The NBA released its schedule today. Just like last year, the Pistons need their A-game early: their first 12 games will feature eight road games, including a trip out West and a home/away set with the Celtics.
All in all there are 14 nationally-televised games, though that doesn’t yet include any NBA TV games that will presumably be added to the slate later. If you’re an out-of-towner without NBA League Pass, clear your schedule from Jan. 19 to Feb. 1 — the Pistons will have five out of their seven games in that stretch on national TV.
The Celtics, by comparison, will play under the bright lights of the national stage 25 times, but the Pistons should be happy they’re not the Pacers, Bobcats, Timberwolves, Knicks or Kings, who won’t have a single game on a national stage all season.
Also worth noting: the official schedule at Pistons.com currently says that the 2/27 game against the Magic will be played in Washington DC and the 4/15 game against the Heat will be played in Dallas. Has the league suddenly embraced neutral sites? No. I’m told this is just a glitch. Those games will be played in Orlando and Miami, respectively. (Update: the schedule has been fixed.)
(Another update: Henry Abbott proposes a conspiracy theory regarding the “neutral site glitch:”
So, what is with the weird neutral site thing? Is this some kind of surprise that is going to be sprung on us with much fanfare as the season draws near?
Furthering the intrigue, check out your team’s schedule around those dates. In some cases (but not others), teams will be near their alleged neutral site locations on those dates. For instance, the Magic are in New York on February 25, and Philadelphia on February 28. A game in D.C. on February 27 would make a lot of sense, and that’s what the original schedule said. (Now it has Dwight Howard and company flying all the way down to Orlando in between.)
Hmmm. For what it’s worth, Detroit’s schedule at the end of February is @ Miami on the 24th, @ New Orleans on the 25th, @ “Orlando” on the 27th and @ Boston on March 1. Logistically speaking, it would make sense for the Pistons to work their way up the coast to Boston by stopping in DC. I still doubt this will actually happen, but I suppose we shouldn’t completely close the book on it.)
I may take a longer look at the schedule sometime in the next couple of weeks, but in the meantime, here it is:
October
Wed 29 vs Indiana 8:00pm
November
Sat 01 vs Washington 7:30pm
Mon 03 @ Charlotte 7:00pm
Wed 05 @ Toronto 7:00pm
Fri 07 @ New Jersey 7:30pm
Sun 09 vs Boston 6:00pm
Tue 11 @ Sacramento 10:00pm
Thu 13 @ Golden State 10:30pm
Fri 14 @ LA Lakers 10:30pm ESPN
Sun 16 @ Phoenix 8:00pm
Wed 19 vs Cleveland 7:30pm
Thu 20 @ Boston 8:00pm TNT
Sun 23 vs Minnesota 6:00pm
Wed 26 vs New York 8:00pm
Fri 28 vs Milwaukee 8:00pm
Sun 30 vs Portland 3:00pm
December
Tue 02 @ San Antonio 8:30pm
Fri 05 vs Philadelphia 8:00pm
Sun 07 @ New York 12:00pm
Tue 09 @ Washington 7:00pm
Fri 12 vs Indiana 8:00pm
Sat 13 @ Charlotte 7:00pm
Wed 17 vs Washington 7:30pm
Fri 19 vs Utah 8:00pm
Sun 21 @ Atlanta 2:00pm
Tue 23 vs Chicago 8:00pm
Fri 26 vs Oklahoma City 8:00pm
Sat 27 @ Milwaukee 8:30pm
Mon 29 vs Orlando 7:30pm
Wed 31 vs New Jersey 3:00pm
January
Fri 02 vs Sacramento 8:00pm
Sun 04 @ LA Clippers 3:30pm
Wed 07 @ Portland 10:00pm
Fri 09 @ Denver 9:00pm
Sat 10 @ Utah 9:00pm
Tue 13 vs Charlotte 7:30pm
Wed 14 @ Indiana 7:00pm
Fri 16 @ Seattle 8:00pm
Sat 17 vs New Orleans 7:30pm
Mon 19 @ Memphis 5:30pm TNT
Wed 21 vs Toronto 7:30pm
Fri 23 vs Dallas 7:00pm ESPN
Sun 25 vs Houston 6:30pm ESPN
Wed 28 @ Minnesota 8:00pm
Fri 30 vs Boston 7:00pm ESPN
February
Sun 01 vs Cleveland 2:30pm ABC
Wed 04 vs Miami 7:30pm
Sat 07 @ Milwaukee 8:30pm
Sun 08 vs Phoenix 8:00pm ESPN
Tue 10 @ Chicago 8:30pm
Wed 11 vs Atlanta 7:30pm
Tue 17 vs Milwaukee 7:30pm
Thu 19 vs San Antonio 8:00pm TNT
Sun 22 @ Cleveland 8:00pm ESPN
Tue 24 @ Miami 7:30pm
Wed 25 @ New Orleans 8:00pm
Fri 27 @ Orlando 7:00pm
March
Sun 01 @ Boston 1:00pm
Tue 03 vs Denver 7:30pm
Fri 06 vs Golden State 8:00pm
Sat 07 @ Atlanta 7:00pm
Mon 09 vs Orlando 7:30pm
Wed 11 vs New York 7:30pm
Fri 13 @ Toronto 7:00pm
Sun 15 vs Memphis 1:00pm
Tue 17 @ Dallas 8:30pm
Wed 18 @ Houston 9:30pm ESPN
Fri 20 vs LA Clippers 8:00pm
Sun 22 vs Miami 1:00pm
Tue 24 @ Chicago 8:00pm TNT
Thu 26 vs LA Lakers 7:30pm
Sat 28 @ Washington 7:00pm
Sun 29 vs Philadelphia 6:00pm
Tue 31 @ Cleveland 7:00pm
April
Wed 01 @ New Jersey 7:30pm
Sat 04 @ Philadelphia 3:00pm ESPN
Sun 05 vs Charlotte 6:00pm
Wed 08 @ New York 7:30pm
Fri 10 vs New Jersey 8:00pm
Sat 11 @ Indiana 7:00pm
Mon 13 vs Chicago 7:30pm
Wed 15 @ Miami 8:00pm
this is a pretty fair schedule i think…..a game every other game
Ug…no nationally televised games from Nov. 20 to Jan. 19…
After having the most back-to-backs for the last x years, I think we deserved an easier schedule.
Langlois has a nice breakdown of the schedule and how it is much more favorable then the last years.
- Less back to backs (16 instead of 20)
- More games on one nights rest (47 instead of 43)
- Only 1 3+ day layoff compared to 4 of them last year
- The last 8 games contain only 1 team who made the playoffs last year
Wow, no nationally televised games for the Knicks? Looks like Brooklyn’s not going to have a whole lot of trouble taking over that city.
