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Gilbert.
Offical 2009-10 NBA Season Thread
- Thread in 'Sports & Training' Thread starter Started by mateen cleaves,
- Start date
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You cant tell me Gilbert ant getting his Pete Rose on and got money on the game
big j 33
Supporter
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Nah he's just a bum
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LMAO I don't whats up wit him. He not a bum tho
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Tyreke got the actual award before the game. Great game to showcase his skills to the national audience. Trying to get that award for the year next.
Great win!
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That award looks niceeee.
Any incidents from dollar beer night? I imagine there were some drunk folks out there watchin that game.
Blazers/Suns tonight.
Bulls/Knicks, and the game doesn't matter.
Instead of showingthe game live, maybe they could just show a tape from the 90's. I wonder which would get better ratings.
And I'm dead serious btw. I'd be watching the classic game without hesitation, and I bet I'm not the only one.
Blazers/Suns tonight.
Bulls/Knicks, and the game doesn't matter.
And I'm dead serious btw. I'd be watching the classic game without hesitation, and I bet I'm not the only one.
[h2]Rookie Watch: Biggest surprises[/h2]
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By David Thorpe
Scouts Inc.
Archive
Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE/Getty ImagesFrom showing up late on draft night to taking the NBA by storm, Brandon Jennings is full of surprises.
Nobody is totally surprised that the Sacramento Kings' Tyreke Evans is playing well -- he came in as a ready-to-go pro with the size to match and is replacing his team's injured leading scorer. Most teams projected him as the top guard in the 2009 NBA draft.
The same can be said about San Antonio Spurs forward DeJuan Blair, who dropped to the second round of the draft because of knee issues, not his game. He's producing as most people thought he would. Other players, such as James Harden, Ty Lawson, Jonny Flynn and even Eric Maynor, are doing likewise.
But many other rookies are far exceeding expectations, even those of their teams. Here's my list of the top 10 surprises from this class so far:
[h4]NBA Rookie 50[/h4]
Check out David Thorpe's 2009-10 rookie rankings. NBA Rookie 50
• Hollinger's stats: Rookie leaders
1. Brandon Jennings, Bucks | Rookie card
Draft night tells us all we need to know about what the league expected of this young guard. His people didn't know when he would get drafted, so Jennings stayed in his hotel room until he heard his name called. The rumblings from Europe, where Jennings played last season, suggested he would not be a strong player this season (if at all).
Although Jennings hasn't shot nearly as well in December as he did during the first five weeks of the season, he's still on course to experience a special rookie campaign while playing the toughest position to learn as a first-year player. If we took a poll asking all 30 NBA general managers who has been this season's most surprising rookie thus far, I'd guess Jennings would get all 30 votes.
Casspi
2. Omri Casspi, Kings | Rookie card
If Jennings would be the unanimous choice for the most surprising rookie 'til now, Casspi would sweep the second-place votes. Consider the negatives listed on his draft card by ESPN's draft guru Chad Ford after speaking to scores of executives and scouts who had seen Casspi play for years:
• Struggles to shoot off the dribble
• Poor shot mechanics
• Lacks deep range
• Lacks great lateral quickness
Opponents must be shaking their heads at that evaluation. Casspi has blistered teams from everywhere on the floor. He hits 3-pointers, gets buckets off the dribble and races the floor for dunks. Plus, he defends anyone and everyone with quick feet and a tough demeanor. All this while having to make the conversion from a power forward in Europe to a small forward here, with some shooting guard mixed in thanks to the injuries in Sacramento to Kevin Martin and Francisco Garcia.
There was a lot of talk about Casspi spending some time in the D-League to acclimate to the NBA after struggling in the Vegas summer league. Instead, he's fighting for a starting spot in the rookie-sophomore game during All-Star Weekend in Dallas and perhaps even a slot in the 3-point shootout.
Budinger
3. Chase Budinger, Rockets | Rookie card
Budinger's skills and athleticism were never in question -- he's always had a sweet stroke and better-than-average ball skills for a guy with his size and length. With Budinger, it's always been about his perceived lack of toughness. "Soft" was the most common adjective next to his name on scouting reports. So getting drafted by one of the league's toughest teams made me think either (A) he'll figure it out or (B) he's done.
So far, it looks as though he's figured it out. There is no softness in the way he is playing. He's rebounding, hustling, defending and driving. Soft players hang outside looking for their jumper. If teams could have been guaranteed that Budinger would have competed like this, he'd have been a top-20 pick.
Matthews
4.Wes Matthews, Jazz | Rookie card
As an undrafted rookie, Matthews is doing what few first-year players pull off before the holidays -- he's starting for a veteran coach on a solid team that is playing well. And he's doing it the best way a rookie in his situation can -- playing smart and strong, knowing where to go in Utah's offensive flow and finishing shots when he gets the chance.
By not trying to do too much, he allows Utah's offense to run its course, giving the Jazz's best options a chance to make the majority of the plays. It's harder than it sounds, especially for young guys trying to earn a more permanent spot in the rotation.
Thornton
5. Marcus Thornton, Hornets | Rookie card
Too small. Too slow. No true position. The best player in a down year for the SEC. That's what we heard from scouts about Thornton, who played at LSU. And in many ways, each of their assessments was accurate -- at least when comparing him to many of the other top draft prospects. But collectively, he always has been an excellent basketball player who figures out ways to be extremely productive despite some of these "flaws."
It often takes years before an NBA player can learn to be a shot-maker despite going long minutes before getting his first touch. There are many examples of this, such as Eddie House. But Thornton has been on the fast track since the season began, stringing together tough shots as soon as he enters the game and having the confidence to keep firing even after a slow start. He's a valuable weapon for the Hornets and could become even more of one if the team makes a playoff push.
