2007 NBA thread

[FewFAC]

LeBron's best shot at taking the East has to be hoping that Orlando regresses toward the mean and Cleveland takes the third seed. With 20 games to go and 3.5 back, a first-round matchup with Toronto would be far less desirable than a Washington/Philadelphia matchup, and playing the Celtics in the Conference Semis with Detroit cruising past Orlando in 4 and resting for the winner of LeBron v C's Game 7 made for television extravaganza sounds like either a recipe for disaster or the stuff of which legends are made. I'd lean toward disaster.

Of course the flip side of cruising through Washington/Philly, setting up a round two matchup against the Pistons isn't exactly what I'd wish for, but the teams would be evenly matched in rest/lack of draining previous round, which makes a LeBron single-handed beatdown far more probable, and against Detroit, all the more desirable. But barring injury, I still fail to see how he leads a pretty mediocre team past the C's.

[kghoya]

well that is the bad loss for the nuggets...

[MCIGuy]

Can't win a game when they need to. This loss is painful to me because of who the Nuggets lost to. Defense is nowhere to be found. Sixers shot season high 60%.

[RDF]

With 3 teams in Western Conference fighting for the last two spots--I am going on record as hoping to Hoops Gods that Golden State and Denver make the postseason and that boring ass Dallas team is left on outside. From Avery Johnson to overhyped players like Josh Howard--I find them boring to watch, having a lack of mental toughness, and if you are going to have 7/8 seeds who likely aren't going to do anything, at least make them entertaining to watch--which Golden State is--and in Denver's case--they can be--but I'd like to see them make it for Iverson's sake.

Do feel bad for Dirk--and didn't like to see the injury happen to anyone--but especially him on that team--but they are a poorly coached team--Avery Johnson should be fired--they have a bunch of role players surrounding Dirk, and since acquiring Jason Kidd--they have not beaten one team with a record above .500 in the NBA. I thought trading for Hall of Famers makes you better? Avery hyped the deal, and now is saying it's a "tough adjustment"--which is complete manure--it's his overcoaching and lack of understanding how to adjust his approach to his team that has hurt the Mavs.

Out with Dallas and if anyone has seen the Golden State-Laker games the past two nights--you know why I want them in the postseason. Denver--that is more selfish/biased reason--but at least they'll score some points and entertain--unlike Dallas and their boring crap with the little midget on sideline acting self righteous.

[hoyarooter]

RDF, you must be referring to the Laker/Warrior roller coaster rides of the last two nights. Very entertaining. I have to say, though, that I am amazed at how well the Lakers have managed to survive the injury to Pau on top of the injury to Bynum. Out of their last seven games, I could have seen them beating Seattle and losing all of the others, but they managed to come up with road wins against Dallas, Utah (amazing) and the Warriors. Not to mention coming back from 26 down at the start of the second half to actually take the lead against the Warriors on Sunday before finally just pooping out on the defensive end. 43 rebounds for Odom the last two nights - not too shabby, plus major contributions from Sasha, Turiaf and Radmanovic.

[RDF]

Yeah Rooter--those games the past two nights were Playoff like--and just fun to watch. Gasol coming back this week? They need him/Bynum to return to win the West--and they need Bynum to give them solid minutes--not just some fouls. I'd be very careful of the Warriors--if they are 7th seed--you want to be #1 or #3--and avoid them in First Round if possible. If they are #8--I'd drop to #2 as that would be a deep series and in West--you want to avoid that in early rounds. If Denver makes it--you want to win the top seed-Lakers would sweep them or win in 5. Dallas makes it--they might be competitive/tough but I see them going down in 5.

[hoyarooter]

I'm not sure I entirely agree. I do agree that the Lakers need a healthy Pau and Bynum to challenge in the West, and frankly, given the likely timing of Bynum's return, I doubt that Bynum will be able to play at the level he was playing at before his injury, and I'm not sure how well the rest of the team will adapt to his return. Therefore, even with everyone back, I don't see the Lakers coming out of the West this year. I think the Spurs are still the team to beat. But next year, if everyone stays healthy, look out.

