☆☆ 2012 NBA Finals ☆☆ The King has been crowned; Heat win 2012 NBA Finals! Bron Finals MVP.

[Peep Game]

Clippers better not make that trade. Blake + Deandre & the pieces around them >>>>>> Dwight Howard and the pieces around them

 

[airjordan jb23]

I wouldn't make the deal If I were the Clippers either... They're fine with what they have right now.

 

[|A-Man|]

Only reason you make that deal is if you think Dwight gets you a championship. Looking at that team after that trade I doubt he would.

 

[Deleted member 38182]

Originally Posted by JPZx

After the Kings/Timberwolves game some friends and I went to the Kings tunnel. When DeMarcus Cousins walked by I yelled, "MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE GOTTEN PAUL WESTPHAL FIRED." (I couldn't think of anything better, it was a spur of the moment type of thing 

). He stopped in his tracks, turned around looked at me and said "What did you say!?" I repeated it and he spun around and stormed off. 

I just tweeted him taunting him, hopefully he responds

Man quit being a meanie head to lil cousins. He's like 12

 

[seymore cake]

Wait... So say Russy makes an All NBA team again, which is a good possibility the way he's playing, do you give him the 94 million he's going to ask for?

 

[pmatic]

NBA.com GM Survey

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Spoiler [+]

Spoiler

2011-12 NBA.com GM Survey Results

The 2011 NBA offseason was unique, with free agency running concurrently with the start of training camps, which were abbreviated in order to start the season on Christmas Day. Once things settled down and general managers were able to step away from their phones for a bit, NBA.com conducted its 10th annual GM Survey.

Do the Dallas Mavericks have a shot at repeating as NBA champs, or even winning the Western Conference again? Is it time for Kevin Durant to win his first MVP award, or will LeBron James win his third? And if you were putting together an NBA franchise, which of the two is the player you'd most like to start with?

Those are just a few of the 57 questions NBA general managers responded to in our survey.

General managers were not permitted to vote for their own team or personnel. Percentages are based on the pool of respondents to each question of the survey, rather than all 30 GMs.

Predictions

Which team will win The 2012 NBA Finals?

1. Miami -- 74.1%
2. Oklahoma City -- 14.8%
3. L.A. Lakers -- 7.4%
4. Chicago - 3.7%

Last year: L.A. Lakers -- 63.0%
survey-1.jpg
Which team will win the Eastern Conference?

1. Miami -- 96.3%
2. Chicago -- 3.7%

Last year: Miami -- 70.4%
Which team will win the Western Conference?

1. Oklahoma City -- 67.9%
2. L.A. Lakers -- 17.9%
3. Portland -- 7.1%
San Antonio -- 7.1%

Last year: L.A. Lakers -- 96.4%
Which team will win the Atlantic Division?

1. Boston -- 64.3%
2. Philadelphia -- 21.4%
3. New York -- 14.3%

Last year: Boston -- 100%
Which team will win the Central Division?

1. Chicago -- 96.4%
2. Indiana -- 3.6%

Last year: Chicago -- 82.1%
Which team will win the Southeast Division?

1. Miami -- 96.3%
2. Orlando -- 3.7%

Last year: Miami -- 74.1%
Which team will win the Southwest Division?

1. San Antonio -- 63.6%
2. Dallas -- 27.3%
3. Memphis -- 9.1%

Last year: Dallas -- 71.4%
Which team will win the Northwest Division?

1. Oklahoma City -- 71.4%
2. Portland -- 28.6%

Last year: Oklahoma City -- 63.0%
Which team will win the Pacific Division?

1. L.A. Lakers -- 77.8%
2. L.A. Clippers -- 22.2%

Last year: L.A. Lakers -- 96.4%

Players

Who will win the 2011-12 MVP?

1. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City -- 55.6%
2. LeBron James, Miami -- 44.4%

Last year: Kevin Durant -- 66.7%
If you were starting a franchise and could sign any player, who would it be?

T1. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City -- 37.0%
T1. LeBron James, Miami -- 37.0%
3. Derrick Rose, Chicago -- 14.8%
4. Dwight Howard, Orlando -- 7.4%
5. Dwyane Wade, Miami -- 3.7%

Last year: Kevin Durant - 55.6%
Which player forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments?

