with a .500 record. :rolleyes:
In the Central, Indiana has a game on Cleveland with a 4-2 record.
In the Southeast, Atlanta :dubious: has a 4-1 record.

In the Northwest, Utah has a 5-1 record.
In the Pacific, the LA Clippers have a 4-1 record.
In the Southwest, San Antonio has a 4-1 record.

In my personal opinion, the top 10 teams are:
1. San Antonio
2. Utah
3. LA Clippers
4. New Orleanes
5. Atlanta
6. Indiana
7. Cleveland
8. Houston
9. Philadelphia
10. Miami

Washington has looked incosistent, but are getting better. They're a better team without Jared Jeffries screwing up every other play. And Gilbert Arenas is passing the ball.

Man i cant believe the Clippers are up that high, compaired to what they were just htree years ago, LOL

Man i cant believe the Clippers are up that high, compaired to what they were just htree years ago, LOL

The Clippers were good last year, and they keep getting better. Don't be surprised to see them in that same place when the season ends.

That just amazes me, to go from last to close to first in just three short years.
Wish the TimberWolves could do that.

In my personal opinion, the top 10 teams are:
1. San Antonio
2. Utah
3. LA Clippers
4. New Orleanes
5. Atlanta
6. Indiana
7. Cleveland
8. Houston
9. Philadelphia
10. Miami

No Nets, no Pistons, no Maverics, no Suns, no Bulls. What kind of list is this?

No Nets, no Pistons, no Maverics, no Suns, no Bulls. What kind of list is this?

It's based on this year, and I forgot the Bulls, they're the only team I think I should put on there.

It's based on this year, and I forgot the Bulls, they're the only team I think I should put on there.

Well, I am going to have to disagree strongly with your list. You're basically saying Atlanta will make it to the Finals. :eek:

Well, I am going to have to disagree strongly with your list. You're basically saying Atlanta will make it to the Finals. :eek:

No, they'll suck it up later. They always do. ;)

I say watch out for the Sleeper Cell, the Nuggets, NOT LOL.

Yeah, the Bulls should be in the top six or seven. I'm pretty sure they're gonna be good this year. Better than the early 3-3 record indicates.

So what your saying AlCosta, is that that list means nothing? :p

I'm not panicking on the Suns or Mavs yet, especially the Mavs, but I dunno if the Suns can defend at all this year. They are giving up over 100 points every game.

Houston looks really good so far, offensively anyway. Yao is proving his draft place, he is the second best center in the league (maybe first depending on how Shaq plays the whole year).

Who are Atlanta's wins over? Wins are wins, especially for a team so perennially awful like the Hawks, but I want to see some good teams beaten before I give them even a chance at the #8 seed.

In my personal opinion, the top 10 teams are:
1. San Antonio
2. Utah
3. LA Clippers
4. New Orleanes
5. Atlanta
6. Indiana
7. Cleveland
8. Houston
9. Philadelphia
10. Miami


WOW.. Don't take it personally, but your list sucks. It's too early to be making lists.. at least wait one or two months. No Mavs, no Suns, Miami so low in your list.. Atlanata #5 ? Com'on.. don't overdo the pot.

;)

Again, look at my post with it. This is based on what I saw the first week only, no past history and no potential.

The Mavs and Suns blew that first week, and Miami got blown out by Chicago.

This is the last time I attempt to rank teams. :rolleyes:

Again, look at my post with it. This is based on what I saw the first week only, no past history and no potential.

The Mavs and Suns blew that first week, and Miami got blown out by Chicago.

This is the last time I attempt to rank teams. :rolleyes:

AWW come on, everyone always ranks teams in the beginning, how do you think they make the API and NCAA Rankings?:p

Yao is proving his draft place, he is the second best center in the league (maybe first depending on how Shaq plays the whole year).



Huh? Yao is clearly the best center in the NBA. Shaq's season is already a joke, missing games to injury. Shaq is over the hill too and his production is weak. Just look at the stats. I don't know how anyone who is watching Basketball could deny that Yao is #1 now. Yao = the man in the paint.

Shaq controls a game due to his size like no other, even if he is rapidly declining. I want to see Yao for a month or two, make sure that he's not becoming injury prone, and then crown him ;)

I want to see this combination of McGrady & Yao in the playoffs, should be great fun to watch.

Well, that was embarrassing, letting the Knicks flat-out dominate you and control the game.

Wizards G/F Jarvis Hayes taken off the floor in a stretcher. I don't remember any player in the NBA getting taken off in a stretcher, ever.

Otherwise, the Wizards are taking it to the Cavaliers.

Chris Duhon of the Bulls a couple years back got taken off on a stretcher, he hit his head HARD coming down.

And Rudy T wanted to go off on a stretcher after that guy sucker punched him and splattered his nose all over the place :eek: .

You mean Kermit Washington, the only player in the NBA to come from AMERICAN UNIVERISTIY????

So he was a thug. He was OUR Thug!

Wow, for all that hype, the Bulls have really stunk it up this season!

WOW the TimberWolves finally WON a game, LOL.

Meh, the Bulls are, once again, sucking up the Circus Trip. It'll get better, I'm sure.

Better hope so...they've overcome an 0-8 start before, but don't count on it again.

My god, the Wizards absolutely suck. They jack up shots and just look bad. What the hell is wrong?

Uummm, they look bad and jack up too many shots perhaps? :p

I know. I can't even watch them anymore, I end up cussing out the TV everytime. It's sad to see a team with this much talent waste it on the floor.

Will Jerry Sloan finally get his much overdue coach of the year award?

After losing thier first four games, the Mavs have won 8 straight. Wow, impressive. Just proves to me how good a coach Avery Johnson is and how this team is going to make another title run. Spurs and Mavs again my friends, Jazz are good but have not been there like the Spurs & Mavs have.

So does anybody know why the Eastern Conference is so bad? The Knicks are a game out of a playoff spot, the Celtics are the division leaders (they'd be the 3 seed currently) at 5-8. WTF?

Union Sues NBA! (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2682848)

WTF?

You like fights, here you go:
Denver-New York:10 Players Ejected (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2699893)

Nate Robinson absolutely wrecks one guy.
Carmelo hits a guy in the face.
Jared Jeffries getting pulled by jersey to stop from going after 'Melo.

Here's what I saw: Collins fouled Smith hard then Robinson came in to seperate them. Robinson pushed Smith and it looked like Robinson was challenging Smith to do something. Smith got pulled back momentarily and Carmelo put his hand on Robinson's neck and shoved him back. Then Smith broke free and went after Robinson, both of them went off the court. They were seperated and looked like it was over but Carmelo sucker punched Collins then backed away.

I think JR Smith and Carmelo should get the biggest fines/suspensions followed by Nate Robinson. Robinson was too agressive in separating Smith and Collins because he was mad about a dunk that Smith had right before that. JR Smith was the one who changed it from being just a hard foul to an all out fight when he went after Robinson, but I think Carmelo was the worst. If he didn't back away after sucker punching Collins this would have been even worse.

Carmelo...what a little..arggh, he should be suspended at least 15 games.

This is why he can never be LeBron. He just doesn't have it. Keep padding your stats Carmelo, that's why this mini-brawl began anyway, because I'm sure you insisted to your coach that you should stay in DESPITE the fact that the Knicks had sat all of thier starters. I'm not condoning anybody elses actions, but Carmelo comes out of this looking much much worse than anyone else.

