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NBA Offseason Thread! All offseason NBA talk in THIS thread!
- Thread starter DMczaf
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Watching the USA BBall team has got me pumped up for next season.
I'm most intrigued to see Wade play with Shaq. That has the potential to be one dangerous duo.
I also can't wait to see AI run point.
Then you got Tmac and Yao and the new look Lakers.
This season is going to rock hard.
Regarding the USA vs. Turkey games: Can these refs be any worse?
Seriously, they are really bad. I actually laughed out loud at a few calls today. Anyone see that offensive foul on Iverson?
I'm most intrigued to see Wade play with Shaq. That has the potential to be one dangerous duo.
I also can't wait to see AI run point.
Then you got Tmac and Yao and the new look Lakers.
This season is going to rock hard.
Regarding the USA vs. Turkey games: Can these refs be any worse?
Seriously, they are really bad. I actually laughed out loud at a few calls today. Anyone see that offensive foul on Iverson?
Ninja Scooter
Member
her nose looks exactly the same. QUIET YOU!
BatiGOOOOOOL
Member
Larry Brown:
"On the expectations for the USA against teams in Athens, regarding team personnel and outside shooting?
I get asked that all the time. This is our team. If we need to make outside shots, we'll make 'em. I'm very confident in that. Our style of play is to not shoot outside shots when we can throw the ball inside to the best player in the world. And, once we establish Tim Duncan, he's going to make everybody else better."
http://www.usabasketball.com/seniormen/2004/04_msnt_quotes6.html
Damn right! Coach Brown knows what's up. Timmy numba one!
"On the expectations for the USA against teams in Athens, regarding team personnel and outside shooting?
I get asked that all the time. This is our team. If we need to make outside shots, we'll make 'em. I'm very confident in that. Our style of play is to not shoot outside shots when we can throw the ball inside to the best player in the world. And, once we establish Tim Duncan, he's going to make everybody else better."
http://www.usabasketball.com/seniormen/2004/04_msnt_quotes6.html
Damn right! Coach Brown knows what's up. Timmy numba one!
BatiGOOOOOOL said:Larry Brown:
"On the expectations for the USA against teams in Athens, regarding team personnel and outside shooting?
I get asked that all the time. This is our team. If we need to make outside shots, we'll make 'em. I'm very confident in that. Our style of play is to not shoot outside shots when we can throw the ball inside to the best player in the world. And, once we establish Tim Duncan, he's going to make everybody else better."
http://www.usabasketball.com/seniormen/2004/04_msnt_quotes6.html
Damn right! Coach Brown knows what's up. Timmy numba one!
Of course if the team can't make outside shots, it really doesn't matter what TD does while five guys and the fucking bench are all collapsing on him. Just witness games three through six of the Spurs/Lakers series. This wasn't an issue with the qualifying team last year, which had five legitimate outside threats.
Yeah, which worked really well against the Pistons. Worked pretty well against the Spurs last year too. Perhaps you're not aquainted with those two series...if not, I suggest picking up the Spurs and Pistons NBA Campions DVD's.
The Spurs had like fifty wide open three's in the last four games of that series. They hit maybe six of them. The Lakers didn't shoot a particularly high precentage from outside themselves, but made big shots when they had to. That was the difference. Anyone with a pair of working eyeballs could see it.
Shaq and Duncan basically canceled each other out (as they did last year), so it's left to the other guys to decide the outcome. The Lakers supporting cast hit their shots, the Spurs supporting cast bricked their's. It's as simple as that.
The Spurs had like fifty wide open three's in the last four games of that series. They hit maybe six of them. The Lakers didn't shoot a particularly high precentage from outside themselves, but made big shots when they had to. That was the difference. Anyone with a pair of working eyeballs could see it.
Shaq and Duncan basically canceled each other out (as they did last year), so it's left to the other guys to decide the outcome. The Lakers supporting cast hit their shots, the Spurs supporting cast bricked their's. It's as simple as that.
Shinobi said:
I watched the playoffs last year. I'm not saying the US can't or won't win the Gold. I'm saying Tim Duncan is no Shaq Oneal, and I've watched Tim since he was a freshman at Wake.
