It is looking like my Bulls will end up holding the bag when this free agent courtship is over.

Graycap23 said:

It is looking like my Bulls will end up holding the bag when this free agent courtship is over.

Alex Kennedy - 07/01/2010 2:03pm EST-

The LeBron James circus is getting old for some teams. Some are tired of waiting for James to make his decision and feel that by tomorrow, he should have his mind made up.

In a bold move, the Chicago Bulls are threatening to pull their offer off of the table if James doesn't make a decision by Saturday, sources close to the situation tell HOOPSWORLD.

Threatening to do something is different from actually doing it but the move shows that the Bulls are tired of playing the waiting game, especially as other prominent free agents come off of the board.

Just heard the Knicks contract to Amare is worth $100mil. Are you fucking kidding me?????

phunkdaddy said:

RebirthOfCool said:

Wow. He better show up in the playoffs a lot better next year than he did in the Finals. Artest made him his bitch.

Get serious.

Artest was pretty much AWOL until the last game of the series.

His presence allowed Kobe not to have to expend energy defending Pierce.

That's the difference between this past NBA Finals and the 2008 Finals.

Pierce abused Artest in games 4 and 5.

but that's the point. Artest's defense of Pierce made a difference.

Pierce's scoring in the 2008 Finals: Game 1: 22pts (7-10), Game 2: 28pts (9-16), Game 3:6 pts (2-14), Game 4: 20pts (6-13), Game 5: 38pts (10-22/16-19FTs), Game 6: 17pts (4-13/7-8 FTs)

Pierce's scoring in 2010 Finals: 24pts (6-13/12-13FTs), Game 2: 10pts (2-11), Game 3: 15pts (5-12), Game 4: 19pts (7-12); Game 5: 27pts (12-21 shooting); Game 6: 13pts (6-14); Game 7: 18pts (5-15)

Artest didn't have an impact on offense because his No. 1 job was limiting Pierce offensively. When compared to the 2008 Finals, Pierce was not a huge factor in the series. And Artest was the best player on the floor in Game 7.

namepeace said:

phunkdaddy said:

Get serious.

Artest was pretty much AWOL until the last game of the series.

His presence allowed Kobe not to have to expend energy defending Pierce.

That's the difference between this past NBA Finals and the 2008 Finals.

Pierce abused Artest in games 4 and 5.

but that's the point. Artest's defense of Pierce made a difference.

Pierce's scoring in the 2008 Finals: Game 1: 22pts (7-10), Game 2: 28pts (9-16), Game 3:6 pts (2-14), Game 4: 20pts (6-13), Game 5: 38pts (10-22/16-19FTs), Game 6: 17pts (4-13/7-8 FTs)

Pierce's scoring in 2010 Finals: 24pts (6-13/12-13FTs), Game 2: 10pts (2-11), Game 3: 15pts (5-12), Game 4: 19pts (7-12); Game 5: 27pts (12-21 shooting); Game 6: 13pts (6-14); Game 7: 18pts (5-15)

Artest didn't have an impact on offense because his No. 1 job was limiting Pierce offensively. When compared to the 2008 Finals, Pierce was not a huge factor in the series. And Artest was the best player on the floor in Game 7.

Of course. The celtics bottled up Kobe on defense for the first 3 quarters and

forced Gasol and Artest to beat them. Fortunately for LA, these 2 came up big.

phunkdaddy said:

RebirthOfCool said:

Wow. He better show up in the playoffs a lot better next year than he did in the Finals. Artest made him his bitch.

Get serious.

Artest was pretty much AWOL until the last game of the series.

His presence allowed Kobe not to have to expend energy defending Pierce.

That's the difference between this past NBA Finals and the 2008 Finals.

Pierce abused Artest in games 4 and 5.

I was DEAD serious. What did Pierce do for the series? He had maybe 2 good games? Artest owned his ass. And Artest being offensively AWOL was ok, since he held Pierce in check, which was the whole reason in getting him, he locks down the teams wing so Kobe won't have to extend himself on both ends of the floor.

namepeace said:

phunkdaddy said:

Get serious.

Artest was pretty much AWOL until the last game of the series.

His presence allowed Kobe not to have to expend energy defending Pierce.

That's the difference between this past NBA Finals and the 2008 Finals.

