1
Fantasy NBA League / Re: 2012-2013 Fantasy Season
« on: October 29, 2012, 10:00:11 AM »
I guess I'll keep Iggy and Hibby.
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2
Fantasy NBA League / Re: 2012-2013 Fantasy Season
« on: October 28, 2012, 03:30:56 PM »
Do we have a link showing which keepers are no longer eligible?
3
NBA Discussion / Re: Is Pat Riley the GOAT?
« on: July 15, 2012, 12:30:28 PM »
Don't forget that Mitch is on the better side of two of the arguably best trades in recent history:
1. Pau Gasol
2. Chris Paul (not his fault it didn't happen)
1. Pau Gasol
2. Chris Paul (not his fault it didn't happen)
4
NBA Discussion / Re: Classy Laker Fans continued?
« on: July 10, 2012, 06:36:34 PM »
Why don't we just kill this post? What purpose does it serve?
5
NBA Discussion / Re: Should the Lakers trade Bynum for Howard?
« on: July 10, 2012, 06:35:31 PM »
IMO, the Lakers just got real scary.
If Kobe can get used to moving without the ball, Steve Nash will make insane things happen. Remember when Jordan moved to the post and unleashed the turnaround fadeaway? Imagine Kobe posting up smaller SGs or running the pick and roll with Nash? With his size and strength. Daaaamn.
It all depends on what Kobe does. Trade Gasol for some outside shooting and let Nash feed Kobe and Bynum in the post. Scary.
If Kobe can get used to moving without the ball, Steve Nash will make insane things happen. Remember when Jordan moved to the post and unleashed the turnaround fadeaway? Imagine Kobe posting up smaller SGs or running the pick and roll with Nash? With his size and strength. Daaaamn.
It all depends on what Kobe does. Trade Gasol for some outside shooting and let Nash feed Kobe and Bynum in the post. Scary.
6
NBA Discussion / Re: Has, and will the #1 pick in the draft lottery get you a Championship?
« on: July 10, 2012, 06:28:40 PM »
Tim Duncan was a once-a-decade prospect who went to a team who happened to have one of the three best centers in the league. That was a perfect storm. Probably won't happen again.
7
NBA Discussion / Re: Jeff Green gets $10 million a year?
« on: July 10, 2012, 06:26:45 PM »
Yeah. That's all the Heat needed was the one of the most deadly outside shooters in the league who can actually do other things on the court. You wouldn't be worried about them signing J.J. Redick.
8
NBA Discussion / Re: Is this really the best that the Magic can get for Howard?
« on: July 10, 2012, 06:23:40 PM »
I don't know. I think it depends on how healthy Lopez can stay. He showed good progress over his first three years. 2010-11 was a pretty good year, although his rebounding numbers are a little low.
Three first rounders isn't bad, although they'll probably be low picks coming from a potentially scary Nets team.
Three first rounders isn't bad, although they'll probably be low picks coming from a potentially scary Nets team.
9
NBA Discussion / Re: The Long, Slow, Sad Decline
« on: July 10, 2012, 06:18:40 PM »
Zig, I've always respected you. Your posts are thoughtful and well reasoned. You always seemed to be easygoing and it's fun to "discuss" things with you. I appreciate your openness here on the board. That's not easy. Your commitment to put your kids first speaks volumes about you. God bless you brother. You too WoW.
Meeting Mike in Cali all those years ago was a highlight. Meeting Joe V., Skander, and Caleb on a 6-hour swing through Columbia and playing hoops with them was awesome. I have very good memories of this board. It played a significant role in my life for a time.
I realize it's easy for me to cut Reality so much slack because I don't think I have EVER been one of his targets. So maybe I should take it more seriously. First of all, the baiting and reactive personal attacks and name calling have to stop. And I think that includes calling someone "a childish immature little kid," even if he is.
If we all agreed to a abide by code of conduct so to speak, and one us consistently refused contribute positively, then . . . Well, what do you do with cancer? You cut it out.
