2014 NBA Free Agency and Draft

[woolybug25]

Yeah. Unless it was going down sooner then that. I just remember them dominating the first few months.

There was definitely a few weeks early in the season where I wondered if they were the best team in basketball. Quite shocking to look back now, as they ended up being Dr Jekyl/Mr Hyde.

 

[zelezo vlk]

I've heard multiple times from people "in the know" on the Indy sports talk show that Granger was a complete non-factor in the locker room and that he hardly even talked with the other players. Even if he played an important enough role in the locker room to cause the downfall, that's a huge problem. That team's problem was always offense, the defense carried the team for the first half of the season or so. The defense tapered off, but the problem was always offense.

No distributor, few players capable of scoring, and almost no bench help led to that collapse. The Pacers are a team somewhere in between the first and second halves of the '13-'14 season, but closer to the first.

I was never a big believer in the Pacers, but they really underperformed the last few months. Then again, I'm a big Bulls fan so I just laughed most of the time.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

There was a rumor that Paul George banged Roy Hibbert's wife, and it caused a massive locker room rift that derailed their season.

The only tangible evidence of anything like this happening was when Evan Turner and Lance Stephenson fought in practice because LS kept riding Hibbert saying "his head is still all fucked up," and he "needs to get over it."

 

[zelezo vlk]

Right. That and PG being distracted by a child he may or may not have had with another lady. That locker room was just kind of a disaster at the end of the year.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

All things considered, they still achieved pretty much what everyone expected (lose in the ECF to the Heat), just looked piss poor while doing it near the end.

 

[zelezo vlk]

Well they looked good enough last year that I thought an incremental improvement may put them over the top of the Eastern conference especially when once the East looked so poor. I didn't think they had much of a chance if they would've made it to the Finals though. They just matched up very well against the Heat. I'm intrigued by what they could end up doing this year with all of the shuffling in the East.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

 

[Irish#1]

Was that before or after the trading deadline?

They beat OKC in the last week of the season.

The Thunder are the Spurs' kryptonite. SA is very well respected, but they have problems against very long and athletic (OKC) teams. OKC is the only team I would say could beat them from the West.

I don't buy the Pacers. That offense was bad for most of the year. If PG can improve his handle this year though and if they bring back Lance, they could do well. But Hibbert has to regain his mojo (although he was never as good as people were claiming, imho). They'll be a top 3 team in the East most likely, but I don't see them as true contenders unless PG takes his game to a whole other level. Lance would also have to do the same for me to believe in their chances.

Like I said, people don't want to give the Spurs their due.

It's cute that you think the regular season matter... moreover that what the Pacers showed in the first half of the season has any bearing on what their current roster as constructed is capable of.

I think it's cute you don't think past performance isn't an indicator of a teams future performance. Given your logic Carmelo could very well be defensive player of the year next season of the Hawks might win it all.

Yeah. Unless it was going down sooner then that. I just remember them dominating the first few months.

Correct first half of the season they were steamrolling everyone.

Pacers never were a great offensive team, but championships are won on defense. George has elevated his game every year and should again this year. Hibbert's issues revolved around rumors of Stephenson sleeping with Roy's girlfriend. If Hibbert can put that behind him the Pacers will be fine.

 

[zelezo vlk]

Like I said, people don't want to give the Spurs their due.

I don't know why you are quoting me and replying to this. OKC always gives the Spurs fits. They're the one team that makes them look less than perfect.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

 

[KPENN]

Here's What The NBA Would Look Like If Every Star Went Home Like LeBron James (Photos)

 

[zelezo vlk]

Chicago would have a decent team.

 

[gkIrish]

For all the Melo Haters. (Yes it's written by Bill Simmons but he makes compelling arguments backed by statistics and other facts.)

No Escape From New York «

 

[Emcee77]

God, I really appreciate how Bill Simmons has freed sports journalism from some of the traditional, confining conventions, but how did he never learn to write with economy? There's no way it takes 5,000 words to make the point that Carmelo is better than people think. That piece, like all his pieces, could easily be half the length and lose nothing of substance. Maybe 1/4 the length.

Having said all that, I skimmed the piece and I totally agree with the main point that Carmelo is an underappreciated stud, if not a superstar.

