Training camp has just started. But most transactions are still going like just today, Rafer Alston was traded to Houston for Mike James.
So talk away about the NBA
*edit*
this will be the NBA Offical Thread
Full Version: NBA
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Ed Curry got traded to the Knicks For Tim Thomas and Mike Sweetney.
knicks will be soooo messed up if curry goes down.
another bloated contract that'll bring us down if he goes down.... I just hope the guy doesn't die.
QUOTE
Raptors Add Mike James in Exchange for Rafer Alston
October 4, 2005
ST. CATHARINES, Ont. (CP) -- Rob Babcock made his point, loud and clear.
The Toronto Raptors GM traded hot-headed point guard Rafer Alston to the Houston Rockets in exchange for guard Mike James on Tuesday, ending a tumultuous time in Toronto for Alston.
With Babcock's focus on rebuilding, the swap rids the Raptors of Alston's sizable contract, plus restores some peace in the locker-room.
Mike James joins the Raptors after stints in Houston, Boston, Detroit, Miami and Milwaukee. (NBAE/Getty Images)
The move comes after Alston, 29, was involved in several controversies last year. He threatened to quit the team and the NBA after a Dec. 3 game in Boston, and was suspended by the Raptors for two games after he walked out during a practice. He regularly quarrelled with head coach Sam Mitchell.
Babcock, though, insisted the deal had nothing to with Alston's attitude.
``Things didn't go as well as we would have hoped last year, but I was very optimistic that would have been turned around based off our discussions and the way things were going with our workouts,'' Babcock said after Day 1 of training camp at Brock University.
``Rafer's attitude has been terrific, and he's worked very hard, learned a lot from last year. He had a great attitude coming in here, so that has nothing to do with it at all. We feel this is a basketball trade that addresses our needs for the future and our plan moving forward.''
With veteran guard Alvin Williams still on the mend from knee surgery _ and his future in the NBA a question mark _ the point guard position will be one of the most intriguing storylines of the pre-season. James is an NBA journeyman who's never had a consistent starting job in the five teams he's played for, but he comes with a good reputation as a tough defender and decent shooter.
``He's just tough ... he plays extremely hard, he's played for some good coaches, and he's a good player,'' said Mitchell. ``I've talked to Larry Brown (who coached James in Detroit). Larry thinks the world of him, he's never had any problems anywhere he's played. We're hoping that improves our chemistry.''
Sharing minutes with James will be Jose Manuel Calderon, an NBA rookie who played the last six seasons in Spain.
The Raptors still have Croatian guard Roko Ukic on the backburner, their No. 41 pick in the 2005 draft who opted to head to Spain to play. Babcock figures Ukic will join the team for the 2007-08 season.
The Raptors' pocketbook definitely benefits from the trade. James has two years left on his $10.2 million US contract, while Alston still had five years owing on the $26 million deal he signed with Toronto last year.
``We signed Rafer to a six-year deal last year without any really healthy point guards other than Milt Palacio. Things kind of changed over the summer,'' said Babcock. ``Rafer still would have been a good fit for our team, but we felt this was a better fit and certainly gives us more flexibility down the road in regards to the cap.''
The $16 million in savings will go a long way in securing young star Chris Bosh to a long-term deal, which will be Babcock's top priority in the 2006 off-season.
Alston arrived at camp intent on mending fences with Mitchell this season, saying he had spoken with the coach numerous times over the summer and they had put the past behind them.
Mitchell wouldn't address last season's issues with Alston.
``We're moving forward,'' said the coach. ``We appreciate everything Rafer did for us, and he worked hard, he's a good guy and we wish him well, but we're in the business of trying to do things to help us improve as a team.''
Babcock said the deal had been in the works for a few days and was finalized Monday night. Alston was informed Tuesday before practice in St. Catharines. The 29-year-old guard rode the exercise bike while his former teammates practised before leaving for Toronto to catch his flight to Houston.
``It's always a shock when you hear of a trade, especially at this point,'' said Williams. ``It was a little tough for him here at times, but he's a good dude. He's just emotional. He played well for us, and he's going to a good situation, so all the best to him.''
