Official 2013 NBA Offseason Thread

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KD ain't lying about Beas being better than him when they were younger. Looking back...I would have never guessed they would have turned out the way they did.
 
[COLOR=#red]SHABAZZ MUHAMMAD: A POOR MAN'S MICHAEL BEASLEY[/COLOR]


View media item 591599

The summer of 2013 proved to be successful for the Minnesota Timberwolves, as the organization acquired solid contributors in free agency who will undoubtedly fill important roles in the rotation. Blend these new pieces in with the returning talent, and it is evident Minnesota has a serious shot of qualifying for postseason play.

However, one aspect of the Wolves' offseason which left many fans of the team somewhat disappointed was the club's performance in the 2013 NBA Draft. More specifically, the franchises' thought process behind selecting point guard Trey Burke with the ninth pick, trading him to the Utah Jazz for picks 14 and 21, and then utilizing that 14th pick on shooting guard Shabazz Muhammad is what ultimately caused fans to yell at their TV screens in anger and confusion.

In theory, selecting Muhammad was a good decision: the Wolves' roster needed shooting guards, and Shabazz fit the bill. However, in reality, the decision to not use their original ninth pick on shooting guard CJ McCollum made absolutely no sense whatsoever. McCollum would have been a superb choice: he boasts an exceptional pick and roll game, consistently creates plays for himself and others with his ability to attack the paint, and is a marksman from three (51.6% with Lehigh in 2012/13). Unfortunately, for what had to be multiple reasons, Minnesota did not feel the same way. As a result, McCollum ended up being picked tenth by the Portland Trailblazers (great fit, by the way) and the Wolves were left with Muhammad.

Don't get me wrong, Shabazz is a very talented athlete who thrives when it comes to creating scoring opportunities for himself. But at this point, scoring is the only thing he will provide. If the UCLA product does not change his selfish style of play, it is likely the Wolves will have the next Michael Beasley on their hands.

Yes, you read that right. It's as if Muhammad misinterpreted the phrase "be like Mike" and modeled his style of play after Beasley instead of Jordan. His game is similar to Beasley's in every single way.

Only difference: Beasley is better. A lot better.

When Michael Beasley played his freshman season at Kansas back in 2007/08, his numbers were absolutely incredible: 26.2 points, 12.4 rebounds, 53.2 percent shooting from the field, 37.9 percent from three. The high level of athleticism, efficiency, and scoring the small forward displayed as a 19 year old eventually led the Miami Heat to select him with the second overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft.

Of course, once Beasley reached the professional basketball realm, his play took a turn for the worst. Sure, he still boasted the talent to light up gyms for 25+ points on any given night. But his selfish score-first mentality caused him to attempt to create scoring chances when none were available and consistently stop offensive flow. Beasley's performance through five NBA seasons has more than confirmed the fears of him being unable to effectively play within an offensive system, and as a result, his career has turned out to be a huge disappointment.

Now, this whole "catch-and-stall-the-offense-so-I-can-score" type of game - this describes Shabazz Muhammad to a tee. As a 19 year old (excuse me, 20 year old) freshman last year, the two guard's statistics were productive: 17.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 44.3 percent shooting from the field, 37.7 percent from three. However, even with this seemingly solid output, it was evident Muhammad was selfish and would play outside of his team's offense. Shabazz was basically a black hole in the system: once he received the ball, everyone knew it wasn't leaving his hands.

Michael Beasley was exactly like this in college as well. However, unlike Muhammad, Beasley absolutely dominated at the college level. And that right there proves my point: while Beasley's imperfections weren't exposed until he reached the NBA, Shabazz revealed his flaws during his lone college season. If the negative aspects of the shooting guard's game were on full display in the NCAA, why would he suddenly find success in the best basketball league in the world?

Easy answer: he won't. If Muhammad does not adjust his style of play and become a more team-oriented ball player, he will undoubtedly struggle to efficiently produce in any NBA system.

As far as off-court buffoonery is concerned, Shabazz is not quite at Beasley's level just yet. However, if Muhammed getting kicked out of the NBA Rookie Transition Program is any indicator, it seems like the guard is on the right (wrong) path.

