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November NBA Season Thread - It's finally time
- Thread starter DMczaf
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Ninja Scooter
Member
bionic77 said:Wow, the Lakers suck.
Don't worry Bionic, we can rest easy in the fact that at least we're not the Rockets.
All Hail C-Webb
Hailing from the Chill-Web
Miguel said:
The Kings do look that bad.
Another NBA season, another Kings team that can't rebound or defend.
Petrie needs to get off his high horse of past accomplishments and refresh the team with the youth, athleticism and talent they've been letting go year over year. The window of oppurtunity for this team passed fast and was fucked up by injuries and bias officiating. It's time to do something different, actually address needs. Stop building a team ready to win a round of HORSE.
With the JWill-Bibby trade they transitioned into a half court team and have become less and less a fast break team each year. That was one strength negated.
When they let go Keon Clark, traded players like Pollard and Barry, let Jim Jackson go, etc. They basically negated their bench. The bench of the Kings for 3 or 4 years was one of the best in the league. Now its just Bojax.
They lost Vlade and in their first two games the ball movement has stunk. So that half court game? Starting to be negated.
Ok, rant over. Sorry, had to bitch.
Petrie needs to get off his high horse of past accomplishments and refresh the team with the youth, athleticism and talent they've been letting go year over year. The window of oppurtunity for this team passed fast and was fucked up by injuries and bias officiating. It's time to do something different, actually address needs. Stop building a team ready to win a round of HORSE.
With the JWill-Bibby trade they transitioned into a half court team and have become less and less a fast break team each year. That was one strength negated.
When they let go Keon Clark, traded players like Pollard and Barry, let Jim Jackson go, etc. They basically negated their bench. The bench of the Kings for 3 or 4 years was one of the best in the league. Now its just Bojax.
They lost Vlade and in their first two games the ball movement has stunk. So that half court game? Starting to be negated.
Ok, rant over. Sorry, had to bitch.
Ninja Scooter
Member
some thoughts:
Kobe's shot seems off in both games. Methinks his body needs to get accostomed to all that muscle he added back after getting skinny last year. Might have hurt his mechanics a bit. I remember 2 years ago when he first buffed up his shot was off then too.
I love Lamar's game, but he just seems too incosistent. Seems like he needs the ball in his hands as the playmaker in order to be truly effective, but thats Kobe's role too. I don't know if he can play off Kobe's strengths and complement number 8. I know its really, really really early, but i could see Caron being that SF to pair with Kobe while Lamar becomes tradebait/salary dump in the coming years.
We need a strong outside shoooter. Im watching this Giricik guy for Utah and thinking thats the kind of player we could really use. Always thought K2 could develop into that, but he isn't as strong a shooter as he needs to be. Too streaky.
Kobe's shot seems off in both games. Methinks his body needs to get accostomed to all that muscle he added back after getting skinny last year. Might have hurt his mechanics a bit. I remember 2 years ago when he first buffed up his shot was off then too.
I love Lamar's game, but he just seems too incosistent. Seems like he needs the ball in his hands as the playmaker in order to be truly effective, but thats Kobe's role too. I don't know if he can play off Kobe's strengths and complement number 8. I know its really, really really early, but i could see Caron being that SF to pair with Kobe while Lamar becomes tradebait/salary dump in the coming years.
We need a strong outside shoooter. Im watching this Giricik guy for Utah and thinking thats the kind of player we could really use. Always thought K2 could develop into that, but he isn't as strong a shooter as he needs to be. Too streaky.
Ninja Scooter said:
Bah too early to make any predictions on a team that has never played together. It will take 20-30 games for us to really see how good or bad they are. I am just praying they can get it above .500 for that early stretch, that will really put them in good shape for the end run if they can stay healthy.
:lol You think anyone's gonna trade size (which is a rarer and more precious commmodity these days then fucking platinum) for Rush and George? :lol Come on. Hell, at least you have Divac...he'd look pretty good in a Raps uni, even if he only played 60 games a year. And there's still the unanswered question in Malone. Get him back, and the Lakers will be fine.
Oh, you too huh???
:lol :lol :lol
You can take it to the bank...T-Mac might be lucky to average 20 points this season.
:lol :lol :lol
:lol
Incognito said:
DMczaf said:Oh well, at least the Rockets get the Raptors tonight after getting courtside seats to the Pistons ring ceremony
Oh, you too huh???
