NBA 2004/ 2005

At this point in the season I must admit the Sonics are pretty damm good, I dont think its fluke.

How 'bout J.O. laying down 55 on the Bucks? He couldn't miss.

And the Lakers suck, and that's definitely not a fluke either. Nah the Sonics are for real it appears. Glad they beat fatty the other day.

Seattle and Phoenix look very good...Let's see what happens after the AS break...

My sixers are actually looking good on their 8gm west coast trip. :cool:

I know. :irked:

Phoenix may be the team of the moment, but I just don't see them going far into the playoffs. Second round at best.

I'm really excited about Phoenix. It looks like all of the wheeling and dealing they've done over the last few years has finally started to pay off. :rolleyes:

They run and gun, man. Youngest roster in the NBA, so the doubts about a serious playoff run are legit. But if we just look at their playing, shit, they're tough. They've beat all the top teams in the West except the Spurs, I think...

No doubt, the Suns are tough. I can't see anybody beating SA in the West this year, though. :mad:

Damn, I hate the Spurs.

The Bulls are a pleasant suprise. They are slowly reaching respectability.

The Pistons are still the Champs!! However their inconsistant play and lack of a bench will ultimately doom them. Fortunately, they are in the East, where there are no real dominant teams (except for maybe Miami). Hopefully they can get their act together, but I think they have a bad case of Lakeritis (i.e. can turn it on whenver they want to). Christ, they are down 13 to the Grizs as we speak. Oh well, I supported them when they were a lottery team and I'll still support them.

I notice Mr. Wruff Ajax isn't in here boasting about the Fuggets NEARLY as much as he led us to believe he would last year. :sssh:

Well, I got nothin to brag about in this thread, LOL.

I'm going tonight with my son to see the Celts/Pistons. First game in probably 8-9 years. I don't get out much, LOL.

Which is weird, you'd think since I played in college and shit, I'd get to more games. I don't even watch hoops any more.

I will say that the Celtics have some nice young talent for a change. Tony Allen and Al Jefferson have some potential. They could be decent in a couple of years. They have young guys that could be pretty good at every position, they just need two of them to turn into all stars.

Speaking of Detroit, what's with that Richard Hamilton stat? :wtf: Lakeritis doesn't do the '05 Pistons justice.

Speaking of Detroit, what's with that Richard Hamilton stat? :wtf: Lakeritis doesn't do the '05 Pistons justice.

This is true. I can't figure them out this year. 0-10 and still the leading scorer?

This is true. I can't figure them out this year. 0-10 and still the leading scorer?

Well, it's about time another team challenged L.A. in the soap opera ratings. No offense, but I'm glad L.A. isn't the only team getting negative attention this season. :p

Well, it's about time another team challenged L.A. in the soap opera ratings. No offense, but I'm glad L.A. isn't the only team getting negative attention this season. :p

I'm not so sure they are getting negative ratings. ESPN still dotes on Shaq/Kobe. Granted the 0-10 shooting did get some headlines.

I'm not so sure they are getting negative ratings. ESPN still dotes on Shaq/Kobe.
True, true.

Can someone tell me who the color guy is for FSN New England? He does the Celtics games. He's a definite "homer" announcer-not that there's anything wrong w/that. While watching the Pistons play them, all this guy could say was, "They are very good team" (in reference to the Pistons). You think? Can't wait to see when the Hornets play them-"They are a very bad team".

Well, it's about time another team challenged L.A. in the soap opera ratings. No offense, but I'm glad L.A. isn't the only team getting negative attention this season. :p

Yeah. Most of this bad shit needs to be redirected from Kobe to everywhere else.

Yet another victory over the Shaq lead Heat for the SEATTLE SUPER SONICS!!

Shaq is fat.

Shaq is fat.

he's in first place too :p

he's in first place too :p


:irked: :brickwall :irked:

First place and can't beat anyone who matters. Shaq can win 10 more titles, he's still a classless prick who dissed the entire Lakers franchise. He can go fuck himself forever. I had great respect for him, until the BS he pulled this summer. Screw him and his pathetic work ethic. Funny how fat fuck got in shape this year, but couldn't figure out how to for the Lakers the last 5 years.

Wow.

First place and can't beat anyone who matters. Shaq can win 10 more titles, he's still a classless prick who dissed the entire Lakers franchise. He can go fuck himself forever. I had great respect for him, until the BS he pulled this summer. Screw him and his pathetic work ethic. Funny how fat fuck got in shape this year, but couldn't figure out how to for the Lakers the last 5 years.

I agree that Shaq's work ethic pretty much sucked in L.A. the last few years, but if I was a Laker's fan, I would be pissed they are kissing Kobe's ass so much. I mean, they tried to get Coach K from Duke because Kobe wanted him. Phil Jackson left because Kobe is so much of a piece of shit. He called out Karl Malone in the press about something that should be handled between themselves privately. What a dumb fucker. The only rings Kobe will get from here on out will be buying them for his wife so she doesn't divorce his ass because he sure as hell not going to be getting anymore for playing basketball. Everyone wants to compare him to Michael Jordan, but at least Jordan knew he needed Scottie Pippen and a team to win titles. I guess Kobe is just too egotistical or stupid to figure it out.