James was expected to arrive Tuesday night. The six-foot-two, 188-pound guard has played in Miami, Boston, Milwaukee and Houston. The 30-year-old went undrafted by the NBA, and played three seasons in Europe and one in the CBA before landing his first NBA job with the Miami Heat in 2001.
In 248 career games, James has averaged 9.2 points, 2.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists.
The six-foot-two, 170-pound Alston averaged 14.2 points per game in 2004-05 with 3.5 rebounds and 6.4 assists.
Veteran Jalen Rose regularly butted heads with Alston last season, but he said Tuesday the two got along.
``The biggest misconception is that we weren't on the same page,'' said Rose. ``I think a lot of times in being a voice and a leader of the team, it's not that I dislike a guy, I dislike an action, I dislike the situation.
``We always got along personally, right? Last year we hung out, this summer we hung out, we're homeboys. You've got to be a pro about it.''
Rose was asked in jest Tuesday how he and Calderon will get along on the court, since Calderon speaks Spanish.
``I'll learn how to communicate with him, don't worry about that,'' said Rose. ``He'll find me even if I can't speak his language.''
October 4, 2005
ST. CATHARINES, Ont. (CP) -- Rob Babcock made his point, loud and clear.
The Toronto Raptors GM traded hot-headed point guard Rafer Alston to the Houston Rockets in exchange for guard Mike James on Tuesday, ending a tumultuous time in Toronto for Alston.
With Babcock's focus on rebuilding, the swap rids the Raptors of Alston's sizable contract, plus restores some peace in the locker-room.
Mike James joins the Raptors after stints in Houston, Boston, Detroit, Miami and Milwaukee. (NBAE/Getty Images)
The move comes after Alston, 29, was involved in several controversies last year. He threatened to quit the team and the NBA after a Dec. 3 game in Boston, and was suspended by the Raptors for two games after he walked out during a practice. He regularly quarrelled with head coach Sam Mitchell.
Babcock, though, insisted the deal had nothing to with Alston's attitude.
``Things didn't go as well as we would have hoped last year, but I was very optimistic that would have been turned around based off our discussions and the way things were going with our workouts,'' Babcock said after Day 1 of training camp at Brock University.
``Rafer's attitude has been terrific, and he's worked very hard, learned a lot from last year. He had a great attitude coming in here, so that has nothing to do with it at all. We feel this is a basketball trade that addresses our needs for the future and our plan moving forward.''
With veteran guard Alvin Williams still on the mend from knee surgery _ and his future in the NBA a question mark _ the point guard position will be one of the most intriguing storylines of the pre-season. James is an NBA journeyman who's never had a consistent starting job in the five teams he's played for, but he comes with a good reputation as a tough defender and decent shooter.
``He's just tough ... he plays extremely hard, he's played for some good coaches, and he's a good player,'' said Mitchell. ``I've talked to Larry Brown (who coached James in Detroit). Larry thinks the world of him, he's never had any problems anywhere he's played. We're hoping that improves our chemistry.''
Sharing minutes with James will be Jose Manuel Calderon, an NBA rookie who played the last six seasons in Spain.
The Raptors still have Croatian guard Roko Ukic on the backburner, their No. 41 pick in the 2005 draft who opted to head to Spain to play. Babcock figures Ukic will join the team for the 2007-08 season.
The Raptors' pocketbook definitely benefits from the trade. James has two years left on his $10.2 million US contract, while Alston still had five years owing on the $26 million deal he signed with Toronto last year.
``We signed Rafer to a six-year deal last year without any really healthy point guards other than Milt Palacio. Things kind of changed over the summer,'' said Babcock. ``Rafer still would have been a good fit for our team, but we felt this was a better fit and certainly gives us more flexibility down the road in regards to the cap.''
The $16 million in savings will go a long way in securing young star Chris Bosh to a long-term deal, which will be Babcock's top priority in the 2006 off-season.
Alston arrived at camp intent on mending fences with Mitchell this season, saying he had spoken with the coach numerous times over the summer and they had put the past behind them.
Mitchell wouldn't address last season's issues with Alston.
``We're moving forward,'' said the coach. ``We appreciate everything Rafer did for us, and he worked hard, he's a good guy and we wish him well, but we're in the business of trying to do things to help us improve as a team.''