1. Dwight Howard, Orlando -- 29.6%
2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City -- 22.2%
3. LeBron James, Miami -- 18.5%
4. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas -- 14.8%
5. Derrick Rose, Chicago -- 7.4%

Also receiving votes: Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers; Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers

Last year: Kobe Bryant -- 35.7%
Which player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2011-12?

1. James Harden, Oklahoma City -- 21.4%
T2. Ty Lawson, Denver -- 10.7%
T2. Kyle Lowry, Houston -- 10.7%
T4. Paul George, Indiana -- 7.1%
T4. Jrue Holiday, Philadelphia -- 7.1%
T4. Marcus Thornton, Sacramento -- 7.1%

Also receiving votes: LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland; Andrew Bynum, L.A. Lakers; DeMar DeRozan, Toronto; Eric Gordon, New Orleans; Spencer Hawes, Philadelphia; DeAndre Jordan, L.A. Clippers; Kevin Love, Minnesota; Rajon Rondo, Boston; Lou Williams, Philadelphia; Nick Young, Washington

Last year: Blake Griffin, Russell Westbrook -- 14.8%
Who is the best point guard in the NBA?

1. Derrick Rose, Chicago -- 59.3%
2. Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers -- 37.0%
3. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City -- 3.7%

Last year: Deron Williams -- 50.0%
Who is the best shooting guard in the NBA?

1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers -- 55.6%
2. Dwyane Wade, Miami -- 40.7%
3. Ray Allen, Boston -- 3.7%

Last year: Kobe Bryant -- 85.7%
Who is the best small forward in the NBA?

1. LeBron James, Miami -- 77.8%
2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City -- 18.5%
3. Carmelo Anthony, New York -- 3.7%

Last year: LeBron James -- 67.9%
Who is the best power forward in the NBA?

1. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas -- 41.1%
2. Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers -- 17.9%
3. Kevin Love, Minnesota -- 14.3%
4. LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland -- 10.7%
5. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City -- 7.1%

Also receiving votes: Tim Duncan, San Antonio; Kevin Garnett, Boston; Pau Gasol, L.A. Lakers

Last year: Pau Gasol, Dirk Nowitzki -- 28.6%
Who is the best center in the NBA?

1. Dwight Howard, Orlando -- 96.3%
2. Pau Gasol, L.A. Lakers -- 3.7%

Last year: Dwight Howard -- 96.3%

Offseason Moves

Which team made the best overall moves?

1. L.A. Clippers -- 85.2%
2. Indiana -- 7.4%

Also receiving votes: Atlanta, Oklahoma City

Last year: Miami -- 96.4%
Which acquisition will make the biggest impact?

1. Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers -- 100%

Last year: LeBron James -- 89.3%
What was the most underrated player acquisition?

T1. Brandon Bass, Boston -- 15.4%
T1. David West, Indiana -- 15.4%
T3. Shane Battier, Miami -- 11.5%
T3. Chauncey Billups, L.A. Clippers -- 11.5%
T5. Jamal Crawford, Portland -- 7.7%
T5. Richard Hamilton, Chicago -- 7.7%
T5. George Hill, Indiana -- 7.7%

Also receiving votes: Caron Butler, L.A. Clippers; Tyson Chandler, New York; Raymond Felton, Portland; Josh McRoberts, L.A. Lakers; Andre Miller, Denver; Lamar Odom, Dallas

Last year: Al Jefferson -- 21.4%
Which team will be most improved in 2010-11?

1. L.A. Clippers -- 66.7%
2. Indiana -- 18.5%
T3. Minnesota -- 7.4%
T3. Philadelphia -- 7.4%

Last year: Miami -- 39.3%
What was the most surprising move of the offseason?

1. Chris Paul trade veto & trade to the Clippers -- 33.3%
2. Lamar Odom to Dallas -- 29.6%
3. Tyson Chandler to New York -- 14.8%

Also receiving votes: Chauncey Billups amnestied, Jamal Crawford to Portland, Grant Hill back to Phoenix, Mark Jackson hired by Golden State, Mehmet Okur to New Jersey, The end of the lockout

Last year: LeBron James to Miami -- 67.3%

Rookies & International

Who will win the 2011-12 Rookie of the Year?

1. Kyrie Irving, Cleveland -- 63.0%
2. Ricky Rubio, Minnesota -- 18.5%
T3. Kemba Walker, Charlotte -- 7.4%
T3. Derrick Williams, Minnesota -- 7.4%
5. Markieff Morris, Phoenix -- 3.7%

Last year: John Wall -- 67.9%
Which rookie will be the best player in five years?