I used to like the Lakers when Magic, Kareem, and company played together like a team. This ego bullshit with Kobe and him being a ball hog reinforces why I hate the Lakers. By no shape of the word do I like Shaq, but at least he somewhat understands what it takes to win a title, a team effort.

Enough rambling, GO SONICS!!!

Kobe doesn't ball hog very much anymore guy, you gotta watch more Laker games. He's near the top in assists and is averaging 7 boards too. Those numbers are way up from at any point in his career. Kobe isn't the problem, the Lakers just suck that's the problem. He comes to play every night, which is more than you can say about just about everyone in this league. No one works harder than Kobe. Now his personal BS, that's a whole separate issue. Obviously he's a dope. But you can't question how great of a player he is on that court.

And if it came down to picking Shaq or Kobe, because these two babies can't play together, well the obvious choice for the long run is Kobe. He's 26, Shaq is 33. And Shaq is an old 33. Yes he's holding up this year, but he's clearly not the player he once was here. For people to say he looks great this year, I get a little chuckle, because I remember when Shaq scoring 22 a game and grabbing 10 boards was a bad night.

You are right, I haven't watched that many games for them. I apologize. I think a lot of the reason the Lakers suck is because of Kobe, though. He has too much attention. They are not a team. Granted, they are new together for the most part, but it will always be Kobe's team as long as he's there and that is bound to create problems. He is one of the top five players in the league, it's too bad he is the way he is...

I look at my team, the Sonics, and they are playing very well as a team. I admit, I wanted Nate McMillan to be canned before this year, and I am man enough to admit that I was wrong. The players are buying into his system, which reminds me a lot of when he was playing for the Sonics. They are a team first and individuals second. I don't know if they have what it takes to win it all, but they will win or lose as a team. I think other organizations of all sports should take notice. It isn't about how much you spend to field the best team on paper (see NY Yankees), but how well they play together and have the same goal.

P.S. I agree about Shaq, fuck him...

I've seen a lot of titles here in LA being a Laker fan, so I'm pretty sure I know the type of team we need to win. Shaq was very "me first," player he can say all he wants about what a team guy he is now, but his motto here was always, "Feed the Big Dog and everyone will be happy." He was an ass, and he never gave Kobe an inch, even as a rookie, he rode his ass. That has been pretty much documented that he never liked the guy. So that relationship was doomed from the start.

The Lakers never were spending the most in the NBA to win, but they figured out ways to get it done with very little cap money. Shaq's salary alone was HALF THE TEAM'S CAP!!! And stick Kobe's $10 mil at the time, and the Lakers were very limited in what they could do. Think Shaq would actually take a pay cut to get good players around him? Fuck no!!!!!!!!!! It's amazing they won those three straight titles if you think about it, because Jerry Buss was adament against paying a luxury tax.

The Lakers have some nice players, they just don't have the consistency, nor are their roles defined like in years past. They're learning, dude this a team of 9 new players. You can't expect them to be title contenders. I think they're doing fairly decently, considering their situation. Shit they're better than Minnesota. And Kobe isn't the problem on this team, he's playing very much under control, the guys have told him to shoot more...Rudy T has told him to shoot more, that he's sometimes being too passive. So I don't think you can say anything negative about Kobe's play this year, all things considered. He has sacrificed his game a lot to make others better, they're just not a great team.

Now as a person, he's a dumbass, I will not argue there. I have no problem giving him a bum rap as a person, but he really is playing hard for this team, and he's trying to make others around him better. Plus he's playing 44 minutes a night, and he's been hurt. I just don't think you can argue his committment to this team or winning. But you can sure question Shaq's. Dwyane Wade has saved Miami this season, not Shaquille. He has stepped up his game.

I know you're a huge Lakers fan, I saw something about you making the background purple and gold. That's classic.

You do make good points. It's just hard for a non LA fan to grasp.

I'm a Sonics fan. It's against the law here NOT to hate the Lakers...

I don't hate their fans except the band wagon movie star jackasses that sit courtside and act like they grew up loving the Lakers from day one. The only fans I know that have stuck it out through thick and thin I think is probably you and Jack Nicholson.

Peace, bro. :thumb:

We do agree on this, Shaq is a major fuckin' dildo.

Hey, at least the Bulls are now beginning to look pretty bad ass.

Somehow the Lakers beat Minny. Man that team is sucking major ass.

Kings traded Doug Christie for Cuttino Mobley today...Looks like a solid deal to me...

Good trade for Sac.

Fuck Shaq and Kobe. I'll take LeBron any day.

You can have LeBron, I'll take Kobe any day.

When all is said and done, I think LeBron will go down as a better player than Kobe. That's not to discredit Kobe, its just how good I think LeBron is/will be.

