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NBA Offseason Thread! All offseason NBA talk in THIS thread!
- Thread starter DMczaf
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Miguel said:
LOL, I already changed it. I have nothing but love for Rudy T, I don't think he is the greatest coach in the world, but when you have the best player in the game, be it the Dream or Kobe you just need to run everything through them and keep them happy.
Just to let you know how much I love Rudy, I give you this:
Rudy T > Jordan
HalfPastNoon said:
Shut the fuck up you whiney little snit. Payton fucking SUCKED last year. If you can't recognize that FACT, you're a fucking IDIOT. BITCH.
rc213 said:
And you Laker fans are just incredible...now you're getting excited about Vlade "Flop Ass" Divac??? Unbelievable...
Shinobi said:
Well to be fair Gary himself did not acclimate to the triangle offense well... the few games where coach had more pick and rolls running Gary actually did pretty well... Problem is age has slowed him down on defense.
Stop generalizing b*tch... I can't stand Mr. Floptastic.
Shinobi said:
Hey, I cheer for the team not the players. If we get Divac we can legitimately contend for a title next year. Hell I would praising Jordan if he could come on and contribute next year. Divac and Malone are the type of players that everyone else hates, but that you love when they are on your team.
levious said:
Uh... what's your point? The triangle is a completely different type of system, it's different way of playing, moving, etc... are you saying Malone and Payton should have been adjusted quicker? Or that coach should have run more pick and rolls? Thing is... he's the coach it's his system... he felt the players should change to accomodate his system... not the other way around.
that's the thing, you want players to adjust to a system you get hardworking mid tier talent journeyman players, not future hall of famers that aren't interested in learning new tricks. Of course, Jackson wasn't the GM either. And I'm not defending the players, just that Jackson could have done a little adjusting himself. It seemed like everytime they did it, they got a got proportion of success. Throwing a handful of pick and rolls at the other team per game keeps payton and malone involved and interested plus it does not negate the presence of his triangle offense.
My sarcastic tone was not directed at you at all.
And I've said it before, the league's veteran's minimum has killed the old practice of keeping older experienced players for such purposes. Really has been the one thing to lower the quality of play.
My sarcastic tone was not directed at you at all.
And I've said it before, the league's veteran's minimum has killed the old practice of keeping older experienced players for such purposes. Really has been the one thing to lower the quality of play.
Shinobi said:
Wow, all ad hominem. Get a life, you fucking loser. He has one suspect year, and all of the sudden he's the worst thing ever? Give me a fucking break. And as DarienA alluded to, he was his ordinary self when not shackled by the triangle, so take that fact, turn it sideways, and shove it up your ASS.
Oh btw, can't wait to see Dampier in Raptors gear!
OMG YES!! I WAS OWNED! EVEN THOUGH HE SAID NOTHING RELEVANT AT ALL!! Try forming your own opinion for once, Bowser. I hate people like you.
levious said:
Well to be honest before he got hurt I think Malone did a much better job of adjusting to the system than Payton did... I personally think Payton SAID he'd adjust be he never did adjust to not being the focal point of ball handling... Karl seemed to be content with hitting the open J's.... when he was hitting them that is....
It's great. We have all these Shaq promos going on today. Everyone down here's feeling Shaq love, and I don't blame 'em. About damn time we got outselves a big center again, and I don't care what anyone says, he's still be most dominant player in the league. Got guaranteed points from him, and Wade will find himself freed up a bit more. Gonna miss those three guys, but it'll be fine. None of them were nearly as dominant as Shaq. And now, I have a chance to run into the Big Aristotle down on SoBe. I think I'm gonna have to go to more Heat games now. There's a big reason to watch.
Miami Heat: 2005 Eastern Conference Champions! The Finals...um...they're still just an East team. PEACE.
Miami Heat: 2005 Eastern Conference Champions! The Finals...um...they're still just an East team.
PEACE.Pimpwerx said:It's great. We have all these Shaq promos going on today. Everyone down here's feeling Shaq love, and I don't blame 'em. About damn time we got outselves a big center again, and I don't care what anyone says, he's still be most dominant player in the league. Got guaranteed points from him, and Wade will find himself freed up a bit more. Gonna miss those three guys, but it'll be fine. None of them were nearly as dominant as Shaq. And now, I have a chance to run into the Big Aristotle down on SoBe. I think I'm gonna have to go to more Heat games now. There's a big reason to watch.
