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Post by HoyaTejano on Feb 24, 2008 16:33:57 GMT -5
Also, don't look now, but the Spurs are back into a tie with NO for the SW division lead after yesterday's big win over the Hornets. The more things change (Phx acquiring Shaq, Lakers acquiring Gasol and the Mavs acquiring Kidd), the more it seems they will still need to overcome their persistent zombie nemesis.
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RDF
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Post by RDF on Feb 25, 2008 12:40:49 GMT -5
I don't think anyone discounts the Spurs--they are defending Champs--and let's face it-the Hornets are a nice story-but they are not going to win the West--and I doubt they win a Playoff Series. There are certain franchises that just don't install fear into opposing teams and if you face them--you dont' care if you are higher/lower seed. New Orleans is one--the Atlanta Hawks are another, and I see Hornets bowing out easily in First Round. Maybe Paul and company will surprise me-but I'm not seeing them going far at all. Speaking of awful play--I spent this weekend bashing the Nuggets, now it's time to turn towards the "Bic CRAP..I mean Cactus" and his Suns. They were awful defensively against Lakers--giving up 130 to a Laker team without Bynum--who would wear Shaq's fat ass out. They stunk against Boston--who was ignorant in not attacking the Suns more in uptempo/pick and roll--and KG settled for too many jumpers when he was doing well on block (ever heard that before? ) but with Celtics playing like junk offensively--the Suns were bailed out and given a win. If you watched--Boston just had one of those games--Ray Allen was atrocious, Pierce couldn't hit anything and Garnett was good at times--off with his jumper--which he took far too often. That said--they only lose by 8 pts--due to Suns not being able to do anything offensively. Go to yesterday--and Detroit DESTROYS the entire city of Phoenix and embarrassed that load of dung formerly known as Shaq. He was humiliated to the point he roughed up Amir Johnson of Pistons with a flagrant foul. What a tough guy. The Suns have a stretch on the road where they need to start showing signs that this move will not hinder their offense--which is the only way they can win. Shaq is an awful defensive player, always has been--he's getting some boards--but they are missing Marion's offensive scoring on the break and it's making Nash a less effective player--which is what I expected. This thing could get ugly if Shaq plays down to level he was in Miami--which is what is realistic. He was on post trade "high" and fired up and you still see them go 1-2 in 3 home games against Championship contending teams, they scored under 90 points in 2 of the games (winning the Boston game due to Celtics being off) and in the game they score 124--they give up 130. So in addition to being a worse defensive team--now they aren't scoring. Adjustment period needed or just beginning of the end? We'll soon find out--but the Big STIFF is trying to talk himself into playing like it was 5 years ago--and that player is gone. He's going to have to be a role player and if Suns begin to get lit up more and lose games--he'll fake an injury and miss games--allowing Suns to actually play in style that gives them only chance to win against better teams--run and gun. When a trade weakens your most important player (Nash) and doesn't effect your best player (Stoudemire--who was good prior to Shaq) how does it help?
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Cambridge
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Post by Cambridge on Feb 25, 2008 19:01:42 GMT -5
I don't think anyone discounts the Spurs--they are defending Champs--and let's face it-the Hornets are a nice story-but they are not going to win the West--and I doubt they win a Playoff Series. There are certain franchises that just don't install fear into opposing teams and if you face them--you dont' care if you are higher/lower seed. New Orleans is one--the Atlanta Hawks are another, and I see Hornets bowing out easily in First Round. Maybe Paul and company will surprise me-but I'm not seeing them going far at all. Speaking of awful play--I spent this weekend bashing the Nuggets, now it's time to turn towards the "Bic CRAP..I mean Cactus" and his Suns. They were awful defensively against Lakers--giving up 130 to a Laker team without Bynum--who would wear Shaq's fat ass out. They stunk against Boston--who was ignorant in not attacking the Suns more in uptempo/pick and roll--and KG settled for too many jumpers when he was doing well on block (ever heard that before? ) but with Celtics playing like junk offensively--the Suns were bailed out and given a win. If you watched--Boston just had one of those games--Ray Allen was atrocious, Pierce couldn't hit anything and Garnett was good at times--off with his jumper--which he took far too often. That said--they only lose by 8 pts--due to Suns not being able to do anything offensively. Go to yesterday--and Detroit DESTROYS the entire city of Phoenix and embarrassed that load of dung formerly known as Shaq. He was humiliated to the point he roughed up Amir Johnson of Pistons with a flagrant foul. What a tough guy. The Suns have a stretch on the road where they need to start showing signs that this move will not hinder their offense--which is the only way they can win. Shaq is an awful defensive player, always has been--he's getting some boards--but they are missing Marion's offensive scoring on the break and it's making Nash a less effective player--which is what I expected. This thing could get ugly if Shaq plays down to level he was in Miami--which is what is realistic. He was on post trade "high" and fired up and you still see them go 1-2 in 3 home games against Championship contending teams, they scored under 90 points in 2 of the games (winning the Boston game due to Celtics being off) and in the game they score 124--they give up 130. So in addition to being a worse defensive team--now they aren't scoring. Adjustment period needed or just beginning of the end? We'll soon find out--but the Big STIFF is trying to talk himself into playing like it was 5 years ago--and that player is gone. He's going to have to be a role player and if Suns begin to get lit up more and lose games--he'll fake an injury and miss games--allowing Suns to actually play in style that gives them only chance to win against better teams--run and gun. When a trade weakens your most important player (Nash) and doesn't effect your best player (Stoudemire--who was good prior to Shaq) how does it help? Celtics were D-O-N-E after the previous road loss to the Warriors. Their matchup against the Suns was in the emotional and physical wake of that amazing game. That game noticeably took everything out of both teams and both teams came out completely flat in their next games, settling for bad jump shots and playing lazy, lazy defense. See the Warriors stink bombs in the wake of the Celtics win for more evidence.