I’m surprised that they’re showing Dallas as much as they are. Houston and New Orleans are better teams (even with franchise saviors Diop and Gerald Green) with more marketable stars. Dallas isn’t really a contending team anymore, and it seems like they’d want to show more of the Hornets because everyone loves Chris Paul unless they live in Utah or they happen to be Julius Hodge’s balls.
Found this article on Team USA here.
“There are better shooting teams than Australia in the Olympic games — Spain, Greece and Argentina come to mind. There is no team in the Olympics, however, that D’s it up like Australia does, Detroit Pistons style.”
Sorry, if its not really related to the schedule but I have an agenda to push
Also on the schedule, I have no clue whether it is good for this team or not. Maybe they need some hard games. Last year we got 59 wins, so the schedule kinda worked for us. Or I could be wrong…
Totally off-topic …
Clippers acquire three-point specialist Steve Novak from the Rockets for the option to exchange 2nd rounders in the 2011 draft. Since when did that become compensation before this past summer? With Ricky Davis only making $2.3 million this year, I’m realizing what a truly respectable job Elgin Baylor has done this summer. Despite getting spurned by Brand, and losing Maggette up the coast (probably a good thing), Baylor has seemingly improved after 22 years of incompetence. He has the perfect mix of veterans and young guns to all but guarantee the Clippers squeeze into the playoffs this year. Maybe they’ll even get better as the years go on.
Am I saying all of this because I live in LA and want to believe/see it? No. I also went to Indiana University and love Eric Gordon (future NBA stud). Am I saying all of this because I live in LA and love Eric Gordon? Yeah, probably.
Quick Darshan and JackDutch: Time to go in on a partial-season plan, I’m looking at one/both of you!
LB, Mike Dunleavy is the GM for the Clippers. During the Brand debacle, not once did any of the local radio shows have Elgin on and at no point was he ever mentioned in any stories.
I’m definitely up for catching some Clipper games. I used to get the 10 pack (don’t know if they still have it) it’s a good deal even though Staples is a horrible place to watch a game if you’re in the upper deck.
The worst seat in the Palace still gives you a decent view of the floor. The cheap seats in Staples look almost directly down. It’s like watching a bunch of X’s and O’s.
This is about as off topic as it gets………But… In honor of how excited I am about seeing my Stones play (even if that means hearing fat chicks from Dearborn in fake cornrow wigs yell “WE LOVE YOU KWAME” from court-side mics on the way to comerical….*shudder*) I decided to share the best Youtube Mix I could find for each and every Piston. Warning, people who watch basketball also seem to like rap with swearing in it… to quote Furio… “No b*tch to me”… Don’t click if you can’t handle thug logic applied to basketball. Also please don’t complain if they’re old or you already saw them. In most cases I watched at LEAST 5 videos before picking a favorite. My chief criteria was “Is this fun to watch” not “Does this reflect who said player is RIGHT now?” As always much love and full credit to the crazy whackos at Youtube. :
Chauncey “Smooth” Billups:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PE-ptpdBVOs
Richard “Rip” Hamilton:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOUIob1T3oE
Tayshaun Prince “of Defense” :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8dY9LPeElY
Antonio Mc”Dice”yees (Love It!):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aRQNvlQpCY
“Ra”"Sheed” Wallace:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBKmNiedj-k
Jason “Babyeater” Maxiel:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcREdq3CGfA
Amir “Unchained” Johnson:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lXByT3588c
Arron “Showbe” Affalo:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKFyvW_Bq9k
Lindsey “The Press” Hunter:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzO1NRoKjLg
Kwame “Why Didn’t I Get a Rap Song?” Brown (Airball):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8eMsEXPmX0
Walter “White Boy Hustle” Herrman (Fabio):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saYVKxLsJes
Walter “Wow I have a mix tape?” Sharpe:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT3wxFmJBI8
Will “The Thrill” Bynum (There is an awesome 6 min video of this guy out there as well but I hate mixes that run more than one song):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SItls39C-NI
Unfortunately and yes, this is a travesty, but there are no Rodney Stuckey mixes out there yet. Just the “Zoo Crew” Mix:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDbC_smy1Wo
Also this video consisting mostly of bad graphics and stills:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nyi6Wr0ae3o
Dear Eastern Washington fans. You suck. If Mike Dunleavy Jr had a college mix tape I don’t see why you bastards couldn’t show our boy some love during his scholastic career.
Hope this brightens your day, I know it totally made mine.
Bonus Content:
Bill Laimbeer Mix (This is Awesome btw):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MGrQ38-pp0
There is no Michael Curry mix but there are “highlights” of Curry as a player.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gW1MqKr0fxo
Unfortunately the highlights are of Tracy McGrady blowing by Curry (2:44) in the first game of the ‘03 playoffs. It’s funny to hear the announcers say Rip Hamilton has butterflies because it’s his first playoff game. Now he’s the all-time Pistons playoff scorer!
“He has the perfect mix of veterans and young guns to all but guarantee the Clippers squeeze into the playoffs this year. ”
I’ll take the “all but” side of that bet. Assuming the Lakers, New Orleans, Utah, San Antonio, Houston are playoff locks, who do the Clips dethrone?
Nash and Stoudemire should carry Phoenix in, even if Shaq is washed up. Portland is substantially improved, so I don’t see the Clips making up 18 games on them. Golden St., Denver and Dallas could all slip somewhat, but the Clips would have to overtake all of them, which is hard to do even if you have a superior squad (and I don’t think they do).
Novak is fine, but he’s not going to push them over the edge. He’s not going to get the easy looks he got in Houston.
LB: Agree, but I think Elgin has done a decent job the last several years. He got Elton & Maggetee to sign up a few years ago, Thorton looks like a keeper and he took some flake for drafting Kaman (at 10 if memory serves me) and he hasn’t turned out that bad. Though I’m sure there are several players taken after him who have exploded.
Had Elton stayed I think they’d be as close to the Lakers they have ever been and we’d at least have somewhat of a rivalry brewing.
KevinS: I think Novak gets just as many looks seeing as how Yao got his looks in Houston but I think B. Davis gets him some looks as Houston as I recall didn’t have a drive and dish PG.
Fianlly, they’ve got a decent roster and I think would be a playoff team in the east but I’ve never been that impressed with Dunleavy. Whether it be Portland, Lakers or Clips. I might just dig out an old Clips hat I got from the kids for Christmas years ago.
