[Tournament] The 2006-2007 NBA Season Discussion Thread

Alright, it won't be too much longer before a new NBA season is upon us. So, all discussions about the offseason leading up to and including the 2006-2007 season will go here.

How ya doing, buddy?

I didn't really mind the fact that we were the only 3 that had a great deal of participation in the last thread. I liked chatting it up with you guys. I wouldn't mind seeing others getting involved though.

I really think this team the US has put together has a excellent shot of bringing back the credibility we lost at the last World Championships and at the 2004 Summer Olympics. Team USA has taken a different approach this time around. Instead of just throwing together a bunch of superstars, they've actually went and put a real TEAM together this time. I mean, you could get away with the old concept when you had the players that were on the original Dream Team, but with the guys we have out there today, that formula is not going to be successful. It's true that the international scene has gotten much better and much more talented, but I think with the team we have, we can bring the gold medal back to the US.

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Originally Posted by Timberwolf

It's a good squad. They have a few superstar players who are clearly the centerpieces of the team: Lebron, Wade, and Melo -- and to some extent Chris Bosh. Everyone else will find their roles just fine.

I think Larry Brown did a poor job in 2004 with Team USA in the Olympics. He's well-known for his dislike of young players. Lebron and Melo rode the bench practically the entire time.

Yeah, Larry Brown's legacy has taken a huge hit in my eyes with the events of the last 2 years or so. First the debacle that was the 2004 Olympic team, then his messy divorce from the Pistons (which he mostly brought on himself) and then the horrible excuse of a New York Knick team he coached last season. He's still a great coach with an intellectual passion for the game, but the events of the last 2 years have greatly knocked him down in my list of upper-echelon coaches in basketball.

Also... I dunno man, I don't think I'm feelin' this new look for Steve Nash. I guess it'll take getting used to.

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

A couple bits of news:

The schedule for the 2006-2007 NBA season has now been put out. There are a lot of great and intriuging matchups. Check the following article: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/column...arc&id=2536337

Also, we will finally get a chance to see Team USA in action. They are going to be playing in an exhibition game on Thursday against Puerto Rico. It will be shown on ESPN2 at 11PM EST.

Lastly, speaking of Team USA, here is an article about Kobe Bryant and his interaction (or lack thereof) with the team since his surgery: Kobe's 'We' Problem

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

I greatly prefer the NBA 2K series over the Live series. I haven't bought a Live game since...like... '99 or so.

Well, Team USA had an impressive showing against Puerto Rico on Thursday. They started off great, then Puerto Rico began competing more and got back in the game... even took the lead a few times. Then, the US took over and pulled away for a 114-69 victory. Now that I've seen how these guys play together finally, I really think our chances are good this year. Still, it's only one game and the competition is going to be much, much greater down the line.

Also, the Suns signed Leandro Barbosa to an extended new deal. This guy had a huge coming out party during the Phoenix's playoff run last season. I knew they weren't gonna let him go. He also says that he wants to be a Sun for life.

How ya doing, buddy?

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

But have you played a Live game since '99? The series has gone through some changes for the better. Ever since Live 2003, the series has been pretty solid ... though admittedly it's hitting that point again where they're getting a little stale. There are still problems that EA sorely needs to address, such as the ultra-annoying tendency (probably 85% of the time) of players stopping dead in their track to catch passes, effectively ruining the fastbreak.

I have NBA Live 2005, and NBA 2K6 -- both for the PS2. Being more used to Live, I was intrigued by what the 2K series brought to the table. I love the pace of the 2K series, it feels like an actual NBA game.

NBA Live's pacing, at its default factory setting -- is awful. I had to go online and find customs sliders provided by other people, i.e., those who prefer a more realistically-paced game. But when you turn down the speed, the players run very, very slowly (even with the turbo held). And it bugged the hell out of me that a trailing defender inexplicably always managed to catch up and get in front of me, even when I was playing as Iverson.

Gameplay wise, it took me a while to get used to the 2K series, since I was so used to Live. I really like the shot stick in 2K6, but I miss having the right analog stick as my dribble-moves. Also, passing is terrific in 2K6 -- I love the lead pass. Fastbreaking is fun in 2K6. The same thing can't be said for Live, you can't run a break properly unless you're miles ahead of the defense.

