Offical 2009-10 NBA Season Thread

[ValarMorghulis]

this is why I love this kid...
"Tonight was a disgrace to how we play and the game of basketball, how we came out, and that starts with me," Durant said after his lowest-scoring game in more than three months. "I apologize to all the fans, all my teammates that I came out like that, and it translated to my team."

Yall lost to the Pacers man, you're allowed to have off-nights in the NBA

 

[shuges]

Originally Posted by JPZx

[h1] [/h1]

[h1]Darko will remain a Timberwolf, if...[/h1]
Last update: March 21, 2010 - 8:18 PM

Darko Milicic had a rather startling answer after practice this morning when Phil Miller asked him whether he'd return to the Timberwolves next season if the team guaranteed him a starting job and 30 to 35 minutes a game.

He said yes.

Now, he also said the team would have to make off-season moves that proves things are bound to get better. He was very clear this 0-4 road trip from which the team returned Saturday was truly miserable. He finished the trip with a 16-point, 12-rebound game Friday in L.A. He missed the final five minutes because of back spasms he attributed to conditioning issues.

But he also indicated the right environment where he can grow and develop as a player -- not money, destination or other factors -- is most important to him.

"I just want to play next year. I'm not trying to show people I deserve to be second pick. I just want to see the best I can be," Milicic said. "This is the best league in the world. I want to get a real chance."

It sounds like he still wants to live the NBA dream, but without having to live up to the expectations of the guy drafted ahead of Camelo Anthony, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade.

He said he doubts any other NBA team would make him such a guarantee, so "if it doesn't happen here, it's not going to happen anywhere else. If I don't make a deal with these guys here, it's going to be in Europe. But who knows?"

The guy has been playing better lately (16 and 12 vs. LA Lakers a couple nights ago), and although his attitude towards the whole situation is obviously improved, I will be the first to say it's been nice knowing you Darko, cya.

Where does he get off wanting any guarantees, though? I mean really

This.

Originally Posted by toine2983

Antoine Walker.

And this.

And how come the links to the cheezy thread don't work? Did the mods delete it?

 

[CP1708]

No offense to nobody, but why don't Darko just drive off a cliff already?  I have never seen such attention paid to such a damn nobody ever.  Just go away Darko so I never have to hear your name again. 

 

[henz0]

I might be in the minority but I think if darko got those type of minutes he'd be pretty productive

 

[i nasmatic i]

I haven't watched him much this season, but last season Darko was okay. He blocks shots, decent rebounder and has a little hook shot. Obviously he shouldn't be a starter, but he's a serviceable backup.

 

[proshares]

I always thought that if he got minutes in New York, he would have been a good addition to the team. Even if he didn't put up the numbers he is putting up now in Minnesota, at least we'd have a servicable 5.

 

[duba169]

Kevin McHale doesn't think the Celtics can win the NBA championship, although he won't close the door completely on the team's chances of raising an 18th banner.

"I would say, as of today, probably not," the former Celtic great said Sunday at an appearance at Burlington Mall when asked if Boston could win the title. "But that can change. Again, if they start catching a little bit of that wave and get that rhythm . . . how they start off that playoff series, you know, do they really get focused?

"And I think [Doc Rivers is] a very good coach. Doc will get them as ready as he can."


McHale: Celts 'probably' won't win NBA titlehttp://www.csnne.com/page...ockID=201995&feedID=3945

 

[im not you]

Gil's mom passed away.

Dude can't catch a break.

 

[jmause3]

Originally Posted by Im Not You

Gil's mom passed away.

Dude can't catch a break.

 

[sohi 23]

Originally Posted by CP1708

Didn't Bell say he wanted to sign with them and help them develop their young guys? 

That joint is a damn joke. 

hes barely played and they needed room for Reggie

 

[bhzmafia14]

Hopefully the Thunder are upset enough to beat the Spurs tonight.

 

[daprescription]

Originally Posted by SoHi 23

Originally Posted by CP1708

Didn't Bell say he wanted to sign with them and help them develop their young guys? 

That joint is a damn joke. 

hes barely played and they needed room for Reggie

According to reports, Riley made this decision because Bell was totally for it.  He said that it would have no implications on his decision to re-sign with the team.  Also, he wasn't upset that he wasn't waived earlier because he wouldn't have signed with a playoff team and tried to play anyways.