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RDF
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Post by RDF on Feb 26, 2008 14:58:44 GMT -5
Cross off the Rockets--Yao out for season. Liked their team this year--now it's McGrady "leading"--they'll battle Nuggets now for the last spot and getting swept in First Round. Still like Rockets over Nuggets who don't know how to play and have no mental toughness.
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kghoya
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Post by kghoya on Feb 26, 2008 16:06:34 GMT -5
Cross off the Rockets--Yao out for season. Liked their team this year--now it's McGrady "leading"--they'll battle Nuggets now for the last spot and getting swept in First Round. Still like Rockets over Nuggets who don't know how to play and have no mental toughness. yao has to be ready in time for the olympics...immediate action had to be taken on the stress fracture
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vcjack
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Post by vcjack on Feb 28, 2008 12:47:14 GMT -5
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Post by HoyaSinceBirth on Mar 3, 2008 11:04:09 GMT -5
Just watched sprots center, where Mutumbo was a huge part of the Rockets nuggets highlights. He's still got it he had like 6 blocks and is still wagging that finger. Great job big fella, keep up the great work.
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RDF
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Post by RDF on Mar 3, 2008 14:08:19 GMT -5
How awful is Denver? I mean they look like a team (I use that loosely) that just doesn't care if they win or not. AI is an awful point guard--and hasn't changed his game at all. Carmelo is the current version of Glenn Robinson-and that isn't a compliment, Camby is the most overrated player in the league, and Kenyon Martin is awful. Throw in the trash that is Karl's bench and worst of all--the above is all superior to George Karl--who MCIGuy rightfully predicted would be a hindrance to any development to this team/franchise. He doesn't coach at all--he doesn't understand how to substitute, he is just watching with best seat in house.
Denver will be unofficially eliminated from NBA Playoffs after this week/5 game stretch. Got torched in Houston, will have a shot against an awful Phoenix team, Utah and Spurs 2 times--will take them out in a painful manner--and some no name team will win because Karl and Nuggets didn't show up to play hard the entire game.
It's like watching And1 mixtape ball with better talent.
