The 2005-2006 NBA Season Discussion Thread

It's called coming up small, that's what this is.

The Heat's best player Wade wanted this title more than anything in the world. He did everything he could to get it. What did Dirk do? Came up small in the biggest game of his life. Did he even score in the 4th quarter? He also passed up a shot to pass the ball to Dam-frickin-pier who lost the ball and the Heat got it right back. He was scared to shoot. The Mavs made critical mistakes at the end of games. In a way they choked. I don't know how else to put it. They blew a total of 3 games they could've easily won this series with key mistakes. You can't do that once in an NBA Finals let alone 3 frickin times.

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I really must say - having watched Carolina win the cup yesterday and the Heat winning the championship tonight - when the clock hit 0.00 at the very end in hockey, there was a outburst of pure, pure happiness and joy... it's always so exciting to watch an NHL team win the cup the moment the clock hits 0.00.
When the clock hit 0.00 for tonights game in b-ball, there was no explosion of joy, but just some cockiness and smiles. Nothing at all as fun to watch.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Originally Posted by squaretex

So did I, bishop...so did I.
Heat 95, Dallas 92. Heat takes the championship.

...and sad am I.

So am I. They blew their chance the Mavs. I don't know what got into them.

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I almost cracked up when Gary Payton was dribbling the ball at the top of the key, mouthing off to the referee. Then he passed the ball, extended both his arms, gesturing and still talking to the referee.

And then the pass suddenly came back to him, and his panicked reaction was like, "Oh my god, it's the ball."

I'm very happy for GP. Finally, he's getting his ring.

Originally Posted by bishop743

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.

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.

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

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

I almost cracked up when Gary Payton was dribbling the ball at the top of the key, mouthing off to the referee. Then he passed the ball, extended both his arms, gesturing and still talking to the referee.

And then the pass suddenly came back to him, and his panicked reaction was like, "Oh my god, it's the ball."

I laughed. The commentators were like: "What the hell is he doing?"


But yeah, Heat win in 6, I believe that was what I said so woohoo on predictions. Mavs could have easily won this series, but something sparked in the Heat and they came back to win 4 games straight.


It's disappointing that the Heat had to win in Dallas though. There is no cheers of joy from the fans when you win in your opponent's arena. I was pleased with Cuban's sportsmanship after they lost - he stood and clapped for the Heat. Still, the stands evaporated after the game was over.

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Originally Posted by Ryuu

I was pleased with Cuban's sportsmanship after they lost - he stood and clapped for the Heat.

I wasn't that pleased by it. Maybe it's just me, but the way he did it just seemed like he was being sarcastic or something about it. I mean, he got on the court and started slowly doing these big claps, so it just looked weird to me, like he didn't really mean it. I'm probably just reading too much into it, though.

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 bishop743

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.

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.

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

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 was speaking idiomatically.

Originally Posted by bishop743

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.

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).

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

Originally Posted by bishop743

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.

Ah I see. I don't get ESPN here

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

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.

FELIPE NO

I hope AI doesn't get traded, but it looks like he's going to. Man, he's my favorite player ever. It would be so sad to see him go.

I hope somehow the Sixers can get Roy or Gay in the draft. Billy King said they are trying to move up.

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

So, Tracy McGrady will be the cover boy of the upcoming NBA Live 07.



Jam it back in, in the dark.

I know this may sound stupid but i had to ask it:

What is the draft in NBA?

As i have started watching NBA truly since this year, this is the first draft i hear about. I used to only see scores and not care a lot.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

LARRY BROWN IS OUT! Zeke is taking over.

Originally Posted by han89

I know this may sound stupid but i had to ask it:

What is the draft in NBA?

As i have started watching NBA truly since this year, this is the first draft i hear about. I used to only see scores and not care a lot.

The NBA Draft is held each year at the end of June, where all the NBA teams select new players. These young players are usually from the college level. The teams that didn't make the Playoffs participate in a lottery, with the worst team having the best chance of drafting first.

For example, in 2003 Cleveland won the lottery and was awarded with the first pick. They picked Lebron James.

How ya doing, buddy?

Ah ok. That's good to know. So it's a nice thing to wait for. So who gets to choose first? Who came last year in last place?

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Originally Posted by han89

Ah ok. That's good to know. So it's a nice thing to wait for. So who gets to choose first? Who came last year in last place?

The team with the worst record doesn't necessarily get to draft first. It gets the best chances (i.e. highest probability) to win that number one pick.

This year, the Raptors beat the odds (since they didn't have the worst record) and won the lottery. So they have the number one pick.

I was speaking idiomatically.

After seeing the finals, I'm eager to see if Dallas can redeem itself from its horrid finals performance. The suns will also be more fun to watch being that amare is coming back, and i think they have a legitimate chance to go to the finals.

it seemed as though this years playoffs was marked by lots of upsets or near upsets, but i guess that makes it more exciting

How ya doing, buddy?

I have to say that this year can be called by "the Rise of teams!" as a lot of teams got the chance to rise above such as Dallas and Miami and found themselves in the finals, beating big teams.

FELIPE NO

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

I wanted Carney going in, and was so mad when we drafted Sefolosha. Then we ended up with him anyway. So I'm happy.

What I'm not happy about is that AI is going to be traded soon. His days here are ticking down. While I don't want him to be dealt, it's necessary. It's time for the Sixers to rebuild. Damn, I'm gonna miss the guy.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

This was a weak, weak draft. I think this is going to be one of those years where as many players from the 2nd round stick in the NBA as those in the 1st round. There are only about 5-7 players in that first 20 list that I'd think have a chance of being 10-year players.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Hahaha, I just found out that the Shane Battier/Rudy Gay trade also included Stromile Swift, who ends up back in Memphis. So much for the Rockets needing athleticism to complement Yao. The Stro Show has been a big disappointment anyway.


And the Raptors swapped Charlie Villanueva (who scored 48 points as a rookie this past season) for TJ Ford from Milwaukee. Bryan Colangelo doin' his thang.

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

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.

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

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.

I was speaking idiomatically.