NBA Offseason thread

[RhymesayersDU]

Originally Posted by Clockwork Orange

Sixers take Iverson off the trade block.

I think everyone saw this coming. If you look past the spin that King is trying to put on it, the reason this is happening is because he obviously went into the market thinking he was either going to get a bounty of youngsters/draft picks or another All-Star back for Iverson and no one was offering either. As good as Iverson is, he's 31, has a history of injuries and a fat contract. No one is going to sell the farm for him and obviously that's what King was banking on someone doing.

I didn't see it coming... I mean I sort of did... I expected the Sixers would find a way to deal him, but I guess it's not that surprising that they didn't, for the reasons you mentioned.

[GonzoLays]

Oh, well, I guess it back to the youth movement for us.

The Boston Celtics, 2011 NBA World Champions.

[RhymesayersDU]

Interesting article comparing this new USA team to the 1992 Dream Team.
http://www.oldskoolsports.com/Home/t...7/Default.aspx

According to American standards, the 2004 version of the U.S. men’s basketball team was a disappointment. The U.S. team has a long history of Olympic basketball dominance, winning the gold medal in 12 of 14 Olympic competitions from 1936-2000. The 2004 team had a long history of sucking. There was no logical reason for that team to not win the gold or at least the silver. The roster featured a group of proven All-stars including Tim Duncan and Allen Iverson, and a group of budding superstars in LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Amare Stoudemire, yet they jelled as well as the Larry Brown coached New York Knicks. Was it a coincidence that Brown happened to be the head coach of that national team? Just something to ponder. Instead of dominating the competition, the U.S. brought home the bronze, finishing behind soccer powerhouses Argentina and Italy. Now that the 15 finalists for the 2006 U.S. national team’s roster were announced Tuesday, it looks like Team Director Jerry Colangelo is putting together a balanced team capable of demoralizing the competition as previous U.S. teams have become accustomed to. Instead of filling the squad with me-first players, guys with gigantic egos and a lack of anyone who could hit an open jump shot, this year’s team is filled with shooters, role-players, and team oriented players. The 2006 roster will still be cut down to 12 before Aug. 19, leaving 3 players hanging in the balance, but for the first time since the mid 90s our national team looks like an unstoppable force. The best team ever assembled in history was the 1992 Dream Team, which featured future Hall of Famers at every position. This team is a lot younger, and less experienced than the 1992 team, but the future Hall of Fame potential is still there. Here is a break down of which 2006 star is most likely to fill the role of their 1992 counterpart.

2006 Roster Finalists

Carmelo Anthony F (Denver Nuggets)
Gilbert Arenas G (Washington Wizards)
Shane Battier F (Houston Rockets)
Chris Bosh F (Toronto Raptors)
Bruce Bowen F (San Antonio Spurs)
Elton Brand F (Los Angeles Clippers)
Kirk Hinrich G (Chicago Bulls)
Dwight Howard F/C (Orlando Magic)
LeBron James F (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Antawn Jamison F (Washington Wizards)
Joe Johnson G/F (Atlanta Hawks)
Brad Miller C (Sacramento Kings)
Chris Paul G (New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets)
Amaré Stoudemire F (Phoenix Suns)
Dwayne Wade G (Miami Heat)

1992 Olympic Team Roster

Charles Barkley F (Phoenix Suns)
2006 clone: Dwight Howard

Barkley is considered to be one of the best, not to mention the nastiest, rebounders in history. If there is one thing that Howard knows how to do, it is rebounding. Only 20 years-old, Howard has already mastered the art of rebounding and is one of the best in the league at pulling down boards. If he keeps his current 11.3 rebounds/game average up, he will be right on par with Sir Charles. Look for him to keep opposing international foes from getting anywhere near the key.

Larry Bird F (Boston Celtics)
2006 clone: Carmelo Anthony

If clutch shooting was an official statistic, Anthony would be leading the league. He is quickly developing into one of the NBA’s most clutch players. Bird made a career out of making big shots. If there is one thing that the U.S. needs it is someone they can count on to make shots in a close game. While Anthony may not have the long-distant range that Bird possessed, his all-around scoring ability is extremely Bird like.

