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[effzee]

changing the topic here....TEAM USA continues to improve. tom is the final tune up and then we are off for the gold medals!

 

[Bowser]

It seems to me that Duncan and Iverson are the only ones who give a damn about being on the team.

 

[Incognito]

changing the topic here....TEAM USA continues to improve. tom is the final tune up and then we are off for the gold medals!

Blowing a 17pt lead in the 3rd-4th quarters is improvement? They're lucky they came out with a win -- over TURKEY.

 

[GaimeGuy]

So, um... how about the Wolves matching the Blazers' offer sheet to Hassell? I didn't think we'd do it, but I'm glad we matched it. ^_^

 

[DMczaf]

Blowing a 17pt lead in the 3rd-4th quarters is improvement? They're lucky they came out with a win -- over TURKEY.

They blew the lead because the younger players were put in the game, once Duncan, AI and Co. came back in they blew them back out.

 

[BatiGOOOOOOL]

 

[BatiGOOOOOOL]

Some funny cartoons that I thought might be well used by our caption experts on this thread. =p

 

[Matrix]

te:
McGrady fired up for Rockets

Like Shaquille O'Neal, Tracy McGrady still is spending much of his summer in Orlando, even though he will be playing in Houston this season.

If his summer-time routine is any indication, McGrady is approaching the 2004-2005 season with a seriousness that must have the Rockets thrilled.

During the week, he lifts weights in the morning and plays basketball in the afternoon, then goes to a local high school track to run in the evening -- often after dark.

"This is as hard as I've ever worked out in my life,'' he said one night last week on his way home from the track. "But to get to the next level -- which I plan to do -- it's got to be done. I do feel bad for the fans here in Orlando. They're going to miss something really special.''

When McGrady talks of the next level, he isn't referring to anymore scoring titles or all-star appearances or even any All-NBA first-team awards. He's done all those, even though at age 25, he is just entering his physical prime.

He is talking about a championship, which he believes he will win in Houston playing alongside center Yao Ming.

"Coming to Orlando helped me become a star. I'll be forever grateful,'' he said. "But going to Houston -- when we win a championship -- means another level. It will put me in the class with a Kobe Bryant, a guy who has won multiple championships. That's who I'm chasing now. That's who I want to be measured against.''

 

[Shinobi]

Uhh, no. Kobe left adidias because his contract was up. Vince got some judge to tear up his Puma contract because his poor little feet hurt. Kinda like how Kobe kept his mouth shut and waited til he became and ACTUAL free agent (**gasp** What an idea!) before making demands and making a decision about where he wants to play, while Peja/Vince/Shaq/Kidd/Tmac all wanna whine and bitch while they are under contract.

Right, like he let the Lakers know that they should take away Phil Jackson's contract extension off the table if they wanted to have any shot of resigning him, which in effect was a two for one with Shaq wanting out as a result.

And Kobe paid $8 mill to get out of his six year deal with Adidas you ignorant child, much like how VC paid Puma to get out his deal. OMG, KOBE'S A BITCH!! Try and research your shit before you use the follies of others to prop up your charged felon.

 

[Matrix]

Leave Tmac out of this Piston! He had an opt out clause for next year and was going to use it,Peja and some of those other players you listed dont.

 

[DMczaf]

Leave Tmac out of this Piston! He had an opt out clause for next year and was going to use it,Peja and some of those other players you listed dont.

Exactly. He never demanded a trade, he just told the Magic that he would not resign after the season was over so the Magic had to make sure they didnt pull another Shaq (losing a superstar and getting nothing in return).

 

[Miguel]

Reporter: "Hey Kobe, what do you think about the 2003-2004 season. How do you think you guys will do?"

Kobe: "I'm gonna opt out"

Reporter: "uh...ok, but what about the additions of Payton and Malone?"

Kobe: "I'm gonna opt out"

Jim Gray: "Hey Kobe, want to go have dinner then go see a movie back at my place? I rented The Fan II: Konex's Little Secret

 

[Truelize]

And Kobe paid $8 mill to get out of his six year deal with Adidas QUOTE]

I'm curious to know where you got this info. I understood that Kobe wanted to sign a new "lifetime" contract like Iverson and Tmac were given. And Adidas wasn't interested in doing that, citing that Kobe was very hard to work with regarding shoe design. So then Kobe wanted out and they made him pay to have the contract torn-up. Nike didn't jump at picking him up either due to all the legal stuff he's been going through. He does have a signature shoe on the way. But they didn't want to do anything until his trial is complete.

 

[Bowser]

DM, what's up with the Panthers avatar? Could it be? Have you finally seen the light? Or, more likely, what bet did you lose?

