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NBA Discussion / Mixed thoughts about Dwightmare reloaded . . .

« on: July 06, 2013, 01:01:06 AM »

Lakers obviously lost here.  I almost stated that they shot themselves in the foot but it a far more lethal blow they inflicted on themselves.

When the Lakers stated after the season, that they were committed to D'Antoni and he "wasn't going anywhere" -- they might have well gone ahead on packed Dwight's bags for him.  D'Antoni took what should have been the best frontcourt in basketball and turned on the most skilled post players into a 3 point shooter and the other into watching the ball bounce around the perimeter.  IMO, the only reason why D'Antoni is still coaching the Lakers is because Jim Buss can't admit he doesn't know anything about basketball and he made a mistake. 

They didn't do the Lakers strategy any good by allowing Kobe to become part of the "pitch" to Howard.  How many saw that going well?  While Kobe (and Nash) did have a point (stay in LA, don't let an injury ridden season be the way you left -- of yeah, you were injured most of the season too and played some of the worst ball of your career this year, learn how to win a championship) -- Howard already thinks of himself as "the man."  I think Kobe and Nash are right in their assessment but that's telling Howard things he doesn't want to hear.

The Lakers roster is a nightmare for next season.  Kobe is hurt until at least November.  Steve Nash's age is going to be shown in injuries.  MWP is a shell of his former self.  Meeks didn't do well when he had wide open looks.  Earl Clark was probably the brightest spot in the Lakers season last year and he is gone (glad he got a decent contract -- he earned it this year).  Antawn Jamison was worthless (who liked that signing?).  Jordan Hill was hurt (he may start next season which hurts our bench even more).  Gasol looked horrible this year until they finally lt him go back into the post and then he proceeded to outplay Dwight the rest of the year.

Laker fans will get the privilege of watching to see how the Lakers rebuild in 2014. 

As for the pros of watching Howard go -- this guy has got to learn another post move besides the baby hook and athleticism.  I know the Lakers didn't have the shooters Orlando had but his post moves were abysmal.  He has proven he isn't a leader.  He wants to be "the man" but I still see Hardin being "the Man" in Houston but Hardin and Hardin will get together better.  Hardin doesn't have Kobe's huge ego and Hardin won't push Howard as much as Kobe did.  Also, I did not like what I saw in the final game of the playoffs.  Howard quit.  That's not the mark of a leader (okay, it is of a bad leader).  Do you want to build a franchise around that type of character?

Houston should be very good this year.  They already had a scrappy defense and they have a ton of shooters to give Howard room in the post.  If Howard can be happy with letting the ball move around the perimeter rather than feeding into the post first, Howard will fit into the offense very well and he will make the Rockets defense very tough.

One last thought:  I heard the Rockets main thrust of their pitch went something like this:  The Rockets have a long history of building a championship team around a legendary big man.  Hmm, wouldn't this pitch 'cause Howard to choose the Lakers, not the Rockets?  The Rockets have won how many titles?  And after Hakeem and McAdoo, the list starts getting pretty thin on legendary centers.  The Lakers?  Mikan, Kareem, Wilt, Shaq!  Even Gasol and Vlade Divac were better centers than Sampson and Yao (okay, not Vlade here but definitely Gason -- I still believe Yao was over-rated).  Interesting tactic. 

Bottom line:  Howard is a great fit for the Rockets and he makes them instant contenders.  Howard, Gasol and Kobe would have put the Lakers into the mix but not, IMO, at the same level as the Rockets.  I don't like the fact that Howard really never gave his best to LA (not his fault, for the most part, he was just injured).  And it will be seen if Buss allows Mitch to put together a new team in the future.  I do think that the Lakers ought to see about doing a sign-and-trade -- if nothing else, just to load up on some draft picks.  I doubt that will happen at this point.

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NBA Discussion / Re: Finals. 2013 Spurs vs Heat

« on: June 20, 2013, 10:53:28 PM »

And Ginobili followed up a horrible game with one huge turnover after another.  He had Chalmers on him -- he should have been able to take over the game with James on Parker.  Green also made some really bad decisions with the ball. 