If the Timberwolves selected CJ McCollum, this comparison would not be relevant. But since Minnesota opted to trade down and draft Shabazz, it is important for all Wolves' fans to understand this fact: Shabazz Muhammad is a poor man's Michael Beasley.



http://nbaheadquarters.sportsblog.com/post/238035/shabazz_muhammad_a_poor_man.html
 
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[COLOR=#red]Nets coach Jason Kidd says he will turn to Joe Johnson in clutch situations [/COLOR]



View media item 591648
The Nets have a glut of options to attempt their game-winning shots, a natural consequence of a roster with 35 combined All-Star appearances.

But while Paul Pierce might be the player with the most big-game shots and experience, coach Jason Kidd said he prefers drawing up these moments for a different Net: the oft-overlooked Joe Johnson.

RELATED: KNICKS, NETS TO CO-HOST 2015 ALL-STAR GAME

“If you’re into stats, you look at Joe Johnson as the clear-cut guy taking the last-second shot,” Kidd said Tuesday. “He was 9-for-10 (last season) with 24 seconds or less remaining. So that would be your guy who is the closer.”

Johnson, indeed, was outstandingly clutch last season. His highlight was the double overtime victory over Detroit in December, when he hit the shot to send the game into the second overtime, and then the winner at the final buzzer. He also hit game-winners against the Wizards, Knicks and Bucks.

RELATED: KIDD: KG, PIERCE BRING 'FLAVOR' TO 'VANILLA' NETS

Still, Johnson came up small in the biggest game of the season – scoring just six points on 2-of-14 shooting in a Game 7 loss to the Bulls.

“The game of basketball is such that you draw up a play for one player, most of the time it doesn’t end up with that one guy taking the shot,” Kidd said. “(Johnson) creates a problem, which results in one of teammates getting a wide-open look. Make-or-miss, it’s the right basketball play.

"But if you’re looking at stats, which a lot of you people do, Joe Johnson’s name comes first. … He’s a guy who delivers. He loves that stage at the end of having the ball and making the right play.”



http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/b...nson-nets-last-second-shots-article-1.1466529
 
[COLOR=#red]Nets coach Jason Kidd says he will turn to Joe Johnson in clutch situations [/COLOR]



View media item 591648
The Nets have a glut of options to attempt their game-winning shots, a natural consequence of a roster with 35 combined All-Star appearances.

But while Paul Pierce might be the player with the most big-game shots and experience, coach Jason Kidd said he prefers drawing up these moments for a different Net: the oft-overlooked Joe Johnson.

RELATED: KNICKS, NETS TO CO-HOST 2015 ALL-STAR GAME

“If you’re into stats, you look at Joe Johnson as the clear-cut guy taking the last-second shot,” Kidd said Tuesday. “He was 9-for-10 (last season) with 24 seconds or less remaining. So that would be your guy who is the closer.”

Johnson, indeed, was outstandingly clutch last season. His highlight was the double overtime victory over Detroit in December, when he hit the shot to send the game into the second overtime, and then the winner at the final buzzer. He also hit game-winners against the Wizards, Knicks and Bucks.

RELATED: KIDD: KG, PIERCE BRING 'FLAVOR' TO 'VANILLA' NETS

Still, Johnson came up small in the biggest game of the season – scoring just six points on 2-of-14 shooting in a Game 7 loss to the Bulls.

“The game of basketball is such that you draw up a play for one player, most of the time it doesn’t end up with that one guy taking the shot,” Kidd said. “(Johnson) creates a problem, which results in one of teammates getting a wide-open look. Make-or-miss, it’s the right basketball play.

"But if you’re looking at stats, which a lot of you people do, Joe Johnson’s name comes first. … He’s a guy who delivers. He loves that stage at the end of having the ball and making the right play.”



http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/b...nson-nets-last-second-shots-article-1.1466529

JJ was so damb clutch last year man. Any coach with a brain would turn to JJ in the clutch. He's phenomenal in that regard.
 
[COLOR=#red]SHABAZZ MUHAMMAD: A POOR MAN'S MICHAEL BEASLEY[/COLOR]


View media item 591599

The summer of 2013 proved to be successful for the Minnesota Timberwolves, as the organization acquired solid contributors in free agency who will undoubtedly fill important roles in the rotation. Blend these new pieces in with the returning talent, and it is evident Minnesota has a serious shot of qualifying for postseason play.

However, one aspect of the Wolves' offseason which left many fans of the team somewhat disappointed was the club's performance in the 2013 NBA Draft. More specifically, the franchises' thought process behind selecting point guard Trey Burke with the ninth pick, trading him to the Utah Jazz for picks 14 and 21, and then utilizing that 14th pick on shooting guard Shabazz Muhammad is what ultimately caused fans to yell at their TV screens in anger and confusion.