 

[CP1708]

^
But they also just lost his Bird rights, which could have been used in a sign and trade.  (Ford chat spoke on that) 

Why let a chip go for no reason? 

 

[daprescription]

[h2]Warriors Will Waive Raja to Make Room for Reggie[/h2]
By Marcus Thompson
Saturday, March 20th, 2010 at 7:27 pm in Uncategorized.

(Updated with Nellie quotes) Small forwardReggie Williams, as expected, will be signed for the rest of theseason. Tonight’s game at Memphis is his last game on his second 10-daycontract, which expires Monday. The Warriors can either sign him forthe rest of the season or let him walk. It’s a no-brainer.

GM LARRY RILEY: “I think he’s played well enough. Hecertainly has a good upside. We want to keep him as we move forward. …He fits very well with Nellie’s system because he’s the kind of a guywho looks to pass, who can put it on the floor and get to the basket,and he can make a shot. He works at defense. He’s not a great defender,but he’s not an embarrassment.

 

[CP1708]

^
Good looks.  Makes some sense.  Ford referred to another team signing him for this season just for his Bird rights.  (Said he was checkin with the league office to see if that's legal or not)
 But sounds like Bell's aware of that, maybe he'll just choose not to sign anywhere knowing what that team wants him for. 

 

[high class scum bag]

Originally Posted by Im Not You

Gil's mom passed away.

Dude can't catch a break.

he didnt have a relationship w/ her if i'm not mistaken...she lived in FL and he grew up in LA. i thought he didnt know her until he got to the NBA and he dissed her when she wanted to meet him..

 

[doublejs07]

The knee is feeling better.

Hopefully he sticks around next season w. the Wizards....

 

[bigmike23]

CP3 back tonight

 

[airmaxpenny1]

Someone post the Chad Ford draft stock article

 

[bangdak]

Got scared when Shaun fell down on the court. glad to see hes doing well...




Theres a rumor that the knicks sign bell for the end of the season, take it for waht its worth.

 

[metrokid26]

Damn poor Gil man, really can't catch a break at all

I hope he can at least convert his troubles to triumph next season, I hope he goes back to his scoring onslaught ways

 

[mytoasterspeak]

Big Z is back with the Cavs and I couldn't be happier, and he's gonna play on this upcoming road trip. The big fella is gonna be a valuable asset for our possible run to the finals. Shaq a be back in about 3 to 4 weeks, so things are looking up right now. Just got to put it all together now

 

[datznasty]

Spurs- Thunder just kicked off. I'm 'posed to be there but I forgot to take my tickets down off TicketExchange and somebody bought them. I just sold my Laker's ticket for Friday on Stubhub too. I hate it because everytime after I sell one I always get mad and realize I could have charged more. It's whatever though, I'm going to take a chance on catching one at face from that pregame raffle they do and/or hopefully my coworker will give me his LL at face.

BTW, for those who are wondering how the Thunder lost to the Pacers aside from the obvious, "they're all NBA teams, any team can beat any other on a given night," they all went to the Jay Z concert together and partied late and then that game was a 1:30Eastern tip off.

 

[bangdak]

Thats exactly why they shouldnt have lost.

 

[proshares]

Originally Posted by airmaxpenny1

Someone post the Chad Ford draft stock article

This one?

Collins, Reynolds take big stock hits

Monday, March 22, 2010http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/print?id=5018130&type=blogEntry

Posted by Chad Ford

NBA scouts and executives were out in force this weekend for the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament, trying to get their last look at a number of top prospects. Many GMs think the tournament is important because it shows how players perform under intense pressure, on neutral courts, at the highest level of basketball the NCAA has to offer.

Still most executives emphasize that performance in the tournament is just one of many factors that go into their draft analysis. The truth is somewhat murkier.

While it's obviously clear that lots of other factors come into play before draft night (past performance, draft workouts, physicals, etc.), a great (or terrible) NCAA tournament performance can have a lasting effect on how decision-makers feel emotionally about a given player. In fact, statistician David Berri posits in his new book that players who play in the Final Four move up an average of 12 spots in the draft.

Here's a look at who helped and hurt themselves over the first four days of the tournament.
[h3]Who's hot[/h3]
John Wall, PG, Freshman, Kentucky

Wall's biggest weakness? Shooting. So what does he do? Goes 6-for-10 from behind the arc in the tournament. And about those crazy turnovers: He's sporting a 2.5:1 assist-to-turnover ratio so far. What else do you want?