The people here in Chicago that I talked to about Melo were very meh on the possibility of signing him. Many were worried that he would ruin the team's identity as an intense, defensive team.

Whatever. He's a great scorer and the Bulls had no one they could turn to for tough baskets when it mattered this season. Like Simmons, I was really hoping we could get Carmelo out to Chicago. Pau Gasol is great, but not what I was looking for.

 

[ResLife Hero]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Yahoo Sources: Free agent center Joey Dorsey reaches agreement on a two-year deal with the Houston Rockets. <a href="http://t.co/623JnyjWLa">http://t.co/623JnyjWLa</a></p>— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/statuses/489079575935479808">July 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Irish#1]

I don't know why you are quoting me and replying to this. OKC always gives the Spurs fits. They're the one team that makes them look less than perfect.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

Didn't the Spurs beat the Thunder in the WCF?

 

[Irish#1]

For all the Melo Haters. (Yes it's written by Bill Simmons but he makes compelling arguments backed by statistics and other facts.)

No Escape From New York «

God, I really appreciate how Bill Simmons has freed sports journalism from some of the traditional, confining conventions, but how did he never learn to write with economy? There's no way it takes 5,000 words to make the point that Carmelo is better than people think. That piece, like all his pieces, could easily be half the length and lose nothing of substance. Maybe 1/4 the length.

Having said all that, I skimmed the piece and I totally agree with the main point that Carmelo is an underappreciated stud, if not a superstar.

The people here in Chicago that I talked to about Melo were very meh on the possibility of signing him. Many were worried that he would ruin the team's identity as an intense, defensive team.

Whatever. He's a great scorer and the Bulls had no one they could turn to for tough baskets when it mattered this season. Like Simmons, I was really hoping we could get Carmelo out to Chicago. Pau Gasol is great, but not what I was looking for.

Not a hater, just don't see him as one of the top players. On Jay Mohr the other day a guest was pointing out that Anthony's teams have been in the playoffs seven years and have never made it out of the first round. The great players lift their teams.

 

[ResLife Hero]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Yahoo Sources: Free agent Trevor Booker, Utah reach agreement on a two-year, nearly $10m deal. <a href="http://t.co/qVRLR02pDO">http://t.co/qVRLR02pDO</a></p>— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/statuses/489103199354122240">July 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[gkIrish]

Not a hater, just don't see him as one of the top players. On Jay Mohr the other day a guest was pointing out that Anthony's teams have been in the playoffs seven years and have never made it out of the first round. The great players lift their teams.

1. Anthony made the Western Conference finals in 2009 and also made it out of the first round in 2013. So that's factually incorrect. He was also the best player on the National Championship Syracuse team so to say he doesn't elevate his team is false.

2. You listed Demarcus Cousins and Kevin Love who have never made the playoffs on your list of top 15 players instead of Anthony. It's especially ridiculous to think Cousins is a better player when all Cousins does is bring people down with him. Blake Griffin, Chris Paul, and Aldridge's teams have basically done nothing in the playoffs either.

 

[ResLife Hero]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>It looks like Dwyane Wade has finalized a deal to return to the Heat. <a href="http://t.co/gA7yH5PfKv">http://t.co/gA7yH5PfKv</a> <a href="http://t.co/aS9E5M2GwA">pic.twitter.com/aS9E5M2GwA</a></p>— SB Nation (@SBNation) <a href="https://twitter.com/SBNation/statuses/489112493852086272">July 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Emcee77]

Not a hater, just don't see him as one of the top players. ...
The great players lift their teams.

Yeah, I tend to agree with Simmons that Anthony is not a true superstar. But there's no denying that he's a great offensive talent who can score with the best of them. He could lift the right team to a title, a la Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavs in 2011. But it is even more critical to put the right people around him and have a smart coach who makes the right moves than it would be if you had a "true" superstar like LeBron or Durant.

Basically, as much as I trashed Simmons, I very much agree with the substance of what he was saying.

 

[ResLife Hero]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Kris Humphries has agreed to a three-year, $13M deal with Washington, league source tells Yahoo Sports. Team option on third year.</p>— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/statuses/489113284981698561">July 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>The Wizards and Celtics are working to complete a sign-and-trade for Humphries now.</p>— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/statuses/489114154741936128">July 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Honestly didn't know Mr Kardashian is still in the league.