Plus, after seeing him fight like such a sissy, I think even I could take him :rolleyes:

Plus, after seeing him fight like such a sissy, I think even I could take him :rolleyes:

:nope: He would hit you while you being held then run and hide on his bench

Collins, Robinson, and Anthony should all get 15 games at least. JR Smith should get 12, and Jeffries should get 6. Besides that, I don't see anyone else deserving of punishment.

The NBA needs to send a message that this kind of conduct is completely intolerable and suspend all 10 players involved for the year.

Collins, Robinson, and Anthony should all get 15 games at least. JR Smith should get 12, and Jeffries should get 6. Besides that, I don't see anyone else deserving of punishment.
I don't think Collins should be suspended that long. He fouled JR Smith too hard but I don't remember seeing him throw a punch.

I also don't think Robinson should be suspended longer than JR Smith. Smith is the one that threw the first punch and turned this into a fight.

The NBA needs to send a message that this kind of conduct is completely intolerable and suspend all 10 players involved for the year.
Not all of the 10 players that got ejected really did anything, they just ejected everyone who was playing at the time.

The NBA needs to send a message that this kind of conduct is completely intolerable and suspend all 10 players involved for the year.

Most of them didn't do a thing and in fact tried to stop the fighting. Also, Isaih Thomas needs to be suspended for what he said to 'Melo.

Azale's law says you suspend Carmelo for 30 games, Nate Robinson for 20, Collins, Jeffries, and anyone else who actually fought 15 games. Isiah Thomas should be fired for being a dumbarse and a bad coach ("Don't go to the basket Carmelo..." ridiculous).

Seriously, doesn't Isaih realize there IS no "this house" for the Knicks? This team is giving the Royals a hard run for thier money as worst franchises right now, but at least the Royals have some young talent and are not cap strung. And have a good manager.

Arenas scored 60 points in te win over LA Lakers. This is the first time this has happened since Wilt Chamberlain did it. So Gilbert Arenas joins great company in doing this agianst the Lakers.

Punishments are out:

'Melo gets 15 games

· Knicks guard Nate Robinson has been suspended for 10 games.

· Nuggets guard J.R. Smith has been suspended for 10 games.

· Knicks guard Mardy Collins has been suspended for six games.

· Knicks forward Jared Jeffries has been suspended for four games.

· Knicks center Jerome James has been suspended for one game for leaving the bench during an on-court altercation.

· Nuggets forward Nene has been suspended one game for leaving the bench during an on-court altercation.

Also, both organizations have been fined $500,000 for the altercation.

Isiah Thomas needs to go. I understand he's there on a "do or die" basis, but the project clearly isn't working, evidenced by this.

Arenas scored 60 points in te win over LA Lakers. This is the first time this has happened since Wilt Chamberlain did it. So Gilbert Arenas joins great company in doing this agianst the Lakers.

Gilbert was ridiculous last night. 14 straight points in OT too. What a G!

Allen Iverson is headed to Denver for Andre Miller, Joe Smith and two first round picks. Not a bad trade for either team.

It won't work. 2 High-Profile scorers on one team is bad for AI.

3 words--ONLY ONE BALL

Once again, the commissioner shows favoritism to the big-market team.

**** Stern.

It won't work. 2 High-Profile scorers on one team is bad for AI.

Iverson averaged almost 8 assists per game a couple years ago. Think about the talent the Sixers had (or didn't have). When he gave them the ball, he still had to pray they made a shot. In Denver, he has a talented team who he'd love to play off of. I think Iverson would be perfectly willing to give up shots (of course, he won't have to do that any time soon with so many players suspended). I have to wonder if Carmelo will be willing to give up some shots (he will still be the face of the franchise, though, not Iverson). I remember in the Olympics, he was whining about not playing enough (Iverson seemed like one of the few players who showed up). But they are still a very talented team. If they were in the east, they'd have a decent shot of making the finals (the west, of course, is much harder, so I don't think they'll make it this year).

Some cool plays by Iverson as a tribute :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OH5JTh3Xp3Y&mode=related&search=

I gotta say I agree with Xerxes...Iverson is severely underrated when it comes to his assist game. It's not his fault his best compliment as been an over-the-hill and injured Chris Webber. The second best scorer on the 76'ers Finals team was either Eric Snow or Aaron McKie...yea.

This should work out reasonably well. They won't beat San Antonio or Phoenix, but I think they could give Dallas a run for thier money. They were going nowhere with thier current team and looked sunk without Carmelo for 15 games, now they have someone to at least pick up the momentary scoring loss.

AI, Carmelo, and JR Smith, they look like the Nets of the West...

Wow, I cannot believe how much of a stink was made over that brawl. In hockey, that fight would have been considered a small tussle. And a lame one at that.

Perhaps they are worried in basketball it could escalate to offcourt shootings?

Anyway, any of you noticed the Raptors improvement? They don't even have Chris Bosh in the lineup, and are starting to win.

Colangelo may well be a genius. Although T.J. Ford will not be another Steve Nash.

Wow, I cannot believe how much of a stink was made over that brawl. In hockey, that fight would have been considered a small tussle. And a lame one at that.



Hockey fights are normally 2 people, 6 feet tall, 200 lbs wearing pads and a helmet in the center of a rink. NBA fights are 10 people, 6 foot 8, 260 lbs wearing shorts spilling into the stands.

What about a baseball fight? Also far more common. Or many plays in football which at least have shoving going on?

The NBA has far and away the fewest fights of all these sports and the current NBA has far less fights than there were in the past. Of course, I don't want fights either, but I wonder if people make too much of a big deal about them.

Hockey fights are normally 2 people, 6 feet tall, 200 lbs wearing pads and a helmet in the center of a rink. NBA fights are 10 people, 6 foot 8, 260 lbs wearing shorts spilling into the stands.

That is a new development. They have instituted a rule that says the third man to enter a fight gets suspended.

Before a couple of years ago, it was common for the benches to empty. Hell, I remember even 3 or 4 years ago, a fight where some 18 people were fighting between the Ducks and the Flames.

Suspensions? BAH!! Slaps on the wrist.

Then there was the 84 fight between the Canadiens and the Nordiques. There were 14 consecutive fights on the ice. Then the teams went to the dressing room for the end of the 1st period. As soon as the second period began, the fight started all over again.

But I would seriously worry about someone being shot after a basketball fight, because in hockey the players tend to shrug it off and just laugh about it later.

The NBA tends to be more sensitive to these things because they're trying to shake the thug/gangsta image of the Post-Jordan Era.

When the ratings are down, nobody really cares about the NBA anymore, and the big stars look like they straight outta Compton, they're trying every device to improve their image (e.g. the new dress code and the stiff suspensions).

CamBot speaks the truth...and when one of the three of the "Holy Trifecta" of hope for the NBA gets into a brawl in the most famous arena of them all, it has to be dealt with swiftly.

Rocket is fading. :(

The Toronto Raptors are now first in their division, with a brilliant record of 12-15! :D

Not that I follow basketball. I just find this amusing.

And the Knicks are not far behind at 12-17!

That's the Atlantic division for ya...

Celtics just lost to the worst team in the East. I guess that's what no Paul Pierce does for you.