BTW, Brett... I like those little crowns on the Hammer Guy. Did TT make those?

You can have LeBron, I'll take Kobe any day.

Damn right. Not to discredit LeBron, but Kobe's a more complete player.

Hey, at least the Bulls are now beginning to look pretty bad ass.


Bulls have the second best record in the East over the last 6 weeks or so. 10-3 their last 13 games.

Bulls have the second best record in the East over the last 6 weeks or so. 10-3 their last 13 games.

Yeah, how did that happen? :wtf:

When all is said and done, I think LeBron will go down as a better player than Kobe. That's not to discredit Kobe, its just how good I think LeBron is/will be.



Not if he doesn't learn to D up...Kobe is lock down on defense when he has to be...

BTW, Brett... I like those little crowns on the Hammer Guy. Did TT make those?

Yeah he thought it was funny.

Yep LeBron doesn't have Kobe's defensive skills, nor is he as determined and mentally tough as Kobe yet. He also needs a more consistent outside shot, Kobe is a better shooter...yes I know Kobe's percentage is low this year. But he's forced to take bad shots because of the team he's on, plus he's taking a lot of 3's and a lot of shots period. LeBron might have the physical gifts to be better, but he's not there yet. Kobe's still the best 1-on-1 perimeter player in the game.

Not if he doesn't learn to D up...Kobe is lock down on defense when he has to be...

LeBron isn't a bad defensive player, and he's 2nd in the league in steals.

LeBron isn't a bad defensive player, and he's 2nd in the league in steals.

I don't think anybody's denying his ability/potential. Personally, I think he's definitely an all-star this year. But he doesn't quite have Kobe's "seasoning" yet. He'll get there, though.

I give LeBron this, he's far and away better than Kobe was in his second season...although Kobe was an all-star when he was still coming off the bench which was funny. LeBron also was thrown into the fire, and got the chance to make mistakes. Kobe, playing on good teams, didn't have that luxury to learn like that. People expected LeBron to make mistakes and he was on a bad team, but Kobe was expected to play perfect ball for a contender at 18, 19 and that's just unfair. No doubt LeBron will get there, but he's just not quite as saavy as Kobe yet.

Yeah, how did that happen? :wtf:

They must be eating their Wheaties!

Yeah exactly how are the Bulls winning?

A lot of teams that have stunk the past few years are doing fairly well ... Bulls and Wizards included. And I still don't know how Phoenix is doing what they're doing. :confused:

And I still don't know how Phoenix is doing what they're doing. :confused:

They won't last in the playoffs. Neither will Seattle.

I don't know, Phoenix might be for real, at least they have some inside presence. Seattle has none.

They won't last in the playoffs. Neither will Seattle.

I agree. Phoenix reminds me of a second-rate Dallas. Entertaining, flashy offense ... shitty defense. It's not gonna work in the playoffs. But, hey, L.A. got embarrassed in the Finals last year with four hall of famers. What do I know? :drunk:

I don't know, Phoenix might be for real, at least they have some inside presence.

I can't see them beating San Antonio in a 7 game series.

Well 3, Malone barely played. ;)

I can't see them beating San Antonio in a 7 game series.

Don't be so sure about that. Nash knows how to run a team deep in the playoffs and the other guys have playoff experience.

At this point there's certainly a number of teams that are playing well. I'm starting to think that Phoenix is for real, there's still alot of the season left, but for right now, Phoenix is the team to beat in the NBA.

I think that Phoenix is gettin' better and better and I think San Antonio would have their hands full with 'em. Come post-season, if Phoenix gets used to winning and playing at the level they're at now, I think they would have a shot at anybody in a 7 game series.

They are so damn athletic it's mindboggling.

I think that Phoenix is gettin' better and better and I think San Antonio would have their hands full with 'em. Come post-season, if Phoenix gets used to winning and playing at the level they're at now, I think they would have a shot at anybody in a 7 game series.

They are so damn athletic it's mindboggling.

That team is fun to watch.They play with that 80's flair .

The Bulls are hot. They beat Philly so bad AI sat out for the rest of the game with more than 6 minutes left.

BUlls are beating good teams and bad teams...for the first time in 6 years, they occupy a playoff spot if the season ended today. YAHOO

The Bulls are doing with their bench. The bench has been a huge spark....and if Heinrich isn't a future all-star, than nobody is...

Curry and Chandler are finally playing like they are NBA players...not stars or anything, but they are coming to play..

We will dominate again
!!!!!

(Not this year, but maybe around 2007!??!?!?!)

It is finally good times to be a Bulls fan these days. This team is a ton of fun to watch. Ben Gordon is going to be a stud. Him and Heinrich will rule the Bulls backcourt for a long time!

We will dominate again
!!!!!

(Not this year, but maybe around 2007!??!?!?!)

Oops. I think you mistyped. That should be 2017. :D :p

It is finally good times to be a Bulls fan these days. This team is a ton of fun to watch. Ben Gordon is going to be a stud. Him and Heinrich will rule the Bulls backcourt for a long time!