Sporting News interview with Coach Curry:
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=443014
As exciting as the trade possibility was (is?) i still think it’s pretty cool to have a roster that stays almost the same for many years straight. It’s rare to find the core of a team so wanting and willing to remain together… makes me proud to be a Pistons fan. I’m getting excited with the thought of these guys giving it another try together.
I tend to be optimistic though… sometimes to a fault.
Since this seems to be a thread just filled with tangents, I’m just going to throw another one out there - my God the Tigers are a depressing team.
(White Sox fan)
@Aaron N - I agree. It’s probably exciting to be like the Clippers or GS with a talented and completely re-vamped line-up, but both those teams will be lucky to make the playoffs. The contenders are the teams that have been together for a while like the Lakers, NO, Spurs, Pistons, etc. The Celtics last year were the exception to the rule and usually when teams make those big moves to shake things up (Phoenix, Dallas, Cleveland, Chicago) it just messes things up. I think we need to make a change, but I would prefer no change at all over a dumb change. So most of me is glad Joe D. has been quiet even though that’s made for some frustrating times here at DBB.
Exclusive Marcus Stout Detroit Pistons Summer League Player
http://www.pistonscast.com/blog/2008/08/06/exclusive-marcus-stout-detroit-pistons-summer-league-player-interview/
Oh come now Ya’ll, at least watch the Dice one, it’s sexy
(I’m not sure this WAS supposed to be the “randon” thread Shinons but really how much can one REALLY talk about a game schedule that doesn’t start until Oct 29th on August 7th? Right… it was bound to happen really. And that’s why I plead “Not Guilty” or something)
The Kwame one has an incredibly wussy song and it features him whiffing a free throw. I don’t even hate him, and I think it’s great.
I’m not leveling any charges. When they first released it, I got all excited about the season starting in a month and a half or so - then I remembered September. I forget about that stupid month every year.
Yeah, basketball is way too far away.
Steve Novak f-ing sucks.
I spit on Steve Novak’s career stats.
Well, Novak is no Walter Herrmann… but dude can shoot.
I spit in the general vicinity of Steve Novak’s career stats.
I think the Clippers will improve, but playoffs? I’m with kevin — that conference is still tough as nails, just like last year, there will be some very good teams left out in the cold.
@Mark B in SoCal: Back in 2003, Elton Brand and Corey Maggette were restricted free agents. Brand signed an offer sheet with the Heat and Maggette signed with the Jazz, so it’s not like Baylor actually convinced them to stay so much as matched their offer sheets and forced them to. (And I credit owner Donald Sterling for allowing Baylor to do that more than anything else, since he rarely bothered to pay to retain his star players in the past.)
I think the clips should have a chance. I’m thinking (in no particular order) lakers, suns, rockets, new orleans, blazers and jazz are in, and the other 2 spots are up for grabs. I’m not putting the spurs on the auto list after last season, since I think another injury or 2 would knock them out (and i’d love to see them not make the play offs).
The Clippers look more like a 40-45 win team than a playoff lock. The defense is better with Camby, but the offense looks really mediocre, even with the addition of Baron (who is great at creating shots but doesn’t necessarily create good ones).
Even with Golden State, Phoenix, Dallas, and Denver especially looking to decline next season, each one of them would have to take pretty big dives for the Clippers to make it.
Craig, don’t forget the Spurs.
This year’s Clippers = Last year’s Warriors.
How can we dismiss the Spurs on the basis of injuries when the Clips are depending on Baron Davis and Marcus Camby? Especially when the former likely earned his final contract and the latter is unhappy to be joining the Clips?
My two cents worth on the Western Conference playoff picture:
LA(L), NO, Utah, SA and Houston are definitely in…Phoenix and Dallas are likely in, which leaves the Clips, Portland, Golden State, and Denver fighting for that last playoff spot.
Now that the schedule is out couples and families can start negotiating money to spend, time to be allocated, when to take trips etc.
Is this year’s schedule worth a new and bigger HDTV?
My two cents worth on the Western Conference playoff picture:
LA(L), NO, Utah, SA and Houston are definitely in…Phoenix and Dallas are likely in, which leaves the Clips, Portland, Golden State, and Denver fighting for that last playoff spot.>>
I agree with your five that are in but with Oden and that rookie from Arizona whats his name Jerryd something or another, LOL, I think Portland will also be in.
After that it should be a scramble for 7 and 8. I like the Clippers, (that is what living in Los Angeles will do to you, warp your thinking. LOL) and Suns for the last two spots.
I think Minnesota will suprise some people.
Probably by hiding in a cake or something.
Clippers just added J-Will
Clippers sign Jason Williams
31 minutes ago
*
Buzz Up
*
Print
LOS ANGELES (AP)—The Los Angeles Clippers acquired still another player during their busy offseason, signing free-agent point guard Jason Williams on Thursday.
The 32-year-old Williams averaged 8.8 points, 4.6 assists, 1.9 rebounds and 28 minutes in 67 appearances last season with the Miami Heat. His backcourt mate there was Ricky Davis, another free agent signed by the Clippers on July 28.
“We are excited to add Jason to our squad,” Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said in a statement. “He brings added veteran leadership and playoff experience to our backcourt.”
They now have 10 new players out of the 14 under contract. It should be fun. Clippers are my second favorite team next to the Stones.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=Apbb1HZEEpXHlG3G9kRGbq.8vLYF?slug=ap-clippers-williams&prov=ap&type=lgns
“I think Minnesota will suprise some people.
Probably by hiding in a cake or something.”
awesome
I was just reading Chris Sheridan’s new piece on the Beijing Olympic basketball and he referenced the 2000 Sydney Olympics where none other than Antonio McDyess got called for a weird travelling call based on FIBA rules. I forgot McDyess had a gold medal from Sydney and not only does he have the medal he was on the floor in crunch time in the gold medal game. So congrats to Olympic gold medalist Antonio McDyess!
If Team USA wins I’m sure the Pistons will honor Tayshaun Prince before one of the games but they should also honor McDyess and have him bring his 2000 medal to show the fans.
As long as 2 wheels are rolling on the SA tricycle and pops is pedeling , they’re a lock. I dont think Portland makes it without acquiring a veteran or 2 (Yes,I know Brandon Roy is a stud. I got his complimentary “Roy for All-star” Zune full of highlights that nobody saw last February) . The clips look good on paper with BDiddy, Cambyman Cambyman Cambyman Cambyman Cambyman..into the mirror (now im gonna develop bad knees and a horrid post game. Horrid movie reference), kaveman, mobley, & thornton + a good bench.
