NBA Thread

[Ironman8]

With the playoffs in full swing, and because we have a thread for every other major sport, I thought it was time for a NBA thread to appear. This could be one of the best overall NBA playoffs in a long time - I am legitimately intrigued by almost all of the 1st round series, let alone the later rounds. I know many people have been down on the NBA the last decade or so, with good reason, but I really think the quality is back again it is a great time to be an basketball fan.

Thoughts on the playoffs, anyone?

P.S. Knicks in 7, despite getting hosed.

 

[KPENN]

This is the first time in a while I've watched any NBA games, mostly because of all the UNC guys playing and have actually enjoyed watching them a bit

I'm shocked at the spurs and lakers losing. And the bulls nearly losing if not for Derrick Rose being the best PG in the league

 

[Ironman8]

This is the first time in a while I've watched any NBA games, mostly because of all the UNC guys playing and have actually enjoyed watching them a bit

I'm shocked at the spurs and lakers losing. And the bulls nearly losing if not for Derrick Rose being the best PG in the league

You gotta love the Nuggets with the Ty / Ray combo at point. If they had matched up with anyone but the Thunder in the first round I think they would have a great chance of moving on. The Thunder are just the worst matchup for them because Westbrook negates the speed edge that those to Tar Heels point guards would have in any other matchup. He is an underrated defender.

 

[KPENN]

You gotta love the Nuggets with the Ty / Ray combo at point. If they had matched up with anyone but the Thunder in the first round I think they would have a great chance of moving on. The Thunder are just the worst matchup for them because Westbrook negates the speed edge that those to Tar Heels point guards would have in any other matchup. He is an underrated defender.

I know. But that game was pretty entertaining lady night.

I'm pulling for the pacers, but realize it's a long shot. Hoping Tyler at least has a good showing

 

[Ironman8]

Pacers are impressing me. Tyler is a much better pro already than most people gave him a chance for. Nick Collison is playing well, hope his ankle is ok. Granger would be a great #2 on a high level team.

Of course, none of that will matter because Rose will just take over the game when he thinks it's necessary and that will be all she wrote. Still, props to Larry Legend for putting a decent team together.

 

[GoldenIsThyFame]

Pacers are impressing me. Tyler is a much better pro already than most people gave him a chance for. Nick Collison is playing well, hope his ankle is ok. Granger would be a great #2 on a high level team.

Of course, none of that will matter because Rose will just take over the game when he thinks it's necessary and that will be all she wrote. Still, props to Larry Legend for putting a decent team together.

Someone the other day called them the greatest professional college basketball team of all time. I think that pretty much sums them up.

 

[Ironman8]

Someone the other day called them the greatest professional college basketball team of all time. I think that pretty much sums them up.

Haha. They would have beaten UConn.

 

[rtrn2glory]

don't see the Bulls as a real threat yet...going to come down to whoever wins the heat/celtics 2nd round to represent the east...west is still loaded, but i think lakers are going to get things figured out.

Lakers in the end going to 3-peat...kobe is just too good and if they stay healthy they're too big for the heat and celtics.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

Bulls have won 11 games in a row, so they were obviously due for a rough stretch, as everyone has between streaks. Luckily it is happening now, because after the Pacers, it's go time for them.

As a die-hard Bulls fan, I'll admit they are a year away from serious contention, but could go to the ECF with some inspired play, and that would be a great season IMO.

 

[Ironman8]

Bulls have won 11 games in a row, so they were obviously due for a rough stretch, as everyone has between streaks. Luckily it is happening now, because after the Pacers, it's go time for them.

As a die-hard Bulls fan, I'll admit they are a year away from serious contention, but could go to the ECF with some inspired play, and that would be a great season IMO.

I honestly see no reason why they are not a serious contender right now. They can honestly beat anyone. Can they be beat, yea, but if Rose keeps closing games like he is and their defense keeps them in it till the end for that to happen, they are a serious contender right now.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

I honestly see no reason why they are not a serious contender right now. They can honestly beat anyone. Can they be beat, yea, but if Rose keeps closing games like he is and their defense keeps them in it till the end for that to happen, they are a serious contender right now.

I think what's going to hold them back this year is poor shooting. Despite Rose being a beast, they don't have that "guy" who you truly fear taking an outside shot when the game is on the line, with the exception of Korver.

 

[Ironman8]

Love having to rely on Roger Mason, Bill Walker, Jared Jefferies and Shawne Williams now that Amare joings Chauncey on the DL.

 

[Irish Fam]

Carmelo is throwing everyone on his back. and Glen Davis is a punk

 

[Ironman8]

Carmelo is in beast mode.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Ugg!

 

[rikkitikki08]

Pacers are impressing me. Tyler is a much better pro already than most people gave him a chance for. Nick Collison is playing well, hope his ankle is ok. Granger would be a great #2 on a high level team.

Of course, none of that will matter because Rose will just take over the game when he thinks it's necessary and that will be all she wrote. Still, props to Larry Legend for putting a decent team together.

