Just hoping nothing’s too serious with Rip’s ankle. Good way to kick it off. You can definitely tell this team has a coach, thank god.

I picked Lopez and Arenas with successive picks in the 3rd and 4th round. I feel smart.

“Of course, they were without Allen Iverson, who managed to make close contests out of this sort of game last year.”

Ha.

What’s this “Celtics Polanskied the Hornets crap”? I have a quandary for you. I have a cake. Would you like to Eat It? Wear It? or Play with it? Cause its coming your way Kevin!

So, we’re all in agreement:

Gordon’s new nickname is “Commissioner” Gordon. Or “The Commish” for short.

What the fuck would I ever ask the Celtics bloggers to do except kiss my ass?

Kevin Sawyer is down with me. Tardy DBB threads or otherwise. /Polanski’d is gross jargon, but it gets your point across. The Rubio bit was hilarious.

I liked Blaha’s recognition of his 34th season broadcasting. Detroit is my team, the city I was born in, it’s good to see somebody who takes pride in Detroit like I do.

It’s awesome to see Ben Wallace back. Earlier this year I suggested we bring him back & I caught a tiny bit of static here for the idea, but I’m very happy he’s a Piston again.

Ben Kenobi?

Word. We got two Bens, Ben Kenobi & Ben Skywalker, the #7 padawan

With one game, the Pistons have managed to match its number of 20 point victories from a season ago. One game sample sizes are generally useless for predicting future results, but 28 win teams don’t blow out opponents on the road.

Maybe not, but 24-win teams do.

Fun game! But FSN Tennessee play-by-play announcers are horrible!

One example (rephrasing):
“John Kuester was the brains behind the Cleveland offense last season.”

“Brains? Not really. Just give LeBron the ball and move out the way…I could’ve coached that team.”

They gave Q no credit at all.

That killed me. I also loved how they constantly complained about the “lack of respect” from the refs, and refused to acknowledge that MAYBE the reason the Griz couldn’t score inside was because they couldn’t finish well. Oh, and they used the phrase, “hoppin’ mad.”

I definitely think we’re starting to see now how much the Cavs miss Coach Q. The Mike Brown offense is NOT getting it done right now, and it wasn’t getting it done when it somehow resurfaced in the ECF last year. Kuester had the offense built to take advantage of LeBron’s strengths, and it seems like they’ve totally forgotten how well his drive and kick offense worked last year (and would work this year, with Anthony Parker on board). They might be a bit of a mess this year (Probably not, BUT I CAN HOPE).

the crunch-time lineup might end up being BG-rip-tayshaun-ben-kwame, with tayshaun facilitating the offense for the guards. this would combine the best possible defensive frontline with both scorers to compensate for playing ben and kwame together.

memphis is fucking terrible. the wrong gasol is pretty good, though.

in unrelated news, anthony randolph had 8 points, 4 rebounds, and a block…in ten minutes of action, which translates to like 29/14/3 per 36. somebody needs to save that poor dude from nellie.

the bobcats 59 point effort gave me flashbacks to the bad old days of “knicks 62, heat 58”.

darko has been freed, playing 17 minutes off the bench for the knicks. howEVA, his 4 points and 7 rebounds were not enough to lead the team to victory.

We can’t use Ben Kenobi, because the Spurs already use Obi-Wan Ginobili, and our 6th man is way better than that flopping wuss-bag.

@KS…didn’t see the game, but Stuck was only +3, easily the lowest of the 4 guards. Was he out there quite a bit with the 2d unit later in the game?

@TDP…remember, Curry looked good as a coach until Chauncey got traded. We were looking good after the first 5-6 games, too.

@Thom…I never really thought Mike Brown was that great a coach. If he can’t get it done this year, he’ll be looking for work…unless LBJ stays in Cleveland and wants him there.

I’m down with “Commissioner”, especially if his clutch shooting is anywhere near Chauncey’s.

Some perspective on how bad that Bobcats loss was:

Charlotte sets a franchise low in scoring for a game with 59.
59 points is the lowest score any team has had on opening night in the shot clock era.
The Bobcats committed as many fouls as they had made field goals (23).

larry brown will want to turn over the entire roster after that loss. tyson chandler, gerald wallace, raja bell, and boris diaw can be had for pennies on the dollar. especially since MJ is still theoretically involved.