The Toronto Raptors are now first in their division, with a brilliant record of 12-15! :D

At 10-15, the Celtics (.400) are just 1 game out! The funny thing is, a team from the Atlantic might make it with an under-.500 record, whereas, right now, all the teams in the Central are going to make it.

Wahoo, the Sixers beat the Celtics :D

Wizards snap Suns 15 game winning streak behind Gilbert Arenas' 54 points.

Wizards snap Suns 15 game winning streak behind Gilbert Arenas' 54 points.
He is just insane ATM, it is a shame that he scored them against the Suns. :mad: Even with Nash trying his best to get the Suns over the line with 42 points.

He is just insane ATM, it is a shame that he scored them against the Suns. :mad: Even with Nash trying his best to get the Suns over the line with 42 points.

He's averaging 37.7 over his last 10 games, and hasn't gone below 28 IIRC.

Yao Ming is out for at least 6 weeks. There goes my Christmas. :cry:

Not surprised...McGrady & Yao are the Wood & Prior of the NBA.

Arenas on Kobe: "My numbers are blowing his out of the water." (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/24/AR2006122400740.html)

Arenas is nuts as usual. If you actually look at the numbers, he isn't doing all that great. Yes, he is scoring 30.1 ppg compared to Kobe's 27.3; however, if you look at the rest it really isn't impressive.

First, let's start at the FGA and FG%, Arenas has onlhy a 43.6% FG% out of 583 attempts, meanwhile Kobe has hit 47% of only 479 attempts (that's more than 100 less attempts!! It's no wonder why he is scoring more per game when you throw it up as much as he does.

Next let's look at the APG, again, at first glance, Arenas leads this category 6.3 to 5.2, but let's dive into this. First, Arenas is a point guard, whose job it is to get assists, is currently tied for 13th among all PG's in this category, quite pedestrian. Even more telling is if you look at the MPG of those around him, Arenas is playing 39.5 MPG, compared to those PG's with similar assist nmbers, that is WAY above them. For example, Jamaal Tinsley who averages 6.2 APG plays only 30.0 MPG; Tony Parker averages 6.1, yet that is only in 32.9 MPG. If both those players played an additional 8-10 minutes a game, they most assuredly be above Arenas in APG. Kobe meanwhile at his SG position, is ranked SECOND among all SG for APG, only behind Tracy McGrady. Even more interesting is that the next closest person to Bryant in APG at the SG position is almost 1 full APG below him--Ricky Davis and Paul Pierce are the next closest at 4.4 and 4.3 respectively and play a similar amount of minutes to Kobe.

Lastly let's look at RPG. Kobe leads this category 5.0 to 4.3. However, among those that play their respective positions, Kobe is 6th and Arenas is 7th. Basically a wash.

So, Kobe not only takes better shots, he also is better at spreading the ball around to his teammates. And this fact is reflected in the one category that matters most: Team wins--LAL 18, Was 14

Let's look at this at a different angle. Gilbert Arenas plays in a different style of offense. Zero Hero plays in an offense that takes the first shot they can, like the Phoenix Suns. He'll miss more shots with this style, but he'll score more points. Gilbert is a Point Guard in name only, he's really a 2 Guard who handles the ball. Let's also look at those around the two players. Kobe is alone now with Lamar Odom injured. Gilbert has to share shots with Antwan Jamison and Caron Butler, who is having a career year. Gilbert takes shots for his team to win, if he doesn't shoot and score, his team doesn't win, simple as that. He also makes clutch shots and knows how to take a game over. Look at that last game tying old fashioned 3-point play against the Suns, or the 60 he dropped against the Lakers, with 16 in Overtime. Kobe is a better player for sure, no argument there, but I'd take Gilbert over Kobe any day of the year.

I wouldn't, thats for sure :p Kobe did say something about Arenas being a ball hog (irony?) in that 60 point game, so that might be where Arenas felt the need to say something.

How do you get the number 0 btw? I don't know of anyone else who has it.

How do you get the number 0 btw? I don't know of anyone else who has it.

He got 0 to remind himself and others how no one, colleges, NBA teams, etc., thought he could do anything in basketball. Boy, he is showing them wrong.

Let's look at this at a different angle. Gilbert Arenas plays in a different style of offense. Zero Hero plays in an offense that takes the first shot they can, like the Phoenix Suns. He'll miss more shots with this style, but he'll score more points. Gilbert is a Point Guard in name only, he's really a 2 Guard who handles the ball. Let's also look at those around the two players. Kobe is alone now with Lamar Odom injured. Gilbert has to share shots with Antwan Jamison and Caron Butler, who is having a career year. Gilbert takes shots for his team to win, if he doesn't shoot and score, his team doesn't win, simple as that. He also makes clutch shots and knows how to take a game over. Look at that last game tying old fashioned 3-point play against the Suns, or the 60 he dropped against the Lakers, with 16 in Overtime. Kobe is a better player for sure, no argument there, but I'd take Gilbert over Kobe any day of the year.

Well, Phoenix's two PG's don't seem to be struggling at getting assists in the offense as Nash gets 11.6 and his backup gets 4.3. Even Toronto's PG (who run the same Phoenix offense, gets more APG AND does it in a lot less minutes. The only explanation for this is that Arenas is not good at finding the open man and there for takes bad shots.

Arenas vs. Bryant is a no brainer, Bryant wins hands down. Just look at last year when Bryant threw the ball up at a rate closer to the amount that Arenas chucks it up, he scored over 35 PPG, including one game where he put up the second highest point total for a game in NBA history. So Arenas while Arenas can take over a game sometimes, Bryant can do it better, because he is better, in all aspects of the game.

Well, Phoenix's two PG's don't seem to be struggling at getting assists in the offense as Nash gets 11.6 and his backup gets 4.3. Even Toronto's PG (who run the same Phoenix offense, gets more APG AND does it in a lot less minutes. The only explanation for this is that Arenas is not good at finding the open man and there for takes bad shots.

Arenas vs. Bryant is a no brainer, Bryant wins hands down. Just look at last year when Bryant threw the ball up at a rate closer to the amount that Arenas chucks it up, he scored over 35 PPG, including one game where he put up the second highest point total for a game in NBA history. So Arenas while Arenas can take over a game sometimes, Bryant can do it better, because he is better, in all aspects of the game.

Again, look at my point of Gilbert being a 2 Guard who handles the ball. He's like Allen Iverson, with more height. Gilbert finds the open man. I'd also suggest you watch a full game of Gilbert Arenas before making explanations of him. He does take some bad shots, but everyone takes bad shots except for perfect players like Steve Nash. Gilbert's shots are shots that he knows he can make and shots he drains a lot. Go ahead, watch tonight's game or tomorrow's game and see how many bad shots. Then, watch any other player, such as Allen Iverson, LeBron James, or even Dwayne Wade, and see how many bad shots they take.

Again, I know Bryant is better, but I would take Arenas over him because Arenas has a big heart to go along with his similar numbers to the best player in basketball.