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kghoya
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Post by kghoya on Mar 6, 2008 11:42:17 GMT -5
too bad denver cant play this new phoenix team every night...and too bad hubie cant provide color for all of their games
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RDF
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Post by RDF on Mar 6, 2008 11:57:34 GMT -5
too bad denver cant play this new phoenix team every night...and too bad hubie cant provide color for all of their games Isn't Phoenix just AWFUL? I mean Shaq had his season high in rebounds (18) and a dozen points and he was still a huge liability out there as Iverson attacked the basket anytime he wanted. Steve Nash--who has gone from looking like Kelly Leak of Bad News Bears, to Heidi Fleiss, appears to have no confidence in his teammates and his game is going back to how he played in Dallas--solid but not dominant, Grant Hill and Raja Bell are being exposed nightly for the FRAUD (Hill) and role player who can't elevate his game they are, and Stoudemire is someone who should play for Denver--he plays on one end, has no concept of what winning basketball is, and is just a stat hound. I'd say in the games I've seen Suns play this year and Shaq play--Shaq and Diaw had their best games--and look how badly they were beaten? Denver plays exact same pace/style offensively and even less defense then Suns--but still dominated them. Couple of questions for those who watch Denver time to time: 1. Does anyone 7'0 or taller miss more layups--or attempt more when he should dunk then Marcus Camby? 2. Does George Karl get paid to watch game from bench? He doesn't make any adjustments, so why is this considered "coaching"? 3. As talented as AI is, ever notice how bad the Nuggets offense functions when he is the "point"? It's just high risk play attempts, stupid shots, guys not getting in proper spot, and a lot of playground ball. He's a unique player, but I don't think he'll ever win a thing or sniff a championship or even Conference Final again. He forces his teammates to make too many adjustments to their game--and even though the numbers are good for guys like Anthony--AI hasn't made him better or Denver better team. They have more wins--due to talent--but their team is garbage. 4. Carmelo is just Glenn Robinson reincarnated--and isn't a guy you can have as your "main guy" if you want to win anything. It's not surprise he's never won a Playoff Series--and that includes facing the Clippers 3 years ago. Now don't get me wrong--Cassell, Maggette, Brand and company should've beaten Phoenix in WC Semis, but a "dominant force" wins that series---see LeBron last year carrying his team to Finals, or AI his first trip to Playoffs carrying Sixers over a better Orlando team. Melo is Grant Hill, Glenn Robinson, Tracy McGrady, Kevin Garnett type.
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Boz
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Post by Boz on Mar 6, 2008 12:41:50 GMT -5
Steve Nash--who has gone from looking like Kelly Leak of Bad News Bears, to Heidi Fleiss. . . . Line of the day! ;D Some of my favorite parts of the Dikembe Mutombo highlight video that's been posted the last few days were the random shots of George Karl sitting on the bench pulling his hair out during the Nuggets upset of the Sonics in the playoffs! ;D
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MCIGuy
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Post by MCIGuy on Mar 6, 2008 23:20:12 GMT -5
3. As talented as AI is, ever notice how bad the Nuggets offense functions when he is the "point"? It's just high risk play attempts, stupid shots, guys not getting in proper spot, and a lot of playground ball. He's a unique player, but I don't think he'll ever win a thing or sniff a championship or even Conference Final again. He forces his teammates to make too many adjustments to their game--and even though the numbers are good for guys like Anthony--AI hasn't made him better or Denver better team. They have more wins--due to talent--but their team is garbage. Considering how deep and talented the West was BEFORE the last few weeks of trade, if AI had not been on Denver (and Andre Miller was still around) its very possible the Nuggets would have been under .500 in conference play. You're talking about a team that has one single guy you can rely to score in the post, a guy who while talented is nowhere near as good as the other post-up guys on the best teams of the west. And this guy, this best post player for Denver, has barely played a game for Denver all season long. And yet despite that....despite all the junk said about Denver, the Nuggets are 6 and 1/2 games out of first place. I'm tired of the old garbage about AI not making players better and it seems now RDF has fallen for that. Hey, fine. But if I'm not mistaken many folks thought Iverson would hurt team chemistry and dominate the ball at Carmello's expense. Neither of those things happened and people in the media who are disappointed by this now go after AI in other ways ("he doesn't make his teamamtes better, yada, yada"). Granted what I have come to accept about AI is that he has a low basketball IQ. But I'll accept his risks because for the most part he is being aggressive at the right moments when taking them. Isn't that what the media credits Favre for? Utah was slipping fast until getting a shooter like Korver. I knew it would help and boy did it ever. The Nuggets didn't make a move. The team doesn't have a low post scorer, doesn't have good three point shooters and doesn't have many guys who play any defense. Oh and their coach is maligned for his game coaching. And, yeah, the team has lost maybe 8 to 10 games this season that it shouldn't have. Yet despite all this negativity the team is 12 games over .500 in what some consider to be the most competitive year for any conference in the history of the NBA. That says something regardless of whether people want to admit it or not.
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RDF
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Post by RDF on Mar 7, 2008 1:09:06 GMT -5
Watch the games--when Iverson has the ball in PG role--their offense sucks. To not alter your game to make your team better after years of playing with complete trash is beyond frustrating to watch. Name one team where Iverson would go and make them a contender as a PG? He's a great player, tremendous competitor, and a Hall of Famer--but how has his game changed? You need to change to make your team better. He's not a leader, he doesn't understand how to adjust his game--some nights you need to score--others you need to set up your teammates. With AI, it's put up shots even if they aren't falling. This isn't Philly where he needs to do that--and that is bad basketball--and how they often lose to teams they shouldn't. Anthony does the same thing---and when your two "elite" players do this--you have guys looking like they are playing at open gym and not the NBA.