@Kevin – Good job on the game wrap up. it was nice to read.

Before we start handing out nicknames after a single performance, shouldn’t we wait and see how things go after, say, 10-12 games?

I’ll put myself at risk of being flamed for having no sense of humor here, but I really wish people would refrain from comments like “applying his mascara” and others that slam players (or posters) based on an implicit doubting of one’s lifestyle choices and sexual preference. Note, I am not saying “Kevin is a vicious homophobe and should be banned from posting”. I don’t know Kevin and have no reason to assume that there’s any intolerant bigotry to him. But these sorts of comments do reinforce stereotypes that go with a dominant (but fortunately waning) hostility toward individuals who do not (or are perceived not to) adhere to the prevailing gender norms. A few decades ago, it would have been acceptable to comment that an African-American athlete should “go back to the jungle and chuck some spears”. Today, this would appall most thinking people. As a society, we now (rightfully) would be appalled to read something like this. I’m hoping we continue down the road where the same standard is upheld with gays and lesbians.

Again, I don’t mean this as a slam against Kevin, but only to encourage people to consider the implicit judgments that we make without thinking. And I am not in a glass house in this case: I fully acknowledge that I can also fall into such traps.

Just something to consider.

On a more basketball-relevant note, I’m not sure why Will Bynum is “the bad”. When your number four guard scores seven points on six shots, has a seven to one A/T ratio, and pulls down five boards, you’ve got to feel good about his outing, (unless I’m missing something about his defense last night). MFWB’s job isn’t to score 25 a night, although he may be able to do that sometimes. Am I wrong to suspect that no number four guard has had such an effective night in this young season?

Sorry. Five points for MFWB. Still looks to be an effective part of the victory.

I don’t know if this has been reported yet, But the Mikhail Prokorov is now the owner of the New Jersey nets.

WTH…Don’t snooze on MFWB… He is vying for Stuck’s position. I see him proving that he can and should be the starting pg. I’m with robotboy15…In NO way is MFWB the bad!

Didn’t see the game, but all in all, looked fine from the comments and boxscore. I read where Rip/Ben went 17-31 and that’s after Rip missed 5 of his first 6 shots. Then they were 16 for 25 . . holy shit. . 64% is what’s known as getting it done.

Did Stuck run the offense OK? Just asking as he had 3 assists, 1 T/O and a steal. If Rip/BG are going to go 17 for 31 a game, I think Stuck is doing his job, IMHO if he can limit T/Os.

But Kevin is right, if Ben/Kwame/Wilcox can’t crack 50% from the line, we are fucked.

Robotboy15: Relax. No one here is homophobe and LJ-in-KC doesn’t post very often. It’s more of a picture of Rubio. If the guy had been drafted by the knicks, I’ve got $100 he’s at MSG the next day practicing. The Wolves ??? It’s certainly his perogative not to sign, but his excuse was (I believe) that he wanted to work on his game and get his body ready for the NBA. Girlish if you ask me after putting his name in the draft, but, his perogative. But remember, this is a blog for the TOUGHEST team in the NBA.

Now, just 97 more to go.

@Fadel:

They gave Q no credit at all.

But Lebron did. I was watching a post-game interview last night were when asked about the team’s early problems he basically said that they lost Q-ster to the Pistons and now they have to adjust to a whole new offense.

MBinSoCal:

Stuckey looked good, Rip and Gordon were on fire, and our defense was very solid. Ben, Kwame, Max, and even CV all defended well.

I was impressed with how well we took care of the ball and how hard we played and ran the floor — didn’t get that consistently last year, as we all know.

I think it was Joel who mentioned that CV looks like he’s pressing, trying to show he deserves the contract he got. I would agree. He got two quick fouls and sat most of the first half but did some good things in the 3rd. He even played solid D, which I’m thrilled about, as it’s been one of my concerns.

Only other minor disappointment: MFWB didn’t quite look himself. He distributed well, but he looked tentative.