Babcock said the deal had been in the works for a few days and was finalized Monday night. Alston was informed Tuesday before practice in St. Catharines. The 29-year-old guard rode the exercise bike while his former teammates practised before leaving for Toronto to catch his flight to Houston.
``It's always a shock when you hear of a trade, especially at this point,'' said Williams. ``It was a little tough for him here at times, but he's a good dude. He's just emotional. He played well for us, and he's going to a good situation, so all the best to him.''
James was expected to arrive Tuesday night. The six-foot-two, 188-pound guard has played in Miami, Boston, Milwaukee and Houston. The 30-year-old went undrafted by the NBA, and played three seasons in Europe and one in the CBA before landing his first NBA job with the Miami Heat in 2001.
In 248 career games, James has averaged 9.2 points, 2.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists.
The six-foot-two, 170-pound Alston averaged 14.2 points per game in 2004-05 with 3.5 rebounds and 6.4 assists.
Veteran Jalen Rose regularly butted heads with Alston last season, but he said Tuesday the two got along.
``The biggest misconception is that we weren't on the same page,'' said Rose. ``I think a lot of times in being a voice and a leader of the team, it's not that I dislike a guy, I dislike an action, I dislike the situation.
``We always got along personally, right? Last year we hung out, this summer we hung out, we're homeboys. You've got to be a pro about it.''
Rose was asked in jest Tuesday how he and Calderon will get along on the court, since Calderon speaks Spanish.
``I'll learn how to communicate with him, don't worry about that,'' said Rose. ``He'll find me even if I can't speak his language.''
I'm disappointed about this trade because Rafer is still good regardless of his attitude, and to be honest me and several guys at school today were discussing this trade and we all said "who's mike james!?"
what are your comments on this deal?
rafer was over-rated
trust me, i LOVED HIM when he joined the raptors with that 10 day contract thing, but when i heard about the big arse deal
i knew he wasnt worth it...
when i watched him played, i just didnt feel he could carry the team as the starting point guard
i think the raptors only real true point guard was alvin williams, he always gave 110% way more then alston
trust me, i LOVED HIM when he joined the raptors with that 10 day contract thing, but when i heard about the big arse deal
i knew he wasnt worth it...
when i watched him played, i just didnt feel he could carry the team as the starting point guard
i think the raptors only real true point guard was alvin williams, he always gave 110% way more then alston
put it in the NBA thread next time?
I think it's dumb on Toronto's part, I mean, Mike James is good, but i think Alston's better. I suppose they don't want any problems behind the scenes this year, but they could've gotten better for alston...
Playing on the Rockets and behind Sura's gonna decrease his fantasy value too...
I think it's dumb on Toronto's part, I mean, Mike James is good, but i think Alston's better. I suppose they don't want any problems behind the scenes this year, but they could've gotten better for alston...
Playing on the Rockets and behind Sura's gonna decrease his fantasy value too...
sura is probably going to retire cuz of the surgery though. thats wat he siad
really? did not know that...
I really like this move on Houston's part. With the addition of Rafer Alston, they have a younger, more athletic line-up; something they didn't have last year in their disappointing loss to Dallas in the first round. I'm really interested in Houston at this point. After adding Stromile Swift to the team and now Alston. They're going to be quite the contender.
All I know is that Mike James' fantasy value just went up a lot!
<EDIT:> Retracting all statements made earlier last year.
there is a NBA thread...i am gonna merge this thread with the offical one
QUOTE(JDizzle @ Oct 5 2005, 07:08 AM) [snapback]26858[/snapback]
knicks will be soooo messed up if curry goes down.
they have jerome james.
KTH <3
My hometown Bucks should be more interesting this year. Bogut/Gadzurich, Smith, Mason, Redd, and Ford along with Simmons should be an interesting group. But of course, its most likely going to be Pistons/Heat vs Spurs in finals.
Houston has a nice starting line up and has lots of experience on the bench.
Yao
Swift
T-mac
Anderson
Alston
Bench- Mutumbo, Barry, Sura, Howard, Wesley, Head, (Bowen)
Yao
Swift
T-mac
Anderson
Alston
Bench- Mutumbo, Barry, Sura, Howard, Wesley, Head, (Bowen
)
^ pretty decent starting 5, backcourt has no defense, but van gundy will make them play. can compete with anybody
but the bench consists of one really slow guy and 9(hundred seems like) guards. They don't have anybody to play either forward positions in a backup role.
