And they lost Kwame Brown which also makes them a better team.

To me, they were the 3rd best team in the West before the trade. And then they swapped Gasol for Brown. That’s about as good as the Sheed trade.

These recent trades have made this league look like a circus. Memphis makes that trade to LA so the owner of the team can make a better case for selling the franchise.

Now, as a fan, I find myself facing a paradox; how do I root for an NBA team if I feel that the results of games might be affected by an invisible influence? It’s a tough question, but a fair one. I’ve read posts from others on this site that feel point spreads are affected by obvious officiating bias’. That doesn’t mean these people want to stop watching the NBA, it just makes it harder to fully appreciate what the league offers its fans.

There are many things people can cite to contradict what I’m saying. One point would be that San Antonio has been winning titles even though it belongs to a smaller media market. However, most of the NBA’s successful franchises (LA, CHI, NY) belong to large markets that bring in large revenues.

Besides, if the NBA is on the up and up, someone will have to explain Miami’s title a couple years back. That Finals could be some of the most damaging evidence there is to suggest the outcomes of NBA games are decided by off-court factors or business interests. Let’s not forget, while the Heat are awful now, those Dwayne and Charles commercials have been a great marketing campaign for the NBA and Verizon Wireless. Would we have those ads without Miami experiencing the short-lived playoff success that they did?

Just some random thoughts fueled by another sloppy Celtics win. If everyone wants to dismiss me as paranoid and bitter at Boston, I’ll accept that, but I know I can’t be alone in thinking there’s been some changes in the NBA that defy common logic.

Damn this Pistons game needs to start already!

I don’t mind the refs letting Boston play physical, I love physical teams that play good defense, as long as their opponents are allowed to do the same. If all things are equal and we do lose to Boston in the playoffs, at least Pistons fans will be able to say the better team beat us unlike the last two years. I still believe that the Pistons are a deeper team that executes better down the stretch. Pistons in 6, that’s what I’m predicting.

QD, I agree that Kerr made a move that at least gives them a chance to win a title. It’s a big gamble and could easily blow up in his face, but they weren’t going anywhere anyways. I also agree that Boston is for real, but they do get away with some of he body checks, moving picks, etc…, that’ve really helped them out in close games. If they get the calls against us like U think they will, I’m not happy about Detroit’s chances to get back to the Finals.

Boston, on the other hand, is for real. They are a great defensive team. As of now, I think Boston and LA are the favourites. I know, I know…

http://ballhype.com/video/rip_hamilton_shoting_lights_out_from_downtown/

I’m actually getting kinda excited about this years all-star weekend. Lots of trash talking going on.

I’m now rooting for a t-shirt with Rip shooting three’s with More Tramp Ball written on it.

Spurs and Celtics are on early. I’m really getting disgusted with Boston getting calls. Everytime I’ve watched them besides the first game against the Pistons, they’ve recieved love from the officials. You know when Powe is getting the benefit of the doubt against Tim Duncan, something might be up.