Clyde Drexler G (Portland Trail Blazers)
2006 clone: Gilbert Arenas

“Clyde the Glide” could practically float around the basketball court. He did a little bit of everything, including his signature high-flying dunks. Arenas has become the NBA’s triple-double king, plays great “D” and can soar to new heights like his counterpart Drexler. Much like Clyde, the U.S. team will count on Arenas to defend on the perimeter and break out on the fast-break.

Patrick Ewing C (New York Knicks)
2006 clone: Amaré Stoudemire

In his prime, Ewing was an absolute monster. There is no better way to describe Stoudemire. He is a freak of nature, whose basketball abilities are limitless. Much like Ewing, Stoudemire is a complete force in the paint and can throw done nasty dunks with the best of them. If he is completely healthy, Stoudemire will be a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court.

Earvin “Magic” Johnson G (Los Angeles Lakers)
2006 clone: LeBron James

Magic was the most versatile player of his time. He could score at shooting guard, pass like a point guard, and rebound like a center. Sounds a lot like someone else I know: LeBron. In his short career, James has proven to be the best all-around player in the league. He has the tools to do all the things Magic did on the court, not to mention the same boyish smile. James and Wade have the potential to form the Magic-Jordan tandem of the next 15 years.

Michael Jordan G (Chicago Bulls)
2006 clone: Dwayne Wade

The easy choice here would be LeBron, considering the Jordan comparisons, but based on recent play Wade is a more accurate Jordan comparison. Consider that Wade plays seemingly effortless, has won a championship, become the leader of his team, and can take over games in a blink of an eye. Sounds a little bit like Michael, doesn’t it? Wade might not have the Jordan star appeal over-seas yet, but after international fans see him in China in 2008, that could very well change.

Christian Laettner F (Duke)
2006 clone: Brad Miller

(Insert “Tall, white guy joke” here). Besides skin color, Laettner and Miller don’t have much in common. While Laettner’s role on the team was strictly as a cheerleader, Miller is a legitimate center who will bring offense and great passing. He might not play much defense, but Miller’s big frame will do enough to clog up the opposition’s lane.

Karl Malone F (Utah Jazz)
2006 clone: Elton Brand

Possibly the most consistent forward ever, Malone could score around the basket and hit 15 footers with his eyes closed, not to mention rebound like an animal. Brand’s game mimics Malone’s in every way, right down to the sweet outside jumper. He goes about his game with a workman-like complex, ala Malone. Brand might never get the recognition that Malone did, but his constancy will be a huge asset to the U.S. team.

Chris Mullin F (Golden State Warriors)
2006 clone: Bruce Bowen

Mullin was the complementary glue that held the ’92 team together. While not a star, Mullin did the little things that helped his team win. He could shoot the three, guard on the perimeter, and pester opposing team’s players. Bowen does all of this and then some. He is a great outside shooter and the best defense player on the team. He will be counted on, like Mullin, to do the little things and receive little fanfare in the process.

Scottie Pippen G/F (Chicago Bulls)
2006 clone: Joe Johnson

At 6-7, Pippen was one of the most multitalented players around. At 6-7 Johnson is on his way to becoming a multitalented star himself. These two have more than height in common. Both can pass the ball exceptionally well for their size, score when needed, and are menacing on defense. Johnson might not have the impact that Pippen had on the Dream Team, but he will be a valuable asset off the bench with his well-rounded game.

David Robinson C (San Antonio Spurs)
2006 clone: Chris Bosh

A lanky, left-handed center, with a great inside-out game. Is it Robinson or Bosh- take your pick. Bosh/Robinson might be the closet thing to an exact clone of any of the other comparisons. In his career, Robinson won a scoring crown, a rebounding title and was named to the NBA All-Defensive First team three times. Bosh can already score, rebound, and is a top-notched shot-blocker like Robinson. He is the odds on favorite to lead the Olympic Games in blocked shots.

John Stockton G (Utah Jazz)
2006 clone: Chris Paul

Paul has the potential to lead the league in assists for years to come. He is the most un-selfish player since, well, Stockton. These two tiny guards will break down defenses faster than you can say “Alley-Oop.” Paul is just be a rookie, but he is the one guy who can and should lead this team to the gold medal.

[Nuggets4]

I'm just waiting for Gonzo to go off on the Melo-Bird comparison.

[Clockwork Orange]

Originally Posted by Nuggets4

I'm just waiting for Gonzo to go off on the Melo-Bird comparison.

It is a pretty poor comparison, but then so are several of the ones they threw out there.