Graphically speaking, the 2K series is awesome. But Live has much better animation, in my opinion. Live's 10-men motion capture is dope, and the nuances in animation are so good. Live also has better dunk animations. I can't stand the dunks in the 2K series -- not only are they limited in variety, most of them also look awkward and weak.

(Keep in mind that all my comparison is done for the PS2 versions)

Yeah, I've played some of the other Live games since '99, I just haven't bought any myself. I do agree that Live's dunk animations are much better than the 2K series. I've still been playing 2K5 (never bought 2K6) and the dunks are pretty limited. I've never played 2K6 so I can't speak on that but I hope that the upcoming 2K7 improves on that.

Originally Posted by nazpyro

Way to go Jared Jeffries. He got the Knicks (lollin) to give him some huge $30 million offer. Wizards weren't gonna match that shit. They basically said yeah... we get the same type of play out of DeShawn Stevenson for (wait for it!) the league minimum of $932,000 for the first year. Meanwhile, Jeffries goes to a team that's hopeless. I also can't imagine it's fun to be booed by your home court. But he gets his monies. What a win. Meanwhile, Wizards are set to be playoff-bound again with the support of its fans.

Talk about a team mis-managing their salary cap! Is it their goal to overpay every single one of their players? Highest payroll in the league....2nd worst record in the legaue.... the hell is that?! It doesn't make any sense at all.

Washington, on the other hand, made a great move snagging Stevenson. He's gonna help them out very well. It was also good to see them give their coach Eddie Jordan an extension. They've been through a slew of coaches over the last decade or so, so it's good that they have some stability now. They'll definitely be in the playoffs next year.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

The Knicks have made one puzzling move after another. Jared Jeffries $30 million? I don't get it. There is also a rumor going around that Isiah Thomas wants to trade for Darius Miles.

Isiah has done a piss-pour job with the Knicks since he took over the helm. The team was in disarray before the got there and now they're in complete shambles. Making terrible trades, paying players WAY morre than they're worth, firing one of the top 5 best coaches in the league only after one season (a coach that is known for turning struggling teams around). Now, he wants to step out of the box and onto the sidelines? Come on...


== Around the Association ==

>> Knicks coach Thomas denies harassment in filing

>> Carmelo practices with Team USA, says knee is OK

>> Pierce has elbow sugery, expected back for camp

>> Tellem says Harrington ready for new offers

>> NBA promotes Curry to VP of basketball operations

>> New Sonics owner: Key Arena won't cut it

FELIPE NO

Originally Posted by nazpyro

Oh yeah, didn't Dale Davis or someone get stun-gunned. Lollin!

ROFL! Yeah, he did: Pistons' Davis arrested, shocked with stun gun on Miami Beach

I laughed so fucking hard the first time I read this.

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

Originally Posted by TonyDaTigger

I really hope that Portland is able to deal away Darius Miles as he is the last bastich in the Portand Jail Blazers era.

They have gone from a playoff team to just absolute trash these past couple seasons. They have made some great draft and off season moves so it will be interesting to see how they do.

Portland hasn't been the same since they lost Game 7 in the 2000 Western Conference Finals against the Lakers when they were up by like 14 in the 4th quarter. Since then, that team just hasn't been right. They had a really good draft this year though and are making a good effort to bring in charcter guys that can change the identity of that team.

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It's official, Team USA has made it's final cut, and the casualty is Bruce Bowen of the Spurs. Here's an article about it: Team USA names official roster; Bowen final cut

The team is going to miss his "defensive intensity" but I think most people saw this as the obvious cut to make.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by nazpyro

Dang. It would've been fun to see Bruce Bowen coming in with flying side kicks on players from around the world.

lol! Yeah, he could have been our secret weapon.

Originally Posted by nazpyro

Battier does offer more on the offensive end while keeping a defensive mind, so it was an easy cut IMO, though Coach K would say otherwise.

Can't wait for these games to startup. Winning with almost twice as many points as the opponents is crazy. Like the old video games.