Thabeet6. Hasheem Thabeet, Grizzlies | Rookie card
After looking D-League-bound to start the season, Thabeet has played his way into the surging Grizzlies' rotation. In other words, he's ahead of schedule. He's fourth in blocks per 48 minutes among all NBA players, and his defensive-rebound rate ranks second to DeJuan Blair among all rookies.
Most importantly, Thabeet has become a difference-maker. He helped the Grizzlies beat Miami on the road with 5 boards and 4 blocks in 21 minutes, then put up 8 boards and 5 blocks in 18 minutes in a near upset of Boston. His hands are still suspect, and his base (legs) is still shaky, but his efforts on defense and the glass should give him a boost of confidence.
Gibson
7. Taj Gibson, Bulls | Rookie card
Drafted to be an energy guy off the bench, Gibson has been more than that. He has been a very solid jump shooter, which is perfect for Chicago's offense. He'll pick and pop or raise up to the elbow-extended area opposite a Derrick Rose pick-and-roll with the other Bulls big man. His efficient jumper has been one of the few bright spots in Chicago's anemic offense, and his rebounding and shot-blocking have been solid, too. No one in or out of the organization expected Gibson to outplay the team's lottery pick, James Johnson, but that's what has happened thus far.
Collison
8. Darren Collison, Hornets | Rookie card
It's not a surprise that Collison was able to run the team in Chris Paul's absence. UCLA's players typically get to the NBA and fit right in because of how they play in college -- reading and reacting while playing fast but in control. But to score 10 or more points in 10 consecutive games? We didn't see that coming. Collison is very comfortable just getting his teammates the ball and then playing good defense.
With Paul back in action, it will be very hard for Collison to remain a consistent scoring threat in limited minutes. But at least the Hornets know they have a capable substitute for their best player.
Jerebko
9. Jonas Jerebko, Pistons | Rookie card
Tayshaun Prince is the classic glue guy, and JJ does many of the same things. Even though fellow rookie Austin Daye is built more like Prince, I see Jerebko as the "Swedish Prince."
Jerebko will post up or back a guy down, keep possessions alive with hustle rebounds and compete with passion and toughness on defense. And he knows how to fit into the offense without having to be a scorer. He's become a fixture in the rotation for a team playing better than most expected precisely because he plays so much like the real Prince.
Hansbrough
10. Tyler Hansbrough, Pacers | Rookie card
Most players on this list are surprising even their own teams to some degree, but not Hansbrough. The Pacers targeted him precisely for what he's doing now: bringing energy.
Hansbrough is especially effective as an offensive rebounder, and he also has a knack for making 50-50 balls go Indiana's way. Even better, he creates 50-50 balls by staying active. Many teams doubted his energy would impact an NBA game in any measurable way. But it has.
[h3]Other rookie observations[/h3]
Flynn
Jonny Flynn, Timberwolves | Rookie card
Flynn is learning to pick his spots better as a scorer -- blowing by his man when there is a clearer lane -- and gaining confidence as a shooter. He is showing great strength and is able to muscle shots through traffic in the paint the way Mike Bibby has done for years, so teams are even more focused on keeping him on the perimeter. But when he is shooting well from deep, he's very difficult to control.
However, I'd like to see him be more aware of taking care of his teammates, who have the ball a lot less than he does and do a lot of the dirty work. Recently, he had Kevin Love open as a trailer for the easy dunk but elected to take the points for himself. It's important that Flynn starts to follow the "take care of your big guys" creed.
Harden
James Harden, Thunder | Rookie card
Any way you slice it, Harden has had a rough December as a shooter. Other than a 6-for-13 effort against Golden State (the league's 28th-worst defense), he has made just 10 of 34 shots.
Part of the problem for Harden is the adjustment he has had to make as the third or fourth option on most actions; he needs to be both a scorer and a ball mover. (He was mostly just a scorer in college.) Because he's already such a great and willing passer in the NBA, he'll soon learn to trust himself as a scorer, knowing that if he took a shot it was the right decision.