I have watched Arenas, I watched him get shut down the first game of the year against Larry Hughes, and I also watched his 60 point performance against the Lakers, and during that laker game he had a horrid shot selection, they just happened to fall that night, he was hot. BUT if you look at the very next game against Denver, it highlights how bad a shot selection he has, 10 for 30, 33% from the field, that is horrid! And that happens often with Arenas. Now, I'll give you, Iverson does take a lot of bad shots too(note: most people consider Iverson a ball-hog too), but Wade and James are completely different. Even comparing Arenas' shot selection to James' is pure insanity, I know, I watch nearly every Cavs game. For example, Last year James had a 48% FG% and 31.4 PPG, Arenas best year for FG% was in limited time during his rookie year at 45.3% since then he's hovered at 43%. Wade is similar to James in his shot selection, a career 48.2%. But those two and Kobe are at a whole level above Arenas.

I really don't see why you don't like Arenas. He gets the job done, night in and night out, and he leads his team to victory. He's easily a top 10 guard and possibly player in the league. But, for some reason, you feel the need to criticize his shot selection. He's scoring more points than your boy LeBron, Kobe, Flash, Star-bury, Shaq, and everyone else but 2 players, and one of those is out for 15 games because his fists got happy.

But, you can go back to criticizing Arenas and I'll go to watching Arenas drop 30, 40, or 50 against the league.

He and Ginobili are the best second rounders in the NBA I would say.

But Arenas at this point in his career is a guy who jacks up alot of shots because the Wizards have poor defense and the pressure is constantly on them to score. Which they do.

I wouldn't put him in the same ballhog category as a Marbury or Kobe of a few years back though.

I really don't see why you don't like Arenas. He gets the job done, night in and night out, and he leads his team to victory. He's easily a top 10 guard and possibly player in the league. But, for some reason, you feel the need to criticize his shot selection. He's scoring more points than your boy LeBron, Kobe, Flash, Star-bury, Shaq, and everyone else but 2 players, and one of those is out for 15 games because his fists got happy.

But, you can go back to criticizing Arenas and I'll go to watching Arenas drop 30, 40, or 50 against the league.

Star-bury, now there is a player I don't like (and not in the class of LeBron or Kobe). It's not that I don't like Arenas, I'm rather indifferent towards him, but he's not 'blowing' Kobe's number out of the water. He's a good player, but he's not a great one, he's like Iverson in that he'll never win the big one. But at least Iverson is good enough to carry his team by himself there.

And yes, he is scoring more than Lebron, Kobe, etc. But he also chucks it up over 30 times a game. That's no where near the amount that you see Lebron or Wade do it. Again, he is a good player, but he's not at an elite level like those players.


And Azale: Don't forget about Carlos Boozer, he was a second rounder that's now putting up 20-10 everynight.

Also, remember that those around Arenas are having and had career years.

Larry Hughes, Etan Thomas, Brendan Haywood, Caron Butler, DeShawn Stevenson and Antwan Jamison

Alright, let's consider these individuals.
1. DeShawn Stevenson, first year with Washington, averaging 10.1 PPG, 2.7 RPG, and 2.5 APG in about 30 MPG. His career best: 03-04 in which he had 11.4 PPG, 3.7 RPG, and 2.1 APG. Yeah, his production is completely a product of Arenas.
2. Antawn Jamison, He's a difficult one to judge if he's benefited from playing with Arenas, mainly because he's only played four seasons without Arenas on the same team. The first three being his first three years (with his second being a full-time starter and getting injured, but the numbers from the time he did play are slightly above his career average), and the other being his one year in Dallas when he was surrounded by a TON of talent and was had a drastically reduced amount of playing time. His best all around year was his third (including those with Arenas on the team), he averaged 24.9 PPG, 8.7 RPG, and 2.0 APG that year, meanwhile, his best season with Arenas on the team was last year, where he averaged 20.5 PPG, 9.3 RPG, and 1.9 APG. While he did manage to pull down a few more rebounds, he took a significant hit in his PPG. What might have been the cause of that...
3. Etan Thomas, had his career best year in 03-04, averaging 8.9PPG, 0.9 APG, and 6.7 RPG. This was also Arenas first in Washington, and Arenas played only 55 games. However, that year he averaged WAY more MPG than any other in his career at about 25 MPG. Add to that the fact that he also had his worst season of his career last year with Arenas on the team at 4.7 PPG and 3.7 RPG in 16 MPG, so it's hard case to make that Arenas is responsible for Thomas improving as a player.
4. Brendan Haywood, his best year was 04-05, but that was also the same year they picked up Antawn Jamison, so it's more likely that the addition of a quality big-man beside him played a bigger role in his best season than the PG he had already been playing with. Another thing to consider is that since that year every year his production has gone down.
5. Caron Butler, since becoming a starter his third season when he joined the Lakers he has shown improvement in every category. It's hard to say if his all-around increases have been because of joining the Wizards or because he has just naturally improved as most lottery pick worthy players do as they get more experience in the league.
6. Larry Hughes, now here might be the best case one could make for Arenas improving a player around him. After having a career best season with Washington two years ago he took a big contract with the Cavs and has been on the injured reserve ever since.

So after considering those players, he still doesn't seem very impressive. Good player, not on the level of a James or Wade.

The NBA tends to be more sensitive to these things because they're trying to shake the thug/gangsta image of the Post-Jordan Era.

When the ratings are down, nobody really cares about the NBA anymore, and the big stars look like they straight outta Compton, they're trying every device to improve their image (e.g. the new dress code and the stiff suspensions).

Ya this is significant. I think this is why the NBA also loves to market Steve Nash so much. He is the humble good guy, and he is helping to revolutionize fast-paced team-oriented basketball. Rather than a star who is famous for being cocky and selfishly (but skillfully) driving to the basket like a one man show, he is a star who elevates the play of everyone else on his team.

That is part of the reason I like watching the Raptors. They are trying to play that kind of basketball as well. They have managed to string some wins together lately (without their best player), by getting more or less average players to play as a team. In a recent game, they had 6 players in double figures, and a couple of them were normally bench-warmers.

I would say this is a positive development.

if you look at the rest it really isn't impressive.


Yes, it is impressive. If you take the 8 major statistical categories in basketball and average them together (points, assists, rebounds, steals, blocks, threes, field goal %, free throw %), then according to this year's averages Arenas is number 2 in the entire league (only behind Dwayne Wade). Kobe comes in 7th statistically this way. If you take totals, Arenas is number 1 in the league (yes number 1) and Kobe is 12th and Arenas' nearest competition isn't even close (Kobe missed games which reflects in his slide through this ranking). This is from ESPN's fantasy player rater which you can look up on their website. Now any kind of statistic is only an approximation to a player's abilities, but anyone who says Arenas's stats this year are not impressive is either a troll, stupid or some kind of Kob/tch nuthugger (which is pretty pathetic on your part, given Kobe's universally hated character).

Now do us all a favour and stop writing ghey essays about how awesome Kobe is. It makes me want to puke :goodjob:

Ya this is significant. I think this is why the NBA also loves to market Steve Nash so much. He is the humble good guy, and he is helping to revolutionize fast-paced team-oriented basketball. Rather than a star who is famous for being cocky and selfishly (but skillfully) driving to the basket like a one man show, he is a star who elevates the play of everyone else on his team.


He's also white lol. I'm just joking, I love Nash, Marion and the Suns. I support the Raptors , who've actually started winning since they stopped trying to play like the Suns. Anyway it would be nice to see Bosh back soon (he says he will come back for the Phoenix game on the 3rd last I heard).

