Let's get it started - 65 questions For the 65th Season
by Kevin Sawyer on Oct 26, 2010 7:33 PM EDT
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PrintThe NBA Season is upon us. To celebrate the 65th season of NBA action, here are answers to the top 65 questions.
DETROIT BASKETBALL
1. How many games with the Pistons win this year?
A: 38. Coach Kuester seems to have figured out where the talent on the team lies, and the offense really opened up in the preseason. The truth is, this team goes about 11 deep with average players. On paper, that should yield an average result,minus a couple of wins for the absence of Jonas Jerebko. Expect fewer injuries and improved three point shooting, but reliably lousy defense.
2. Who will be the Pistons MVP?
A: Ben Wallace. Theoretically, Ben Gordon should run away with this, but I'm going to need to see evidence that last year was an injury induced fluke. Otherwise, what has really changed from last year?
3. Who will be the Pistons' leading scorer?
A: This is interesting. If Stuckey takes the lead, it will probably indicate his time as a starter is up, which leaves Ben Gordon. Otherwise, it's probably Gordon anyway.
4. Will any Pistons make the all-star game?
A: Nope.
5. Come on. Humor me?
A: Actually, Wallace might have a shot at the Joe Dumars memorial "lifetime achievement injury replacement" roster spot. Otherwise, if the Pistons are above .500 and BG is averaging 19 ppg, I could see that happening.
6. Will Austin Daye work at the 4?
A: Sort of. The Pistons weren't going to get a lot of defense at that position anyway, and Daye has the most breakout potential. He'll be poorly matched on defense, but should create mismatches on offense. This is the best way to get the best players on the court.
7. Will Detroit make a major mid-season trade?
A: No. The price for a talented big is going to be expiring + young talent + draft pick. If the Pistons have a high enough draft pick to offer, they won't be in a position where it makes sense to trade young talent (read: Daye).
8. What about Rip?
A: Not with that contract.
9. Will the Pistons make the playoffs?
A: No. It's tougher to make the playoffs with a win total in the high-30s than sportswriters make it out to be.
10. If the Pistons squeak into the playoffs, will they create matchup problems for the Heat and maybe win a game or two?
A: No.
11. What about the Celtics.
A: Well, that would certainly be a whole lot better.
12. Will Greg Monroe win the starting job this season?
A: It would take at least a couple injuries, which isn't quite the same as "winning" the starting job. Monroe looks like he is a year away. Expect some flashes of excellence, but a lot of 2-6 shooting nights and fouls.
13. Will Rodney Stuckey turn the corner?
A: Only if he can develop a reliable three-point shot. That's a major gap in his game right now, since it allows teams to pack the lane against him. Stuckey will get about half of a season to turn his game around before the Pistons start looking for other options at the point.
NBA
14. Who will win the championship?
A: Miami. Duh.
15. Okay, smart ass, who has the best chance of unseating Miami?
A: The Magic can certainly do it, since an unchecked Dwight Howard is the best player in the league. They also have some room to improve their roster via trades.
16. Who makes it out of the Western Conference?
A: The Lakers. I am not drinking the OKC Kool-aid at all here. Westbrook isn't going to have another series like he had against the Lakers last year.
17. Whose going to be a surprise contender?
A: The Jazz. That's a pretty boring answer to a question with the word "surprise" in it, but I think people are writing them off for no reason.
18. What about the Eastern Conference?
A: I like what Milwaukee has done with their roster. I could see them getting to 50 wins and sneaking into the finals, if they get a bit of luck with the seeding.
19. Andrew Bogut in the house!
A: That wasn't a question.
20. Who is going to surprise everyone by making the playoffs in the West?
A: The Rockets. If the 24 mpg plan for Yao works, they've got a very competitive squad.
21. Who gets replaced?
A: The Suns are looking pretty terrible. They are old, with a shallow bench and a weak inside presence.
22. What about the Eastern Conference?
A: I'm in the minority here, but I think the Knicks could rack up 43-44 wins. This will be a test of whether D'Antoni's coaching is really all that impressive.