I’m most interested to see what the suns are like this year. I predict Nash reverts to his numbers as a Mav (good but not great) and Amare carries the team until ‘you know what’ happens….’you know what’ being G.Hill concusses him with a line drive 20ft jumper.
SA, Utah, Houston, LA, Dallas, NO, Portland, Phoenix
Wow…looking at how loaded the West is, the East is just sad.
You guys are right about SA. They’ll only miss the playoffs when the next elite 7 footer is coming out, then duncan, ginobilli and parker will all go down, they’ll get the 1st pick in the draft, then continue their dominance. What I do like about next seasons western conference, is that I could totally see Phoenix or Dallas selling at the trade deadline if they’re not in the running or making similar bad moves like last season. Always thought that Dirk would look good in the red, white and blue with the Larry O’brian shaved into his head.
Whoa. I’m not sure “sad” is the right term. I think the east is going to be pretty competitive from 1-6, and there should be a pretty good fight for the last 2 spots. Again, in no particular order, DETROIT, celts, cavs, raps, 6ers, wiz, magic. I could easily see the bucks getting back to respectable, and the cats could pull together this year under LB. And the bulls and heat both have enough talent to get back in the playoff picture. Not quite the same caliber as the west, but I think it’s going to be a fun season in the east this year.
Craig, the East is definitely improving, especially considering you also left out the Hawks. It’s a lot deeper than it has been in the past. But that’s why it’s sad to me - as much as all those teams are improving, who other than the Celts and Pistons would be solid playoff choices in the West? I was definitely excited about how much more competitive this year would be for the conference - or at least that teams as bad as the Pacers or Knicks wouldn’t be competing for the playoffs at least - but man, it’s still way behind the West.
I agree that the west is better than the east, but I think the disparity between the two is universally overstated. Consider this extremely hypothetical attempt to compare the 2 conferences based on subjective and historical analysis. Lets pick hypothetical 1,2 & 7,8 matchups, East vs West.
1.Boston beats LA, again. I dont think bynum puts them over Boston. (cant both these teams loose?)
2.Detroit vs SA. Rematch of 05′ finals that went to 7. Similar roster with SA adding nothing new and loosing Horry (maybe). The Pistons gained Stucky and Maxiell and lost Ben & Larry brown. Acknowledging my bias, I’ll call it a scratch.
7. Miami vs Dallas. 06′ finals where the refs…i mean Miami won it in 6. Dallas switched Harris for Kidd. Miami gave shaq for marion, lost posey, & added the #2 pick. I’m betting a healthy & flailing Dwade would beat Dallas in 09′. (Craig- the hilarious appeal of Dirk with the Larry O’brien shaved in his head is the only think I like about seeing him in red, white & blue.) I got no love for Dirk.
8. Portland vs Atlanta. equal amounts youth & talent. Ballers in Joe Johnson and Brandon Roy. Athletic young frontcourts. If I had to put money on this series, I’d put it on portland, but I wouldnt put money on this series.
I’m just happy that this year, for the first time in a while, the east faired better than the west in free agency, trades, and the draft. Go East!
Shinons,
I don’t think you can claim that the Hawks are improving at this point in time because they lost one of their most productive bench players to Europe (Childress) and still haven’t re-signed one of their top defenders and offensive players (Smith).
They took Boston to 7 with that squad, but they don’t currently have that squad on their roster and they haven’t made any other major moves or changes outside of signing Mo’ Evans and we all know how much he contributes.
Oh and I should say I definitely think that the East got a lot better this off-season, I just don’t think Atlanta is the best example.
Well J. Smith signed an offer sheet with the Grizz, so no chance of a sign and trade:
http://blog.mlive.com/fullcourtpress/2008/08/josh_smith_signs_58_million_do.html
I’d be pretty shocked if Atlanta doesn’t match this.
I’m pretty shocked that Memphis even bothered. Is this so they can tell their fans they tried to improve this summer? He’d be a good fit, even if I think Warrick deserves a chance, but $58? I’m guessing over 5 years? Almost seems like Memphis is doing atl a favor by doing this.
This is old news but the Clippers rescinded their offer sheet to PF Nick Fazekas so now he is an unrestricted FA. Get Fazekas in here Joe D! His Per48 ratings are better than Amir Johnson, Carl Landry, and David Lee.
The weird thing about the West vs. East is that while by most objective measures, the West has seemed better than the East in the past 5 years, in those 5 years, the Eastern champ has won the NBA championship 3 out of 5 times. Plus, the East has had 3 different teams as champions in that period (Boston, Miami, and Detroit); the West has won twice, both times with the Spurs. Pushing the point, you could note that one of those Spurs victories was just barely getting by Detroit (closer than any of series in which the Eastern Conf. team won). OK, the Spurs swept the Cavs, but the Detroit-LA ‘04 series might as well have been a sweep, and none of the Eastern winners had to go to seven games to win.
Yeah, I know, Boston just recently got good, and Miami has fallen off the face of the earth. But of these tough west coast teams, Dallas has been in one finals and managed a historic choke (granted, the refs helped, but still); the Suns haven’t even made it to the finals in the past five years; neither have the Rockets or Jazz; and LA has gone and lost twice, winning a total of three games in the two series.
Yeah, OK, I’m playing with the numbers (why the last five years instead of the last four or six?). And sure, the West is better top to bottom. But that’s evening out a bit. I think.
Mike: I tried to get QD to go in on a mini-package for the Clips, but to no avail. I don’t know if I can support a team with both Ricky Davis (even if it’s only for $2.3 million) and J-Will. But I’m going to try damn hard. Pistons, Blazers, Clips are my top 3.
Here are my 8 Western Conference playoff teams in (rough) order from First to Eighth:
Lakers, Hornets, Jazz, Spurs, Rockets, Blazers, Suns, Clippers.
Yep, no Dallas. I said it, Matt Watson and Kevin S. Dallas is led by Jason Kidd, who is OLD. Dirk is great (though not clutch), but Dallas barely made the playoffs this year (3 games ahead of GS) and then got absolutely whooped in 5 by an unfavored New Orleans squad (stupid analysts). They went 15-14 after the Kidd acquisition (compared to 36-17 before). That’s really, really bad.
Some may say that once Kidd gets the off-season to adjust, the team will mesh and perform better. I say, Kidd is going to be 36 for the last month of this coming season and that sucks for Dallas. Donnie Nelson is not a good GM, and while I love Mark Cuban’s attitude, his impetuous nature sabotaged any playoff success Dallas could’ve had last year and in the coming few.