Obviously, we were playing the Grizz, but still, a very encouraging start. Other than those two minor gripes, we were solid.

One other thing about MFWB: he also rebounded like a champ. That tentativeness that I mentioned was more on offense … he didn’t really attack like we’re used to — but even so, he logged very quality minutes and did his job well.

A very solid start. I still have some concern about such a high percentage of the points coming from guards, but if CV can find his groove — and he certainly seemed to be trying last night, that will help. Yeah, the Grizz suck, but remember all those predictions they would beat us anyway? And for whatever reason, road wins are much harder to come by than home wins in the NBA.

My only real regret about last night is that both Jerebko and Daye were suspended, because I’m sure that type of blowout would have allowed them to play some significant minutes.

Does anyone know why Summers wasn’t dressed? That surprised me, and I’ve yet to hear anyone say why?

“he basically said that they lost Q-ster to the Pistons and now they have to adjust to a whole new offense.”

So I guess this means we finally beat the Cavs… by attrition! We are the only team in our division to make moves that are sure to run Prima Bronna out of Cleveland.
Ohio takes another L. courtesy of MICHIGAN.

Great start for the team, but against the nba’s doormat. If anyone’s interested, here’s a link to the Donagy book that doesn’t surprise me much. It could just be sour grapes by him, but I kinda believe everything he’s saying.

http://deadspin.com/5392067/excerpts-from-the-book-the-nba-doesnt-want-you-to-read

Craig,

I would imagine that there’s some truth to small portions of that.

But take the LA / Sacramento series, which is touted as the prime example of game manipulation, and juxtapose that with the Detroit / LA series of 04.

If the former makes you lose faith in the NBA, what does the latter do?

Summers wasn’t dressed because the Pistons were only allowed to dress 10 because of the suspensions.

I watched the rebroadcast. My thoughts:

Overall, the defense was great. The effort was tremendous. Offensively, they looked like the 6 ECF Pistons on fast forward. Especially when Rip and BG were out there together, they were flying around off the ball. As soon as one play was jammed up, they didn’t hesitate to break into another one. So many times with the 6 ECF group they would walk the ball up, run one play and then be screwed.

Kwame should start over CV until CV gets his legs under him and gets better on the defensive end. He had some blocks in the second half but he was awful in his 3 minutes in the first half.

Maxiell looked like the Maxey of two years ago. He’s staked his claim as the 4th big man.

Ben Wallace is amazing.

Ben Gordon can shoot. But, I was impressed with how hard he played on defense.

Bynum and Stuckey ran the offense efficiently.

Rip and Tayshaun had good games. Tay made Rudy Gay work for every great shot he hit. Rip looks improved as a ball handler.

Wilcox didn’t do much to make me notice him either way.

Oh, and Stuckey’s spin move on Conley was the play of the game…

@Craig,
I believe every bit of those excerpts. especially about the star treatment. Notice how when ever Detroit wins a ring. “they” change the game.

“How long am I going to be punished for Javie?” he quietly inquired.

“Don’t know what you’re talking about, Allen,” I responded.

@ Craig and scntfc

But doesn’t the fact that the D has three rings in my lifetime say something?

Honestly, we’ve all watched games and felt like it was rigged … but this seems all to convenient. Scorned NBA ref with no future career options, writes a book to make some money, yada yada. I’m sure there are some elements of truth here and there, but it has to be exaggerated.

Seriously, let’s consider the source.

A couple excerpts from Tim Donaghy’s new book.

“To have a little fun at the expense of the worst troublemakers, the referees working the game would sometimes make a modest friendly wager amongst themselves: first ref to give one of the bad boys a technical foul wouldn’t have to tip the ball boy that night. In the NBA, ball boys set up the referees’ locker room and keep it stocked with food and beer for the postgame meal. We usually ran the kid ragged with a variety of personal requests and then slipped him a $20 bill. Technically, the winner of the bet won twice-he didn’t have to pay the kid and he got to call a T on Mr. Foul-Mouthed Big-Shot Du Jour.