23. Who drops out of the playoffs in the Eastern Conference.
A: Cleveland.
24. Can Chicago make it out of the East?
A: No. Boozer was the only major addition to a .500 club, and he's injured. I'm on the record re: Derrick Rose and his not-Durantness.
25. How about Orlando's 21 straight pre-season wins? That's got to provide some confidence.
A: About as meaningful as Boise State's victories in college football. Fun to talk about, but irrelevant to the championship.
26. Most overrated team in the East?
A: Chicago. See above.
27. Most overrated team in the West?
A: OKC. At a certain point, Durant can only get so much better. He's going to need another piece on offense before we can start calling his team a contender.
28. How many games does Miami win?
A: 64. The preseason injuries are going to make them awfully timid about putting pedal to the metal in hopes of going 73-9.
29. How many games does Minnesota win?
A: Not very many.
30. What happened to Portland?
A: Oden's injury and a string of panic moves (remember they tried to sign Hedo Turkoglu). They fired the one guy who would be able to right the ship.
31. Most improved team?
A: The Nets. They haven't gotten better on the top end, but they are replacing some pretty awful players with picks and free agent signings.
32. Most diminished team?
A: The Cavs.
33. Most lateral team?
A: The Spurs. Tiago Splitter takes a bit of heat off Duncan. Same old, same old.
INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCES
34. Who will win MVP?
A: Kobe. Pau Gasol is going to lead the Lakers do another gaudy win total, in a Western Conference that is its weakest in years. Naturally, voters will reward him by handing the award to his more famous teammate.
35. Not Durant?
A: A couple of problems. First, I don't think the Thunder are going to come within 6-7 games of the Lakers in the standings. Second, I think there will be a feeling that Kobe deserves one more before he starts to decline. Remember, the MVP vote has scant basis in reality, otherwise LeBron would be the odds on favorite.
36. Who will win Rookie of the Year?
A: John Wall. Griffin will almost certainly have the better season, but there are enough scorers to limit him to 13-14 ppg. Wall will have the green light to shoot at will.
37. DPOY?
A: Dwight Howard has a hammer-lock on this thing until he gets hurt.
38. Sixth man?
A: I like Manu for a comeback season, here. With more and more teams experimenting with their bench, though, this has become something of a crap shoot.
39. Most improved player?
A: Does anyone care about this award?
40. I'll ask the questions.
A: Fine. If Gilbert Arenas can find a new home, I think he's got the stuff to take it home. See why I don't care about this award?
41. DeMarcus Cousins. Boom or bust?
Boom. He's probably a year away from putting together a really big season, but the Kings are looking great for the future right now.
42. Who will be a surprise all-star in the East?
A: Joakim Noah. Not an earth-shattering surprise, but I think he'll get his due, to the dismay of the 20 ppg crowd.
43. How about the West?
A: Kevin Love. His numbers are going to be pretty hard to ignore, and this is kind of a down year for bigs in the Western Conference.
44. Suprise all-star snub in the West?
A: Steve Nash. The Suns are looking bad, and he falls under 10 apg, his numbers suddenly don't look so dazzling to voters.
45. Surprise all-star snub in the East?
A: Chris Bosh. People are down on him for whatever reason, and if Miami fails to take the world by storm right away, he could be out of the mix.
46. Biggest free agent bust?
A: Boozer. The odds were slim he'd live up to his contract, and losing half a season makes it nearly impossible.
47. Biggest free agent score?
A: LeBron James.
48. You're no fun.
A: Jermaine O'Neal. Think he's got some life left. And I think loading up on bigs is the only plausible way to get back to the championship.
49. That was fun?
A: Allen Iverson is going to light it up in Turkey.
50. Thanks.
A: You're welcome.
HEADLINES
51. What will be the biggest story?
A: The impending lockout. Everyone thinks it is inevitable, everyone thinks it will be devastating, and everyone will be right.