It has been a great series -- I really hate to see Miami win it again but give them their due -- James was on fire tonight and Wade, Battier and Chalmers all hit huge baskets.  Miami appeared to want it a bit more as they continuously hit the boards and were always quicker to loose balls.  Great coaching as well -- both made changes and responded.  It appeared that the Spurs (esp. Parker) ran out of gas.

Leonard was amazing -- this guy once again shows how talented the Spurs are at recognizing talent. 

Great series -- there has been some great bball in this playoffs this year!  Lots to enjoy this year!!!

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NBA Discussion / NBA playoffs

« on: May 08, 2013, 03:21:01 PM »

Hi, guys!  I know it's been a long time -- life just doesn't give me as many moments these days -- it's a shame.  I really miss the old MSNBC days and the early days on this board.  There have always been great basketball discussions and some great basketball minds on this board -- truly miss those days! 

I just thought I would share a few thoughts about the playoffs!  I have enjoyed watching some great basketball (played by lots of teams who aren't named the Los Angeles Lakers! lol).  Kobe has been amazing - given his age, it's that much more amazing!  The Lakers made another huge mistake with their coaching choice (here's hoping that D'Antoni hires McMillan as the assistant coach and then takes the 2013-2014 year off).  I was so tired of listening to everyone talk about how "old and used up" Pau Gasol is -- the guy is a year removed from being the 2nd best player in the Olympics.  The problem is putting him out at the 3 point line and expecting him to have a great year.  It's so ridiculous that it's hard to believe D'Antoni kept doing it.  I would have loved to see a healthy Lakers team play the Spurs.  I don't think that we would have beat them but I think it would have been a good series.  As it was, it was pathetic in the end with a starting backcourt that was straight from the developmental league.

Speaking of the Spurs -- Pop continues to show why he is one of the best coaches year in and year out.  And then to see how the Spurs continue to pick up players that shine in their system (i.e. Leonard) and then Tim Duncan having one of the best years of his career.  Pretty impressive.  I'm not actually picking them to win the West but they will play tough ball.

I am enjoying what I am seeing out of the Grizzlies.  I think they have a shot of beating the Spurs to win the Western Conference. 

I am really enjoying watching the Golden State Warriors play.  Wow, when is the last time I said that?  Run TMC days?  This team is fun to watch and Curry has stepped up to become the best shooter in the league.  His release is so quick it's amazing.  But most of all, I love the way this team plays scrappy defense.  They are a fun team to watch.

Clippers -- just when you think they are going to turn the page but Griffen has got to step up and play some defense.  It's the liability of this team. 

Denver - another fun team to watch - thought they had the best scrappy defense in the league until I saw GS play.

Houston - this team has a great future.  I liked Hardin but he has proven he is a man.  He has put this team on his back all season and has shown OKC that they were stupid to trade him.

Chicago - plain guts.  Heard someone say that they have the best frontcourt in the league in Boozer and Noah but I think the Grizz are better.  I can tell you that these guys have exposed the way to beat the Heat.  Rebound the basketball!  I think the Heat will get beat by the Grizz or the Spurs -- whichever team comes out of the WC (I'm saying Grizz). 

Pacers - I would have liked to see this team with a healthy Granger. 

There have been some great playoff basketball to date.  It's a shame that OKC lost Westbrook but injuries happen (see Lakers).

Okay, last thoughts on the Lakers.  I was excited to see Dwight Howard come to LA but he has been a disappointment to date.  I know he wasn't healthy when he started the year but there were just too many games that he appeared to "take off."  Umm, that's why we traded the other guy.  He seemed to almost pout a bit when Gasol got the ball but Gasol is a better post player and a better passer.  If Howard will buy into a 1-2 punch down low and move without the basketball, Howard can get a lot of signature dunks.  Jodies Meeks was a disappointment -- he just kept missing wide open shots (that he is supposed to knock down).  Jamison wasn't a disappointment - I didn't like this signing to begin with.  Clark was a huge surprise but being sent back to the pine after Gasol came back  seem to knock his confidence.  We have turned Nash into a spot-up shooter.  Not his strength.