2009-10 NBA Rookie Class: Top 50 RK Player TM Age POS G MIN FG% 3FG% FT% STL BLK AST REB PTS PER 1 
Tyreke Evans SAC 20 PG 23 36.0 .472 .244 .779 1.5 0.4 5.0 5.1 20.3 19.44 Analysis: Dec. 9: Evans is the rare talent who is already incredibly ... more 2 
Brandon Jennings MIL 20 PG 23 35.0 .417 .436 .805 1.0 0.3 6.0 3.8 20.7 17.64 Analysis: Dec. 16: Draft night tells us all we need to know ... more 3 
Omri Casspi SAC 21 SF 22 24.0 .514 .459 .556 0.6 0.3 1.2 4.0 11.4 15.84 Analysis: Dec. 16: If Jennings would be the unanimous choice for the ... more 4 
Jonny Flynn MIN 20 PG 26 29.0 .429 .338 .793 1.1 0.1 4.3 2.4 14.0 13.60 Analysis: Dec. 16: Flynn is learning to pick his spots better as ... more 5 
James Harden OKC 20 G 24 21.0 .388 .352 .813 1.0 0.3 2.6 3.4 9.3 16.06 Analysis: Dec. 16: Any way you slice it, Harden has had a ... more 6 
Ty Lawson DEN 22 PG 26 20.0 .497 .484 .788 0.9 0.1 3.4 2.1 7.9 16.29 Analysis: Dec. 3: I've studied the tapes, box scores and advanced stats, ... more 7 
DeJuan Blair SAS 20 F 23 14.0 .604 .000 .500 0.3 0.6 0.7 5.3 6.5 19.72 Analysis: Dec. 3: When he plays, Blair continues to impact the game ... more 8 
Darren Collison NOR 22 PG 20 20.0 .399 .292 .909 0.9 0.0 3.9 2.1 8.7 14.60 Analysis: Dec. 16: It's not a surprise that Collison was able to ... more 9 
Marcus Thornton NOR 22 G 19 19.0 .415 .342 .658 0.7 0.1 0.8 1.9 10.6 14.27 Analysis: Dec. 16: Too small. Too slow. No true position. The best ... more 10 
Chase Budinger HOU 21 SF 24 19.0 .411 .330 .741 0.5 0.2 1.3 3.1 8.6 13.72 Analysis: Dec. 16: Budinger's skills were never in question -- he's always ... more
2009-10 NBA Rookie Class: Top 50 RK Player TM Age POS G MIN FG% 3FG% FT% STL BLK AST REB PTS PER 11 
Tyler Hansbrough IND 24 PF 19 17.0 .380 .000 .712 0.6 0.2 1.1 4.5 8.7 15.57 Analysis: Dec. 16: Most players on this list are surprising even their ... more 12 
Stephen Curry GSW 21 PG 25 31.0 .441 .360 .822 1.9 0.4 4.6 3.3 11.2 12.03 Analysis: Dec. 3: 10. Stephen Curry, Warriors | Rookie card Almost all rookies ... more 13 
DeMar DeRozan TOR 20 SG 28 20.0 .416 .333 .781 0.6 0.5 0.7 3.1 7.3 11.09 Analysis: Dec. 9: DeRozan shares some of Holiday's strengths and faults -- ... more 14 
Wesley Matthews UTH 23 G 25 25.0 .476 .316 .780 0.4 0.0 1.2 1.8 8.7 9.77 Analysis: Dec. 16: As an undrafted rookie, Matthews is doing what few ... more 15 
Jeff Teague ATL 21 G 22 11.0 .398 .267 .867 0.8 0.1 2.4 1.2 4.0 14.97 Analysis: Dec. 9: Teague and Jonny Flynn are basically unguardable in one-on-one ... more 16 
Toney Douglas NYK 23 G 19 13.0 .504 .364 .750 0.5 0.0 0.8 1.1 7.4 14.88 Analysis: Nov. 18: Perhaps the only bright spot in what has been ... more 17 
Eric Maynor UTH 22 PG 23 13.0 .385 .182 .750 0.5 0.0 3.0 1.3 5.2 12.26 Analysis: Dec. 3: Maynor has maintained his steady play, keeping turnovers to ... more 18 
Derrick Brown CHA 22 F 18 12.0 .439 .000 .548 0.6 0.4 0.4 1.6 4.2 12.37 Analysis: Oct. 29: Had 9 points, 2 blocks and 2 steals in ... more 19 
Rodrigue Beaubois DAL 21 G 19 11.0 .524 .308 .800 0.4 0.2 1.1 0.9 5.4 13.68 Analysis: Dec. 9: One of the tricks that scouts use to evaluate ... more 20 
Jonas Jerebko DET 22 F 23 27.0 .490 .286 .681 0.6 0.3 0.8 5.3 8.1 10.72 Analysis: Dec. 16: Tayshaun Prince is the classic glue guy, and ... more
2009-10 NBA Rookie Class: Top 50 RK Player TM Age POS G MIN FG% 3FG% FT% STL BLK AST REB PTS PER 21 
Taj Gibson CHI 24 F 23 24.0 .494 .000 .518 0.7 1.1 0.6 6.1 8.3 12.67 Analysis: Dec. 16: Drafted to be an energy guy off the bench, ... more 22 
David Andersen HOU 29 C 25 13.0 .445 .345 .739 0.1 0.1 0.7 3.1 5.6 12.42 Analysis: b ec. 3: Andersen came off the bench to play 29 big ... more
23 
Austin Daye DET 21 SF 23 13.0 .490 .344 .636 0.3 0.5 0.2 2.4 5.0 12.27 Analysis: Nov. 18: Daye has not done much in Detroit lately, scoring ... more 24 
Hasheem Thabeet MEM 22 C 21 10.0 .585 .000 .421 0.3 1.2 0.1 3.3 2.7 15.38 Analysis: Dec. 16: After looking D-League-bound to start the season, Thabeet has ... more 25 
Serge Ibaka OKC 20 PF 16 13.0 .481 1.000 .556 0.3 1.0 0.0 3.7 3.9 11.56 Analysis: Oct. 29: Did not play in their opener. ... more 26 
Sam Young MEM 24 SG 25 16.0 .444 .158 .795 0.6 0.2 0.5 2.4 7.3 12.14 Analysis: Dec. 3: Young has earned more minutes lately and responded with ... more 27 
Wayne Ellington MIN 22 G 24 17.0 .369 .227 .722 0.4 0.0 0.8 2.0 5.0 6.55 Analysis: Nov. 18: Like most young shooters, Ellington is struggling with inconsistent ... more 28 
Jrue Holiday PHI 19 PG 16 17.0 .384 .289 .727 1.0 0.1 2.7 1.9 5.9 11.44 Analysis: Dec. 9: Holiday averaged only eight points per game in college, ... more 29 
Terrence Williams NJN 22 SF 24 24.0 .365 .294 .680 0.7 0.1 1.8 4.6 9.5 8.83 Analysis: Dec. 3: Williams might be struggling more than any rookie getting ... more 30 
Jodie Meeks MIL 22 G 17 13.0 .341 .318 1.000 0.3 0.2 0.5 2.0 4.6 7.48 Analysis: Dec. 3: Meeks has become mostly a designated 3-point shooter off ... more