[GonzoLays]

Larry Bird F (Boston Celtics)
2006 clone: Carmelo Anthony

If clutch shooting was an official statistic, Anthony would be leading the league. He is quickly developing into one of the NBA’s most clutch players. Bird made a career out of making big shots. If there is one thing that the U.S. needs it is someone they can count on to make shots in a close game. While Anthony may not have the long-distant range that Bird possessed, his all-around scoring ability is extremely Bird like.

Bwah

Bahahaa

Bwhahahahahahahaha

They are trying to compare Carmelo to Bird? Are you kidding me? Has Carmelo ever dropped a game winner the playoffs? Has ever put a team on his back and carried them to even the second round of playoffs?

Bird -- 3 times finals NBA Finals MVP; 3 times League MVP...Bird has a playoff career average of 24 pts, 10 rebounds and 7 assists per game!

Melo, while he shown to be clutch in the regular season, has done ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to be compared to Bird in any shape, form or fashion.

If you want to compare a player from today's game with Bird, start with Lebron James.

[GonzoLays]

Originally Posted by Nuggets4

I'm just waiting for Gonzo to go off on the Melo-Bird comparison.

Damn, that was good. HAHAHAHAH

[bfoflcommish]

Originally Posted by GonzoLays

Bwah

Bahahaa

Bwhahahahahahahaha

They are trying to compare Carmelo to Bird? Are you kidding me? Has Carmelo ever dropped a game winner the playoffs? Has ever put a team on his back and carried them to even the second round of playoffs?

Bird -- 3 times finals NBA Finals MVP; 3 times League MVP...Bird has a playoff career average of 24 pts, 10 rebounds and 7 assists per game!

Melo, while he shown to be clutch in the regular season, has done ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to be compared to Bird in any shape, form or fashion.

If you want to compare a player from today's game with Bird, start with RYAN GOMES.

Fixed it for you

[bfoflcommish]

Originally Posted by GonzoLays

Bwah

Bahahaa

Bwhahahahahahahaha

They are trying to compare Carmelo to Bird? Are you kidding me? Has Carmelo ever dropped a game winner the playoffs? Has ever put a team on his back and carried them to even the second round of playoffs?

Bird -- 3 times finals NBA Finals MVP; 3 times League MVP...Bird has a playoff career average of 24 pts, 10 rebounds and 7 assists per game!

Melo, while he shown to be clutch in the regular season, has done ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to be compared to Bird in any shape, form or fashion.

If you want to compare a player from today's game with Bird, start with Lebron James.

In all seriousness I am a Melo fan and not much on Bron, but you are right!

[RhymesayersDU]

Originally Posted by bfoflcommish

Fixed it for you

No, I think Ryan Gomes would be better compared to Magic, MJ, and Bird put together.


Edit: And I'm not saying Carmelo is Bird. Bird is a legend. But I do think that this USA team won't lose a single game.

[bfoflcommish]

Originally Posted by RhymesayersDU

No, I think Ryan Gomes would be better compared to Magic, MJ, and Bird put together.


Edit: And I'm not saying Carmelo is Bird. Bird is a legend. But I do think that this USA team won't lose a single game.

They SHOULDN'T lose a game but the way the past few years have gone I wouldn't bet on them winning all games

[RhymesayersDU]

Originally Posted by bfoflcommish

They SHOULDN'T lose a game but the way the past few years have gone I wouldn't bet on them winning all games

Well the competition has gotten better, but with the new attitude of players playing together, putting together an actual team instead of just all-stars, having the guys make a 3-year comittment, etc, that they should kick everybody's butt.

[Clockwork Orange]

As I said, many of those comparisons are ridiculous.

Carmelo Anthony does not compare to Larry Bird.
Dwight Howard does not compare to Charles Barkley.
Bruce Bowen does not compare to Chris Mullin.
Chris Bosh does not compare to David Robinson.
Chris Paul does not compare to John Stockton.

The rest of them you can at least see a few similarities, but some of them are simply off the wall. But you have to remember that this is the era of ESPN breaking everything down into lists and trying to convince people that today's players are better than yesterdays players and everything happening today is the best that it's ever been in the sport.

Give me the '92 Dream Team over any team, in any era.

[epicSocialism4tw]

Originally Posted by Clockwork Orange

As I said, many of those comparisons are ridiculous.

