Graycap23 said:

If they mess around and get Durant...........look out.

They could go for 75!

(I think, though, that Durant looks at the Finals and says, "Russ and I can beat both those teams" and stays at least 1 more year.)

namepeace said:

mjscarousal said:

Nobody is saying that they are perfect players but yall make it seem like Lebron doesn't foul or play dirty either.

Yall make it seem like Lebron walks on water, its actually quite creepy. That foul he did to Draymond was childish and dirty.

Can't have it both ways. You can't say that GS was the clearly superior team and then claim the league was fixed. By that logic, the refs fixed GS' 3 wins, which would mean that GS isn't the talented team you think tney are, because it would be evidence that at least a chunk of their 73 wins in the regular season were jobbed.

No one can say that LBJ is imperfect. Hell, the Decision is one of the most infamous moments in sports history. He could also be a bit of a frontrunner (and the Warriors took a page from that book when they got it rolling this year). But he's as complete of a player as we've ever seen, and he's the most valuable player in the Association, hands down.

Namepeace, quick question.

If you block a shot and touch the rim isn't that goaltending?

missfee said:

thetimefan said:

Congrats to LeBron and the Cavs. He deserves major props for his Finals performances. Curry and co deserve credit too and at least Draymond congratulated Bron which was a nice touch. I wonder where it leaves GSW post season. Walton's coaching the Lakers and he was an integral part of their success when he took over the coaching reigns in Kerr's abscence. Klay, Steph and Dray will stay but will they move Iggy et AL?.

Letting Iggy go to another team would be a devastating blow...but I don't even think his contract is up yet. I know Barnes is up for free agency, as is a whole slew of bench players, Barbosa, Rush and Fez Ezeli I believe. So there's a lot of discussions to be had. With the great chemistry within the current line up, it would had been great to have won last night, especially since there's a chance that the team could look very different next season...don't know for better or for worse though. Guess we'll have to see.

thetimefan said:

missfee said:

Yea it would. Iggy is one of the better backup players Golden State have, although really he is good enough to still be a starter and thats what the issue is. With the new salary cap coming into force next season teams will have more available cap space and teams like the Lakers and Mavericks won't mind paying luxury tax either. So there's the option a team with money to spend will load up on a talented backup squad and we might see more big 3's assemble as more teams can afford to assemble talented players together. I also won't be surprised if a Luke Walton led Lakers team come in for Iggy and any of the Warrior 2nd string either.

LeBron James played better in the NBA Finals than Michael Jordan ever did. Better than Magic Johnson ever did. Better than Bill Russell ever did.

It's very difficult to compare the era's and also you have to factor in Mike had Pip & Horace and then Pip & Rodman along with coach extraordinaire Phil Jackson , Magic had Kareem and the rest of the Showtime Lakers along with another coach extraordinaire Pat Riley, Bill had another Hall of Fame coach extraordinaire in Red Auerbach and Sam Jones & John Havlicek. In the case of LeBron he had Kyrie & K-Love, but they were in their first NBA finals, their coach Tyronn Lue was coached by Phil Jackson but it was his first ever finals appearance as coach. So whilst you would have to analyze and sit thru hours upon hours of footage I think you can safely say that LeBron James in the 2016 NBA Finals was a revelation and the whole back story of coming back to a city where he was public enemy #1 and hated to becoming almost a super hero is the ultimate redemption tale. LeBron was phenomenal in the NBA finals and I would certainly rank him in the top 10 all-time NBA players right now. When he calls it a career then I think you can begin to make comparisons to Wilt, Bird, MJ, Kareem, Magic, Bill, Kobe et al. As for the fix rumors, get outta here with that mess!

Damn, you do bring up good points here. I keep forgetting that Luke is the Laker's head coach now. And being that he was the mastermind behind GSW's excellent season start when Kerr was out on medical leave, what you are saying here does make a lot of sense. It's going to be an interesting off season, for sure.

phunkdaddy said:

No Mas I'm ready to move on

I'm hoping the Sixers can be a contender again within 2-3 years.

I'd also like to see Durant get him a ring if he stays with OKC.

As a life long Philly resident and Sixers fan me to!

Graycap23 said:

namepeace said:

Can't have it both ways. You can't say that GS was the clearly superior team and then claim the league was fixed. By that logic, the refs fixed GS' 3 wins, which would mean that GS isn't the talented team you think tney are, because it would be evidence that at least a chunk of their 73 wins in the regular season were jobbed.