2009-10 NBA Rookie Class: Top 50 RK Player TM Age POS G MIN FG% 3FG% FT% STL BLK AST REB PTS PER 31 
DeMarre Carroll MEM 23 F 24 14.0 .404 .000 .647 0.4 0.1 0.5 2.8 3.9 8.17 Analysis: Nov. 18: The fact that he's shooting so poorly is not ... more 32 
James Johnson CHI 22 SF 17 9.0 .361 .250 .900 0.2 0.6 0.4 1.9 3.8 10.85 Analysis: Oct. 29: Showed some positive signs in Vegas and the preseason. ... more 33 
Gerald Henderson CHA 22 G 18 8.0 .396 .231 .783 0.3 0.2 0.3 1.2 3.5 13.30 Analysis: Dec. 3: He had a breakout game in Charlotte's big win ... more 34 
Dante Cunningham POR 22 F 16 8.0 .550 .000 .286 0.2 0.1 0.2 2.0 2.9 15.04 Analysis: Oct. 29: Did not play in their opener. ... more 35 
Jon Brockman SAC 22 F 18 9.0 .563 .000 .438 0.1 0.0 0.4 3.5 2.4 12.35 Analysis: Oct. 29: Scored 4 points in 6 minutes in their opener. ... more 36 
Earl Clark PHO 21 F 18 9.0 .433 .000 .667 0.2 0.3 0.4 1.4 3.3 10.39 Analysis: Dec. 9: Clark already has an excellent foundation. He is long, ... more 37 
DaJuan Summers DET 21 F 15 6.0 .355 .545 .833 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.7 2.2 9.97 Analysis: Oct. 29: Did not dress in their opener. ... more 38 
Jordan Hill NYK 22 F 10 8.0 .515 .000 .800 0.5 0.6 0.5 2.2 3.8 19.53 Analysis: Oct. 29: Logged just two minutes in Miami. ... more 39 
Jeff Pendergraph POR 22 F --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- Analysis: Oct. 29: Did not dress in their first game. ... more 40 
A.J. Price IND 23 G 7 8.0 .333 .286 .750 0.1 0.0 0.6 1.0 3.6 8.33 Analysis: Oct. 29: Did not play in their first game in Atlanta. ... more
2009-10 NBA Rookie Class: Top 50 RK Player TM Age POS G MIN FG% 3FG% FT% STL BLK AST REB PTS PER 41 
B.J. Mullens OKC 20 C --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- Analysis: Oct. 29: Did not dress in the Thunder's rout of the ... more 42 
Lester Hudson BOS 25 G 13 3.0 .308 .500 .500 0.2 0.2 0.4 0.4 0.8 4.36 Analysis: Oct. 29: Logged 10 scoreless minutes in their home opener, but ... more 43 
Jermaine Taylor HOU 23 G 7 3.0 .364 .000 .833 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 1.9 13.47 Analysis: Oct. 29: Did not dress in Houston's first two games. ... more 44 
Marcus Landry NYK 24 F 8 6.0 .389 .444 .000 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.8 2.3 8.06 Analysis: Oct. 29: Played 2 minutes and had one offensive rebound in ... more 45 
Patrick Mills POR 21 PG --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- Analysis: Oct. 29: Did not dress in their first game. ... more 46 
Daniel Green CLE 22 G 6 2.0 .333 .200 1.000 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.7 1.2 20.89 Analysis: Oct. 29: Did not dress in their opener. ... more 47 
Taylor Griffin PHO 23 F 2 7.0 .333 .000 .000 0.0 0.5 0.0 0.5 1.0 -1.98 Analysis: Oct. 29: Did not dress in their win over the Clippers. ... more 48 
Blake Griffin LAC 20 PF --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- Analysis: Dec. 9: Based on what I saw from Griffin in college ... more
http:// [h3][/h3][h3]Dunleavy's reduction[/h3]
10:44AM ET
[h5]Mike Dunleavy | Pacers[/h5]
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Mike Dunleavy has played limited minutes for the Pacers since he recently returned from knee surgery.
And with the Pacers coming up on a span of four games in five nights, Dunleavy's going to see less time than the increased minutes he's been seeing the last three games.
"When we play four games in five nights coming up, he'll be at 24 (minutes)," coach Jim O'Brien told the Indianapolis Star. "If he survives those four games, we'll re-evaluate for the next four games in five nights, which is right after Christmas."
If Mike Wells' assessment on Dunleavy's positive effect on the offense is correct, the Pacers could see a dip in production. Though, Dunleavy has only seen the floor over 30 minutes once this year and is averaging 23 minutes a game, so he's not seeing a dramatic drop in minutes here.
http:// [h3]Moore surgery[/h3]
10:16AM ET
[h5]Mikki Moore | Warriors[/h5]
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From today's San Francisco Chronicle:
"Mikki Moore opted to have surgery to remove bone spurs from his right heel, the Warriors announced Wednesday, leaving the team with Vladimir Radmanovic as its starting center. Moore will have his foot in a cast and will be on crutches for several weeks before beginning rehab."
http:// [h3]Will Robinson ask for a trade?[/h3]
10:06AM ET
[h5]Nate Robinson | Knicks[/h5]
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There is a chance Larry Hughes will miss tonight's game in Chicago. Even with that possibility, Knicks head coach Mike D'Antnio says he hasn't thought about playing Nate Robinson.
"I'm just not going down there," D'Antoni told the New York Post after practice. "It takes a while for the ship to turn in the ocean. It takes a while to turn back. It's going to be a slow process. We'll keep reevaluating."