Pierce abused Artest in games 4 and 5.

but that's the point. Artest's defense of Pierce made a difference.

Pierce's scoring in the 2008 Finals: Game 1: 22pts (7-10), Game 2: 28pts (9-16), Game 3:6 pts (2-14), Game 4: 20pts (6-13), Game 5: 38pts (10-22/16-19FTs), Game 6: 17pts (4-13/7-8 FTs)

Pierce's scoring in 2010 Finals: 24pts (6-13/12-13FTs), Game 2: 10pts (2-11), Game 3: 15pts (5-12), Game 4: 19pts (7-12); Game 5: 27pts (12-21 shooting); Game 6: 13pts (6-14); Game 7: 18pts (5-15)

Artest didn't have an impact on offense because his No. 1 job was limiting Pierce offensively. When compared to the 2008 Finals, Pierce was not a huge factor in the series. And Artest was the best player on the floor in Game 7.

This dude knows what's up.

RebirthOfCool said:

namepeace said:

but that's the point. Artest's defense of Pierce made a difference.

Pierce's scoring in the 2008 Finals: Game 1: 22pts (7-10), Game 2: 28pts (9-16), Game 3:6 pts (2-14), Game 4: 20pts (6-13), Game 5: 38pts (10-22/16-19FTs), Game 6: 17pts (4-13/7-8 FTs)

Pierce's scoring in 2010 Finals: 24pts (6-13/12-13FTs), Game 2: 10pts (2-11), Game 3: 15pts (5-12), Game 4: 19pts (7-12); Game 5: 27pts (12-21 shooting); Game 6: 13pts (6-14); Game 7: 18pts (5-15)

Artest didn't have an impact on offense because his No. 1 job was limiting Pierce offensively. When compared to the 2008 Finals, Pierce was not a huge factor in the series. And Artest was the best player on the floor in Game 7.

This dude knows what's up.

thank you. I like a lot of your posts and I've been away for a while but hope to be back more regularly.

uPtoWnNY said:

Just heard the Knicks contract to Amare is worth $100mil. Are you fucking kidding me?????

Amare "no d" Stoudemire is your man.

Well at least you'll see a lot of nasty dunks and the

Knicks fans will at least finally have a star player to cheer for.

Who knows maybe McGrady will get his groove back.

namepeace said:

RebirthOfCool said:

This dude knows what's up.

thank you. I like a lot of your posts and I've been away for a while but hope to be back more regularly.

Cool, do that. And thanks. Right back at ya.

RebirthOfCool said:

phunkdaddy said:

Get serious.

Artest was pretty much AWOL until the last game of the series.

His presence allowed Kobe not to have to expend energy defending Pierce.

That's the difference between this past NBA Finals and the 2008 Finals.

Pierce abused Artest in games 4 and 5.

I was DEAD serious. What did Pierce do for the series? He had maybe 2 good games? Artest owned his ass. And Artest being offensively AWOL was ok, since he held Pierce in check, which was the whole reason in getting him, he locks down the teams wing so Kobe won't have to extend himself on both ends of the floor.

Artest made a difference no doubt but it's not like he held Pierce under 10 points

for a multiple games . Hey i'm a Sixers fan so it's not like i be

rooting for Pierce or the Celtics but to say or act like the guy is a scrub is over the top. You posted

earlier he needs to earn his paper by performing better in future playoff series.

Did you bypass the Celtics series versus the Cavs, versus the Magic( neither of which the

Celtics were favored) and go straight to the Finals?

[Edited 7/2/10 14:51pm]

phunkdaddy said:

RebirthOfCool said:

I was DEAD serious. What did Pierce do for the series? He had maybe 2 good games? Artest owned his ass. And Artest being offensively AWOL was ok, since he held Pierce in check, which was the whole reason in getting him, he locks down the teams wing so Kobe won't have to extend himself on both ends of the floor.

Artest made a difference no doubt but it's not like he held Pierce under 10 points

for a multiple games . Hey i'm a Sixers fan so it's not like i be

rooting for Pierce or the Celtics but to say or act like the guy is a scrub is over the top. You posted

earlier he needs to earn his paper by performing better in future playoff series.

Did you bypass the Celtics series versus the Cavs, versus the Magic( neither of which the

Celtics were favored) and go straight to the Finals?

