NBA Thread

[NDdomer2]

Lt. Scott Wrigglesworth from the East Lansing Police Department told ESPN that he couldn't confirm whether the assault was a punch or a slap but it was "not a shove."

via espn

my money is on slap

 

[KPENN]

Less Draymond Green in this thread and more Tim Duncan

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tim Duncan is the only player in league history to start and win a title in three different decades. <a href="https://t.co/pqR8u7129I">pic.twitter.com/pqR8u7129I</a></p>— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/752509398623322112">July 11, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[NDdomer2]

All via espn

Tim Duncan has more bank shots since 2003 (first year stat kept) than the next 3 combined.

If you combined the career plus-minus totals of Ray Allen (+3,551), Dwyane Wade (+2,941), and Kevin Durant (+1,964), it would still fall short of Tim Duncan's ... by about 500 points.

 

[zelezo vlk]

Tim Duncan is a Bears fan. That's cool.

 

[NDPhilly]

Draymond Green secured the 2016-17 shaqtin a fool title and the season hasnt even started yet

 

[IrishLax]

Jerian Grant started tonight for the Bulls... dropped 18 points in 30 minutes of action and shot almost 50% from the floor.

 

[Crazy Balki]

Made Dame his b*tch.

But, we're 1/8 into the season and we're already down to our 3rd string 1. Jeez.

 

[gkIrish]

Jerian Grant started tonight for the Bulls... dropped 18 points in 30 minutes of action and shot almost 50% from the floor.

Watched the entire game. He was the fastest player on the court and was really active on defense. Had a few steals.

Unfortunately, this type of game is the exception. Watched him for an entire season in NY, and while he certainly was not put in a position to succeed he could not shoot AT ALL and was a turnover machine. As a Knicks fan I hope this trade doesn't come back to bite us but I would be happy for him obviously.

 

[gkIrish]

RIP Craig Sager.

 

[greyhammer90]

RIP Craig Sager.

Man that's a blow. He added so much fun to each broadcast. RIP.

 

[zelezo vlk]

Friendly reminder that today is the GOAT's birthday. Crus' man-crush Larry Legend description of MJ after he torched the 1986 Celtics, considered one of the greatest teams of all time, for the playoff record of 63 points in a single game:

"God disguised as Michael Jordan"

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/w0BQKX_lszY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[koonja]

Are there any Bill Walton broadcasting fans here? I listened to his broadcasts closely throughout the tournament, and he's the best entertainment there is. I could watch Crickett if Bill was broadcasting.

Are there any epic rants from his broadcasts you'd suggest on youtube? I'm looking at random ones at work.

"While you are here glorifying hate, glorifying dirty play, glorifying flagrant fouls and selfish individual play, I'm going to celebrate the birthdays of peace and love with Jack Kerouac, Liza Minnelli and James Taylor, who have all been big-time, headline performers right here in Las Vegas. The peaceful relaxing meadows in the heart of the Mojave Desert. Have you ever been to a volcano?"

 

[greyhammer90]

Westbrook has now tied Oscar Robertson's record by recording his 41st triple double.

This record was commonly considered about as untouchable in the modern era as the 100 point game. Simply unbelievable. Westbrook has 4 more games to get another and do the impossible.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

NBA Thread

Westbrook has now tied Oscar Robertson's record by recording his 41st triple double.

This record was commonly considered about as untouchable in the modern era as the 100 point game. Simply unbelievable. Westbrook has 4 more games to get another and do the impossible.

And there's a "debate" for MVP. It's insane, much like when Miggy Cabrera won the Triple Crown and still wasn't a no-brainer for some people.

WB is a one man wrecking crew. His critics always cite turnovers, but his biggest competition (Harden, who has been brilliant in his own right) for MVP averages more per game, and WB has a usage rate 7 points higher.

 

[greyhammer90]

And there's a "debate" for MVP. It's insane, much like when Miggy Cabrera won the Triple Crown and still wasn't a no-brainer for some people.

WB is a one man wrecking crew. His critics always cite turnovers, but his biggest competition (Harden, who has been brilliant in his own right) for MVP averages more per game, and WB has a usage rate 7 points higher.

Harden has had an amazing year. Westbrook has had an historic year. It should be Westbrook.

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

And there's a "debate" for MVP. It's insane, much like when Miggy Cabrera won the Triple Crown and still wasn't a no-brainer for some people.

WB is a one man wrecking crew. His critics always cite turnovers, but his biggest competition (Harden, who has been brilliant in his own right) for MVP averages more per game, and WB has a usage rate 7 points higher.

I wish we could've seen Westbrook play football. He's the most athletic guy on the court, often by a great amount. He would've been a hell of a receiver/RB.

Same with Lebron, I would've loved to see him play TE. If you think Gronk has put up big numbers/changed the position, Lebron would've been absolutely dirty as a flex-TE.