The newspaper couldn't get a comment from Robinson's agent, but speculates that his camp may ask for a trade if he doesn't play.
http:// [h3]Darko done with NBA[/h3]
9:55AM ET
[h5]Darko Milicic | Knicks[/h5]
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Darko Milicic told The New York Post Wednesday that he has decided to play in Europe next season.
"Whatever happens, I'm going back next year," Milicic said. "It's 100-percent certain. I have to be real and not lie. I'm not going to get it done in the NBA. I'm not going to get another opportunity and there's nothing wrong with going back to Europe. I don't want to create a bad atmosphere here, but it's not working in the NBA."
http:// [h3]Blazers granted roster exemption[/h3]
9:28AM ET
[h5]Portland Trail Blazers[/h5]
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The http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=porPortland Trail Blazers have been decimated by injuries and The Oregonian reports they have been granted a roster exemption from the NBA. This will allow them to sign a 16th player to the roster for a short-term basis.
"We're surveying our options," said Tom Penn, the Blazers' vice president of basketball operations. "We've been looking at free agents that are out there and available ... and we're going to keep our options open. We may or may not ultimately sign a player."
HoopsHype.com is reporting the Blazers will sign forward Anthony Tolliver today and he's expected to be in uniform tonight against Phoenix.
http:// [h3]What will bring Phil Jackson back?[/h3]
9:20AM ET
[h5]Phil Jackson | Lakers[/h5]
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Lakers head coach Phil Jackson probably won't decide until the end of the season if he'll return to the bench in 2010-11. There are two things that could sway him; money and how the team changes from year-to-year.
"The money's good. I can't complain about that," Jackson told the Los Angeles Times. Jackson is being paid $12 million this season.
"This year's challenge is entirely different from last year," he said. "Now it's kind of a veteran group we have out there, along with Andrew Bynum. It's a whole different kind of feel about our team. Our team is slower, it's much more pedantic and it's an interesting transformation. I think that's what keeps me coming back, is just to watch that happen for a team."
http:// [h3]Riley waiting for the turn and river[/h3]
9:12AM ET
[h5]Miami Heat[/h5]
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Miami Heat president Pat Riley talked about their cap room next summer Wednesday and if it was affecting potential deals for this season.
"The most precious real estate in the NBA," Riley told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "We've been pretty diligent on all of the one-year deals out there. I think everyone's sort of in a holding pattern right now. All we're seeing right now, let's equate it to this: We're seeing the flop. We've got two cards, and we're seeing the flop. We're waiting for the turn and the river. So that's in about another six weeks."
http:// [h3]Wade not in shape?[/h3]
9:07AM ET
[h5]Dwyane Wade | Heat[/h5]
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Miami Heat president Pat Riley told The Miami Herald Wednesday that he plans to address some concerns about Dwyane Wade's conditioning that could be a factor in the guard's drop-off in production from last season. Riley also said he's walking around on eggshells because he doesn't want to upset Wade.
"He's not there right now," Riley said. "So I get out of my president's chair and into my coaching chair -- I know he'll probably say I'm nitpicking. His efficiency is down. We'll address what it is we can do to help you maintain that lean, mean scoring machine you were a year ago."
"There isn't anybody that loves Dwyane more than me, and there isn't anybody that will be more honest with him than me. There isn't anybody in this organization, believe me, walking around on eggshells because of Dwyane."
Wade has the ability to become a free agent next summer and can sign with any team.
http:// [h3]Rockets not showcasing T-Mac?[/h3]
9:06AM ET
[h5]Tracy McGrady | Rockets[/h5]
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Tracy McGrady may be available, but Rockets general manager Daryl Morey is not going to do a deal that hurts the team long-term. Morey at this time is also not showcasing McGrady.
Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle writes today: "Daryl Morey is determined only to make a move that benefits this season and next. He won't strip-mine the team this season to load up for later, and he won't think short-term either. And don't think for even a second that the Rockets are showcasing McGrady. This will be a 'slow process' McGrady said. A slow process is not a showcase. Besides, Morey did not even know Rick Adelman had changed his mind and decided to start playing McGrady until after Adelman announced it. If the idea was to showcase someone, the GM probably would have something to do with it. Morey would, however, take on a bad contract if he has the right deal, and if it comes to it, he almost certainly will have to."
http:// [h3]Jeffries killing T-Mac deal[/h3]
9:06AM ET
[h5]Jared Jeffries | Knicks[/h5]
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The New York Knicks would like to swing a deal with Houston for Tracy McGrady, but it probably won't happen.
ESPN.com's Chris Sheridan explains: "...what is killing the Knicks' chances of landing McGrady is their insistence that Jared Jeffries (signed through 2010-11) be included in any deal with the Rockets. ... even if they threw $3 million cash into the deal -- they do not have enough sweeteners (New York does not own its own 2010 first-round pick), and Houston has no interest in any of the Knicks' young players except Danilo Gallinari ... But the bottom line is this: The Rockets are taking calls on McGrady, and the Knicks are one of the teams making them. For now, though, the deal-killer in this equation is New York's insistence on including Jeffries."
http:// [h3]Kerr: 72 wins won't happen again[/h3]
8:36AM ET
[h5]Boston Celtics[/h5]
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The Boston Celtics may have a 20-4 record, but Steve Kerr is sticking to his opinion that it's unlikely a team can win 72 games, like his Chicago Bulls did in 1995-96.
"I don't think it'll ever be done again," Kerr told the Boston Herald. "Every year somebody gets to 28-3 or something and then the talk starts, but it's just too hard. And there's really no reason to try because, I mean, it can wear you out. And if you win 72 and you don't win the title because you're so beat up emotionally, it's not worth it.