After the opening tip, it was hilarious as the three of us immediately focused our full attention on the intended victim, waiting for something, anything, to justify a technical foul. If the guy so much as looked at one of us and mumbled, we rang him up. Later in the referees’ locker room, we would down a couple of brews, eat some chicken wings, and laugh like hell."

God, I wonder who he is referring to?

http://deadspin.com/5392067/excerpts-from-the-book-the-nba-doesnt-want-you-to-read
"

Damn..I’m beaten to the punch. :(

brgulker,
everytime a new star arises in the EC, they change the rules of the game. Jordan, Howard, Wade and James all of whom are talented players were launched into superstardom by the fall of the Detroit Pistons. correct me if I am wrong.

It seems like none of those guys would/will ever have ever sniffed a championship had Detroit not had something to do with it. and with the exception of Howard we have seen howthese stars have been coddled by the league on their way up.

howthese stars have been coddled by the league on their way up.

I don’t dispute that it seems as if the “star treatment” exists at all. I know I’ve watched games and thought that very same thing.

All I’m saying is, let’s not swallow everything hook, line, and sinker. I mean, we’re talking about the Madoff of referees here as our source.

That said, we didn’t lose a championship because of the refs, if you ask me. Yes, the defensive rules changed. But we sure as heck never lost to Cleveland or Orlando because of the refs (the two rising stars in the East currently).

I don’t dispute that it seems as if the "star treatment" exists at all. I know I’ve watched games and thought that very same thing.

Poorly phrased. It seems to me that stars do tend to get more calls. I can’t back that up with anything more than an impression, but it’s an impression I’ve certainly had.

Tayshaun has a very quiet 14 and 5.

“Note, I am not saying "Kevin is a vicious homophobe and should be banned from posting". "

I’m calling him a diva, not a homosexual. The only person who should be offended is Lindsay Lohan.

I’m giving the Robot a fist-bump. This ain’t the Freep comment area. We’re DBB. We’re smart. Snarky, sure. Assholes, sometimes. But are we prey to the basest of stereotypes? No. And that’s why I read.

The more you know…

On a basketball note, knowing now that we could have drafted DeJuan Blair, when I watch him, it’s a bit like driving in DC. When you’re driving in DC, you get stuck in traffic a lot. Every time I do, I find myself hoping that there was an awful, fatal accident, with headless torsos strewn across the highway. Because otherwise, I just live in an area with shitty traffic for no inexplicable reason.

Likewise, as I watch Blair, I’m sitting here hoping his knees explode. Because that would explain why the D didn’t draft him. Otherwise, it’s inexplicable.

And this makes me a terrible, terrible human being.

Oops, “no inexplicable” is redundant. My bad, grammar gurus.

I hope that DeJuan tears it up this season for two reasons.

First, because he’s exactly the type of player that wins games, and GM’s (specifically ours) needs to be reminded of that from time to time.

Secondly, and more importantly, I want Dice to get a ring. SA needs every contributor to contribute at their highest level if they’re going to win a ring.

Oklahoma City has a pretty impressive win against another doormat in Sacramento. Two things, though: 1) Not one of their starters played less than 29 minutes in a blowout. 2) Their bench scored only 11 points.

Going to be a fun game to watch, though. The Thunder have got to be most people’s second-favorite team.

@Rob G

Also, Chase Budinger.

Budinger looked fantastic last night: 17pts/3rbds/1stl in 16:30 minutes.

What is that, like 36/7/2 per 36min? Wouldn’t have minded maybe keeping that pick, and not ever bothering with this whole Washington deal… but that’s just me. To think though, that we could’ve had the Right DeJuan, Daye, Jerebko, and Budinger. Alas…

I hope that DeJuan tears it up this season…

And he will. Unfortunately it will be his knees.

<<<H8R.

@ Joel:

Budinger scored 11 points and had 2 rebounds in almost 18 minutes. 3 for 6 from downtown, though.

Yeah that was my bad. I was unknowingly looking at his total season stats. Still, I watched a bit of that game last night— free League Pass broadband is awesome while it lasts— and he looked like he belonged. Super athletic, great shooting touch, has the tools to be an ace defender. Reminds me of Trevor Ariza except Chase already has better ball-handling skills.