Wesley Johnson, F, Junior, Syracuse

Johnson battled injuries in January and February, but he's back to full health now. He just destroyed Gonzaga with 31 points and 14 rebounds in what may have been his best game of the year. If Johnson does this the whole tournament, he'll make a very strong run at the No. 3 pick in the draft.

Al-Farouq Aminu, F, Sophomore, Wake Forest

Aminu is known as a terrific athlete. But is he a basketball player? He answered the question in a big way against Texas, doing a little bit of everything to lead Wake Forest to a win. He was less impressive versus Kentucky, and there are still questions about his ability to shoot with any range. But the last impression of Aminu was, largely, a positive one.

Eric Bledsoe, PG, Freshman, Kentucky

GMs love Bledsoe's toughness and speed, but they've questioned his offensive abilities. Bledsoe has responded by shooting the lights out his last four games including nailing 8-of-9 3s in the first round. In a draft devoid of point guards, he's making a late charge for the lottery.

Quincy Pondexter, G/F, Senior, Washington

Pondexter has had a terrific senior season. However, scouts are always a bit skeptical of seniors having breakout years and are doubly skeptical given the weak competition he faced this season. But Pondexter is now strutting his stuff on the big stage -- proving to Marquette and New Mexico that he's no fluke. Given his NBA body and athleticism, I think his stock is on the rise.

Elias Harris, F, Freshman, Gonzaga

Harris wasn't spectacular, but he was solid against two very athletic teams in Florida State and Syracuse and looked as though he belonged. He still needs some work in the skill department, but NBA coaches kill for players with his motor. He probably will stay in school another year, but if he declares, I think he secured himself a first-round pick with this tournament performance.

Jordan Crawford, G, Sophomore, Xavier

Crawford's claim to fame was dunking on LeBron James at the Nike Skills Academy this summer. He's had a terrific season for Xavier but has struggled to boost his draft stock, thanks to a number of naysayers who see him as a pretty selfish player. That may be the case, but he's reminding NBA scouts at the tournament that he's also a very talented scorer who can put points on the board in a hurry. Crawford scored 28 against Minnesota and followed with 27 against Pittsburgh. Not only is he terrific attacking the basket, he's also showing off impressive range on his jumper. Of all the players who were stuck in second-round limbo, Crawford has done the most to make his case for a serious look in the first round.

Durrell Summers, G, Junior, Michigan State

Some GMs had Summers as a potential lottery pick this summer coming off a big NCAA tournament last year. Summers has been very inconsistent all year but is picking up his game at the right time. He scorched Maryland and got those GMs buzzing again. It's all upside with Summers, but it's a big upside.

Omar Samhan, C, Senior, St. Mary's

Samhan was considered a marginal prospect coming into the tournament. Now? How do you argue with a 6-foot-11 big man who dropped 29 points and 12 rebounds on Richmond and then followed it up with 34 and 7 against Villanova. Critics (and there are plenty) will point out that Samhan has no lift and that he's played against two teams that lacked size up front. But whenever you encounter a player with his size and touch in the paint, he's going to get a serious look. Samhan may not have guaranteed himself a draft pick, but he's just booked himself a bunch of NBA workouts. If he can slim down and show a little more explosiveness in workouts, he'll suddenly get very, very popular.

Jacob Pullen, G, Junior, Kansas State

Pullen has gotten light interest from scouts all year. He's a 6-1 shooting guard, and there just isn't a lot of interest in guys like that. But his play on both sides of the ball in the tournament has reminded scouts that Pullen might be an Aaron Brooks-type player in the pros. He can really shoot with range and has quick hands. I doubt he'll declare for the draft, but at least he's on the radar.

Ryan Wittman, F, Senior, Cornell

Wittman isn't a great athlete, but the guy can really shoot. From anywhere. He can launch it from deep and has a great midrange game. His quick release should allow him to get it off in the pros. Is he that much different from Jason Kapono?
[h3]A mixed bag[/h3]
Evan Turner, G, Junior, Ohio State

Turner's shot hasn't been falling, and he continues to turn the ball over at an alarming rate, but his near triple-double against Georgia Tech reminds us again that he's the most complete player in college basketball.