"The reason we did it was because Michael Jordan was just on a mission because we had lost the year before. He was a man possessed. He was (ticked) at the world. He wanted to re-establish his dominance, so he just never let up."
http:// [h3]Big Baby to travel?[/h3]
8:25AM ET
[h5]Glen Davis | Celtics[/h5]
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Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said Wednesday that forward Glen "Big Baby" Davis could join the team for a Dec. 25-30 road trip.
"He's working on getting the strength back in his hand and staying in shape," Ainge told The Boston Globe. "He will probably go on the trip, unless we think he can get better working at home."
http:// [h3]No timetable for Evans' return[/h3]
8:19AM ET
[h5]Reggie Evans | Raptors[/h5]
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Reggie Evans has not played this season due to damaged ligaments in his left foot and there is still no timetable for his return.
"He's doing light court work, very light court work," Bryan Colangelo told the Toronto Star. "I'd call it fast walking."
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Word, we don't want NY's trash, Curry/Jeffries.
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Originally Posted by JumpmanJordanAddict89
Originally Posted by Big J 33
http://graphics8.nytimes....05/28/us/29cavs_395a.JPG src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2009/05/28/us/29cavs_395a.JPG">
Word?
oh ya i forgot my bad
now you guys know what i mean sometimes...
you also should know that in those road games are numerous back to backs for the Lakers and a grammy east coast road trip that includes boston andcleveland...you should know the Lakers play a lot of home games in the beginning of the season and play a lot of road games at the end of the season but youshouldnt know this cause youre a warriors fan and you take your anger out on the Lakers while you should aim the anger towards your team management
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Originally Posted by JumpmanJordanAddict89
Originally Posted by Big J 33
he actually gave the definition
Come on man, you're coming across as someone who is just jealous of the Lakers. The NBA has to schedule all of the teams for an entire season, factoring in awards shows, other sports, concerts, etc. No matter what it appears like, every team plays the same number of home/away, division opponents, other conference, etc.
It's simple logic, more home games now, mean more road games later.
he want the definitionbut im now jealous look at the celts schedule after they won it and that schedule was just like how lakers schedule this year. what award show is in boston
Then why was the Christmas Day game in LA instead of Boston? The Celts were defending champs, they should've gotten a home game on Christmas, right?
I mean really...enough about the Lakers' schedule. I'm actually glad they're getting all these home games out of the way early.
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Not that it matters all that much, but something about Christmas games in LA doesn't seem right .
I always preferred the games played where the home team had snow outside
.
I always preferred the games played where the home team had snow outside
I'm the opposite, I love the games in LA, the celebrities all there, us vs Portland when they thought they were good, Kobe vs Shaq, us vs Boston, and nowKobe vs Lebron, all in the LA atmosphere, that's big time to me. Staples is barely a decade old, and it's got some GREAT NBA moments there.
I can't imagine playing in Cleveland with that ridiculous elevated court with the step down to the bench and front row.
Though, I wouldn;t mind seeing a few tears in their eyes after the game.
I do miss big Christams games in New York though.
I can't imagine playing in Cleveland with that ridiculous elevated court with the step down to the bench and front row.
I do miss big Christams games in New York though.
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^ Please take Deng and Hinrich off ours. we Will give you our first pick in 2011 to boot for Tmac and Lowry.
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portland was good...CP are you kidding me?...i know you hate the blazers but c'mon they were a tough matchup for us....anyways christmas incalifornia is the bestOriginally Posted by CP1708
I'm the opposite, I love the games in LA, the celebrities all there, us vs Portland when they thought they were good, Kobe vs Shaq, us vs Boston, and now Kobe vs Lebron, all in the LA atmosphere, that's big time to me. Staples is barely a decade old, and it's got some GREAT NBA moments there.
I can't imagine playing in Cleveland with that ridiculous elevated court with the step down to the bench and front row.Though, I wouldn;t mind seeing a few tears in their eyes after the game.
I do miss big Christams games in New York though.
In 2000, both teams were tied with the same record, we went to the Rose Garden after the all star break and smacked em, ran away with the division afterthat.
Then we went up 3-1 with the Friday/Sunday sweep at the Rose Garden, but bein the stupid punk kids we were, let up and almost cost us the series.
We then swept them in 01 and 02.
We also smoked them 3 outta 4 in 98, and 97.
They were a tough matchup for us? They won 5 playoffs games against us in 5 matchups. We won 16.
You call that tough?
You guys can call me a hater all you want, you just please go thru all those numbers, and tell me which one of them are wrong. That ain't hate, those arefacts.
16-5 in 5 years in the postseason. Blazers could win all the regular season games they want, I could care less.
16-5.
Tough.
Then we went up 3-1 with the Friday/Sunday sweep at the Rose Garden, but bein the stupid punk kids we were, let up and almost cost us the series.
We then swept them in 01 and 02.
We also smoked them 3 outta 4 in 98, and 97.
They were a tough matchup for us? They won 5 playoffs games against us in 5 matchups. We won 16.
You call that tough?
You guys can call me a hater all you want, you just please go thru all those numbers, and tell me which one of them are wrong. That ain't hate, those arefacts.
16-5 in 5 years in the postseason. Blazers could win all the regular season games they want, I could care less.
16-5.
Tough.
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Originally Posted by CP1708
In 2000, both teams were tied with the same record, we went to the Rose Garden after the all star break and smacked em, ran away with the division after that.
Then we went up 3-1 with the Friday/Sunday sweep at the Rose Garden, but bein the stupid punk kids we were, let up and almost cost us the series.
We then swept them in 01 and 02.
We also smoked them 3 outta 4 in 98, and 97.
