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Community => JD Sports Forum! => Topic started by: JediMAC on March 23, 2003, 05:23 PM

Title: NBA - 2002/03
Post by: JediMAC on March 23, 2003, 05:23 PM
Updated now to "Off Season News", so scroll to the end of the thread...  ;)

------------------------


Lakers 104   Celtics 96

Yeah, you knew this would be waiting for you upon your return!   ;D  So what do you have to say for yourself Celtic boy?!

Just please no comments about any of the Lakers other recent games though...   ::)

P.S.  Patty sends her regards as well...   ;)
Title: Re: Oooohhhhh Breeeeeent...
Post by: dustrho on March 23, 2003, 06:08 PM
Hey Matt... how did your Raiders do in the Super Bowl?  I never found out what the final score ended up being.

 :P
Title: Re: Oooohhhhh Breeeeeent...
Post by: JediMAC on March 23, 2003, 06:14 PM
Unless I'm mistaken, I'm pretty sure we won!  This is still 1981, is it not?   :P
Title: Re: Oooohhhhh Breeeeeent...
Post by: BobaShek on March 23, 2003, 06:29 PM
You guys and your crazy sports... ;)
Title: Re: Oooohhhhh Breeeeeent...
Post by: chuckles on March 23, 2003, 08:47 PM
Wooohooo, yeah the Lakers rule!!!!

(sorry Brent, Matt put me up to it) ;)
Title: Re: Oooohhhhh Breeeeeent...
Post by: JediMAC on March 23, 2003, 09:39 PM
Wooohooo, yeah the Lakers rule!!!!

(sorry Brent, Matt put me up to it) ;)
Brent, I think you know my new best friend, Jim... don't you?!   ;D  He hails from the great state of Minnesota, where the heralded Laker franchise originated from long ago...  I think Scott's a closet fan too, due to his allegiance with this state, if I'm not mistaken...   :o

Right Scott?   :D

Say it with me...  FOUR-PEAT...   ;)
Title: Re: Oooohhhhh Breeeeeent...
Post by: Scott on March 23, 2003, 10:08 PM
Nope, like the Dallas Stars after them no way in H-E double hockey sticks will I ever root for a team who left the fine state of Minnesota

And the only thing I see the Lakers 4-peating this year is their losses in the first round to either the Spurs or the Kings...

KG sure put on a show on Friday adding another notch in his MVP resume belt...we shall see

I will as I told DennisTPM lay claim to all of Lakers titles they won while playing Minnesota s ours and not California's, you can take the Magic and Crybaby years, George Mikan, Vern Mikkelson, John Kundla and Bud Grant (yep that Bud Grant) were ours not yours...

BTW where is the nearest actual real lake to LA???  Tar Pits don't count
Title: Re: Oooohhhhh Breeeeeent...
Post by: Scott on March 23, 2003, 10:12 PM
I also find it strange that Brent's abscense occured the same time as this (http://espn.go.com/nba/news/2003/0321/1527668.html).  Coincidence?  I think not

And BTW, there is a real chance they might not even make the playoffs yet, hopefully they don't lose their #2 guy (like the T-Wolves have been without all year) in the next few games.  It would be a shame to see Kobe go down like that
Title: Re: Oooohhhhh Breeeeeent...
Post by: JediMAC on March 24, 2003, 01:43 AM
Are you threatening our Boy Wonder, Scott?!  I sure hope not, or KG will have to suffer the consequences.  I figured you'd stay in the closet with your Laker fandom.  Understandable...   ;)  But tell me this:  Does the Target Center have the Minneapolis Lakers Championship banners hanging up there or Mikan's jersey retired there (or anywhere nearby)?  If so, I'd say you could rightfully lay claim to their franchise.  But if not, you know where you can find that stuff hanging from their lofty perches high up in the rafters... Yep, Staples Center.  So until you guys honor your ol' boys out there, we get to keep 'em!   ;D

As for that espn report there - man that sucks.  Completely classless move by whomever did that.  Sacto better pray they stay out of our way in the playoffs.  I'm actually hoping that we stay in the #7 spot now, just so we can sweep their cow-tipping, bell-ringing butts right out of the first round!

So where's Brent anyways?  I thought it was just a weekend excursion he was going on...  You better not be ducking me now B!  I stepped up and took the heat last time (kinda)...   :P

And don't you go believing Jim there - I didn't make him do that!  He told me he's wanted to "come out" to you and his friends as a diehard Lakers fan for a long time.  Always good to root for a winner...   8)

Nearest lake?   Hmmm....  And I really can't include the La Brea tarpits?  Uh... well...  I think there's one a couple hours away from here somewhere...  Must be!  Of course, we've got that other pretty cool body of water right nearby...  I believe it's known as the Pacific Ocean.   ;D

Not too many "Trolley Dodgers" out here either, but I think we'll hang on to that name and the franchise's great history as well!   ;)  Well, kinda great history, anyways...   :-\
Title: Re: Oooohhhhh Breeeeeent...
Post by: JediMAC on March 25, 2003, 07:47 PM
Funny little blurb I just caught on the Lakers home page on ESPN.com:

Jedi mind tricks
 
When the Lakers started slowly this season, coach Phil Jackson suppressed the urge to hammer his players, writes ESPN.com's Tom Farrey. Jackson's artful handling of the crisis is one reason the team is back in playoff contention. "It's almost like the force," said Kobe Bryant. "He's like a Jedi and he can sense his way through things, and that's had a major impact. … You don't know what could have happened if he would have pushed the panic button. Maybe we would have gone the opposite direction. … But the fact that he stepped back and let us work through it has paid off."

Here's the link (scroll down a little):  Jedi Mind Tricks (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=lal)

Pretty funny stuff!  Kobe and the Force...  Cool!   8)
Title: Re: Oooohhhhh Breeeeeent...
Post by: JediMAC on March 26, 2003, 08:00 PM
I went ahead and replied to your original post on this matter as well...   :-*

Ooooh, JediMaaaaaaaac... (http://forums.rebelscum.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=9;t=007736)

So where the heck are you, eh?  You still away on your trip, or are you just hiding out being a big chicken?!?   ;D
Title: Re: Oooohhhhh Breeeeeent...
Post by: DSJ™ on March 26, 2003, 09:32 PM
Go Oil!   Sorry, wrong game.  ;D
Title: Re: Oooohhhhh Breeeeeent...
Post by: JediMAC on March 26, 2003, 09:44 PM
I thought that you were still asleep Dale.  Maybe you should go back to bed...   ::)   ;)

If you don't have anything good to say about the Lakers here, then don't say anthing at all!   :-X   :P   :D

We have another sports thread floating around here, where you're more than welcome to spout off about your long gone Champion sports franchises (maybe Brent can join you there).  Here you go:   8)

Alright SPORTS fans, name your teams! (http://www.jedidefender.com/yabbse/index.php?board=28;action=display;threadid=320)

Title: Re: Oooohhhhh Breeeeeent...
Post by: DSJ™ on March 26, 2003, 09:55 PM
You wish I was still asleep.  :P
I don't follow Basketball that much but I will say it is an interesting sport. So just to make you happy:  ;)

Go Lakers
Title: Re: Oooohhhhh Breeeeeent...
Post by: JediMAC on March 27, 2003, 12:58 AM
That's better Dale... sort of...  Is that the best you could do though?  How 'bout increasing the font size, and changing it to the Lakers purple color.  Spice it up a little, huh?!   :D  The soon to be 4-time champions deserve a little more snazzy accolade than that tiny little thing...   :-\

Thanks.  I'll check back in later to see what improvements you've made...   ;)
Title: Re: Oooohhhhh Breeeeeent...
Post by: DSJ™ on March 27, 2003, 09:14 AM
You don't ask for much do you.  ;)
How about this for a start.

(http://www.onlinesports.com/images/win-3x5-lakers.jpg)
Title: Re: Oooohhhhh Breeeeeent...
Post by: JediMAC on March 27, 2003, 02:26 PM
Oh yes, now we're talkin' Dale!  That's MUCH better, and a very worthy salutation to the 3-time defending Champs!

Now if chicken boy Brent would just poke his nose in here, we'll be in business!   :D
Title: Re: Oooohhhhh Breeeeeent...
Post by: Morgbug on March 30, 2003, 11:48 PM
It's a dang conspiracy, it is.  With all due respect to Chris and Scott, this smells rotten.

Oh sure, the Celts lost (lord only knows why JM is celebrating so, part of a 2-8 run by the Celts - not sure what sort of clever lead-up-to-the-playoffs strategy it is, but they sure are sneaky) but what hurts more is the betrayal of a friend and the coercion by which it arose.  

Et tu, Chuckles? :o

Oh sure, you tell me JM put you up to it, but no emails unless I contact you first?  The shame, the sorrow.  

At least OCB is still supportive.  Thank goodness for that, lest I think this site was a conspiracy against me (even my fellow Canuck is flinging banners about).  Finally, FINALLY I reach a level of fame and fortune that an actual internet thread bears my name (though grossly misspelled) and I find I am unable to reply and must suffer the slings and arrows of said outrageous fortune.  Alas, poor Yorrick, I knew him well.  Huh?  Oh, sorry.

Point - the Lakers still suck, they had to steal a team from another state.

Point - basketball sucks relative to hockey.  

Point - I was indeed away until Wednesday night and not anywhere near Shaq ::)

Point - I guess now that I'm famous, I should be a mod, huh?

Point - where's Mel Gibson when you need him.  

Now, where did I put that copy of Catcher in the Rye?  Ah, by the Shakespeare...
Title: Re: Oooohhhhh Breeeeeent...
Post by: Morgbug on March 31, 2003, 01:16 AM
Sonics!  Sonics!  Sonics!

Hey, aren't they in the west?  Oops.  Gotta get outta there before you can beat up on the east.  

 :P :P :P :P :P
Title: Re: Oooohhhhh Breeeeeent...
Post by: DSJ™ on March 31, 2003, 01:24 AM
Sonics! Isn't that a Hedhog.  ;D
Hey, I can have fun too.  ;)

(http://www.gamespy.com/bizbuzz/july02/bizbuzz26/sonics.jpg)
Title: Re: Oooohhhhh Breeeeeent...
Post by: JediMAC on April 1, 2003, 08:11 PM
Nice to finally have you back Brent!  I hope you weren't too offended, annoyed, or frustrated with our temporary banning of you from JD.  Fortunately, it doesn't sound like it...   ;D

We just thought it would be more fun that way, so that when all the mudslinging, coercion ::), and fun was going on and being directed at you and the paltry Celt's, you would have no ability to retort and defend yourself in a fair and proper manner whatsoever.   8)

And really now... if Jim and Dale are truly your friends, you should allow them to root for whomever their hearts desire.  If that just so happens to be the best team in the NBA, and 3-time defending World Champions, then more power to 'em.  Always nice to be a fan of the Champs!  You can hold your head high wherever you go!  To suggest that anyone was rooting for the Lakers here with anything other than purely honest intentions is just silly...   ;)

Well, even if we don't get our long awaited classic 80's rivalry revived in the Finals, it at least looks like you'll be able to do that in the first round in the Eastern playoffs vs. the Sixers.  That should be fun to watch.  Meanwhile, the Lakers (resting comfortably in their # 7 spot) will be dispatching of the whiny babies known as the Sucramento Queens!

I am glad to hear that it wasn't you defacing Shaq's 20,000 point ball there Brent.  I know you have a lot of pent up hostility towards the always winning Lakers, but grafitting vulgarities on someone's special ball just really didn't sound in character for you.  Close, but not quite...

BTW, I think Chris R. (dustrho) has been converted to a Laker fan now as well, after I sent him a real nice (and unexpected) Laker banner as part of our recent trade.  He told me he really liked it and put it up in his Living Room window for his whole Chicago area neighborhood to see...  I think I even heard him chanting "Ko-be, Ko-be, Ko-be" clear over here the other night.  Looks like you and Scott now stand alone.  I'm still working on him though.  I'm sure he'll eventually come around and recognize the true roots of NBA hoops in the state of Minnesota...  :D

So, with all that in mind, who do you guys all think the Lakers will face from the East in the Finals this year?
Title: Re: Oooohhhhh Breeeeeent...
Post by: Scott on April 1, 2003, 10:07 PM
Matt...

I am pretty sure the Lakers numbers are retired here in the rafters of Minnesota's Target Center or else they list the 7 Mpls Lakers who are in the hall of fame

George Mikan
Vern Mikkelsen
Slater Martin
Elgin Baylor
Clyde Lovellette
Jim Pollard
John Kundla

I don't think the Pacific Ocean is a lake either...nice try though.  The only lake I can remember is after Kobe starts complaining to refs about some bogus call...the lake of tears

And there is no way the refs will give the Lakers the series against Sacramento this year...they'll be lucky to get to Game 6!  
Title: Re: Oooohhhhh Breeeeeent...
Post by: Morgbug on April 2, 2003, 12:17 AM
Bandwagon.  The world's a bandwagon.   ;D

Fortunately, I don't know Chris (yet) so I hold no animosity towards him.  Chuckles and I worked through the details and his wife has straightened him out.  Otherwise I send her no more gifts.  

And you are correct, I never would have defaced the ball.  Of course, if Smaq could shoot free throws, he would probably be at 25K now.  Yeah, yeah, I know, nobody practices harder than he does.  Still, pretty sad.  I actually developed my dislike for him prior to his Laker days when he could have already had two championships under his belt, had he been able to shoot free throws.  And it would have dimmed the aura of a certain Bull.  But, clanging iron from the stripe will be his legacy, if only to me.  He may be in the top five all time, but not number one.  

Kobe who?  Funny how Sacramento and Seattle are both out west, eh?  Given the way the Celts are playing, I wouldn't be all that surprised if they lose, especially to a hot Philly.  But it won't really matter when the Lakers get their lottery pick.  

Dale?  who is this Dale you speak of.  Probably another old guy in Canada.  
Title: Re: Oooohhhhh Breeeeeent...
Post by: DSJ™ on April 7, 2003, 08:43 AM
Dale?  who is this Dale you speak of.  Probably another old guy in Canada.  

