Graycap23 said:

uPtoWnNY said:

These NBA refs have been a fucking joke for years.

Really? I thought they were fairly good.

If you judge them on every call they make over an entire season, they are. They're very good.

Cerebus said:

uPtoWnNY said:

WTF kind of defense was Jared Jeffries playing on Jason Richardson? Dude was wide open on that 3!

Doug Collins should be a lock for Coach of the Year.

If Tom Thibodeau doesn't get it I'll be shocked. And I mean SHOCKED. He's got the Chicago Bulls in first place because they bought into his system.

Agreed............Rose a buch of often injured average players.

But who expected Philly to be where they are?

uPtoWnNY said:

But who expected Philly to be where they are?

Expectations of people outside the organization means NOTHING.

uPtoWnNY said:

But who expected Philly to be where they are?

No offense to your Knicks, but its the East. Who has REALLY mattered there in the last decade? Not Chicago. They were one of about 10-12 teams who floated around through the 4th or 5th to 14th or 15th spots, sometimes making the playoffs, sometimes not, always going out in the first or second round. This year they are a legit contender, in first place by two games even after a loss. I think it will depend on how the season ends, but if they finish strong and retain first place I will be SHOCKED if Thibodeau doesn't get it.

I like Doug Collins, and I've always liked Phily (watched a LOT of Iverson games - miss that little shit), but he hasn't done what Thibodeau has. The Bulls this year compared to last are playing at a totally different level. They play defense HARD and they run his sets on offense. Its his system has made Rose the likely league MVP and will put several players on the first and second All Defense teams. Collins got the Sixers to win a few more games, but he hasn't had nearly the same impact as Thibodeau in Chicago.

Cerebus said:

uPtoWnNY said:

But who expected Philly to be where they are?

No offense to your Knicks, but its the East. Who has REALLY mattered there in the last decade? Not Chicago. They were one of about 10-12 teams who floated around through the 4th or 5th to 14th or 15th spots, sometimes making the playoffs, sometimes not, always going out in the first or second round. This year they are a legit contender, in first place by two games even after a loss. I think it will depend on how the season ends, but if they finish strong and retain first place I will be SHOCKED if Thibodeau doesn't get it.

I like Doug Collins, and I've always liked Phily (watched a LOT of Iverson games - miss that little shit), but he hasn't done what Thibodeau has. The Bulls this year compared to last are playing at a totally different level. They play defense HARD and they run his sets on offense. Its his system has made Rose the likely league MVP and will put several players on the first and second All Defense teams. Collins got the Sixers to win a few more games, but he hasn't had nearly the same impact as Thibodeau in Chicago.

That about sums it up.

Cerebus said:

I like Doug Collins, and I've always liked Phily (watched a LOT of Iverson games - miss that little shit), but he hasn't done what Thibodeau has. The Bulls this year compared to last are playing at a totally different level. They play defense HARD and they run his sets on offense. Its his system has made Rose the likely league MVP and will put several players on the first and second All Defense teams. Collins got the Sixers to win a few more games, but he hasn't had nearly the same impact as Thibodeau in Chicago.

Don't remind me - I'm still furious the Knicks didn't give him the job. Bulls fans should thank their lucky stars they didn't wind up with D'Amphony. This is the one time when their 'cheapness' paid off.

As for the Knicks, Carmelo's not fitting well in this offense. He's too impatient and breaks plays off to go iso. He threw up some ridiculous shots. He was on last night, but what happens on those 8-for-20 games? He definitely needs a full training camp to 'get' this system. To be honest, I don't think he'll change much.

The dude I feel bad for is Landry Fields. It's like he disappeared since the trade.

Younger Generation Makes NBA's Future Bright;

http://www.nba.com/bulls/...10328.html

uPtoWnNY said:

Cerebus said:

I like Doug Collins, and I've always liked Phily (watched a LOT of Iverson games - miss that little shit), but he hasn't done what Thibodeau has. The Bulls this year compared to last are playing at a totally different level. They play defense HARD and they run his sets on offense. Its his system has made Rose the likely league MVP and will put several players on the first and second All Defense teams. Collins got the Sixers to win a few more games, but he hasn't had nearly the same impact as Thibodeau in Chicago.

Don't remind me - I'm still furious the Knicks didn't give him the job. Bulls fans should thank their lucky stars they didn't wind up with D'Amphony. This is the one time when their 'cheapness' paid off.