They were a tough matchup for us? They won 5 playoffs games against us in 5 matchups. We won 16.
You call that tough?
You guys can call me a hater all you want, you just please go thru all those numbers, and tell me which one of them are wrong. That ain't hate, those are facts.
16-5 in 5 years in the postseason. Blazers could win all the regular season games they want, I could care less.
16-5.
Tough.
U beat me to it!!!
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I agree, and obviously I feel the opposite about the second part of this post. I wish our schedule was more balanced.Originally Posted by JD617
Originally Posted by JumpmanJordanAddict89
Originally Posted by Big J 33
he actually gave the definition
Come on man, you're coming across as someone who is just jealous of the Lakers. The NBA has to schedule all of the teams for an entire season, factoring in awards shows, other sports, concerts, etc. No matter what it appears like, every team plays the same number of home/away, division opponents, other conference, etc.
It's simple logic, more home games now, mean more road games later.
he want the definitionbut im now jealous look at the celts schedule after they won it and that schedule was just like how lakers schedule this year. what award show is in boston
Then why was the Christmas Day game in LA instead of Boston? The Celts were defending champs, they should've gotten a home game on Christmas, right?
I mean really...enough about the Lakers' schedule. I'm actually glad they're getting all these home games out of the way early.
Originally Posted by PRIME1984
Originally Posted by CP1708
In 2000, both teams were tied with the same record, we went to the Rose Garden after the all star break and smacked em, ran away with the division after that.
Then we went up 3-1 with the Friday/Sunday sweep at the Rose Garden, but bein the stupid punk kids we were, let up and almost cost us the series.
We then swept them in 01 and 02.
We also smoked them 3 outta 4 in 98, and 97.
They were a tough matchup for us? They won 5 playoffs games against us in 5 matchups. We won 16.
You call that tough?
You guys can call me a hater all you want, you just please go thru all those numbers, and tell me which one of them are wrong. That ain't hate, those are facts.
16-5 in 5 years in the postseason. Blazers could win all the regular season games they want, I could care less.
16-5.
Tough.
U beat me to it!!!
I typed it in about 3 seconds or so. lol
Your nephew twisted his ankle last night man, you see that?
Originally Posted by CP1708
Originally Posted by Proshares
I think we're playing Miami Christmas Day CP. At least that's what I think my ticket at home says
Pssst, come here.......It's not the same though.
http:// [h3][/h3]
[h3]Bosh's discontent a sign he walks?[/h3]
12:41PM ET
[h5]Chris Bosh | Raptors [/h5]
Top Email
Earlier this season,Chris Bosh was vocal about his frustrations with Toronto's play and defense.
And after another loss last night -- a 19-point thumping at the hands of the Magic -- Bosh again voiced his discontent.
"We're taking two steps forward and three steps back," Bosh told FanHouse. "We're there some nights, but not there others. We've got to look ourselves in the mirror, and do what we're supposed to do. It's always talk, talk, talk -- but it's about action.
"We are all over the place (defensively) right now. That usually happens when we lose a game because guys don't know what they are doing. We are not talking on defense, and all the things we can do to help ourselves out, we're not doing."
As Tim Povtak of FanHouse notes, and as other scribes have pointed out this season as well, Bosh's continued reprimanding of his team and their approach might mean he's definitely looking to sign elsewhere when he's eligible for free agency this summer -- if he hasn't already made up his mind on that.
[h5]Future Power Rankings[/h5]
No. 16: Toronto Raptors
http:// [h3]Atlanta's volume[/h3]
11:55AM ET
[h5]Atlanta Hawks[/h5]
Top Email
The Hawks lead the league in Offensive Efficiency, but you wouldn't know it if you look at some of their offensive numbers. They rank only 10th in true shooting percentage, 12th from the 3-point line and eighth in field goal percentage.
So what can we attribute their league-best offensive output to? As John Hollinger notes in today's PER Diem, it's summed up in one word: volume.
Offensive rebounding, low turnovers key for Hawks
http:// [h3]Warriors seeking injury exception?[/h3]
11:35AM ET
[h5]Golden State Warriors[/h5]
Top Email
We noted this morning that the Blazers, with their rash of injuries, have been granted an injury exception by the league and will look to sign a player to add to the roster.
So will the Warriors, who are in a similar boat with the Blazers on the injury front, also go this route?
Don Nelson hinted at it last night.
"Yes, it is possible," Nelson told the Mercury News. "Uh, yes. We will look into that, yes."
http:// [h3]McGrady seeking winner?[/h3]
11:09AM ET
[h5]Tracy McGrady | Rockets [/h5]
Top Email
For now, Tracy McGrady is still a Rocket, and he's saying he'd like to re-sign with the team.
But he's also saying at this stage in the game, money is of no issue to him, only winning.
"Money is not an issue for me," he told FanHouse last night. "If it boiled down to it, I got a great, great adidas contract. So money is not an issue. I just want to win. That's my main focus.
"At this stage of my career, it's all about winning. I don't care about a max contract or nothing like that. I want to play basketball, and I want to win. ... There's no question (about wanting to return to Houston). I don't want to put all my eggs in one basket, but definitely this is where I'd love to be."
If this is true, it's good news for teams that have interest in McGrady, but might not having been willing to sign him to a max deal in free agency. Though with his history of injuries and his age, he might not have been offered a max deal otherwise this offseason.
http:// [h3]Buyout for McGrady?[/h3]
10:56AM ET
[h5]Tracy McGrady | Rockets [/h5]
Top Email
As we noted earlier this morning, the Knicks have inquired about Tracy McGrady, but they just don't have an attractive enough offer for the Rockets right now.
But there are also some other teams after McGrady, they just are hoping they can get him without having to give up any personnel.