52. What player will make the most news?
A: Arenas. I think he's going to be moved, I think it's going to be weird, and I think people will actually be interested in reading about it. Seriously, what happened to that guy.
53. Which teams will be the center of trade rumors?
A: Denver, certainly. Washington obviously. Houston always. Wouldn't be surprised if Orlando gets involved with any or all three teams.
54. Hottest NBA romance?
A: Besides Baron Davis and the three point shot?
55. I said hottest, not most painful to watch?
A: Oh, is Odom still with that one Kardashian sister?
56. You could Google it.
A: Nope, I'm fine.
THE FUTURE
57. Are any rules changes forthcoming
A: I think you'll see some futzing with the draft. That's where the NBA can make major challenges with earning the ire of the players union.
58. Is Stern for real about contraction?
A: I don't think so. I think it's his way of getting small-market owners to come to the table. That said, if they call his bluff, or show little interest in finding a way to make their teams work...
59. How will contraction get by the players?
A: I think the NBA could commit to two new teams to replace the two contracted teams once certain benchmarks are met.
60. What teams are on the chopping block?
A: You'd have to think the T-Wolves and the Grizzlies. If you could trade Memphis and Minneapolis for Vegas and Seattle, wouldn't you?
61. Will there be a lockout?
A: Yes. The owners will have to extract major concessions, including a hard cap, to get half way back toward profitability. Some sort of strike is guaranteed, if only for posterity.
RANDOM
62. What story will you be watching?
A: Come on. It's the Heat. This is the most intriguing team the NBA has seen in years.
63. Favorite team to watch besides the Pistons?
A: As long as the Nuggets have Chauncey, that's the team to go with. Otherwise, the Thunder, or the Knicks when they play the Warriors.
64. Most interesting player to watch?
A: Durant. Big expectations. I would be surprised if he regresses to his rookie year form a bit if the going gets tought.
Bonus questions...
65. Least interesting player to watch?
A: Johan Petro
66. Johan Petro is the answer to your bonus question?
A: LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!!
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Comments
Ouch
About as meaningful as Boise State’s victories in college football. Fun to talk about, but irrelevant to the championship.
Cold, but true.
Thing is
All it would take is one season where Boise actually gets in and wins to undo all of those notions and have people anointing them the best program of the decade.
by Not a Gunslinger on Oct 26, 2010 8:35 PM EDT up reply actions
53. Which teams will be the center of trade rumors?
54. Denver, certainly. Washington obviously. Houston always. Wouldn’t be surprised if Orlando gets involved with any or all three teams.
You’re short a question.
I WANT MY MONEY BA….oops. continue sir.
Fixed
I was adding questions out of order, so I got lost in the numbers.
by Kevin Sawyer on Oct 27, 2010 1:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Which is worse: Lebron's Commercial? Lebron's Team?
Anyone following this game right now? http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=301026002
Right now ESPN has Joel Anthony as Miami’s Top performer. Maybe this will be a fun season after all.
I want to talk about Lebron’s commercial, because I’m contemplating going into advertising, and I have to give it some props in some fashions, but it’s also too damn long. But its also annoying because, well, its about Lebrick. There are some nice old school Nike touches in there (the Miami Vice thing/ putting Lebron in a cowboy hat and black duster and having him be “The Villain”), but other than that, the sense of fun, absurdity, and “This is the coolest shit ever,” that you would get from old school Nike ads is not there, because its mainly Lebron bitching about people questioning him. Old Spice are the current best advertisers working in my book.
The team is pretty crappy though.
by Biz Markie Moon on Oct 26, 2010 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions
The ad is probably pretty good considering the situation. I’m guessing Lebron or LRMR came up and said the concept for the ad should be “Woe is me, :(” and the people in charge of the commercial put something together that is actually pretty solid, probably the second best concept out there.
The concept I would have gone with would have been a poorly photoshopped head of lebron on the body of red panda, saying something like “me no like put-down’s”
havent seen the commercial
but when lebron is out there it looks like the cavs. same bullshit offense.