Derrick Favors, PF, Freshman, Georgia Tech

Do us all a favor and get out of Georgia Tech. The way his guards have ignored him all year is criminal. After a solid first game, Favors didn't score until the second half against Ohio State. Is he raw? Sure. But if he had a point guard who could get him the ball, he would dominate.

Greg Monroe, F/C, Sophomore, Georgetown

Monroe's numbers were solid against Ohio (19 points, 13 boards, six assists), but those who question Monroe's heartbeat just got more ammunition. He's too content to blend when he needs to carry. Monroe said after the game he's staying at Georgetown for another year. We'll see. His draft stock is as high as it's going to get.

Darington Hobson, G/F, Junior, New Mexico

A wrist injury kept Hobson from having the breakout performance he was hoping for. He was solid, but he didn't really make the big impact on either end of the floor that scouts were looking for.

Jordan Hamilton, F, Freshman, Texas

What was the difference between Hamilton in the first round and his play over the rest of the season? He hit more of his wild shots than he made. If this were your first time watching him, you'd fall in love. But watch the game film all year. He's every NBA coach's worst nightmare -- a talented player who thinks he's way better than he actually is right now.

Jimmer Fredette, PG, Junior, BYU

Fredette's huge game against Florida (37 points) got everyone buzzing. Not only is Fredette a dead-eye shooter, he's a relentless prober who can wiggle his way through the thinnest of seams to get to the basket. His first game had shades of Stephen Curry at Davidson two years ago. But Kansas State slowed him down considerably in the second round. More damning was Fredette's defense, or lack thereof. Some NBA scouts see him as a late first-round pick. I think late second round is more realistic.

Iman Shumpert, PG, Sophomore, Georgia Tech

Shumpert has been offensively challenged all year. He's struggled to find his range just about anywhere on the floor. But his defense? Wow. He did a remarkable job on James Anderson and Evan Turner. If he can get it going offensively as a junior, he's got the chance to be a lottery pick in 2011.

Keith Benson, C, Junior, Oakland

Benson has been putting up big numbers all year, and the tournament was no exception. He had 28 points and nine rebounds against Pittsburgh and showed off his huge upside. But don't be too fooled. He's a terrible defender and needs to add a lot of strength. Will he get some second-round love? Sure. But if he wants to crack the first round, he needs to head back to school.
[h3]Who hurt themselves[/h3]
James Anderson, SG, Junior, Oklahoma State

After doing so much this season to convince skeptical GMs that he's an NBA player, he was destroyed by Iman Shumpert in the first round. Anderson looked as though he lacked the explosiveness and the ballhandling skills to excel in the league. But don't overreact yet. Anderson has been great against some very athletic backcourts (see Kansas) and this was just one game. James Harden stank up the tournament last year and still went No. 3.

Sherron Collins, PG, Senior, Kansas

Collins was terrible when Kansas needed him most. After bailing out the Jayhawks in numerous late-game situations during the season, Collins just couldn't get it done against Northern Iowa. He was pressing, taking bad shots and turning the ball over way too much. Collins almost redeemed himself in the closing seconds of the game, but Kansas fell short, and it's going to hurt him. I was joking when I said via Twitter that I'd drop him 50 spots on the Big Board. But, I think it's safe to say that any dreams Collins had of cracking the first round may have just shattered.

Damion James, F, Senior, Texas

James had a great senior season but went out with a whimper in the tournament. Why does one bad game hurt a guy who's been consistently good all season? Because scouts have wanted to see him matched up against a long, athletic forward like Al-Farouq Aminu. That's the type of guy he'll be playing against every night in the NBA. The result? Aminu looked like a lottery pick. James? Not so much.

Scottie Reynolds, PG, Senior, Villanova

Reynolds spent much of his senior year trying to prove to NBA scouts that, despite his lack of athleticism, he could be a good pro. That dream came apart in the tournament after Reynolds shot a horrific 4-for-26 from the field against Robert Morris and Saint Mary's. He forced everything and looked nothing like the player who led Villanova deep last year. These two performances could be the final nail in the coffin for Reynolds' draft stock.

Luke Harangody, PF, Senior, Notre Dame

For a guy who has been a consistent beast on the offensive end of the floor, watching Harangody score just four points against Old Dominion in the first round was a bit of a shock. He came into the season hopeful that he could convince NBA scouts that he's a first-round pick. He ends the season praying he gets drafted, period.