He's also white lol. I'm just joking, I love Nash, Marion and the Suns. I support the Raptors , who've actually started winning since they stopped trying to play like the Suns. Anyway it would be nice to see Bosh back soon (he says he will come back for the Phoenix game on the 3rd last I heard).

White? What is important is that he is a Canuck. ;) Well, the Raptors are still moving the ball around. The problem with trying to play like the Suns is that there is only one Steve Nash, but I appreciate the direction they are going in.

Every time I try to get into basketball, guys like Iverson, Arenas, and Kobe push me away. I little humbleness would be appreciated.

White? What is important is that he is a Canuck. ;) Well, the Raptors are still moving the ball around. The problem with trying to play like the Suns is that there is only one Steve Nash, but I appreciate the direction they are going in.

Every time I try to get into basketball, guys like Iverson, Arenas, and Kobe push me away. I little humbleness would be appreciated.

Yeah, Nash and the Suns play a beautiful style of basketball, no questions. The change in the Raptors is that they run in spurts now, instead of trying to run a team out of the building for 48 minutes a la Suns. They were actually forced to do this when Bosh went out and they had to play Nesterovic, who couldn't run to save his life. But the greater emphasis on defense seems to work, don't ask me how (considering it's Nesterrible we're talking about :P)...

Ahh, Nesterovic...I remember him well. Stephen A. Smith's neverending rants about how the Spurs could never win with him on thier roster come to mind (RASHO NesterOVIC)...

How is TJ Ford doing for the Raptors btw? I know he was traded there for Villanueva, and I loved watching him at Texas. Does he look fully back from his back injury?

Well he has been doing well. He has been picking up point scoring with Bosh gone too.

He put down 28 points tonight against the Timberwolves.

Well Bosh is back. Ford should be back for the Wizards game, as well as Garbajosa. I am excited to see what Ford, Bosh, and Bargnani will be able to do together.

And did anyone watch the Raptors/Hawks game? Calderon has a lot of potential. He can just fly past people.

I can't even get Mav/Spurs games on FSN, luckily they are good enough to be on ESPN or TNT almost every week. No way I can get Raptors/Hawks.

Wow, the Raptors almost came close to blowing it against the Wizards, but still held on.

I am amazed at the depth of this team. Yet another game with 6 players in double figures.

As for Arenas, what is wrong with this guy? Sure he can score, but why does he choose not to play proper defence? He obviously could if he wanted to, but he just let Calderon pick him apart by not staying in proper position. He must be great fun to coach.

Raptors are totally going to win the Atlantic. That doesn't say much, but I will take it.

@Azale

Ford has played great this year and is flourishing in Toronto.


As for Arenas, what is wrong with this guy? Sure he can score, but why does he choose not to play proper defence? He obviously could if he wanted to, but he just let Calderon pick him apart by not staying in proper position. He must be great fun to coach.

Many PGs in the NBA don't play much defense other than trying to steal the ball. Steve Nash is one of the worst defensive PG in the game. Toronto's PGs (Ford, Calderon) are awful at defense. So it's actually a fairly usual thing at that position, though it's not something anyone likes to see. The Wizards just focus on offense anyway, they're like Phoenix somewhat.


Raptors are totally going to win the Atlantic. That doesn't say much, but I will take it.

I wouldn't go that far yet. Too many variables, let's just wait and see what happens.

edit: Arenas was definitely dogging it today though.

I wouldn't go that far yet. Too many variables, let's just wait and see what happens.


Beside my obvious bias, I actually think it is a fair bet. As the season drags on, injuries will likely take their toll on all of the teams. The Raptors seem to be showing that they have a lot of depth to handle this. Guys of the bench like Parker, Graham, Calderon, and Bargnani are really playing well.

I figure Toronto has a good chance. New Jersey could do it if they stay healthy, but they seem to have less bench support. The Knicks are a wild card, because a lot of the bums they have on their roster have been superstars in the past and could be again.

Next game against New Jersey is a big one. The division title is a fair bet but Toronto must stay healthy. Toronto does look good at full strength.

The Knicks? Competing? You make me laugh, har har har :lol:

I know in the Atlantic Division all is possible, but if the Knicks somehow won that division, Isaih Thomas should be on the phone with Disney, arranging the details of thier movie contract about the "Miracle Knicks".

The Knicks? Competing? You make me laugh, har har har :lol:

I know in the Atlantic Division all is possible, but if the Knicks somehow won that division, Isaih Thomas should be on the phone with Disney, arranging the details of thier movie contract about the "Miracle Knicks".

It is unlikely, but not out of the question. They have been playing better as of late, and what if Marbury got back his old touch?

Then he would still be a ballhogging, overrated, most overpaid player in the NBA (which is saying something)...who averages 20 points per game.

Yea, I don't like "Starbury" much.

Then he would still be a ballhogging, overrated, most overpaid player in the NBA (which is saying something)...who averages 20 points per game.

Yea, I don't like "Starbury" much.

True, but then all he has to do is get the Knicks near .500 and there is a shot at the Atlantic.

That would be bad for the Knicks, because then there is a chance Isaih Thomas could save his job :p

That would be bad for the Knicks, because then there is a chance Isaih Thomas could save his job :p

:lol: touche.

:mad: Damn Nets won't stop winning now.

Anyone notice that Kidd's play has improved significantly as of late? Whatever is going on in his personal life seems to be giving him a new determination. Apparantly his wife is a piece of work.

Reviving this:

The Heat are on a four game win streak, back in a playoff slot, and Indiana lost tonight. :D

Wizards are the best team in the Least. No argument. :D

Pfft, our inside game will crush you come playoff time. Udonis Haslem and 'Zo are underrated. :p

Like the East even matters...the top 7 or 8 teams in the NBA are from the West :p

Kraznaya, I pictured you as a Lakers fan, did you switch loyalties to Miami because of the Shaq trade?

Hey hey, anything can happen in the Finals, just like last year. :D

Yeah, I was primarily a Lakers fan until the Shaq trade. Always liked Dwayne Wade though, rooted for the Heat the year they were 4th in the East (right before the Shaq trade). During the three Laker championship series... I usually sided with Shaq when he argued with Kobe... he was the more important player back then.

Yea, Kobe is a fool. Phil Jackson coming out of retirement saved him IMO.

The East had actual...good teams last year. Detroit, and Miami who really picked it up in the playoffs.

Detroit and Chicago split the power between themselves in the offseason, making Miami the logical East champion... except we've been hit from all sides by injuries. Shaq is a year older, but he's been putting up 20 a game in the past week in only about 20 minutes a game, thats enough to win... Wade is a year older and a year better than last year, we'd be the Celtics if he wasn't playing at this level... the team can shoot the three-ball pretty well, especially with the rise of Kapono. Teams that forget about Kapono will pay if Shaq and Dwayne are both healthy.

Bottom line: If we make it into the playoffs without a significant injury... Dallas or Phoenix or San Antonio or Utah better watch out. :D

Miami is old, Shaq is liable to be injured again, Wade might be tired by the playoffs and if SOMEHOW they reached the Finals...he will be exhausted.