[Edited 7/2/10 14:51pm]

No one's doubting Pierce as a player. Or that the C's made a fantastic run.

But is he The Truth any longer? Or should I say is he the "Max Player" version of The Truth, still? As a Lakers fan, I'd love nothing more than to see the C's repeat the mistakes that made them irrelevant for a generation, but I just don't get why you'd pay him so much at this point when history says he's just going to decline.

phunkdaddy said:

RebirthOfCool said:

I was DEAD serious. What did Pierce do for the series? He had maybe 2 good games? Artest owned his ass. And Artest being offensively AWOL was ok, since he held Pierce in check, which was the whole reason in getting him, he locks down the teams wing so Kobe won't have to extend himself on both ends of the floor.

Artest made a difference no doubt but it's not like he held Pierce under 10 points

for a multiple games . Hey i'm a Sixers fan so it's not like i be

rooting for Pierce or the Celtics but to say or act like the guy is a scrub is over the top. You posted

earlier he needs to earn his paper by performing better in future playoff series.

Did you bypass the Celtics series versus the Cavs, versus the Magic( neither of which the

Celtics were favored) and go straight to the Finals?

[Edited 7/2/10 14:51pm]

Who here said "Artest held Pierce under 10 pts'? No one. All we're saying is, Artest did his job against Pierce and it made a huge difference. Pierce was basically a non-factor in the series. And my next question is who said "Pierce is a scrub"? Again, no one. All I'm saying is, the dude isn't worth that much in extension money, especially based off his latest Finals performance. And you know in the world of sports it's "What have you done for me lately?" so you can't keep resting on what he did 2 or 3 seasons ago.

Lakers just signed Steve Blake - 4 yrs/16 million. The title defense begins.

I saw a report that had Wade leaning toward Chicago.

uPtoWnNY said:

I saw a report that had Wade leaning toward Chicago.

Yep. He took a 2nd meeting with them today.

RebirthOfCool said:

Lakers just signed Steve Blake - 4 yrs/16 million. The title defense begins.

Ideally, they can resign Fisher and let Fisher and Odom lead the 2nd unit off the bench, playing both in the 4th when necessary (which is about half the time). I'd love for them to find another shooter off the bench, and sign a backup center. But if they did even 2 of those 3 things, they've done enough to get ready for next year. They do all three, and they're on track.

namepeace said:

RebirthOfCool said:

Lakers just signed Steve Blake - 4 yrs/16 million. The title defense begins.

Ideally, they can resign Fisher and let Fisher and Odom lead the 2nd unit off the bench, playing both in the 4th when necessary (which is about half the time). I'd love for them to find another shooter off the bench, and sign a backup center. But if they did even 2 of those 3 things, they've done enough to get ready for next year. They do all three, and they're on track.

Matt Barnes wants to sign with the Lakers.

Looks like we won't hear anything from LeBron until Thursday.

uPtoWnNY said:

Just heard the Knicks contract to Amare is worth $100mil. Are you fucking kidding me?????

"Aaaa-maaa-ré, woah-o-o-o-o!" $100 million dollah man .

.. coming soon Melo.

The Knicks have taken their first step toward being respectable, although I have concerns about Amare's knees and his lack of defense. We desperately need a point guard and some defensive/rebounding help.

Lee's out the door. I heard a sign and trade for Monta.

uPtoWnNY said:

The Knicks have taken their first step toward being respectable, although I have concerns about Amare's knees and his lack of defense. We desperately need a point guard and some defensive/rebounding help.

Lee's out the door. I heard a sign and trade for Monta.

Have u seen Amare play lately? Nothing is wrong with his knees. Nice pickup 4 the Knicks.

[Edited 7/6/10 6:30am]

Graycap23 said:

Nice pickup 4 the Knicks.

Only if Walsh gets another top free agent, a real PG and a rebounding/defensive center. Otherwise it'll be the same ol' crap.

uPtoWnNY said:

Graycap23 said:

Nice pickup 4 the Knicks.

Only if Walsh gets another top free agent, a real PG and a rebounding/defensive center. Otherwise it'll be the same ol' crap.

1 step at a time.

phunkdaddy said:

Graycap23 said:

Good GM's get it DONE.....while others talk about getting it done.

Love the Lakers 4 that reason alone.