But I digress. I think the Warriors are fun to watch, and I know what they did last year to the Mavericks, but if they play the Lakers in the playoffs, I think the Lakers win in 5 or 6. The Lakers just know how to beat these guys. The last two games, with the Lakers way below fun strength (and playing their fourth game in five nights last night) is a perfect illustration of that. They have whomped the Warriors regularly, even since Nellie's return, and I don't see that changing. Now I agree that I would rather see the Lakers play Denver, but I would rather they not drop to the 3 spot, where they would likely play Houston, Phoenix or even the Spurs. Those are first round match ups I'd rather avoid.

By the way, gut check time for the Mavs with Dirk out. They are now at risk of missing the playoffs, just as I thought the Lakers were when Bynum went down. There's just no margin for error in the West.

[MCIGuy]

Mar 25, 2008 10:27:33 GMT -5 RDF said:

With 3 teams in Western Conference fighting for the last two spots--I am going on record as hoping to Hoops Gods that Golden State and Denver make the postseason and that boring ass Dallas team is left on outside. From Avery Johnson to overhyped players like Josh Howard--I find them boring to watch, having a lack of mental toughness, and if you are going to have 7/8 seeds who likely aren't going to do anything, at least make them entertaining to watch--which Golden State is--and in Denver's case--they can be--but I'd like to see them make it for Iverson's sake.

Do feel bad for Dirk--and didn't like to see the injury happen to anyone--but especially him on that team--but they are a poorly coached team--Avery Johnson should be fired--they have a bunch of role players surrounding Dirk, and since acquiring Jason Kidd--they have not beaten one team with a record above .500 in the NBA. I thought trading for Hall of Famers makes you better? Avery hyped the deal, and now is saying it's a "tough adjustment"--which is complete manure--it's his overcoaching and lack of understanding how to adjust his approach to his team that has hurt the Mavs.

Out with Dallas and if anyone has seen the Golden State-Laker games the past two nights--you know why I want them in the postseason. Denver--that is more selfish/biased reason--but at least they'll score some points and entertain--unlike Dallas and their boring crap with the little midget on sideline acting self righteous.

A couple of weeks ago one hoops website said it hoped Houston wouldn't make it because the Rockets are boring. Unfortunately Houston went on an unreal winning streak and are safe to make the postseason. But I have a feeling they'll be exposed once the playoffs begin.

[MCIGuy]

Mar 25, 2008 12:12:00 GMT -5 hoyarooter said:

RDF, you must be referring to the Laker/Warrior roller coaster rides of the last two nights. Very entertaining. I have to say, though, that I am amazed at how well the Lakers have managed to survive the injury to Pau on top of the injury to Bynum. Out of their last seven games, I could have seen them beating Seattle and losing all of the others, but they managed to come up with road wins against Dallas, Utah (amazing) and the Warriors. Not to mention coming back from 26 down at the start of the second half to actually take the lead against the Warriors on Sunday before finally just pooping out on the defensive end. 43 rebounds for Odom the last two nights - not too shabby, plus major contributions from Sasha, Turiaf and Radmanovic.

Its amazing that I still have to litsen to both local and national radio sports talk hosts claim that they can't look at regular season NBA games because they find them unwatchable. Yet these folks can look at any bad Monday Night football contest as well as be enthralled at any college basketball games.

[kghoya]

mavs are in trouble...

[kghoya]

so much for the mavs being in trouble...now its official

either the warriors or nuggets will miss out on the playoffs...even though i root for denver, i was hoping they could both make it

great game last night by the nuggets...down 16 early and they come back

[RDF]

Denver with a big win over Golden State, yet I still see them losing 2 of their last 3 and needing Golden State to lose to a Phoenix team who plays like crap when Grant Hill is in the lineup and is a better team when he's out. The funny thing about the Warriors--they trade Jason Richardson in offseason--which I never understood--and they've got a better record this year, despite missing Stephen Jackson for 7 games to start season-and yet they aren't as good--by their own accord--Nellie, Baron Davis both said they missed "Richardson so much". Why trade him then? Brandan Wright hasn't done a thing for them this year, Monta Ellis is a talent--but can't shoot the 3 or pass to save his life--his play against Nuggets killed them, and Warriors could lose Baron this offseason.