I’m giving the ad a C. Given the way I watch basketball, the fashion of which is a form of psychoanalysis and philosophy because I’m an egghead where I attempt to deduce things from the players by watching them (this doesn’t get into a lot of it, but this is a good base way to do describe it), along with pure aesthetics and generally liking watching basketball, the worst thing in my mind that happened to Lebron was the Decision. I made a comment before that hating Lebron at the time was like hating the wind, pretty much pointless, but with the Decision, I saw a young dude that was scared, insecure, and needed somebody to say, “What the fuck are you doing?” And I’m a young dude, too, but Lebron’s Decision wasn’t an admittance of his confusion at the world as much as it was trying to act like he had every thing figured out and this is what was good and right.
by Biz Markie Moon on Oct 26, 2010 9:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Personally
The commercial just irks me more. He just sits there and asks what do I do? The commercial comes of as a kid that really doesn’t realize exactly what he just did. Along the lines of: “This obviously isn’t my fault what am I supposed to do about it?”
Stop talking and play basketball.
He should just stop talking and disappear (in the media) for a bit like Kayne.
by Taiwanese Tora on Oct 26, 2010 9:54 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
and stop tweeting
having a “hater day” on twitter then posting the tweets as proof he is being persecuted is bullshit. why the fuck does lebron james even care about people hating him? he’s lebron james. thats why he will always come off as pathetic, he seems to need approval from everyone. apparently he was retweeting every single person that said they liked the commercial like “see people love me!”
This is the single biggest issue I have with Lebron.
I’m pale as fuck. I have a goofy ass country accent (imagine Avery Johnson/Randy Moss/Mike D’Antoni). I have a tendency to be awkward as hell. I’m typically socially anxious. I don’t really care if people hate me though, as long as I know as there’s a reason they hate me. On the other hand, Lebron is worried nobody likes him, but he’s rich and good at basketball, but doesn’t seem to understand if you’re really good at stuff, people might not like you, especially when you make controversial decisions. I’ve never seen a sports superstar be so insecure, removed from reality, and needy. Lebron doesn’t need us, I’d have more respect for him if he was some sort of Kenny Poweresque figure minus the racism.
by Biz Markie Moon on Oct 26, 2010 10:19 PM EDT up reply actions
He's just a young and insecure kid
with a bunch of people getting their hands into his life and trying to control his money. He’s the bread and butter for a lot of people and he’s not strong or secure enough to distinguish the bullshit from the real.
No, I’m not some sort of apologist for him, I really don’t like him because of this. I don’t think it’s that uncommon to be in his shoes at his age and with the fame/money he has. He has no control over his life and he’s making grown up decisions while still being a little boy mentally and emotionally. I bet if he was drafted by any other team outside of his hometown, he wouldn’t be as big as douche as he is now.
Good job distilling what I was trying to say. Rec’d.
by Biz Markie Moon on Oct 26, 2010 10:05 PM EDT up reply actions
I think he was trying to emulate the tone of Jordan’s failure commercial. But he’s a gigantic douche.
by garrettelliott on Oct 26, 2010 10:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Not to say Jordan isn’t, but Jordan wasn’t really a bitch. Just an enormous asshole.
by Biz Markie Moon on Oct 26, 2010 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Jordan didn’t give a fuck what anyone thought (which is why he’s a douche). Lebron bases his whole life on what others think (a different breed of douche). The sad thing about this commercial is Lebron really wants to know, he wants to know who he should be in order to get the approval that fuels him. If everyone tweeted “be the villain” he’d go do some pitiful attempt at villainy (gets me mad just thinking about it). Dude needs to shut up and play.
In LeBron’s defense though, it’s a different generation. Jordan didn’t have the internet to contend with. The only thing people knew about him was what the NBA and Sports Illustrated chose to show/tell us. LeBron is trying to connect with people to strengthen his fanbase and sell products. He’s a douche, and I don’t like him and wish he would just shut up and play basketball, but he has to at least try to market himself differently in this social media-frenzied era.
by garrettelliott on Oct 26, 2010 10:42 PM EDT up reply actions
people need to stop overusing social media. We don’t need to see tweets of hey “the king is shopping for some new kicks, lets see what sweet shit he finds, pics later” crap so some 12 year old can tweet back “go king! find u some sexy stomps!” Only use the shit for real moments like u should.