As for the Knicks, Carmelo's not fitting well in this offense. He's too impatient and breaks plays off to go iso. He threw up some ridiculous shots. He was on last night, but what happens on those 8-for-20 games? He definitely needs a full training camp to 'get' this system. To be honest, I don't think he'll change much.

The dude I feel bad for is Landry Fields. It's like he disappeared since the trade.

Melo is one of the best SCORERS in the league. There has never been an argument about that. In order for him to become one of the best PLAYERS he's going to have to pull the "star" shot count back quite a bit (nobody in Pheonix ever took as many shots as Melo does).

It took LeBron most of this season and quite a few failed attempts, but he seems to have figured it out. It took Kobe YEARS to know exactly when he needs to take over and when he needs to let his team take the lead (and he still gets impatient and jacks up too many shots on occasion, but he's MUCH better about it than he used to be). Rose wasn't as good a PLAYER last year as he is this year playing within Thibodeaus' system (he's a better PG and defender, while still scoring 25 per game).

It may be part D'Antoni's fault right now in NY, but A LOT of the blame needs to be put right on Melo's shoulders. He rarely plays ANY defense (something ALL the other "stars" from his draft class do very well) and he ignores whatever MINOR system (offensive sets) D'Antoni has in place. All you have to do is look at the Knicks compared to the Nuggets since the trade to know that's true. The Knicks have a losing record while the Nuggets (whose players have embraced George Karl's system and taken full advantage of their expanded minutes and touches) look like a much better team.

Cerebus said:

It may be part D'Antoni's fault right now in NY, but A LOT of the blame needs to be put right on Melo's shoulders. He rarely plays ANY defense (something ALL the other "stars" from his draft class do very well) and he ignores whatever MINOR system (offensive sets) D'Antoni has in place. All you have to do is look at the Knicks compared to the Nuggets since the trade to know that's true. The Knicks have a losing record while the Nuggets (whose players have embraced George Karl's system and taken full advantage of their expanded minutes and touches) look like a much better team.

No argument from me. But this trade was for the long term. Let's see what happens when the Knicks get the pieces they need and Carmelo has a full training camp. Next season will be crucial for D'Amphony.

uPtoWnNY said:

Younger Generation Makes NBA's Future Bright;

http://www.nba.com/bulls/...10328.html

Great read. I agree with nearly everything the guy said.

As a LOYAL Warrior's fan (which very few people really are) I can say that we're quite pleased with Stephon Curry. Very few people gave him a chance of making it in the league after we signed him. Now, two years later, he's proven himself to be a worthy STARTER and capable scorer, likely to play another decade or so if he doesn't get hurt.

Man, I had HONESTLY forgotten about Ben Gordon (at some point this season, right around their mutiny I guess, I kind of gave up watching Pistons games). Sad, I hope dude can turn it around, because he's definitely better than what he's doing in Detroit right now.

I still think Thibodeau has COTY on lock if they finish if first place.

True words about the Melo, Stoudemire situation. But calling Melo another "Tracy McGrady" might be a bit harsh, and its definitely premature. First of all, I think the trade was done too late in the season. Second, as we all know, there is not a lot of structure in the Knicks play and Melo DEFINITELY needs that. Unfortunately, if George Karl can't get him to play within a system, I'm not sure who can. Doc Rivers, probably, but I really don't see him leaving Boston (not unless he just retires outright to watch his kid play at Duke).

This is very interesting, "You sometimes hear management or coaches implying they are glad to be rid of someone, but rarely ever players, and especially of a star. But you’ve never heard so many players practically gleeful to be without Carmelo Anthony. Said Nene: “We're enjoying it right now because everybody feels important." Added Kenyon Martin: “People are just going out and being who they are. Guys utilizing their talents.”

As is this....

"With a win Sunday, the Lakers moved within four of the Spurs with nine left as the Lakers have gone 15-1 since the All-Star break. I’m going Lakers/Thunder and Bulls/Heat for Final Four. Unless I change before then."

GO LAKERS!! I dig those teams for the Championship games. I'm not sure OKC will make it. But in the East those two teams are as likely as any others (unless Boston gets their Championship vibe back, but I don't think that's gonna happen).

uPtoWnNY said:

Cerebus said:

It may be part D'Antoni's fault right now in NY, but A LOT of the blame needs to be put right on Melo's shoulders. He rarely plays ANY defense (something ALL the other "stars" from his draft class do very well) and he ignores whatever MINOR system (offensive sets) D'Antoni has in place. All you have to do is look at the Knicks compared to the Nuggets since the trade to know that's true. The Knicks have a losing record while the Nuggets (whose players have embraced George Karl's system and taken full advantage of their expanded minutes and touches) look like a much better team.

