Official 2008-2009 NBA Thread

[Balta1701]

Ok, so I watched the Bulls game last night to determine for myself where the real issue is. I came away with a few different thoughts.

 

The best lineup on the floor when I was watching was: Heinrich, Thabo, Rose, Deng and Tyrus with an occasional sub by Gordon. The reason I was impressed by this lineup was the passing first and foremost, the defense and also the speed that they played. I was reminded of a time when a 6'8" Magic Johnson was the tallest man on the floor for the 1979 Lakers. I am not trying to compare the two teams, but this was the first time I think I actually grasped VDN's system.

 

DRose is VERY good on the break, and in the secondary break. He runs a half court well, but obviously is good in space when matched up 1v1. Deng was much more aggressive in the game because I think he does better when running down the wing given an option to drive or pass instead of being a pull up player. Gordone and Heinrich are better spotting up for kickouts and Thabo looked fantasic making plays, passing and playing great defense. it was the first time I actually thought the team was running an actual offense with a purpose. COULD we run a smaller team and run and gun? I am not sure, but I think Rose is a pretty good player to build around if you want to play that way. The backcourt trio of Thabo, Kirk and Rose was fairly long, defended well and was unselfish.

They were also playing the Clippers.

[RockRaines]

They were also playing the Clippers.

That doesnt change my points. The Bulls are not a good team and didnt "dominate" that would suggest that I am trying to say they are good. I was just saying those were my observations about what direction the team could go in.

[rangercal]

Eddie Curry's 3-Year-Old Son IDs Mom's Killer

 

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28891114/

[DBAHO]

Ok, so I watched the Bulls game last night to determine for myself where the real issue is. I came away with a few different thoughts.

 

The best lineup on the floor when I was watching was: Heinrich, Thabo, Rose, Deng and Tyrus with an occasional sub by Gordon. The reason I was impressed by this lineup was the passing first and foremost, the defense and also the speed that they played. I was reminded of a time when a 6'8" Magic Johnson was the tallest man on the floor for the 1979 Lakers. I am not trying to compare the two teams, but this was the first time I think I actually grasped VDN's system.

 

DRose is VERY good on the break, and in the secondary break. He runs a half court well, but obviously is good in space when matched up 1v1. Deng was much more aggressive in the game because I think he does better when running down the wing given an option to drive or pass instead of being a pull up player. Gordone and Heinrich are better spotting up for kickouts and Thabo looked fantasic making plays, passing and playing great defense. it was the first time I actually thought the team was running an actual offense with a purpose. COULD we run a smaller team and run and gun? I am not sure, but I think Rose is a pretty good player to build around if you want to play that way. The backcourt trio of Thabo, Kirk and Rose was fairly long, defended well and was unselfish.

Honestly if the Bulls aren't going to find a good big with decent low post skills, that's exactly what they should do.

 

Hence why D'Antoni would have been so perfect.

 

I see the Knicks making the playoffs this season BTW.

[Steve9347]

The Knicks making the playoffs is not a good thing for them.

[rangercal]

The Knicks making the playoffs is not a good thing for them.

 

I think it would be a very good thing for them. The stock of their roster goes up. I don't think there would be too much of a difference between their would be lottery pick vs their draft pick making the playoffs. I suppose the same could be said for us. Finishing #9 would be the worst scenario obviously.

[MHizzle85]

Hence why D'Antoni would have been so perfect.

 

I see the Knicks making the playoffs this season BTW.

Agreed on both, i've been sleeping on David Lee way too long. All-Star reserve? i'd say so.

[Steve9347]

I think it would be a very good thing for them. The stock of their roster goes up. I don't think there would be too much of a difference between their would be lottery pick vs their draft pick making the playoffs. I suppose the same could be said for us. Finishing #9 would be the worst scenario obviously.

I think we finished with the #9 chances last year didn't we?

[Balta1701]

I think it would be a very good thing for them. The stock of their roster goes up. I don't think there would be too much of a difference between their would be lottery pick vs their draft pick making the playoffs. I suppose the same could be said for us. Finishing #9 would be the worst scenario obviously.

There's no reason why the Knicks wouldn't want to go all out to win over the next 1.5 years. They don't hurt their cap space, they aren't playing for the draft, and most importantly, they also need to convince #23 that if he comes there, he won't be stuck in a rut like KG was in Minnesota.

[rangercal]

I think we finished with the #9 chances last year didn't we?

 

yeah, but is a 2 % chance on Blake Griffin really worth missing the postseason?

[whitesoxfan101]

yeah, but is a 2 % chance on Blake Griffin really worth missing the postseason?

 

No, especially since Oklahoma City is going to get the #1 pick this year. The Chicago hometown kid ended up in Chicago, the Akron boy ended up in Cleveland several years ago, and the local kid from Oklahoma is going to end up with the Thunder. That's just how the NBA does it with their "lottery" (lol).

Edited January 29, 2009 by whitesoxfan101

[GoodAsGould]

No, especially since Oklahoma City is going to get the #1 pick this year. The Chicago hometown kid ended up in Chicago, the Akron boy ended up in Cleveland several years ago, and the local kid from Oklahoma is going to end up with the Thunder. That's just how the NBA does it with their "lottery" (lol).