Matrix said:"0-19 HERE WE COME! YOU THOUGHT YOU COULD ESCAPE CRAPPY TEAMS TMAC...WELL YOU YOUNG GRASSHOPPER ARE MISTAKEN! WELCOME TO MY WORLD OF CRAPPY VAN GRUMPY BALL! I CAN DESTROY CAREERS AND SLOW DOWN THE PACE OF AN NBA GAME TO A GRINDING HALT! YOU BETTER PASS THE BALL INTO MING WHILE HE'S FRONTED SO HE CAN TURN THE BALL OVER AND GASP FOR OXYGEN ALL IN THE SAME MOTION! I WENT AND TRADED STEVE FOR YOU...WHY YOU ASK? CAUSE YOU THOUGHT I COULD REALLY COACH..STEVE KNEW THE TRUTH,BUT YOU AND YOUR MAGIC PUFF PUFF NEVER SAW IT COMING...I WILL DESTROY YOUR CAREER,TRADE YOU TO THE WORST TEAM IN THE LEAGUE AND THEN DESTROY ANOTHER SUPERSTAR! I AM VAN GRUMPY HEAR ME ROAR!"
"I'm Steve Francis and I approve that rant"
:lol :lol :lol
Desperado said:It would be funny if Steve outscores Tmac this year.
You can take it to the bank...T-Mac might be lucky to average 20 points this season.
Matrix said:"Get me the fuck off this team"
:lol :lol :lol
Incognito said:
Matrix said:
:lol
I have a feeling that these Lakers are going to have stretches for the first quarter of the season where they can't buy a bucket, Kobe should have stepped it up in the first quarter and they might still be in this game. It is a hard line to tread though, being a playmaker and a scorer. I was hoping that Odom would be the playmaker, but he seems to be more of a scorer.
Shinobi is right about Vlade. Vlade will make a huge difference to the Lakers once they come back. He will give us size and give us about 7 easy buckets a night.
Shinobi is right about Vlade. Vlade will make a huge difference to the Lakers once they come back. He will give us size and give us about 7 easy buckets a night.
Cloudy said:
You read Chad Ford's piece...anyone with size and a pulse over 60 is treated like gold. :lol
Fifty said:
They really looked good tonight in person. I missed the first quarter, but was really impressed by their ability to push the ball up in the second and fourth quarters, their unselfish passing, and clutch shooting when the Rockets were drawing close. Rafer and Bosh in particular really impressed me...Skip's shot was just money all night. Loren Woods was more then adequate, which is all I can ask for. VC's shot looked gorgeous when it was on early, and he made some great passes down the stretch to setup teamates. And I like the way the scoring was spread around. Still, I think the NBA's scheduling is just bullshit...it isn't fair for some teams to be starting the season on a back to backer playing two fresh and rested teams, and in many cases playing in back to back home openers for their opponents. So I'm not surprised the Kings and Rockets failed for example...how the hell are the Rockets gonna compete against the champs getting their banner raised one night, and then against an up-tempo Raptors team that hadn't played a game in five nights? I think the Rockets have been as overrated as the Heat, but I do think they're still a good team that shouldn't have much trouble making the playoffs once all the players are fully accumlated to the offensive and defensive schemes. T-Mac's shot was kinda up and down tonight, but when it's on he's just so dangerous...I was amazed at how quick he could explode off the dribble or on the bounce, compared to say Vince who clearly isn't as quick as he was in his first few years.
Anyway, good win for the Raps, and a needed one...they've got Detroit in on Friday, Portland on Sunday, then go on a six game west coast trip before returning home to face the Sonics and Spurs (I'll be attending the latter game). It's just a ridiculously hellish early schedule for the dino's, so any win they can get this month is a plus.
Ninja Scooter
Member
sorry DM, you aren't allowed to post until the Rockets get a win.
"But-"
"SHUT THE FUCK UP!"
"But-"
"SHUT THE FUCK UP!"
A visual recap of my night at the Raptors/Rockets game, complete with accurate captions and quotes...
"I look so fly!"
"Owned!"
"Why the fuck am I still here?!?"
"Erm, watch the hand cuz."
"Knowing Gundy, he probably wanted a layup..."
"Hey ref! Call him for being too quick!"
Er...insert own caption here.
The NBA's new dance/singing trio.
"I need a wig."
FIGHT!! FIGHT!!
"YEEESSS!!"
"Er, you haven't been traded Vince."
"Ah shit..."
"I look so fly!"
"Owned!"
"Why the fuck am I still here?!?"
"Erm, watch the hand cuz."
"Knowing Gundy, he probably wanted a layup..."
"Hey ref! Call him for being too quick!"
Er...insert own caption here.
The NBA's new dance/singing trio.
"I need a wig."
FIGHT!! FIGHT!!
"YEEESSS!!"
"Er, you haven't been traded Vince."
"Ah shit..."
BatiGOOOOOOL
Member
MIHM TO THE RIM! :lol
Shinobi said:
My thoughts on tonight's Toronto/Houston game:
- <3 the uptempo ball they're playing, Rafer's style suits it perfectly. I loved seeing our guys run up court immediately after Houston scored, Rafer pushing the ball like he had the police on his tail. Rafer, Rafer, Rafer. His very first move with the fake, spin, then floater over Yao... STREET. And 1 classic. He would've had 10 assists easily if some guys didn't mess it up for him
I didn't see his jersey anywhere tonight, I don't think they're even in production... they'd better be soon, because I need to cop that shit. - I liked Loren Woods' aggressiveness in defending Yao. He probably gives up more than 50 pounds to Yao, but he didn't let himself get pushed around. Good work. He was a little rusty in the first half and is clearly a raw player, but he made some key plays in the second half that sealed the game for us. He looks promising.