They flat out kicked our ass last night. :irked:

They flat out kicked our ass last night. :irked:

:D

I guess Iverson isn't the Answer

He is, just wasn't last night. :brickwall

Brett, what's the word on Kobe's ankle? I didn't see it happen, I just saw it across the screen on ESPNEWS.

I missed the first half I didn't see the play. Severly sprained apparently, x-rays negative, MRI tomorrow. He's in a lot of pain, but was trying to get back in the game if you can believe that. Nut. He was hurt last year against Cleveland.

Even though I have talked a lot of shit about Kobe, that sucks he went down. I never like to see a player get injured. Hopefully the Lakers step up, but not enough to stop the Sonics...

Good win, especially without #8.

You are a Lakers expert. How do you think they'll do if he isn't there? Who will be able to step up and produce for them? Will it be one or two guys? Or will it be the whole team? If they do well without him if he's gone a while and he comes back in time to get in a groove, they very well may be a scary team come playoff time.

How will the Lakers do without Kobe? They have little chance with him, so without him, I can't imagine they'd be much better. They won this game on emotion. Lamar Odom and Caron Butler will have to shoulder the load if they're going to win games until Kobe can come back. Thing with Kobe is, if he finds out in the MRI it's just a sprain, chances are he'll miss a couple games and play through the pain. He's done that before. They're missing too many parts to be scary in the playoffs, but they might steal a game or two from someone.

Knowing Seattle sports luck, our asses would get handed to us if we play them...

Associated Press

LOS ANGELES -- Kobe Bryant will miss at least five games with a severely sprained right ankle, but the Los Angeles Lakers said Friday they won't know exactly how long he'll be out for another 72 hours.

Lakers coach Rudy Tomjanovich said Bryant, hurt in the first quarter of Thursday night's game against Cleveland, would be placed on the injured list and replaced on the roster by rookie guard Tony Bobbitt before Saturday night's game at Golden State.

An MRI exam Friday confirmed Bryant has a severely sprained ankle. The Lakers said he'll be re-evaluated Monday and an estimate on how long he'll be sidelined will be given at that time.

Bryant is the NBA's second-leading scorer with a 27.5-point average. He was injured when he landed on Ira Newble's right foot while going for a rebound under the Cavaliers' basket.

"We will miss him greatly, but this is an opportunity to grow as a team," Tomjanovich said before the Lakers flew to Oakland for their game against the Warriors.

"It puts a way bigger burden on me. We know Lamar (Odom) will get more plays, but I've got to call these things for other guys and get people in the right positions, because Kobe was in those positions and he carried a lot of the load," he said.

Odom scored 24 points to equal a season high in the Lakers' 98-94 victory over the Cavaliers, raising their record to 19-15.

Regarding Bryant's injury, Tomjanovich said: "It happens all the time in this league. You ever play poker? You take the hand you're dealt and you play with it. You don't worry about what if I've gotten this or what if I've gotten that."

When asked what kind of hand he had, Tomjanovich laughed and said: "I'm not giving up my cards."

X-rays taken shortly after Bryant was injured were normal, but after the game he said he knew the injury was serious.

"This one might be weeks -- it doesn't feel like a day-to-day thing," Bryant said late Thursday. "It hurts, it hurts a lot. It's the worst one I've ever had. I am in a lot of pain right now. I am just trying to stay off of it right now."

"Crunching and instant throbbing" is how Bryant described his immediate feeling.

"The worst it can get is that I have a couple tears in there. It's not season-ending by any means," he said. "It is just rest and recuperation and I am happy about that. I am happy it's just an MRI and there is no fracture or anything like that. I just need to rest. The guys will hold down the fort, I have no doubt."

Bryant, 26, has played in every Lakers game this season despite having soreness in his left foot because of plantar fasciitis. He entered Thursday night's game averaging an NBA-leading 43.1 minutes per game.

Bryant grabbed his ankle in obvious pain upon hitting the floor. Teammate Brian Grant and trainer Gary Vitti helped him off the court and into the Staples Center tunnel, where Grant and injured Los Angeles forward Devean George carried him into the locker room.

"He went up for the rebound and I kind of nudged him a little bit by mistake and basically fell into him as my momentum was going that way," Newble said. "I was trying to catch myself and he came down on his ankle funny. It's just an accident."

Bryant had two points and three assists before leaving.

"They just gutted it out," Bryant said of his teammates. "They stepped up and were really aggressive and assertive. It was a great all-around game."

Bryant signed a seven-year, $136.4 million contract last summer to stay with the rebuilt Lakers, who traded Shaquille O'Neal to Miami and Gary Payton to Boston. Karl Malone, Derek Fisher and coach Phil Jackson also left.

"Kobe brings a lot and not one guy can replace him, but collectively a group of guys can really make it happen," said Caron Butler, who had 21 points and 11 rebounds against the Cavaliers.

The good news is the Lakers' upcoming schedule. Following their game at Golden State, they play nine straight games at Staples Center, including a designated road game against the Clippers.