Arenas getting hurt probably sealed Bowen's fate. If he hadn't gotten injured, Team USA would have probably cut Himrich instead.

Team USA should get out of group play without any problems. China is probably the only other contender: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/s...ldchampsgroupd



== Around the Association ==

>> Bobcats Unveil Alternate Road Uniform
I actually like these new unis. Adding the blue was a nice touch.

>> 'Starbury' for less: Marbury to endorse cheap kicks
... I have to say I'm not really impressed with the look of this shoe. I mean, they look decent I guess, but I don't think I'd even pay $5.00 for thsoe things.

"Starbury won't be paid for endorsing the sneakers but will be compensated based on how well they sell."

hahaha! Can't wait to see some figures on those sells.

>> Shaq signs shoe deal with Chinese company Li-Ning

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

I have to say that the team that played in this year's FIBA tournament was a lot better than the team we had 4 years ago. They played with a lot more heart and a lot more energy and enthusiasm. However, it was still a flawed team. We don't need to have all superstars on a team to win. What we need are good shooters, more specifically, good 3-point shooters. Michael Redd needs to be on this team come the Olympics. There just aren't many American players these days that can both shoot the 3-pointer well AND play solid defense. That is something that's going to continue to hurt us.

But I'm proud of this year's team and how they played hard. I hope they figure these problems out before '08 though.

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

hehe, there is so much irony in that it's not even funny. While it is true that most of the other teams in the tournament have played together for a lot longer, that is in no way the reason why they lost. I already explained the reason in an earlier post. No consistent shooters (more specifically 3-point shooters) who play defense is why they got the bronze and not the gold.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Yeah, I'm pretty psyched about the NBA season tipping off tonight. I'll definitely be tuning in.

I'm sure all basketball (and sports fan, for that matter) know about the passing of Red Auerbach. His funeral was today. Here is an article about it: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2644409

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

The Heat look like an old, aging team out there last night. They were outplayed at every facet of the game. Maybe there was a big letdown after the whole ring ceremony, I dunno, but they got served. Ben Wallace and crew made a huge opening night statement.

And did you see the size of those championship rings the Heat got? Damn, those things looked like friggen bracelets or something.

FELIPE NO

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

Best dunk from opening week belongs to...

Tim Duncan, you just got SERVED, son!

Nice shot, Timberwolf.

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

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

I'm sure everyone watched the highlights several times

I know I did! I expect to see this on a poster in the not-so-distant future. Dude got baphtized.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

This season has been great so far. I think it's going to get even better as we move forward.

Speaking of LeBron, I have to say that I'm feelin' these "The LeBrons" commercials. I really like 'em. Business LeBron is off the chain.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by nazpyro

Haha. Speaking of LeBron, Slam Dunk Contest this year perhaps... eh? EH?!

I'm holding out hope that he, and some of these other guys will take part in it this year. But, I'm fearful that, the days of big superstars competing in these things are long gone. Nobody wants to get embarrased or mess up it seems. I hardly watch the dunk contest now. Although, I did laugh my ass off when that one guy needed like 345353265 attempts to finally throw one down last year.

The Rockets can make a lot of noise in the West but McGrady and Yao need to stay healthy. Last year, they only played in like 25, 30 games together. That's not gonna get it done. And with offseason acquisitions like Shane Battier and Bonzi Wells, they have people are them that can pay huge dividends.

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

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

IAnd then make the prize money $1 million dollars.

What does the winner of the Dunk Contest get now, besides a trophy? I know they get some sort of cash prize, but it's probably an amount that most ballers wipe their ass with. Some guys may have incentives in their contract if they win stuff like that too.

But yeah, 1 million bones would probably get more guys interested.

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

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

And speaking of headlines and such, Lang Whitaker does an annual piece for SI.com where he gathers the most interesting-but-often-falls-under-the-radar news bits. A lot of it is pretty funny.

Here's the 2005-2006 edition: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200...ies/index.html

And here's the 2004-2005 edition: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200...nks/index.html

Nice finds man. Some very intriguing stuff in there.