And Phoenix, they’re on the ledge too with Shaq. They’ve got Porter now, not D’Antoni. The Suns went 37-16 without Shaq, 18-11 with Shaq. 18-11 gets you 51 wins out of 82 games (37-16 gets you 57). We know how dicey 51 wins is in the West, especially with Shaq being the same age as Kidd. There’s less of a guarantee that Shaq stays healthy than probably any NBA star. 160 reg. season games in 3 years. Shaq takes games off, and unless Robin Lopez is awesome, the Suns are in trouble when he does. And never underestimate what kind of stupidity Steve Kerr could display in-season.
Portland is virtually a lock to AT LEAST fill Denver’s 8 pot. I think they could go as high as 4 or 5. They were 41-41 this year, so ANYTHING out of Oden is a bonus on 41-41. Plus, they got Bayless and Batum in the draft, add Rudy Fernandez (23 year-old sharpshooter) and underutilized Ike Diogu for depth. I think Nate McMillan is a FANTASTIC coach and the whole organization loves/respects the hell out of him. Nate McMillan got 45-37 out of THIS roster in his first full season as a coach:
http://www.databasebasketball.com/teams/teamyear.htm?tm=SEA&yr=2001&lg=N
Wow. I’m not sure that team had 7 or 8 consistent and competent rotation players, but took 2 of 5 from the Spurs including Game 2 in San Antonio. I know plenty of good teams suck in the first round, but Duncan won his first (of back-to-backs) MVP that year. He could beat that Seattle squad by himself.
THIS Portland team (with passable Mo Cheeks) went 4 games better, 49-33 that year:
http://www.databasebasketball.com/teams/teamyear.htm?tm=POR&lg=N&yr=2001
+1,000,000 Nate McMillan because that Portland roster should be about 12-15 games better.
Dunleavy not withstanding, the Clips have the 2 single best shot-blockers/game from last season on the same floor! I may have high expectations for Gordon, but most people would agree that Thornton is a stud. If the Clips stay healthy, that team is great. Whether you like him or not, Dunleavy knows his way through the playoffs. Terry Porter? I LIKE him, but he’s no playoff success thus far.
@James B. - I just mentioned ATL because they deserved to be on the list, not that I’m singling them out as the poster team of the improving East.
@Toledo Joe and BBJones - The top 2 of the East can compete with the top of the West. But after that it isn’t even close. NO-Orlando, Utah-Toronto, Cle-SA, Washington-Houston, Phoenix-Philly…those would all be pushing sweeps for the West. Just because a team who is a contender for the last spot of the West would be competitive against a team who is a contender for the last spot of the East doesn’t mean the conferences are close. I like the way the East is headed, but there is still a huge difference between the two.
“Well J. Smith signed an offer sheet with the Grizz, so no chance of a sign and trade”
Can’t ATL still give Josh Smith more money and then still trade him?
Not sure how this stuff works.
If ATL lets Smith sign at Memphis for such a reasonable deal, we can cross them right off the East contenders. Although Memphis wouldn’t look bad: Conley, Mayo, Gay, Smith, Darko and a bench of Lowry, Crittenton, Darrell Arthur, and Warrick. That team would be pretty fun to watch.
I dunno. That Memphis line-up depends heavily on Conley and how well he can put it together this year. Definitely entertaining though.
Think Josh Smith actually wants to play for Memphis, or is just eager to get something done with ATL (or elsewhere)?
@Shinons:
“Phoenix-Philly…those would all be pushing sweeps for the West.”
I’d put my money on Philly in a best of seven against Phoenix. Miller, Iquodala, Young, Brand and Dalembert plus a nicely stacked bench– add the energy they showed against DET last season, they’re formidable against anyone in either conference next season.
As for the Clippers making it to the playoffs– I’m sure there are a lot of people here (myself included) who would put down money that the Clips won’t make it to the playoffs this season.
Aaron: The Hawks wouldn’t be able to trade Josh Smith until Dec. 15th, so yes they could still “trade him” this season, but no, they couldn’t turn around and do it this off-season. Realistically, I anyone is making a blockbuster involving a (five-year I’m guessing?) $58 million contract less than 7 months after inking it. I guess it’s not impossible, but I can’t think of a time it’s happened recently.
If it’s for five years $58 million, I think that is kinda what Smith wanted/expected to get. He certainly seems to be worth the money if he keeps his production up and he’ll only be 28 when the deal wraps in 2013. Hell, he could/should get a bigger one in 2013. This one is about $10 million more total than Tayshaun got for five years starting in ‘06-’07. I don’t know if this is a bad omen for Woodson in the ATL if the Hawks match or if Smith’s posturing expired, and both parties will give way to a “let’s try to work together” attitude. I’m guessing the latter. We shall see.
MP: Is there an expiration date on that offer or is it hypothetical?
This is old news but the Clippers rescinded their offer sheet to PF Nick Fazekas so now he is an unrestricted FA. Get Fazekas in here Joe D! His Per48 ratings are better than Amir Johnson, Carl Landry, and David Lee.>>
I agree with JoeJoeJoe on this one but for a different reason.
I would love to hear John Mason announce “Nick Fazeeeeekes, Deeeeeetroit Baasketball.
Thanks for clearing that up, LB. Yeah… not likely to trade him then. I could see ATL letting him walk though. They would have a ton of cap space once Bibby is gone, and still have a good core of JJ and Horford.
So Memphis kind of traded Gasol for Josh Smith (if ATL doesn’t match). And they still have cap space coming with Antoine Walker, right?
I think Atlanta will match that…
My hope is the Hawks get off to a bad start, Smith is unhappy that they matched in the first place, and we make our big move midseason.
Aaron, I’m not sure how you see Atl letting him walk. I think it’s common knowledge that their management is handicapped, but to not match after childress bolted would be inexcusable. Although, it does seem like they’re in a dog fight with Memphis to be the most mis-managed team in the L.
According to HoopsHype.com, Pau Gasol costs more this season than: OJ Mayo, Rudy Gay, Hakim Warrick, Mike Conley Jr., Kyle Lowry and Javaris Crittenton combined. Add Darrell Arthur to the other six players, and they combine for a salary costing only $645,949 more than Pau Gasol does this season. Gasol went 0-12 in playoff games as the Memphis go-to guy. He’s due over $17.8 million in the ‘10-’11 season I’m just saying.
I’m just saying Atlanta knows Smith better than anyone else and they have their own plans for their own team. Letting him go would be a brutal blow to their fanbase… i wasn’t saying they should or shouldn’t. I will say i think he is better having JJ and Horford to play off of.
I think the Knicks and Wolves still beat out Memphis for poor management. In fact, Memphis seems like they are just in the middle of transition. How they use this ca$h will determine how well they are managed.