Yep Employee #8 will be out for a while.

Pheonix has dropped 3 straight :( Without Nash, they can't even beat an eastern team. COME BACK NASH!! :yell:

Also it is a travesty Nash isn't gonna be starting the all-star game, stupid kobe and t-mac are up by like 450,000 votes.

Bulls won again! 12-3 last 15 games.

What's the word on Kobe's injury? How long is he going to be out?

A while, at least 5 games. Probably a few weeks.

Bulls won again today! 13-3 in the last 16 games. To quote Dan Patrick: "You can't stop them, you can only hope to contain them!"

Seriously, what the hell happened to make them start winning like this?

Pheonix just dropped their 4th in a row. Get well soon Nash!! :(

Yup. He's so integral to that team that they're lost without him. I guess that sort of shows a lot about their playoff ability. They don't have anybody that can step up in his place...

Looks like Nash is gonna be out even longer :(

http://aol.nba.com/suns/news/nash_050118.html

Nash, Barbosa hurt in Tuesday's practice
Suns Down Two Points


By Steven Koek, Suns.com
Posted: Jan. 18, 2005
Suns point guard and NBA MVP candidate Steve Nash suffered a back injury during practice on Tuesday at America West Arena, which could delay the playmaker’s return to the lineup.

Sidelined with a deep thigh bruise since the first quarter of Friday night’s loss in Indianapolis, Nash was expected to be back on the court when Phoenix hosts Memphis on Wednesday night, but will now wait to see if spasms subside after getting tangled up with his primary backup, Leandro Barbosa.

Barbosa left the arena on crutches, suffering a left ankle sprain after stepping on Nash's foot towards the end of the practice session. Nash, meanwhile, was headed to the doctor after more than an hour of treatment in the Suns’ training room.

“It’s very frustrating,” an obviously dejected Nash told reporters. “I was feeling great and I was ready to get going again.

“I don’t have any movement right now, but hopefully it will subside and I’ll feel better.”

With the team on a season-long four-game losing streak and in the midst of their toughest stretch of the season, the Suns may have to continue without their leader, at least for the time being.

After beginning the season with the fastest start in franchise history, the Suns have finally run into the inevitable dose of adversity that comes with the grueling nature of the 82-game schedule.

“We know we’ve got a job ahead of us and we know that we’ve got to hunker down a little bit,” said Head Coach Mike D’Antoni. “This is the tough part. We’ve always talked about it. There will be some stretches where it won’t be fun and it will be tough. Every NBA team goes through it and this is our tough stretch. It doesn’t help when you have injuries, but you deal with it and try to get wins no matter what.”

Both Nash and Barbosa will undergo evaluations to determine the extent of their injuries and how much time, if any, each will miss. If neither is able to go Wednesday night, Joe Johnson, the lone player with any point guard experience, will be called upon to lead the club and keep the team afloat.

“If both of our point guards are out, I’m probably the only point guard,” Johnson said. “It’s fun, but it’s a tough position. You have to be a lot more vocal and get your teammates in the right spots where they can catch the ball and be effective. It’s tough going from the two-guard to the point guard, but somebody’s got to do it.”

Nash’s teammates realize the challenge that may lie ahead for them in trying to right their ship after losing their floor general even before his official return to play.

“We were just getting cracking today and when Steve went down it just messed up everything,” forward Shawn Marion lamented. “It happens sometimes. We’ve just got to deal with, and just go out and play.”

Ever the optimist, Nash is confident the club will be able to go out and give the maximum effort to overcome the struggles they are currently experiencing.

“That’s another situation where these guys can kind of dig themselves out of it and find some confidence,” he said. “We’ve got a talented group. These guys don’t need me every night to get it done and I think maybe that will be one of the lessons that come out of this.

“I think you’ve got to trust each other. You’ve got to move the ball and try to set each other up, and work for your teammates and not have that tendency to try to do it yourself. I don’t think anyone was being selfish, I just think guys were trying too hard to make things happen. You’ve got to try to trust each other and allow each other to do it together.”

Before visiting with team doctors, Nash would not venture a guess as to when he might be ready to return to action, but was able to perfectly summarize the turn of events the club has experienced lately.

“It’s not fun.”

Go Bulls! 1 game under 500...here we come.

So, it looks like Little Colangelo has followed in the footsteps of his father, and built a team around one player...as soon as that player goes down with an injury, the whole team topples like a Jenga tower. (The Diamondbacks did the same thing once Richie Sexson went down last year...it wasn't pretty...)

Man, I hope these guys step it up while Nash is out...it was nice to see winning basketball in town again. :(

Pheonix just dropped their 4th in a row. Get well soon Nash!! :(

Not hard to do when Richardson goes 0-8 and Johnson is shooting 25 percent. It's not all Nash. The guards are in a little shooting slump. Hell, even Stoudamire only hit 30 something percent tonight. That's unheard of with the high percentage shots he takes. Phoenix is just coming down out of the clouds a little bit. They're still the force to be reconed with in the west. Honestly though, I'd bet SA would still bitch slap em' in 7.