I also don't believe that t-mac enjoys the 3 position. I think he's lazy on defense and doesn't want to guard the bigger players that sometimes play the 3. I think he likes to use his length on defense and play against smaller 2's.
but the bench consists of one really slow guy and 9(hundred seems like) guards. They don't have anybody to play either forward positions in a backup role.
I also don't believe that t-mac enjoys the 3 position. I think he's lazy on defense and doesn't want to guard the bigger players that sometimes play the 3. I think he likes to use his length on defense and play against smaller 2's.
QUOTE(Jin @ Oct 5 2005, 10:18 PM) [snapback]47701[/snapback]
Jin's Analysis of NBA Teams for 2005-2006 Season:
(Shall be updated on a if-i-feel-like-it basis)
Washington Wizards
With the acquisition of Chucky Atkins, Antonio Daniels, and Caron Butler alone, the Wizards have had a successful offseason (not to mention newly drafted "Bulletproof" Andray Blatche). These three more than make up for the loss of Larry Hughes.
Not only did the Wizards get rid of the unproductive and disagreeable child-man known as Kwame Brown, their potential defensive stamina has increased three-fold.
The Wizards have had multiple players with, if not long-term, persistent injuries including Jarvis Hayes' leg problems, Antawn Jamison's knee injury, and Etan Thomas' adbominal problems. With the three having plenty of rest and training during the offseason, they see themselves at or about 100%. Along with their superstar, Gilbert Arenas, I envisionize an exciting season for the 'Zards and even more exciting for fans to see their team actually executing efficient defense.
Expect to see a final season record of 50-32.
To be continued...
don't expect them to just rebound from the loss of Larry. Huges was a big part of their offense, and defense. Caron Butler is a prototypical underachiever, you have to believe there was a reason why the lakers bounced him, atkins is gettin old, so you don't know how long this guys is going to be productive. The best that the wizards got was Antonio Daniels, who's probably a natural PG, and with Arenas and Daniels both in the backcourt, i'm not sure who will get what sorta duties. Arenas's allstar year last season was mainly due in part to his back court counter part, Larry. Because huges and arenas could play off double teams, and since huges and arenas demanded so much defenseive attention, at any point in the game, either one of them were wide open for jumpshots. In addition, interior post play and defense was invisible, Etan Thomas will never be mistaken for Jermaine O'Neal. And with the Cavs, Pistons, Bulls (that songalia move was TIGHT, and under the radar), and the Heat all in the same conference, i don't see the wiz going further than the first round. Their only saving grace is their biggest division rival is...the magic, can we say putrid?
wizards will need luck
like when Arenas shot that AWESOME last second 3 pointer (in playoffs? i forget)
i hope wizards do good, then i can watch them at MCI sometime
like when Arenas shot that AWESOME last second 3 pointer (in playoffs? i forget)
i hope wizards do good, then i can watch them at MCI sometime
be prepared for the sixers this season....i am hoping for a good run...but i think there bench is way too young they dun have any veterans to guide the players
QUOTE(nara jjang @ Oct 6 2005, 04:53 PM) [snapback]67729[/snapback]
be prepared for the sixers this season....i am hoping for a good run...
i hope you are right. i think it's just gonna be another philly season. barely get in the playoffs (if lucky enough), then get swept. get a lower first round pick, draft him, he plays here for 2 years or so, then he is off to a new team via trade etc. it's a never ending cycle for philly teams.
webber seems to be healty, AI is coming off his best season as a pro, AI 2 is gonna have a another solid year, Dalembert better play well for as much money as he got, Korver just better continue making 3's, the high school kid just better try to make the team, lee nailon should be solid 10 and 10 guy, then from there....i dunno.
^
Let's not forget how Webber meshed in with the team last year. I wouldn't be surprised to see conflict between Iverson and Webber for more touches. Korver is a solid 3-point shooter, but he really doesn't give the Sixers the punch they need to consider them a "Big Three." Dalembert is playing pretty well, but he also doesn't show the dominant inside presence that many other successful centers show today.