And man, Philly is the only team left undefeated in the East. Whodathunkit? Last year they were a horrible mess.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

Well, no longer ... they were soundly beaten by the Pacers tonight. I watched the entire game, and they just didn't bring it. Iverson himself had just 20 points and 3 assists.

Yeah, I probably jinxed them or something. They were playing great ball until I mentioned how well they were playing. Oh well, sucks for them.

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

I also watched the end of the Cleveland-Atlanta game. What a finish. Lebron missed a crucial freethrow near the end of regulation, allowing Lue to make the desperate game-tying layup to force Overtime. And Joe Johnson took over in OT, and the Hawks won. Cleveland had the game in the bag, but missed freethrows by them down the stretch essentially cost them the win.

I saw that game too. Everyone seems to want to compare LeBron to MJ but that's not the case. With the game on the line, Jordan would not have missed that free throw. As great as James is, he still has a LONG way to go before he can even think about approaching that level.

And the Hawks are 3-1, that's suprising considering that they started 0-9 last season. I don't think their success will hold up but they are forming a nice nucleus there for in the future.




The New Orleans Hornets are 4-0, and only one of two undefeated teams left in the Association (Utah Jazz). They've put together a great mix of young and veteran players. Chris Paul is just out of his mind right now. The guy's only in his sophmore year but he is already the unquestioned leader of that team. They can definitely make some noise in the West.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

I do recall MJ missing a freethrow or two during his career with a chance to seal the win. But once in overtime, MJ would always redeem himself and put the other team away with his killer instinct. You're right ... Lebron has a long way to go.

Yeah, a couple times during his ENTIRE career. LeBron is only in his 3rd season and I can think of about a handful of times where he has let this happen. He's a young guy, but still...

A lot of people are making a big deal about him walking off the court last night with 10 seconds to go against ATL. I don't think it's a big deal and it's not the same thing as Randy Moss walking off the field that time when he was with the Vikings. I mean, it was wrong to do but unlike Moss, LeBron has been a standup guy who has class and sportsmanship. I'm gonna give him the benefit of the doubt on this one.

FELIPE NO

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

What, I didn't know he walked off! Did he just quietly slip away, or did he storm out? I'm guessing he was just upset at himself because he essentially cost his team the game.

No, he didn't storm out or make a scene. I believe he, or someone else on the Cavs, took a shot. The shot was a brick, and when Atlanta grabbed the rebound, he calmly walked off the court. There was about 10 seconds left but the game was well out of reach by that time.

Like I said, I didn't really think it was that big of a deal. Maybe he shouldn't have done it but it was nothing to make a big fuss about, in my opinion.

Double Post:
Here's an article about the whole thing: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2655852

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

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

When healthy, Tracy McGrady is top 5 in this league. But he probably isn't even top 10 now, and he's admitting this in a stunningly candid article: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200...nba/index.html

It is the rarest thing for a 27-year-old superstar to admit that he's no longer the elite player he once was. That's the kind of thing no player would even want to admit to himself, because you'd start believing it in. The article also makes an interesting point:



Of course, every player is different. T-Mac is a unique case in that he has a chronic back ailment. You look at Kobe and KG -- the latter has already logged on more minutes than the Celtic great who drafted him, Kevin McHale -- and they are still going strong despite nagging injuries that have piled up. But it does make you wonder, just how what Lebron's game and health will be like at age 30, which will be during his 12th NBA season.

As for T-Mac's 13 points in 35 seconds, it was one of the most amazing things in basketball I had ever seen. I remember watching the game while slumped in my couch -- thinking the game was essentially over -- with headphones on soft enough so that I could still hear Steve Kerr and Marv Albert call the game.

Then it happened. It unfolded shot by shot, and by the end I fell out of my couch. And my jaw was on the floor.

Okay, you know what -- I am going to upload this game for you guys. Y'all wait for it

I'm very suprised to see him actually admit that he has diminished a bit as a player. Like you said, few people rarely even want to admit that to themselves, let alone to the world. I hope he has several good years ahead of him though. It'd be a shame if he went down the same path as his former teammate, Grant Hill, went.

Dude, it'd be awesome if you uploaded that game. Not since Reggie Miller's explosion in the Garden had I seen anything like that.

Jam it back in, in the dark.