Go Bulls! 1 game under 500...here we come.

Gordon is the 6th man of the year. That guy's a scoring MACHINE.

Gordon is the 6th man of the year. That guy's a scoring MACHINE.

He is a stud. Gordon and Hinrich will rule the Bulls backcourt for a LONG time.

Welcome back Nash!!

Up 56-55 at the half.

9 points
4 assists

This shows what Nash brings to the table! Without him they couldn't beat the Wizards, but with him they are beating the SPURS!!

Detroit is so freaking inconsistant and erratic. They win 6 straight, then lose 3 straight. What the hell?? Christ, they need to get their shit together-they can't just turn it on whenever they want.

The Sonics seam to be losing more, maybe the magic is over?

Bulls are .500 at 19-19! Who would have thunk it! They try for a winning record for the first time this late in a season since MJ left.

Brett, you should try to get Kobe to sit out the rest of the season. ;)

Hey Zeo , one over now...Who'da thought that after going 0-9, the BULLS record would now be 20-19...what a freakin phenomenal turn around...

The EAST sucks monkey balls, but it still is an awesome story ...

Hey Zeo , one over now...Who'da thought that after going 0-9, the BULLS record would now be 20-19...what a freakin phenomenal turn around...

The EAST sucks monkey balls, but it still is an awesome story ...


Yep. I haven't been this excited over basketball since MJ left town. This is truely amazing. It's hard to believe that this is the same team that started 0-9.

The Sonics seam to be losing more, maybe the magic is over?

Too much banking on the outside shot. Nobody can keep at %50 or better from beyond the arch that long. They're still going to go a long way though. People are just scouting them better now and understand how to defend.

Yep. I haven't been this excited over basketball since MJ left town. This is truely amazing. It's hard to believe that this is the same team that started 0-9.
Congrat ZeoHalen. Nice to see Chicago finally get a basketball team. You guys have been through hell up there. They a fun team to watch. Lots on energy. Hawks need to look at what the bulls did. Like i say the Hawks are the clippers of the east now.

Bulls won again! 21-19!

Yep. They got their shit together zeo.

Olo, did you see Pip predicted seattle to go deep? Personally, I think he's wrong about being western champs, but I'd be willing to bet that butters your biscuit.

According to the Chicago Tribune, the Pacers and Hawks are discussing a trade that would send Artest and Scot Pollard to Atlanta in exchange for Antoine Walker...

I will literally vomit if the Pacers make this trade. :irked:

That sounds a little steep for Walker :wtf: He's only like 40 percent from the field, less than 30 from beyond the arch, 5-6 boards pg with an occasional way above average. I could see a one for one in this case, just to get rid of a disease, but Pollard too? Insane.

Exactly, seen.

I'll bring an extra vomit bag for you.

Oh man, I could care less what happens in the Leastern conf dude. ;)

I don't care. If I'm gonna puke, then you're pukin' with me! :yell:

Speaking of the Pacers, why can't the Pistons play every night the way they did against Indy? God they are so inconsistant. They win 6 in a row, then drop 4 in a row, now have won 2 in a row. No wonder Larry Brown is pulling out his hair and talking about leaving after this seaon. Hopefully they will get their act together and start playing some ball.

They'll do the same thing they did last year.....absolutely loaf along until mid-February, and then go 15-2, or some crazy sh*t like that.

This time last year, I was praying that Larry Brown would get his wish, and that Joe would trade Chauncey Billups for a pass-first point guard. :rolleyes:

They'll crank it up when it counts.

All the pieces will fit, and this extremely deep bunch of overly talented role players will get it in gear.

csm, welcome to Rasheed Wallace buddy. :thumb:

Damn. Now they're saying Kobe's out another 9 games. :irked:

They'll do the same thing they did last year.....absolutely loaf along until mid-February, and then go 15-2, or some crazy sh*t like that.

This time last year, I was praying that Larry Brown would get his wish, and that Joe would trade Chauncey Billups for a pass-first point guard. :rolleyes:

They'll crank it up when it counts.

All the pieces will fit, and this extremely deep bunch of overly talented role players will get it in gear.

Yea, I know you are right. I recall them being around the same record last year and this just turning it on. I just don't know if they can still do that. They seem to have Laker-itis and look what happened to them when they thought they could just turn it on. I guess its just disappointing in some of the losses (Charlotte, Chicago, and Atlanta) and the fact that they aren't playing D like they did last year-they've all ready allowed as many 100+ point games this year as they did all of last year. Granted they do have the pieces and they are in the East, so there is hope.

csm, welcome to Rasheed Wallace buddy. :thumb:

:D Good one, but I don't think its all on Sheed. Granted, it would be great if he'd go down and play the post instead of mainly shooting the 3. I don't know why he is so in love with the 3 ball.

Go Spurs!!!

I think this is pretty cool....

http://www.members.shaw.ca/marsh07/vince2.gif

Charging foul.