Jordan was always respectable to my younger self, but Lebron just always comes off as childish. Too damn immature for a guy with a family. Too much talent and publicity to be so damn childish without being disliked.
To experience the consequences of my own choices. This is why I live
by JumpingBlob on Oct 27, 2010 12:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Maybe if your younger self was watching LeBron, you’d think he was pretty awesome, too. I don’t disagree about overusing social media, but if that’s where you can get the word out to your fans and market yourself, players are going to do it.
by garrettelliott on Oct 27, 2010 12:25 AM EDT up reply actions
agreed. They need rules for social media. Or seperate accounts for the professional marketing tweets and the personal drunkin’ rants. It’s not good to have “My star charity bball tourny at 5 tonight!” follow by “dang it bosh, stop licking me there!”
To experience the consequences of my own choices. This is why I live
by JumpingBlob on Oct 27, 2010 12:41 AM EDT up reply actions
I hope Joe is watching this game
When you play defense hard you always have a chance. If you’re gonna try to be the Phoenix Suns you need players capable of playing that style, otherwise best case scenario is Golden State Warriors pre Stephon Curry.
Man what I would do for a do-over on Ben Gordon and Chucky
by Not a Gunslinger on Oct 26, 2010 8:33 PM EDT reply actions
* Takes Deep Breath *
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Oh, man. Miami sure has a DYNAMIC offense!
"Detroit Bad Boys is full of HOMOS ,JACKASSES and NON-sports fans."
-ralphgoblue/thunder_god08
wow it appears the heat are getting thrashed.
i would like to be watching the game but my gf and her sister are watching millionaire matchmaker or some bullshit. how do the heat look?
Loved the question and answer idea for a post, although it does put a ton of different ideas into one post. Makes it a little hard to comment on. If you ever plan on doing this in the future, perhaps consider making it a two or three part series to break it down into smaller and more manageable chunks.
/nitpick’d
There's no justice like angry mob justice!
naw. He should make it even longer. I enjoy reading Kevin argue with himself. great stuff.
To experience the consequences of my own choices. This is why I live
by JumpingBlob on Oct 27, 2010 12:18 AM EDT up reply actions
You know, I’m getting the point I agree with this. I hate the dude, but I wish there was something I could appreciate.
by Biz Markie Moon on Oct 26, 2010 9:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Exactly, Lebron needs a good coach. Imagine if he had Rick Adelman or D’Antoni. It wouldn’t surprise if the inmates are running the asylum in Miami.
by Biz Markie Moon on Oct 26, 2010 10:06 PM EDT up reply actions
One thing I don't think you're taking into account with the Bulls
Is the switch from Del Negro to Thibodeau. Del Negro is a fucking retard, and Thibodeau is a defensive genius, at the very least. I could see them winning 55 with the player and coaching improvements.
"Detroit Bad Boys is full of HOMOS ,JACKASSES and NON-sports fans."
-ralphgoblue/thunder_god08
anyone else having problems with nba leaguepass broadband today?
Not that I want to watch PHX vs Portland but I’m worried about it not working tomorrow for the Pistons.
I tried launching it and nothing showing up. I right click and check my computer for the flash that you need and I have the most up to date. But nothing is showing… and it worked this morning when I launched it. Frustrating.
I’m also trying to find support on the website but can’t find it.
I'm having problems too
but I’m pretty sure they have to do with my internet connection. I’m getting video, but it’s real choppy.
by Rob Rogacki on Oct 26, 2010 11:12 PM EDT up reply actions
i finally got it working
for some reason only works using explorer… finally thought of closing my firefox and using explorer and it’s working
I love watching K-Mart shoot the ball
Super quick release, and the arc on the shot is beautiful.