Reality, cut the shit. Every one else, don't react. Reality, if you keep trying to troll and mess up good, quality discussion, we'll vote you off the island for good. It happened to jemagee. It can happen to you. Derek, if it comes to that, will you support such an action?
I for one will give this group more attention. I'll visit more often. I'll post more. I'll try harder. Maybe we can bring it back.
Meeting Mike in Cali all those years ago was a highlight. Meeting Joe V., Skander, and Caleb on a 6-hour swing through Columbia and playing hoops with them was awesome. I have very good memories of this board. It played a significant role in my life for a time.
I realize it's easy for me to cut Reality so much slack because I don't think I have EVER been one of his targets. So maybe I should take it more seriously. First of all, the baiting and reactive personal attacks and name calling have to stop. And I think that includes calling someone "a childish immature little kid," even if he is.
If we all agreed to a abide by code of conduct so to speak, and one us consistently refused contribute positively, then . . . Well, what do you do with cancer? You cut it out.
Reality, cut the shit. Every one else, don't react. Reality, if you keep trying to troll and mess up good, quality discussion, we'll vote you off the island for good. It happened to jemagee. It can happen to you. Derek, if it comes to that, will you support such an action?
I for one will give this group more attention. I'll visit more often. I'll post more. I'll try harder. Maybe we can bring it back.
10
NBA Discussion / The Long, Slow, Sad Decline
« on: June 29, 2012, 06:20:27 PM »
Just visited the board today for the first time in months. Sad to see it get to this point. I still remember the old MSNBC board, which went down with the Twin Towers. Crazy to think that's more than ten years ago.
Just to clear up any misconceptions: I did not leave the board because of Reality's Laker baiting/hating. I've always gotten a chuckle from Reality's ability to incite such rage and indignation. Reality, you may be the greatest troll of all time. And I believe, deep in your twisted, Laker-hate-filled mind, you really were trying to keep the board alive, to create discourse.
In my case, it's simple. Life happened. I got busy. Got married. Went to grad school. Finished. Got busier. Had 4 kids (well I didn't "have" them). Moved twice. Bought a rental. Grew up a little--not enough. It's crazy to think about all of the things that have happened since I started posting in late 2000. Heck. I was still mainly a Bulls fan living in Utah back then.
I wish I had more time to post about basketball, but even if I did, the last year has pretty much killed my passion for the league. I don't like LeBron. I'm not a Kobe lover. My favorite player killed off my favorite coach and then got traded. My team is a borderline 8 seed every year. PEDs, referees fixing games, DWill, the lockout, the Lakers almost getting Paul after raping Memphis for Gasol, Vetogate, and LeBron wins. I'm just not interested any more.
It'd be nice to know what happened to everyone else. Joe V, Skander, Caleb, WOW/Zapotec/Miguel, ziggy, Lurker, SpursX3, Chief, jn, jw, DABODS, Rolando and all the others. I suspect you'll all say the same thing: life happened. Oh yeah, and Facebook. If you want to stay in touch: facebook.com/rustedhart. If not, fare thee well.
I do appreciate Reality for at least trying. And Dan and Randy, you deserve credit, too. If you didn't break your numerous self-imposed moratoriums, this place really would have died by now. Thank you.
Just to clear up any misconceptions: I did not leave the board because of Reality's Laker baiting/hating. I've always gotten a chuckle from Reality's ability to incite such rage and indignation. Reality, you may be the greatest troll of all time. And I believe, deep in your twisted, Laker-hate-filled mind, you really were trying to keep the board alive, to create discourse.
In my case, it's simple. Life happened. I got busy. Got married. Went to grad school. Finished. Got busier. Had 4 kids (well I didn't "have" them). Moved twice. Bought a rental. Grew up a little--not enough. It's crazy to think about all of the things that have happened since I started posting in late 2000. Heck. I was still mainly a Bulls fan living in Utah back then.