1. Kyrie Irving, Cleveland -- 51.9%
T2. Ricky Rubio, Minnesota -- 11.1%
T2. Jonas Valanciunas, Toronto -- 11.1%
T2. Derrick Williams, Minnesota -- 11.1%

Also receiving votes: Alec Burks, Utah; Enes Kanter, Utah; Tristan Thompson, Cleveland; Kemba Walker, Charlotte

Last year: John Wall -- 67.9%
Which rookie is the most athletic?

1. Derrick Williams, Minnesota -- 32.1%
T2. Kenneth Faried, Denver -- 14.3%
T2. Jan Vesely, Washington -- 14.3%
T4. Norris Cole, Miami -- 10.7%
T4. Tristan Thompson, Cleveland-- 10.7%
6. Bismack Biyombo, Charlotte -- 7.1%

Also receiving votes: Alec Burks, Utah; Kyrie Irving, Cleveland; Brandon Knight, Detroit

Last year: John Wall -- 64.3%
Which rookie is most likely to be a "sleeper" success?

1. Norris Cole, Miami -- 44.0%
2. Iman Shumpert, New York -- 12.0%
T3. MarShon Brooks, New Jersey -- 8.0%
T3. Kemba Walker, Charlotte -- 8.0%

Also receiving votes: Reggie Jackson, Oklahoma City; Brandon Knight, Detroit; Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio; Darius Morris, L.A. Lakers; Klay Thompson, Golden State; Jonas Valanciunas, Toronto; Nikola Vucevic, Philadelphia

Last year: Luke Harangody, Patrick Patterson -- 11.1%
Who is the best international player in the NBA?

1. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas -- 96.4%
2. Steve Nash, Phoenix -- 3.6%

Last year: Dirk Nowitzki -- 57.1%
Which international player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2011-12?

1. Ricky Rubio, Minnesota -- 37.0%
2. Nicolas Batum, Portland -- 14.8%
3. Danilo Gallinari, Denver -- 11.1%
T4. Andrea Bargnani, Toronto -- 7.4%
T4. Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City -- 7.4%
T4. Jonas Jerebko, Detroit -- 7.4%

Also receiving votes: Omer Asik, Chicago; Gustavo Ayon, New Orleans; Omri Casspi, Cleveland; Marcin Gortat, Phoenix

Last year: Rodrigue Beaubois -- 21.4%
Who is the best international player NOT in the NBA?

1. Jonas Valanciunas -- 36.0%
2. Juan Carlos Navarro -- 32.0%
3. Andrei Kirilenko -- 20.0%

Also receiving votes: Furkan Aldemir, Mirza Teletovic, Milos Teodosic

Last year: Ricky Rubio -- 42.3%

Defense

Who is the best defensive player in the NBA?

1. Dwight Howard, Orlando -- 76.9%

Also receiving votes: Arron Afflalo, Denver; Shane Battier, Miami; Andrew Bogut, Milwaukee; Kevin Garnett, Boston; Luc Mbah a Moute, Milwaukee; Dwyane Wade, Miami

Last year: Dwight Howard -- 77.8%
Who is the best perimeter defender in the NBA?

1. Tony Allen, Memphis -- 26.9%
2. Rajon Rondo, Boston -- 15.4%
T3. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers -- 11.5%
T3. LeBron James, Miami -- 11.5%
T3. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City -- 11.5%

Also receiving votes: Arron Afflalo, Denver; Shane Battier, Miami; Luol Deng, Chicago; Luc Mbah a Moute, Milwaukee; Tayshaun Prince, Detroit; Dwyane Wade, Miami

Last year: Kobe Bryant -- 35.7%

Who is the best interior defender in the NBA?

1. Dwight Howard, Orlando -- 88.9%

Also receiving votes: Andrew Bogut, Milwaukee; Kevin Garnett, Boston; Kendrick Perkins, Oklahoma City

Last year: Dwight Howard -- 92.6%
Which is the best defensive team in the NBA?

1. Chicago -- 66.7%
T2. Boston -- 11.1%
T2. Miami -- 11.1%

Also receiving votes: Memphis, Milwaukee, San Antonio

Last year: Boston -- 75.0%

Coaches

Who is the best head coach in the NBA?