- Araujo just looked on the floor. I think he's a complete fucking bust and won't last five years in the NBA. I couldn't believe I was watching a guy who's played four full years of college ball. Matt Bonner looked more comfortable on the court.
- Vince's shot selection is still horrible. He hit a lot of tough shots, but missed just as many. Watching him struggle to get by Jim Jackson, it's no wonder he settles for the off-balance jumper 80% of the time. The way T-Mac constantly blew by him was just sad to watch. Raptors played better help defense during the second half, though, effectively sealing Tracy up (his shot selection was pretty shitty too, but he had some really nice drives, particularly one where he split two of our defenders and went to the basket for an easy finger-roll - smooth).
- BOSH. BOSH. BOSH. BOSH. I LOVE CHRIS BOSH. He's worked on his midrange game and it shows. Our most improved player. That dunk over Yao was NOT a travel.
- Yao
Why are you letting your 7'5" self getting punked by Loren Woods and Donyell Marshall??? He was getting bullied out there tonight, I hope it was because of his elbow. - Our bench is garbage. Every time our starters (particularly Rafer and Bosh) came off for a rest, Houston went on a run. I saw some nice hustle from Milt Palacio, but he's still Milt Palacio. Mo Pete is still a bricklayer, Lamond moves like a slug on the court.
- Mo Taylor is nice. Gifted on offense. D... not so much. Doesn't seem to dominate the boards either, but he has a very polished offensive skillset. Great handle for a guy his size, too.
I was fully expecting for us to be blown away by Yao and T-mac tonight, but both were pretty ineffective the entire game. Yao wasn't converting shots he should've been making, and he missed a bunch of free throws. T-Mac was scary the first half, but then he decided to chuck shots at will. Houston didn't look very good tonight as a team. I feel Toronto got really lucky in the first quarter where we hit everything early on, setting a good rythm for the rest of the game. Our starters all contributed, especially Rafer, Vince and Jalen sharing the load on boards and distributing the ball. But there were a lot of holes in the Houston defense, holes that won't likely be in Detroit's defensive scheme on Friday. I'm predicting disaster, but who knows, I could very well be proven wrong again if we shoot as well as we did tonight.
Takuan said:
Lamond is a complete bust, and Mo Pete wasn't worth being resigned. His only nice plays were hustle rebounds, but that wasn't real basketball skill, just being in the right place after the ball hit the rim.
Milt....Well Milt's Milt. I saw that guy at a downtown taco bell 4 times last season.... I've never seen any other Raptors out in public. :lol
Bonner could be a nice surprise, but all I really saw out of him was a mid range shot, which isn't exactly what we need, especially from a bigman. We've got one of the league's best long-range bigmen in Donyell.
The thing with Mo is he can score 20 on a given night depending on whether or not his shot's on, and he does play defense, so he can still contribute to our team. Problem is, that kind of inconsistency doesn't warrant what we're paying him now.
Lamond... I just want to know what happened to the dude who torched us for 32 on something like 70% shooting, almost all on turnaround fadeaways, two seasons back. He could shoot back then, his jump shot was money. Then he came to Toronto, broke his foot in pre-season, then spent most of last season looking all decrepit on the bench. We haven't seen the old Lamond since. WHERE HAVE YOU GONE, LAMOND OF '01-'02??
42.4 3PT% (~44 FG%), 81.7 FT%
16.6 pts, 5.2 boards, 2.2 assists, and almost 1 steal per game. Not amazing stats, but certainly more than ample support for our current squad. I'd take 10ppg from him off the bench.
Lamond... I just want to know what happened to the dude who torched us for 32 on something like 70% shooting, almost all on turnaround fadeaways, two seasons back. He could shoot back then, his jump shot was money. Then he came to Toronto, broke his foot in pre-season, then spent most of last season looking all decrepit on the bench. We haven't seen the old Lamond since. WHERE HAVE YOU GONE, LAMOND OF '01-'02??
42.4 3PT% (~44 FG%), 81.7 FT%
16.6 pts, 5.2 boards, 2.2 assists, and almost 1 steal per game. Not amazing stats, but certainly more than ample support for our current squad. I'd take 10ppg from him off the bench.
You guys have a fantastic starting five. On paper they could all be all stars....JJ maybe not and Q Rich is a bit too streaky, but it's a damn fine starting five. Like the Raps last season, your 5 isn't a pure center. From what I hear they're going with this lineup to get their stars on the floor, and because Q was promised a starting spot. Otherwise Amare would play the 4 and a real C would play the 5, am I right?
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