It is I. King Fart #2.   :P  
Well I saw the highlights of the game on Sportsnet. After watching almost 15 mins of Vancouver hockey highlights,  ::)
yea, they choked, All I can say for basketball is:
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
:-* ;D LAKERS  :P   :-*
Title: Re: Oooohhhhh Breeeeeent...
Post by: JediMAC on April 7, 2003, 02:15 PM
Yeah!  You tell him Dale!!   8)   Glowing smileys...  I love it!

BTW, anyone else notice Kobe's back to back game winning shots lately?   ;)  We're on a roll again...  WATCH OUT!

(http://www.msnbc.com/news/1854589.jpg)

If you may have missed last night's game, here's a link for you to read up on it:  Kobe Heroics: The Encore (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/news/2003/04/06/lakers_suns_ap/)
Title: Re: The Official NBA (mostly Lakers) thread!
Post by: Morgbug on April 8, 2003, 12:31 AM
OH sure, my moment of glory edited away.  

You starting to get nervous about the playoffs?  Trying to make sure my name ain't up there in glowing lights when the Oceaners fail to fourpeat?  Chickenboy?

/me TBM
Title: Re: The Official NBA (mostly Lakers) thread!
Post by: dustrho on April 8, 2003, 12:39 AM
All I can say is that you're lucky I'm not a moderator of this particular forum, because I would delete all the Lakers crap that's posted here.  I think it should be banned from JediDefender.  What does everyone else think about that?

(http://66.227.101.70/contrib/edoom/bounce2.gif)
Title: Re: The Official NBA (mostly Lakers) thread!
Post by: aka DaBigKahuna on April 8, 2003, 01:10 AM
Having been a resident of the L.A. area for most of my life I have two words to say.

Shaq Attack!  I'm not one of those bragadocious types.  I'm just enjoying the ride...
Title: Re: The Official NBA (mostly Lakers) thread!
Post by: JediMAC on April 8, 2003, 02:23 AM
OH sure, my moment of glory edited away.

Sorry Brent, but it seemed like all the fame and notoriety was really starting to go to your head.   ::)  I just couldn't take it anymore, so I changed it to something more neutral so the rest of the gang could understand the topic and join in - just in case they didn't know what the hell "Oh Breeeeeeent" meant!   :P

From FishEyedLouie:
Quote
I'm not one of those bragadocious types.

Thank God one of us is Matthew!   ;)

Title: Re: The Official NBA (mostly Lakers) thread!
Post by: ed_dotcom on April 8, 2003, 03:43 AM
All I have to say is in two weeks, "Bring It On".

Sacramento KINGS fan for life baby!!

i am ed.

__________________________________________________________
Mitch Richmond for Chris Webber? Man what a deal!
-Washington Post
Title: Re: The Official NBA (mostly Lakers) thread!
Post by: aka DaBigKahuna on April 8, 2003, 12:06 PM
All I have to say is in two weeks, "Bring It On".

Sacramento KINGS fan for life baby!!

i am ed.

__________________________________________________________
Mitch Richmond for Chris Webber? Man what a deal!
-Washington Post

As a great actress once said in an Academy Award Winning Film...

"Oh, it's been brought!" ;D

O.K. maybe not a great actress and not an academy award winning film.  To all those Sacramento fans, I have one word for ya...

HORRY!

O.K. Matt maybe I get bragadocious at times...

All in good fun,


FishEyedLouie
Title: Re: The Official NBA (mostly Lakers) thread!
Post by: Scott on April 8, 2003, 03:52 PM
Sweet another Laker hater, join in on the fun, especially when the Lakers fall flat in the first round this year!
Title: Re: The Official NBA (mostly Lakers) thread!
Post by: JediMAC on April 8, 2003, 06:30 PM
All I have to say is in two weeks, "Bring It On".

Sacramento KINGS fan for life baby!!

i am ed.

Normally I'm first in line to welcome any new members to our forums Ed, but in this particular instance...  Um...  Well...   ::)  Kings suck!   :-X   But I guess welcome to JediDefender anyways...   ;)

- Mr. Diehard Laker Fan   8)

P.S.  You weren't that guy who defaced Shaq's 20,000 point ball up there, were you Ed?!?   :P

P.S.S.  Just ignore OCB there.  He doesn't know what the hell he's talking about!   >:(

/me slaps Scott for his dumba$$ comment.   :-*
Title: Re: The Official NBA (mostly Lakers) thread!
Post by: Morgbug on April 13, 2003, 10:38 PM
/me Portland slaps LA

Gee, aren't the Blazers in the west?  Uh-oh  ;D
Title: Re: The Official NBA (mostly Lakers) thread!
Post by: Scott on April 13, 2003, 11:25 PM
You do not know how much I am rooting for the Blazers to get that 5th spot.  As much as I hate the Lakers the T-Pups do not match up very well with them and probably have no shot at beating them.  They can kill the Blazers though...2 games left Go Blazers!
Title: Re: The Official NBA (mostly Lakers) thread!
Post by: FX-7 on April 15, 2003, 02:47 PM
Go Nuggets, one more loss and a Cavs win and we have the most ping pong balls!
Title: Re: The Official NBA (mostly Lakers) thread!
Post by: JediMAC on April 15, 2003, 07:55 PM
/me Portland slaps LA

Gee, aren't the Blazers in the west?  Uh-oh  ;D

Not funny bugboy!   :-X   What the hell is Rasheed doing launching up game winning 3's like that anyways?!?  That totally blows.  Big time...  Ruined a perfectly nice Sunday afternoon for me!   >:(

Oh well, it's not like we needed home court anyways.  Still not even close to being worried, despite the fact that we may have to go through Dallas, Sacto, and San Antonio to get to the Finals again.  No sweat.   8)
Title: Re: The Official NBA (mostly Lakers) thread!
Post by: Morgbug on April 16, 2003, 12:01 AM
Are you a betting man? ;D
Title: Re: The Official NBA (mostly Lakers) thread!
Post by: Scott on April 16, 2003, 02:04 PM
I'd like to bet as well...no way they are making the finals, the Spurs own them this year
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Scott on April 17, 2003, 09:26 AM
Holy Crap, the T-Pups versus the Lakers in the First Round.  I hate our chances, as much as I hate the Lakers I don't see any chance the Wloves will beat the Lakers, nobody matches up well against the big Galoot in the middle or can contain the Crybaby out on the perimeter.  Same goes for KG on our end but Kobe can more than shut down Wally.  Oh to have Terrell Brandon still playing  :'(

Anyway...

Western Conference  

#1 (http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)
vs
#8 (http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/pho_logo.gif)

#2 (http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sac_logo.gif)
vs
#7 (http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/uth_logo.gif)

#3 (http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/dal_logo.gif)
vs
#6 (http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/por_logo.gif)

#4 (http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/min_logo.gif)
vs
#5 (http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/lal_logo.gif)

Eastern Conference

#1 (http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/det_logo.gif)
vs
#8 (http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/orl_logo.gif)

#2 (http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/njn_logo.gif)
vs
#7 (http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/mil_logo.gif)

#3 (http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/ind_logo.gif)
vs
#6 (http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/bos_logo.gif)

#4 (http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/phi_logo.gif)
vs
#5 (http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/nor_logo.gif)
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: JediMAC on April 17, 2003, 01:41 PM
Yeah, I figured you wouldn't be too thrilled waking up to that news today Scott.  And it's all because the pathetic Blazers got their butts kicked by the lowly Clippers last night!  If the Blazers had handled their business and won, they would've stayed ahead of us, and we'd be in the #6 spot playing Dallas in the first round.

I was actually hoping to stay in the #6 spot myself for a few reasons (none of which are related to be nervous about the Wolves).  I actually wanted to have to beat the top 3 teams (record wise) in the league - Dallas, Sacramento, and San Antonio - to get to the Finals.  Gotta beat the best to be the best, and I would've loved to get all 3 of them and put them in their place despite our subpar season this year.  Guess I'll just have to settle for the Kings and Spurs instead.

Second, believe it or not, I actually like the T-Wolves and Garnett, and usually root them on to do well.  I hate the rep Garnett's gotten due to all the first round exits they've had.  It's not deserved.  I was hoping they could smack Portland around in the first round this year so he could get that proverbial monkey off his back.  Unfortunately, that's not going to happen AGAIN this year now, which sucks for them and KG.

Sorry Scott.  I'll try to keep my smack talk to a minimum, 'cause I really like your guys and will feel bad for them having to get wiped by the Lakers steamroller right now...   :(

Really sad to see Jordan hang it up last night as well.   :'(  I'm bummed that he didn't get a shot at making some noise in the wide open Eastern Conference playoffs.  Would've been fun to watch.  Oh well...
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Scott on April 17, 2003, 01:46 PM
Wow, mighty kind of you, with our upcoming bout coming up, my passion for dissing the Lakers and us butting heads in the MLB Playoffs last year, you have evry right to rub it in a little.

The Wolves might win one, maybe two but I see the Lakers in 5  :'(

I'm still going with the Kings or Spurs versus the proverbial Eastern Patsy, Philly and NJ have both had a shot, lets go with a throwback to the Bad Boys and say Detroit versus SA in the finals (snooze)
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: FX-7 on April 17, 2003, 01:58 PM
Yippee the Nuggies tied for the worst record in the NBA, LeBron James here we go!
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: JediMAC on April 17, 2003, 02:02 PM
Well, feel free to still hate away Scott!  Just because I generally like your team, obviously you don't have to like mine in return...   :-*  But once we quickly dispose of the Wolves (I'm guessing in 4), you and I can commence with the "pleasantries" as usual!   ;)  In the meantime, feel free to hammer me with the one-sided trash talk for now.  I can take it...   :D

As for who comes out of the East, I'm going to have to guess New Jersey, Indiana, or Philly (in that order).  Detroit just doesn't have the playoff experience or go-to guy to make it through IMO.  They had an amazing regular season (over achieving) and play some great D, but the party will soon be over for them, even with Wallace back in the fold...
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: JediMAC on April 17, 2003, 06:37 PM
Quick quiz...

Who is this guy:

(http://i.cnn.net/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3252.jpg)

1)  Is it Blossom's brother Anthony from the 1991 hit TV show Blossom?

2)  Is it Jimmy from Beverly Hills 90210 (Kelly's friend who dies of AIDS)?

3)  Or is it an NBA all-star power forward...?

And please ignore the watermark in the lower right hand corner...  :P
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: JediMAC on April 19, 2003, 07:08 PM
Wow, that was a mighty impressive comeback in Indiana today by your boys there Brent!  Pierce really stepped up in the fourth with a couple of clutch 3's and endless free throws (21/21, wow!).  Gotta give 'em credit - they never gave up...

I guess I wouldn't mind seeing the dreaded Celt's hand it to the Pacers, who I currently detest even more.  I've never liked that pretty boy Isiah Thomas.  I HATE Reggie Miller more than anyone in the league, except possibly Scottie Pippen.  The way he flails his limbs around in the air to imitate a foul every single time he shoots the ball is an embarrasment to the game.  Despise the idiot Ron Artest too.  What an out-of-control freak.  Mike Miller's a jerk too.

So for once, I think I'm actually rooting for your team Brent.  Enjoy it while it lasts!   ;)  Boy, if I can't talk much smack to either you OR Scott in the first round, this is gonna be really boring...   :-\

/me slaps Brent and Scott, since he can't root against their teams right now...

Wow, and an unbelievable finish (to regulation and OT) in the Spurs/Suns game 1.  Two desparation 3 point bank shots, and Phoenix takes the early lead.  Duncan's got no one to blame but himself for missing those last 2 free throws with 5 seconds left.  Could've iced the game...   ::)  Works for me though!  Fun watching the underdog kick some booty!   :)

BTW, you guys still owe me an answer to my quiz question in my previous post here!   :-*
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Scott on April 20, 2003, 06:01 PM
Well, they made it interesting at least.  I was about ready to throw in the towel for the whole series based on the first 5 minutes of the game.  We have no shot... :'( :'(  Go Spurs, Kings, or Mavs
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Scott on April 22, 2003, 11:00 PM
Now that is a first half of basketball.  This is also why the Lakers will not 4 peat, or 4 play...you might as well 4 get it Matt :-*
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Scott on April 23, 2003, 12:23 AM
Man was Troy Hudson on fire tonight, why couldn't they have done this on Sunday?  At least they will be coming back to Minnesota for Game 5 :-[  Now we need the Wild to score a goal and go to Round 2 before the Wolves do!
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Morgbug on April 23, 2003, 12:42 AM
Oh sure, it won't be a sweep, but let's just dream of a role reversal and pretend the pups are on the same road as the ducks were in hockey.  It could happen and boy, would I enjoy it ;D
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: JediMAC on April 23, 2003, 02:16 AM
What are you two talking about?  Did the Lakers play tonight, or something?  I must've missed it...   :P   :-*

 >:(   ::)   >:(   ::)   >:(
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Scott on April 24, 2003, 09:03 PM
Pivotal Game 3 tonight...for some stooooopid reason though the game doesn't start here until 10PM, there is no way I can stay up tonight.

I think the Lakers will rebound and kill the Pups tonight, there is no way Hudson can play as well as he did on Tuesday.  I'll read your snide comments tomorrow I guess Matt, although true to your word you have been...restrained.  For that I'll give you 9 out of 10 Smilies

:):):):):):):):):)
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Morgbug on April 25, 2003, 01:29 AM
Matt and Scott may be here sooner than the end of the hockey game :o  5:45 left in 4th quarter, tied at 87.  

Great night for sports, bad night for sleep.
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: JediMAC on April 25, 2003, 02:59 AM
Did the Lakers play AGAIN tonight?  Geez, I was too enthralled with that insane Ducks/Stars game to even notice.   ::)  Now those guys have HEART.  Maybe the sorry a$$ Lakers should watch a replay of the Ducks game to learn what drive, desire, and determination are all about, 'cause they sure as $hi* don't have it.

Wolves played a tough game.  They deserved it.  Garnett is a total stud, despite his stupid 6th foul right at the beginning of OT.  If the Lakers can't beat the Wolves without their MVP candidate or center, in the entire overtime, on OUR floor, then we should just stick our tails in between our legs and walk our sorry @$$ butts back home.  Kobe and Shaq both stunk the place up.  Kobe just looked like he didn't even care most of the game...  They better get it in gear real quick, else JediMAC winds up rooting for the Wolves throughout the rest of the playoffs.   :-X
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Scott on April 25, 2003, 09:56 AM
Sounds like the refs tried to Sacramento the Wolves last night with some of the worst officiating since Game 6 of the KIngs-Lakers series last year.

