The 2005-2006 NBA Season Discussion Thread

Originally Posted by DragoonKain

I think you only swallow your whistles in that situation if there was a chance Wade could make the shot, but IMO there was absolutely no shot at him hitting that shot.

Yeah, I guess you're right. He chances were very slim that he'd hit that shot.




Going away from the NBA Finals a bit, I was skimming ESPN and found a couple of articles about Len Bias. He died 20 years ago today. This guy was a beast at Maryland and would have been a SUPERstar in the NBA right off the bat. It's tragic what happened to him. Check out these articles:

The legend of Len Bias
By Scoop Jackson

Len Bias gone, but not forgotten
By Bomani Jones

I'm a big fan of Scoop Jackson. I really like his writing style. The Bomani Jones article is good too.

Timberwolf: If you can SOMEHOW find a video or animated GIF of the dunk Jackson is referring to from that Carolina game, you'd be my hero. It'd probably be hard as hell though, so I don't worry yourself if it's too much trouble.

FELIPE NO

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

Nice. I'm also a fan of Scoop. I liked his stuff, ever since his SLAM days.

I had always been under the impression that Len Bias was a good player drafted by the Celtics in '86. I never knew that he was that good.

I'm just learning now that, had he lived, he would've changed the history of the NBA. The Celtics would've continued to win championships, since Bird and McHale would've had their careers extended as they wouldn't have had to play those heavy minutes. Michael Jordan would've had a serious rival in his own conference to deal with.

It's unfortunate what happened with Bias.

Yeah man. If Bias had played 15 or so years, there would have been absolutely no drop-off for the Celtics. The Lakers and Pistons might to have gotten their back-to-back championships, Celtics vs. Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals might have become a recurring theme. Simply put, he would have changed the course of NBA history as we know it.

It's always sad to see such talent squandered, but as his mother said during an interview, he did much more for the NBA and society at-large in death than he could have ever done in life.

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

I couldn't find an animated .gif. But I found a clip of what seems to be the dunk Scoop was talking about.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsE0Th50SII

It's the one at the 1:34 mark (with replays until the 1:53 mark), where he stole the inbound pass against the Tar Heels and reverse dunked it, spreading his legs and arms.

The tribute clip itself is pretty awesome. He really seemed to play like a bigger, taller, young Michael Jordan. He could jump and hang, and the block at the 1:23 mark was absolutely ludricrous.

If you want, I can send that clip to you in .flv format.



Edit:

Here's another one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qHB7TAoUUc

That dunk is the first play you see. And I am certain it's the one Scoop is talking about.

Again, I can send both clips to you in .flv if you like

Dude, T-Wolf, you're the best man! Thanks so much. I owe you one. Thanks for the offer, but I have a plugin for Firefox that lets me download .flv files. Again, thanks, I really appreciate it.

The tribute video was really good. Bias' game was beautiful to watch. He looked like man amongst boys out there. I think he would have been one of the greatest to ever play the game.





Also, tonight is Game 6 between the Heat and Mavs. Dallas finally gets to return home after a horrific 3 games in South Beach. It seems like everybody on that team is pissed, whether that works for or against their favor remains to be seen. I'm hoping Dallas wins. I really want to see a Game 7.

How ya doing, buddy?

Simply put, Dallas did not deserve this championship. They had double-digit leads twice in tonight's game and still lost. Whenever you're a team that relies too much on jumpshooting, that's going to continue to happen. They get hot for awhile outside, fall in love with it and then it all falls to shit. They're a great team, and they'll be around next year, but they need somebody they can throw the ball to down on the low block and get some consistent, high-percentage buckets.

Congrats to the Heat. They played like the team that wanted it more and they showed it over the last four games. Dwayne Wade played out of his mind (he's damn sure no Jordan, btw), Shaq was dominant when he needed to be and their role players came up huge during clutch situations.

Now... Kobe and Jerry Buss can go cry.

Oh, and I wonder how Stan Van Gundy feels right about now.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by Capo

Cheated? He made the entire team, and Riley just flat out stole it from him just when Dwyane (This fucker's parents need to learn how to spell) Wade was breaking out.

Yeah man, I gotta agree with you. This whole thing about Van Gundy wanting to leave and spend time with his family didn't fly with me. I wouldn't be suprised at all if he was pushed out the door. He goes through training camp and everything, then 10, 15(?) games into the season says "eh, lemme quit so I can spend time with my family". Nah, I don't think so. Just doesn't sound right to me.