1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio -- 42.3%
2. Doc Rivers, Boston -- 23.1%
3. Rick Carlisle, Dallas -- 11.5%
4. Mike Brown, L.A. Lakers -- 7.7%

Also receiving votes: Rick Adelman, Minnesota; Doug Collins, Philadelphia; Nate McMillan, Portland; Tom Thibodeau, Chicago

Last year: Phil Jackson -- 39.3%
Which head coach is the best manager/motivator of people?

1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio -- 42.9%
2. Doc Rivers, Boston -- 39.3%

Also receiving votes: Scott Brooks, Oklahoma City; Mike Brown, L.A. Lakers; Doug Collins, Philadelphia; Nate McMillan, Portland; Erik Spoelstra, Miami

Last year: Phil Jackson -- 46.4%
Which head coach makes the best in-game adjustments?

1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio -- 35.7%
2. Rick Carlisle, Dallas -- 14.3%
T3. Doug Collins, Philadelphia -- 10.7%
T3. Doc Rivers, Boston -- 10.7%
T3. Tom Thibodeau, Chicago -- 10.7%
6. Scott Brooks, Oklahoma City -- 7.1%

Also receiving votes: Rick Adelman, Minnesota; Lionel Hollins, Memphis; Scott Skiles, Milwaukee

Last year: Gregg Popovich -- 28.6%
Which head coach runs the best offense?

1. George Karl, Denver -- 22.2%
2. Rick Adelman, Minnesota -- 18.5%
T3. Rick Carlisle, Dallas -- 11.1%
T3. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio -- 11.1%
T5. Mike Brown, L.A. Lakers -- 7.4%
T5. Mike D'Antoni -- New York -- 7.4%

Also receiving votes: Scott Brooks, Oklahoma City; Dwane Casey, Toronto; Doug Collins, Philadelphia; Erik Spoelstra, Miami; Tom Thibodeau, Chicago; Stan Van Gundy, Orlando

Last year: Jerry Sloan -- 35.7%

Which head coach has the best defensive schemes?

1. Tom Thibodeau, Chicago -- 61.5%
T2. Mike Brown, L.A. Lakers -- 11.5%
T2. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio -- 11.5%
4. Doc Rivers, Boston -- 7.7%

Also receiving votes: Lionel Hollins, Memphis; Scott Skiles, Milwaukee

Last year: Doc Rivers -- 28.6%

Who is the best assistant coach in the NBA?

1. Mike Malone, Golden State -- 29.2%
2. Brian Shaw, Indiana -- 20.8%
3. Mike Budenholzer, San Antonio -- 12.5%

Also receiving votes: Ron Adams, Chicago; Kenny Atkinson, New York; P.J. Carlesimo, New Jersey; David Fizdale, Miami; Pete Myers, Golden State; Stephen Silas, Charlotte; Terry Stotts, Dallas; Elston Turner, Phoenix; Mike Woodson, New York

Last year: Phil Johnson -- 23.1%

Which active player will make the best head coach someday?

1. Derek Fisher, L.A. Lakers -- 25.9%
T2. Shane Battier, Miami -- 14.8%
T2. Chauncey Billups, L.A. Clippers -- 14.8%
T4. Grant Hill, Phoenix -- 7.4%
T4. Steve Nash, Phoenix -- 7.4%
T4. Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers -- 7.4%

Also receiving votes: Ray Allen, Boston; Mike Bibby, New York; Anthony Carter, Toronto; Juwan Howard, Miami; Jason Kidd, Dallas; Earl Watson, Utah

Last year: Derek Fisher -- 29.6%

Miscellaneous

Which team is the most fun to watch?

1. Miami -- 33.3%
2. L.A. Clippers -- 29.6%
3. Oklahoma City -- 18.5%
survey-7.jpg

Also receiving votes: Denver, Golden State, Indiana, Minnesota, Toronto

Last year: Oklahoma City - 51.8%
Which team has the best home-court advantage?

1. Oklahoma City -- 44.4%
2. Utah -- 22.2%
3. Denver -- 14.8%
4. Chicago -- 7.4%

Also receiving votes: Boston, Miami, Portland

Last year: Utah -- 46.4%
Which player is the most athletic?

1. LeBron James, Miami -- 46.2%
2. Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers -- 19.2%
T3. Dwight Howard, Orlando -- 7.7%
T3. Josh Smith, Atlanta -- 7.7%

Also receiving votes: Rudy Gay, Memphis; JaVale McGee, Washington; Derrick Rose, Chicago; Dwyane Wade, Miami; Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City

Last year: LeBron James -- 50.0%
Which player is the best pure shooter?