Every year this guy talks about not leaving a current job. It's getting old now.

Brown tells Detroit newspaper he's not leaving for New York

Daily News Wire Services

Detroit Pistons coach Larry Brown told a New York Post reporter this weekend that coaching the Knicks would be a "dream" job.

But when he was reached yesterday by the Detroit Free Press, the former Sixers coach denied any of the suggestions the Post made.

"I told the guy I'm going to coach in Detroit and this is going to be my last coaching job," Brown told the Free Press. "My statement to him was, 'I'm not coaching anywhere else, this is my last coaching job.' My goal is to finish here and hang with my family."

Before and after Detroit beat New York on Saturday night, Brown passed on chances to shoot down rumors about him possibly leaving the Pistons after the season to coach the Knicks.

The Hall of Fame coach, who has 3-plus years left on his contract with the Pistons, didn't meet with the media before the game for the first time in his 1 ½ seasons with the Pistons.

Then Brown, who was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., passed on the postgame news conference, sending assistant coach Gar Heard.

"I've got the flu," Brown said in a brief interview with the Associated Press on his cell phone from his office. "Sorry, that's all I have to say."

Knicks coach Herb Williams, who replaced Lenny Wilkens last week, insisted the Brown-to-New York speculation doesn't bother him.

"I don't pay any attention to it," Williams said. "Right now, I'm the coach of the Knicks and to me, that's all that matters.

Charging foul.

It was a SICK move, but yes, odom was totally set.

That didn't last long...................


ESPN.com news services

Rudy Tomjanovich will step down as coach of the Los Angeles Lakers after tonight's game against the Portland Trail Blazers, sources told ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher.

His health, although not a relapse of bladder cancer, and dissatisfaction with the way the Lakers are playing contributed to the decision, sources told Bucher.

Tomjanovich missed Sunday's game because of a stomach virus, and did not attend practice on Monday.

Assistant coach Frank Hamblen will become the interim coach.

The Lakers hired Tomjanovich on July 10, replacing Phil Jackson. They are 23-19, in seventh place in the Western Conference.

Tomjanovich, who guided the Houston Rockets to back-to-back NBA titles in 1994 and 1995, was in the first year of a five-year contract worth a reported $30 million. He left the Rockets after 12 season in May 2003 after being diagnosed with bladder cancer.

"It's just excitement, nothing but excitement," Tomjanovich said this fall about his return. "It's a positive. I've been like a young school boy since this has happened. At times I haven't gotten to sleep, but it's not anxiety. It's excitement."

After losing to the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals, the Lakers ended their successful partnership with Jackson and traded Shaquille O'Neal to the Miami Heat.

Hamblen has been a coach on five championship teams, three with the Lakers and two under Jackson with the Chicago Bulls.

Information from The Associated Press and SportsTicker was used in this report.

Dissatisfaction with the Lakers play? What did he expect? They're in the playoffs, they don't have Kobe and they're 23-19. Did he think they were contenders or something? I call the season successful. Something is very fishy.

I think something is up as well. I'd be more willing to believe that his health is questionable, rather the he's dissatisfied with the play of the Lakers so far. You can't build team chemistry over night.

I don't mean for this to sound the wrong way, but it better be his health ... else he's an unbelievable quitter. What did he expect with this ballclub?

FUCK! :mad:

Dissatisfaction with the Lakers play? What did he expect? They're in the playoffs, they don't have Kobe and they're 23-19. Did he think they were contenders or something? I call the season successful. Something is very fishy.

It's got to be health...No way he quits because of a team 4 games over .500...

Ok, he hasn't quit yet, so some insider may have blown this way out of proportion. But, rumors have already start to spread in SoCal sports radio that Kobe is behind this once again, and that he and Tomjanovich are not getting along at all. AS big of a Kobe basher as I am, I can't believe he would be that stupid, that idiotic to fire another coach. In the inset box on the page for the most recent story at ESPN.com, espn says insider's say the Lakers are discussing:
1. UCONN's Jim Calhoun--he may have already been contacted, but just signed an extension
2. Unbelievably, Phil Jackson--pending Kobe's thoughts, which we know already
3. Miami's Pat Riley
4. UNC's Roy Williams.

(http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1981564)

What happened to the most stable franchise in sports? Was Kobe a huge mistake? If he IS behind this, do you trade the guy and start over? Make a run at LeBron in '07?

The way this plays out could be very interesting.

Something is odd about this.

Rudy T. is a man of honor, and conviction. Has been for decades.

Something is being hidden, likely as a courtesy to Rudy, Jerry Buss, or both.

Kobe has nothing to do with this, my god already. Enough. He's not even playing and there has been ZERO evidence that there is any issues between Rudy and Kobe. That's just beyond silly and really a lame reach if people are drawing that utterly stupid conclusion. Not everything that happens with the Lakers is Kobe's fault. Enough already. Um no I don't trade Kobe ever. For who? And why? More shit garbage, gee great.