No argument from me. But this trade was for the long term. Let's see what happens when the Knicks get the pieces they need and Carmelo has a full training camp. Next season will be crucial for D'Amphony.

If he's brought back. Its the Knicks, they have the money to buy him out if they choose to go that route. And IF Stoudemire doesn't get his panties in a full twisted bunch and ask to be moved in the off season. If they can keep those guys together and get some "pieces" who naturally play defense and hustle (like the Lakers have been doing the last couple years), they'll probably make the playoffs again next year.

I can't say any more than that about them until I see Melo actually buy into a system other than "I'm going to take however many shots it takes for me to get 20-30 points a night". There have been a couple close games recently where, coming down the stretch, I could see his teammates shoulders sag in disappointment when he got the ball because they KNEW he was going to hold it and jack up a terrible shot.

No team can thrive like that, not even a Kobe or Jordan team. It may win you a few games, but it won't win you a title. As soon as Kobe and Jordan embraced Jackson's system and started playing off/with their teammates they started winning titles. And Melo could still take the same amount of shots playing that way, he just needs to do so while moving the ball around, rolling off of picks, roaming to the open spots on the floor WITHOUT the ball, etc. etc. etc.

^^^ The most important thing for the Knicks is having Walsh come back. If Brain-Dead Dolan says no, then you-know-who will return. If that happens, Knicks are truly fucked.

uPtoWnNY said:

^^^ The most important thing for the Knicks is having Walsh come back. If Brain-Dead Dolan says no, then you-know-who will return. If that happens, Knicks are truly fucked.

But didn't Walsh hire D'Antoni and make the big trade to get Melo? You seem to cut that guy a lot of slack considering how hard you are on D'Antoni. I mean, for real, I'm SOOOO with you on not bringing back Isiah Thomas. That would be a disaster of epic proportions. But maybe Walsh isn't the answer, either.

Graycap23 said:

Cerebus said:

If Tom Thibodeau doesn't get it I'll be shocked. And I mean SHOCKED. He's got the Chicago Bulls in first place because they bought into his system.

Agreed............Rose a buch of often injured average players.

Carlos Boozer is an All-stat, Noah would have been an All-Star and Deng is a boderline All-Star.

Cerebus said:

uPtoWnNY said:

^^^ The most important thing for the Knicks is having Walsh come back. If Brain-Dead Dolan says no, then you-know-who will return. If that happens, Knicks are truly fucked.

But didn't Walsh hire D'Antoni and make the big trade to get Melo? You seem to cut that guy a lot of slack considering how hard you are on D'Antoni. I mean, for real, I'm SOOOO with you on not bringing back Isiah Thomas. That would be a disaster of epic proportions. But maybe Walsh isn't the answer, either.

Walsh and D'Amdummy did not want to gut the team and make the trade. Walsh wanted to call Denver's bluff and wait. It was the owner(with Isiah in his ear) who took charge and made the deal. Don't believe what Walsh says publicly - he and the coach weren't happy with how this went down, but Brain-Dead Dolan signs the checks.

Walsh hasn't been perfect, but he did something that was considered impossible, by dumping Isiah's bad contracts and finally getting NY under the cap.

Miami Skeet just got whipped by the Cavs in Cleveland. LeBron said he wasn't in the intro because "he had to use the restroom." YEah right.

Well, Miami comes back from an embarassing loss to Cleveland with a thumping of the Wizards. Meanwhile, my Bulls keep chugging along with the top spot in the Eastern Conference, handliy beating the Minnesota Timberwolves, while the Knicks made a dramatic comeback victory against New Jersey. New Jersey? Sure, the Knicks put up 120 points, but letting New Jersey score 116 on them? For God's sake, play some defense.

The Bulls may very well end up with the #1 seed in the East, but I hope it doesn't go to their heads, because everything slows down in the playoffs. I think they will easily handle their first round opponent, whether it be the Pacers, the Bobcats, or the Bucks, but I'm a little more worried about the second round. If they end up facing the Orlando Magic, the Magic will have the experience to counter the Bulls' youthful enthusiasm, so they will have to be on their game at all times.

BTW, there are only a handful of games left in the NBA's regular season, so I think we should be able to move from the "midseason" thread. Then again, the postseason can drag out as long as the second half of the season, and most people say the real NBA season begins with the playoffs.