Miami Heat: 2005 Eastern Conference Champions! The Finals...um...they're still just an East team.
Umm, an Eastern conference team won the Finals not a month ago.
There is too much Kobe hatin' everywhere. Every article i have read from espn to msnbc is just ripping Kobe. I was watching ESPN just now and that Stephen A. Smith guy, man he was on Kobe like stink on shit, its like Kobe rapped his wife or something.
All jokes aside i would have loved for Shaq to stay but if i had to pick either of the two, i would pick Kobe in a heart bit, why? He is 25 years old.
All jokes aside i would have loved for Shaq to stay but if i had to pick either of the two, i would pick Kobe in a heart bit, why? He is 25 years old.
"Kobe decides to stay with Lakers
Story Tools: Print Email
Associated Press
Posted: 1 hour ago
Kobe Bryant's journey through free agency ended Thursday where it began - with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Bryant chose the Lakers over the Clippers, remaining with the team he joined in 1996 at age 18 and later helped win three NBA championships.
Kobe Bryant has decided he likes the feel of his Lakers jersey. (Jed Jacobsohn / GettyImages)
"Kobe has informed us he's going to stay with the Lakers and sign a new contract," Lakers spokesman John Black said Thursday afternoon. Bryant planned to speak at a news conference later in the day.
The decision came a day after the Lakers traded fellow superstar Shaquille O'Neal to the Miami Heat. Now, it will be Bryant - along with incoming coach Rudy Tomjanovich and Heat imports Lamar Odom, Caron Butler and Brian Grant - who will lead them into the future.
Bryant, who said repeatedly this past season he wanted to be a "Laker for life," is poised to fulfill that declaration. His contract will be worth more than $136.4 million over seven years.
"With Kobe, we're one of the premier teams," Lakers owner Jerry Buss said earlier this week.
Without him, that certainly wouldn't have been the case.
One significant obstacle remains for Bryant before next season. He has pleaded not guilty to felony sexual assault and faces an Aug. 27 trial in Eagle, Colo. He claims he had consensual sex with an employee, now 20, at the Vail-area resort where she worked.
If convicted, Bryant faces four years to life in prison or 20 years to life on probation, and a fine of up to $750,000. The trial figures to take several weeks.
"That's never really gone through my mind," Buss said of Bryant's legal issues. "I have trouble believing that won't work out well for him."
Bryant, who turns 26 next month, has averaged 21.8 points in 561 regular-season games over eight seasons. He averaged 24.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.1 assists this past season despite his legal problems and a career-high 30.0 points in the 2002-2003 campaign.
The Lakers had an advantage over the Clippers financially, able to offer a contract lasting one year longer and worth over $30 million more.
Bryant became an unrestricted free agent when, as expected, he opted out of his contract June 17 - the same day O'Neal demanded a trade and Phil Jackson was informed he wouldn't return as coach next season.
Bryant also spoke with representatives of the Chicago Bulls, Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks, among others, before narrowing the field to the two Los Angeles teams.
General manager Mitch Kupchak spoke warily of the Bryant situation Wednesday. He can rest easier now, as can Lakers fans.
Kupchak also said the Lakers hope to re-sign three other unrestricted free agents - Karl Malone, Derek Fisher and Slava Medvedenko.
If they do, the makeover from this past season won't be quite so severe.
Kupchak said plans call for the Lakers to be a younger, more athletic team than before. Odom and Butler are both 24 - younger and more athletic than most of the players on the Los Angeles roster last season.
"We'd like to increase the tempo of the game - more up and down," Kupchak said.
The lack of an inside game might be a problem, though. The 32-year-old Grant, undersized at 6-foot-9 and with tendinitis in both knees, isn't a true center although he might have to play there.
The Lakers may go after aging free agent center Vlade Divac, who began his career with them in 1989.
That would be an interesting development considering it was Divic the Lakers traded to the Charlotte Hornets in the summer of 1996 for the rights to Bryant - the 13th overall pick in the NBA draft shortly after his graduation from Lower Merion High in the Philadelphia area.
Divac, 36, has played with the Lakers' biggest rivals - the Sacramento Kings - for the past six seasons.
The Clippers didn't comment immediately, but general manager Elgin Baylor planned a conference call later in the day.
Bryant's decision was obviously a blow to the Clippers, who were hopeful of transforming from perennial NBA doormat to playoff contender.