I'm not saying any other team can match up to Tim, I'm saying that no other team could match up with Shaq, even a team with Tim. I didn't see the Spurs in the Finals?
I haven't seen the Lakers win the title the last two years. I've seen Tim and the Spurs win one though. Hell, I saw Ben "no offense" Wallace win one. If Shaq was wearing eight or nine rings on his fingers you'd have a point, but he's only wearing three. Pretty much every year before that run, his teams got their ass swept the fuck out of whichever round they had reached.
Shaq's arguably the most dominant athlete in the history of team sports. But he can't win it all by himself. No one can. That's been proven repeatedly.
The Lakers won three titles because Fisher, Fox and Horry (among others) were making open buckets or clutch shots, when other players in similiar situations have gagged like a two dollar whore. They also played sound team defense during those three years, a far cry from the last two years when they let the low scoring Pistons run the ball up and down their face. As a result they got smacked up by the Spurs, and absolutely steamrolled by the heavy underdogs from Detroit. Didn't matter what Shaq did during those two rounds.
Shaq's arguably the most dominant athlete in the history of team sports. But he can't win it all by himself. No one can. That's been proven repeatedly.
The Lakers won three titles because Fisher, Fox and Horry (among others) were making open buckets or clutch shots, when other players in similiar situations have gagged like a two dollar whore. They also played sound team defense during those three years, a far cry from the last two years when they let the low scoring Pistons run the ball up and down their face. As a result they got smacked up by the Spurs, and absolutely steamrolled by the heavy underdogs from Detroit. Didn't matter what Shaq did during those two rounds.
For all that is said about Shaq being the most dominant player in the history of the game blah blah blah, people forget that the Lakers went nowhere in 96-99, when Shaq was at his peak. Hell, Duncan's Spurs swept them during that period.
I have a theory about dominant (scoring) big men....they can't win championships by themselves. Wilt, Moses Malone, Kareem, and Shaq won a combined 1 NBA title before they teamed up with a an all-star guard.
Anyways, I think its pretty inarguable that either Duncan or Garnett (I would say Duncan) is the best player on the planet right now.
I have a theory about dominant (scoring) big men....they can't win championships by themselves. Wilt, Moses Malone, Kareem, and Shaq won a combined 1 NBA title before they teamed up with a an all-star guard.
Anyways, I think its pretty inarguable that either Duncan or Garnett (I would say Duncan) is the best player on the planet right now.
Bat said:
I haven't forgotten the fact that before Phil, Shaq's team was swept in every series it ever lost. It was a great stat, especially for a Charlotte boy pulling for Zo (till he went to Miami).
That doesn't change the fact that Shaq is the best basketball player in the game, and his presence would only help the Olympic team. Still, we'll get the gold regardless.
Jumpman
Member
DJ_Tet said:
You are right that Shaq's presence on the olympic team would be a huge plus. If NBA teams still have difficulty containing Shaq, then what chance would the 'softer' international teams have against a team with someone of his size.
Shaq however, is not the best basketball player in the game. He is unquestionably the most dominant physical force to ever play in the NBA, and he can change the whole complexion of a game when he's in the mood, but he is not even close to being the best player. Shaq's size is the only thing that keeps him ranked as an elite player. Their are many, many other players in the NBA with a higher basketball IQ and skillset than Shaq has.
But I don't discount the importance of physical dominance. If Shaq is 100% healthy, and playing at a decent weight, as well as with the right amount of self motivation, then he is still a top 5 player.
Bat said:
Shaq together with Kobe failed without Jackson... Shaq has pretty much always been paired up with an all star guard I thought - except his rookie year of course, but that was Scott Skiles' best year.
No knock on Shaq, I'm with DJ_tet on this one, just that I really didn't understand your point.
- I don't get why people always descredit shaq's skill because of size... why not just crown Mugsy Bogues or Spud Webb the greatest players of all time then.
My point is that if Shaq was so incredibly dominant, he would have wonmany more championships. Sure, he's a top 5 all time center, but he still, in his prime, couldn't win anything without a superstar guard (2000 was Kobe's break out year, so its pretty untrue to say Phile was the only thing that propelled them that year) and a 6 time world champion coach.