No one can say that LBJ is imperfect. Hell, the Decision is one of the most infamous moments in sports history. He could also be a bit of a frontrunner (and the Warriors took a page from that book when they got it rolling this year). But he's as complete of a player as we've ever seen, and he's the most valuable player in the Association, hands down.

Namepeace, quick question.

If you block a shot and touch the rim isn't that goaltending?

If the ball is in or above the hoop, yes.

But if you're referring to Bron's instantly-iconic block, the ball never approached the rim, and never even entered the goal square. Bron's left hand touched the cylinder, but the block was with his right hand, to the right of the goal.

namepeace said:

Graycap23 said:

Namepeace, quick question.

If you block a shot and touch the rim isn't that goaltending?

If the ball is in or above the hoop, yes.

But if you're referring to Bron's instantly-iconic block, the ball never approached the rim, and never even entered the goal square. Bron's left hand touched the cylinder, but the block was with his right hand, to the right of the goal.

That was a clean block but James got to it a millisecond before the ball hit the backboard. Kudos to the refs for getting the non-call correct.

Golden State knew it was the correct call, too. No one disputed it, or called for a video review or anything else.

namepeace said:

Graycap23 said:

Namepeace, quick question.

If you block a shot and touch the rim isn't that goaltending?

If the ball is in or above the hoop, yes.

But if you're referring to Bron's instantly-iconic block, the ball never approached the rim, and never even entered the goal square. Bron's left hand touched the cylinder, but the block was with his right hand, to the right of the goal.

Kool. Just doubling checking my rule book.

thetimefan said:

It's very difficult to compare the era's and also you have to factor in Mike had Pip & Horace and then Pip & Rodman along with coach extraordinaire Phil Jackson , Magic had Kareem and the rest of the Showtime Lakers along with another coach extraordinaire Pat Riley, Bill had another Hall of Fame coach extraordinaire in Red Auerbach and Sam Jones & John Havlicek. In the case of LeBron he had Kyrie & K-Love, but they were in their first NBA finals, their coach Tyronn Lue was coached by Phil Jackson but it was his first ever finals appearance as coach. So whilst you would have to analyze and sit thru hours upon hours of footage I think you can safely say that LeBron James in the 2016 NBA Finals was a revelation and the whole back story of coming back to a city where he was public enemy #1 and hated to becoming almost a super hero is the ultimate redemption tale.

You're right. LBJ doesn't have 2 other HOFs in his Big 3 AND a HOF coach like the 60's Cs, 80's Lakers, or 96-98 Bulls.

I think LBJ's 2016 performance was his most complete, and just shed light on the high level he's played at in the playoffs throughout his career. The historic comeback for a drought-stricken city sealed the deal.

LeBron was phenomenal in the NBA finals and I would certainly rank him in the top 10 all-time NBA players right now. When he calls it a career then I think you can begin to make comparisons to Wilt, Bird, MJ, Kareem, Magic, Bill, Kobe et al. As for the fix rumors, get outta here with that mess!

I don't think that can be argued. Top 5 is harder, but he's in the top 10 now.

I understand the emotions behind the "fix" fantasy, but that's what it is -- a fantasy. Most great teams and great players who win AND lose in the playoffs have to suffer through bad officiating on any given night and any given possession. It's the toughest pro game to call.

Graycap23 said:

uPtoWnNY said:

If Durant stays, OKC is my choice to win the west. They need a reliable third scorer and better decision-making at "winnin' time"

Durant needs to be more of a leader if OKC is gonna take the next step IMO, right now that's Westbrook's team and I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing

Graycap23 said:

namepeace said:

If the ball is in or above the hoop, yes.

But if you're referring to Bron's instantly-iconic block, the ball never approached the rim, and never even entered the goal square. Bron's left hand touched the cylinder, but the block was with his right hand, to the right of the goal.

Kool. Just doubling checking my rule book.

Blocks against the backboard can be hard calls.

namepeace said:

mjscarousal said:

What did Golden State do to get shamed? I dont see their players making comments about other players or hyping themselves up like Lebron? Lebron trashed Cleveland and made fun of Curry and he gets treated like some damn hero. I will never understand the fascination with him beyond the NBA.