Carmelo Anthony does not compare to Larry Bird.
Dwight Howard does not compare to Charles Barkley.
Bruce Bowen does not compare to Chris Mullin.
Chris Bosh does not compare to David Robinson.
Chris Paul does not compare to John Stockton.

The rest of them you can at least see a few similarities, but some of them are simply off the wall. But you have to remember that this is the era of ESPN breaking everything down into lists and trying to convince people that today's players are better than yesterdays players and everything happening today is the best that it's ever been in the sport.

Give me the '92 Dream Team over any team, in any era.

Well said. There is no point in comparison outside of trying to milk everything they can out of their golden age in the spotlight. The Jordan years might have set pro basketball back 20 years. Now everyone has to be the next _______ to be worth anything. All the while unique players slip through leaving their own relatively silent legacies. Tim Duncan being example no. 1.

[RhymesayersDU]

Originally Posted by Clockwork Orange

As I said, many of those comparisons are ridiculous.

Carmelo Anthony does not compare to Larry Bird.
Dwight Howard does not compare to Charles Barkley.
Bruce Bowen does not compare to Chris Mullin.
Chris Bosh does not compare to David Robinson.
Chris Paul does not compare to John Stockton.

The rest of them you can at least see a few similarities, but some of them are simply off the wall. But you have to remember that this is the era of ESPN breaking everything down into lists and trying to convince people that today's players are better than yesterdays players and everything happening today is the best that it's ever been in the sport.

Give me the '92 Dream Team over any team, in any era.

I see your point, but at the same time, sometimes you have to counter-act the people who are always bashing the new because it isn't the old.

I mean, there's a fine line, but I run into a lot of "Man, everything was better in my day" people, when there are really talented people playing today. And that goes for all sports.

[freak6]

Originally Posted by angryllama

Tim Duncan being example no. 1.

He's Bill Russell

J.R. Smith = Rodney White?

[GonzoLays]

Originally Posted by RhymesayersDU

No, I think Ryan Gomes would be better compared to Magic, MJ, and Bird put together.


Edit: And I'm not saying Carmelo is Bird. Bird is a legend. But I do think that this USA team won't lose a single game.

Carmelo and Bird are two completely different players. It is just unfair to compare them.

Bird could do everything. He was your classic point-small forward. You can compare his vision of the court to Jason Kidd; his outside shooting to Peja Stojackovic; his rebounding to Shawn Marion; and his basketball intelligence to whomever is the smartest player in today's game. He is the defintion of a complete. I once saw him take his man into the post and shoot a 12 foot LEFT HANDED sky hook even though he was right handed!! Who can do that in today's game?

About two months they did a piece in the Boston Globe in which the write stated that Paul Pierce was the greatest scorer in Celtic's history. The story got back to Bird and his reply was, "I could have averaged 35 points a game if I wanted to. If I only played six months a year, instead of nine months because we made it deep in the playoffs every year, I could have averaged 40 points a game. But that was not the point. Statistics suck because people think you can judge a player by how many points he can score. What about all the small things like taking charges, or making the right pass to swing open a teammate for for an uncontested jumper? You can place a player's worth on how much he scores."

He was your ultimate team player. How many superstars do you see taking charges and diving for loose balls on the fourth game of a five game road trip in the middle of the season? How many superstars give up their stats for the betterment of the team? If you love basketball, then regardless if you are a Lakers fan or a Bulls fan, you are a Larry Bird fan.

And never, ever forget about the clutchness:

Game 5 of the 1987 playoff series against the Detroit Pistons, the series tied at 2-2. Detroit had a one-point lead late in the game and needed to inbound the ball to secure the victory and take a 3-2 Series lead with Game 6 on their court. (Game 5 was played in the Boston Garden; the conference playoffs followed a 2-2-1-1-1 format.) Isiah Thomas was inbounding the ball to Bill Laimbeer, who was in the backcourt. But...
"Now there's a steal by Bird! Underneath to DJ! He lays it up and in!! ... What a play by Bird! Bird stole the inbounding pass, layed it up to DJ, and DJ layed it up and in, and Boston has a one-point lead with one second left! OH, MY, THIS PLACE IS GOING CRAZY!!!"

Dominique Wilkins: "If you put Larry Bird, Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson into a room and only one could walk out, my money would be on Bird. You look into his eyes and you see a killer."