I wish I had more time to post about basketball, but even if I did, the last year has pretty much killed my passion for the league. I don't like LeBron. I'm not a Kobe lover. My favorite player killed off my favorite coach and then got traded. My team is a borderline 8 seed every year. PEDs, referees fixing games, DWill, the lockout, the Lakers almost getting Paul after raping Memphis for Gasol, Vetogate, and LeBron wins. I'm just not interested any more.
It'd be nice to know what happened to everyone else. Joe V, Skander, Caleb, WOW/Zapotec/Miguel, ziggy, Lurker, SpursX3, Chief, jn, jw, DABODS, Rolando and all the others. I suspect you'll all say the same thing: life happened. Oh yeah, and Facebook. If you want to stay in touch: facebook.com/rustedhart. If not, fare thee well.
I do appreciate Reality for at least trying. And Dan and Randy, you deserve credit, too. If you didn't break your numerous self-imposed moratoriums, this place really would have died by now. Thank you.
11
Fantasy NBA League / Re: 2011-2012 keepers
« on: December 16, 2011, 03:50:15 PM »Yeah. This years "deadlines" are less so than in years past, because of how rushed it is. Looks like we have 10 or 12. Who are we missing? does anybody have contact information for those who haven't shown up ? If not, should we contract them or fill them with outsiders ?
Like I said, WOW is out this year, but Cord said his bro could fill in and do a good job. I'm cool with that.
The other MIA is Tim (Columbia Penguins). I've texted him a couple times, but haven't gotten any response. I'll try again today, but if he doesn't sign up by tomorrow, I say we fill it with an outsider, as you said Derek.
Yeah, just what the league needs . . . another Udall. You gotta be kidding me.
12
Fantasy NBA League / Re: 2011-2012 keepers
« on: December 15, 2011, 01:47:31 AM »
Hi fellas.
I guess I'll keep Noah and Iguodala.
I guess I'll keep Noah and Iguodala.
13
NBA Discussion / Dabods! Please rescue us from gay punishment!
« on: February 24, 2011, 07:44:16 PM »
Can we get this guy shut down or what?
14
NBA Discussion / Re: DWill to the Nets
« on: February 24, 2011, 03:32:41 AM »What were the Jazz thinking?
I don't understand trading away Deron Williams for Devin Harris and Favors. Even with draft picks I don't get it because Deron is still young. I didn't even know Deron Williams was on the trading block at all!
Also, I think New York would have been better suited getting Deron to team up with Amare than getting Melo. Maybe that is just me though.
Koast, don't forget Chauncey Billups. He's getting older, but he is a stud and a winner. The Knicks just got real, real fast.
15
NBA Discussion / Re: DWill to the Nets
« on: February 24, 2011, 03:31:39 AM »
Okay, I guess I can't put it off any more.
First . . . the legend of Jerry Sloan.
I am convinced that Jerry left mainly for the reasons he stated. He's tired and his time is up. I don't believe Jerry is the type to lie, even to the media. I've never heard him do it before. Utah fans trust him, and have for many years. We trusted Larry; Larry trusted Jerry Sloan and Phil Johnson, so we trusted them too. I was moved by the fact that Phil Johnson wouldn't do it without Jerry. The head coaching job post-Jerry Sloan has been his for years; it was widely understood. He even passed on at least one head coaching opportunity to stay with us.
Anyway, just when Jazz fans had started to settle down, our franchise trades the biggest star we've had since John and Karl. I have mixed feelings about it. My biggest concern during the whole retirement aftermath was that the Jazz organization was becoming one of those teams that pushed out legendary coaches to appease a young, arrogant player, which many media figures, local and national, were making Williams out to be. Then I watched the news conference and saw the Millers and Kevin O'Connor insist that Sloan was NOT forced out, and I still wondered. Then in that same news conference, I saw them name Ty Corbin as head coach. Not interim head coach, but head coach. Rumors are that news of a multi-year extension for Corbin is forthcoming. And the Millers pointed out that they hope they would have this same news conference in the year 2034, when Ty Corbin decided to retire.