1. Ray Allen, Boston -- 85.7%

Also receiving votes: Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City; James Jones, Miami; Jason Kapono, L.A. Lakers; Steve Nash, Phoenix

Last year: Ray Allen --53.6%
Which player is the fastest with the ball?

1. Derrick Rose, Chicago -- 57.7%
T2. John Wall, Washington -- 7.7%
T2. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City -- 7.7%

Also receiving votes: Mike Conley, Memphis; Monta Ellis, Golden State; LeBron James, Miami; Ty Lawson, Denver; Tony Parker, San Antonio; Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers; Rajon Rondo, Boston

Last year: Derrick Rose -- 21.4%
Which player is best at moving without the ball?

1. Ray Allen, Boston -- 67.9%
2. Richard Hamilton, Chicago -- 10.7%
3. Manu Ginobili -- San Antonio -- 7.1%

Also receiving votes: Kyle Korver, Chicago; Kevin Martin, Houston; Paul Pierce, Boston; Jason Terry, Dallas

Last year: Ray Allen -- 40.7%
Which player is the best at getting his own shot?

1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers -- 35.7%
2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City -- 21.4%
T3. LeBron James, Miami -- 14.3%
T3. Dwyane Wade, Miami -- 14.3%

Also receiving votes: Carmelo Anthony, New York; Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas; Paul Pierce, Boston; Derrick Rose, Chicago

Last year: Kobe Bryant -- 70.4%
Which player is the best offensive rebounder?

1. Kevin Love, Minnesota -- 64.3%
2. Dwight Howard, Orlando -- 21.4%
3. Zach Randolph, Memphis -- 7.1%

Also receiving votes: David Lee, Golden State; Amar'e Stoudemire, New York

Last year: Dwight Howard -- 37.0%
Which player is the best passer?

1. Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers -- 40.7%
2. Steve Nash, Phoenix -- 37.0%
3. Ricky Rubio, Minnesota -- 11.1%

Also receiving votes: Jose Calderon, Toronto; Jason Kidd, Dallas; Deron Williams, New Jersey

Last year: Steve Nash -- 75.0%
Which player is the most dangerous in the open floor?

1. LeBron James, Miami -- 53.8%
2. Derrick Rose, Chicago -- 23.1%
3. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City -- 7.7%

Also receiving votes: Steve Nash, Phoenix; Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers; Rajon Rondo, Boston; Dwyane Wade, Miami

Last year: LeBron James -- 67.9%
Which player is the best finisher?

1. LeBron James, Miami -- 42.3%
2. Dwyane Wade, Miami -- 19.2%
T3. Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers -- 11.5%
T3. Derrick Rose, Chicago -- 11.5%

Also receiving votes: Andre Bynum, L.A. Lakers; Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City; James Harden, Oklahoma City; Dwight Howard, Orlando

Last year: LeBron James -- 60.7%
Which player does the most with the least?

1. Kevin Love, Minnesota -- 26.9%
2. Luis Scola, Houston -- 15.4%
3. Steve Nash, Phoenix -- 7.7%

Also receiving votes: J.J. Barea, Minnesota; Andrea Bargnani, Toronto; Brian Cardinal, Dallas; Mike Conley, Memphis; Glen Davis, Orlando; Jared Dudley, Phoenix; Raymond Felton, Portland; Landry Fields, New York; Dwight Howard, Orlando; Paul Millsap, Utah; Joakim Noah, Chicago; Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas; Zach Randolph, Memphis

Last year: Luis Scola -- 14.3%
Who is the toughest player in the NBA?

1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers -- 32.1%
2. Rajon Rondo, Boston -- 10.7%
T3. Tony Allen, Memphis -- 7.1%
T3. Reggie Evans, L.A. Clippers -- 7.1%
T3. Kevin Garnett, Boston -- 7.1%

Also receiving votes: Caron Butler, L.A. Clippers; Dwight Howard, Orlando; LeBron James, Miami; Andre Miller, Denver; Zaza Pachulia, Atlanta; Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers; Kendrick Perkins, Oklahoma City; Luis Scola, Houston; Kurt Thomas, Portland; Dwyane Wade, Miami

Last year: Ron Artest -- 37.0%
Which player is the best leader?

1. Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers -- 25.0%
2. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers -- 14.3%
T3. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City -- 10.7%
T3. Steve Nash, Phoenix -- 10.7%
T5. Chauncey Billups, L.A. Clippers -- 7.1%
T5. Tim Duncan, San Antonio -- 7.1%
T5. Kevin Garnett, Boston -- 7.1%
T5. Jason Kidd, Dallas -- 7.1%

Also receiving votes: Tyson Chandler, New York; Derek Fisher, L.A. Lakers; Derrick Rose, Chicago

Last year: Steve Nash -- 32.1%
Which player has the best basketball IQ?

1. Steve Nash, Phoenix -- 28.6%
2. Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers -- 21.4%
3. Jason Kidd, Dallas -- 17.9%
T4. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers -- 7.1%
T4. Tim Duncan, San Antonio -- 7.1%
T4. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio -- 7.1%

Also receiving votes: Kevin Love, Minnesota; Rajon Rondo, Boston; Deron Williams, New Jersey

Last year: Steve Nash -- 46.3%
Which player would you want taking a shot with the game on the line?

1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers -- 48.1%
2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City -- 30.8%

Also receiving votes: Ray Allen, Boston; Carmelo Anthony, New York; Manu Ginobili, San Antonio; Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas; Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers; Dwyane Wade, Miami

Last year: Kobe Bryant -- 78.6%

 

[IATT]

Originally Posted by Seymore CAKE

Wait... So say Russy makes an All NBA team again, which is a good possibility the way he's playing, do you give him the 94 million he's going to ask for?

thunder can't do it.. then they won't be able to keep harden and/or ibaka


if he qualifies for it, you have to think about that 76ers move i suggested:
russ FOR jrue, lou, meeks and picks (meeks' contract expires at the end of season and won't be the 'cheap' contract he presently is)

- now that i'm thinking about it, this would be a better deal: jrue, thad young & picks
  

 

[big j 33]

Who is the best power forward in the NBA?

1. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas -- 41.1%
2. Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers -- 17.9%
3. Kevin Love, Minnesota -- 14.3%
4. LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland -- 10.7%
5. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City -- 7.1%

Which player would you want taking a shot with the game on the line?

1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers -- 48.1%
2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City -- 30.8%

Quick.. everyone start arguing again.

Originally Posted by Seymore CAKE

Wait... So say Russy makes an All NBA team again, which is a good possibility the way he's playing, do you give him the 94 million he's going to ask for?

The problem isn't "Is Russ worth that much", it's "how much will they have to pay Harden and Ibaka?". It would be impossible for them to pay all those guys their market value, so they either let one of them go, trade one for players on rookie deals, or pull some miracle and get them to all take a paycut.

It also depends on how successful they are this year, if the problem becomes Russ and Durant not co-existing then that makes dealing Westbrook a bigger possibility, or we could see their lack of big man scoring as an issue. If Ibaka ever makes a huge improvement and becomes a reliable offensive option, that also plays a factor.

My plan? Trade Harden and Perkins for Kevin Love.

 

[Animal Thug]

Pass on Westbrook for 94 mil

.

 

[big j 33]

Actually I take it back, trade Westbrook for Amare.

Done and done.

 

[IATT]

^ if the thunder are looking to trade for a PF, the one i think that would fit the best with durant is aldridge..


and only way i see that happening is if portland don't do well this year.. since they have some older big men (camby, kurt thomas and oden) and/or guys on the last years of their deals (felton)


aldridge's contract would be considered cheap.. but not sure what package would work

 

[pmatic]

As Kevin Garnett and Allen become free agents this summer, money will peel away from the salary cap. Between then and now, the bigger question promises to be: Does ownership and general manager Danny Ainge go for the complete rebuild and trade Pierce before the March 15 deadline? Several contending teams have inquired about Pierce’s availability. As one Eastern Conference official said, there are “lots of calls asking if [Boston] will blow it up.â€

 

[finallyfamous]

Are the Celtics about to blow the team up?

 

[marcmac360]

Originally Posted by itsaboutthattime

^ if the thunder are looking to trade for a PF, the one i think that would fit the best with durant is aldridge..


and only way i see that happening is if portland don't do well this year.. since they have some older big men (camby, kurt thomas and oden) and/or guys on the last years of their deals (felton)


aldridge's contract would be considered cheap.. but not sure what package would work

  

Portland wouldnt give Aldridge up even if they did terrible this year. Theyre gonna look for a rebounding and shot blocking center soon beings that Camby falls apart every 10 games. I just dont think that Portland would give up L.A. for anything less than what he already brings.