MCI, you get no arguments from me about the Western Conference--it's brutal. I just think Iverson is capable of more then he provides--and it's a waste. When you can impact a game in numerous ways and do not choose to do so--you will not be a champion or on a championship contender. Denver is like the And1 Mixtape tour--they get out, try to throw highlight lobs about 10 times per half, don't even bother to play defense, jack up shots whether they are hot or not, and there is no rhythm to any game they play--it's just "Get Mine/Get Yours". I blame Karl for a lot of that--as you said when he was traded there--and rightfully so.
AI is an all timer--but his time is done. He stunk in last year's postseason, and he's been doing same thing on court his entire career--which is great in terms of effort/hustle/heart, but not great if you ever plan on being a champion on the best level of basketball. You need to do things that you might not like to make others better--and don't see that from him or Anthony--although I don't think Anthony's game is condusive to making anyone else better either--which is why they needed to bring someone else in. Iverson's penetration ability should be enough to get guys who can finish consistent points in paint--and Denver's lone post up guy (Nene) is always injured--but Nuggets have guys who can finish at rim for most part and guys who can get up and down the court and run--which AI often doesn't do despite his brilliant speed--he often slows down and plays halfcourt.
Just think his time has passed as a contender and he's now reached "Hawks Status" where you are good enough to make a Postseason/beat some teams but have no chance in hell of ever winning with him on a team. Hope I'm wrong--but he just doesn't get how to elevate others level of play.
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MCIGuy
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Post by MCIGuy on Mar 7, 2008 7:46:35 GMT -5
I watched plenty of AI games by now. I know his strengths and weaknesses like the back of my hand. I can understand your point about the team not looking as good when he's the pg but at the same time, as in Philly, I've seen the Nuggets look just as awful or worse when the ball is not in his hands. I'm short on time so I can't really get into this right now but the truth is he has adapted since going t Denver. He doesn't take nearly as many shots as he did in Philly even though 1)he is playing about as many minutes 2)he's playing for a more uptempo teams which means more posessions which means more opportunities to take shots and 3)he's hitting a much better % of his baskets which would make you think he'd be encouraged to take more shots in these games. I've seen many boxscores these past 14 months in which AI has 15 shot attempts or less in a game. In Philly that was impossible.
Not to say he is without blame. We both know he has never has played up to his capabilities and has never been much of a thinking man on the court. And his diet and practice routines and studying of the game leaves too much to be desired. But as scary as this may sound he is reportedly the best leader currently on the team.
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kghoya
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Post by kghoya on Mar 7, 2008 11:47:05 GMT -5
i wonder if phx can somehow beat utah tonight...its hard to imagine phx beating anybody these days...
golden state gets an automatic W tonight (they play the heat)
denver v san antonio...could get ugly...but lets hope for the best
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RDF
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Post by RDF on Mar 7, 2008 12:58:59 GMT -5
I watched plenty of AI games by now. I know his strengths and weaknesses like the back of my hand. I can understand your point about the team not looking as good when he's the pg but at the same time, as in Philly, I've seen the Nuggets look just as awful or worse when the ball is not in his hands. I'm short on time so I can't really get into this right now but the truth is he has adapted since going t Denver. He doesn't take nearly as many shots as he did in Philly even though 1)he is playing about as many minutes 2)he's playing for a more uptempo teams which means more posessions which means more opportunities to take shots and 3)he's hitting a much better % of his baskets which would make you think he'd be encouraged to take more shots in these games. I've seen many boxscores these past 14 months in which AI has 15 shot attempts or less in a game. In Philly that was impossible. Not to say he is without blame. We both know he has never has played up to his capabilities and has never been much of a thinking man on the court. And his diet and practice routines and studying of the game leaves too much to be desired. But as scary as this may sound he is reportedly the best leader currently on the team. I know you've seen AI play--I'm talking about with this current Denver team. When Iverson has 10 or more assists they are 12-1 or 13-2 something that basically says "AI--create offense for others and we win" and yet it's happened 13-15 times in a season? I just think Iverson is far more gifted then maybe he is. Maybe he can't do this-but with his quickness/speed/ability to score--people converge on him when he attacks the lane--so why not create offense for others? AI needs to play more like Isaiah Thomas and less like Allen Iverson for him to ever sniff a championship and I've seen majority of the games he's played in Denver--and just think he doesn't care to change his style of play. Kenny Smith made a great point