Let's not forget how Webber meshed in with the team last year. I wouldn't be surprised to see conflict between Iverson and Webber for more touches. Korver is a solid 3-point shooter, but he really doesn't give the Sixers the punch they need to consider them a "Big Three." Dalembert is playing pretty well, but he also doesn't show the dominant inside presence that many other successful centers show today.
^^ what about Igoudala? he's still coming along nicely isn't he?
^he's coming off nicely. but the main thing is, nothing will happen for sixers till webber and iverson mesh. they gotta learn to play with each other. if they can get that down, it'll help others.
mm. i suppose, i'd say we're in deeper crud here in NY, but i kindof like the Curry move... assuming he doesn't pass out on the court...
Teams to watch out for...
- San Antonio Spurs (because of a stronger lineup especially if Finley gels with the system)
- Miami Heat (so many nice additions, just hope its not a repeat of the lakers when they got payton and malone)
- Washington Wizards (they lost Hughes but the three additions really make them better)
- Cleveland Cavaliers - (hopefully Hughes compliments with Lebron)
- San Antonio Spurs (because of a stronger lineup especially if Finley gels with the system)
- Miami Heat (so many nice additions, just hope its not a repeat of the lakers when they got payton and malone)
- Washington Wizards (they lost Hughes but the three additions really make them better)
- Cleveland Cavaliers - (hopefully Hughes compliments with Lebron)
^^ wizards over pacers? pistons? nets? i don't think so. even the bulls and knicks might give them problems now... they'll need to watch out for themselves and worry about the playoffs rather than us watching them.
and Houston? Houston has one of the best off season in the league. With the addition of Alston, Swift, Anderson, Baxter, Glover, and head
They lost who? Weatherspoon and James. Charlie ward retired.
They lost who? Weatherspoon and James. Charlie ward retired.
QUOTE(tjadl6386 @ Oct 6 2005, 09:00 PM) [snapback]77112[/snapback]
Teams to watch out for...
- San Antonio Spurs (because of a stronger lineup especially if Finley gels with the system)
- Miami Heat (so many nice additions, just hope its not a repeat of the lakers when they got payton and malone)
- Washington Wizards (they lost Hughes but the three additions really make them better)
- Cleveland Cavaliers - (hopefully Hughes compliments with Lebron)
I say Rockets ALl the WAY!! T- MAC and CHINA MAN POWER!
QUOTE(Chioster @ Oct 6 2005, 11:47 PM) [snapback]81005[/snapback]
and Houston? Houston has one of the best off season in the league. With the addition of Alston, Swift, Anderson, Baxter, Glover, and head
They lost who? Weatherspoon and James. Charlie ward retired.
if you were talking to me, i was only addressing the East Coast, the west coast is a whole other matter XD... I like how the balance has been restored a bit between the two coasts though...
hmm... surprise team of the year?
clips or warriors?
clips or warriors?
^
I'd say both of them will be surprises. The Clips added Cassell and Mobley to their line-up, so they'll have a really dangerous backcourt. As for the Warriors, they were a sleeper team last season until the end. If Baron Davis can stay healthy, they're also a team to watch out for.
Denver is looking pretty good. Under George Karl, look what happened. They haven't made any significant moves to their roster either. We're looking at a Playoff contender right here.
I'd say both of them will be surprises. The Clips added Cassell and Mobley to their line-up, so they'll have a really dangerous backcourt. As for the Warriors, they were a sleeper team last season until the end. If Baron Davis can stay healthy, they're also a team to watch out for.
Denver is looking pretty good. Under George Karl, look what happened. They haven't made any significant moves to their roster either. We're looking at a Playoff contender right here.
im very excited for this season for the warriors. we're gonna turn a lot of heads this year. we're young, athletic, and exciting to watch. if baron stays healthy, we have a legit shot to take the 7-8th seed. should be a great year
QUOTE(tjadl6386 @ Oct 6 2005, 10:00 PM) [snapback]77112[/snapback]
Teams to watch out for...