[epicSocialism4tw]

Originally Posted by freak15

He's Bill Russell
J.R. Smith = Rodney White?

I would put Duncan in the all-time top 5.

1. Jordan
2. Russell
3. Bird
4. Duncan
5. Magic

That's also my all-time team.

PG Magic Johnson
SG Michael Jordan
SF Larry Bird
PF Tim Duncan
C Bill Russell

[RhymesayersDU]

Originally Posted by GonzoLays

Carmelo and Bird are two completely different players. It is just unfair to compare them.

Bird could do everything. He was your classic point-small forward. You can compare his vision of the court to Jason Kidd; his outside shooting to Peja Stojackovic; his rebounding to Shawn Marion; and his basketball intelligence to whomever is the smartest player in today's game. He is the defintion of a complete. I once saw him take his man into the post and shoot a 12 foot LEFT HANDED sky hook even though he was right handed!! Who can do that in today's game?

About two months they did a piece in the Boston Globe in which the write stated that Paul Pierce was the greatest scorer in Celtic's history. The story got back to Bird and his reply was, "I could have averaged 35 points a game if I wanted to. If I only played six months a year, instead of nine months because we made it deep in the playoffs every year, I could have averaged 40 points a game. But that was not the point. Statistics suck because people think you can judge a player by how many points he can score. What about all the small things like taking charges, or making the right pass to swing open a teammate for for an uncontested jumper? You can place a player's worth on how much he scores."

He was your ultimate team player. How many superstars do you see taking charges and diving for loose balls on the fourth game of a five game road trip in the middle of the season? How many superstars give up their stats for the betterment of the team? If you love basketball, then regardless if you are a Lakers fan or a Bulls fan, you are a Larry Bird fan.

And never, ever forget about the clutchness:



Dominique Wilkins: "If you put Larry Bird, Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson into a room and only one could walk out, my money would be on Bird. You look into his eyes and you see a killer."

Believe me dude, you don't have to convince me. Carmelo has a long way to go before he is compared to any of those guys.

All I'm saying is, I think as a collective group, this group will be very good and could very well dominate like the 1992 team did.

[RhymesayersDU]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2530158

Celts sign undrafted West Virginia star Pittsnogle
Associated Press

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Free agent Kevin Pittsnogle has signed a two-year contract with the Boston Celtics, his agent said Wednesday.

Pittsnogle, a 6-foot-11 center who is West Virginia's career 3-point leader, was passed over in June's NBA draft along with Mountaineers teammate Mike Gansey. Both played for the Miami Heat in a summer league, and Gansey signed a two-year deal with the Heat.

Pittsnogle led the Mountaineers with 19.3 points per game last season and was named to the All-Big East first team. He led West Virginia to the regional semifinals of the NCAA Tournament the past two seasons.

"Clearly, Kevin's strength is extending defenses with his range. He's big enough and he's got a quick trigger," agent Dan Tobin said. "He's a unique player, somewhat of a specialist at this point. We're trying to expand other areas of his game and I think that's what's going to help him make the transition."

Pittsnogle made 253 career 3-pointers and his 41.1 percent 3-point accuracy rate ranks second in school history. He is sixth in career scoring with 1,708 points.

[GonzoLays]

He could quite possibly be the greatest undrafted FA in the history of the NBA.

[GSRelyea]

KING JAMES > Larry Legend

[GonzoLays]

Originally Posted by GSRelyea

KING JAMES > Larry Legend

Bwahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

Oh, wait.
















Bwhahahahahahahahahahaqhahahahahahahahahahahahahah ahahahahahaha

[RhymesayersDU]

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?...nba&id=2530487

Updated: July 26, 2006, 3:36 PM ET
Nuggets sign F Diawara
Associated Press
National Basketball Association News Wire

DENVER -- The Nuggets signed 6-foot-7 forward Yakhouba Diawara to a contract Wednesday.

Terms were not disclosed.

Diawara, 23, averaged 11.8 points and three rebounds per game over five summer league contests. In 2005-06, the Paris native played in 20 games for JDA Dijon Bourgogne of the French League and 25 games for Climamio Bologna of the Italian League. Diawara also played two seasons at Pepperdine University after two seasons at Southern Idaho Junior College.

[Clockwork Orange]

Blazers acquire Magloire for Blake, Skinner and Seung-Jin