Miami right now is the 8 seed, maybe they can play into the 4th at best but they are to inconsistent. I think Washington, Detroit, Chicago, and maybe even Toronto could beat them in a playoff series. Dallas, Phoenix, San Antonio, and Houston (with McGrady & Yao...a big if) would take it in 5 at worst.

EDIT: Oh, and Utah.

Wade has always played this many minutes and with the same suicidal attitude, the injuries finally found him this year but I think he'll still be running come playoffs.

Being the 8 seed in the East doesn't mean anything right now, the teams are clumped together and in a few quick games the whole East could be very close. Washington and Chicago are still too inexperienced to take on the Heat this year; Detroit has a chance but they are also a year older and without Ben Wallace's anchor in the middle. About the west... well, thats what they said about the Mavs vs Heat Finals last year. ;)

No, alot of people picked Miami last year. The West is on a whole other level this year, much like the years before last year.

Washington has a winning record against Detroit this year and has played well against Western teams too, compared to the rest of the East. They are still maintaining thier record without Jamison too, so when he comes back they should be in the top 3 seeds. I like Washington's chances with homecourt advantage. Chicago could handle them as well, Ben Wallace always causes problems for Shaq.

Oh, and it's perfectly within Miami's abilities to MISS the playoffs. Remember, they are only in this spot because New Jersey has lost like 6 games by 2 points in the last 2 weeks or so.

Washington has a winning record against Detroit this year and has played well against Western teams too, compared to the rest of the East. They are still maintaining thier record without Jamison too, so when he comes back they should be in the top 3 seeds. I like Washington's chances with homecourt advantage. Chicago could handle them as well, Ben Wallace always causes problems for Shaq.

1-2 is maintaining their record? We're not terrible with him, but I think we're very beatable without Jamison. I'd love to see Songalia step up now. I think we're one of the top Home teams in the League, easily. It's hard to beat us in front of our home crowd.

Well, you havn't fallen completely off yet :p How long is Jamison out btw, 2 weeks or 4?

Strange, I couldn't find a site last year outside of Miami fansites that didn't say Detroit in 5/6 or Dallas in 5/6.

Gilbert Arenas wont' be putting up 40 a game forever, he'll cool off back to around 30 before the playoffs. Granted, they will still be a talented team with Jamison in the lineup, but "first time here" will do them in the Conference Finals if they can get there.

I don't really see Miami missing the playoffs, remember that they amassed their current record without Shaq.

EDIT: And yeah, the only team they've beaten without Jamison is Seattle!

Well, you havn't fallen completely off yet :p How long is Jamison out btw, 2 weeks or 4?

They're saying 3 to 6 weeks. If I had to guess, I'll go with 4. He's a pretty tough dude.

Strange, I couldn't find a site last year outside of Miami fansites that didn't say Detroit in 5/6 or Dallas in 5/6.

Gilbert Arenas wont' be putting up 40 a game forever, he'll cool off back to around 30 before the playoffs. Granted, they will still be a talented team with Jamison in the lineup, but "first time here" will do them in the Conference Finals if they can get there.

Gilbert doesn't need to put up 40 for us to win. Caron can step up and add 10 points to his total.

I don't really see Miami missing the playoffs, remember that they amassed their current record without Shaq.

No way.

EDIT: And yeah, the only team they've beaten without Jamison is Seattle!

First of many wins. :mischief:

I wish Lebron could shoot free throws.

I wish Lebron could shoot free throws.

His bad free throw shooting is probably just a phase, but I think his other aspects are somewhat overrated.

Washington has been to the playoffs the last two years...Arenas really wants to avenge that loss to Cleveland last year too. I think they'll be ready.

Miami amassed that record without Shaq yea, but how much do you think they'll have him before he is injured again?

I say Shaq isn't going to get injured anytime soon, he's only playing around 20-25 minutes a game.

Great day in the NBA for the Heat today, win streak up to 5. Plus, Indiana, Orlando, and Washington all lose.

The Raptors beat the Magic tonight on Bosh's 41 points.

Raps are now 26-23 and have a 3 and a half game lead on the Nets in the Atlantic. They look like they may take the fourth playoff seed this year. :goodjob:

Nets are second half team, watch out.

So, whats your over/under on how many tries it takes before Nate Robinson gets his dunk right in the slam dunk contest this year? :rolleyes:

Meh, missed too much basketball the last couple years to know anything about him.

As for the Nets, they should make the race in the Atlantic interesting still... although having Jefferson would help.

I doubt the Atlantic Race will amount to anything in the end, in my opinion the 5th seed of the Eastern Conference will most likely be better than them and eliminate the Atlantic Champion in the first round.

I doubt the Atlantic Race will amount to anything in the end, in my opinion the 5th seed of the Eastern Conference will most likely be better than them and eliminate the Atlantic Champion in the first round.

That totally depends on how they're playing at the end of the season.
For now, it seriously seems like the Raptors are getting it together. They are 8-2 in their last 10 games. Only Dallas has done better (9-1). Now I am not saying that the Raptors are going to get to the NBA finals, but IMHO they will be quite dangerous if they can keep this up.

I doubt the Atlantic Race will amount to anything in the end, in my opinion the 5th seed of the Eastern Conference will most likely be better than them and eliminate the Atlantic Champion in the first round.

What has that to do with anything? The Atlantic team losing in the first round has nothing to do with the race to win the Atlantic in the first place.

Considering that the Raptors were some 12 or so games below .500 last year, I would just be happy with the solid improvement.

Go Celtics!

16 game losing streak and counting!

Only four wins at home the entire season!

Phoenix, Utah, San Antonio, and more, just around the corner!

Can you say new NBA record?

That totally depends on how they're playing at the end of the season.
For now, it seriously seems like the Raptors are getting it together. They are 8-2 in their last 10 games. Only Dallas has done better (9-1). Now I am not saying that the Raptors are going to get to the NBA finals, but IMHO they will be quite dangerous if they can keep this up.

Sure they're doing well for now, but remember most first-time-playoff-team-in-years usually = first round exit.

What has that to do with anything? The Atlantic team losing in the first round has nothing to do with the race to win the Atlantic in the first place.

Considering that the Raptors were some 12 or so games below .500 last year, I would just be happy with the solid improvement.

Unfortunately, the rest of the NBA hasn't really noticed; its just another talented young team on a hot streak that probably won't go anywhere far season; of course, if the Atlantic is won, it'll be looking on the up and up for them.

Go Celtics!

16 game losing streak and counting!

Only four wins at home the entire season!

Phoenix, Utah, San Antonio, and more, just around the corner!

Can you say new NBA record?

Can't imagine them losing every game with Paul Pierce coming back soon.

Unfortunately, the rest of the NBA hasn't really noticed; its just another talented young team on a hot streak that probably won't go anywhere far season; of course, if the Atlantic is won, it'll be looking on the up and up for them.

I think you are missing the point that fans are just grateful for the massive improvement. If people around the league don't notice, it doesn't really matter. :)

Update: They just beat the Lakers. :goodjob:

Can't imagine them losing every game with Paul Pierce coming back soon.

If I was Paul, I'd just take the rest of the season off...come back next year, when they have Greg Oden. Boston would become instant Atlantic favorites.

If I was Paul, I'd just take the rest of the season off...come back next year, when they have Greg Oden. Boston would become instant Atlantic favorites.