- San Antonio Spurs (because of a stronger lineup especially if Finley gels with the system)
- Miami Heat (so many nice additions, just hope its not a repeat of the lakers when they got payton and malone)
- Washington Wizards (they lost Hughes but the three additions really make them better)
- Cleveland Cavaliers - (hopefully Hughes compliments with Lebron)
i honestly don't think that one could make a case for the wizards. atkins was a throw in, he will not make the wiz a better team, the only real player that the wiz got was antonio daniels. Ur talking about a team in the same conference as indiana, detroit, miami, and cleveland. If you think the wizards are going to get out of the first round, that's a stretch.
I would watch out for the pacers. With that full arsenal, and more importaintly, with dale davis (it's more significant than some think, davis will give oneal time to rest, so oneal can be more effective when he's on the court) and with a MAJOR chip on their shoulders, i wouldn't be suprised if they had an eastern conference showdown with Miami.
With Miami, remember the last time G-money played with Shaq? The court was too damn crowded, g, malone, kobe and shaq, it didn't work. You just wonder how many big name players you need to win a championship. Detroit won with some big name guys, yea, but all those players developed together, so they didn't have any chemistry issues.
It would be interesting to keep an eye out for the T-wolves, with Jaric playing on that team. Kevin Mckale seems to think he's the missing link (a la the offseason activity, or lack thereof). Don't count on bracey wright or mccants to have any impact on that teams final record.
Houston will be contenders this year too. They've got an extreeemly athletic backcourt now, and a young developing center who can spot up and shoot. When teams go man to man on Yao and if he's popping jumpers at the freethrow line, expect swift and alston to murder the opposition in the middle. Sorry Mavs fans, Dampier is not the best center in the NBA, not even in the West. The mavs don't make it out of the west.
Well, the favorites to repeat? Spurs. Need i say more?
alston will take away extra touches and shots from yao and others. payton coming off the bench isn't a problem, the guy knows that he doesn't have to be some prolific scorer, but someone that can provide solid mins, assists and defence. the offence is pretty much defaults to the rest of the lineup.
QUOTE(epark1281 @ Oct 7 2005, 07:42 AM) [snapback]89525[/snapback]
i honestly don't think that one could make a case for the wizards. atkins was a throw in, he will not make the wiz a better team, the only real player that the wiz got was antonio daniels. Ur talking about a team in the same conference as indiana, detroit, miami, and cleveland. If you think the wizards are going to get out of the first round, that's a stretch.
I would watch out for the pacers. With that full arsenal, and more importaintly, with dale davis (it's more significant than some think, davis will give oneal time to rest, so oneal can be more effective when he's on the court) and with a MAJOR chip on their shoulders, i wouldn't be suprised if they had an eastern conference showdown with Miami.
With Miami, remember the last time G-money played with Shaq? The court was too damn crowded, g, malone, kobe and shaq, it didn't work. You just wonder how many big name players you need to win a championship. Detroit won with some big name guys, yea, but all those players developed together, so they didn't have any chemistry issues.
It would be interesting to keep an eye out for the T-wolves, with Jaric playing on that team. Kevin Mckale seems to think he's the missing link (a la the offseason activity, or lack thereof). Don't count on bracey wright or mccants to have any impact on that teams final record.
Houston will be contenders this year too. They've got an extreeemly athletic backcourt now, and a young developing center who can spot up and shoot. When teams go man to man on Yao and if he's popping jumpers at the freethrow line, expect swift and alston to murder the opposition in the middle. Sorry Mavs fans, Dampier is not the best center in the NBA, not even in the West. The mavs don't make it out of the west.
Well, the favorites to repeat? Spurs. Need i say more?
agreed... except i don't know that payton will cause too much trouble... and i don't really want the spurs to win again...
QUOTE(res0nate @ Oct 7 2005, 09:06 AM) [snapback]90408[/snapback]
alston will take away extra touches and shots from yao and others. payton coming off the bench isn't a problem, the guy knows that he doesn't have to be some prolific scorer, but someone that can provide solid mins, assists and defence. the offence is pretty much defaults to the rest of the lineup.