"One source said teams including Portland, Miami and Cleveland were hoping that McGrady's tenure in Houston would end with a buyout, and he would be free to sign with the team of his choice provided he cleared waivers by March 1," writes ESPN's Chris Sheridan.
"But that source said the Rockets are not at all inclined to go down that road, and a second source insisted that too much should not be read into McGrady's comeback Tuesday night when he logged 7 minutes against the Pistons, saying it was the next logical step in McGrady's comeback from microfracture surgery, and will help establish how much trade value McGrady has heading into the peak of the trading season."
For now, it appears a buyout isn't likely, so any team wanting to acquire McGrady this season will have to go the trade route.
I forgot to mention that earlier. I only seen about 3 Hawks games so far, how good are those guys? Are they just beatin the crap outta bad teams, or theygonna give Cleveland a run for that third spot out East?
Everytime I look, they got 112 or some @#$% up there. On paper, they seem legit. DLo, they as good as their record, or their schedule start to get muchtougher comin up?
Everytime I look, they got 112 or some @#$% up there. On paper, they seem legit. DLo, they as good as their record, or their schedule start to get muchtougher comin up?
chris boshs neck
Banned
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Originally Posted by Proshares
CP1708 wrote:
Proshares wrote:
I think we're playing Miami Christmas Day CP. At least that's what I think my ticket at home says
Pssst, come here.......It's not the same though.
http://
[h3]
[/h3]
[h3]Bosh's discontent a sign he walks?[/h3]
12:41PM ET
[h5]Chris Bosh | Raptors [/h5]
Top Email
Earlier this season,Chris Bosh was vocal about his frustrations with Toronto's play and defense.
And after another loss last night -- a 19-point thumping at the hands of the Magic -- Bosh again voiced his discontent.
"We're taking two steps forward and three steps back," Bosh told FanHouse. "We're there some nights, but not there others. We've got to look ourselves in the mirror, and do what we're supposed to do. It's always talk, talk, talk -- but it's about action.
"We are all over the place (defensively) right now. That usually happens when we lose a game because guys don't know what they are doing. We are not talking on defense, and all the things we can do to help ourselves out, we're not doing."
As Tim Povtak of FanHouse notes, and as other scribes have pointed out this season as well, Bosh's continued reprimanding of his team and their approach might mean he's definitely looking to sign elsewhere when he's eligible for free agency this summer -- if he hasn't already made up his mind on that.
[h5]Future Power Rankings[/h5]
No. 16: Toronto Raptors
http://
[h3]Atlanta's volume[/h3]
11:55AM ET
[h5]Atlanta Hawks[/h5]
Top Email
The Hawks lead the league in Offensive Efficiency, but you wouldn't know it if you look at some of their offensive numbers. They rank only 10th in true shooting percentage, 12th from the 3-point line and eighth in field goal percentage.
So what can we attribute their league-best offensive output to? As John Hollinger notes in today's PER Diem, it's summed up in one word: volume.
[h5]John Hollinger[/h5]
Offensive rebounding, low turnovers key for Hawks
http://
[h3]Warriors seeking injury exception?[/h3]
11:35AM ET
[h5]Golden State Warriors[/h5]
Top Email
We noted this morning that the Blazers, with their rash of injuries, have been granted an injury exception by the league and will look to sign a player to add to the roster.
So will the Warriors, who are in a similar boat with the Blazers on the injury front, also go this route?
Don Nelson hinted at it last night.
"Yes, it is possible," Nelson told the Mercury News. "Uh, yes. We will look into that, yes."
http://
[h3]McGrady seeking winner?[/h3]
11:09AM ET
[h5]Tracy McGrady | Rockets [/h5]
Top Email
For now, Tracy McGrady is still a Rocket, and he's saying he'd like to re-sign with the team.
But he's also saying at this stage in the game, money is of no issue to him, only winning.
"Money is not an issue for me," he told FanHouse last night. "If it boiled down to it, I got a great, great adidas contract. So money is not an issue. I just want to win. That's my main focus.
"At this stage of my career, it's all about winning. I don't care about a max contract or nothing like that. I want to play basketball, and I want to win. ... There's no question (about wanting to return to Houston). I don't want to put all my eggs in one basket, but definitely this is where I'd love to be."
If this is true, it's good news for teams that have interest in McGrady, but might not having been willing to sign him to a max deal in free agency. Though with his history of injuries and his age, he might not have been offered a max deal otherwise this offseason.
http://
[h3]Buyout for McGrady?[/h3]
10:56AM ET
[h5]Tracy McGrady | Rockets [/h5]
Top Email
As we noted earlier this morning, the Knicks have inquired about Tracy McGrady, but they just don't have an attractive enough offer for the Rockets right now.
But there are also some other teams after McGrady, they just are hoping they can get him without having to give up any personnel.
"One source said teams including Portland, Miami and Cleveland were hoping that McGrady's tenure in Houston would end with a buyout, and he would be free to sign with the team of his choice provided he cleared waivers by March 1," writes ESPN's Chris Sheridan.
"But that source said the Rockets are not at all inclined to go down that road, and a second source insisted that too much should not be read into McGrady's comeback Tuesday night when he logged 7 minutes against the Pistons, saying it was the next logical step in McGrady's comeback from microfracture surgery, and will help establish how much trade value McGrady has heading into the peak of the trading season."
For now, it appears a buyout isn't likely, so any team wanting to acquire McGrady this season will have to go the trade route.
Bosh is in no place to talk. Dude thinks hes a stud but plays like female dog. Dude plays soft as butter.
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t-mac wants to win?...doesnt care about money?
do it mitch!
do it mitch!