 

[Fifty]

He bet that Madden wouldn't have leagues this year.

(he has to wear it all season)

 

[Blackace]

basketball people.... stay on target, please

 

[Takuan]

Haha, some of those portraits are spot-on, while others are way off. Jermaine O'Neal is the best one.

 

[Miguel]

 

[rc213]

basketball people.... stay on target, please

 

[Shinobi]

Reporter: "Hey Kobe, what do you think about the 2003-2004 season. How do you think you guys will do?"

Kobe: "I'm gonna opt out"

Reporter: "uh...ok, but what about the additions of Payton and Malone?"

Kobe: "I'm gonna opt out"

Jim Gray: "Hey Kobe, want to go have dinner then go see a movie back at my place? I rented The Fan II: Konex's Little Secret

Yep, Kobe sure kept his mouth shut.

And people wonder why Kobe/Laker fans get hated on...

Oh yeah, as for where I got my Kobe/Adidas information...

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/news/archive/2003/06/24/financial0808EDT0019.DTL

Check the fourth paragraph.

 

[Jumpman]

"Coming to Orlando helped me become a star. I'll be forever grateful,'' he said. "But going to Houston -- when we win a championship -- means another level. It will put me in the class with a Kobe Bryant, a guy who has won multiple championships. That's who I'm chasing now. That's who I want to be measured against.''

Here I thought that TMac hated Kobe, turns out he idolizes him. I wonder how many Kobe posters he has on his wall?

 

[Shinobi]

He's always liked Kobe...he talked to him a lot during his first few years in the league, picking his ear and getting advice on the difficult high school to pros transition.

 

[Jumpman]

He's always liked Kobe...he talked to him a lot during his first few years in the league, picking his ear and getting advice on the difficult high school to pros transition.

My impression was formed because of things that McGrady has said in the past. He seems to resent Kobe. I don't archive this material or anything, so it's hard to give rock hard examples. I however do remember last year, shortly after the news of the alleged rape broke, TMac took some (hardly) veiled shots at Kobe. Something along the lines of Kobe had no business being with someone other than his wife. He also went on to say that one woman should be enough, etc. Now he may of been right, but who hired him as the moral police. He should have just said no comment, instead of playing the saint. He appeared to relish in the opportunity to play Kobe's superior. It's real easy for him to talk when he isn't even married. Maybe someone else here remembers some of his other stabs at Kobe. I know I'm not making this up.

 

[Incognito]

Well, our suspicions have finally been confirmed about T-Mac, and by T-Mac himself. He's smoking something awful if he thinks he'll ever measure up to the greatness that is Kobe Bryant. Hey, T-Mac, learn to lead your own team out of the first round before making ridiculous comments such as "I've never been out of the first round before.." and "I want to be compared to Kobe."

One day, his right eye will become as lazy as his left due to all the smoking. Poor guy. When I think of T-Mac, only one image springs to mind:

BANDWAGON. He joins the likes of Malone, DMczaf, Miguel, and Shinobi. Sigh.

 

[Matrix]

I want to see Kobe lead a team without Shaq.

 

[Incognito]

I want to see Kobe lead a team without Shaq.

He has. Remember 2002? He led a team that was anchored down by that fatass to the championship.

 

[Matrix]

*cough*

*cough*

 

[Miguel]

As heard on Sportsradio 610:
- Jeremy Foster of is reporting that league sources have told SR610 that the Houston Rockets have signed Bob Sura and Charlie Ward. More as it breaks.


! Charlie Ward...what a surprise! Another Knick!

Well, now to get a backup center.



Yao/???
Taylor/Howard/Spoon
Jackson/Nachbar/Padgett
TMac/Gaines/Piatkowski
Ward/Sura/Lue

 

[Blackace]

As heard on Sportsradio 610:
- Jeremy Foster of is reporting that league sources have told SR610 that the Houston Rockets have signed Bob Sura and Charlie Ward. More as it breaks.


! Charlie Ward...what a surprise! Another Knick!

Well, now to get a backup center.



Yao/???
Taylor/Howard/Spoon
Jackson/Nachbar/Padgett
TMac/Gaines/Piatkowski
Ward/Sura/Lue

Another Knick shock!! Howard can give you mins at 5 also.. I m sure that is what will happen if they can't find a worthless 7 footer

 

[Miguel]

Word is Rockets were trying Piatkowski for Mutombo. Now...while Cookie Monster may be 50, he could provide 10 minutes, Howard and Taylor another 5 or so, and give Yao 15 minutes of rest a night.


