The 2005-2006 NBA Season Discussion Thread

Trying to choose between Duncan or Garnett is pointless really. They're both incredible players and you could build a team around either of them. It's just that Duncan has had more help over the years than the Big Ticket.

The Pistons, even though they are coming back down to earth a bit, are still the class of the league right now. Flip Saunders is definitely the Coach of the Year and Chauncey Billups has my vote for MVP. WTF was Larry Brown thinking?

The west is going to go down the wire between the Spurs and Mavericks. The Suns, with Stoudemire's return looming, won't be too far behind either. I'm picking San Antonio to be on top when it's all said and done. They have the experience and toughness. Dallas' defense is starting to crumble and that will hurt them down the stretch.

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How ya doing, buddy?

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

Jerry Colangelo has made a big mistake not inviting AI to tryout for the USA Team.

I concur, man. At the 2004 Summer Games, AI played his heart out and was a great leader on that team. I know Colangelo is going for a different team this year (not putting a bunch of all-stars together, but instead, making a cohesive team with role players and such) but Iverson deserves to be on the team. He's expressed a huge interest in being apart of the squad again.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

Anyone see the Penny Hardaway interview last night on TNT? I feel for him, and I hope he comes back. When I first started following basketball -- during the mid-90's when I was like eleven -- Penny and Shaq were my favourite players. And the Orlando Magic was my team.

I loved Penny's game. His game was so clean and polished. His court vision and understanding of the game were almost Magic (Johnson)-like. Great passer, terrific post-up game, clutch shooter, smart player. He was athletic, unselfish, clean-cut, marketable, and simply fun to watch. There's a reason why Penny was one of the most popular, well-liked players in the mid-90's.

Sadly, all the injuries, rehab, and the ensuing negative press had taken so much away from Penny's game. I'm still a Penny Hardaway fan, though.

And I hope to see him in uniform next season.

Penny Hardaway's game was beautiful to watch. But his career, much like Ken Griffey Jr.'s, has been hampered by injuries way too much over the years. Both of them had opportunities to be great, GREAT players. I hope that Hardaway somehow makes a comeback, much like Griffey seems to be doing now.

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

... Back to this Colangelo-Iverson thing:

I wonder what Colangelo's thought process was. Was he thinking that Iverson isn't enough of a team player to be on team, and that Iverson is a ball dominator? Well, Kobe's on the team. How would Colangelo explain that.

Was he thinking that Iverson will be 33 when the 2008 Beijing Games begin, and thus too old? Well, Shaq still has an open invitation to join the team, and he'll be 36 in 2008. Explain that, Colangelo.

Was he thinking that he already has enough scorers? Wait a minute -- Gilbert Arenas, but not Allen Iverson? Uh, right.

Was he thinking that he already has enough point guards? Wait a minute -- Chris Paul and Luke Ridnour, but not Allen Iverson? Riiiiight.

Just look at this roster:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200...ter/index.html

Is Colangelo actually saying there's no room for Allen Iverson on this roster. That he'd rather have Luke Ridnour?

I hope this USA Team implodes when Kobe Bryant, out of a bogus attempt to get his USA teammates involved, tries to pass the ball and hits Lamar Odom at the back of the head.

I agree with all of that except for the Chris Paul part. He's by far the rookie of the year this season and he's the main attraction on the most suprising team of this year, the New Orleans Hornets. He deserves to be on the team. I'll give you Luke Ridnour though. I don't see why he's on the team. It's not like he's done anything in the NBA his entire career to warrant this selection.

Also, I was checking out AI's stats, and I just realized how high his assist numbers have been on the last couple years. In this last last three seasons he's been averaging over 6 APG. Most people consider him just a scorer but, when he has help, he's one of the best ball distrubuters in the game.

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Originally Posted by Timberwolf

Oh definitely, Chris Paul is a terrific young talent. I didn't mean to knock his game. I was just saying, given the choice of Chris Paul or Allen Iverson -- I'd pick AI ten times out of ten

Young Chris Paul has got ROY locked up, though. They may as well hand him the trophy now.

Oh, I see. My bad for misunderstanding you. I thought you were saying Paul didn't deserve to be on the roster. But yeah, I get you now. Of course, if I had to choose between having Iverson or Paul on my team, I'd take AI in a heartbeat. I'm sure 99% would be the same way. Is that roster you linked to the permanent roster?