I am shocked that they won, even more shocked they won with all of the calls going against them and even more more shocked they won without KG and Rasho.

Egads!  Make me (and most of MN) a believer!  I want this so abd but don't want my hopes to be crushed
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: JediMAC on April 25, 2003, 03:04 PM
Sounds like the refs tried to Sacramento the Wolves last night with some of the worst officiating since Game 6 of the KIngs-Lakers series last year.

I read those reports on both CNNSI and ESPN (AP) this morning and am frankly completely dumbfounded by them.  I'm not quite sure what the hell game those guys were watching, but I didn't find any of those 3 specific calls questionable AT ALL.  They showed several replays of each of them, and not even any of the announcers took issue with the calls.  Pretty cut and dry to me.  Furthermore, it looked like Garnett should have definitely fouled out late in the fourth quarter on what should have been a foul on Kobe's drive - and I don't see anyone mentioning that.  Considering KG torched us after that particular non-call, I'm more than willing to fuss like hell about that one.  There may have been others here and there, but if anything, I thought the officiating was going AGAINST the Lakers the entire game.

But I'll definitely agree that the fourth quarter of that Sacto game last year was truly embarrassing, but I like to look at it as a whole lotta makeup calls for all the non-calls throughout the prior games (and 3 quarters) in that series.  Shaq was getting hacked by 2 or 3 of their guys every time he touched the ball, and there were rarely any corresponding calls.  But I digress...

Whichever way the calls went last night, the T-Wolves won fair and square.  Kicked our butts, and played with 10x more heart and hustle than we did...
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Morgbug on April 28, 2003, 12:40 AM
Well, the world is an interesting place.  At least if yo are a sports fan.  

NBA today went as it should and as it shouldn't.  Much to Scott's dismay, the Lakers tied up the series.  No surprise at home though.  

The bigger surprise, even to me, is the Celtics.  Pretty close to a strangle hold on their series with the Pacers.  Pretty cool, I must say.  Had an opportunity to take the Celtics in a bet, but chickened out.  Oops.

Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: JediMAC on April 28, 2003, 03:34 PM
Well, that Lakers/T'Wolves Game 4 was just flat out ugly to watch.  I guess all that matters it that we pulled the "W", but man...  I wonder how bad Kobe's shoulder is really hurting, 'cause I haven't seen him shoot this bad in years.  He says it's not too bad, but I think that's just 'cause he doesn't like to make excuses.

KG played another great game, but choked by missing those 2 free throws with 15 seconds left.  That effectively ended it.  Not sure why Flip took Hudson out for so long either.  Sure, Strickland filled in decently, but Hudson totally cooled off, and was a total non-factor when he finally did get back in, halfway through the fourth quarter, after a sizzling first three.  Very bad move...

Celt's are waxing the Pacers - very good to see.  T-Mac and the Magic are handing it to the overachieving Pistons too.  Pretty sad to watch a #1 seed getting worked over so badly.  Pathetic really.  Suns are all knotted up with the (now) underachieving Spurs - that's nice to see.  Even the long in the tooth Jazz snuck a game from the Kings.  Cool!  Fun 1st round action across the board!  Too bad the Mav's couldn't seal the deal and sweep the criminal Blazers out of picture for good...

Back to MN we go!  Hasta man(y)ana...
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: JediMAC on April 30, 2003, 09:56 PM
Ah yes... now that was more like it (last night).  Order seems to have been restored in the universe after the Lakers 30 point trouncing of the Pups last night.  Not to mention Troy Hudson realized he's not Michael Jordan, and finally came back down to Earth!  Not counting anyone out though...  Still one win to go in this series!

Celts sure stunk up the joint in OT last night...   ::)  What was the deal with that Brent?  First OT shutout in playoff history!  Ugh.  They better not let those damned Pacers back into it now...

Might be Stockton and Malone's last get together tonight as well.  It'll be sad to watch the end of that era - which just could never quite make it to the top.

Hornets suprisingly stung the 76'ers back tonight, as it appears the Pistons are about to do to the Magic.  Some more well fought series there...
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: JediMAC on May 1, 2003, 05:18 PM
Some big games tonight!  Hopefully my boys will close out the Pups, and not mess with going back there for a game 7!  Three other 3-2 matchups tonight.  Should be exciting...


Yo, who's your daddy?!

(http://www.nba.com/media/lakers/bryant_254_030429.jpg) (http://www.nba.com/media/act_kobe_bryant.jpg)

The New Mr. Clutch (http://espn.go.com/page2/s/rosen/030501.html)
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Morgbug on May 1, 2003, 10:56 PM
Who's your daddy?  I dunno, does he have GREEN eyes? ;D
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Morgbug on May 2, 2003, 12:39 AM
If the Lakers win, they get the Spurs.  That should prove an interesting match up.  Nets are through too.  
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: JediMAC on May 2, 2003, 12:58 AM
If the Lakers win, they get the Spurs.

Bring 'em on then, 'cause this game is already OVER.  The Kid is in the zone, so you might as well chalk up one more first round exit for KG, sadly enough as he did everything he could.  Spurs?  Yeah, whatever.  You mean the guys who just got pasted by the Suns TWICE?  OK.  Really scared...   ::)

Glad to see the Celtics are moving on, and to be honest, I'd love to see them get past the Nets as well.  This is a little confusing since I generally DESPISE the green leprechaun worshipping turds.  But like I said last year, I'd love to rekindle that old rivalry and get a big piece of them in the Finals!  But oddly enough, looks like I'll still be rooting for those Irish clowns for a little while...   :-[
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Morgbug on May 2, 2003, 09:15 AM

Bring 'em on then, 'cause this game is already OVER.  The Kid is in the zone, so you might as well chalk up one more first round exit for KG, sadly enough as he did everything he could.  Spurs?  Yeah, whatever.  You mean the guys who just got pasted by the Suns TWICE?  OK.  Really scared...   ::)

Yep, them lowly Spurs are certainly no match for the Lakers.  After all, the Lakers won the season series 4-0 right?  Oh dear, no, that's not quite right, is it?  My, my, after checking, it appears that it just might have been the other way around.  Have the Lakers beaten the Spurs this year?  Maybe in exhibition season when they thought they were playing hockey.   8)
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Scott on May 2, 2003, 09:42 AM
Sitting in a hotel room in Hotlanta seeing the Pups getting pasted by 30 freaking points the other night was not my idea of a good time.  They had them on Sunday and blew it and lost all momentum...sadly I think it may be time to shop KG around.  Sure he is one of the greatest physical talents of all time, I love watching the kid shoot 19-21 foot jumpers, but the supporting cast (including Wally) is pathetic, we need bodies and trading him for 2 or 3 starters and a couple of #1's plus freeing up cap space is the way to go right now.  Sad but there is no other way this franchise will ever get over that hump in large part due to his enormous salary
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Scott on May 5, 2003, 11:09 AM
ROUND 2

Western Conference  

#1 (http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)
vs
#5 (http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/lal_logo.gif)

#2 (http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sac_logo.gif)
vs
#3 (http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/dal_logo.gif)


Eastern Conference

#1 (http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/det_logo.gif)
vs
#4 (http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/phi_logo.gif)

#2 (http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/njn_logo.gif)
vs
#6 (http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/bos_logo.gif)

After sweating a little with my Bad Boys pick of Detroit they finally showed up and took care of O-Town, they should be able to beat the one man wonder in 7.  These are all great matchups, and I am really looking forward to the Spurs/Lakers series.  Parker and Duncan is a better combo than Hudson/KG and should be able to beat the Lakers, depends on if Shaq shows up or not, SPurs in 6!  I'll also take Sacramento in 6 and Boston in 6 in the other two series,
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: dustrho on May 6, 2003, 12:24 AM
Game 1, 2nd Round

SPURS... 87

    VS.

LAKERS... 82

 ;D
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: JediMAC on May 6, 2003, 05:38 AM
Another less than exciting game to watch overall, but hey - defense wins championships I guess...   :-\

I'm going to try real hard here to bite my tongue and not point out the 35-12 free throw disparity between the two teams (you can figure out who it favors, I'm sure  >:().  Duncan shot more free throws than the entire Laker team.  Say what?!  Shaq only got fouled 3 times the whole game?  Yeah, right.  Kobe got fouled ONE TIME, in 39 freaking shot attempts?!?  Are you kidding me?  If this was a blowout, the disgustingly lopsided (and totally bogus) foul calls (or lack thereof) wouldn't be such a big factor.  Just total BS if you ask me.  Looked like the 4th quarter of that Sacto game last year where the Lakers got every call.  Whatever...  ::)

We'll get 'em on Wednesday.

It also sucked to see the ever boring Duncan pull in another MVP award - over the more deserving KG (and even Kobe).  YAWN...  Guess KG ain't ever going to win one if he couldn't do it this year.  I realize the MVP generally goes to a player on one of the teams with the best records, but it doesn't have to go to the best player on the team with THE best record does it?!  C'mon.  Spread the wealth around a little you dumb crap voters.  KG was supposed to be the sentimental favorite as well - and his all around numbers were even better than Duncan's.  And the fourth best record in the entire league is pretty much good enough to garner the "one of the top teams" status that the MVP should be on.  Again, whatever...   ::)

Should've been Kidd last year too (while I'm in my whiny peehole mode here)!
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: dustrho on May 6, 2003, 10:17 AM
It also sucked to see the ever boring Duncan pull in another MVP award - over the more deserving KG (and even Kobe).  YAWN...  Guess KG ain't ever going to win one if he couldn't do it this year.  I realize the MVP generally goes to a player on one of the teams with the best records, but it doesn't have to go to the best player on the team with THE best record does it?!  C'mon.  Spread the wealth around a little you dumb crap voters.  KG was supposed to be the sentimental favorite as well - and his all around numbers were even better than Duncan's.  And the fourth best record in the entire league is pretty much good enough to garner the "one of the top teams" status that the MVP should be on.  Again, whatever...   ::)

Should've been Kidd last year too (while I'm in my whiny peehole mode here)!

Matt, I totally agree with you on this one.  I don't think Duncan really should have gotten that award.  Did he deserve it?  I think so.  But were there other people out there whould deserved it more than him?  Yes.

This kinda brings me back to the NFL's Pro Bowl selection of this past season, which totally burns me up inside.  The best running back in the NFC this past season was Shaun Alexander.  Did he make it to the Pro Bowl?  No.  Marshall Faulk made it to the Pro Bowl, and it was definitely one of his worst seasons ever in the NFL.  That kind of crap really makes the whole Pro Bowl deal worthless to me.  I used to watch it MANY years ago when they would pick the best of the best.  Now it's the most popular and once-was players.

Sorry to go off into another sport, but I had to.
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: dustrho on May 6, 2003, 11:33 PM
Both the 76ers and the Mavericks lost tonight... how sweet it is!

 ;D
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Morgbug on May 7, 2003, 11:31 AM
Matt.  Question time.

Do you think the NBA really actually calls all the fouls?  Ever?  In any game?  Remember, I'm old enough to recall when basketball was a non-contact sport.  It looks more and more like a rugby scrum all the time.  

By the same token, 3 in the key; travel ball?  This is why I prefer college, they actually play by the rules of a game called basketball, rather than an entertainment program known as the NBA.  

Don't worry though, the calls will be reversed when the series shifts out west.
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: FX-7 on May 7, 2003, 03:57 PM
I can't wait to see the Spurs or Kings beeeotch the Lakers.  I think the Spurs can do it and if they can't the Kings for sure will finish them off
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Scott on May 7, 2003, 11:38 PM
(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)

Spurs by 30...Ouch, Injuries suck don't they, try playing without your $10M point guard for a year and a half

(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: dustrho on May 7, 2003, 11:44 PM
Scott, I was just about to post the same type of message that you did, but you beat me to the punch.  I've been watching the Spurs humiliate the Lakers, and I'm loving every second of it.

94-67 after three periods... HAHAHAHA!!!
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: JediMAC on May 7, 2003, 11:51 PM
Why I oughta...   :-X

/me slaps EVERYONE, especially his dumba$$ Laker team!   >:(

Fortunately, I'm still at the office, and not actually watching this CRAP.  Unfortunately, my wife keeps calling me and giving me updates on the madness...   ::)

::Stomps off in a grumpy huff::
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Morgbug on May 7, 2003, 11:52 PM
Still a quarter left.  Too early to celebrate that one.  I hope they win, but too soon to start rubbing that in yet.  A team like the Lakers could erase 30 points pretty quick, not that the Spurs are any slouch at D though.
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: dustrho on May 8, 2003, 12:00 AM
7 minutes left in the game... Lakers (75) vs. Spurs (102)

I don't think the Lakers are going to come back during this game.

Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: dustrho on May 8, 2003, 12:20 AM
GAME OVER!!!

Lakers (95) vs. Spurs (114)

I am soooooooooooo happy that the Spurs DESTROYED the Lakers!!!!  HAHAHAHA!!!
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Nicklab on May 8, 2003, 12:21 AM
Nets win!  Woohoo!
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: dustrho on May 8, 2003, 12:28 AM
Hey Matt, did you happen to watch the game tonight?

(http://smilies.networkessence.net/s/otn/realhappy/xxrotflmao.gif)
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Scott on May 8, 2003, 12:35 AM
(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)

(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)

(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)

(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)

(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: JediMAC on May 8, 2003, 12:36 AM
Hey Matt, did you happen to watch the game tonight?

(http://smilies.networkessence.net/s/otn/realhappy/xxrotflmao.gif)

Why I oughta...   :-X

/me slaps EVERYONE, especially his dumba$$ Laker team!   >:(

Fortunately, I'm still at the office, and not actually watching this CRAP.  Unfortunately, my wife keeps calling me and giving me updates on the madness...   ::)

::Stomps off in a grumpy huff::

Nope.  Thank God.  I'm still at the office (and will be ALL night) - didn't watch a second of the game tonight.  Didn't even bring the score up once online either.  Besides, I don't even know what you guys are even yappin' about!  I ain't no Laker fan...   ::)

GO DUCKS!!!   8)
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: dustrho on May 8, 2003, 12:44 AM
You're no Laker fan, huh?  I figured you were just on the Bandwagon, seeing as they won three championships in a row.