Aaron: Pretty much my point was actually to say what you said re: Knicks, Wolves and Memphis. I think West was phoning it in for Memphis toward the end of his time there. Wallace is passable. The Gasol trade everyone kills Wallace for. Wallace can probably get Memphis to the playoffs in two years with this squad if OJ Mayo delivers on the hype. Warrick, Gay, a presumably improving Conley and if Mayo can drop 20/night by his 2nd season (Gay just proved it can be done in Memphis) is a nice, ultra-young core. If the Lakers can’t make it back to the Finals within two seasons, and Memphis makes the playoffs, I’d say Wallace wins the deal. I’m not saying it WILL happen, but it’s certainly not really out of the realm of possibility.
In the Knicks defense, Donnie Walsh is very competent. He’s only been on the job for a few months and he’s made some nice changes so far. I like the D’Antoni hiring and the Gallinari pick. Why it took them this long to dismiss Isiah and turn to Walsh, obviously no one knows that one.
The eastern playoff teams look to be better this season, at least to the point where a 43 win team won’t be the 5th seed. Brand should put Philly on the second tier, Washington will presumably get a full year out of Arenas, and Toronto was able to address some of its defensive issues by snagging O’Neal (losing an injury prone player who was redundant). Even some of the dregs look to improve. Wade’s healthy after a leisurely season of tanking, Chicago will probably bounce back a bit, and the kids in Charlotte could be on a good path if they listen to Larry Brown.
The west is still clearly better, but it looks like the east beefed up a little this season.
Paul, you shouldn’t sleep on those bucks..
On Memphis offering J. Smith a contract: My guess is this is definitely a friendly effort by Memphis to Atlanta. Last year Varejoke was holding out with the Cavs and another team came in and made him an offer which was much lower than what he was looking for which allowed the Cavs to match and re-sign.
With Okafor getting a $72 million contract over 6 years, my guess is Smith felt he deserved something that was equal or greater. 5 years, $58 million is a very very manageable contract. Its almost as if Memphis purposefully low-balled them.
On the East vs. West debate:
The argument has never really been who is better on top. Over the past 5 years, the East has come out on top 3 out of 5 times and one of the other two times was as close to a push as you can get (Game 7 Det. vs. San).
But across the conference, the West has clearly had better and more competitive basketball than the East. You had teams winning 48 and 49 games and not making the playoffs in the West last year while Atlanta was a number of games below .500 and filling the 8th seed.
I do think this is changing though. Hell if Chicago and Cleveland had started the season the way everyone expected them to, if Arenas and Caron Butler hadn’t been injured for numbers of games, if the Heat had actually played like a team and D. Wade had not been injured, if the Knicks had someone who knew how to coach/manage a team, then the balance in the two conferences would have been much closer.
I’m with Craig on that one…
@LB:
“MP: Is there an expiration date on that offer or is it hypothetical?”
How about now? I’m willing to make a friendly wager…
MP: Perhaps further discussions to be had off of DBB?
@LB:
Sure, that’s fine. However, I do have an alternative that might get the DBB community involved– and provide for a whole lot of comedy. Besides, making a comment-trackable bet on this website could have legal implications, nothing I would EVER want to befall Matt or this wonderful site (partially for selfish reasons, since I visit here 20+ times per day)
Here’s my thought: The loser eats crow. On video. And posts it on DBB.
Sure, the subject of this bet is kind of boring, especially since it’s not Pistons-related. But the bet itself is exciting as hell: The loser eats crow on video and posts it on DBB (or links to a youtube vid from dbb). Seriously. Whoever loses has to actually eat crow and record it on video, then post the result on DBB. As I’ve linked to before, crow is quite edible, and for you and I living in or near two of the three largest cities in the US, I bet we could find a restaurant or a chef that serves crow.
So we eat it on video for the community to watch, point fingers at, and laugh.
My only remaining question– since this bet isn’t Pistons-related, maybe we hold off until we as a community find a disagreement worthy of the Ultimate DBB Crow Bet? Maybe we as a community demand that Matt challenge another blogger to a 2008-09 NBA Season Crow Bet?
Let’s get the wheels turning… (but if for now, LB, you’d like to entertain a small wager of the green kind offline, I’m open to it)
Shinons and James B.:
Yeah, I agree that the East is competitive at the top couple of spots with the West, but after that it gets iffy. Before last year, I wouldn’t even have said “iffy”: it was clear that after the second or maybe third best team, the West was way better. Three things make me question that now. First, Boston handled LA relatively easily — more easily than Boston handled Detroit, the Cavs, or even Atlanta — and LA wasn’t really threatened in the Western playoffs. Second, as several have said, the East is getting tougher: I think Philly getting Brand is huge (if he’s healthy); same for Toronto and Jermaine O. (same if). Third, meanwhile, some teams in the West are getting worse (I mean you, Suns and Mavs).
I guess I still think that the teams who lost in the semi-finals in the West were probably better than the teams who lost in the semi-finals in the East last year, but it’s getting tighter.
No one has postulated on an east conference regular season standings yet?
I’ll start!
boston
detroit
orlando
philadelphia
cleveland
washington
toronto
milwaukee
Phili
Detroit
Cleveland
Boston (i think there will be a PP or KG injury)
Washington
Orlando
Indiana
Toronto
I say we arrange a Nathan Jawai/Devon Hardin game of one-on-one. That would be a crow worthy bet.
Eazy Yi is going to bust out and lead Milwaukee to the playoffs.
*snickers*
@PG4L:
Easy Yi the New Jersey Net?
Indeed. I have to be honest, I forgot the Nets traded for him. I mean it was easy enough to do. He’s terrible, they’re terrible…
Oh well. I’d feel bad but umm… see above about both parties being terrible.
QD: “I say we arrange a Nathan Jawai/Devon Hardin game of one-on-one. That would be a crow worthy bet.”
Let me know how many people want Hardin so I can make sure I have enough money in the bank to buy a big enough grill to cook all that crow.
The East is tough to predict in part because some teams are going to rely on players who are old and/or injury risks. Toronto with a consistently healthy O’Neal could be very tough. Philly with a consistently healthy Brand could be very tough. And all of the Boston “big three” have a lot of tread on the tires.” Heck, so have many of Detroit’s best players. And you have to think the Cavs are going to make some moves.
Having said that, I’ll go:
Boston
Detroit
Philly
Toronto
Cavs
Orlando
Atlanta
Washington
I’m going to go:
Boston
Detroit
Orlando
Philly
Cavs
Wiz
Toronto
Charlotte
hmm
the addition of Brand makes Philly 2 games better than last season, and better than anything Toronto can put out there on the floor to be honest.