As for the Nuggets--they get nothing from Camby--who is awful. He's a guy who would be a great fit for a team who has an established Center and Camby can "roam". For the Nuggets--he is a liability. All this talk of him being the "MVP" of the Nuggets is ridiculous. Carmelo Anthony played the First Half of that game like he didn't care if they had appearance in Playoffs or not, and of all things--JR Smith brought a calm to the team, settled them down, and played great basketball. He and AI were outstanding and if they make Postseason--Iverson's performance last night will be why it happens. Still think they get run out of gym tonight in Utah and then turn around and "Nugget" up the game against Rockets tomorrow. They will need Warriors to lose to Suns--but see Warriors winning that one for some reason and Denver watching from home. Then I see Larry Brown taking over the Nugget job.

As for rest of league--I will say the teams I like going into playoffs from each conference:

1. Lakers
2. Spurs
3. Hornets
4. Rockets--just think they finally win, have mentioned them since start of year, have to stick by them, even though I dont' care for them personally

Eastern Conference:

1. Celtics--far better then I expected and give credit to Garnett for making others better and Allen for staying healthy.

2. Pistons--best team for 3rd straight year-but will they get over hump with Flip?

3. Wizards--they are playing far better then Cavs and Magic are too up and down and I don't trust guys like Bogans and Nelson to show up come playoff time.

4. Lebron--I love his heart/game--but his team sucks. They are awful right now and everyone is seeing just how rotten Wally Szcerzbiack was/is/will be as a player. Make him dribble and he can't make a shot or a play--and it's a turnover.

I'll wait to make predictions once the seeds are official but I like these teams and how they are playing upon entering playoffs more then rest of the field. Dallas is improved--but I just don't like Avery Johnson and the old legs they are starting to count on--Eddie Jones? GTFO with his old ass. He has never made one big play in the postseason--he's one of the more talked about "vets" that every team covets and he doesn't back up the talk with anything on court.

[MCIGuy]

If the Nuggets can't beat Houston at home they don't deserve to go. Without Yao Houston doesn't have more talent than the Nuggets, just more guts and determination. Denver matches that and they will win, especially considering McGrady is banged up.

Seriously the Nuggets just tick me off. The losses against Sacramento (at home...after three days of rest) and Seattle were too typical of this team. A few weeks ago they had equally ridiculous losses to Chicago and Milwaukee back-to-back. The Bulls had like 7 players for that game because of a trade that just occurred and yet the Bulls still manage to score 200 points in the game! That's why I can be happy for Jeff scoring 35 against Denver but at the same time reminding myself Alfred Aboya could probably score 20 points right now against 'enver. And that's sad. But that's typical 'enver ball for you.

JA Adande's great column on George Karl tells us that Karl is no longer the passionate, driven coach despises losing. Karl over the last few years has come to learn that basketball is not everything and should no longer be put ahead of everything else in his life. And, hey, that's great. But give me a coach who is embarrassed when his team blows hugely important games against way inferior teams.

'enver could end up being 18 games over .500 when the dust settles which is amazing considering the competition in the west. But even more amazing is that the Nuggets have dropped about a dozen games to teams they have no business losing to. Three to five such losses is acceptable. Ten or more is absurd.

RDF, I agree about Camby. How can any player be voted or considered Defensive Player of the Year when he plays for a team that is soooooo horrible on defense? Sure it isn't exactly Camby's fault that his teammates on the perimeter are so disinterested in D. But if you are all that on defense you would think you would have enough impact to somewhat change the perception of your team's defensive flaws. In the history of the game there may have never been a player who has as many "useless" blocks as Camby.

[RDF]

You said it MCI---and to add to it--have you ever seen a team more at "ease" with the fact they are blowing opportunities? From Karl to Camby to Anthony to Kleiza to Martin, they seem like a team who is content with where they are in a given game--be it up 20, down 40, or tied. Iverson and Najera give consistent effort, Smith has played outstanding ball for the past month/month and a half-but that comes with an asterisk--JR Smith's "outstanding" includes stupid shots, bad decisions, technicals, silly fouls, etc....but he's at least trying which you can question at times with others on that team.

Camby is one of the more overrated players in the NBA. He's a good "help" defender/weakside shot blocker but you could be Muggsy Bogues and post him up and shoot in his face without resistance. Has a 6'11/7'0 guy ever attempted/missed more layups/dunks then Camby? Ever? The guy goes up soft and misses more easy hoops then any big I've seen in my time--and one that was selected in top 2 of NBA Draft--Kwame Brown is close-but I've seen Kwame at least attempt to go up strong and miss--often Camby tries a scoop layup and misses the entire basket.