 :P
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: dustrho on May 8, 2003, 12:45 AM
Scott, our minds are so much alike!

[size=10]GO SPURS!!![/size]
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Morgbug on May 8, 2003, 12:53 AM
 ;D
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: JediMAC on May 8, 2003, 01:11 AM
You're no Laker fan, huh?  I figured you were just on the Bandwagon, seeing as they won three championships in a row.

 :P

Alright, fair enough.  I suppose I've got it coming for all the crap I've been talking all year, huh?  ;)

Not a bandwagoner with these guys though, just a royally pissed off fan when they play below their potential.  But the Spurs deserve much of the credit so far.  They're smacking us around like nobody's business.  Still not worried yet though (pissed, but not worried).  It ain't over 'til that Gargan chick starts singing, or dancing, or whatever...   ::)

But I'll say this much, if we don't win one of the next two home games at Staples, then we're in big trouble...   :P
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: dustrho on May 8, 2003, 10:30 AM
"You'll be dead!!!" Dr. Evazan shouted.
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: dustrho on May 9, 2003, 04:17 PM
Glad the 76ers lost last night.  I'm also glad that the Mavericks won their game against the Kings, because that's going to be an awesome series.

Do you think the Lakers will advance past the Spurs?  Anyone???
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Morgbug on May 9, 2003, 04:53 PM

Do you think the Lakers will advance past the Spurs?  Anyone???

I do not.  BTW, is it just me, or is Matt really quiet lately ;D
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: JediMAC on May 9, 2003, 06:20 PM
BTW, is it just me, or is Matt really quiet lately ;D

Pretty quiet, yeah...  But moreso due to the fact that I haven't left my office in about 4 days, except a few times to sleep.  Worked 32 straight hours at one point!   ::)  Missed the last Laker game entirely (thank God)!  Hopefully I'll be able to catch tonight's contest, but it's not looking too good right now...  Work is kicking my @$$!!!  Looks like I'll be locked up in here all weekend too.   :'(

BTW, can anyone remind me what my wife's name is please...  I seem to have forgotten since I haven't seen her in almost a week now...   :P

P.S.  I still ain't worried 'bout my boys...  They'll come back.  You'll see!   ;D

- Laker Faithful
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Morgbug on May 9, 2003, 10:45 PM
Y'know, if you reopen bidding on Patty, I bet I'd win.  Thinking of moving to Utah anyway....

That poster is just hanging there waiting for a bet....
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: JediMAC on May 10, 2003, 08:17 AM
Ah yes, all is right again in the world!  At least today anyways.  Nice to have a small forward back with the squad for a day!  Hopefully the Lakers will come out with the same intensity in Game 4 and send the series back to San Antonio all locked up.

So what do I have to put up for the poster Brent - besides Patty...?  I've got some really cool little Canadian cube head thing-a-ma-bobbers if you're interested.  6 in all!   :P
- TBM
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Morgbug on May 10, 2003, 11:59 AM
Something worth about $20 US? ;)

Got any spare AT-ST's?
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: dustrho on May 10, 2003, 12:48 PM
GAMBLING IS NOT ALLOWED IN THIS FORUM.  PLEASE TAKE IT OFFLINE.  --THE MANAGEMENT         :P

Anywho, congrats on the Lakers beating the Spurs last night.  It's the only win they're going to get in this series.  The Spurs are just hustling the Lakers right now.  And once the Lakers lose I wouldn't doubt that Phil Jackson gets fired.  Every great coach that creates an awesome team only gets his props if his team wins.  When the Lakers lose, so will Jackson.  I sure wish Jackson was still coaching the Bulls.
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: JediMAC on May 10, 2003, 01:28 PM
GAMBLING IS NOT ALLOWED IN THIS FORUM.  PLEASE TAKE IT OFFLINE.  --THE MANAGEMENT         :P

Gambling...?  Who's gambling?  Brent's just going to send me his cool poster that I've long sought, is all!   8)   ;D

And nice try B, but the AT-STs were $30...   :P  Like I said, I've got some cool little Canacklehead cube noggin dealies...   :-*
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Morgbug on May 10, 2003, 06:14 PM
I'll take that as a no. ::)

Dale, I'm in need of a chicken icon.  Can you assist please? ;)
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Scott on May 12, 2003, 10:37 AM
I can't see anyone beating the Lakers anymore sadly.  With C-Webb out the Kings have no shot, the Spurs look scared and are the only team who can do it, not sure what happened yesterday.  Very remeniscient of Game 4 when the Wolves blew the big lead in LA.  
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: dustrho on May 12, 2003, 11:58 AM
I'm not too worried as of yet, but the Lakers are definitely not dominating anymore.  I'm still rooting for the Spurs, and I think they have a great chance at still beating the Lakers.
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Morgbug on May 12, 2003, 12:28 PM
I'm not sure I would call yesterday's game dominating.  I'm marginally inclined to call it influence peddling by the NBA though.  

Matt's comments regarding the first game's officiating could be more than easily duplicated and reversed here.  Just how many fouls is Shaq allowed without being called on?  Pushing off to get a board used to be a foul, but apparently no more.  But I guess the NBA is about entertainment now more so than about the sport.  How else do you explain allowing Nicholson onto the floor to berate the ref (after a Shaq foul no less) and then let him stay in the Arena?  Sorry, but if that had been in a hockey game his a$$ would have been out.  

See Matt, I told you the refs would reverse it

Quote
I'm going to try real hard here to bite my tongue and not point out the 35-12 free throw disparity between the two teams (you can figure out who it favors, I'm sure  ).  Duncan shot more free throws than the entire Laker team.  Say what?!  Shaq only got fouled 3 times the whole game?  Yeah, right.  Kobe got fouled ONE TIME, in 39 freaking shot attempts?!?  Are you kidding me?  If this was a blowout, the disgustingly lopsided (and totally bogus) foul calls (or lack thereof) wouldn't be such a big factor.  Just total BS if you ask me.  Looked like the 4th quarter of that Sacto game last year where the Lakers got every call.  Whatever...

This is what Matt said, to which I replied:

Quote
Do you think the NBA really actually calls all the fouls?  Ever?  In any game?  Remember, I'm old enough to recall when basketball was a non-contact sport.  It looks more and more like a rugby scrum all the time.  

By the same token, 3 in the key; travel ball?  This is why I prefer college, they actually play by the rules of a game called basketball, rather than an entertainment program known as the NBA.  

Don't worry though, the calls will be reversed when the series shifts out west.

I rest my case.  Even if this was the Celtics, I'd be appalled.  It's just a wee tad to blatant, IMNSHO.  
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: FX-7 on May 12, 2003, 02:52 PM
I thought the refs were horrible yesterday, they didn't call anything on ShaqFu...it was refreshing to see him hit so many free throws, he is painful to watch sometimes
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: JediMAC on May 12, 2003, 03:19 PM
I'm not sure I would call yesterday's game dominating.

If you were referring to Chris' statement above, Brent, he said he did NOT think they were dominating (which I'd agree with)...   ;)

And yes, I already thought the exact same thing that you pointed out, especially in reference to both of our quotes.  Glad to see the refereeing is respectively lopsided no matter which court they're on (though it shouldn't be that way).  So, that means the Lakers are going to have to completely dominate Game 7 so it's not in the refs hands...

But, perhaps you haven't noticed, though I certainly have - Shaq has been called on an oodle of "over the back" fouls in this series, and some fairly questionable ones at that.  But it's pretty much all evened out (if not still lopsided) considering Shaq gets hacked like a MoFo down low almost every time he touches the ball, and only about a quarter of them actually get called.  Granted he probably only gets half of his offensive fouls called when he's backing guys down, and turns to the basket.  As the mammoth monster he is, I guess he's just a big pain in the butt to officiate on both ends of the floor...

Just glad we're all notted up again and are now in a best of three.  Game 7 should prove most interesting...

All that said, what the hell is up with your Celts?!?   :'(  Geez, have those guys fallen flat in this round.  They're more interested in beating up their fans than the Nets...   :-*
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Scott on May 12, 2003, 03:36 PM
It goes both ways though, on the Offensive end I saw tons of calls where Shaq could be called for charging or pushing off or just being way too physical, they allow that to happen so they will have to allow the physical play by defenders to happen too

He should have his own rules
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: JediMAC on May 12, 2003, 03:40 PM
It goes both ways though, on the Offensive end I saw tons of calls where Shaq could be called for charging or pushing off or just being way too physical, they allow that to happen so they will have to allow the physical play by defenders to happen too

I agree Scott, and that's precisely what I meant when I said this:
Quote
Granted he probably only gets half of his offensive fouls called when he's backing guys down, and turns to the basket.
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Scott on May 12, 2003, 03:42 PM
And as much as I hate Kobe I actually really like a lot about Shaq, he is so big and strong and can have such finesse around the hoop, he is a lot of fun to watch when he wants to play
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Morgbug on May 12, 2003, 03:53 PM
Yeah, I misinterpreted what Chris said.  Ooops, my bad.  

I just think the league in general sucks for how it has moved away from the rules.  Sometime between now and the last Laker dynasty it went from basketball to entertainment.  

I agree Shaq takes a pounding.  He shouldn't.  He also gives a pounding, both on D and when going for an offensive rebound.  But that's the whole point, the league let's it go (encourages it?) so this is where you end up.  Entertainment, not basketball and the subsequent crappy fights that so detract from the game.  Let them play and play by the rules.  Shaq will adapt, they all will.  I think the game would be faster, cleaner and certainly more enjoyable.  Remember the Lakers-Celtics of the 80's?  Of course you do.  More entertaining than it has been in the last 10 years and I'd be willing to bet ratings were higher too, relative to the number of TV's available.  

Shaq is a good player and it was a treat to see him hit free throws.  Funny how games are won like that, ain't it?  Pity he never did it prior to coming to the Lakers, else he would have had two  more rings.
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: JediMAC on May 12, 2003, 06:30 PM
Just caught this article (http://espn.go.com/page2/s/rosen/030512.html) about the Lakers over at ESPN.com.  Interesting read, discussing some of the things we've been talking about regarding Shaq and the challenge of officiating him, some of the "anti-Laker sentiment", and some opinions on Kobe, a.k.a. "Frank Sinatra".  (read the article to figure out why, if you couldn't already)
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Morgbug on May 12, 2003, 11:45 PM
The turning point in the series was game 3?  That's just a tad arrogant don't you think?  Last I checked, the series was headed back to Texas with both teams winning with home court advantage.  If that stays true, guess who wins the series?

MVP award doesn't count if Shaq hammers Duncan?  What kind of twisted logic is that.  It's a regular season award for heaven's sake.  The Lakers "dogged" it for a good part of the season.  Near as I can figure that regular season record is why Kobe didn't get the nod.  #5 seed with the MVP?  I think not.  Besides, when did an MVP award become more important than a championship?  You don't think fourpeat is more appealing that MVP and lost to Minnesota in the first round?  Duh.  

Quote
And, hey, when a big guy and a smaller guy collide, the big guy is the one who's going to be left standing. Is it fair to tag the big guy with a foul because he's bigger and stronger? Using the same logic, every time a small guy jets past a big guy, the refs should call the small guy for traveling."
Is this guy for real?  The game USED to be a non-contact sport.  Now it seems to be a home team gets the calls sport.  Sorry, Shaq great as he is, is kicking the crap out of some guy and not supposed to get called?  Wrong sport, I believe you Yanks call the full contact sport football.  

Quote
The NBA wants total control of its product. They want to control the media, the coaches and the players. But Shaq won't kow-tow to the league. He says whatever he wants to say, whenever and wherever he wants to say it. That's why the NBA, and the referees -- who, after all, work for the NBA and are its agents -- don't give Shaq the respect he deserves
Hi, I'm the author and I bleed yellow and purple.  Duh.  The problem is that the NBA has lost control of its product, simply by no longer enforcing the rules.  It's pretty clear this was written prior to yesterday's games.  I could write the same thing just substituting in Duncan's name to get a reversal that would read just as well given yesterday's officiating.  

Quote
That's why Jackson is so intent on criticizing the way the games have been officiated. "And you know what?" the coach says. "Taking the refs to task in the media absolutely, positively gets results."

Never were more damning words uttered by a coach.  Great, the officials are so frail and frightened that just slamming them in the media is enough to get calls going your way?  Wow, there's a league I want to support.  Jackson's right though.  Look at the reffing.  One can only hope the San Antonio media is currently berating the refs in their media so the same result is achieved.  

Great logic.  Talent has nothing to do with the outcome of the game.  ...ego, psychology, resourcefulness, and, the mother of all causes and effects, politics.

Yeah, why do I prefer hockey again?


Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Nicklab on May 13, 2003, 12:26 AM
Break out the brooms!  NETS SWEEP THE CELTICS!
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: JediMAC on May 13, 2003, 01:16 AM
Ah, I see you enjoyed the article, eh Brent?  Just for clarification folks, Morgbug is quoting the ESPN article above, and not anything I said...   ;)

You certainly picked up on a few of the segments I noticed too Brent.  I said the article was "interesting" though, keep in mind.  Not necessarily entirely "accurate"...   :-*

I think you're feeling especially hostile tonight though, due to that ugly atrocity your underachieving Celts just endured.  That was pathetic.  They should be embarrassed of themselves for that display of ineptitude against the Nets.  Sorry Brent (seriously).  I was hoping we'd meet up in the Finals like the old days...   :'(
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Morgbug on May 13, 2003, 10:38 AM
Heck no, the Celtics overachieved.  They really never should have gone past the Pacers.   :)

Also, I should have clarified, those quotes are indeed from the ESPN article.  Which in case it wasn't abundantly clear, I found awful.  

Further clarification.  I hate the Lakers.  But that stems from the old series back in the 80s, Magic versus Bird etc.  This is not to say that the Lakers of then were not remarkably talented.  Magic, Jabbar, Nixon were amongst the best if not the best at what they did.  There was a phenomenal supporting cast at the time too.  Perpetual sixth man awards and Rambis and his glasses.  

The recent version of the loathed Lakers has the best center in the NBA bar none.  Probably the best out and out player in Kobe.  It also has a remarkable coach and a reasonable supporting cast.  