The winning tradition has been great for me as a fan, but I'm loyal to the Jazz because of they way they do things. Players don't run the team, and they're loyal to good people who are loyal to them. And I know I will never have to find myself trying to suspend disbelief and cheer for an unconvicted rapist or a drug-user and/or pusher. Here's the reality about the Jazz. They operate in probably the worst market in the league. Salt Lake is a beautiful, VERY small city, with almost no nightlife, little entertainment, and comparitively nonexistent endorsement opportunities. And finally it's Mormon-central. Outside of the relatively tiny metropolitan area, Utah is a dry, sober, religious place. The biggest free agent we've ever attracted was Carlos Boozer, and he was not a star at the time we got him, and he fudged over a trusting blind man to get his $$$ from anyone he could. It is going to be very difficult to win a title here. I believe deep down most Jazz fans know this. But we like the way Larry did things, and we LOVED players like Karl Malone, John Stockton, and Matt Harpring (and Deron Williams). If we can be proud of the organization, and be competitive, Utah fans will keep filling the Nuke, because the Jazz are still the only show in town.
Now to Deron Williams. I was on an aisle seat on the tenth row behind the Jazz bench for Ty Corbin's first game against the Suns--across the aisle and three rows up from Kevin O'Connor and Randy Rigby, president of the Jazz. We looked good in the first half, built up a 15 point lead, and literally died in the second half. 27 points in a half--AGAINST THE SUNS! I noticed two significant things at this game:
1. Kevin O'Connor was on his feet shouting at Al Jefferson at least five times in the second half. He was particularly vocal during the the third quarter when Robin Lopez of all people was taking it to Big Al. I think that was one of Al's worst offensive games ever, and not a great defensive effort. He did have 12 rebounds in the game, but he gave up a number of offensive rebounds to Lopez and Hakim Warrick (who looked like Hakeem Olajuwon at times).
2. I had heard rumors that during the previous game (the blow-up game) that Deron just smirked and walked off the floor when he botched the last three plays to lose the game. But after watching this game, I can only conclude that Deron Williams is the toughest point guard I've seen since John Stockton. When the Suns put Pietrus on DWill and the refs subsequently allowed Pietrus to mug DWill repeatedly, Deron went right at him, slamming him into screens trying to get open. Pietrus is a big strong defender and he had all kinds of body on Williams, and Williams went at him as hard as anybody could, trying to win that game. I will never doubt DWill's heart and his abilities. When he comes back to Utah, I won't be booing him. When he faces the rest of the league, I'll be cheering him. He's surly, his difficult, he's bad with the media when things aren't going great, but he is a competitor and he wants to win just as bad as Jerry Sloan did. They just didn't always agree on how to do it. And by the way, Sloan fought with lots of guys. He and Karl had several shouting matches, but it never drove either of them away.
As far as the trade goes, I guess I boil it down to these opinions:
1. Deron Williams was NOT going to stay.
2. Devin Harris is the fastest guy in the NBA and one of the few guys who has given DWill trouble. If he's aggressive, he can get to the rim quite effectively. He can't create his own shot, score, and run the offense as well, but he's at least an equal, maybe better defender.
3. Derrick Favors is 19 years old. He's 6'10", 250 lbs, and is an athletic shot blocker and scorer. I've watched as much film on him as I could tonight, and the more I watched, the more excited I got. He's aggressive. He can jump. He's got good hands and a soft touch around the basket. And if he can dunk it, he will dunk it. No wussy lay-ups for him. I don't think he's overhyped. I think he's a serious prospect.
4. The Nets draft pick next year is unprotected. UNPROTECTED. Deron Williams has a nagging wrist injury that has slowly been getting worse for weeks, and many think he will eventually have to shutdown for some time. Long story short, the Nets aren't getting in the playoffs this year, and they won't win many games without Deron. This could be a high lottery pick for the Jazz. If you follow the probabilities, right now, it's the 6th pick in next year's draft. The Warriors pick is protected to 7 next year, 6 the next, and 1 after that (with two 2nd rounders thrown in if it goes that far). And it IS the Warriors we're talking about.