 

[zelezo vlk]

Didn't the Spurs beat the Thunder in the WCF?

The Spurs went up two, then dropped two after their (still hobbled) Big came back. They swept the Spurs two years ago when the Spurs had the best record in the NBA. OKC gives them fits, but isn't immune to San Antonio. I don't know what else to say.

 

[irishog77]

The Spurs went up two, then dropped two after their (still hobbled) Big came back. They swept the Spurs two years ago when the Spurs had the best record in the NBA. OKC gives them fits, but isn't immune to San Antonio. I don't know what else to say.

Agreed. As to the bolded, I think they beat them 4-2, but won the last 4 after being down 0-2. Then OKC owned SA in the regular season since. And then OKC went 2-2 against SA with Serge in the lineup in the playoffs this year .

But yeah, SA has really struggled with OKC in the regular season and playoffs when OKC has their main guys playing.

 

[zelezo vlk]

Agreed. As to the bolded, I think they beat them 4-2, but won the last 4 after being down 0-2. Then OKC owned SA in the regular season since. And then OKC went 2-2 against SA with Serge in the lineup in the playoffs this year .

But yeah, SA has really struggled with OKC in the regular season and playoffs when OKC has their main guys playing.

My mistake, this is correct. Reps.

San Antonio and OKC are the class of the West and will be until proven otherwise.

 

[gkIrish]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>UPDATE: Dwyane Wade and the Heat have agreed to a 2-year, $34 million deal, with a player option for the 2015-16 season. (via <a href="https://twitter.com/AP">@AP</a>)</p>— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/statuses/489126945528229888">July 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Someone explain to me again why Wade opted out in the first place

 

[zelezo vlk]

I'm shocked that he's making less than his first deal, but he must really not want to play after the next two years.

He opted out because he wanted another championship and to do that in the East, effectively you need Lebron. The only way to keep James was to opt out and take less money.

 

[gkIrish]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Dirk Nowitzki has taken a bigger paycut. His new contract with the Mavs if for 3 years, $25 million. (ESPN)</p>— NBA Legion (@MySportsLegion) <a href="https://twitter.com/MySportsLegion/statuses/489131265858486272">July 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[sparkyND]

I'm shocked that he's making less than his first deal, but he must really not want to play after the next two years.

He opted out because he wanted another championship and to do that in the East, effectively you need Lebron. The only way to keep James was to opt out and take less money.

Wade pretty much had to opt out in order for Lebron to potentially sign a max deal with the Heat and give the team some sort of flexibility. But, isn't Wade's deal pretty much like Lebron's? I don't think Wade is going anywhere else in the near future but this deal not only gives both the team and himself some sort of flexibility to compete but also prepare himself for a better payday once the new TV agreement is in place.

 

[gkIrish]

Basically Lebron screwed Wade bad.

 

[gkIrish]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>The Lakers offered Dirk Nowitzki a MAX CONTRACT, but Dirk said no and signed for $8.3 mil a year in Dallas..Wow...(ESPN)</p>— NBA Legion (@MySportsLegion) <a href="https://twitter.com/MySportsLegion/statuses/489131991796039680">July 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[zelezo vlk]

Wade pretty much had to opt out in order for Lebron to potentially sign a max deal with the Heat and give the team some sort of flexibility. But, isn't Wade's deal pretty much like Lebron's? I don't think Wade is going anywhere else in the near future but this deal not only gives both the team and himself some sort of flexibility to compete but also prepare himself for a better payday once the new TV agreement is in place.

Wade isn't going to make too much money after two more years unless he finds the Fountain of Youth.

Basically Lebron screwed Wade bad.

This.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>The Lakers offered Dirk Nowitzki a MAX CONTRACT, but Dirk said no and signed for $8.3 mil a year in Dallas..Wow...(ESPN)</p>— NBA Legion (@MySportsLegion) <a href="https://twitter.com/MySportsLegion/statuses/489131991796039680">July 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Wow. Good for Dirk. Edit: and Mark Cuban plus Rick Carlisle. It really shows how much Dirk trusts in those two to create a title contender around him.