The REAL NBA season begins when the NBA season begins, game one of the REGULAR season. I've never understood that playoffs being the real season nonsense. How would there be any teams in the playoffs if there wasn't a regular season. On top of that, MANY regular season games end up being better than a lot of first and second round playoff series. Lastly, this season was actually very solid. I'll give it a solid B, maybe a B+ depending on how the standings end up.

I don't think the Bulls will be overly confident because I think the Bulls are legit. They've got a vibe, a style and a system. So long as they play within those confines, listen to their coach and trust each other to do what they've done all season they should be fine. Yes, they lack TEAM playoff experience, but they've got some veterans who have played in A LOT of playoff games. Even one who has a ring that he got by doing exactly what Chicago will need to do to get there (playing his role).

Man, I don't know if you watched that Miami game, but they didn't really thump the Wizards all that hard. Yeah, they won by 15 in the end, which is really all that matters. But the game was MUCH closer than that. As close as 1 point last in the game, and it was hard fought (literally) from beginning to end.

LittleBLUECorvette said:

Graycap23 said:

Agreed............Rose a buch of often injured average players.

Carlos Boozer is an All-stat, Noah would have been an All-Star and Deng is a boderline All-Star.

Yup, the Bulls were already a playoff team prior to Thibodeau taking over, the Sixers were HORRIBLE the last few years. If I had a vote Doug would be my choice without a doubt

Abdul said:

LittleBLUECorvette said:

Carlos Boozer is an All-stat, Noah would have been an All-Star and Deng is a boderline All-Star.

Yup, the Bulls were already a playoff team prior to Thibodeau taking over, the Sixers were HORRIBLE the last few years. If I had a vote Doug would be my choice without a doubt

76ers playoff history since 2000

2009 -- lost to Orlando, 4-2, first round

2008 -- lost to Detroit, 4-2, first round

2005 -- lost to Detroit, 4-1, first round

2003 -- defeated New Orleans, 4-2, first round
lost to Detroit, 4-2, conference semifinals

2002 -- lost to Boston, 3-2, first round

2001 -- defeated Indiana, 3-1, first round
defeated Toronto, 4-3, conference semifinals
defeated Milwaukee, 4-3, conference finals
lost to LA Lakers, 4-1, NBA Finals

2000 -- defeated Charlotte, 3-1, first round
lost to Indiana, 4-2, conference semifinals


Bulls playoff history since 2000

2009 -- lost to Boston, 4-3, first round

2007 -- defeated Miami, 4-0, first round
        lost to Detroit, 4-2, conference semifinals

2006 -- lost to Miami, 4-2, first round

2005 -- lost to Washington, 4-2, first round

Cerebus said:

Abdul said:

Yup, the Bulls were already a playoff team prior to Thibodeau taking over, the Sixers were HORRIBLE the last few years. If I had a vote Doug would be my choice without a doubt

76ers playoff history since 2000

2009 -- lost to Orlando, 4-2, first round

2008 -- lost to Detroit, 4-2, first round

2005 -- lost to Detroit, 4-1, first round

2003 -- defeated New Orleans, 4-2, first round
lost to Detroit, 4-2, conference semifinals

2002 -- lost to Boston, 3-2, first round

2001 -- defeated Indiana, 3-1, first round
defeated Toronto, 4-3, conference semifinals
defeated Milwaukee, 4-3, conference finals
lost to LA Lakers, 4-1, NBA Finals

2000 -- defeated Charlotte, 3-1, first round
lost to Indiana, 4-2, conference semifinals


Bulls playoff history since 2000

2009 -- lost to Boston, 4-3, first round

2007 -- defeated Miami, 4-0, first round
        lost to Detroit, 4-2, conference semifinals

2006 -- lost to Miami, 4-2, first round

2005 -- lost to Washington, 4-2, first round

Not to mention the fact that we're not just talking about making the playoffs, we're talking about finishing in first place with the likely league MVP. Phili is in 6th place, could still finish with a losing record and miss the playoffs completely. Thibodeau by a mile.

At the start of the season which team, The Bulls or The Sixers, were projected to be a playoff contender? Which team from 1 - 12 have the better talent? So my point is that Chicago while not expected to be a possible # 1 seed in the east were at least expected to be in the playoffs while the Sixers weren't even expected win 30 games.