 

But that could actually make the Thunder a pretty good damn team. Duran, Westbrook and Griffin are a nice core to build around and Jeff Green, Nick Collison, Chris Wilcox, and Nenad Kristic are nice role players. Id also imagine they would be in good shape salary wise to add an impact player, maybe Dwayne Wade.

[ZoomSlowik]

But that could actually make the Thunder a pretty good damn team. Duran, Westbrook and Griffin are a nice core to build around and Jeff Green, Nick Collison, Chris Wilcox, and Nenad Kristic are nice role players. Id also imagine they would be in good shape salary wise to add an impact player, maybe Dwayne Wade.

 

I have a hard time seeing Dwayne Wade leaving Miami to take less money to play in Oklahoma City, or any of the elite FA's for that matter (remember, the max deal is 6-133 to stay put and 5-105 in a new city). More likely if they try to use their cap space they'll get someone that's nearing the end of their usefulness like Camby or Redd or overpay a guy that isn't quite elite like Josh Howard or Tyson Chandler.

Edited January 30, 2009 by ZoomSlowik

[Steve9347]

This is one hell of a game going on between Cleveland and Orlando.

[Steve9347]

This is one hell of a game going on between Cleveland and Orlando.

OK, not anymore.

 

DBAHO, I must say... I'm impressed. Great home showing by Orlando tonight.

[lostfan]

Wade's first name is spelled Dw Y ane... just FWIW

[DBAHO]

OK, not anymore.

 

DBAHO, I must say... I'm impressed. Great home showing by Orlando tonight.

Yep, big win for us even if SVG says it's just another game.

 

We've got to show that we can beat Cleveland or Boston.

 

Getting that #1 seed is going to be absolutely crucial.

[Balta1701]

Getting that #1 seed is going to be absolutely crucial.

Right now, no one, and I mean no one in a way I'm not sure I've meant before...wants to face the Cavs in Cleveland.

 

The Celtics last year showed that you could actually survive the playoffs basically winning only at home for the first 3 rounds. And they weren't doing at home what Cleveland is doing.

[DBAHO]

Right now, no one, and I mean no one in a way I'm not sure I've meant before...wants to face the Cavs in Cleveland.

 

The Celtics last year showed that you could actually survive the playoffs basically winning only at home for the first 3 rounds. And they weren't doing at home what Cleveland is doing.

That's why if Cleveland got the #3 seed, they'd be in real big trouble.

 

I don't think they can win on the road in the playoffs against Boston or Orlando. At home, definitely, on the road, no.

 

I think they trade Wally's deal for something at the deadline, because I still think they're missing a piece.

[Balta1701]

I think they trade Wally's deal for something at the deadline, because I still think they're missing a piece.

Think they'd want a solid defensive point guard?

 

I'm 100% serious.

[Steve9347]

Think they'd want a solid defensive point guard?

 

I'm 100% serious.

I had the exact same conversation last night.

 

Hinrich would make a lot of sense for both Cleveland and Orlando. No joke.

[Balta1701]

Reinsdorf and Del Negro going back and forth in the media, with JR being especially critical of the coaching staff.

[Balta1701]

I had the exact same conversation last night.

 

Hinrich would make a lot of sense for both Cleveland and Orlando. No joke.

Do the Magic have any contracts that would be of the expiring in the near future (2009 or 2010) sort? If I'm moving Hinrich that's all I want. That and maybe a couple draft picks.

[SoxAce]

We'll see how the Bulls do in this road trip. So far, as good as the Hawks (though the Hawks just recently lost) but the good tests are comming up tonight. So far Deng has really stepped his game up and looks like the Luol Deng we want to complement with Rose now and into the future. (though we probably don't have a choice regardless with his contract) Thomas (another future core guy perhaps) and Noah (Rose made him look damn good against Sacremento ala Tyson with CP3) have also stepped it up nicely. Even Hinrich has been a nice surprise with his minutes, defense has been damn solid and assist/decision making (though he still frustrates me with his consistant dribbling out the clock + turnovers) 20-27 so far... who knows if this will get good [doubtful] (maybe a trade or two to help the future at the deadline and pack in some wins) or ugly (no trades, we start a horrid losing streak, thinking lottery, etc..) JR's backing of Pax is sad to hear. (though not all is Pax's fault but taking NO blame AT ALL? Really JR?)

[Jordan4life_2007]

We'll see how the Bulls do in this road trip. So far, as good as the Hawks (though the Hawks just recently lost) but the good tests are comming up tonight. So far Deng has really stepped his game up and looks like the Luol Deng we want to complement with Rose now and into the future. (though we probably don't have a choice regardless with his contract) Thomas (another future core guy perhaps) and Noah (Rose made him look damn good against Sacremento ala Tyson with CP3) have also stepped it up nicely. Even Hinrich has been a nice surprise with his minutes, defense has been damn solid and assist/decision making (though he still frustrates me with his consistant dribbling out the clock + turnovers) 20-27 so far... who knows if this will get good [doubtful] (maybe a trade or two to help the future at the deadline and pack in some wins) or ugly (no trades, we start a horrid losing streak, thinking lottery, etc..) JR's backing of Pax is sad to hear. (though not all is Pax's fault but taking NO blame AT ALL? Really JR?)

 

Not surprising. Jerry is loyal to a fault. Jerry Krause, one of the worst GMs in recent memory, would still be here had he not had to step down for health reasons.