The addition of virtually no one costs the Cavs a spot, but Wiz fans should be happy because according to me they don’t lose in the first round to the Cavs this year.
I think Charlotte sneaks in. I think Toronto is overrated and I think Orlando is only ranked #3 because Cleveland and Wiz haven’t done anything except continue to get older.
Of course, Detroit could slip, but I think with the young bucks continuing to grow and contribute, Detroit could easily jump above BOS.
RE: Jawai/Hardin, I haven’t seen either of those fools play.
RE: East. Might as well go against the grain.
Philly
Boston
Orlando
Detroit
Cleveland
Miami
Toronto
Chicago
Atlanta
Washington
Indiana
Charlotte
Milwaukee
Brooklyn
New York
I think it’s way too early to be making predictions about the East when a handful of important free agents remain unsigned. Ben Gordon is still talking about not going back to Chicago. Though that probably won’t come to pass, there’s no way to gauge the Bulls and/or Gordon until his contract status is resolved. Paxson could presumably roll the dice on a (cheaper) J.R. Smith instead of ponying up the loot to Gordon. The Bulls can probably only afford to pay Ben Gordon $9 million this year without going over the luxury tax threshold (read: John Paxson should be fired yesterday). He’s got to be mighty pissed when he’ll be playing for less money than Hinrich, Hughes, and Deng.
Then there’s the unsigned Iguodala in Philly and even Cleveland with Delonte West. It’s not that Delonte West is that good, it’s just that having Delonte West + Boobie Gibson seems to me to be the equivalent of having one and a half healthy point guards. Who wants to cut ties with West and be stuck with one PG who’s healthy 75% of the time?
I’d have to think Chris Wallace in Memphis has been on the phone with the representation for Ben Gordon, J.R. Smith and Andre Iguodala. I like OJ Mayo as much as the next guy, but should he be their starting SG on opening night? For their sake, I sure hope not.
I highly doubt Philly lets Iguodala go unless he takes his non-jump shooting ass overseas
unless they’re able to trade Iggy for DeVon Hardin of course
“I think it’s way too early to be making predictions about the East when a handful of important free agents remain unsigned.”
I’m sure many of us think there aren’t any more surprises left in the East– and nothing is stopping us from having a little fun with it. Besides, Ben Gordon? Chicago’s stacked back-court of rose, hinrich, hughes and gordon doesn’t lose much if you remove one of those four (especially one who has proven he can’t be a reliable starter). If it’s Gordon, Chicago’s record won’t change much.
Its looking likely that Gordon won’t have a deal with Chicago, even he doesn’t think so.
Surprised to see people sleeping on Milwaukee, but maybe I’m alone on that one. With Bogut coming off a huge year, Jefferson coming off a huge year, Redd being Redd and amazing point guard potential in Ramon Sessions, they could surprise a lot of people (especially if Villanueva can stay healthy).
I mostly agree with Boney and MP’s lists (identical except the last spot), except I’m not sure about Detroit’s positioning. They should be a division winner, but they may slip in the standings some. Toronto could pass the Wiz, and I think Philly could be higher than Orlando.
Adding Brand covers a big weakness, since they were starting Reggie Evans the majority of the year and didn’t get much scoring from their big men. Thad Young should make an excellent backup for him. They still don’t have any great shooters, though.
Orlando lost most of its backcourt this offseason (Evans, Arroyo, Dooling). None of these guys were great, but they were all useful role players who either could either hit threes or make good passes within Dwight’s range (one foot from the basket).
The last spot is kind of up for grabs. Not feeling Milwaukee. Their lack of commitment defensively is pretty amazing, and I don’t see RJ turning that around. I think it’s more likely that one of Chicago or Miami bounces back in a big way and takes it.
MP: If you don’t have Gordon going back to Chicago, that means he doesn’t play in the NBA next year, goes to Memphis as a FA, or gets a sign and trade. By my count, a sign and trade gives him a 48.3 % (14 of 29 trading partners) probability of Ben Gordon going to another Eastern Conference team. In actuality, a sign and trade nearly stamps his ticket to another team in the East.
Let’s say an East team gets Gordon for .50 on the dollar. Sure, it doesn’t seem likely at first glance, but all kinds of scenarios are fiscally possible, especially if Chicago wants to throw Hinrich into the deal. I think you’re quick to dismiss the significance of Gordon’s impact on another team if he actually wishes to make good on his words. It’s not because Chicago matters, poor choice of words from me earlier, but because the team that would wind up with Gordon (ie: Wiz, Cavs, Raptors, etc.) gets a huge boost. A team with DeShawn Stevenson, Wally Szczerbiak or Anthony Parker starting at SG undeniably gets better by trading scraps and/or aforementioned starting SG for Ben Gordon.
Here’s the article:
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/basketball/bulls/1099677,gordon080908.article
It’s not from Jay Mariotti, so no need to point and laugh upon clicking the link.
Mike Payne:
Re Milwaukee, although I wasn’t posting here a year ago, I’ve picked the Bucks as a sleeper in the East for like the last four straight years — and they proved me wrong each time. If they do really well this year, the first time in a long time I *haven’t* picked them to make the playoffs, well, I’ll be SO MAD. . . .
MP loves Ramon Sessions. I’m not at all saying he’s wrong on that, though I don’t know of anyone else as big on Sessions as MP. Entirely possible MP is just way ahead of the curve, certainly wouldn’t be the first time for that. Me, I’m a huge Mo Williams fan, but I’m well aware that the highest number of games Mo’s played in the last 3 seasons is 68. That increases the likelihood of Sessions and/or Lue on multi-game starter duty. We know Lue is crap, if Sessions is as good as the hype, it would be no biggie.
They added RJ, who scored as much as Redd this past season. If RJ is that good in Milwaukee, that’s huge. RJ really needs to get his rebounding back to what it was in ‘05-06 and before. In NJ, that could’ve just been a function of hustle players: Mikki Moore in ‘06-’07 and Boone in ‘07-’08. It also may not at all be that. If Milwaukee stays healthy (huge if) and Jefferson gets his boards (mild if), count me in on the Milwaukee bandwagon.
Sorta on point with what I was saying earlier about rosters not being complete. Kelly Dwyer speculates …
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Trading-Andre-Iguodala;_ylt=AoCGgeYJI.9sRFjblmxUoOCkvLYF?urn=nba,98268
I agree with TJ’s lookout more than boney’s.