If you operate under the assumption that Deron Williams was never going to return to Utah, this was a great trade for Utah and a bit of a gamble for the Nets, because unlike the Knicks with Carmelo, the Nets have no guarantee that Williams stays after next season. We in Utah at least know that even though we lose a year of DWill, we will not be the Cavaliers or the Raptors.
And for me, I'm just glad the Jazz organization didn't change the way it does business. The Jazz are now Ty Corbin's team, and from what I've heard and seen, he's cut from the same cloth as Sloan (with a bit more understanding of young players perhaps), is steeped in the same system that has made Utah one of the most efficient offensive teams in the league for years, and he's got the full weight of the Miller family and Utah fans behind him. I like the trade, and I disagree with Joe that Utah is on the way down. The spirit of LHM lives Joe!
And just for fun . . . three predictions:
1. The Jazz aren't done dealing. They still have the sweetest expiring contract left in the league (AK) and a player lots of people love in Paul Millsap. Although I sure hope they don't lose Millsap.
2. I predict that sometime next season Karl Malone will be with the team helping to groom their young big men--much like Hornacek has been helping as a shooting coach.
3. In 2013, Derrick Favors will be ready, and this trade will look even better.
First . . . the legend of Jerry Sloan.
I am convinced that Jerry left mainly for the reasons he stated. He's tired and his time is up. I don't believe Jerry is the type to lie, even to the media. I've never heard him do it before. Utah fans trust him, and have for many years. We trusted Larry; Larry trusted Jerry Sloan and Phil Johnson, so we trusted them too. I was moved by the fact that Phil Johnson wouldn't do it without Jerry. The head coaching job post-Jerry Sloan has been his for years; it was widely understood. He even passed on at least one head coaching opportunity to stay with us.
Anyway, just when Jazz fans had started to settle down, our franchise trades the biggest star we've had since John and Karl. I have mixed feelings about it. My biggest concern during the whole retirement aftermath was that the Jazz organization was becoming one of those teams that pushed out legendary coaches to appease a young, arrogant player, which many media figures, local and national, were making Williams out to be. Then I watched the news conference and saw the Millers and Kevin O'Connor insist that Sloan was NOT forced out, and I still wondered. Then in that same news conference, I saw them name Ty Corbin as head coach. Not interim head coach, but head coach. Rumors are that news of a multi-year extension for Corbin is forthcoming. And the Millers pointed out that they hope they would have this same news conference in the year 2034, when Ty Corbin decided to retire.
The winning tradition has been great for me as a fan, but I'm loyal to the Jazz because of they way they do things. Players don't run the team, and they're loyal to good people who are loyal to them. And I know I will never have to find myself trying to suspend disbelief and cheer for an unconvicted rapist or a drug-user and/or pusher. Here's the reality about the Jazz. They operate in probably the worst market in the league. Salt Lake is a beautiful, VERY small city, with almost no nightlife, little entertainment, and comparitively nonexistent endorsement opportunities. And finally it's Mormon-central. Outside of the relatively tiny metropolitan area, Utah is a dry, sober, religious place. The biggest free agent we've ever attracted was Carlos Boozer, and he was not a star at the time we got him, and he fudged over a trusting blind man to get his $$$ from anyone he could. It is going to be very difficult to win a title here. I believe deep down most Jazz fans know this. But we like the way Larry did things, and we LOVED players like Karl Malone, John Stockton, and Matt Harpring (and Deron Williams). If we can be proud of the organization, and be competitive, Utah fans will keep filling the Nuke, because the Jazz are still the only show in town.