Also, congrats to Alonzo Mourning. Working his way back from the whole kidney ailment and playing a signifcant role in this championship run is pretty cool. I don't exactly like when he blocks a shot and damn near has a seizure on the court, but he worked hard and deserved this title. Payton too.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

No problmen, man. Glad to help.

Thanks for pointing me to the direction of the Scoop Jackson article. It was a nice read. I never knew just how talented Len Bias was.

Yeah man, I think Scoop Jackson is the best sports writer ESPN has right now. Like you, I also read his stuff back in SLAM magazine as well. I try to catch him on Jim Rome is Burning when he makes an appearance too. Like I said earlier, I just like his style.

I'm glad you enjoyed the article.



This offseason is going to be an interesting one. Guys that could be possibly changing teams include: Allen Iverson, Kevin Garnett and Ben Wallace.

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Originally Posted by Timberwolf

What's Jim Rome is Burning?

Yeah, should be an interesting offseason. Kevin McHale has gone on record saying that they're not looking to trade Kevin Garnett. Unless Kevin Garnett flat out asks for a trade, or unless they're getting another elite player in return (eg, Kobe, Lebron), they are not entertaining any proposals involving KG.

Iverson's situation seems less certain. I am still hoping for a Iverson-Garnett hookup. That would be dope.

I'm also curious as to how the Raptors will fare with that first pick. The Raptors have done well in some drafts:

In 1995 they went with Damon Stoudamire with 7th pick. It was a terrific choice at the time, consider how Stoudamire won Rookie of the Year, and gave the Raptors an identity. It's obvious now that the best player in that draft was that 5th pick, a pick that also opened the floodgate and ushered in a new era. But the Raptors did well for themselves with that 7th pick.

Toronto messed up SO BAD in the 1996 Draft. They went with Marcus Camby with the 2nd pick, when they could've picked up any of the following: Kobe Bryant, Ray Allen, Steve Nash, Jermaine O'Neal, Stephon Marbury, Antoine Walker, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Peja Stojakovic.

1997 was genius, when they got the most exciting, and second-best player in that draft, despite drafting 9th. Too bad idiot Darrell Walker dogged him and benched him, and said he'd never make it in the NBA. Where's Darrell Walker now.

1998 was also an awesome maneuver. They picked Antawn Jamison, but knew they wanted Vince Carter, whom they immediately traded Jamison for. They even got some cash out of that trade. And let's face it, even though Vinsanity soured in 2004 and they may have even kept the wrong cousin, Vince Carter was the best thing to happen to the Raptors.

In 1999, they drafted 5th and selected Jonathan Bender (essentially for Indiana), who they used to trade for Antonio Davis. Good move, considering what a steady workhorse Davis was, and that Bender was oft injured and has now retired. But bad move, considering that Richard Hamilton, Shawn Marion, Jason Terry, Corey Maggette, Ron Artest, Andrei Kirilenko, and Wally Szczerbiak were all still available.

In 2000, they went with Mo Pete for the 21st pick. Good choice in a very weak draft. Kenyon Martin can't do anything except dunk and puff like an idiot. Darius Miles and Stromile Swift have been disappointing and inconsistent. Mike Miller was rookie of the year -- Mike Miller. In retrospect, if I had the first pick in that draft, I would've picked Desmond Mason.

In 2001, Toronto picked Michael Bradley with the 17th pick. A turd of a pick. Tony Parker and Gerald Wallace were still available, not to mention Jamaal Tinsley, Zach Randolph, and Samuel Dalembert.

In 2002, the Raptors picked Kareem Rush for the lowly 20th pick and traded with the Lakers for Lindsey Hunter. Whatever. Too bad Tayshaun Prince was still on the board.

In 2003, Chris Bosh was a sweeeet 4th pick. He seems to be improving every year, and is drawing the Kevin Garnett comparisons. Even Miami wanted Chris Bosh, but they had the 5th pick and had to settle for this Dwyane Wade kid.

In 2004, it was another crappy pick. Selecting 8th, Toronto picked Rafael Araujo. What the hell is that. Why couldn't they pick Andre Iguodala or Josh Smith.

In 2005, they redeemed themselves by picking Charlie Villanueva at 7th. This kid scored 48 points this past March.

2006 -- NUMBER ONE PICK. DON'T SCREW THIS UP.

As I look at the potential of this draft, I don't see any superstars or game-changers, guys who can make an immediate impact on a team. There are some good players though. J.J. "DUI" Redick and Adam Morrison are two that come to mind.