What I cannot abide is a bunch of whining on the part of Lakers fans (no, not you specifically Matt) and media.  Fouls are fouls, they need to be called.  Reffing should be fair and even.  

Just to continue my rant about this article Matt linked, this is about the worst analogy I have ever seen in my life:
Quote
But it's not Shaq's fault that Rose is only 6-foot-7, and that his elbow is at the level of Rose's face. And, hey, when a big guy and a smaller guy collide, the big guy is the one who's going to be left standing. Is it fair to tag the big guy with a foul because he's bigger and stronger? Using the same logic, every time a small guy jets past a big guy, the refs should call the small guy for traveling."
Great, so by the same token when Rose is posting up on Shaq, because Shaq's 'private parts' are at the same height as Rose's elbows, he should feel free to crank him in the crackers a couple of times?  I thought the by-line said this guy used to be a coach, not a grade 5 student (with all due respect to more sensible grade 5 students)?  

Elbowing a guy in a face to make space is a foul.  End of story.  Doesn't matter if you elbow him in the face or the nether regions.  So too it doesn't matter if you are 7'6" or 6'7" or 5'4".  It's still a foul.  And if the little guy in the author's pathetic analogy isn't dribbling the ball when he blasts past the big guy, yeah, call him for travelling.  They're called RULES.
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: JediMAC on May 13, 2003, 03:19 PM
 ;D   :P
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Morgbug on May 13, 2003, 10:56 PM
You know I'm right, fanboy :P
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: dustrho on May 13, 2003, 11:08 PM
Lakers have been down by an average of 20 points for a while now, and there's just over 11 minutes left in the 3rd quarter.

GO SPURS!
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Morgbug on May 13, 2003, 11:15 PM
Please do keep me updated.  The only sports on the tube up here right now is a Braves game.  *shudder*

Hockey game is over.
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: dustrho on May 13, 2003, 11:35 PM
Lakers (64) vs. Spurs (80)... end of the 3rd quarter
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: dustrho on May 13, 2003, 11:59 PM
Woah!  This game is way to close now!

with 3:24 remaining in the game... Lakers (86) vs. Spurs (90)
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: dustrho on May 14, 2003, 12:16 AM
Here's the final score...

Lakers (94) vs. Spurs (96)

Robert Horry almost made a 3-pointer at the buzzer (went in and then back out), and that would have made them win the game by 1 point.  It was a blowout the entire game, and then the Lakers almost won it at the very end.
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Morgbug on May 14, 2003, 12:20 AM
Thanks for the updates ;D

That is the beauty of the NBA though.  Game is not over until the last buzzer sounds.  so easy to come back from 20 down.  

Out of curiousity, will Laker fans be whining about the reffing?  Curse those conspiratorial directors at NBA headquarters.  BTW, was game 3 still the turning point ;)
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: dustrho on May 14, 2003, 12:21 AM
Thanks for the updates

any time
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: FX-7 on May 14, 2003, 09:39 AM
One more game!
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Scott on May 14, 2003, 01:31 PM
It will be very interesting to see how the game is reffed tomorrow night, hopefully better than Game 6 vs the Kings last year
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: JediMAC on May 14, 2003, 03:07 PM
Oy.  That was a heartbreaker.  Never seen Horry miss a game winner before.  I think I was as shocked as the rest of his teammates were.  In and out that shot was.

I'm expecting some pretty lopsided refereeing in Game 6 favoring the Lakers, 'cause you know the NBA wants to see this go to an exciting Game 7.  Not to mention that this series is basically the end-all of the NBA Championship for this year...  Winner takes all!   8)
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: dustrho on May 14, 2003, 04:23 PM
I can't wait to see the next Spurs/Lakers game!
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: JediMAC on May 15, 2003, 10:20 PM
You know that famous Star Wars line...?

I've got a bad feeling about this...   :'(



A VERY bad feeling.  Ugh.  This is really hard to stomach.  I can't believe the Lakers didn't even show up tonight - ESPECIALLY Kobe.  Goes 6 for 7, and then basically takes himself out of the game for the next 2.5 quarters.  Unbelievable.  It's a strange feeling really to not be on top of the NBA world anymore.  I'm kinda confused.  It hasn't really set in yet though, I suppose.  But I'm pretty sure this is one comeback the Lakers won't be making (down 20 with 5 minutes left)...   :'(

Credit to the Spurs though, and especially Tim Duncan!  They wanted it more, played harder, and had ten times more heart than we did...

Time to eat a whole lot of humble pie for this NBA smack talker!   :P
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Morgbug on May 15, 2003, 11:05 PM
Oh my, I don't even know where to begin ;D  

Maybe I'll be gentle and wait until tomorrow ;)


 ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Scott on May 15, 2003, 11:43 PM
(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)

(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)

(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)

(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)

(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: dustrho on May 15, 2003, 11:55 PM
Nah nah nah nah... nah nah nah nah... hey hey hey... goodbye!!!!!!!

 8)

Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Scott on May 16, 2003, 12:09 AM
I heard Cry Baby actually cried after the game, how fitting

(http://espn-ak.starwave.com/media/nba/2003/0515/photo/oneil_0515_skirm.jpg)
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: jara19 on May 16, 2003, 12:21 AM
What a game Duncan had tonight! It was a great series and I'm thrilled the Spurs beat the Lakers. The Lakers had a great run, but I really wanted a new champ this year.  :)
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: dustrho on May 21, 2003, 11:13 PM
Dallas (106) vs. San Antonio (119)

(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/sas_logo.gif)

Glad to see the Spurs tie up the series with the Mavericks.  This was a really good game to watch.  First the Spurs were beating the Mavs pretty badly, and then the Mavs started a rally.  Unfortunately for the Mavs it wasn't enough, because the Spurs put the nail in the coffin in the last few minutes of the game.
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: JediMAC on June 11, 2003, 03:13 PM
So is anyone out there still following the NBA playoffs, or did we all lose interest when my boys lost?!   :D

I was really hoping for a Dallas vs. Detroit final once the Lakers got bounced, but my losing streak continued and now we're stuck with the Nets and (YAWN) Spurs.  So all I've got to say now is GO NETS!!!  I can't stand the Spurs.  With the occasional exception of Tony Parker, this has got to be the most boring team in NBA history, with the most boring superstar in the history of sports - Tim Duncan.  So I don't want to see them win it since they've got no personality.

But it's not looking good for the Nets though.  Kidd's looking terrible, their offense is virtually non-existent, and they just gave back home-court advantage to the Spurs in that Game 3 snoozefest...  Keeping my fingers crossed that Jersey brings the heat again tonight though.  Kidd's bound to bounce back after a couple of his recent performances...
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: amarsella on June 11, 2003, 03:56 PM
The Nets are gonna take it back tonight. I can feel it!
I remember the days when you get REALLY GOOD seats fro like $20 and now you can't get tickets at all. Well I'm living in CA now so I guess it wouldn't matter even if I could get tickets. ;)

 Here's to the NETS taking it home!!!
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: JediMAC on June 11, 2003, 04:00 PM
I was wondering if you'd chime in here Anthony...  And here I was hoping that maybe your bicoastal relocation to Lakerville out here had knocked some sense into your sports fandom.  Oh well, tough to get that Jersey blood out of you guys, wherever you are!   ;)

But we can at least both root for your Nets just this one time, I guess...   8)
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Jango Fettish on June 11, 2003, 07:06 PM
In other news, we got our damn team back!

(http://images.ibsys.com/2003/0611/2263367_200X150.jpg)
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Nicklab on June 11, 2003, 11:34 PM
WOOHOO!  NETS WIN!  I'm just absolutely amazed though, that Tim Duncan didn't foul out at the end of the game.  The admiral fouls out, okay.  But K-Mart got mugged by Duncan, and they said it was someone else who didn't even touch Martin.  WTF is with the officials?
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Morgbug on June 11, 2003, 11:50 PM
I was really hoping for a Dallas vs. Detroit final once the Lakers got bounced, but my losing streak continued and now we're stuck with the Nets and (YAWN) Spurs.  So all I've got to say now is GO NETS!!!  I can't stand the Spurs.  With the occasional exception of Tony Parker, this has got to be the most boring team in NBA history, with the most boring superstar in the history of sports - Tim Duncan.  So I don't want to see them win it since they've got no personality.


ROFLMAO there buddy.  You just finished cheering for one of the two MOST boring teams to ever reach an NHL final and now you complain about this?  Bwah ahahahahaha.   Sorry dude, you deserve a boring final for making us put up with the quackers.  Didn't you know, defense wins championships ;)
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: JediMAC on June 17, 2003, 04:00 PM
So the Spurs won, and nobody (anywhere) seems to care...   ::)

It was the lowest rated NBA Finals in the history of the Nielson ratings, which goes back 27 years.  That's pretty bad, especially considering the series showcased 2 of the best players in the NBA today - Duncan and Kidd.  Guess they just needed those "flashier" L.A. guys like Shaq and Kobe in there, huh?!   8)   ;)  Speaking of which, I assume some of you might've heard that Kobe just had shoulder surgery last week.  Turns out he was pretty badly injured for the last 10 games in the playoffs, which explains why he couldn't shoot too straight...   :-\

Back to the Finals, New Jersey barely even made a showing.  Kidd was off a fair amount, and K-Mart brought nothing in the last 2 games whatsoever.  They just couldn't get their fast break going enough to handle the always fundamentally sound, yet mind numbingly boring, Spurs.  There were several scoring futility records set in the series as well - by both teams.  Just some really dreadful play on both teams parts, which meant that the defense of the Spurs finally won out.

Oh well, at least there should be a pretty exciting free agent market in the offseason now!  Looking forward to where a lot of these guys wind up next season, but I'm praying that Karl Malone doesn't wind up in L.A. (even though he'd probably help fill a glaring hole at the power forward spot for us)...

From CNNSI.com (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/inside_game/marty_burns/news/2003/06/15/burns_fa/):

2003 Free Agents:

The Superstars:
Elton Brand
Jason Kidd
Jermaine O'Neal
Tim Duncan

Secondary Stars:
Andre Miller
Brad Miller
Lamar Odom
Michael Olowokandi
James Posey
Jerry Stackhouse
Jason Terry

Rising Studs:
Gilbert Arena
Corey Maggette

Oldies but Goodies:
Karl Malone
Reggie Miller
Alonzo Mourning
Gary Payton
Scottie Pippen

Role Players:
Darrell Armstrong
Jon Barry
P.J. Brown
Elden Campbell
Derrick Coleman
Lucios Harris
Juwan Howard
Stephen Jackson
Rasho Nesterovic
Ira Newble
Kenny Thomas

B-Listers:
Kenny Anderson
Raja Bell
Calbert Cheaney
Speedy Claxton
Antonio Daniels
Kendall Gill
Dion Glover
Adrian Griffin
Othella Harrington
Tyrone Hill
Lindsey Hunter
Jim Jackson
Tyronn Lue
Jerome Moiso
Lee Nailon
Eric Piatkowski
Erick Strickland
Gary Trent
Charlie Ward
Scott Williams
Shammond Williams
Walt Williams
Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Jango Fettish on June 17, 2003, 04:08 PM
Looks like Robert and my Bobcats could really clean up with that kinda market!  :o

Title: Re: The NBA Playoffs
Post by: Nicklab on June 17, 2003, 11:25 PM
So the Spurs won, and nobody (anywhere) seems to care...   ::)


Well, I have to deal with the Nets losing.  Again.  And then the whole "Will Kidd come back thing".  Uggghhh.
Title: Re: The NBA Draft
Post by: Scott on June 26, 2003, 05:13 PM
NBA Draft tonight, every year my Brother, his roomy and me get together and conduct the Scott E. Roth Memorial Cup For Excellence in Mock NBA Drafting.  We pick the first 13 picks (the Lottery) whoever wins gets the trophy

Here are my choices for tonight

#1 LeBron James
#2 Darko Milicic
#3 Carmelo Anthony
#4 Chris Bosh
#5 Kirk Heinrich
#6 TJ Ford
#7 Dewayne Wade
#8 Maciej Lampe
#9 Chris Kaman
#10 Jarvis Hayes
#11 Reece Gaines
#12 Nick Collison
#13 Mickael Pietrus

The T-Pups pick at #26 I'm hoping they do pick Troy Bell, it would be a good fit!
Title: Re: The NBA Draft
Post by: dustrho on June 26, 2003, 06:10 PM
I sure hope the Bulls pickup someone worth while... especially since Jay Williams will be out for the entire year (and his career might be over).  It sucks that they're down at #7.
Title: Re: The NBA Draft
Post by: JediMAC on June 26, 2003, 07:20 PM
YAWN.

Since the college ranks are so totally depleted nowadays by all the high schoolers and underclassmen jumping ship to the NBA so early on, and since I'm not too familiar with most of the foreign guys, I just don't get into the drafts much anymore.  Used to throw NBA draft parties a while back, when it was much more of an exciting and suspenseful event.

LeBron's already a lock and the Lakers are nowhere near the top - so my interest in it is pretty much dead...   :-\

Good luck with the Scott E. Roth Memorial Cup For Excellence in Mock NBA Drafting though Scott!   :-*
Title: Re: The NBA Draft
Post by: Sith Bounty Hunter on June 27, 2003, 01:17 PM
I was dissappointed that a Kentucky player didn't get drafted in the first or second round >:(. I cant wait to get my hands on a LeBron James jersey, thats why I'm going to finish line today :).
Title: Re: The NBA Draft
Post by: JediMAC on June 27, 2003, 08:03 PM
Here are my choices for tonight

#1 LeBron James
#2 Darko Milicic
#3 Carmelo Anthony
#4 Chris Bosh
#5 Kirk Heinrich
#6 TJ Ford
#7 Dewayne Wade
#8 Maciej Lampe
#9 Chris Kaman
#10 Jarvis Hayes
#11 Reece Gaines
#12 Nick Collison
#13 Mickael Pietrus

Looks like you got 6 out of 13 right Scott, and just missed on most of the others.  So...  Who won?  How'd you do?  Don't leave us hanging in suspense like that - we must know where the Scott E. Roth Memorial Cup For Excellence in Mock NBA Drafting trophy will be residing for the next year!