I can’t see toronto slipping beneath 5th place with O’neal in thier lineup when all the gave up really is a redundant PG
Interesting read:
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080809/SPORTS03/808090385/1051
Not particularly liking the sound of this part:
“To be honest with you, I haven’t been looking at what’s going on,” he said. “Everything eventually is going to take care of itself. A lot of guys worry about trade rumors. I’m the type of guy, I know that wherever I end up, I know I can help the team.”
The rest of the article goes on to say that the team will likely return intact, so it’s hardly NEWS or anything. But it doesn’t sound like Tay feels all that wanted to me.
Which is sad, because frankly I want him on our team until he retires if that’s what he wants. I understand that if we were to make a huge superstar trade, he’s almost automatically “the other piece” because of salaries… but I was ALWAYS hoping deep down inside the Pistons wouldn’t have to give him up.
PG4L, I’m with you. He’s the last player of the core I want to see leave. I think he’s still the hungriest of the four.
ohad,
Of course I’d rank Toronto higher if I believed that Jermaine O’Neal was going to remain healthy, or if I trusted their bench.
@QD: i second that motion. i’d trade him last.
@Boney: They did pretty well with a disfunctional center last season all season long so i think this could only be good for them. Also i think they should play Maceo Baston over nesterovic since he is so much more athletic. Then again, people in wheelchairs are more athletic than nesterovic….
That Wade to James oop was sick. That was like the All-Star game if the players weren’t hungover.
Well I am bloody ropable. Australia loses, but worse was that our Olympic broadcaster over here showed 8 mins of the game. Total. Then they showed a repeat of a swimming heat.
At least I get to watch the US game live.
Sometimes I really hate living here.
Melo’ is just a selfish player on offense and he disappears on D. I hope we don’t trade for him….ever
Meh, I’ve switched to the Hungary/Montenegro water polo match.
Ohad: Did you mean they should’ve “played” Baston over Nesterovic? Neterovic went to Indiana in the JO deal. Also, congratulations on prompting the first non-sarcastic Boney post. If only I knew your secret.
Re: Olympics, I wonder what Kobe thought of his new teammate Sun Yue after the rout of China.
Assuming Boston stays healthy and Milwaukee plays to what there “perceived” potential is. In all honesty, Miami/Washington are n my opinion, a toss up, I just don’t care for Gilbert.
1-Boston
4-Philly
5-Toronto
New York
New Jersey
2-Detroit
6-Milwaukee
7-Cleveland
Chicago
Indiana
3-Orlando
8-Miami
Washington
Atalanta
Charlotte
Here is an interesting Chad Ford article, I haven’t seen any posts on it here, forgive me if it is redundant, but he makes some interesting points, I disagree with him that the playoffs are a stretch for Milwaukee, if Skiles can get them to buy into his Defense, Milwaukee will be good.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=Offseason-080804
todays US squad would loose against todays spanish team by at least 15 points.
No Tayshaun vs. China thread?
I caught most of the second half. Defensively, the US got hung up on picks away from the ball a lot but China couldn’t make any shots.
How was Sun Yue? The Lakers just agreed to terms with him.
Last week’s gauntlet winner with Mr. Big Shot, Chauncey Billups!
I know you guys dislike but respect Wade, so I put him against Gilbert Arenas in the latest Gauntlet. Who would you rather have on your team?
NBAGauntlet.com. It looks like it’s a close race.
Preliminarily…
Detroit
Philly
Boston
Toronto
Cleveland
Orlando
Washington
Miami
Milwaukee is improved, and I like the Joe Alexander pick, but I see Jefferson’s production coming back to earth this year, and they still can’t play defense.
I was really frustrated with the selfishness of the players on the floor with Tayshaun. I think he touched the ball on offense once, not a single pass made to him, but he had one offensive rebound. He had 3 boards total in like 5 minutes of PT, and set at least 9 screens in his time on offense, those 9 screens led to Michael Redd threes and deron williams drives. If only one of them had looked at Tay open on the wing just once
LB,
The secret is, don’t be a know it all douche. Especially when you don’t know it all.
ohad,
There’s a reason Maceo Baston has spent most of his career overseas since his “domination” of other 6′7 Big 10 “Power forwards”… and that’s because he’s just not that good. If Baston was 7′1 he’d take Przybilla’s place on LB’s wish list.
I get what you’re selling for Toronto, but that doesn’t mean I buy it. Calderon could very easily wash out as quickly as he came on the scene. It’s nice to have a solid 3 guard rotation, it’s too bad Toronto traded from their real strength for a guy who has seen better days. They still don’t have a real solid backcourt, even with Calderon.
nice guards for Toronto:
Calderon
Hassan Adams,
Parker
Willie Solomon
Roko Ukic…
Unless other teams see value in Kris Humphries or Bargnani, I’m not seeing exactly why they need another big man…
This is off-topic, I know. I also know we have a large international contingent here, but:
Holy freaking hell, did anybody watch the men’s 4 x 100m free? That was the most excited I’ve been over an Olympic sport maybe ever. That was in-freaking-credible. The way we closed that last 50 m was impossible, there was no way he could make that up. Utterly ridiculous.
@Other Matt:
If you spot a video of that, YouTube or otherwise, I’d love to see it.
Other Matt,
Had to watch it live on CBC since NBC sucks at broadcasting live on the West Coast. Honestly, if the gold medal was live at 11:26 PM EST, then why not have it live at 8:26 PM PST? What kind of BS is this BS? Certainly not the kind of BS that I’m willing to put up with.
In any event, I’ve watched it twice on CBC and will be waiting up until 11:26 PM PST to watch it “LIVE” on NBC.
@boney - It’s not about domination. yes baston isn’t the best center i’ve seen around and yes he has limited postup abilities but he’s a great defender and rebounder and he has what very little bigmen do - he moves well without the ball and he has good hands.
I remember one of the pacer’s assitant coaches who got interviewed and asked how he thought baston fits the group. He said that they brought him in with little expectations but then in practice they let him guard jermaine o’neal and he was the only one on the team who could match up with him.
Again, i don’t think he the next massaiah but i do think he could have played the starting center instead of nesterovic.
What i do think will be the fall of toronto is their mentality which is to “shoot through the bad stretches”. they would let bosh and ford miss a zillion shots instead of trying to get the other players involved. it cost them more than one game.
And yes, I can’t remember the last time I jumped out of my seat and yelled at the top of my lungs, “SUCK IT LONG AND SUCK IT HARD FRANCE!!!!”
James B.: Yeah, what is with those of us in the Pacific Time Zone getting stuff three hours behind? I was reading about Phelps’s 400 IM win on Yahoo! and then wham, I look on NBC, and the race is on with the word “Live” at the top of the screen. Total crap.
And the lack of non-USA basketball coverage is killing me. Am I just mis