Alston's a good 3 point shooter, he'll knock a lot of threes down when Yao draws double teams.
i REALLY REALLY hope SOMEBODY ANYBODY (except detroit) will massacre the spurs in the playoffs
but unfortunately it proly wont happen
but unfortunately it proly wont happen
If the Heat can keep their egos in check, they're probably the next best team next to the Spurs. In terms of raw talent, they're definitely up there with them. It's just up to how the coaching staff works in getting the players to play as a team and not as individuals. Who knows, maybe the Suns will emerge as champs due to the change in the front court. Either way, it'll be an interested, yet lopsided season, with the Spurs, Heat, and Pistons dominating all the way through.
why are so many ppl so high on Wizards this year?? i think they are one of the overrated teams this upcoming season.... 1) Hughes is gone.. sure they replaced him with Butler, Atkins and Antonio Daniels, but i dont see them doing a good enough job to replace what Larry did... and they still lack frontcourt... and Alston is overrated.. he has handles and what not... but he's known to be a problem player... and Mike James is VERY underrated in my opinion... he's almost opposite of Alston.. Alston may have skills... but i think Mike is more dependable and less likely to cause problems in the lockerroom/team chemistry area... and my top 3 picks from each division to win is....
West
Spurs (who i think will repeat)
Houston (i think they have best chance to over throw the champs
Pheonix (they lost their two swingman... but Man-child, Amare, is still the crazy, dunk-over anyone who stands in his way, freak.. and Marion is moved back to his SF position.. and the team is deeper)
East
Detroit (basically same team.. Larry gone, and Davis and Flip in)
Miami (great team on paper/video game.. but i still think problems will rise... but on a positive note... Shaq+Wade=still scary)
Indiana (Artest is back.. and they also added some key role players)
West
Spurs (who i think will repeat)
Houston (i think they have best chance to over throw the champs
Pheonix (they lost their two swingman... but Man-child, Amare, is still the crazy, dunk-over anyone who stands in his way, freak.. and Marion is moved back to his SF position.. and the team is deeper)
East
Detroit (basically same team.. Larry gone, and Davis and Flip in)
Miami (great team on paper/video game.. but i still think problems will rise... but on a positive note... Shaq+Wade=still scary)
Indiana (Artest is back.. and they also added some key role players)
I would like to see Pacers and Houston champs.. haha if only...
Spurs will not repeat...i think... and Miami needs another year... hmm... this will be an interesting season. WAs one crazy offseason.
Spurs will not repeat...i think... and Miami needs another year... hmm... this will be an interesting season. WAs one crazy offseason.
QUOTE(iamsh3d @ Oct 7 2005, 09:00 PM) [snapback]102780[/snapback]
East
Detroit (basically same team.. Larry gone, and Davis and Flip in)
Miami (great team on paper/video game.. but i still think problems will rise... but on a positive note... Shaq+Wade=still scary)
Indiana (Artest is back.. and they also added some key role players)
Detroit (basically same team.. Larry gone, and Davis and Flip in)
Miami (great team on paper/video game.. but i still think problems will rise... but on a positive note... Shaq+Wade=still scary)
Indiana (Artest is back.. and they also added some key role players)
Indiana and Detroit are both in the Central Division if I'm not mistaken. So anyway... the New Jersey Nets, Detroit Pistons, and Miami Heat may very well lead their respective divisions in my opinion. You can't tell me that the return of Jason Kidd, a healthy Richard Jefferson, and Vince Carter won't be a formidable eastern conference team this season.
QUOTE(Jin @ Oct 7 2005, 10:01 PM) [snapback]104595[/snapback]
Indiana and Detroit are both in the Central Division if I'm not mistaken. So anyway... the New Jersey Nets, Detroit Pistons, and Miami Heat may very well lead their respective divisions in my opinion. You can't tell me that the return of Jason Kidd, a healthy Richard Jefferson, and Vince Carter won't be a formidable eastern conference team this season.
I agree... the question is how much of an impact can the Cavaliers make in their division? I think they might be able to turn some heads.
meanwhile, yay! curry passed his physical and is now a Knick.
i believe warriors can be a surprise this season as long as baron stays healthy.
other teams to watch out for:
rockets (their addition of alston, swift, and anderson really helps them)
pacers (with artest back, a healthy lineup, the addition of granger and Jasikevicius.. they can be a killer)
new jersey (big 3; but.. they wont go very far with that front court)
other teams to watch out for:
rockets (their addition of alston, swift, and anderson really helps them)
pacers (with artest back, a healthy lineup, the addition of granger and Jasikevicius.. they can be a killer)
new jersey (big 3; but.. they wont go very far with that front court)
OMG.. they got one of mai players... ANTONIO DANIELS.. now dat da Washington Wizards got him.. their guna be gewd.. SONICs arent guna be gewd as before now.. awwwwwwww .. im guna miss da players.. JEROME JAMES!! Antonio Daniels.. radmonivic.. sad sad..