about him a month ago--Smith said "Some guys get assists--and others are playmakers, know how to run a team" and he mentioned AI is a guy who gets assists--he makes the flashy play--but often doesn't make the smart play--and at his size/age--he is not someone many teams will be willing to alter their approach to bring into fold. I knew his offensive numbers would be fine in Denver--but thought he'd lead more/change his game--and while his shooting percentage is up, he's just not a leader--and that is Nuggets problem--they have none. Now my question is what team(s) does he fit/would he be needed? I can think of a few-I think Iverson would actually be decent fit in Detroit right now--they need a scorer, aggressive minded scorer, Dallas--they need someone who can get to the FT line consistently/attack the basket, and both teams have jumpshooters Iverson could kick to after attacking--which for some reason Larry Brown and George Karl don't believe in having--they don't think you need 3pt shooting--and with Iverson's speed--that is just beyond moronic. It opens up the court/spaces it so you can attack rim, throw it in post--where Rasheed Wallace spends less time these days--and needs to be for Pistons to win against championship contenders, and year Philly went to Finals--they had guys who could spot shoot/athletes--like Jumaine Jones, Rodney Buford, Raja Bell, Aaron McKie, Geiger, which opened the court up for Iverson/made game easier for team. Iverson would actually be entertaining as hell with Nash in Phoenix--but offense isn't Suns problem--they can't defend anyone and he'd fit in perfectly there--AI isn't an awful defensive player--he's just lazy and gambles too much. Still think it was a joke he was named Defensive Player of Year in Big East while a Hoya--he wasn't a great defensive player at all. The thing about him at the PG spot--he doesn't understand time/score, doesn't understand when someone is hot, feed them, and he is awful making passes on the pick and roll--which is a basic basketball play at any level. He floats ball and doesn't get it where a guy can shoot/make a move. He's not a good entry passer either. Everything is degree of difficulty with him-and often times--he dominates the ball, lets clock wind down and wrong guy gets ball late in clock--like Camby in corner for his fly fisherman release, or Antony Carter--for any shot-he's a role player who should get 10-15 minutes per game-not be taking big shots late in a game. AI encourages the idiot known as Earl "JR" Smith to do that crazy stuff--and when it falls--it's fun to watch-but problem is--you will NEVER beat anyone who is good doing this crap. AI was fantastic stat wise against Suns--31 pts, 12-25 shooting, 12 assists, ZERO turnovers, 5 boards, but if he plays like this against Spurs this weekend--as they face Spurs 2 times and Jazz in next 3 games--they'll lose all 3 games--and get run out of gym in at least 2 of them. You can't play like this and be a champion. We had this discussion a few years back in regards to Suns--it was fun to watch--but you have to play at least some defense--and look what Suns did? They blew up their approach--although you know I think they got worse as a defensive team in doing so--Golden State plays crazy--but they have 2 guys who are at least respectable defensive players in Stephen Jackson and Baron Davis-who can guard different positions and get you a stop. The problem I have is seeing someone like Chris Paul who I think is less talented then Iverson--but a much smarter player--"get it" and AI still playing like he's 18 years old at an AAU/Nike Camp. He's better then that-in my opinion and if I'm wrong and he's not capable--then ignore everything written.
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kghoya
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Post by kghoya on Mar 9, 2008 12:45:33 GMT -5
id say a back to back split with spurs jazz was about as much as you could hope for...although beating the jazz would have been the optimal way to get a split
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RDF
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Post by RDF on Mar 9, 2008 13:35:48 GMT -5
id say a back to back split with spurs jazz was about as much as you could hope for...although beating the jazz would have been the optimal way to get a split Yeah-but they'll also get whacked by Spurs tomorrow. Giving up 77pts in First Half is just disgusting-but that is George Karl and his And1 Mixtape Tour. Wonder if Hot Sauce is available to take Anthony Carter's minutes? BTW, I'm starting to think Cleveland might be Boston's opponents in ECF this year. LeBron is just a beast on the court. He's taking his game up a level--which is scary for someone so young.
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kghoya
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Post by kghoya on Mar 10, 2008 8:38:30 GMT -5
spurs didnt look so hot against the suns. i guess kerr can relax for a few minutes now since apparently they got shaq just to beat spurs
im starting to think that lebron will just get clv back to the finals...its hard to imagine anybody beating him in a series
how many times do we have to see the bulls on national tv? what a joke. it seems like everytime you look up its either chicago or miami - 2 of the worst teams to watch
im having a hard time remembering a "superstar" -wade- not being able to get his teams any wins at all
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vcjack
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Post by vcjack on Mar 10, 2008 16:56:43 GMT -5
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