Budinger scored 11 points and had 2 rebounds in almost 18 minutes

Which is more than Summers, Daye, and Jerebko combined.

;)

“Secondly, and more importantly, I want Dice to get a ring.” I second that, brotha. It was heartbreaking to see Dice in black, but he needs some hardware to go with his Olympic gold.

@ Anyone, everyone:

Rip’s ankle might be worse than it looked last night. Early prognosis looks decent, however. Gordon might start in his place tomorrow night.

I only hope McDyess gets a ring in San Antonio if somehow Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Gregg “Proactiv would’ve been nice in my day” Popovich are somehow horribly murdered mid-season. Also, add Matt Bonner to that list if he’s still on that team.

I want the Right DeJuan to do well to show NBA GMs that they don’t need to outsmart themselves. Seriously, just pick the best player available and go with it. This means you, Joe D.

Wow- the quotes from Tim Donaghy’s book are pretty damning. It makes Sheed’s comment about nothing being real seem pretty spot-on. It’ll be interesting to see if there is any reaction from the NBA.

Thanks brgulker.

Rob G:
“Because otherwise, I just live in an area with shitty traffic for no inexplicable reason.” Welcome to LA.

I dunno about all of the allegations in the book excerpt, but if the fix wasn’t in during that 2002 Kings-Lakers series, then I’m a monkey’s uncle. That doesn’t mean the refs always choose favorites, or even that if they favor one team, that team wins. Detroit just smoked LA in ’04; the Lakers were lucky to win one game. Not sure reffing could have made up for that, even if the league really cared at that point.

If Dyess comes back to Detroit, I will handcraft a gold replica of Ghostface Killah’s famed Eagle Bangle for him. That is some majestic ass hardware right there.

The screwed up part about Tim “Not Jack” Donaghy’s book is that he is probably looking to point the finger at other people since being outed as such a dirtbag.

So I don’t really know what to believe. I hate David Stern and his zebra posse, but I also don’t trust a guy like Donaghy.

Here’s the thing about the “dirtbag trying to save face by throwing other people under the bus” angle everyone’s taking— isn’t this exactly what everyone said when Canseco’s tell-all came out? He got absolutely smeared as some type of vindictive asshole (which may be true) originally, but that book got the ball rolling on the steroid shit. And now it turns out literally every name he dropped has turned out to be true (well not Maggs/Pudge, yet, but let’s be honest). I would bet bottom dollar that most of what he’s saying is true. Too much of it lines up exactly with what I’ve been seeing for years too perfectly.

I hear you. If you’ve ever watched more than 2 or 3 ‘stons games then you’ll find alot of truths in just that small sampling of the book that’s on the net right now.

I’m not a fan of Stern or any of those black & white wearing assclowns.

Ah, how quickly those refs have fallen in our collective favor. Yesterday, they were returning family members; we were so glad they’re back. Today, they are assclowns.

@br "Reminds me of Trevor Ariza except Chase already has better ball-handling skills.

He’s not as athletic as Trevor, is he?"

Why is he not as athletic br? Because he’s white?

@br

FYI, Chase had more points than the others because 2 of them were on suspension.

/no duh
//brgulker’d
///Chase is still a 2nd round pick and according to you he sucks anyway

Boney, it was an honest question. I’ve seen Budinger play once or twice. He didn’t look all that athletic, and I know Ariza is fairly athletic.

And FWIW, I thought Budinger was a good pick, based on what I knew of him and said as much. And yeah, of course our rookies were suspended, which is why they had a collective doughnut on the stat sheet. Hence the ;) in my previous post.

Tell me, do you have to try to be that big of an ass, or does it come naturally to you?

Budinger is mad athletic. Hops like what. Dude would be a fantastic entry to the dunk contest. And he can shoot and handle. He’s a “high-flying wing player” in every sense of the word.

Bud was an outstanding volleyball player, too, which i think is notable. The only other baller who was any good at volleyball? Wilt the Stilt. Bam! Budinger to Chamberlin comparison.