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

But poor AI...

Never mind the fact that Allen Iverson had actually wanted to play for Team USA. Never mind what Allen Iverson brings to any backcourt (unparalled speed and quickness, court vision, veteran leadership, heart and passion, speed and quickness, pitbull defense, pitbull offense, drawing of double-teams, speed and quickness). Never mind the fact that Allen Iverson would invariably boost the TV ratings, popularity, and exposure for this USA squad.

Never mind all that. ...What really upsets a lot of people is that Allen Iverson wasn't even invited to tryout.

Yeah, seriously man, I'm with you on that one. I don't get Colangelo when it comes to this choice, or lack thereof. Shortly before the All-Star break, AI went to him personally and expressed his interest in being included on the team again. It's a damn shame, really.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Damn Timberwolf, that's one hell of team. I'm sure I couldn't pick a better roster than that. I also like how you broke it down to show how the team fit all the different criteria. I've joked a couple times with friends about Team USA just sending the Pistons to win it all in '08, but yeah man, your picks are right-on. Very nice and detalied as well.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Originally Posted by Son of Wiseness

How is Miami Heat doing this year?

The Heat have been an interesting case this year. For most of the first half of the season they struggled, mainly because of adding so many new pieces to their team during the offseason. However at the tail-end of the first half, and so far into the second half, they are playing great ball. They seem to be forming a nice chemistry and are playing very well together. After the Pistons, I think they are clearly the 2nd best team in the Eastern Conference. Even though they are playing well, it still boggles me that they made so many changes during the offseason, despite being just 5 min or so from going to the Finals last year.

FELIPE NO

haha, I remember back in the day when Dennis Rodman went out of bounds after a ball and landed on a photographer. He hauled off and kicked the guy. Those photographers are indeed too close for comfort. It's tough enough worrying about getting injured on regular in-game stuff without having to worry about getting injured because of a photographer or cameraman. The league should address this issue. There's probably not a whole lot they can do though.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

I just finished reading an article about Amare Stoudemire being 50/50 on his possible return this season. He says he's going to wait a few more weeks and will make a decision. In my opinon, if he's still 50/50 at that time, he just needs to shut it down for the rest of the season. The Suns are playing excellent ball right now, and while they'd probably be even better (whch is a scary thought) with him in the lineup, he and the orgranization shouldn't risk him getting injured again or even worse. Just hold out on this season, rest up and get ready to hopefully play in the World Championships for Team USA.

What do you guys think?

How ya doing, buddy?

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

IIt'd be funny if, in a weird twist of events, the Suns win the championship without Amare. Then what.

Not that they will. Just sayin'.

Nah, in a 7 game series, I don't think they have a very good chance of beating the Spurs. Maybe the Mavericks, but surely not the Spurs. Having Amare would greatly help them against San Antonio though, because he'd be able to bang in there and gets some dunks and easy buckets. He was a beast in the playoffs for them last season.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Steve Nash, Carmelo Anthony and Kobe Bryant are my front-runners for MVP this year. Nash is playing even better than in his MVP-winning campaign last season, Kobe is a candidate every year because he's the only guy on that team who can give them a chance to win and 'Melo is just plain tearin' it up this season. If I had to place a vote right now, I'd give it to Nash. That team is SO much worse when he's not on the court, not just when he misses a game, but even when the coach takes him out during a game to get him a breather. I think he'll win it too. It'll be yet another attempt at the NBA trying to "change their image" from the hood, hip-hop culture that has saturated their league. But, beyond that, he deserves the damn award.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

What do you guys think the chances are for guys like Chauncey Billups and Dirk Nowitzki to win it?

Billups definitely has a chance to win it. The Pistons have been far and away the best team in the league this year, and he's the main reason why. He's a great distributer of the ball and he is as clutch of a shooter as anyone in the Association. However Nowitzki, while he's having a great season, I don't think he has has good of a shot. I mean, he had a pretty good year last season too and I don't remember anybody putting him in last year's MVP conversation. He's an excellent player but I just don't think he stands much of a shot to win it.