In theory, selecting Muhammad was a good decision: the Wolves' roster needed shooting guards, and Shabazz fit the bill. However, in reality, the decision to not use their original ninth pick on shooting guard CJ McCollum made absolutely no sense whatsoever. McCollum would have been a superb choice: he boasts an exceptional pick and roll game, consistently creates plays for himself and others with his ability to attack the paint, and is a marksman from three (51.6% with Lehigh in 2012/13). Unfortunately, for what had to be multiple reasons, Minnesota did not feel the same way. As a result, McCollum ended up being picked tenth by the Portland Trailblazers (great fit, by the way) and the Wolves were left with Muhammad.

Don't get me wrong, Shabazz is a very talented athlete who thrives when it comes to creating scoring opportunities for himself. But at this point, scoring is the only thing he will provide. If the UCLA product does not change his selfish style of play, it is likely the Wolves will have the next Michael Beasley on their hands.

Yes, you read that right. It's as if Muhammad misinterpreted the phrase "be like Mike" and modeled his style of play after Beasley instead of Jordan. His game is similar to Beasley's in every single way.

Only difference: Beasley is better. A lot better.

When Michael Beasley played his freshman season at Kansas back in 2007/08, his numbers were absolutely incredible: 26.2 points, 12.4 rebounds, 53.2 percent shooting from the field, 37.9 percent from three. The high level of athleticism, efficiency, and scoring the small forward displayed as a 19 year old eventually led the Miami Heat to select him with the second overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft.

Of course, once Beasley reached the professional basketball realm, his play took a turn for the worst. Sure, he still boasted the talent to light up gyms for 25+ points on any given night. But his selfish score-first mentality caused him to attempt to create scoring chances when none were available and consistently stop offensive flow. Beasley's performance through five NBA seasons has more than confirmed the fears of him being unable to effectively play within an offensive system, and as a result, his career has turned out to be a huge disappointment.

Now, this whole "catch-and-stall-the-offense-so-I-can-score" type of game - this describes Shabazz Muhammad to a tee. As a 19 year old (excuse me, 20 year old) freshman last year, the two guard's statistics were productive: 17.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 44.3 percent shooting from the field, 37.7 percent from three. However, even with this seemingly solid output, it was evident Muhammad was selfish and would play outside of his team's offense. Shabazz was basically a black hole in the system: once he received the ball, everyone knew it wasn't leaving his hands.

Michael Beasley was exactly like this in college as well. However, unlike Muhammad, Beasley absolutely dominated at the college level. And that right there proves my point: while Beasley's imperfections weren't exposed until he reached the NBA, Shabazz revealed his flaws during his lone college season. If the negative aspects of the shooting guard's game were on full display in the NCAA, why would he suddenly find success in the best basketball league in the world?

Easy answer: he won't. If Muhammad does not adjust his style of play and become a more team-oriented ball player, he will undoubtedly struggle to efficiently produce in any NBA system.

As far as off-court buffoonery is concerned, Shabazz is not quite at Beasley's level just yet. However, if Muhammed getting kicked out of the NBA Rookie Transition Program is any indicator, it seems like the guard is on the right (wrong) path.

If the Timberwolves selected CJ McCollum, this comparison would not be relevant. But since Minnesota opted to trade down and draft Shabazz, it is important for all Wolves' fans to understand this fact: Shabazz Muhammad is a poor man's Michael Beasley.



http://nbaheadquarters.sportsblog.com/post/238035/shabazz_muhammad_a_poor_man.html

Shabazz isn't a poor man's beasley. He would be lucky to be that if we're being honest.

Shabazz can't create for himself and is a streaky shooter at best. He can't dribble, and is a decent athlete at best. Got all his points at UCLA from rebounds and putbacks, fast breaks, and the occasional free throw. A 2 guard that can't create, isn't athletic, with a streaky shot screams that he'll be out of the league in a few years. Hope i'm wrong, but the writing is on the wall. Just look at how he performed in vegas against that type of competitions. He has some HUGE hindrances that will stifle him from becoming a productive NBA player.
 
 
Jared Zwerling ‏@JaredZwerling

Source: Earl Barron will play for Qingdao in China. #Knicks coaches liked Barron, but youth won over w/ Cole Aldrich. Expected to make team.