A lot of times it's just the rich getting richer and the poor

getting poorer just like college football. How many times have

you seen players try to piggyback their way to a ring by joining

the Lakers (Lakers and Celtics of 80's too). Gary Payton and Karl Malone anyone. In their case

it backfired because of the egos on the team and even the Zen

Master couldn't Zen his way out of that one.

U are correct 2 a great degree but some is just the gm getting his JOB done.

Graycap23 said:

phunkdaddy said:

A lot of times it's just the rich getting richer and the poor

getting poorer just like college football. How many times have

you seen players try to piggyback their way to a ring by joining

the Lakers (Lakers and Celtics of 80's too). Gary Payton and Karl Malone anyone. In their case

it backfired because of the egos on the team and even the Zen

Master couldn't Zen his way out of that one.

U are correct 2 a great degree but some is just the gm getting his JOB done.

The Knicks are one of the league's richest franchises, but they've been stumbling and bumbling since 1973. It's all about smart owners and front office people.

Dirk resigned with Dallas for a contract worth $80mil.

Chris Duhon signed with Orlando.

WFAN announced LeBron's trying to recruit Bosh, but Bosh wants NO part of Cleveland.

[Edited 7/6/10 13:46pm]

Graycap23 said:

uPtoWnNY said:

The Knicks have taken their first step toward being respectable, although I have concerns about Amare's knees and his lack of defense. We desperately need a point guard and some defensive/rebounding help.

Lee's out the door. I heard a sign and trade for Monta.

Have u seen Amare play lately? Nothing is wrong with his knees. Nice pickup 4 the Knicks.

[Edited 7/6/10 6:30am]

Did AS have microfracture surgery? If so, then I think I heard that on average, surgery for microfracture patients is necessary within 3-4 years, though I don't know if that's the case.

It's a good pickup for one half of the floor. Amar'e will make them better, but he's not as good in the halfcourt, grind-it-out game that is SOP in playoff season. The Knicks have to prove their style will win big.

Monta Ellis would be a prime candidate for this system.

uPtoWnNY said:

Dirk resigned with Dallas for a contract worth $80mil.

Chris Duhon signed with Orlando.

WFAN announced LeBron's trying to recruit Bosh, but Bosh wants NO part of Cleveland.

[Edited 7/6/10 13:46pm]

Orlando is fascinating. I heard they're trying to re-acquire Turkgolu (sp) for Vinsanity and/or Nelson some time ago. To me, Hedo what the missing factor for the Magic this season.

Bosh wants a bigger stage. LeBron may find it harder to recruit a bigger fish to swim with him in Cleveland's smaller, colder pond. If LeBron remains with the Cavs, then he's all-in. I don't think they can win a title with the current roster for at least 2 seasons, if at all. and they can't get past the Lakers if they do get to the Finals.

Right now, Bosh is the "pivot player" in free agency. It seems like Bosh and LeBron could go to Chicago and contend right away. If Bosh won't go to Cleveland, I'd steer him to Miami with Wade.

LBJ shouldn't be the odd man out. If he returns to the Cavs he won't be with another big star and the team could be worse; it appears no one wants to go to Cleveland unless they're traded there or have no other options. He goes to NY he plays with Stoudemire and the Knicks will buy another player to chip in (especially after Curry's expiring contract is off the books). He goes to Chicago he has a balanced team to contend. He goes to Miami he goes to Gotham to become Superman to Wade's Batman; he's awesome and he and Wade can be all comers, but he won't own the city. His choices aren't perfect but right now, if no one wants to come to Cleveland, and the franchise is in disarray, even with Byron Scott in place, the Cavs are the worst choice from the aspects of contending.

****Tune in tomorrow for namepeace's latest screed, "Why Cleveland is Best for Bron Bron" . . .

namepeace said:

Graycap23 said:

Have u seen Amare play lately? Nothing is wrong with his knees. Nice pickup 4 the Knicks.

[Edited 7/6/10 6:30am]

Did AS have microfracture surgery? If so, then I think I heard that on average, surgery for microfracture patients is necessary within 3-4 years, though I don't know if that's the case.

It's a good pickup for one half of the floor. Amar'e will make them better, but he's not as good in the halfcourt, grind-it-out game that is SOP in playoff season. The Knicks have to prove their style will win big.

Monta Ellis would be a prime candidate for this system.

Yeah, he did have micro-surg.