That had to have been the most boring NBA Draft in history.  Not even a single trade went down involving a "name" player, even of the most minor degree...   ::)  That was as boring as the Spurs winning the championship.

So, on another ugly note (to ME at least), anyone catch all this freaking crazy hoopla about Kobe wanting out of L.A. (http://espn.go.com/nba/news/2003/0626/1573339.html)?!?   :'(   >:(
Title: Re: The NBA Draft
Post by: Morgbug on June 27, 2003, 10:43 PM
Interesting, where would he go?  Minnesota ;)

REally though what are his options given what he's become accustomed to in LA?  The lifestyle means pretty much only New York.  Maybe other geographically close cities on the Eastern Seaboard but I don't see him enjoying that lifestyle.  Sacramento?  The Clippers :o

Maybe just a ploy to get a whole lot more money?  I'd be surprised if he goes anywhere.
Title: Re: The NBA Draft
Post by: Scott on July 7, 2003, 12:50 PM
Well, I won!  I lost for the first time evr last year so the cup is coming home to Papa.  I really need to take a picture of the bad boy.

Anyone remember Scott Roth?  He was a horrible garbage player on the first couple of Wolves teams that were equally horrible

So...we might as well talk about this too.

Kobe Bryant accused of sexual assault  (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba)

This was a complete shocker and something I hope isn't true because by all accounts he actually is a nice guy.  My hate of him on the court is one thing but if they have some pretty good evidence (I'm talking Physical) then they need to lock him up.  If it turns into a battle of character then I'm inclined to be on his side.  

This is going to be a Media Zoo, which I hate :'(
Title: Re: The NBA Draft
Post by: Darth Broem on July 7, 2003, 12:55 PM
Honestly, it really would surprise me if this is true.  However, I was surprised Sosa would use a corked bat (although it probably was a mistake).  
Title: Re: The NBA Draft
Post by: Scott on July 7, 2003, 12:58 PM
I'd also like to congrat the Wolves on dumping two stiffs in Peeler and Joe SMith and picking up Sam Cassell, that was a coup!

I hope they can do the same with Terrell Brandon soon!
Title: Re: The NBA Draft
Post by: JediMAC on July 7, 2003, 01:31 PM
Yeah, that Kobe story is a major shocker knowing his character.  I can only assume that it's not true, and that the lady is just trying to get rich/famous off of riding a celebrity's coattails down the drain...  But if it is true, which I doubt, it will certainly add to Kobe's Beyond the Glory show for ESPN (or is it Fox)...   ;)

That Sam Cassell pickup was indeed a nice one for you guys Scott, but you've still got a ways to go...  On the flip side, things are looking more and more like the Lakers might very well land both Malone and Payton.  I don't like Malone, so I'm not too excited about that, but even at their ripe ol' ages of soon to be 40 and 35 respectively, they've got to put the Lakers back in the drivers seat for next year's Championship.  Of course, with four future Hall of Famers and pretty large egos on one team, it's also a recipe for disaster.  If we do land 'em both, it'll certainly put Phil's "Zen master" philosophy to the test...

I'm also concerned about Malone, 'cause he's got a bad history with both Kobe (a few all-star games back) and Magic Johnson (over the AIDS things).  Not to mention that he's very much interested in going after Kareem's all-time scoring record over the next couple years, and as the 3rd or 4th option in the Lakers offense, that could certainly lead to him causing some waves if he's not getting the rock enough...   :-\

P.S.  Congrats on the Scott E. Roth Memorial Cup For Excellence in Mock NBA Drafting trophy Scott!  Well done!   8)   :P
Title: Re: The NBA Draft
Post by: Morgbug on July 7, 2003, 01:56 PM
Tough call with Kobe, that's for sure.  It's very difficult to not side with the woman, but more and more these sort of "stories" seem to crop up with the rich players.  I hope for his sake he is innocent and given that he has not yet been formally charged it does look better for him.  Turning himself in immediately was also a smart move.  If he did anything dumb, it was let himself get into a position where the story could be plausible.  I thought he was married, if so, what in heaven's name is he doing alone in a hotel with a woman other than his wife? ???

Malone could be a nice addition Matt.  Shaq at center, Kobe playing shooting guard (why not) with Payton on the point and Malone at power forward?  It could work.  And I suspect his real reason for going to LA would be to get a ring, scoring title or not.  I'd be surprised if he wouldn't put that goal aside for a championship.  And the Lakers might only sign him to a two year deal at best, given his age.  

How far behind Kareem is he?
Title: Re: The NBA Draft
Post by: Scott on July 7, 2003, 02:07 PM
Yeah, I was ticked when McHale said there is no way a 40 year old Power Forward could help the Timberwolves...hmmm.  One of the best Power Forward in the History of the Game?  I'd sign him in a heartbeat.  I've always liked the Mailman and he still has some gas left in the tank

Title: Re: The NBA Draft
Post by: Morgbug on July 7, 2003, 02:26 PM
Ah McHale.  Loved the guy when he was playing.  Went to a couple of basketball camps at U Minn (Jim Dutcher) and he was there.  Have an autograph somewhere.  Huge man.  

That said, methinks he's bitter at Malone for beating up on him while they were playing at the same time ;)  Poor choice to not pick hiim up if only to teach the younger guys.
Title: Payton in a Lakers' Jersey?
Post by: dustrho on July 8, 2003, 09:28 PM
Gary Payton Signs with the Lakers... (http://216.40.249.192/s/ups/kamikaze/smilie_barf.gif)

From Yahoo! News...

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Gary Payton reportedly has reached a verbal agreement to join the Los Angeles Lakers , who can use some good news.

ESPN reported Tuesday that the veteran point guard will accept the National Basketball Association team's mid-level exception, believed to be Los Angeles' limit of 4.9 million dollars.

Nothing can become official until July 16. That's when teams can begin signing free agents.
 
The Lakers are well over the NBA's salary cap of 40-plus million dollars, but Payton's agent - Aaron Goodwin - told ESPN that his client still will sign a multi-year deal with the dethroned champions.

Goodwin told ESPN that Payton has chosen to accept less money to join the Lakers. He said Portland was interested in acquiring his services in a sign-and-trade deal with the Milwaukee Bucks .

Payton has been a member of the All-NBA First or Second Team seven times, was named to the league's All-Defensive First Team a record-tying nine consecutive seasons from 1994-02 and is a nine-time All-Star.

But Payton has never won an NBA title, leading Seattle to the Finals in 1996.
Title: Re: The NBA Off Season
Post by: Darth Broem on July 9, 2003, 04:29 PM
Hmmm, so their starting 5 could be:

Kobe
Shaq
Glove
Mailman
Maybe new draft pick Brian Cook

Not to bad :)
Title: Re: The NBA Off Season
Post by: JediMAC on July 9, 2003, 07:20 PM
This is certainly going to be interesting, to say the least...  When's the last time a team has had FOUR future Hall of Famer's in it's starting lineup?  Can't think of that ever happening, at least not in the last 30 years or so...

Sounds like a potential recipe for disaster, if you asked me.  Four big time superstars, with four big time egos.  But if those four all have the same single goal, and are willing to sacrifice some of the limelight along with their stats for the sake of the team and winning, then it could make for one helluva run this upcoming year!

There's no way in hell anyone else but the Lakers could be considered the odds-on favorite to win it all if they ink both Payton and Malone (despite their age) next week, as expected...  I think my biggest concern is that Malone is avidly chasing Kareem's all-time scoring record, and keeping up with last year's 20 points per game average - he'd be able to accomplish that within a couple of years.  But not getting the rock enough and being only the third or fourth option in the offense might wind up creating one disgruntled Mailman, if his scoring average dips too far next season...

Plus, Karl's already had a pretty serious publicly aired beef with Kobe following that All-Star game ruboff of Kobe's from a few years back.  Not to mention Malone said some less than positive things about Magic Johnson (current part owner of the Lakers), back when Magic first contracted HIV...

I dunno...  They could completely implode.  Or they could surpass the Bulls 72 wins mark for a season, and then go on to win it all for the 4th time in 5 years...  Who knows?  Hopefully it's going to be the latter!  Either way, it should be an exciting season for my boys!  8)
Title: Re: The NBA Off Season
Post by: Morgbug on July 9, 2003, 10:44 PM
Four future hall of famers starting?  

Lakers early 80's?  Nixon, Jabbar, Magic and one more?  Not Rambis (6th) but who else started?

Celtics early 80s?  Bird, McHale, Parrish, Dennis Johnson?  A couple of stretches there maybe.
Title: Re: The NBA Off Season
Post by: JediMAC on July 10, 2003, 03:28 AM
Nope.  The Showtime Lakers had Magic, Kareem, and Worthy - but no other HOF'ers, including Norm Nixon.  The Celt's had Bird, Parrish & McHale, but DJ definitely ain't going to the Hall, nor is Ainge.  I guess technically, Bill Walton played with those guys for a short stint, but he didn't start, and he wasn't even a shell of his former playing self at that point.

Maybe the Celtics or Lakers of the 60's could put together a HOF foursome, but that'd be it (aside from the Minneapolis Lakers, but that's so long ago it doesn't even count).
Title: Re: The NBA Off Season
Post by: Scott on July 10, 2003, 09:39 AM
(aside from the Minneapolis Lakers, but that's so long ago it doesn't even count).

It does to count!!!

(http://members.aol.com/apbrhoops/lal1a.gif)
Title: Re: The NBA Off Season
Post by: Brian on July 10, 2003, 12:09 PM
I'll admit that I've never been the biggest Lakers fan, but if they are able to ink both Payton and Malone they are going to be TOUGH.  I do actually think that Payton and Malone will be willing to sacrifice a little for the good of the team too.  Lakers fans should be happy, this could be an amazing team.  Personally, I don't want to see them eclipse the Bulls' victory mark, but that is just my opinion.  I followed the Bulls for many years, actually several years before they won their first title, and that 72 win season was an amazing accomplishment....especially with the players they were able to do it with.  Beyond Michael and Scottie, those teams were basically role players, but one of the best teams ever.  Anyways....back to topic, these are some great signings by the Lakers, and should definitely make them the favorite.  Payton alone could do that though.  Should be an interesting off-season and regular season, with many people changing teams....Lebron and Melo coming in.....and all kinds of shakeups.  As a big hoops fan, I'm looking forward to it.
Title: Malone commits to Lakers
Post by: dustrho on July 10, 2003, 10:08 PM
By KEN PETERS, AP Sports Writer
July 10, 2003
 
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Free agent Karl Malone, the NBA's second-leading all-time scorer, committed Thursday to join the Los Angeles Lakers, giving them a lineup with four superstars.

``We've agreed to it; he's going to become a Laker,'' Malone's agent, Dwight Manley, said Thursday. ``In his mind, he's already a Laker. He's very excited.''

Malone joins Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant and another newcomer, Gary Payton, a nine-time All-Star who agreed earlier this week to play for the Lakers.

Even though Payton and Malone have reached agreements with the team, the first day free agents can sign contracts is Wednesday.

The Lakers, who won three consecutive NBA titles before losing to eventual champion San Antonio in the second round this year, probably would have been a clear favorite to win it all next year merely by getting Payton. Malone obviously makes them even more imposing.

``They have a Hall of Fame team in the making,'' New Jersey Nets assistant coach Lawrence Frank said. ``They have an outstanding team, an outstanding system and an outstanding coach.

``You always try to keep up with the Joneses and try to win in this league, but it's hard to keep up with that. We have to look for improvement from within.''  
 
Neither Malone, a two-time league MVP, nor Payton have played on an NBA championship team. Both were willing to take big pay cuts to have a shot at a ring with the Lakers.

Malone, who turns 40 on July 24, made it to the NBA Finals twice, in 1997 and 1998. Both times, the Jazz lost to Michael Jordan and Chicago. The Bulls' coach was Phil Jackson, now coach of the Lakers.

Malone averaged 20.6 points last season to lead Utah for the 17th consecutive year. His average of 7.75 rebounds was the team's highest for the 18th straight year.

Before joining the Lakers for next season, Malone has committed to play in his third Olympics.

Malone apparently was most interested in playing for the Lakers, but Manley said, ``He was exploring a lot of options up to the last minute.''

Although Utah Jazz owner Larry Miller was sorry to see Malone go, he understood his championship hopes.

``I don't think it's in me to deny him that, even if I could,'' Miller said Thursday, adding that joining Los Angeles' other three superstars seems a good bet for Malone to get a ring.

``If you've got to go with the odds, that's not a bad place to go,'' Miller said.
 
Malone's 36,374 career points trail only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's 38,387. The record is still within range, but sharing the offense with Bryant, O'Neal and Payton will cut into his 25.4 career scoring average.

He is the only player with 35,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, 4,000 assists and 2,000 steals. His 1,434 games played is fourth on the all-time list.

The league's MVP in 1997 and 1999, Malone averaged at least 25 points for 11 straight seasons (1987-98).

Malone, who made $19.3 million last year, reportedly will get the veteran's minimum salary of $1.5 million with the Lakers.

The 34-year-old Payton, dealt by Seattle to Milwaukee at last season's trading deadline, would be limited to earning $4.9 million with Los Angeles in the first year of a multiyear contract. He earned $12.6 million.

O'Neal will make $26.5 million this season and Bryant will get $13.5 million.

One of the league's best defensive guards, Payton has averaged 18.3 points and 7.4 assists since coming into the NBA with the SuperSonics in 1990.

With a lineup of four players who all will probably end up in the Hall of Fame, the Lakers will be one of the NBA's most imposing teams ever.

``It looks like they're putting together an All-Star team over there,'' Nets guard Tamar Slay said. ``That's crazy, getting all those guys. In this league, everyone's competitive, but it looks like they've made a major step.''

The 1984-85 Lakers featured Magic Johnson, Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy and Bob McAdoo. Boston had Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Bill Walton and Robert Parish the following season.

AP Sports Writer Doug Alden in Salt Lake City contributed to this report.
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: Morgbug on July 10, 2003, 10:50 PM
Dang, thanks Chris.  Maybe I should get a job as a sports writer.  Oh sure, I had a couple of names not quite there, but had the years and the teams pegged.  