Westbrook obviously deserves MVP this year. He's been unbelievable.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

NBA Thread

Same with Lebron, I would've loved to see him play TE. If you think Gronk has put up big numbers/changed the position, Lebron would've been absolutely dirty as a flex-TE .

Until someone gently grazed his back with an elbow, and he fell to the grass in agony.

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

Until someone gently grazed his back with an elbow, and he fell to the grass in agony.

If he was playing a sport that didn't reward that behavior, he'd adjust. I hope you're not serious? He's the most physically imposing person I've ever seen. 6'8" with an extra long wing span, 35+ inch vert and probably runs (or at least used to run) a legit 4.5.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

If he was playing a sport that didn't reward that behavior, he'd adjust. I hope you're not serious? He's the most physically imposing person I've ever seen. 6'8" with an extra long wing span, 35+ inch vert and probably runs (or at least used to run) a legit 4.5.

I just like giving LBJ a hard time. He would be amazing at anything he played obviously. IMO, a soccer goalie would be his most dominant alter-ego.

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

I just like giving LBJ a hard time. He would be amazing at anything he played obviously. IMO, a soccer goalie would be his most dominant alter-ego.

I thought the exact same thing but was afraid I'd be laughed at. He would've been the most intimidating goalie ever.

 

[NDRock]

Westbrook has now tied Oscar Robertson's record by recording his 41st triple double.

This record was commonly considered about as untouchable in the modern era as the 100 point game. Simply unbelievable. Westbrook has 4 more games to get another and do the impossible.

I think that was before the latest "evolution" of the NBA. We're basically seeing "steroid era" stats right now. Heck, Harden is averaging over 8 rebounds a game now, something Michael Jordan never did. It's much easier to get big rebound numbers as a guard these days.

I have no problem if Westbrook wins the award, I do think triple doubles are kind of a weird stat. Doesn't really mean that much to me as it essentially rewards a guy who puts up 12/10/10 over a guy who puts up 25/8/11. Either way, great season by both him and Harden. Will be crazy when they go 1-2 in MVP voting and Durant wins the championship. Would make me throw up if I was an OKC fan and that happened.

 

[zelezo vlk]

I think that was before the latest "evolution" of the NBA. We're basically seeing "steroid era" stats right now. Heck, Harden is averaging over 8 rebounds a game now, something Michael Jordan never did. It's much easier to get big rebound numbers as a guard these days.

I have no problem if Westbrook wins the award, I do think triple doubles are kind of a weird stat. Doesn't really mean that much to me as it essentially rewards a guy who puts up 12/10/10 over a guy who puts up 25/8/11. Either way, great season by both him and Harden. Will be crazy when they go 1-2 in MVP voting and Durant wins the championship. Would make me throw up if I was an OKC fan and that happened.

Westbrook and Harden go 1-2 in MVP voting, and Durant wins Finals MVP. OKC fans weep because they were all on the same team 5 years ago.

 

[IrishLax]

Westbrook and Harden go 1-2 in MVP voting, and Durant wins Finals MVP. OKC fans weep because they were all on the same team 5 years ago.

The long view of that team will be crazy. They literally had Harden coming off the bench as a 6th man.

More or less, when the dust settles and they've all retired the narrative will be that Westbrook "Kobe'd" that team.

 

[NDRock]

Westbrook and Harden go 1-2 in MVP voting, and Durant wins Finals MVP. OKC fans weep because they were all on the same team 5 years ago.

Would be brutal for them. Quite possible if Durant is fully healthy. Big if though.

 

[NDRock]

The long view of that team will be crazy. They literally had Harden coming off the bench as a 6th man.

More or less, when the dust settles and they've all retired the narrative will be that Westbrook "Kobe'd" that team.

If so, that would be wrong. Don't think Westbrook ever wanted either of them to leave. Kobe wanted to be the man and was happy to see Shaq go.

 

[irishog77]

The long view of that team will be crazy. They literally had Harden coming off the bench as a 6th man.

More or less, when the dust settles and they've all retired the narrative will be that Westbrook "Kobe'd" that team.

Technically, he came off the bench. Harden was still a developing player. He played over 30 mins a game and finished games for OKC the year they went to the finals, despite defense being OKC's focus then under Brooks (and Harden not being able to play it. At all)

I don't think RW is anything like Kobe. OKC had to let Harden go due to financial restraints, and hoped to get his replacement in Jeremy Lamb (who never panned out) and a draft pick they used on Adams. Harden departing had nothing to do with RW's demands or attitude about himself. Durant didn't leave either because RW's demands or attitude. Similarly, I've never heard a report of RW being a POS teammate like Kobe was.

 

[IrishLax]

If so, that would be wrong. Don't think Westbrook ever wanted either of them to leave. Kobe wanted to be the man and was happy to see Shaq go.

I don't think so either, I just think he's impossible to play with. Abrasive personality off the court, and the kind of guy that is best suited for hero ball on it.