#fail
 
dude appears in 1 game last season, puts up 11 and 18, and is never heard from again.
 
I dont get the Knicks....oh wait, yes I do

If you're hating on the Knicks because they didnt sign some player they gave out a 10 day contract to who also played on 7 teams in 7 years there is something seriously wrong with you.
 
[COLOR=#red]Nets coach Jason Kidd says he will turn to Joe Johnson in clutch situations [/COLOR]



View media item 591648
The Nets have a glut of options to attempt their game-winning shots, a natural consequence of a roster with 35 combined All-Star appearances.

But while Paul Pierce might be the player with the most big-game shots and experience, coach Jason Kidd said he prefers drawing up these moments for a different Net: the oft-overlooked Joe Johnson.

RELATED: KNICKS, NETS TO CO-HOST 2015 ALL-STAR GAME

“If you’re into stats, you look at Joe Johnson as the clear-cut guy taking the last-second shot,” Kidd said Tuesday. “He was 9-for-10 (last season) with 24 seconds or less remaining. So that would be your guy who is the closer.”

Johnson, indeed, was outstandingly clutch last season. His highlight was the double overtime victory over Detroit in December, when he hit the shot to send the game into the second overtime, and then the winner at the final buzzer. He also hit game-winners against the Wizards, Knicks and Bucks.

RELATED: KIDD: KG, PIERCE BRING 'FLAVOR' TO 'VANILLA' NETS

Still, Johnson came up small in the biggest game of the season – scoring just six points on 2-of-14 shooting in a Game 7 loss to the Bulls.

“The game of basketball is such that you draw up a play for one player, most of the time it doesn’t end up with that one guy taking the shot,” Kidd said. “(Johnson) creates a problem, which results in one of teammates getting a wide-open look. Make-or-miss, it’s the right basketball play.

"But if you’re looking at stats, which a lot of you people do, Joe Johnson’s name comes first. … He’s a guy who delivers. He loves that stage at the end of having the ball and making the right play.”



http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/b...nson-nets-last-second-shots-article-1.1466529

JJ was so damb clutch last year man. Any coach with a brain would turn to JJ in the clutch. He's phenomenal in that regard.


hope JJ is healthy this year man
 
Houston @ Dallas Game 2 in 2005 is on NBATV if anyone cares. The game when T-Mac made the game-winner.
 
 
Jared Zwerling ‏@JaredZwerling

Source: Earl Barron will play for Qingdao in China. #Knicks coaches liked Barron, but youth won over w/ Cole Aldrich. Expected to make team.

#fail
 
dude appears in 1 game last season, puts up 11 and 18, and is never heard from again.
 
I dont get the Knicks....oh wait, yes I do

If you're hating on the Knicks because they didnt sign some player they gave out a 10 day contract to who also played on 7 teams in 7 years there is something seriously wrong with you.
Cole Aldrich has been on 3 teams in 3 yrs too. His "career" is on the same track.
He was drafted 2 spots ahead of Larry Sanders (traded to the Thunder for Quincy Pondexter) and 1 spot behind Paul George
 
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Can't wait to buy a flop city, d whistle, and king ring chaser jersey.

Nba should get some celebrity guest referees and ****.7 point half court shots.



I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore.
 
 
 
 
Jared Zwerling ‏@JaredZwerling

Source: Earl Barron will play for Qingdao in China. #Knicks coaches liked Barron, but youth won over w/ Cole Aldrich. Expected to make team.
#fail
 
dude appears in 1 game last season, puts up 11 and 18, and is never heard from again.
 
I dont get the Knicks....oh wait, yes I do
If you're hating on the Knicks because they didnt sign some player they gave out a 10 day contract to who also played on 7 teams in 7 years there is something seriously wrong with you.
No, I'm hating on the Knicks because I hate the Knicks
 
Can't wait to buy a flop city, d whistle, and king ring chaser jersey.

Nba should get some celebrity guest referees and ****.7 point half court shots.



I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore.
pimp.gif
Been irate on these boards since summer of '10
 
Miami never had all-star weekend since 1990...I thought it woulda been there soon as LeBron went there...chi town 88; I wouldn't be mad if it went to one of them soon or Detroit...Da N.O. got it this season tho
pimp.gif
What is "The Boat Show". 

Same weekend, same area, more $, less african americans. (sad but true)
 
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