Matt, I assure you I wasn't thinking of Danny Ainge (though if he coaches long enough, he may make it in anyway) but DJ won a title over in Seattle too, so you never know about that.  He was better prior to coming to the Celtics.  Walton was well past his prime by then too as you accurately pointed out.  But couldn't we say the same about Malone?  Oh sure, he's not near as bad as Walton relatively speaking, but he ain't no spring chicken and won't be firing up 25-30 shots a game.

Forgot about Worthy which is funny.  He was my favorite North Carolina player until he went and played for the Lakers :P  That was a pretty awesome North Carolina lineup back in the early 80's :o
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: Scott on July 10, 2003, 11:39 PM
A 40 Year Old Power Forward is worthless :-* :-*

Up yours Kevin McHale :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: The NBA Off Season
Post by: JediMAC on July 11, 2003, 09:30 AM
This is certainly going to be interesting, to say the least...  When's the last time a team has had FOUR future Hall of Famer's in it's starting lineup?  Can't think of that ever happening, at least not in the last 30 years or so...

This article basically answers my question...

ESPN: Are Lakers most star-studded team ever? (http://espn.go.com/nba/s/2003/0710/1579160.html)
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: Lemon-Viper on July 11, 2003, 11:29 AM
Up here in Seattle a bunch of fans have been calling sports radio and are pissed about Payton signing with the rival Lakers.  They think he's some how betraying them.  For me, I think it's great!  Let's see, you tell your current team for almost 2 years that you want a contract extension so that you can end your career with the same team.  The team keeps saying no, then they end up trading you off at the trade deadline to the other side of the states away from the family.  When your contract is up with that new team, what are you going to do???  Re-sign with whoever you choose, and you have no loyalties anymore because nobody showed the loyalty to you.  He's now back on the West Coast close to his family, and at LEAST he didn't sign with Portland!!!  Now THAT would have been the knockdown blow followed by a golden shower!

As for both players latching onto the Lakers so they can get a gold ring, I think it stinks.  I can't wait till Kobe becomes a free agent and leaves LA, some other team will get all the foul calls.....can't have basketball's favorite son sitting out during the playoffs can we? ::)?

I think the worst of the offseason by far is Jason Kidd's comments(if he actually said them) about coming back to New Jersey only if Byron Scott is fired.  I hope New Jersey owners show some balls and do not bow down to one stinking players(even if he is one of the best PG in the game right now) big mouth and pompus attitude.
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: Morgbug on July 11, 2003, 11:42 AM
Hey Matt, is the author from LA?  He sure reads like a homey.

Compare this:
Quote
The Lakers feature two all-time greats in Malone and Shaq, one on his way in Kobe and an easy first-ballot Hall of Famer in Payton. And extra credit for a nine-time champion as coach.

with this:
Quote
We picked this Celtics team as the most star-studded of all their '60s title squads since it was the only year Cousy and Havlicek played together. They have eight Hall of Famers, but K.C. Jones is really as a coach (he never averaged double figures) and Ramsey is a marginal Hall of Famer.

So LA gets extra credit for the coach, but the Celtics get knocked because the guy that filled the roll ended up getting into the hall because of his coaching?  Ok, double standard much.  And if you want to write off KC at that point, where's the extra credit for coaching the Celtics in the 80's? ;D

Shame, shame, such bias. ;)

Not to mention his math skills (or perhaps just his inability to write an accurate statement).
Quote
1986 Philadelphia 76ers
Hall of Famers: Julius Erving, Moses Malone, Charles Barkley, Bob McAdoo
MVPs: Four (Malone was a three-time MVP, the others won one apiece)
First-team All-NBA seasons: 15

Lemme see Malone had 3.  The others have 1 apiece.  That would be 1 + 1 + 1 = 3.  Isn't 3 + 3 = 6?  Or is it just that Erving had one?  No, can't be cuz McAdoo has one, or so the author indicates later when talking about one of the Lakers teams.  

Mmm, fun tearing up ESPN. ;D  And oh yeah, you really aren't going to start yapping about them winning next year's championship already are ya?  I'd really hate to dredge up all the stuff you spewed forth about them this past year only to see them lose to the most boring team in the NBA :-*
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: JediMAC on July 11, 2003, 01:01 PM
Hey Matt, is the author from LA?  He sure reads like a homey.

No idea, but I doubt it.  ESPN is national.

So LA gets extra credit for the coach, but the Celtics get knocked because the guy that filled the roll ended up getting into the hall because of his coaching?  Ok, double standard much.  And if you want to write off KC at that point, where's the extra credit for coaching the Celtics in the 80's? ;D

Shame, shame, such bias. ;)

I don't think that's a bias.  You can't compare K.C.'s coaching the Celt's for part of the 80's to Phil's coaching 9 world champs.  I don't think there's too many coaches, if any (other than possibly Aeurbach), that would qualify as earning "star power" to get included into this list.  K.C. wasn't that great of a player, thus the notation on his playing days.  He's just a footnote, 'cause he was a solid role player for them back in the glory days, but made the Hall for his coaching achievements a couple decades later.  That's all.

Not to mention his math skills (or perhaps just his inability to write an accurate statement).
Quote
1986 Philadelphia 76ers
Hall of Famers: Julius Erving, Moses Malone, Charles Barkley, Bob McAdoo
MVPs: Four (Malone was a three-time MVP, the others won one apiece)
First-team All-NBA seasons: 15

Lemme see Malone had 3.  The others have 1 apiece.  That would be 1 + 1 + 1 = 3.  Isn't 3 + 3 = 6?  Or is it just that Erving had one?  No, can't be cuz McAdoo has one, or so the author indicates later when talking about one of the Lakers teams.

I thought the same thing when I first read that, but then figured out that the "four" (and the Lakers current "two" and also their "three" in 1983 instead of 10) was just referring to the total number of players who won the MVP, and not the total number of MVPs won by said players.  Kinda confusing way for the author to do it, but it's consistent at least...

Quote
And oh yeah, you really aren't going to start yapping about them winning next year's championship already are ya?  I'd really hate to dredge up all the stuff you spewed forth about them this past year only to see them lose to the most boring team in the NBA :-*

Sure, why not?  Lakers are going to win it all!  Quatro!   :-*

But yeah, we sucked butt and played some pretty damned uninspired ball against the San Antonio Bores, uh - I mean Spurs.  I'd guess that with veterans Payton and Malone on board now, they'll give Shag and Kobe a mouthful when they start slacking off... hopefully.  They may be willing to set aside their stats to win, but they're certainly not the types to keep hushed when they're pissed, so that's probably a good thing, since they'll probably wind up being more vocal leaders on the court than Shaq and Kobe usually are...
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: Nicklab on July 11, 2003, 01:14 PM
WOW!  You guys have totally glossed over the bigest NBA story in the NY/NJ area.  The NY Post reproted yesterday that Jason Kidd would only stay with the Nets if the organization fired Coach Byron Scott.  

A later report on www.epsn.com (http://www.epsn.com) had Kidd, his wife, and Nets GM Rod Thorn all denying the validity of the story.  But that's still pretty big stuff!
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: Lemon-Viper on July 11, 2003, 01:23 PM
WOW!  You guys have totally glossed over the bigest NBA story in the NY/NJ area.  The NY Post reproted yesterday that Jason Kidd would only stay with the Nets if the organization fired Coach Byron Scott.  

I covered it in my reply on page 11...
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: Morgbug on July 11, 2003, 02:04 PM
Yeah, I know that ESPN is national.  We do have tv up here you know. :P

Thanks for the explanation of the MVP count.  It makes sense that way.

About KC.  Ok, so we count him as a coach later, but not in his playing days.  So then why isn't Auerbach mentioned for the '60's Celtics teams then, as you indicated?  I still say the writer is from LA. :-*

New Jersey?  They have a basketball team?
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: Nicklab on July 11, 2003, 02:05 PM
My bad, Lemonviper.  I saw so much about the Mailman going to LA, that it got overshadowed.

But check this out:  http://msn.espn.go.com/nba/news/2003/0711/1579328.html (http://msn.espn.go.com/nba/news/2003/0711/1579328.html).

It looks like next week Alonzo Mourning is going to sign with the Nets, and it's based on assurances that Jason Kidd will re-sign with the team as well.  Now, I wonder if that Byron Scott thing was true at all.
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: JediMAC on July 11, 2003, 05:31 PM
Sorry, I forgot there were other teams in the NBA besides the Lakers...   ;D   ;)

It looks like next week Alonzo Mourning is going to sign with the Nets, and it's based on assurances that Jason Kidd will re-sign with the team as well.  Now, I wonder if that Byron Scott thing was true at all.

Kidd just re-signed with the Nets (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/news/2003/07/11/kidd_nets/), and Mourning is supposedly right behind him...  Guess San Antonio was just too boring for him!  If Mourning is healthy, he should definitely give them a big boost.  No word about Byron that I saw though...
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: Nicklab on July 12, 2003, 01:02 PM
So, can any of you guys fathom getting $99 million to play point guard for the Nets for 6 years?  It's kinda mind-boggling!
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: Jango Fettish on July 12, 2003, 02:14 PM
It's ridiculous, and its why I pretty much why I have come to detest basketball. I don't care if they are "worth it". Do they really need that much money?
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: Morgbug on July 13, 2003, 12:02 AM
Nope, not worth it but the owners must be making enough.  

I more so loathe the NBA because of its approach to the entertainment side of things versus the actual game of basketball.  I haven't made the comment for a couple of months, but it really doesn't impress me when some guy does the five-step-shuffle prior to ramming the ball through the hoop with a spectacular dunk.  

All these guys doing dunks taking off from the free throw line?  Got news for ya, Erving did it without travelling. ::)
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: Nicklab on July 13, 2003, 01:06 AM
There was a great story by Frank DeFord of SI on HBO's Real Sports about the influx of European players.  He said that their skills are much more oriented towards a total game, and not the flash that a lot of NBA stars are about.  The only weak point they tend to have is on 1-on-1 defense.  Things like this have to make you wonder what impact Darko's gonna have in Detroit.
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: JediMAC on July 15, 2003, 02:34 PM
Not only did the T-Wolves not land Juwan Howard, but it looks like you guys just lost Rasho Nesterovic (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/news/2003/07/15/nesterovic_spurs/), Scott!   :-\

Tomorrow's the big day when the Lakers sign Payton and Malone.  There's been rumblings that other teams are still trying to entice them away from L.A. since they haven't officially signed yet.  Hope nothing changes, 'cause as weird as it will be to have them both and as not thrilled as I was when I first heard about it, I'm actually starting to warm up to the idea and get a little excited over the possibilities now...   8)
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: Scott on July 15, 2003, 02:35 PM
Yeah, just saw that :-\

Hopefully, they can sign Brad Miller now who I think is better than Rasho anyway, turned down more money to stay with the Wolves.

I think it is time to fire Mr. McHale
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: dustrho on July 15, 2003, 03:24 PM
I think it is time to fire Mr. McHale

I thought you liked McHale Scott...  ;)
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: Scott on July 16, 2003, 09:18 AM
Oh what a coop!  Losing Rasho was bad but replacing him with the Kandi Man is awesome and actually an improvement!  I didn't think they had a shot and the rumors around here was that they were going after Brad Miller of Indiana

SO

PG Cassel (Hudson 6th Man)
SG Wally
SF KG
C Olowakandi
PF Right now it is Marc Jackson

Howard would have made this a team to be reckoned with and for sure a top 5 team in the league near Sacramento, SA and Dallas status

If they can still sign a PF or trade Brandon for one they still have that chance, I went from depression to smiling in a flash when I heard the news this morning

(http://espn.go.com/i/nba/clubhouse/min_logo.gif)

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: dustrho on July 16, 2003, 12:24 PM
Scott, I knew you would be a happy camper about the T-Wolves signing the Kandi Man.  Here's the official story from the Associated Press...

 
Olowokandi agrees to step in for Nesterovic in Minnesota

July 16, 2003

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Free agent center Michael Olowokandi agreed Tuesday night to join the Minnesota Timberwolves and replace Rasho Nesterovic, who hours earlier reached a deal with San Antonio.

Olowokandi's move was expected to be announced Wednesday, said agent Bill Duffy, who represents both Olowokandi and Nesterovic.

The 7-foot, 270-pound Olowokandi, the first overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 1998 draft, reportedly agreed to a three-year deal worth $16.2 million. Wednesday is the first day NBA teams can sign free agents to contracts.

News of Olowokandi's addition capped what had been a disappointing 48 hours for Minnesota, which lost out to Orlando for power forward Juwan Howard and had made re-signing Nesterovic a top priority.

Nesterovic instead agreed to a six-year, $42-million deal with the Spurs.

He had reportedly been considering a seven-year, $50-million offer to stay with the Timberwolves, his team for his first five NBA seasons.

``Though we were hopeful that Rasho would re-sign with our team, we have been preparing for this scenario,'' general manager Kevin McHale said in a statement.

But adding Olowokandi, who will join All-Star forward Kevin Garnett in the frontcourt, helps ease the pain.

``They landed on their feet,'' Duffy said of the Timberwolves.
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: dustrho on July 16, 2003, 12:30 PM
Here's the official story from the Associated Press about Karl Malone & Gay Payton signing with the Lakers...  >:(

Lakers sign Malone, Payton to contracts
 
By JOHN NADEL, AP Sports Writer

July 16, 2003

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- True to their word, future Hall of Famers Karl Malone and Gary Payton signed contracts with the Los Angeles Lakers. And they did so at just about the earliest possible moment.

Team spokesman John Black said Malone and Payton, who verbally committed to join the Lakers at discount prices last week, signed shortly after midnight EDT on Wednesday.

A moratorium on free agent signings expired Tuesday night. Beginning at 12:01 a.m., free agents were allowed to sign contracts.

Malone, the second-leading scorer in NBA history who is considered perhaps the greatest power forward ever, signed a two-year contract worth just over $3 million, Black said.

Malone, who earned $19 million last season in his 18th and final season with the Utah Jazz, will earn the veteran's exception of $1.5 million next season.

He turns 40 later this month.

Payton, five years younger, also signed a multiyear contract. He established himself as one of the NBA's finest point guards in Seattle, where he played for nearly 12 seasons before being traded to Milwaukee this past season.

The players will be introduced Thursday morning at a news conference at Staples Center.

Payton, who earned $12 million last season, will make $4.9 million in his first year with the Lakers.