"Detroit Bad Boys is full of HOMOS ,JACKASSES and NON-sports fans."
-ralphgoblue/thunder_god08
by Thom_not_Tom on Oct 26, 2010 11:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Long and Smooth would probably be an understatement
"Detroit Bad Boys is full of HOMOS ,JACKASSES and NON-sports fans."
-ralphgoblue/thunder_god08
by Thom_not_Tom on Oct 26, 2010 11:22 PM EDT up reply actions
dude is a stat stuffer this evening...
8 points, 6 boards, 2 offensive, assist, steal, 2 3s…
Jonas Jerebko once killed a charging female rhinoceros in heat protecting its young with nothing more than a hook shot.
by The Boourns on Oct 26, 2010 11:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Rockets look awesome
They’re insanely deep, as always. Having Yao back really helps.
"Detroit Bad Boys is full of HOMOS ,JACKASSES and NON-sports fans."
-ralphgoblue/thunder_god08
I didn’t actually realize Yao was back. I thought he was done until Christmas or something. It’s good to see him on the court, and the Rockets look energized.
by garrettelliott on Oct 26, 2010 11:39 PM EDT up reply actions
It makes me want to wave my arms disapprovingly in the direction of David Stern and perhaps mutter a profanity while bulging my eyes.
by garrettelliott on Oct 26, 2010 11:54 PM EDT up reply actions
LEAVE LEBRON ALOOOOOOOOOOONE!!!
- Sobs uncontrollably *
"Detroit Bad Boys is full of HOMOS ,JACKASSES and NON-sports fans."
-ralphgoblue/thunder_god08
by Thom_not_Tom on Oct 27, 2010 12:00 AM EDT up reply actions
I hate that commercial...
But the donut part did make me laugh the first time I saw it.
The commercial isn’t even selling Nike, it’s selling LeBron. Evidently, the company decided that they needed to produce a reclamation project for their big investment.
Yao is playing pretty well
for being out of shape and playing limited mins. Mostly on D
The artist formally known as DetBalla.
Steve Blake – 6 points in 32 seconds. Nice pickup, Lakers.
by garrettelliott on Oct 27, 2010 12:41 AM EDT reply actions
And Blake just hit a huge jumper for the lead with 18 seconds left. Definitely a good pick up.
by garrettelliott on Oct 27, 2010 1:19 AM EDT up reply actions
Luis Scola is impressive. He busts his ass to get the ball and seems to make good plays all the time, even if they look a little unorthodox.
Yeah he does but I can't stand anyone in sports with long hair
The artist formally known as DetBalla.
No one can resist those flowing, golden locks.
by garrettelliott on Oct 27, 2010 1:25 AM EDT up reply actions
I Think
…we can have a 40+ win team this season…that’s putting a lot of faith in BG’s 3 pointers though.
When Miami gets itself sorted … they’ll be crazy good. They almost found a way to dig themselves out a of an awful hole last night, and their big 3 won’t play that bad again all season, I’m willing to bet. No doubt it’s the most interesting storyline of the season.
I don’t think that they’re going to pay that bad again, but it is solace that they might not be the league destroyer a lot of us thought they were going to be. I think they’re going to have trouble with any team that has considerable size, especially if they can’t slow down busted-ass Shaq.
by Biz Markie Moon on Oct 27, 2010 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Not to mention a good point guard who can break down their D. I think a lot of mediocre teams probably breathed a sigh of relief last night after Miami lost. Imagine if the Heat came out and crushed Boston by 20 or something? Teams would have been scared to play them but now they probably think they have a chance.
by garrettelliott on Oct 27, 2010 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Their obvious weaknesses, as I saw them:
Lack of role clarity, which resulted in far too many jumpshots (especially in the 1st half).
Inability to defend Rondo and inability to rotate on D to help.
I think they’ll get those things squared away sooner rather than later … Give then 10-20 games to figure out who’s doing what, when, and where, and look out. But yeah, it was cool to see them lose. I like Boston a lot less than Miami, but it was fun to see them humbled and discombobulated.
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