Now to Deron Williams. I was on an aisle seat on the tenth row behind the Jazz bench for Ty Corbin's first game against the Suns--across the aisle and three rows up from Kevin O'Connor and Randy Rigby, president of the Jazz. We looked good in the first half, built up a 15 point lead, and literally died in the second half. 27 points in a half--AGAINST THE SUNS! I noticed two significant things at this game:
1. Kevin O'Connor was on his feet shouting at Al Jefferson at least five times in the second half. He was particularly vocal during the the third quarter when Robin Lopez of all people was taking it to Big Al. I think that was one of Al's worst offensive games ever, and not a great defensive effort. He did have 12 rebounds in the game, but he gave up a number of offensive rebounds to Lopez and Hakim Warrick (who looked like Hakeem Olajuwon at times).
2. I had heard rumors that during the previous game (the blow-up game) that Deron just smirked and walked off the floor when he botched the last three plays to lose the game. But after watching this game, I can only conclude that Deron Williams is the toughest point guard I've seen since John Stockton. When the Suns put Pietrus on DWill and the refs subsequently allowed Pietrus to mug DWill repeatedly, Deron went right at him, slamming him into screens trying to get open. Pietrus is a big strong defender and he had all kinds of body on Williams, and Williams went at him as hard as anybody could, trying to win that game. I will never doubt DWill's heart and his abilities. When he comes back to Utah, I won't be booing him. When he faces the rest of the league, I'll be cheering him. He's surly, his difficult, he's bad with the media when things aren't going great, but he is a competitor and he wants to win just as bad as Jerry Sloan did. They just didn't always agree on how to do it. And by the way, Sloan fought with lots of guys. He and Karl had several shouting matches, but it never drove either of them away.
As far as the trade goes, I guess I boil it down to these opinions:
1. Deron Williams was NOT going to stay.
2. Devin Harris is the fastest guy in the NBA and one of the few guys who has given DWill trouble. If he's aggressive, he can get to the rim quite effectively. He can't create his own shot, score, and run the offense as well, but he's at least an equal, maybe better defender.
3. Derrick Favors is 19 years old. He's 6'10", 250 lbs, and is an athletic shot blocker and scorer. I've watched as much film on him as I could tonight, and the more I watched, the more excited I got. He's aggressive. He can jump. He's got good hands and a soft touch around the basket. And if he can dunk it, he will dunk it. No wussy lay-ups for him. I don't think he's overhyped. I think he's a serious prospect.
4. The Nets draft pick next year is unprotected. UNPROTECTED. Deron Williams has a nagging wrist injury that has slowly been getting worse for weeks, and many think he will eventually have to shutdown for some time. Long story short, the Nets aren't getting in the playoffs this year, and they won't win many games without Deron. This could be a high lottery pick for the Jazz. If you follow the probabilities, right now, it's the 6th pick in next year's draft. The Warriors pick is protected to 7 next year, 6 the next, and 1 after that (with two 2nd rounders thrown in if it goes that far). And it IS the Warriors we're talking about.
If you operate under the assumption that Deron Williams was never going to return to Utah, this was a great trade for Utah and a bit of a gamble for the Nets, because unlike the Knicks with Carmelo, the Nets have no guarantee that Williams stays after next season. We in Utah at least know that even though we lose a year of DWill, we will not be the Cavaliers or the Raptors.
And for me, I'm just glad the Jazz organization didn't change the way it does business. The Jazz are now Ty Corbin's team, and from what I've heard and seen, he's cut from the same cloth as Sloan (with a bit more understanding of young players perhaps), is steeped in the same system that has made Utah one of the most efficient offensive teams in the league for years, and he's got the full weight of the Miller family and Utah fans behind him. I like the trade, and I disagree with Joe that Utah is on the way down. The spirit of LHM lives Joe!
And just for fun . . . three predictions:
1. The Jazz aren't done dealing. They still have the sweetest expiring contract left in the league (AK) and a player lots of people love in Paul Millsap. Although I sure hope they don't lose Millsap.
2. I predict that sometime next season Karl Malone will be with the team helping to groom their young big men--much like Hornacek has been helping as a shooting coach.
3. In 2013, Derrick Favors will be ready, and this trade will look even better.