Black and Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak had dinner at a West Los Angeles restaurant Tuesday night with Payton and his agent, Aaron Goodwin, and Malone's agent, Dwight Manley.

Lakers front office employees Ronnie Lester and Bill Bertka were also present.

Malone faxed in his contract from Arkansas shortly after it was allowed to be signed.

``We drank a toast and Mitch went home to get some sleep for probably the first time in at least a week,'' Black said.

Malone and Payton will join Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant in a star-studded Lakers lineup.

Other Los Angeles returnees next season are Derek Fisher, Devean George, Rick Fox, Slava Medvedenko, Kareem Rush and Jannero Pargo.

The Lakers won three straight NBA championships before being eliminated in six games in the Western Conference semifinals by the eventual champion San Antonio Spurs two months ago.

Kupchak made it clear in the aftermath that major changes were in store.

Neither Malone nor Payton have played on a championship team. Payton and the Sonics played in the NBA Finals once and the Jazz reached the Finals twice during Malone's time there -- all during the 1990s.

In all three cases, the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls won titles.

``When Karl said what he was going to do, I figured I couldn't miss that chance, playing with the Lakers,'' Payton said over the weekend in Miami. ``With four great players like us playing with each other, we're going to have a great chance to win a championship.''
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: Brian on July 16, 2003, 01:37 PM
Just saw news at ESPN.com that the Miami Heat have offered Elton Brand a 6 year, 82 million dollar deal.  Now we'll have to see if Sterling and the Clips will match....they're going to have a whole different team next year...losing all of their talent.  Oh well, they probably wouldn't have ever put it together anyways :).

Here's the link to the story:

http://espn.go.com/nba/news/2003/0716/1581398.html
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: JediMAC on July 16, 2003, 05:27 PM
Oh what a coop!  Losing Rasho was bad but replacing him with the Kandi Man is awesome...

Uh...  Perhaps you've never seen this guy in action Scott, but having had the unfortunate "pleasure" of watching this fat, disgruntled, selfish, unmotivated clown play over the past 5 years, I'm more than a little surprised to see you getting exciting about his acquisition...  This guy's definitely a big body, but that's pretty much where it ends.

Glad to see the Payton/Malone thing finally get done.  Better hang on to your hats and glasses folks, 'cause this here's gonna be the wildest ride in the NBA!
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: Scott on July 16, 2003, 05:32 PM
Oh what a coop!  Losing Rasho was bad but replacing him with the Kandi Man is awesome...

Uh...  Perhaps you've never seen this guy in action Scott, but having had the unfortunate "pleasure" of watching this fat, disgruntled, selfish, unmotivated clown play over the past 5 years, I'm more than a little surprised to see you getting exciting about his acquisition...  This guy's definitely a big body, but that's pretty much where it ends.

Glad to see the Payton/Malone thing finally get done.  Better hang on to your hats and glasses folks, 'cause this here's gonna be the wildest ride in the NBA!
 And that is worse than Rasho how?

Same guy for less money means we got a steal.  Plus I will say McHale does know how to coach the big guys, just look at where Rasho came from too know
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: JediMAC on July 21, 2003, 04:18 AM
I'm frankly more than a little surprised not to find any posts in this thread after a pretty busy several days of NBA news...

Pippen back to the Bulls...   ::)

Clippers actually step up to the plate and resign Brand (and possibly others)   :o

...and oh yeah, some Kobe fella did some sorta bad stuff...  Figured a few of you would be all over this one.  Wassup?  Goin' easy on me these days?   :P   :-*
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: dustrho on July 21, 2003, 10:06 AM
Figured a few of you would be all over this one.  Wassup?  Goin' easy on me these days?   :P   :-*

I would have said something about that, but it's really not a joking matter for discussion.  If he is found guilty, then he deserves what's coming to him.  If he's found innocent then that's done & done.  Whatever the case, it's going to hurt him in the long run.  He might have broken some rules in his endorsements, and it will hurt his image.

On other note, someone here heard on our local radio station that Rodman might be coming back to the NBA.  And guess what team he is wanting to come back to?  Da Bulls.   ::)
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: Scott on July 21, 2003, 10:09 AM
I loved Rodman...kicking cameramen, dating Carmen Electra!  

Pippen is the most overrated player in NBA history...what a joke.  How well did the Bulls do when MJ took those years off?  Mmm hmmm

Kobe...don't get me started!
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: JediMAC on July 21, 2003, 03:15 PM
On other note, someone here heard on our local radio station that Rodman might be coming back to the NBA.  And guess what team he is wanting to come back to?  Da Bulls.   ::)

They interviewed Rodman on either ESPN or Fox Sports news last night, and he said he wanted to stay in California and hopefully play for either the Kings or the Lakers.  He also mentioned the Nets as a possibility.  Didn't say a word about Chicago though, but I guess that's always a possibility.

Yeah, I hear ya' on the Kobe thing Chris.  Definitely no laughing matter.  It's just that a lot of non-Laker faithful aren't such big fans of his, and also enjoy harrassing me (**cough**Scott**cough**) about him every chance they get, so I figured there'd be some mention of his troubles in here...   ;)

That said, it's certainly a HUGE blow to Kobe's previously impeccable image.  Him having been one of the very few superstar athletes (in any sport) with a squeeky clean image, along with the rest of his admirable traits like the intelligence, charisma, looks, etc. - this was even more of a shocker and blow to him (and the league).  Like most people, I still can't believe that the charges could possibly be true, but who knows?  Obviously only Kobe and the girl, which will cause it to turn into a "he said, she said" thing in court and will ultimately boil down to who the jury believes more, I'd imagine...  But with the adultery being admitted to already, Kobe's image is already going to take a major hit.  Should be interesting to see what the opposing fans have in store for him when he visits their arenas...

Unfortunate timing with this event, since it's now overshadowing the "should've been" joyful announcements of Malone and Payton signing on with us...   :-\
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: Reconsgt on July 21, 2003, 03:26 PM
Well on another note George Karl will be looking for another coaching job. I don't follow basketball that much but i know the Bucks pretty much stunk before he came to Mil. so it will be interesting to see who they will replace him with. Expecially since they paid Karl the big bucks.
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: Brian on July 21, 2003, 05:20 PM
Agreed about the Kobe Bryant situation, a sad situation indeed.  I will be the first to admit that I haven't ever been the biggest Kobe Bryant fan, although I admit he is a tremendous player, and had begun to like him more and more this past season.  When I first heard about this news, I figured there was no chance that it was true. Even though he seems cocky on the court to me (what players don't though), I never though him capable of anything like this.  I started to wonder a little bit after he first said he did nothing, but then once charged, admitted to adultery. Most likely, he will end up getting off...and it is very possible that he is innocent anyways, we'll probably never know for sure...just like it was said before, it is "he said, she said".  The only thing I don't like about it, is that if he isn't convicted of assault, rape, or whatever they choose to call it, SOME people/commentators think "oh, this was just a girl trying to get rich, and Kobe was an innocent target".  Even if it was consentual, what he did (adultery) is still wrong.  I hope that people remember that.  It seems anymore that athletes/entertainers/celebrities get away with this...and it gets written off.  Bottom line is, adultery is still terrible, and something I think is one of the worst things a person could do.  Sometimes I think our entertainment world forgets that this is still wrong, regardless if it is consentual or not (especially for a married man).  Anyways, I hope that things work out and the real truth is found.  I am sure there will be doubters either way the ruling ends up going, but hopefully the parties involved can move past this eventually.  I am sure it will be a difficult trial, because it is really hard to tell who is telling the truth at this point.  God bless them all, and hopefully truth will be found.
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: Darth Kenobi on July 21, 2003, 05:45 PM
The one thing that I will say for now with the Kobe thing is I hope the girl doesn't settle with him and then change her story.  This happens in too many incidents (Micheal Jackson, Tyson and others) which makes it appear that every single person who reports someone rich of rape, assualt, or anything else look like they are just out to get a quick buck.  
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: JediMAC on July 22, 2003, 09:01 PM
Wow!  Mega 4-team NBA deal just went down...

Latrell Sprewell to the Timberwolves

Terrell Brandon to the Hawks

Glenn Robinson to the 76'ers

Keith Van Horn to the Knicks

Scott should definitely be happy!  The Pups are really starting to shape up a little - Garnett, Sprewell, Cassell, Kandy, Wally, Hudson...  Not bad!  I don't think the wheelin' and dealin' helps any of the other teams too much though, maybe Philly just a tad.

Don't matter, 'cause Dream Team II shall reign supreme!   ;D   8)
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: Morgbug on July 22, 2003, 11:50 PM
Dream Team II? :o

Oh lord, at least wait until training camp starts Matt.  Remember last year?  Remember last week's posts?  Ooh, ick, I don't want Karl ::) :-*
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: dustrho on July 23, 2003, 12:03 AM
Robert Horry signed with the Spurs today.   :-*
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: JediMAC on July 25, 2003, 01:52 PM
Wow.  Another monster deal just went down.  Check this one out:

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/news/2003/07/24/miller_kings_ap/) -- The Indiana Pacers signed All-Star center Brad Miller on Thursday, then dealt him to the Sacramento Kings in a three-team, sign-and-trade deal that sent Scot Pollard and Danny Ferry to Indiana.

The San Antonio Spurs are the other club involved, and they will get Hedo Turkoglu from Sacramento and Ron Mercer from Indiana.



Crap.  The Spurs just got WAY better!  Turkoglu is a sick outside shooter, and always gives the Lakers fits, and Mercer is a defensive stud, and great player despite hit oft antics.  Maybe I'm missing something here, but it appears all the Spurs gave up to get these two great players was...  Danny Ferry?!?  Say what?  That makes no sense, unless the other teams in the league are intentionally trying to beef the Spurs lineup up as much as possible just to give Dream Team II a run for the money...

Indiana...  What the hell are they thinking?  Giving up Brad Miller and Ron Mercer for... Scot Pollard and Danny Ferry?!?  Uh...  HELLO?!?  Sounds like someone needs to get fired over there!  Even if it was just to free up some money and cap space.  Their team just took a serious hit!

The Kings lose a real good player in Turkoglu and a nice big guy off the bench in Chinstrap... uh - I mean Scot Pollard, but they get a top notch young center in Brad Miller, so those transactions are probably a wash.  Wonder what they plan to do with Vlade now...   :-\

Well, I've got to admit that the Spurs are starting to make me a little nervous.  I think they're much better than last year now, assuming Mercer doesn't cause the team to internally combust!  (hopefully   ;))
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: dustrho on July 25, 2003, 02:01 PM
It's been an amazing week of trades... that's for sure!   :o
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: DSJ™ on July 25, 2003, 02:21 PM
OK. I'm not into Basketball that much but have you seen this!   :o

Kidd signs six-year, $103 million deal with Nets (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/news/2003/07/24/kidd_nets_ap/)

Is that what they pay these guys now to play?
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: dustrho on July 25, 2003, 02:30 PM
Is that what they pay these guys now to play?

Unfortunately, yes.
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: DSJ™ on July 25, 2003, 02:39 PM
Is that what they pay these guys now to play?

Unfortunately, yes.

I could use that kind of money! Imagine the Bin's on eBay!  ;D
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: dustrho on July 25, 2003, 02:48 PM
I would buy eBay and everything on it if I had that kind of money.   :-*
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: Lemon-Viper on July 25, 2003, 05:51 PM
Think of the display cases you would need for all the collectibles you could buy!! :o

Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: Scott on July 28, 2003, 11:36 AM
I was excited about this, really excited until I thought of these two things:

We have way to many scorers and shooters now with KG, Wally, Cassell and Sprewell all wanting the ball

And Cassell and Spree haven't been exactly model citizens everywhere they have gone.

So the Wolves have:

PG: Cassell
SG: Wally
SF: Sprewell
C: Kandi-Man
PF: KG

Not bad, Hudson off the bench...they need a couple of mor ebig guys, Mark Madsen has been rumored as a possibility.  I was sorta dissapointed they had to trade Marc Jackson too though because I thought he was a good guy and did provide some depth.

This definitely puts the Wolves in top 4 territory with the Kings, Spurs and Lakers, ahead of the Mavs and Blazers for sure.  Should be a great year!  And I am really excited

That whole SA, Sacramento trade is total BS IMO, how in the hell did the Spurs get what they got for absolutely nothing.  Do other teams realize the Spurs did just win the Championship?
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: JediMAC on July 30, 2003, 06:18 PM
Uh-oh...  Check out the main page of ESPN.com (http://www.espn.com) right now...

ESPN has uncovered some main points in the prosecution's case against Kobe Bryant: The alleged victim sustained injuries that indicate their sexual encounter was not consensual, and Bryant intentionally misled authorities during questioning, sources familiar with the prosecution's case say.

That doesn't sound too good.

On another note, Scott - you guys just picked up Mad Dog (Mark Madsen) from us!  Nice grab!  You guys will love him, I'm sure, especially if he ever dances for you guys!   ;D

To replace him, the Lakers just signed Horace Grant (again).  Ugh.  Say what?!  Isn't this guy like 57 years old now?  Oh joy.  Nice pickup.   :-\
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: Scott on July 30, 2003, 09:07 PM
Team Geritol gets older!!!  I was pumped about Madsen who I thought was awesome pickup.  They also signed Fred Hoiberg to come off the bench.;  Still need another guard to come off the bench but this team has NBA Finals potential, especially with Kobe in the slammer for a few years
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: Morgbug on July 31, 2003, 11:33 PM
Team Geritol gets older!!!  I was pumped about Madsen who I thought was awesome pickup.  They also signed Fred Hoiberg to come off the bench.;  Still need another guard to come off the bench but this team has NBA Finals potential, especially with Kobe in the slammer for a few years

 :o
Title: Re: NBA Off Season News
Post by: Scott on August 19, 2003, 09:19 AM
WTF is this trade?

The Dallas Mavericks finally made a major offseason move, acquiring Antawn Jamison in a nine-player trade with the Golden State Warriors.

The Mavericks also got guard Jiri Welsch and forwards Danny Fortson and Chris Mills from the Warriors for guards Nick Van Exel, Avery Johnson and Antoine Rigaudeau, center Evan Eschmeyer and forward Popeye Jones in the deal announced Monday.