Thanks for an honest answer to an honest question Joel.

regarding volleyball…whoa, what? Really? Honest answer to an honest statement: I’m willing to bet Mike Payne’s collection of Bette Midler DVD’s that one could select any 2 members of a starting 5 in the NBA and they would be more than athletic enough to compete against karch kiraly or kerri walsh. There’s just something to be said for “hey, i play in the Mt. Dew Sweet Valley High Volleyball Invitational” that doesn’t exactly scream interesting, worthwhile, or NBA athlete competitive.

From Draft Express:

“A three-time San Diego County volleyball player of the year and the 2006 Mizuno national volleyball Player of the Year…”

Apparently he actually had to decide between pursuing professional beach volleyball and basketball… and it wasn’t easy for him. THAT’S how good at volleyball he was.

@wolf – you ever actually play beach volleyball? Try spiking after jumping out of sand and tell us that they’re not athletic.

@ Rob G. I grew up on lake michigan. yes.

“I’m willing to bet Mike Payne’s collection of Bette Midler DVD’s…”

That’s fantastic.

“I’m gay.”
“No you’re not, you’re just unsuccessful with women.”
“No I’m gay. Judith got me in touch with the other JD.”
“Oh yeah? How’d she do that?”
“She listened… unlike other friends who’ve known me my whole life and have ignored all the telltale signs.”
“Like what?”
“My obsession with Bette Midler, my preference for track lighting, oh yea and the fact that I like sucking dick.”
“WHAT!! You’ve done that?”
“Well no but remember when I bought that book on yoga?”

Aha. AHA! Oh. Well, carry on.

This was directed at Wolf, btw.

@rob g- no blood no foul…I’m just saying, yeah, you gotta be athletic to be on the move, in the sand, jumping, pivoting, and diving… There’s just a reason why they are playing volleyball in obscure beach tourneys instead of making cash money in a more lucrative sport. And yes, money isn’t everything, and perhaps volleyball is their personal preference… just like our fearless co-leader, Mike Payne’s personal preference, hinges around ice cream and Gilmore Girls.

I have to head out…but somebody please make sure Payne Train burns me good, preferably in his notable White Text Block Font with a breath of authority, just so it stands out more. BFF Mike Payne, Homeys till we die.

Does that mean I have to return my Gypsy DVD?

As for this:

“Seriously, just pick the best player available and go with it. This means you, Joe D.”

If Michael Jordan didn’t change the draft game, do you think TRDJ is going to do so?

I’m surprised we only had 81 offensive possessions in last nights game. We averaged 87 possessions last year as one of the slowest teams in the league and it seemed to me we were playing at a faster tempo.

As long as we keep averaging 118 per 100 possessions I’ll be happy though.

We’re talking beach volleyball & Bette Midler . ?? Life must be good for us DBBers. lol

And Karch Kari and some of those other guys (since my son is into big time – this volleyball thing) have done pretty well for themselves. And Chase can play until he’s 30 and then hit the volleyball circuit.

…and I’m back; @nutterbutter, note: 14 year old girls use LOL, if you have a son, your use of the verbiage is probably frowned upon by your own spawn. And yes, DBB is a happenin’ thread, we are a topical bunch. As your son will probably inform you, it’s probably spelled “karch kiraly”, but I may be wrong, and yeah- that guy has done great for himself; he competes, he knows the sport, and he wins. By no means was I knocking him. I believe that I intimated that any 2 starters off of an NBA team could compete, athleticism wise- not win, but compete. Give the selected 2 NBA starters a year in your johnny #5 short circuit, and I would tilt towards ‘win.’ Likewise, and subsequently, after they dominate the circuit they would probably blow all there money on friends, hookers, and gambling. Lesson being, Volleyball pro players > NBA players

@grammar police: there (=) their.

@ wolf blitzer

PS @ PS http://yanksfansoxfan.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/10/31/paps.jpg

Bam! Budinger to Chamberlin comparison.

Chase has also turned out thousands of hoes.

@ Jim:

I can see you read PistonPowered today too, sir.

I own Saving Silverman on VHS.

Mike Payne’s personal preference, hinges around ice cream and Gilmore Girls.

Have you SEEN alexis bledel?