Blackace
if you see me in a fight with a bear, don't help me fool, help the bear!
Bat said:
Just stop and think about what you are saying... outside of a select few Shaq has a lot of rings.. You can't only say he didn't win enough rings therefore not dominant... WHat about "the dream"? was he not dominant too? Or Wilkins he must have been pretty weaksauce because he has no rings... Championships alone cannot make a player... sometimes no matter how good they are they cannot control everything.. the fact that Shaq have less rings proves that one player cannot win a ring alone
Blackace said:
Bah! The Wizards were a 19 win team the year before he joined, then in his first season he had them at the #5 spot at All-Star break coming off a blowout of the Kings!...then his "teammate" Etan Thomas thought it would be a good idea to bump knees with him and end his season.
Fuck you Etan!!!
the mid ranger jumper is a lost artform in the United States.... thanks to AND1 , Michael Jordan's athleticism and Basketball video games.... its either you dunk or you can dribble the ball between your legs off your ankle then off your opponents head , put it in your shirt and whip it around your back, then start crip walking while the crowd goes crazy , while some dude is repeatedly screaming a nickname of yours that isnt in proper english.....
thats what children idolize now...
and someone that practices the fundamentals is basically looked over...
thats what children idolize now...
and someone that practices the fundamentals is basically looked over...
Blackace said:
I never said he wasn't dominant. Of course he is. But he's not far and away the most dominant force in the game, which is what he is referred to in the media, especially now. If that was the case, the Lakers would have the championship the last two years. My (original) point is that you can't say that having him would be a huge improvement over Duncan on the Olympic team, when Duncan has been just as "dominant" the last two years and is far better suited for the international game anyways.
All Hail C-Webb
Hailing from the Chill-Web
You just wait....
Ninja Scooter
Member
scola said:Malleymal, Chris Webber is the answer. He has a nice mid range jumper, and with his knees the way they are, he couldn't dunk if he wanted too.
Chris Webber isn't the answer to anything, unless somebody asks you the question "who is the biggest, most overpaid choking pussy in NBA history?"
All Hail C-Webb
Hailing from the Chill-Web
...
What's with all the hate?
I don't even understand DM's post, but I can feel the hatred and jealousy eminating from it.
Chris is going to average 20/10/5 again this season, over the last 5 years only him and Garnett have been able to put up those numbers. You can all shhh untill the season is underway.
What's with all the hate?
I don't even understand DM's post, but I can feel the hatred and jealousy eminating from it.
Chris is going to average 20/10/5 again this season, over the last 5 years only him and Garnett have been able to put up those numbers. You can all shhh untill the season is underway.
Ninja Scooter
Member
Chris Webber is the same jackass that recently said this:
LOL! the "hood"? Bitch went to Detroit Country Day high school for crissakes, the same alma mater as that thug of thugs, Shane Battier.
LOL! the "hood"? Bitch went to Detroit Country Day high school for crissakes, the same alma mater as that thug of thugs, Shane Battier.
All Hail C-Webb
Hailing from the Chill-Web
bishoptl said:
I haven't looked at this thread in weeks, and I open it up to see this.
I'm glad that Webber is on other people's minds as much as he is on mine, but it is sad that there is so much jealousy and hatred directed towards him.
I realize that you guys don't want me to bring up Webber anymore, so I will stop.
Early Predictions for next season
MVP: Kobe Bryant
WCF: Lakers vs Wolves
ECF: Heat Vs Pistons
Champions: Detroit over Minny in 6.
All Hail C-Webb
Hailing from the Chill-Web
Ninja Scooter said:
I went to one of the best high schools in New York, but that only accounted for a few hours a day, 3 days a week. Just because I went to a school full of freaks and geeks it doesn't mean I wasn't dealin, stealin, and assaultin people while I wasn't in school. The School you go to does not identify who you are.
Webb was undercover, but not like Pigs. You always know a pig is UC when you in da hood, but Webb can pull it off. He was respected in the streets, he got paid to go to school, and he got away with more shit cause he looked innocent, he's the NKOTB of the hood, that's straight up gangsta.
Son.
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