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It's gonna be a dogfight between San Antonio and Dallas for that #1 spot. But, I dunno man, I just think a lot of the voters will look at all the help he has and that will deter some of them from giving him 1st place votes. Removing either Steve Nash, Kobe Bryant or Carmelo Anthony would be more detrimental to their respective teams than if Nowitzki was pulled from Dallas, and that's what defines "MVP" for me.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

Speaking of Melo ... it's unbelievable this kid didn't even make the All-Star team this season. For me, Melo was the biggest All-Star snub this year.

I agree. I can't believe that neither the fans or the league voted him in. He's having a sensational year.

Also, as far as the MVP race is concerned, Elton Brand deserves to be in the discussion as well. He's having a monster year for a suprisingly good Clippers team.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Everywhere Cassell goes the team usually improves instantly. Guy's a great PG and is also a clutch shooter down the stretch of games. 2 S's, 2 L's, playah. 2 S's, 2 L's.

Stephon Marbury is out! I don't really like his game that much. He's got skills but I feel he's overrated. I mean, damn, dude must have been hurt when he got shipped from a horrible New Jersey team, only to have Jason Kidd come up in there and take 'em to 2 NBA Finals in a row. To me, "Starbury" is a selfish player who doesn't have as much talent as a lot of people think. Oh yeah, he's outta there. I did like that one time though when he crossed up Yao Ming so bad, he went and fell on his ass. That was classic and a very LOL moment.

FELIPE NO

Larry Brown has always been a coach that landed in a situation where he inherited a team that was good but just couldn't get over the hump as far as playoffs/championships are concerned. Within a year or two, he'd more often than not have them in either the playoffs or contending for a championship. However, here in New York, that just ain't gonna happen. I dont think this is his fault at all, it's Isiah Thomas' fault. Like the article says, the traded for all those huge contracts on a team that already leads the league is overall payroll. If anybody should be kicked fromt his team, it's him. Didn't anyone get the picture when the guy totally ruined the CBA?

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

I don't really think that it has much to do with him not adapting his style to the players he has. Stephon Marbury is the only guy that has been making waves in the media about not being happy with his role. It's just that the suits up top have not been making good decisions about who they have been bringing in. Taking on the contracts of Aging, overpaid, and mostly overated players isn't exactly a way to bolster your roster or help to get wins. You can't put that on Larry Brown. I think he's a great coach. Like I said, he has been successful at every one of his stops. Very few coaches can say that.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

I see your point ... Isiah Thomas has done a horrible job of putting this team together.

And yeah, now that I think about it, Larry Brown has accomplished a lot, and has taken so many teams to the Playoffs.

He always seems to wear out his welcome, though. That's what I've noticed. And the thing he did last year, when he was looking hard at the Cleveland position while in the midst of the Finals -- that was very unprofessional. He always talks about "playing the right way." What he did last year wasn't "coaching the right way." And I lost so much respect for him after that.

[And wasn't he the coach of that 2004 Athens team? He couldn't manage Carmelo Anthony? He had Lebron riding the bench? All that talent on the squad, and all they could do was Bronze...]

Yeah, he does seem to wear out his welcome at some point with every team he's been with. And I also agree with you on the whole Pistons/Cavs deal last season. He had no right to do that and I lost a great deal of respect for him because of it. Yeah, he was the coach of the Athens USA Basketball team. He hardly played Carmelo. But, Carmelo has said that that experience really helped him out, so he took it as a positive. And, as I watch how great he's playing this season, it seems like all that crap he went through has paid huge dividends.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

- Kobe Bryant had 11 assists yesterday. Whoa.

Yep, 11 dimes... and they lost.

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

- The Timberwolves are so disappointing. Seven straight losses. Second worst record in the West.

2 years removed from making it to the Western Conference Finals, it's a damn shame to see the T-Wolves in this state. I really think they should try shopping KG around this summer. He's done ALL that he can possibly do for that team. I believe it's time for him to move on.

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

- Pistons have lost four out of their last 10 games.

Yeah, and 3 of those losses are against the Knicks, Wizards and Lakers.

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

- The Kings are suddenly hot, now sitting at 7th place. They may actually make the Playoffs.

Ron Artest has played immediate dividends for the Kings. I think that they will make the postseason.