C - Yao Ming/Dikembe Mutombo
PF - Maurice Taylor/Juwon Howard/Clarence Weatherspoon
SF - Jim Jackson/Bostjan Nachbar/Scott Padgett
SG - Tracy McGrady/Reece Gaines
PG - Bob Sura/Charlie Ward/Tyrone Lue

Sura can play the 2
Jackson can play the 2
McGrady can play the 3
Padgett can play the 4 (in smallball situations)
Howard/Taylor can play the 5 (ditto)

 

[Incognito]

That's a terrible bench for the Sockets.

 

[Miguel]

That's a terrible bench for the Sockets.

Don't hate cause your 4 backup centers don't equate the ??? in our backup spot.

 

[DMczaf]

Lets check out the brilliance of Lonestar on the NBA

Uh, the Lakers will lose 2 games at MOST from here on out. They're in unstoppable mode right now, with Kobe gliding through double-teams and hitting j's, Fisher draining everything, Malone finding his shot, and Shaq beind his old dominant self.

Kobe > Shaq.

Shaq was useless without him. And Shaq has PROVEN he can't win a championship without Kobe, or any other player of that caliber next to him. I think Kobe will prove the doubters and haters wrong. It's sad to hear that people don't think of him as a teamplayer, it irks me. He's more of teamplayer than 95% of the league. He just gets no recognition because of his style and pizazz.

You think Fisher and his company of scrubs would have that level of comfort shooting the ball had Kobe not been there? Puuuleeaseee.

 

[Blackace]

Don't hate cause your 4 backup centers don't equate the ??? in our backup spot.

Ouch... no come back to that... Trade you Lewis for someone..please...

 

[Miguel]

Ouch... no come back to that... Trade you Lewis for someone..please...

lol

Didn't mean to be so harsh.

Man...lol. Rome is cracking me up right now.

SUPER FREAK!!! SUPER FREAK!!! She's a very kinky girlllllll....

 

[Incognito]

Dm, don't make it personal by posting old pictures of me while I was very sick, ok you fucking asshole? If you have nothing of IMPORTANCE to say, then shut your fucking mouth and get back to your sad routine of posting unfunny captions of NBA players.

 

[DMczaf]

Dm, don't make it personal by posting old pictures of me while I was very sick, ok you fucking asshole? If you have nothing of IMPORTANCE to say, then shut your fucking mouth and get back to your sad routine of posting unfunny captions of NBA players.

Hey now, don't go back on your word. Im on ignore, remember? Dont read my posts

 

[Incognito]

Hey now, don't go back on your word. Im on ignore, remember? Dont read my posts

Guess what, loser? You haven't been on my ignore list for over 3 weeks, now. If you don't like what I have to say about your posting habits, then maybe you should change them or just ignore me.



Idiot...

 

[DMczaf]

Guess what, loser? You haven't been on my ignore list for over 3 weeks, now.

Uh oh, someone likes me

 

[Matrix]

I like the Sura signing,but damn you Gundy! I dont want your washed up Knick players who pray in the center of the court even after they lose on my team

 

[Fifty]

There is only one way to settle this...........Jordan Vs Kobe throwdown! 5000 words on the merits of your favorite player.

 

[DMczaf]

There is only one way to settle this...........Jordan Vs Kobe throwdown! 5000 words on the merits of your favorite player.

Well that ended right after the NBA Finals. Kobe fans have lowered their standards and now compare Kobe to T-Mac

After the season, I think they will go down to Penny Hardaway and JR Rider.

 

[BatiGOOOOOOL]

Those are solid acquisitions for the Rockets, but they still need to find a better starting PG. Too bad we took Brent Barry off the market.

 

[Shinobi]

When I think of T-Mac, only one image springs to mind:

BANDWAGON. He joins the likes of Malone, DMczaf, Miguel, and Shinobi. Sigh.

This from the same twat who didn't give a left nut about Ray Allen until he was traded for Gary Pylon to the Sonics, who then suddenly became the best two guard in the league in the eyes of Bubble Boy despite winning just two playoff rounds in 8 seasons. In case you can't take the hint, kindly do us all a favour and shut the fuck up.

Lets check out the brilliance of Lonestar on the NBA


Quote:

Uh, the Lakers will lose 2 games at MOST from here on out. They're in unstoppable mode right now, with Kobe gliding through double-teams and hitting j's, Fisher draining everything, Malone finding his shot, and Shaq beind his old dominant self.



Quote:

Kobe > Shaq.



Shaq was useless without him. And Shaq has PROVEN he can't win a championship without Kobe, or any other player of that caliber next to him. I think Kobe will prove the doubters and haters wrong. It's sad to hear that people don't think of him as a teamplayer, it irks me. He's more of teamplayer than 95% of the league. He just gets no recognition because of his style and pizazz.