The Clippers have won one playoff series in their history and have qualified for the postseason only three times since moving to Los Angeles from San Diego in 1984 - most recently in 1997.
With promising young players including Elton Brand and Corey Maggette, there was reason for great optimism had Bryant signed. Now, they'll have to go in another direction.
Quentin Richardson, the Clippers' shooting guard, signed a six-year offer sheet with the Phoenix Suns worth $45 million that could be worth an additional $3 million with bonuses.
The Clippers surely wouldn't have matched had they signed Bryant. Now, they might. "
I'm not sure if this has been posted but looks like Kobe is staying a Laker, at least until he because some dudes bitch in a Colorado jail.
Story Tools: Print Email
Associated Press
Posted: 1 hour ago
Kobe Bryant's journey through free agency ended Thursday where it began - with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Bryant chose the Lakers over the Clippers, remaining with the team he joined in 1996 at age 18 and later helped win three NBA championships.
Kobe Bryant has decided he likes the feel of his Lakers jersey. (Jed Jacobsohn / GettyImages)
"Kobe has informed us he's going to stay with the Lakers and sign a new contract," Lakers spokesman John Black said Thursday afternoon. Bryant planned to speak at a news conference later in the day.
The decision came a day after the Lakers traded fellow superstar Shaquille O'Neal to the Miami Heat. Now, it will be Bryant - along with incoming coach Rudy Tomjanovich and Heat imports Lamar Odom, Caron Butler and Brian Grant - who will lead them into the future.
Bryant, who said repeatedly this past season he wanted to be a "Laker for life," is poised to fulfill that declaration. His contract will be worth more than $136.4 million over seven years.
"With Kobe, we're one of the premier teams," Lakers owner Jerry Buss said earlier this week.
Without him, that certainly wouldn't have been the case.
One significant obstacle remains for Bryant before next season. He has pleaded not guilty to felony sexual assault and faces an Aug. 27 trial in Eagle, Colo. He claims he had consensual sex with an employee, now 20, at the Vail-area resort where she worked.
If convicted, Bryant faces four years to life in prison or 20 years to life on probation, and a fine of up to $750,000. The trial figures to take several weeks.
"That's never really gone through my mind," Buss said of Bryant's legal issues. "I have trouble believing that won't work out well for him."
Bryant, who turns 26 next month, has averaged 21.8 points in 561 regular-season games over eight seasons. He averaged 24.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.1 assists this past season despite his legal problems and a career-high 30.0 points in the 2002-2003 campaign.
The Lakers had an advantage over the Clippers financially, able to offer a contract lasting one year longer and worth over $30 million more.
Bryant became an unrestricted free agent when, as expected, he opted out of his contract June 17 - the same day O'Neal demanded a trade and Phil Jackson was informed he wouldn't return as coach next season.
Bryant also spoke with representatives of the Chicago Bulls, Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks, among others, before narrowing the field to the two Los Angeles teams.
General manager Mitch Kupchak spoke warily of the Bryant situation Wednesday. He can rest easier now, as can Lakers fans.
Kupchak also said the Lakers hope to re-sign three other unrestricted free agents - Karl Malone, Derek Fisher and Slava Medvedenko.
If they do, the makeover from this past season won't be quite so severe.
Kupchak said plans call for the Lakers to be a younger, more athletic team than before. Odom and Butler are both 24 - younger and more athletic than most of the players on the Los Angeles roster last season.
"We'd like to increase the tempo of the game - more up and down," Kupchak said.
The lack of an inside game might be a problem, though. The 32-year-old Grant, undersized at 6-foot-9 and with tendinitis in both knees, isn't a true center although he might have to play there.
The Lakers may go after aging free agent center Vlade Divac, who began his career with them in 1989.
That would be an interesting development considering it was Divic the Lakers traded to the Charlotte Hornets in the summer of 1996 for the rights to Bryant - the 13th overall pick in the NBA draft shortly after his graduation from Lower Merion High in the Philadelphia area.
Divac, 36, has played with the Lakers' biggest rivals - the Sacramento Kings - for the past six seasons.
The Clippers didn't comment immediately, but general manager Elgin Baylor planned a conference call later in the day.
Bryant's decision was obviously a blow to the Clippers, who were hopeful of transforming from perennial NBA doormat to playoff contender.