Cerebus said:

Bulls playoff history since 2000

2010 -- lost to Cleveland, 3-2 first round

2009 -- lost to Boston, 4-3, first round

2007 -- defeated Miami, 4-0, first round
        lost to Detroit, 4-2, conference semifinals

2006 -- lost to Miami, 4-2, first round

2005 -- lost to Washington, 4-2, first round

Not to mention the fact that we're not just talking about making the playoffs, we're talking about finishing in first place with the likely league MVP. Phili is in 6th place, could still finish with a losing record and miss the playoffs completely. Thibodeau by a mile.

LittleBLUECorvette said:

Graycap23 said:

Agreed............Rose a buch of often injured average players.

Carlos Boozer is an All-stat, Noah would have been an All-Star and Deng is a boderline All-Star.

Note: Boozer was an all-star NOT is.

Noah will probably NEVER be an all-star, 2 one dimensional.

Deng will NEVER be an all-star, EVER.

NBA probing Jay-Z's visit to Kentucky locker room

Posted Mar 31 2011 2:52AM

NEW YORK (AP) -- An NBA spokesman confirms that the league is investigating Jay-Z's presence in Kentucky's locker room after the Wildcats clinched a Final Four berth.

The rapper visited the players after their victory over North Carolina on Sunday at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J, home of the Nets. Jay-Z is a part-owner of the team and attended the Nets' 120-116 loss at New York on Wednesday.

http://www.nba.com/2011/news/03/31/jayz-kentucky.ap/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt2

Abdul said:

Cerebus said:

76ers playoff history since 2000

2009 -- lost to Orlando, 4-2, first round

2008 -- lost to Detroit, 4-2, first round

2005 -- lost to Detroit, 4-1, first round

2003 -- defeated New Orleans, 4-2, first round
lost to Detroit, 4-2, conference semifinals

2002 -- lost to Boston, 3-2, first round

2001 -- defeated Indiana, 3-1, first round
defeated Toronto, 4-3, conference semifinals
defeated Milwaukee, 4-3, conference finals
lost to LA Lakers, 4-1, NBA Finals

2000 -- defeated Charlotte, 3-1, first round
lost to Indiana, 4-2, conference semifinals


Bulls playoff history since 2000

2009 -- lost to Boston, 4-3, first round

2007 -- defeated Miami, 4-0, first round
        lost to Detroit, 4-2, conference semifinals

2006 -- lost to Miami, 4-2, first round

2005 -- lost to Washington, 4-2, first round

Not to mention the fact that we're not just talking about making the playoffs, we're talking about finishing in first place with the likely league MVP. Phili is in 6th place, could still finish with a losing record and miss the playoffs completely. Thibodeau by a mile.

At the start of the season which team, The Bulls or The Sixers, were projected to be a playoff contender? Which team from 1 - 12 have the better talent? So my point is that Chicago while not expected to be a possible # 1 seed in the east were at least expected to be in the playoffs while the Sixers weren't even expected win 30 games.

The Sixers have been in more playoff series AND gone farther than the Bulls in the last decade. I'm just not feelin' it. If Doug Collins had gotten them to first place, or if I could see that he had the whole team playing defense and offense within his system, I would totally back him. But that's not the case. Like I said, they could still finish with a losing record, OUT of the playoffs. They're only a couple games from that happening.

Abdul said:

Cerebus said:

Bulls playoff history since 2000

2010 -- lost to Cleveland, 3-2 first round

2009 -- lost to Boston, 4-3, first round

2007 -- defeated Miami, 4-0, first round
        lost to Detroit, 4-2, conference semifinals

2006 -- lost to Miami, 4-2, first round

2005 -- lost to Washington, 4-2, first round

Not to mention the fact that we're not just talking about making the playoffs, we're talking about finishing in first place with the likely league MVP. Phili is in 6th place, could still finish with a losing record and miss the playoffs completely. Thibodeau by a mile.

Actually, they lost 4-1, and it wasn't even that close. All NBA playoff series are best of seven.

Graycap23 said:

NBA probing Jay-Z's visit to Kentucky locker room

Posted Mar 31 2011 2:52AM

NEW YORK (AP) -- An NBA spokesman confirms that the league is investigating Jay-Z's presence in Kentucky's locker room after the Wildcats clinched a Final Four berth.

The rapper visited the players after their victory over North Carolina on Sunday at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J, home of the Nets. Jay-Z is a part-owner of the team and attended the Nets' 120-116 loss at New York on Wednesday.

http://www.nba.com/2011/news/03/31/jayz-kentucky.ap/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt2

When I started reading this post I was like, "wth, really? That Drake dude did it last year?" Then I read the second paragraph and remembered he's an owner. Oops.