Quote:

You think Fisher and his company of scrubs would have that level of comfort

shooting the ball had Kobe not been there? Puuuleeaseee.

Hey now, don't go back on your word. Im on ignore, remember? Dont read my posts

He probably never put you in ignore, the fucking liar...

Well that ended right after the NBA Finals. Kobe fans have lowered their standards and now compare Kobe to T-Mac

After the season, I think they will go down to Penny Hardaway and JR Rider.

Even I couldn't see things going that bad for the Kobester. I think all told his numbers will be around 28/5/5, which I'll take anytime. How many wins the Lakers get is another story...I really don't have a feel for that team. Hell, I don't have a feel for 90% of the league...it's just been completely flipped on top of it's head this summer. And we're still not done seeing changes...Kidd will be gone for sure after the 60 day no trade period is done.

 

[Matrix]

The Franchise is now white...eek

"On how much more attractive this opportunity became with the Tracy McGrady trade."

WARD: "Houston was our No. 1 team before the trade, andthen the Father saw fit that the trade happened and then I guess it became more the No. 1. My agent (Greg) and Carroll (Dawson) got a deal going and have been working for a long time. He was interested in us and we were interested in coming here. Everything just needed to be finalized."


It has begun.

 

[dskillzhtown]

Sura and Ward are solid enough at PG. Ward can run an offense and we don't need our 1 to score as much as Francis did. I am cool with that position, but we have to do something for a back-up 5. I don't want Mutombo!!!

 

[Matrix]

I say the Rockets sign Keon Clark,he's a good shot blocker and can rebound....and now that Shaq's out of the West,we dont need another 280+ center to back up Yao.

 

[Ninja Scooter]

well well well, lets see what a Mr. Phil Jackson has to say about who broke up the Lakers dynasty...(some quotes from a radio interview he did...)

Are you glad to be out of Los Angeles?

Phil enjoyed the L.A. life and enjoyed the fact that you can get away without the celebrity lifestyle. He had nothing bad to say about L.A.

What has he been doing?

Kept a journal on the past season and will finish it up. He will write a book.
Working on the house on Montana.

Alot of Lakers fans are sad. Why do you think that the Lakers collaspsed?

The epic of the team was focused on winning a championship. It was draining and tough. There were alot of issues dealing with this matter to keep it going. The issue regarding Shaq's extension was taking alot of the team and possibility it was going to drain this team in the future. The Lakers had to make some decision regarding Shaq. Since could not come up with a solution or agreement for shaq, Lakers had to make changes.

The Lakers are focused of making a speed team. This will be different from the past power team. Speed team will be able to win championship but it will not be a dynasty. It will be similar to Pistons. You need to a premier powerful team to win multi-championships.

Could the team stay together if Kobe, Shaq and Jackson stay focused?

Probably not. There were other issues beside Kobe, Shaq and Jackson. The Lakers had to deal with the issue with GP, Fisher and Fox. GP is slower. Fox and Malone wre hurt. It was going to be hard to stay together and keep the same team concept. There were going to be changes. With the salary cap issue, some players would be gone.

Do you feel that Kobe drove you out?

No. There were issues b/w Kobe and Shaq that changed the perception of the team. Both players respected each other. Kobe and Shaq each acknowledged the other player. He will talk about this in his book.

Phil was cut off at this time.

Phil back:

Pjax: Kareem Rush is NBA starter quality. Devean George is good too. Slava is interesting, good developement, and potentially very solid backup player. But overall, Phil is pretty high on Rush potential.

Pjax on relationship with KObe:
Kobe is young man in developmental stage. Every year he comes back it's more development. Last year was radical (referring to the trial). No regret with Kobe.

Pjax on missing the Lakers:
he misses the Staples and their "core staff", (typical stuff). Not miss reporters.

What is the reaction when people see you?

They say that they will miss him.

Will you coach again?

Not in the foreseeable future. Does not want to coach again into his sixty. Doesn't know if he will miss coaching.

Do you want to be GM?

Don't want to be a GM because you have to lie too much. Very difficult job. Talked about young GM and their average career is long. Coach has short career.

What will miss most?

Drive w/Jeannie to the Lakers. Seeing the people at the Staples. The coaching staff. The executive and administration after winning games.

now of course we'll have the usual Laker haters talk about this is just a Phil Jackson spin job, even though he'd have nothing to gain/lose by not just teling the truth, right?

 

[Jumpman]

What's with the grammar in that article? It almost seems babelfished in areas.

 

[Meier]

FSU star guards in the house! Sura played incredible ball down the stretch last year.. he really showed if he got some PT, he could be a star in this league. I wish them both the best.