I don't know how the Lakers can possibly pay the luxury tax they have coming to them next year.  It is a crazy amount.  It leaves no room to sign any additional players and after this year, it's hard to see veterans wanting to come to LA next year.  At some point, we are going to have to look to the future. 

Okay, enough of my ADD wonderings!  Have a great day everyone!

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NBA Discussion / Re: Return of Rubio!

« on: December 20, 2012, 10:33:56 AM »

Rubio should really help the TWolves -- they are an up and coming team and Rubio will make them better and even more exciting!!!

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NBA Discussion / Re: I am bummed, my Ducks gagged on a soggy piece of bread

« on: December 20, 2012, 10:32:37 AM »

What is this I hear about violations?  It's sounds ominous!

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NBA Discussion / Re: WTF? The Lakers suck balls!

« on: December 20, 2012, 10:31:51 AM »

The defense is HORRIBLE!!!!!  Slow rotation and it's almost like they don't care.  But the transition defense has been non-existent.  If this is the way the Lakers are going to play, dump the team and start over with Dwight (okay, Kobe's not going anywhere).  D'Antoni's offense is affecting our defense.  Putting Gasol on the elbow is absolutely stupid.  Gasol was the 2nd best team in the Olympics and almost carried Spain to a gold medal.  Making him a jumpshooter is the stupidest coaching move in basketball (outside hiring Isaiah Thomas to coach or be a GM). 

I really thought D'Antoni would use assistants to help with defense but he obviously isn't.  And then making comments that he can't get players to respond?  Umm, you're the coach.  Either get through to them or sit them or resign! 

This is ridiculous!  And anyone who thinks that getting Steve Nash back is going to solve everything is just stupid.  Nash will help the offense but the offense isn't really the problem -- every team in the league is running on the Lakers - and we are making bad teams (Wizards and Bobcats) look good! 

I wish someone would explain to me why we are taking our biggest asset (two of the best big men in the league) and turning it into a deficit!

Disgusted!!!!

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NBA Discussion / Re: Mike Brown

« on: November 14, 2012, 05:51:09 PM »

I like D'Antoni for the offense -- he likes motion and pick and roll and that plays into the Lakers strength.  The Princeton offense was doomed by the Lakers lack of outside shooters and the Lakers have to do things to help the spacing.  The last second shot for the Lakers is a prime example against the Spurs -- Gasol ends up shooting a 3 point shot because the spacing wasn't good and the Spurs closed in on Kobe and Dwight. 

I am still concerned about the defense although it has looked better since Brown left (why is that?  hmm?).  D'Antoni isn't a great defensive coach but the Lakers have an assistant coach, Steve Clifford whose is supposed to be a defensive specialist. 

They played the Spurs to the end of the game and they were without Nash and Blake (Morris starting -- ouch!).  I'm happy with the game although I don't like the outcome obviously.  I was never liked the Brown hire -- glad he is gone!

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NBA Discussion / Re: Disgusted!!!

« on: November 05, 2012, 12:44:39 PM »

Yeah, jn but they seem to be bent on trying to make Nash look like Blake.  You have one of the best playmakers and shooters in the NBA and their first goal is to take the ball out of his hands?  What?  I really thought they would have a multi-faceted offense -- sometimes Princeton, sometimes pick and roll and then a little in and out isolation basketball with Howard and Nash.  Nash averaged over 10 assists in the past 8 seasons with Phoenix -- the Lakers have managed to help him net 8 in two games.  Wow! 