[Edited 6/20/16 8:20am]

The Warriors play as pure a form of basketball as I've ever seen. But they started feeling themselves a bit, and like LBJ at his worst, started frontrunning a little bit and lost their heads.

- Dray lost his cool in Game 4.

- Klay talked about Bron's "feelings being hurt" when the Warriors were up 3-1, forgetting he's not on Bron's level.

- Klay talking about how GS would have beaten the Showtime Lakers, while up 3-1.

That's the kind of stuff that gave the Cavs motivation to get physical.

But at the end of the day, this could help the Warriors on the back end. Magic had won 2 titles his first 3 years in the league, then lost back to back in '83 and '84. Humbled a bit, he led his team to 3 of the next 4.

A little humility will go a long way with Golden State. They can still be the team of the decade.

I actually really like this post but I still think that Dray did nothing wrong and was flagrantly fouled by Lebron and its gross the foul was not called.

namepeace said:

mjscarousal said:

Nobody is saying that they are perfect players but yall make it seem like Lebron doesn't foul or play dirty either.

Yall make it seem like Lebron walks on water, its actually quite creepy. That foul he did to Draymond was childish and dirty.

Can't have it both ways. You can't say that GS was the clearly superior team and then claim the league was fixed. By that logic, the refs fixed GS' 3 wins, which would mean that GS isn't the talented team you think tney are, because it would be evidence that at least a chunk of their 73 wins in the regular season were jobbed.

No one can say that LBJ is imperfect. Hell, the Decision is one of the most infamous moments in sports history. He could also be a bit of a frontrunner (and the Warriors took a page from that book when they got it rolling this year). But he's as complete of a player as we've ever seen, and he's the most valuable player in the Association, hands down.

You dont win 73 games based on luck, they broke the legendary dream team record for crying out loud! And I was referring to games in which Lebron is involved in and when his team is losing or down by points. The refs will make shady calls in his favor or no calls at all so he can win or get a lead. Thats cool if thats your opinion but IMO, LBJ is not the most valuable player in the league and Cleveland is not the best team in the league. The better team did not win the championship.

Don't you dare be sour, Come Feel the Power, It's A NEW DAY!

.

[img:$uid]http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.465468.1314618189!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/article_750/alg-lebron-knicks-jpg.jpg[/img:$uid]

.

Get used to seeing that. That is going to happen in the year 2017.

.

Yes, LeBum will stick around Cleveland for one more year to try and repeat. But then it is opt out and hello New York City. More or less a certainty.

(Longshot possibility he could head to the iconic Lakers or back to Miami. Odds on favorite is New York City.)

TD3 said:

phunkdaddy said:

This one is for Gray

[img:$uid]http://i246.pho.../img:$uid]

I like this one. This is probably the funniest one I've seen next to the Draymond Green

watching game 5 meme

[Edited 6/19/16 20:49pm]

Ya killin' me with the memes. Ain't nothin like turning the ol' screw driver on the losers when they thought (Golden State) they had it in the bag! Cleveland is down 3-1 and they beat G.S. ass on their on damn court... OUCH! All these silliness that the finals were fixed? STOP IT, STOP IT, Dammit Stop it.

Kudos to Jame for finally putting on the cape and being the man instead of dressing up as the side kick Robin. I didn't know the man had it in him. You know I've been one of his toughest critics. King James, wear your crown.

==========================

[Edited 6/20/16 5:56am]

[img:$uid]http://i246.pho.../img:$uid]

Cloreen said:

.

[img:$uid]http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.465468.1314618189!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/article_750/alg-lebron-knicks-jpg.jpg[/img:$uid]

.

Get used to seeing that. That is going to happen in the year 2017.

.

Yes, LeBum will stick around Cleveland for one more year to try and repeat. But then it is opt out and hello New York City. More or less a certainty.

(Longshot possibility he could head to the iconic Lakers or back to Miami. Odds on favorite is New York City.)

I agree. I wouldnt be surprised if he leaves Cleveland. He is a punk ass doesnt ride or die for his team.

mjscarousal said:

Cloreen said:

.

[img:$uid]http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.465468.1314618189!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/article_750/alg-lebron-knicks-jpg.jpg[/img:$uid]

.

Get used to seeing that. That is going to happen in the year 2017.

.

Yes, LeBum will stick around Cleveland for one more year to try and repeat. But then it is opt out and hello New York City. More or less a certainty.