Darren

 

[rikkitikki08]

Carmelo is in beast mode.

Yes he is, that was incredible to watch

 

[Ironman8]

New York Knicks pick up $14.2M option on Chauncey Billups - ESPN New York

The only reason I can see why they would pick up this option, and not cut him and try to resign him at a discount, is because he is now a huge expiring contract that is a great trade chip (Chris Paul, anyone?), while he still is a veteran presence in the locker room to help Toney grow.

 

[GreatGolson]

well, my #2 is out, but the Celtics Heat (76ers?) series should be incredible

 

[rikkitikki08]

New York Knicks pick up $14.2M option on Chauncey Billups - ESPN New York

The only reason I can see why they would pick up this option, and not cut him and try to resign him at a discount, is because he is now a huge expiring contract that is a great trade chip (Chris Paul, anyone?), while he still is a veteran presence in the locker room to help Toney grow.

Even with billups expiring contract do you think they have enough for chris paul? Just wondering your opinion

 

[Ironman8]

Even with billups expiring contract do you think they have enough for chris paul? Just wondering your opinion

Only if Chris Paul pulls a Melo and pretty much states he isn't coming back, and that he will only sign an extension in NY. It sounds crazy, but some part of me keeps coming back to the wedding toast CP3 made at Amare's wedding when he said he, Amare and Melo would be teaming up in 2012 to take a run at the Heat's big 3. Two thirds of the way there...A guy can dream.

 

[Ironman8]

Wow. Manu's would be three, than Garry Neal's huge shot for the tie. Exciting game - have to root for the Spurs to get back in it just out of respect for Timmy.

 

[KPENN]

So riddle me this. With my tv package I get the NHL network, NFL network and MLB network, but not the NBA network. WTF??? Come on NBA

 

[Rhode Irish]

Wow. Manu's would be three, than Garry Neal's huge shot for the tie. Exciting game - have to root for the Spurs to get back in it just out of respect for Timmy.

Twenty minutes ago I couldn't have imagined the Spurs surviving the night. Now I can't see them not winning the series. If you're Memphis, you have to close them out there. Just terrible on their part.

 

[Rhode Irish]

So riddle me this. With my tv package I get the NHL network, NFL network and MLB network, but not the NBA network. WTF??? Come on NBA

I don't know, but cable providers suck. Consider yourself somewhat lucky though, because: (1) I don't get NFL network (in the biggest media market in the country) and that is worse than not getting the NBA network; and (2) NBATV had the Memphis feed (rather than their own broadcast) and I almost had to turn it off due to the nauseating homerism.

 

[KPENN]

I don't know, but cable providers suck. Consider yourself somewhat lucky though, because: (1) I don't get NFL network (in the biggest media market in the country) and that is worse than not getting the NBA network; and (2) NBATV had the Memphis feed (rather than their own broadcast) and I almost had to turn it off due to the nauseating homerism.

A.) Go Celtics

B.) You got dish, cable????

 

[NDinL.A.]

It's asinine and embarrassing that the NBA went on the cheap and used the Memphis announcers for both games they showed on NBATV. Watching what was an incredible finish was made completely ho-hum by the Memphis homers downplaying absolutely incredible shots by the Spurs late in the game.

But I place more blame on the NBA than I do the announcers. Imagine Gus Johnson doing that game? His head might have exploded he would have been so pumped. Hell, my wife even knows Gus's voice and says the games sound more exciting when he announces them. Major eff up by the NBA.

On another topic, as a DIE-HARD Laker fan, I'm sickened to my stomach to root for the Celtics this next series over the Heat, but that is how deep my disdain is for LeBrick and LeDecision last year (and the ensuing NBA title celebration - wait, they didn't win the title yet? How do you explain this then???: YouTube - Miami Heat Welcome Party)

I've said this all year...when the playoffs come, the Hat will not be able to run and they will be beaten because they simply do not play well in the half-court against good defensive teams. And Boston, for all their faults, is a very good defensive team. Hoping for a Boston sweep and then the Bulls beating Boston. And hoping for the Lakers to wake the eff up (they always do - but they are getting longer in the tooth) to meet the Bulls in the finals.

 

[Rhode Irish]

A.) Go Celtics

B.) You got dish, cable????

A.) Yes. I was hoping for at least one more Pacer win, just to keep Miami busy, but the Celts will definitely benefit from having this week off. We might even have a Shaq sighting against Miami.

B.) Optimum/IO. Freaking terrible. In the last year or so we have lost ABC (I think, or CBS) and FOX (during the world series) because of contract disputes; they won't carry the NFL network; they won't give us access to ESPN3. Just all around terrible.

Can't wait to move out of my building so I can get DirectTV. I had it while I was in school and I miss the Sunday Ticket.

 

[Ironman8]

Durant is in BEAST MODE. Thunder (my horse) storming back to take the momentary lead. Great game.

 

[Ironman8]

Serge IBLOCKA! 9 Blocks! Defend the rim young man.