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NBA Discussion / Re: Mike Brown

« on: November 05, 2012, 12:39:36 PM »

I haven't been as bothered by the offense as I have been the defense and the fact that the Lakers have been getting outworked and outhustled in their first three games.  The Mavs made them look pathetic and this was a Mavs team that was playing without Dirk and Kaman.  I knew going into this game that the Lakers would be outcoached -- Brown is a horrible coach but I truly thought he added some assistants that could help him with this huge deficiency.  I know that beating up on the lowly Pistons has caused the Lakers to suddenly feel better about themselves but it's time for the Lakers to start leaving it all on the court.  Metta isn't going to shoot like that most nights (very few nights, in fact). 

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NBA Discussion / Disgusted!!!

« on: October 31, 2012, 12:08:04 AM »

Okay, I realize that it's only the first game of the season and Kobe is hurt and playing limited minutes and Dwight is working his way back into shape but this season has been disgusting to watch the Lakers.  We can't beat a Mavs team that is without Dirk and Kaman?  What?

And if this is what we are going to turn Nash into -- let him bring the ball up the court and then forget about him, I hope we will trade him to someone else.  I was so look forward to some great ball movement and the only one playing that game seems to be Gasol. 

I was so looking forward to some great basketball but this has been nauseating for me!  It's one thing for the Lakers to get beat but they are getting outworked and outhustled and there is ZERO excuse for that!  The Lakers have the highest payroll in the league -- they need to start earning it!

And I still can't stand Brown as a coach.  I don't like the Lakers defensive schemes and I really thought the Lakers would get better due to the Assistant Coaches the Lakers brought in. 

Again, I know it's only the first game of the season but this is sad!!!

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NBA Discussion / Re: The Long, Slow, Sad Decline

« on: August 10, 2012, 10:15:32 AM »

I too would like us to do a restart on this board -- I miss basketball discussions with my son working and going off to college this fall.  I have been to some other boards and most are just filled with mindless rants.  I would like to see us moderate ourselves against the personal attacks and just focus on basketball.  I plan to just avoid and even block if necessary and will strive to keep my posts as objective and nonpersonal as possible.  It would be good to see this board a place to stop and visit and enjoy a good basketball discussion. 

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NBA Discussion / Re: Howard to LA

« on: August 10, 2012, 10:11:27 AM »

I sure don't understand this trade for the Magic -- the other 3 teams make total sense but this trade for the Magic is just crazy.

I don't mean to bring up a sore subject but I actually understood the trade somewhat that brought Pau Gasol to LA.  They wanted ZERO salary on their books to get the asking price down as much as possible and I always thought Marc Gasol would be a very good NBA Center.  They got rights to him for a player they could build around (although he will never be as good as Pau).  You never know what a future lottery pick will bring -- anyway, I don't think the Grizzlies got fleeced as bad as most people made it out to be.  Gasol for Gasol is definately lopsided for the Lakers but not as bad as initially thought, esp. when they had the guy but didn't have his contract on the books. 

But this trade?  If the Magic wanted young players and picks, why didn't they do a trade with the Rockets.  The Rockets were willing to give some of their young players just drafted as well as future picks to get Bynum so that the Lakers could get Howard.  That trade made a LOT more sense for the Magic than this one did.  The Magic end up with almost nothing here -- Arron Afflalo, Al Harrington, Nikola Vucevic, just drafted Moe Harkless (No. 15 pick in this draft) and a first round pick from each of the three other teams that is protected.  This just makes me go  .  I have never liked Brooks Lopez -- Marc Gasol, IMO is a better player than Lopez so I didn't feel like that was as good a trade but the Rockets would have been a MUCH better option than what they got.  This team basically got pocket change for Dwight (oh, they managed to get rid of Jason Richardson's contract too) but this was a very very bad trade!

As for the Lakers, it puts them as the favorites in the West and IMO makes them better than Miami.  I always am willing to accept gifts from the basketball gods but giving up Bynum for Howard (as long as it isn't just a one year rental) is just crazy without having to accept some long term bad contracts and not have to give up Gasol as well (and IMO Howard isn't worth losing Bynum and Gasol). 

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NBA Discussion / Re: What would be your teams all-time Dream Team?