And as far as draft pick strategy goes, it can be a crapshoot at times. Yeah, some of the picks that the Raptors have made over the years have sucked, but it's hard to tell how a player's potential in high school or college will carry over to the pro game. After the season the Pistons won the championship against the Lakers, they had a chance to take Carmelo Anthony but chose Darko instead. As far as Darko is concerned, yeah that was a pretty bad pick, but 'Melo may have messed up the chemistry on that team since he is a guy who needs to score a lot. .... That being said, I cannot condone their picks in '96 and 2004. That's just unacceptable.

Jim Rome is Burning is a show on ESPN that comes on weekdays @ 4:30PM EST. On the show, he has a roundtable segment with different columnists, writers, former atheletes and such. Scoop Jackson is a frequent contributor to this segment.

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

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

They didn't pick Melo because they already had Tayshuan Prince at that position. This is how much they love what Prince brings to the Pistons. Melo wouldn't really fit with the current roster of Pistons.

Yeah, you're right though ... a lot of it is simply blind luck, or a crapshoot. And sometimes it takes players years to before we even start to see development (eg Jermaine O'Neal), or brilliance (eg Steve Nash).

Yeah, back in the day, it was easier to gauge a potential pick's success. Nobody came into the pros out of high school or anything like that. Nowadays, guys are either coming out of high school or only after just 1 or 2 years in college. In some ways that has helped the game and also hurt it. For every pick that has become a success (such as KG, Kobe or LeBron) you have just as many guys who don't live up to expectations (such as Kwame Brown, Michael Olowokandi or Darko).

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

The worst Number 1 draft pick since the inception of the lottery might just be Michael Olowokandi.

oh, without question he's the worst #1 pick. There should be no debate there.

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

Ah I see. I don't get ESPN here

Awww, that sucks man. It's not a huge deal though. Those segments are pretty much the only reason I watch the show... and I usually only tune in when Scoop is on the panel.

I was speaking idiomatically.

For those that didn't see the NBA Draft, here are the top 20 picks:

PICK TEAM PLAYER
1 Toronto Andrea Bargnani - PF
2 Chicago (Traded to Portland) LaMarcus Aldridge - PF
3 Charlotte Adam Morrison - SF
4 Portland (Traded to Chicago) Tyrus Thomas - PF
5 Atlanta Shelden Williams - PF
6 Minnesota (Traded to Portland) Brandon Roy - SG
7 Boston (Traded to Portland, then Minnesota) Randy Foye - SG
8 Houston (Traded to Memphis) Rudy Gay - SF
9 Golden State Patrick O'Bryant - C
10 Seattle Mouhamed Saer Sene - C
11 Orlando J.J. Redick - SG
12 NO/Oklahoma City Hilton Armstrong - C
13 Philadelphia (Traded to Chicago) Thabo Sefolosha - SF
14 Utah Ronnie Brewer - SG
15 NO/Oklahoma City (via Bucks) Cedric Simmons - PF
16 Chicago (Traded to Philadelphia) Rodney Carney - SF
17 Indiana Shawne Williams - SF
18 Washington Olexsiy Pecherov - PF
19 Sacramento Quincy Douby - SG
20 New York (via Nuggets) Renaldo Balkman - SF

As I figured, this wasn't a star-studded draft. I don't really see any LeBrons, Carmelos or Wades like in the 2003 class, but still, there are some great players here. Guys like LaMarcus Aldridge, Adam Morrison, Brandon Roy and Randy Foye definitely have the potential to be excellent players for years to come. I don't know anything about this Andrea Bargnani dude, but going by his stats in international play, I don't see how he was the #1 pick over Aldridge or Roy.

Portland was just all over the place though. They were trading like mad all throughout the draft. Matter of fact, they're probably STILL trading!

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

The Pistons offered Ben Wallace a four-year, $49.6 million contract.

Big Ben doesn't like it.


It's not really an unreasonable offer. I mean, Wallace is turning 32 in September, and much of his game relies on athleticism and quickness. He has a near-zero offensive game, and shoots freethrows like that's the hardest thing in the world. For all his defensive prowess and lockdown abilities, he is not a go-to guy.

I don't think he commands more than the $12+ million per year that the Pistons are offering.

Ben Wallace says he wants to stay in Detroit and that his heart is in Detroit. Chicago, and another team that I can't remember right now, are offering him the same deal Detroit is except their deal is for $52 million instead of $48 million. Big Ben, you say your heart is in Detroit, so how about you prove it. $4 million, in pro sports, isn't a whole hell of a lot. So, stay with Detroit.