Harden was traded because playing him and Westbrook side-by-side did not appear to be optimal, and Harden wanted more usage to reach his potential.

Durant you can put on every team in the league and they instantly get better and he will find a way to fit in. He's a superb off-ball player. But he couldn't stand Westbrook, just could not stand him as a personality.

Ideally, Durant-type players is exactly who Westbrook needs. Guys who don't need the ball in their hands all the time. You could assemble a super team with Westbrook if you gave him the '09 Lakers treatment... two good bigs, a complimentary guard that is a great shooter, and versatile players at forward that can catch-and-shoot. That's basically how they've tried to configure their current team but none of the pieces are good enough. Kanter/Adams aren't elite, Oladipo is very good but not an All-Star. Their forwards are generally one dimensional and also not elite. They need an All-Star caliber compliment for him that isn't a high usage.

 

[IrishLax]

Technically, he came off the bench. Harden was still a developing player. He played over 30 mins a game and finished games for OKC the year they went to the finals, despite defense being OKC's focus then under Brooks (and Harden not being able to play it. At all)

I don't think RW is anything like Kobe. OKC had to let Harden go due to financial restraints, and hoped to get his replacement in Jeremy Lamb (who never panned out) and a draft pick they used on Adams. Harden departing had nothing to do with RW's demands or attitude about himself. Durant didn't leave either because RW's demands or attitude. Similarly, I've never heard a report of RW being a POS teammate like Kobe was.

I think 95% of the reason Durant left was Westbrook's attitude. You watch Durant's MVP acceptance speech and he basically says as clearly as you can say it without saying it that he cannot stand being teammates with Westbrook. And then when he leaves for Golden State, he doesn't loop in Westbrook at all. And then after all that was done, the sniping all year long between the two shows there's a lot of animosity there.

I believe when all is said and done and when people talk candidly about Westbrook it will be stated that he was a very difficult teammate.

 

[irishog77]

I think 95% of the reason Durant left was Westbrook's attitude. You watch Durant's MVP acceptance speech and he basically says as clearly as you can say it without saying it that he cannot stand being teammates with Westbrook. And then when he leaves for Golden State, he doesn't loop in Westbrook at all. And then after all that was done, the sniping all year long between the two shows there's a lot of animosity there.

I believe when all is said and done and when people talk candidly about Westbrook it will be stated that he was a very difficult teammate.

I don't think so either, I just think he's impossible to play with. Abrasive personality off the court, and the kind of guy that is best suited for hero ball on it.

Harden was traded because playing him and Westbrook side-by-side did not appear to be optimal, and Harden wanted more usage to reach his potential.

Durant you can put on every team in the league and they instantly get better and he will find a way to fit in. He's a superb off-ball player. But he couldn't stand Westbrook, just could not stand him as a personality.

Ideally, Durant-type players is exactly who Westbrook needs. Guys who don't need the ball in their hands all the time. You could assemble a super team with Westbrook if you gave him the '09 Lakers treatment... two good bigs, a complimentary guard that is a great shooter, and versatile players at forward that can catch-and-shoot. That's basically how they've tried to configure their current team but none of the pieces are good enough. Kanter/Adams aren't elite, Oladipo is very good but not an All-Star. Their forwards are generally one dimensional and also not elite. They need an All-Star caliber compliment for him that isn't a high usage.

For all the talk Sam Presti got about being a genius, I think a lot of it is unwarranted. True, he drafted Durant, Westbrook, Ibaka, Harden, Maynor, and Jackson, but he also hired a bad head coach and none of those players actually fit together. They were more like an all-star roster than a true, cohesive team. Durant, Westbrook, and Harden HAD to have the ball to be effective (less so with Durant, but he still needed it to dominate, especially in his early years). None of them were particularly great outside shooters (Durant was best, but not an automatic guy from distance or anything like that) either. Perkins was literally a non-factor offensively, a liability. Ibaka was pretty good from 10-15 feet, but couldn't post up. Thabo was the only guy that really filled a role-- 3 and D. I guess Fisher did as well during his time there, but really brought nothing from an offensive standpoint. Collison gave good energy and hustle, but was only an adequate rebounder and offered almost nothing offensively. I guess my point is that despite having all the talent in the world, those players never really fit together, offensively. They didn't and couldn't compliment each other. Durant was the alpha player, but he didn't have the alpha personality. All the talk of him being "soft" didn't come from nowhere. Westbrook had the alpha personality, but wasn't the alpha player. I can see why both Durant and RW have both had the years they have had this year.

I believe you're right in pointing out that OKC does seem to be more building a complimentary team today. In those days, I think they were doomed from the get-go though. I blame the make-up and chemistry of the team (management), as well as the cap/economic situation/OKC market of the time, to a lesser degree, for the Thunder's failures. Not Westbrook.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

I don't care for their teams, but LOVE Boston fans. That place is a zoo tonight.