« on: August 07, 2012, 09:27:51 AM »

Okay, that sure seemed like a lot of work Ziggy and it is cool.  Personally, I don't think the Blazers beat the 1992 Dream Team -- MJ would have played heavy minutes and IMO, he wills them to win the game.  Also, I don't think Mullins would have ever seen the light of day against a team like that (same with Laettner).  Read an article the other day trying the make the point that the only reason Mullins was chosen was because he was white.  I don't know whether to agree with that or not but he sure wasn't a good choice.  A good shooter from outside but that's about it and there were better shooters in the league who could actually contribute in other areas too.  Bottom line, IMO, is that MJ might play 48 minutes but he wouldn't let the 92 Dream Team lose.  And the rebounding margin wouldn't even be close either.

I also don't know about the Lakers Dream Team vs. the current Dream Team.  At some point, you could just put Wilt in and lob it to the top of the backboard for a dunk, lol.  I think the lack of size of this current team would have negated their quickness.  It's neat to see it all on paper but it does miss the intangibles.  I don't think most teams have that big a line-up to challenge the current Dream Team.  Spain does but that team is pretty decimated by injuries at this point.  If they were a healthy team, I think that would be a pretty good game.  I think Brazil showed that a team with some real bigs could hurt the USA team but I think in the end the intangibles of players like LeBron, Durant and Kobe -- they are just too much and would always make the play that won the game. 

And we didn't even get into coaching.  Coack K vs. PJ or Riley (I think I would take PJ over Riley).

I would have loved to see Sabonis play for the Blazers when he was healthy -- you just didn't get enough chance to see him play internationally when he was young. 

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NBA Discussion / Re: What would be your teams all-time Dream Team?

« on: August 06, 2012, 08:39:03 PM »

Awesome -- I'd like to hear how it works out.

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NBA Discussion / Re: What would be your teams all-time Dream Team?

« on: August 06, 2012, 05:19:35 PM »

Okay, here is my All-Time Lakers line-up:

Starting Roster:
PG - Magic Johnson (arguably the best PG to ever play the game)
SG - Kobe Bryant (not the best SG of all time but being #2 isn't that bad when the #1 is MJ)
SF - Elgin Baylor (tempted to put Worthy here but Baylor is better -- even if he was a little short for SF -- his game sure wasn't - single handedly brought the Lakers squad back from the dead)
PF - Pau Gasol (best PF to ever play for the Lakers.  Actually, PF is the Lakers least position of depth but Pau is rock solid here)
C - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (IMO, the best center to ever play the game.  Great shot blocker, rebounder and unstoppable offensively)

Bench:
PG - Jerry West (still the trademark of the NBA - Mr. Clutch is amazing to have to come off the bench)
SG - Gail Goodrich (this guy was great and is often overlooked in Lakers history but he was good enough and he got us the rights to Magic Johnson)
SF - James Worthy - (Loved being able to watch James Worthy - this guy would have been a superstar on most other teams but was a star with the Lakers - good shooter, great scorer)
PF - Vern Mikkelson (this guy is old-school but he was the rock solid and IMO is the Lakers #2 PF of all time)
C - Shaquille O'Neal (wow, Shaq coming off the bench -- what would he do to most back-up centers?)

Reserve:
SG/SF - Michael Cooper (I was almost tempted to put him before Goodrich but I think it's because he is one of my favorite players of all time)
C - Wilt Chamberlain (okay, this is a struggle since he really didn't come to LA before he was advanced in years but he is still quite a guy to come in for 7-10 minutes a game)

Personal Favorites:
Jamaal Wilkes -- love to watch this guy shoot
Robert Horry -- always hit big shots for the Lakers but not good enough to make this roster

Overall - I like this teams chance against any team ever -- fantastic offensively, good defensively (interior defense is phenomenal and several outstanding perimeter defenders along with some that weren't so great - like Magic, lol), fanastic passing, incredible rebounding and shotblocking.  How about this team vs. the 2012 Redundant Team?  lol