 

[xsalvioutlawx]

Yall notice Kobe is playing good defense this season?

I mean the whole team is playing well defensively, but last year Kobe couldn't even move side to side because of his knee. Now he looks smooth out there trying to guard. Even gets a few steals and blocks a game. Knee looks good.

What do you guys think of the Heat game tomorrow? I think we lose.

We just don't have enough offense and the guys already look tired. It's also in Miami.

Games against teams like this Bynum/Pau HAVE to come up big. Our bench has to be solid as well or else we have no chance.

 

[Peep Game]

Originally Posted by itsaboutthattime

Originally Posted by Seymore CAKE

Wait... So say Russy makes an All NBA team again, which is a good possibility the way he's playing, do you give him the 94 million he's going to ask for?

thunder can't do it.. then they won't be able to keep harden and/or ibaka
  

I'm down for Ibaka with Dalembert on the Rockets next year. With Dwight Howard

 

[|A-Man|]

I'm so ready for Boston to rebuild and see Pierce somewhere else.

 

[bhzmafia14]

I love how the Grizz are under the radar again this season 

 

[big j 33]

But if they were getting praised daily by ESPN, you'd love that too.

Just checked, they're 6-6. Of course they're under the radar.

 

[Peep Game]

Originally Posted by Big J 33

But if they were getting praised daily by ESPN, you'd love that too.

Just checked, they're 6-6. Of course they're under the radar.

For real. Had me thinking they were 9-3 or something

 

[university of nike]

The Grizzlies aren't flying under the radar - they just suck and no one cares about them.

 

[mr rogers]

Kenny Smith is OK. His analogies suck though.

 

[xsalvioutlawx]

Ever since Michael Jordan retired — all three times, really — the NBA has searched for the heir to his throne. Many players have popped up as pretenders to the throne, from Harold Miner to Jerry Stackhouse to Vince Carter. In recent years, people have stopped trying to find a clone and just searched for a similarly dominant great player. If you ever wondered why LeBron James is seen as such a failure, a lot of it has to do with his inability to meet the example set by Jordan.

There are many great players in the NBA these days, most of whom have never been directly compared to Jordan. Nevertheless, His Airness says only one player comes close enough to his greatness to merit the comparison. Not surprisingly, that player is Kobe Bryant. Here's what Roland Lazenby, a great writer currently working on a Jordan book, tweeted on Sunday (via PBT):

Kobe's ultimate competition is MJ. That's why MJ watches him. MJ made people think what he was doing wasn't human. Ditto the Kobester.

I never said Kobe was better than MJ. MJ just told me Kobe's the only one to have done the work, to deserve comparison.


Congratulations, Kobe: your life's work has meant something. All that time spent aping Jordan's movements and skills has paid off. He acknowledged you. You made it.

Of course, if the notoriously petty Jordan was going to mention anyone, it makes that he'd single out Kobe, and not just because he'd consider the mimicry flattering. Bryant really does work harder than everyone else, and he's been good for long enough (with no signs of slowing down) that he may eventually top Jordan's longevity. They're similarly insane competitors.

The "Next Jordan" idea was always a silly one, but Bryant is certainly the player most like Jordan in all aspects  of his game — even if he eventually becomes something less than the greatest player of the post-MJ era, which I'm sure many of you will argue in the comments. That's an accomplishment in itself. Even coming close to the top means something.

 

[Bert.]

Originally Posted by PMatic

As Kevin Garnett and Allen become free agents this summer, money will peel away from the salary cap. Between then and now, the bigger question promises to be: Does ownership and general manager Danny Ainge go for the complete rebuild and trade Pierce before the March 15 deadline? Several contending teams have inquired about Pierce’s availability. As one Eastern Conference official said, there are “lots of calls asking if [Boston] will blow it up.â€

 

[bhzmafia14]

Originally Posted by University of Nike


The Grizzlies aren't flying under the radar - they just suck and no one cares about them.

I bet we make it further in the playoffs than the Blazers 

And yea, they are 6-6, but that's without their best player and a tough first 12 games. Not to mention, two trades were made to bring in new talent during the season and Conley was out during two games of the season. Also, the teams we've played on the road are 28-2 at home. So, to be 6-6 with the schedule finally getting easier will put us right back at the top of the division. 

I just think some people count them out so quickly and don't realize the things they've already had to overcome in the first 12 games.