Man, why are people hating on Gilmore Girls? And ice cream? What the hell?

Also, I know this may sound crazy, but shouldn’t we be rooting for the “Wrong” DaJaun to succeed? The guy’s talented himself, you know.

I personally prefer ice cream paint job>/a>

ice cream adds to thighs, ice cream paint job helps you laugh it off.

Honestly I can’t tell who’s worse, him or the New Boyz? I suppose Dorrough at least has entertaining lyrics

whoops, screwed up the html

this is the link ice cream paint job

@br

your “smirk” was not about the racially tinged post in which you pondered “I thought Ariza was more athletic than Budinger”…

just admit it, bigot.

@Boney: What’s with the witch hunt?

Trevor Ariza is more athletic than white people.

Now that I think of it, Dan Cortese was pretty athletic.

smush parker is athletic.

Chances are that Rip misses the next two games. Anyone else want Bynum to start in his place? I know it’s gonna end up being Gordon, but we can wish, right!? lol

The Bulls are taking advantage of the Spurs old legs. Noah and Deng are killing them on the boards.

Derrick Rose is sick.

DeJuan looks fairly good but I can’t see him functioning in an uptempo game. Maybe it’s because I know about his potential knee issues but he does look like an old man running up and down the court.

McDyess isn’t getting a lot of open shots on the second unit. I’d like to see him get some court time with Duncan.

They’re really starting Bonner over Dyess? That had better change.

Some interesting comments here tonight.Last nights game was awesome, alot of good things happened ,but what stood out for me more then anything was the hustle.When was the last time you saw Tay dive 5 rows into the stands for a lose ball or Max diving to the floor.I think we should all thank the basketball gods for delivering big BEN back to us.

If Rip is out for a couple games I’ll be interested to see how Stuckey, BG, and Bynum play together in a 3 guard rotation. That’ll give us a little look at what life would be like if we traded Rip for a big.

OT: This makes me chuckle every time:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuj68DDb3oQ

Those Denver alternate road jerseys are sick…

The Pistons need an alternate road jersey with Pistons in script. That’d look hot.

I’m interested to see Daye and Durant have a span off.

So Andre Miller doesn’t even start? They REALLY should went after Ben Gordon harder. That team would be scary.

Melo with 40. Dayum.

http://nba.fanhouse.com/2009/10/29/elton-brand-no-longer-fits-in-philly/

philly was my preseason pick to unexpectedly suck…along with charlotte expectedly sucking, pistons playoff odds are improving all the time.

Re Donaghy: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4605985 ….how the NBA investigates this will be, ummm, entertaining. I believe Donaghy, BTW.

@TDP:

Those Denver alternate road jerseys are sick…

I picked up a Carmelo jersey in that style a couple years ago. Easily in my top 3 favorite jerseys ever owned.

@ Wolf I think, though I’ve got 3 boys and no gils, 14 year old girls use “hehehe.”

And tonite, I’d like to see Daye matched up against Durant, just to see how he’d do defensively against him. . even for just a few minutes.

As for the trade re: Rip and see what MFWB/Stuck/BG – problem is we wouldn’t see the big and how that’d affect the spacing.

@ Boney

Yes, I’m racist against white people, including myself. I actually wrote White Men Can’t Jump, but I intended as a serious drama, not a satirical comedy.

/get bent
//boney’d

And by the way,

/get bent
//boney’d

this looks just as stupid when you do it.

For those mentioning what was most impressive…how was it not the limit in turnovers? They had something like 3 according to memphis’s shitty commentators going into the 4th quarter and ended with only 9 turnovers. Considering they were playing like scrubs during the 4th, I’d think 3 turnovers through 3 quarters is ridiculous especially considering the number of turnovers they committed in the pre-season.

After that, 4 blocks and 5 steals. Sure we’re playing a memphis team filled with me-first players, but that is some feisty defense for a team that again in the pre-season, had some serious issues with defense.

Lastly, 20 assists on 37 field goals is a pretty solid ratio…espeically when its more than a 2:1 team assist to turnover ratio…

Living in Seattle I hope we beat the fuck out of the OKC Rustlers tonight.