QUOTE
Indiana and Detroit are both in the Central Division if I'm not mistaken. So anyway... the New Jersey Nets, Detroit Pistons, and Miami Heat may very well lead their respective divisions in my opinion. You can't tell me that the return of Jason Kidd, a healthy Richard Jefferson, and Vince Carter won't be a formidable eastern conference team this season.
sorry.. i meant conference
and although i agree on Kidd, Jeffereson, and Carter make a scary "big 3" ... but they lack almost everything else... McInnis as backup is good... but their frontcourt of Nenad Kirstic, Jason Collins, and Marc Jackson just wont do in my opinion... Indiana has good front and backcourt in Sarunas Jasikevicius , Jamaal Tinsley, Stephen Jackson and Danny Granger(although we dont know for sure) for their backcourt.. and O'neal and Artest (not sure if he'd be considered as a backcourt or frontcourt cause he plays SF.. and they can go both ways sometimes..." but i think thats pretty darn impressive lineup
QUOTE(gjak1117 @ Oct 7 2005, 07:42 PM) [snapback]105859[/snapback]
I agree... the question is how much of an impact can the Cavaliers make in their division? I think they might be able to turn some heads.
meanwhile, yay! curry passed his physical and is now a Knick.
i dont see Cavs being a REAL championship contenders... i think they'll most definitely make playoffs.. unless some freak accidents of injuries, suspensions, or whatnot happens.... the 6 teams i listed were the teams i think will have the best chances of winning the Championship (although i think Spurs will ultimately win it all in the end)... i think the Finals matchup of Spurs vs Miami would be freakin awesome.... deepest two teams..... but i shouldnt be talking about the finals already.. the season hasnt even started yet
.. im gettin too excited already hahaha
BASKETBALL one of mai fav. I LOVE WATCHIN BBALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I GOT SO MUCH PRIDE IN BBALL..
DALLAS MAVERICKS...PWNAGE THIS YEAR..I PROMISE
DALLASCOWBOYS AT LEAST AT LEAST (8-8)
GO DALLAS MAVS AND COWBOYS....
DALLASCOWBOYS AT LEAST AT LEAST (8-8)
GO DALLAS MAVS AND COWBOYS....
^uhhhh..........no
Dallas wont even past the 2nd round, I feel like Dirk will have a break out season tho!
For conference finals, gonna be
Spurs VS Rockets/Suns
Indiana VS Miami/Detroit
Dallas wont even past the 2nd round, I feel like Dirk will have a break out season tho!
For conference finals, gonna be
Spurs VS Rockets/Suns
Indiana VS Miami/Detroit
QUOTE(Ginoizzle @ Oct 8 2005, 06:09 AM) [snapback]117100[/snapback]
^uhhhh..........no
Dallas wont even past the 2nd round, I feel like Dirk will have a break out season tho!
For conference finals, gonna be
Spurs VS Rockets/Suns
Indiana VS Miami/Detroit
Dirk did have a break out season last season. I agree though, Dallas probably won't make it past the second round but its not impossible.
QUOTE(iamsh3d @ Oct 8 2005, 01:35 AM) [snapback]110797[/snapback]
sorry.. i meant conference
i dont see Cavs being a REAL championship contenders... i think they'll most definitely make playoffs.. unless some freak accidents of injuries, suspensions, or whatnot happens.... the 6 teams i listed were the teams i think will have the best chances of winning the Championship (although i think Spurs will ultimately win it all in the end)... i think the Finals matchup of Spurs vs Miami would be freakin awesome.... deepest two teams..... but i shouldnt be talking about the finals already.. the season hasnt even started yet
.. im gettin too excited already hahaha ah sorry i thought you meant divisions. No I agree with you, I don't think they're the best championship contenders at this point either, but i do think they can give Indiana a bit of a run for their money...
And Spurs/Miami finals would be awesome... and it wouldn't be surprising if it turned out that way.
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