Yeah, Chicago is a young team on the rise, but they aren't going to be winning any championships anytime soon. Detriot is a team that is a given, perenial title-contender every year. Use your head on this one, Ben.

EDIT:

Looks like Ben doesn't love the Pistons as much as he says. He's leaving Detroit and signing a 4-year, $52 million deal with the Bulls: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2508742

Detroit is gonna be in some real bad shape next year. They just let the heart of their team walk out the door. Joe Dumars has made some amazing moves since he took over the helm, but this one is horrible for that franchise.

FELIPE NO

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

In other news, Peja is leaving the Pacers and signing with the Hornets. Bobby Jackson is signing with the Hornets too.

haha, so the Pacers trade away one of the most unique, talented players in the game and what do they get in return... Peja for 30 some-odd games? Hilarious. Peja will benefit greatly with having Chris Paul though. Those two should be fun to watch together.

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

It seems as though LeBron James is a bit hesitant to sign his contract extension with the Cavs. After seeing his draft mate Dwayne Wade win a title this year, he may be wondering whether or not he can do the same thing in a Cleveland uniform. I do think he will eventually sign and stay with them when the smoke clears though.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

I think he's just making them sweat it out.

I don't see Lebron leaving Cleveland. I mean, Detroit has just gotten significantly weaker with the loss of Ben Wallace. Chicago has gotten better, but is still not a contender. Miami is still the best team in the East, but Shaq is not getting any younger.

With a new piece or two -- or some tweaks -- Cleveland can challenge Miami for the East Title.


Edit: NEVER MIND, IT'S OFFICIAL: LEBRON AGREES TO EXTENSION

haha, when I saw your "NEVER MIND", I was like "OMG, he's leaving?!?!" :doh:

But yeah, I figured he'd stay with them as well. They had a great run last season and had a lot more success in the playoffs than many people thought they could have. A move here or there and they can definitely be in that elite group in the Eastern Conference.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

The Bulls are gonna on the rise next season while the season are going to dip greatly. I can't wait to see how it all pans out.

In other news:

>> Memphis aquires Stromile Swift and draft rights to Rudy Gay from Houston for Shane Battier
-- Memphis is gonna lose a great player in Battier but they are getting so much more in return. Great move on their part

>> L.A. Clippers re-sign free agent Sam Cassell
-- The Clippers would have been morons if they hadn't

>> Dwayne Wade and Carmelo Anthony have opted to follow suit with LeBron James and sign similar, smaller deals now so that they can get a larger contract down the road. Might not be good for the teams they are with currently but it is a smart business decision

>> Kobe Won’t Play for USA After Knee Surgery
-- In the article, it says the surgery was a "minor treatment" but he is probably going to miss between 8-12 weeks. So, he should be ready just in time for Laker's training camp.

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

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

I thought Melo decided to go with the max five-year, $80 million route?

Chris Bosh was the one who inked similar deals as Wade and Lebron, right?

Yeah, my bad. You're right. Carmelo signed the 5-year, $80 million deal. It was Bosh he followed suit with Wade and LeBron. Thanks for the correction.

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Originally Posted by Timberwolf

- Chicago trades Tyson Chandler to the Hornets for PJ Brown and JR Smith.

Chicago is really making some great moves this offseason. P.J. Brown's best years are behind him, but he's still a savvy big man and he'll help solidify that frontline with Big Ben.

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

- Iverson wants to remain a Sixer

Well, Iverson has been saying all along that he wanted to stay a Sixer for life. But, at the same time, management needs to take the steps to get some quality guys around him to make a competitive team. When it's all said and done, I think Big Ben's move will be the biggest offseason trade. KG and AI are staying put.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Speaking of the Hornets, there has been a lot of talk lately about trying to move them to Oklahoma City permanately. Last season, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, they played a large number of their games in Oklahoma City and drew great crowds there. There seems to be a huge market for basketball there. A group that just recently purchased the Seattle Supersonics also wants to try and move that team to Oklahoma City. It'll be interesting to see how all this plays out. Oklahoma City is enriched with basketball tradition. One way or another, they deserve to have a team there.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Welcome back, nazpyro. Glad to see you back here.

Some news and notes:

>> Marion, Morrison, Ridnour Off U.S. Roster

>> Gov. Barkley? Sir Charles eyeing office in Alabama

>> Pacers close to acquiring Harrington from Hawks

>> Report: King no longer shopping Iverson on market

Timberwolf, this one is for you. It's an article KG wrote on NBA.com about his trip to Asia: Kevin Garnett: World Traveler

FELIPE NO