Sometimes when watching Denver--I think of point shaving or gambling and it's sad to say but that is how "odd" the flow of their games can change in a matter of seconds--not minutes. That is the maddening flashes of brilliance/incompetence you see within a Nugget game.

Off topic--I'm still trying to figure out the "Ewing Theory" Bill Simmons talks about. Pat wins in HS, College, Olympics, carries a mediocre Knick team for years against Jordan Bulls--who were winning titles--not like they lost to Western Conference teams--and Ewing also took Olajuwon's Rockets to 7 with Ewing playing well. The '99 team never beats Miami in First Round if Pat doesn't play--and he's doing so with an obvious serious achilles injury, and yet Simmons points to a guy like Camby as being an "upgrade" for Ewing? The same Camby who didn't show up against Spurs? The theory is built around one series--against Pacers--who were a jumpshooting team-and that is how you degrade an all time great? I don't understand it--never will--except that Ewing spurned BC--who Simmons says he "despises" and his time with Knicks eroded Bill's precious Celtics time of domination.

Where is the Grant Hill theory? Talk about a guy who has been riding the coat-tails of being a nice guy. He never wins a Playoff Series with Detroit--yet gets voted to every All Star game as a Starter, he had good talent around him, and he leaves the city and their organization improves. He goes to Orlando--and they stink due to him never being healthy, and he leaves and they are a top 3 seed in East. He goes to Phoenix who is competing for titles the past 3 years and now they are likely a 5-7 seed in West, with chance to again lose in 1st Round of Playoffs. I'd say that is what identifies a player worthy of a "theory" more then Patrick Ewing-but I'm admittedly a biased homer when it comes to Ewing.

[MCIGuy]

The Ewing Theory was just one of the worst examples of basketball expertise ever. No more needs to be said. Boston folks like Simmons will always hate Ewing anyway. And of course he'd be embarrassed by his Camby comments now.

Speaking of Camby he'll give you 6 to 8 really good to great games each season. Games in which he stuffs the stats across the board. But in too many other games he is invisible. And of course his offense remains a joke which surprises me a little because I thought in college he had nice touch to go along with his great length. I also thought he had a reliable turnaround jumper but maybe I was wrong or maybe he is too weak or too timid to get good enough position close to the basket to take that shot. He gives 'enver nothing in terms of a post game. Neither does Kenyon (remember when everyone was slurping that guy and calling him a more athletic and explosive Alonzo Mourning?) The terrible truth is that 'enver hasn't had a post-up man; they are perhaps the only West Coast team in the playoff hunt who have gone without that type of offensive weapon all season long. Even if Nene comes back 100% healthy next season, if I were the GM I would see if there was a way to get Brand or Jermaine O'Neil.

[kghoya]

dont look now but jr smith is coming up huge again...

and carmelo is saddled with foul troubles and poor offensive numbers again...

[Deleted]

Your team's in a tight battle for a playoff spot, you're a superstar. What do you do? How about a 4:00 am DUI? Nice job, Carmelo. Syracuse must be proud of you.

sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=txnuggetsanthony&prov=st&type=lgns

[LizziebethHoya]

Apr 14, 2008 15:37:04 GMT -5 @cam said:

Your team's in a tight battle for a playoff spot, you're a superstar. What do you do? How about a 4:00 am DUI? Nice job, Carmelo. Syracuse must be proud of you.

sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=txnuggetsanthony&prov=st&type=lgns

Classy Cuse players...

[kghoya]

Apr 14, 2008 15:37:04 GMT -5 @cam said:

Your team's in a tight battle for a playoff spot, you're a superstar. What do you do? How about a 4:00 am DUI? Nice job, Carmelo. Syracuse must be proud of you.

sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=txnuggetsanthony&prov=st&type=lgns

i really hate having to root for a team with carmelo, but as a huge iverson fan, its all i got right now...

it was still nice watching jeff swat a melo shot last weekend...even though i figured that loss would keep them out of the playoffs...(of course it still could)

[vcjack]

Melo's getting old; stop snitchin videos, punching midgets, and DUI's are no longer cool up at Syracuse. The new fad is to start fights at gay bars
www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2008/04/man_says_he_was_attacked_for_c.html