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

- I want a pair of AJ XXII.

You and me both. I probably will get a pair though. Might buy 2 and sell one for a profit.

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

- Five seconds in the game, down one point. Give me Melo instead of Kobe.

I concur, brotha. I concur.

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

- Gerald Wallace, if he keeps this up, will become only the third player in NBA history to average more than 2 blocks and 2 steals in a season (Hakeem, David Robinson).

- Gerald Wallace is 6'7".

Gerald Wallace is having a stellar season. He's definitely a star on the rise.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

heh, the Rockets are an even bigger disappointment than the T-Wolves this year. They have two bonified superstars in T-Mac and Yao Ming and a pretty good supporting cast, yet they are nowhere near the playoff picture at this point. It just doesn't make sense. There's no reason why they shouldn't be one of the elite teams in the Western Conference, yet they are one of the worst right now.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

It's just that T-Mac and Yao have been out so much. T-Mac's back problems, especially, have led to so many Rockets losses.

And it's not just Yao and T-Mac, but many other key players squad have been hit with injuries ... Stro, Skip, Sura.

Even when they have everyone at full strength, they still haven't been playing on a very high level. I wish I could find some stats on their record when T-Mac and Yao are in the lineup. I wouldn't think it'd be too impressive.

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

I don't think KG will move on simply because he think he has a better chance at a championship elsewhere.

KG is fiercely loyal. All that he's ever asked management is to do their best to improve the team, bring in the right players, and make the Timberwolves competitive. The last two seasons, management screwed up. Let's face it, Marko Jaric has only made the team worse.

The only way I see KG asking for a trade is if he sees the management slacking off and not doing anything to make the Timberwolves competitive. If he feels betrayed, he might want to be traded.

But if left on his own, KG will never leave Minnesota. He's too loyal and strong-willed.

Yeah, he's hella loyal, but you'd be suprised what continued losing will do to you. Sometimes you just have to say enough is enough. If this keeps up I do think he will asked to be traded... or the orgranization will take it upon themselves to deal him. The orgranization DOES need to step up though. KG is damn sure doing his share... and then some!

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

Are you going to get the red? I love the red.

Yeah, those red ones are the hotness. Those are the ones I'll be getting.

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

Anyone else watching the Kobe-Cavaliers game on ABC right now?

haha @ "Kobe-Cavaliers". Yeah, I'm flipping between that and the NCAA's.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Marbury isn't even among the top 5 point guards in the league, let alone on the same level as Allen Iverson. Timberwolf, you talked about how a coach should be able to adapt his style to the team he's coaching, well I think a "star" player such as Marbury should be able to do the same. The mark of a great player is whether or not he can make his teammates better and Marbury has really never done that at any of his stops. And, right now, he seems to only be concerned with himself and only about how he's being used. That's just selfish and disrepectful to the rest of the team. If he were as good of player as he says and thinks he is, he'd be able to tailor his game to his surroundings. He can't... so he isn't.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

lol, dude, T.O. just got a brand-spanking new deal with the Dallas Cowboys after all that crap he pulled last year in Philly. SOMEBODY is going to pick Marbury up. I have no idea who though. Maybe Boston would be stupid enough to trade Pierce for him? They traded Antoine Walker when they shouldn't have... got him back.... then traded him again!! Morons.

FELIPE NO

Maybe the guy just hasn't found the right spot for himself. He might not be right for Larry Brown's system, but the way he's going about it is totally wrong. It's just like when Vince Carter threatened to not play hard while he was with the Raptors in hopes that he'd be traded. Well, he finally got his wish and he's playing great ball now in Jersey (the way he went about it was wrong as well). Stephon Marbury has the potential to be a superstar-type player, he just doesn't have the drive, determination or class to make it happen.

On another note, the Los Angeles Kobes lost to 'Bron 'Bron and the Cavs yesterday. I love when Bryant gets his points and they still lose. It's just classic! haha, Eric Snow is probably even a better PG than Marbury right now.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

Okay, I am in T-Dot. And obviously, the mere mention of Vince Carter makes me mad

He didn't just threaten to stop playing hard. He actually just stopped playing.

Half-man Half-season. Half-man Half-effort.

Do you not like him because of what he did to get traded or did you not like him front the start?

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