The Clippers have won one playoff series in their history and have qualified for the postseason only three times since moving to Los Angeles from San Diego in 1984 - most recently in 1997.
With promising young players including Elton Brand and Corey Maggette, there was reason for great optimism had Bryant signed. Now, they'll have to go in another direction.
Quentin Richardson, the Clippers' shooting guard, signed a six-year offer sheet with the Phoenix Suns worth $45 million that could be worth an additional $3 million with bonuses.
The Clippers surely wouldn't have matched had they signed Bryant. Now, they might. "
I'm not sure if this has been posted but looks like Kobe is staying a Laker, at least until he because some dudes bitch in a Colorado jail.
LMAO
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Matrix
LeBron loves his girlfriend. There is no other woman in the world hed rather have. The problem is, Dwyanes not a woman.
DMczaf said:Too much Laker talk, this threads needs more T-Mac lovin'!
"How did I ever get this sexy beast on my team..."
T-Mac gettin' buff?! Watch out west!
>:O
hehe cool pics,but I really hate that red uni.I WANT PICS OF THE HOME UNI AND TMAC!
DMczaf said:Too much Laker talk, this threads needs more T-Mac lovin'!
"How did I ever get this sexy beast on my team..."
T-Mac gettin' buff?! Watch out west!
>:O
Buff? That guy looks like one of of the least buff people ever. I don't understand how a pro athlete can be in that kind of shape. I actually think I was more buff then TMac when I was in college, the only person in the NBA with less muscle is probably Yao.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1840674
Aha and Denver gets even stronger! Shall be a great upcoming season for us
Aha and Denver gets even stronger! Shall be a great upcoming season for us
DarienA said:
Well good for you...here's a cookie.
rc213 said:
HalfPastNoon said:
First of all, when did I say Payton was the worst thing ever you blind ass bitch? I said he fucking sucked last year, which is a fact that's inarguable for anyone but a clown like you who's got his head buried up Gary's ass. As for being shackled by the triangle goes, fuck that excuse. Did Phil give him an indication that he wouldn't use the triangle for him? If he didn't, then GP's got no excuse. Furthermore if he's indeed the greatest point guard ever as your stupid ass likes to believe, he should've had the ability to adapt his game to ANY system, since that's what the great ones do. Don't come crying to me about his inability to play in a system that journeyman point guards from BJ Armstrong to Derek fucking Fisher had little trouble understanding. All I heard a year ago was how unselfish Glove was for accepting less money to go to the Lakers. Well, accepting less money also includes taking less shots, and getting less points. He's the guy that said it was Shaq and Kobe's team. So fucking act like it. Fucking bitch.
And BTW, WTF do you have to cheer for? Brent Barry is gonzo, Ray Allen won't be far behind. Your team was a joke last season, and it's only gotten worse this summer. Just worry about your Seattle Suckics...they've got more then enough issues to keep your worrying ass busy.
Shinobi said:
First of all, moron, he didn't suck all of last year. That's the fact. Yes, he sucked during times of the playoffs, but does that equate to all year? No, unless you live in Shinobi's world, which isn't reality, obviously.
My head's buried up GP's ass? That's rich coming from VC's #1 propaganda machine and fanboy. Do you realize how hard it is to adapt to the triangle? You think it happens overnight? You think Kobe and Shaq had it down to perfection after their first year in the system? If you say yes, kill yourself please. And bringing BJ and Derek Fisher does nothing to help your argument, as they've been in the system for MANY YEARS. Something GP hasn't had the privilage of.
And yes, he is a very unselfish player. He could have signed with any team last year for the big bucks, but he decided he wanted a ring, and unfortunatly it didn't work out. And can you blame the guy for bitching when after nearly every Lakers loss, the spotlight, inexcusably, was on him? He damn near carried the team early in the season when Malone, Kobe, and Shaq were out with their various injuries. So just fuck the fuck off, bitch. I'm tired of your worthless rationalizations.
Don't worry about the Sonics, loser. At least they'll still have their star in place, can you say the same about the Raptors and the baby that is VC? Mister "IVE GOT A HEAD COLD -- MUST MISS 10 GAMES, BUT I"LL DANCE ONSTAGE AT CONCERTS!!!" Hooky. I wonder what injury will suddenly afflict him this year? Diarreha? Rash on the shooting hand? Sprained knuckle? But hey, at least you'll be able to root for Eric Dampier, and er, uhm, who else is on that team?
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