(Longshot possibility he could head to the iconic Lakers or back to Miami. Odds on favorite is New York City.)

I agree. I wouldnt be surprised if he leaves Cleveland. He is a punk ass doesnt ride or die for his team.

So what if he leaves Cleveland? Except for that stupid media circus(The Decision), I had no problem with him leaving the first time. Last I checked, in this country, folks have the right to work at the place of their choosing. I love how so-called 'fans' hammer professional (and college) athletes for doing the same thing they would do.....look out for themselves and get a better deal. That's the American way.

Forget LeBron James, the big question is "What Will Durant Do?" Imagine him going to the Warriors......damn. They'd dominate for the next 5-7 years. His decision will definitely shift the balance of power.

http://www.nydailyne...ticle-1.2681109

[Edited 6/21/16 5:47am]

Cloreen said:

.

[img:$uid]http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.465468.1314618189!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/article_750/alg-lebron-knicks-jpg.jpg[/img:$uid]

.

Get used to seeing that. That is going to happen in the year 2017.

.

Yes, LeBum will stick around Cleveland for one more year to try and repeat. But then it is opt out and hello New York City. More or less a certainty.

(Longshot possibility he could head to the iconic Lakers or back to Miami. Odds on favorite is New York City.)

LeBron James isn't coming to NY...neither is Kevin Durant. NBA players aren't stupid.....they see how dysfunctional the Knicks have been the last 16 years. Knicks are a poorly-run franchise with a bad owner and a bad front office.

uPtoWnNY said:

mjscarousal said:

I agree. I wouldnt be surprised if he leaves Cleveland. He is a punk ass doesnt ride or die for his team.

So what if he leaves Cleveland? Except for that stupid media circus(The Decision), I had no problem with him leaving the first time. Last I checked, in this country, folks have the right to work at the place of their choosing. I love how so-called 'fans' hammer professional (and college) athletes for doing the same thing they would do.....look out for themselves and get a better deal. That's the American way.

Forget LeBron James, the big question is "What Will Durant Do?" Imagine him going to the Warriors......damn. They'd dominate for the next 5-7 years. His decision will definitely shift the balance of power.

http://www.nydailyne...ticle-1.2681109

[Edited 6/21/16 5:47am]

I don't see Durant leaving Westbrook behind (right now)....I'd be extremely surprised if he did.

LBJ's t-shirt. Ouch, that's gotta hurt, GSW fans:

Also, it turns out that noted gasbag Stephen A. Smith is not only a gasbag, but doesn't know diddley-squat about big-time basketball. Mr. Sports Shouting is now 0 - 6 in his last six NBA Finals predictions.

That's right - he's been wrong every year since 2011:

RodeoSchro said:

LBJ's t-shirt. Ouch, that's gotta hurt, GSW fans:

It doesn't hurt me at all. Just an ugly shirt.

RodeoSchro said:

Also, it turns out that noted gasbag Stephen A. Smith is not only a gasbag, but doesn't know diddley-squat about big-time basketball. Mr. Sports Shouting is now 0 - 6 in his last six NBA Finals predictions.

That's right - he's been wrong every year since 2011:

he also makes me laugh I remember a while back when he was stating that Serena is the best player of all time (and she is awesome ) because she has to do is bet Steffi Graf's record on 23 Grand Slams, he ignored the fact that Australia's Margaret Court holds the all-time record for 24 Grand Slams!

Abdul said:

RodeoSchro said:

LBJ's t-shirt. Ouch, that's gotta hurt, GSW fans:

It doesn't hurt, its just tacky and childish but this is Lebron... he does these type of things and nobody bats an eye.

mjscarousal said:

RodeoSchro said:

LBJ's t-shirt. Ouch, that's gotta hurt, GSW fans:

It doesn't hurt, its just tacky and childish but this is Lebron... he does these type of things and nobody bats an eye.

It's definitely shade, but your Warriors talked A LOT of trash. On the court and off. For months. They put the word out they wanted the Cavs. Early on.

namepeace said:

mjscarousal said:

It doesn't hurt, its just tacky and childish but this is Lebron... he does these type of things and nobody bats an eye.

It's definitely shade, but your Warriors talked A LOT of trash. On the court and off. For months. They put the word out they wanted the Cavs. Early on.

The Warriors talked trash and so did Cleveland. So did all the other teams in the NBA. It's a regular thing, it actually brings a bit of excitement to the game.