You mean Kevin Durant? ;)

Dwight Howard had a massive Alley Oop dunk to beat the Spurs last night. Absoulutely incredible.

Etan Thomas suspended by Wizards for 2 games for fighting Brendan Haywood during practice.

If I was Paul, I'd just take the rest of the season off...come back next year, when they have Greg Oden. Boston would become instant Atlantic favorites.

But then... all the fantasy owners are gonna be mad! ;)

Etan Thomas suspended by Wizards for 2 games for fighting Brendan Haywood during practice.


:lol:

Why didn't he suspend both; or would the inside game be completely gone with both suspended?

:lol:

Why didn't he suspend both; or would the inside game be completely gone with both suspended?

Because Etan is apparently the one starting all the fights.

You mean Kevin Durant? ;)
.

Or Durant...either one. Unless Boston loses the lottery and gets stuck with the 6th pick or something...they can't go wrong.

Much like when we lost the chance for Tim Duncan some years ago.

I'd rather go with Kevin Durant, because we need offense badly. Even when Paul Pierce came back, he only went 4-16 FGs, I think. I'm not sure he'll be making a big impact at first.

Good win today to make up for the atrocious loss at Cleveland... I was hoping to come into the All-Star game 9 game streak :(.

1-4 without Jamison. This is looking bad, very, very bad, especially with the Heat coming back.

Gilbert Arenas sure showed Nate McMillan it was a mistake to keep him off the US National team by dropping an amazing 9 points (3 for 15 from the field), 5 rebounds and 2 assists.

1-4 without Jamison. This is looking bad, very, very bad, especially with the Heat coming back.

You know now how the Heat Nation felt with Shaq out.

Gilbert Arenas sure showed Nate McMillan it was a mistake to keep him off the US National team by dropping an amazing 9 points (3 for 15 from the field), 5 rebounds and 2 assists.

He's terribly misguided, the funny thing is that the assistant coaches of the team (McMillan included) don't even select the final team.

Gilbert Arenas sure showed Nate McMillan it was a mistake to keep him off the US National team by dropping an amazing 9 points (3 for 15 from the field), 5 rebounds and 2 assists.

One bad game. Wow, let's not forget 29.7 points per game with 6.3 Assists.

But whatever, he sucks, doesn't he? :rolleyes:

One bad game. Wow, let's not forget 29.7 points per game with 6.3 Assists.

But whatever, he sucks, doesn't he? :rolleyes:

Well, he did promise to drop 50 on 'em. :mischief: When you claim something huge and fail to back it up, its natural for others to make snide comments about it.

Well, he did promise to drop 50 on 'em. :mischief: When you claim something huge and fail to back it up, its natural for others to make snide comments about it.

It's not the first time RF has been hatin' on Zero Hero.

I've only 'hated' on 'Zero Hour' because he needs to stop thinking about himself and become a team player. Until he does that he'll never be an elite player.

I've only 'hated' on 'Zero Hour' because he needs to stop thinking about himself and become a team player. Until he does that he'll never be an elite player.

Thinking about himself? As I've said before, 3 out of 4 starters on the Wizards are having career years. I call that being a team player.

What are you talking about???? Who are these 3 starters that are having career years??? Beyond Caron Butler none of them are having career years.

Antawn Jamison averaged more PPG, APG, and RPG last year, and several other times, including his true career year the 00-01 season, where he averaged 24.9 PPG, 8.7 RPG, and 1.4 APG.

Brendan Heywood is averaging 7.2 PPG...his career average is 7.0 PPG, WOW!

DeShawn Stevenson is averaging 9.8 PPG this year, he's bested that twice before in his career, including last year with orlando when he averaged 11.0 PPG. He also averaged more rebounds per game with Orlando last year.

So again, who are these legendary starters that are having career years. I only seem to be able to find one.

In other news, the Celtics choked up another game. Wait. That's not news anymore. =/

What are you talking about???? Who are these 3 starters that are having career years??? Beyond Caron Butler none of them are having career years.

Antawn Jamison averaged more PPG, APG, and RPG last year, and several other times, including his true career year the 00-01 season, where he averaged 24.9 PPG, 8.7 RPG, and 1.4 APG.

Brendan Heywood is averaging 7.2 PPG...his career average is 7.0 PPG, WOW!

DeShawn Stevenson is averaging 9.8 PPG this year, he's bested that twice before in his career, including last year with orlando when he averaged 11.0 PPG. He also averaged more rebounds per game with Orlando last year.

So again, who are these legendary starters that are having career years. I only seem to be able to find one.


Stevenson is becoming a more complete player. Points doesn't always equal career years. He finally has found a niche on a team.

Brendan Haywood is having his finest year on defense and rebounds as well. There's 3 for you.

Plus, Gilbert's team is 2nd in the East, and with Jamison, was the best team in the East. But I guess I should say Gilbert was the best team in the East. :rolleyes:

That seems awfully contrived and personally opinionated to me... the cold hard stats seem to make more sense. Plus, Jamison's absence + Wizard's record seems to indicate the Zero Hero is more reliant on his teammates than they are on him.

BTW, they are 3rd in the east, but their current division lead propels them over the Cavs. But it won't be long before that too gets wrested away... ;)

Well, if helps you sleep at night thinking those players are having career years, go for it. But it's simply not true.

Oh, and Kraznaya, they actually changed the rule this year, so the Wizards are actually the 3 seed right now, not the 2. The Cavs get that honor. After the whole debacle last year with the Spurs meeting the Mavs in the second round despite the two teams having the best record they changed it.

Well, if helps you sleep at night thinking those players are having career years, go for it. But it's simply not true.

Did I not provide you facts on why they are having career years? Or do you not enjoy being owned?

Did I not provide you facts on why they are having career years? Or do you not enjoy being owned?

No, that sounded more like opinion. PPG are facts. Saying he's "more complete" is just your opinion. You didn't "own" him.

Did I not provide you facts on why they are having career years? Or do you not enjoy being owned?

Facts? What facts? All you provided me with was that DeShawn Stevenson is a 'more complete' player based on your say so. This is despite the fact that his scoring average and rebounds are down this year.

In addition, you claim that Brendan Haywood's astronomical increase of 0.3 RPG this season and drop off of of 2.2 PPG from his best back in 04-05 constitutes a 'career year.'

So I'm still waiting for you too enlighten me to these legendary starters having career years this year playing with Arenas.

Facts? What facts? All you provided me with was that DeShawn Stevenson is a 'more complete' player based on your say so. This is despite the fact that his scoring average and rebounds are down this year.

In addition, you claim that Brendan Haywood's astronomical increase of 0.3 RPG this season and drop off of of 2.2 PPG from his best back in 04-05 constitutes a 'career year.'

So I'm still waiting for you too enlighten me to these legendary starters having career years this year playing with Arenas.

I guess widely regarded by NBA analysts don't count either. :rolleyes: I have seen this on many NBA blogs. This isn't my personal opinion, it's a widely regarded opinion.

Sources please? (From times they weren't streaking; NBA bloggers are true fairweather fans)

Sources please? (From times they weren't streaking; NBA bloggers are true fairweather fans)

I'm not doing your homework for you. I've seen them on SI.com, AOL.com, and NBA.com.

Sources please? (From times they weren't streaking; NBA bloggers are true fairweather fans)

Maybe he means Gilbert Arenas (http://www.nba.com/blog/gilbert_arenas.html)' NBA.com blog :dunno:

I guess Paul Pierce should get the MVP this year, Celtics have tanked without
him :eek: .

Maybe he means Gilbert Arenas (http://www.nba.com/blog/gilbert_arenas.html)' NBA.com blog :dunno:

:lol:


I guess Paul Pierce should get the MVP this year, Celtics have tanked without
him .

The NBA isn't fond of giving "your team sucked without you" MVP awards.

Great second half performance by the Mavs tonight in Milwaukee :goodjob:

Always trailed.. held the bucks to 33% shotting in the second half.. and they were down until the last 50 seconds of the game: 99-93.

:)

Dwyane turned on the jets again in the fourth quarter tonight after a lethargic first two quarters and the scary injury in the third. Good to be going into the All-Star break at an even .500 after what happened earlier in the season.

Boston finally wins! Not surprising, the Bucks were crushed spiritually after allowing that huge comeback from Dallas last night.

I didn't even notice there was a sports board here. :D

My Raps are humming along nicely. Now up to sitting a half game up in home court advantage. :D Its been years in coming....

I didn't even notice there was a sports board here. :D

My Raps are humming along nicely. Now up to sitting a half game up in home court advantage. :D Its been years in coming....

Umm... actually, and this board, they are MY Raps. :p

...

So Canucks are really nationalistic folk underneath, seeing as they have no diversity in favorite basketball teams? :p

Boston finally wins! Not surprising, the Bucks were crushed spiritually after allowing that huge comeback from Dallas last night.

Well the league MVP is back :mischief: :D .

Milwaukee is the worst team in the NBA without Michael Redd...

I don't know, Boston without Paul Pierce was pretty atrocious.

Boston without Pierce blew out Milwaukee without Redd by 20 points :p

I really don't want to say I was wrong about Bogut, but come on, start making an impact in games!

Boston without Pierce blew out Milwaukee without Redd by 20 points :p

I really don't want to say I was wrong about Bogut, but come on, start making an impact in games!

Boston had Pierce, who had 32.

The NBA isn't fond of giving "your team sucked without you" MVP awards.

I refer you to Steve Nash's first MVP. While it can't be proven, IIRC there were a lot of folks that thought the Suns' suckitude when Nash was out with that midseason injury gave him the edge in the voting.

@alcosta, doh, that's right. Ok, I'm wrong, Boston without Pierce was the worst...but remember, they are also missing like 3 of thier starting 5 and Delonte West is dinged up. Not like they would be world beaters with these players but considering the state of the Atlantic (Toronto or not) they would at least be looking competative.

Umm... actually, and this board, they are MY Raps. :p

Glad to see another fan. Do you go to any basketball boards?

And I'm a season ticketholder, and have been for 7 years, so they're my Raps too. Don't mind sharing though. :D

Looking good into the all-star break.

In other news... Jason Kidd is NOT looking good in those divorce filings from his wife. :o

According to Joumana, 34, Kidd has engaged in extramarital affairs with "several different television reporters," as well as strippers in Arizona, Sacramento, Miami, Dallas and Indiana, a Nets season ticket holder, a Nets employee, and a cheerleader in New Orleans. Joumana also contends that she recently discovered a prepaid cell phone of his containing text messages and naked photos sent by various women.

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2007/0216073kidd1.html

In other news... Jason Kidd is NOT looking good in those divorce filings from his wife. :o


http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2007/0216073kidd1.html

:lol: I wasn't fond of "you get more money from divorce because you cheated" though. A divorce is a divorce, split all mutual stuff halfway down.

I refer you to Steve Nash's first MVP. While it can't be proven, IIRC there were a lot of folks that thought the Suns' suckitude when Nash was out with that midseason injury gave him the edge in the voting.

Yeah, but they still made it to the playoffs. Winning while there is more important than losing while gone.

So... I basically won't be watching the All-Star game due to the major sucktitude of defense played during such games... but who wins anyway?

...

So Canucks are really nationalistic folk underneath, seeing as they have no diversity in favorite basketball teams? :p

When it comes to sports? Hell ya. You should see the opinion in the NHL thread about teams in the southern USA (well, mostly my opinion).

Oh, but we do like the Phoenix Suns...for some reason. :mischief:

Glad to see another fan. Do you go to any basketball boards?

And I'm a season ticketholder, and have been for 7 years, so they're my Raps too. Don't mind sharing though. :D

Looking good into the all-star break.


Well, as a Calgarian, it is pretty tough to get to games.:lol: Anyway, considering your credentials, I think I will have to hand the crown of main Raptors fan over to you.

And no, I don't go to any basketball boards. I like to keep my posting to basically one forum, or else I would waste ALL of my time on the internet.

Tampa Bay Lightning, Carolina Hurricanes > Canada :p

Miami wins both win Skills Challenge and 3 point shootout with D-Wade and Kapono! :D

And Charles Barkley won his race with a 60+ year old referee! GO SIR CHARLES GOOO!!!

That was the most cheesiest, overdone All-Star weekend to date.

And no way in hell Las Vegas gets an NBA team.

CB

Tampa Bay Lightning, Carolina Hurricanes > Canada :p

You watch your bloody mouth. :mad:
;)

Ron Artest in the news again...
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2788871

Needless to say it is not a positive story.

It's a real pity that such a talented player can't keep it together like a real professional athlete...

...such as Tim Duncan, whose team has won 9 straight! :D

...such as Tim Duncan, whose team has won 9 straight! :D

LeBron pwnes Duncan. :p

LeBron pwnes Duncan. :p


Only in your dreams... :lol:

TD has 2 regular season MVP awards, 3 NBA Finals MVP awards and 3 NBA Championships.
LeBron has 0 regular season MVP awards, 0 NBA Finals MVP awards and 0 NBA Championships.

Maybe the numbers will change in the future, but for now LeBron definately does not own TD...

LeBron pwnes Duncan. :p

Free throws pwn LeBron ;)

Free throws pwn LeBron ;)


They pwn TD too... ;)

Yea, but LeBron's FT percentage is 1 PERCENT better than Duncan's...a known mediocre FT shooter. Players like LeBron should shoot in the 80's, not the mid 60's.

We both know Zero Hero pwns them both. :p ;)

Uhh, LeBron whispering pwns Gilbert Arenas :p

In conclusion, Tim Duncan > you :mischief:

I still want to somehow pass the Suns though, I dunno if I could handle the Spurs somehow getting upset by the Lakers, seeing as they are in that six spot. I would feel much better drawing the Clippers, considering we are 32-5 against them since '99.

Only in your dreams... :lol:

TD has 2 regular season MVP awards, 3 NBA Finals MVP awards and 3 NBA Championships.
LeBron has 0 regular season MVP awards, 0 NBA Finals MVP awards and 0 NBA Championships.

Maybe the numbers will change in the future, but for now LeBron definately does not own TD...

Season Series: Cavs 2 : Spurs 0

Free throws pwn LeBron ;)

Very True.

We both know Zero Hero pwns them both. :p ;)

Portland pwns Zero Hero :p

If Arenas had Ilgauskas he would have won it...oh, and I prefer the Hibachi myself.

Btw, the Spurs lost to the Hawks in San Antonio last year...flukes happen :p