Idunno, but Portland sucks hairy fat ass.

Yup they are lame too. Nice game by Randolph.

I read that there is health issues that he is facing, that's why he is going to step down. ESPN story (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1981564)

BTW, Welcome back, Brett, and congratulations on the new child!

Thanks bro. :)

Yup they are lame too. Nice game by Randolph.

0-12. Yaayyyy, dat's gwaaaaate. Fuckin oaf.

I heard the real scoop on Rudy was that LA was 1. Too stressful for a perfectionist to work and 2. Too lackluster. The fans in LA suck (no offense to present company but the fans are truly bandwagon fans....and they suck. lol) There's just no buzz in LA. There's no "big show" anymore.

Kobe's wife was not happy with Rudy T, she asked that he step down.

The Lakers have sold out all but 2 home games, how is that not support? There is no buzz because they suck, but the support has been strong. Laker fans in LA are hardly bandwagoners dude. Anyone who says they like the Clippers better than the Lakers is a bandwagoner, because nobody likes those losers. Frankly I've been amazed at the fan support considering how suckass they are (still good enough to make the playoffs though, what does that say), and Kobe has been out 2 weeks now too.

I heard Phil was contacting about coming back and wasn't opposed to it, if you can believe that. That shit will never happen.

From what I understand, Jeanie Buss had been on radio just a few days ago saying Phil wants to coach again, and that he thinks the team the Lakers have is compelling, a great, maybe even perfect squad to run the triangle.

Kupchak told the LA Times previously he wants to make a deal to ease the density at power forward, and if they make a good one, Kobe and Phil can work together, the plot gets a bit more interesting..........


EDIT--plot gets interesting:

Story in today's LA Times:

Tomjanovich May Quit; Jackson 'Mulling' Return
By Mike Bresnahan and Tim Brown
Times Staff Writers

February 2, 2005

A reeling Laker franchise may have suffered its latest blow Tuesday, when Coach Rudy Tomjanovich informed team officials he might resign because of health concerns and the pressures that accompany his position — a move that sources said could prompt the team to ask former coach Phil Jackson to return.

Tomjanovich, hired as Laker coach in July, is suffering from symptoms of exhaustion and fatigue, and he has missed the last two games because of a stomach virus, according to Laker spokesman John Black.

Tomjanovich, 56, is in the first year of a five-year, $30-million contract. The deal includes a clause that allows the Lakers to terminate it at the end of a season if Tomjanovich's performance is affected by health issues. He was diagnosed with bladder cancer in March 2003, a condition from which he has recovered fully.

Laker owner Jerry Buss, General Manager Mitch Kupchak and sidelined star Kobe Bryant met privately for half an hour during the first quarter of Tuesday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers — "just chatting," Kupchak said afterward.

But Laker sources said Bryant was asked in the meeting what he would think if Jackson were approached about returning, and Bryant said he would agree to it.

Jackson is vacationing in Australia with Luc Longley, who played center for him with the Chicago Bulls. When asked in an e-mail about any possible scenario in which he would return to the Lakers, Jackson said: "[I am] mulling that over in my mind. Luc and I are going for a swim this p.m. [in the] Indian Ocean."

Bryant sat on the Laker bench after the meeting and appeared to be in a playful mood, smiling and talking with teammates. Bryant has been sidelined since Jan. 13 and has sat out nine games because of a severely sprained ankle.

The Lakers are 24-19 this season, including wins the last two games in which assistant Frank Hamblen has filled in for Tomjanovich. The Lakers defeated Portland on Tuesday, 92-79.

The sources said Buss told Bryant that Jackson's hiring would reduce the pressure on the Laker star since the departure of Jackson and center Shaquille O'Neal, who was traded in July to the Miami Heat.

The sources also said that Buss contemplated telling Bryant that the one person most irritated by the rehiring of Jackson would be O'Neal, who has referred to the Laker franchise only in acrimonious terms since being traded.

Jackson and the Lakers abruptly parted ways in June, with Buss suggesting that Jackson's "triangle" offense had run its course. Jackson guided the Lakers to three championships in five seasons. He won six championships in the 1990s as coach of the Chicago Bulls. Laker officials reportedly were in contact Tuesday with Jackson in Australia.

Jackson portrayed Bryant as an uncoachable enigma in his tell-all diary that hit bookstores in October. At the same time, Jackson said he wished the best for Bryant and sympathized with the constant scrutiny the young star had faced.

Bryant and Tomjanovich have had a generally cordial relationship. Tomjanovich has complimented Bryant numerous times throughout the season, which passed the halfway point last week. But there have also been disagreements.

Bryant and Tomjanovich met early last month to discuss the offense. Bryant recommended installing another offense, and Tomjanovich recommended they return to the triangle.

Bryant said Tuesday he was stunned to hear of Tomjanovich's condition, but he declined to discuss Jackson, saying, "I just want to play."

"He thought [Tomjanovich] was a great coach and a great person," said Bryant's agent, Rob Pelinka. "They've had nothing but a positive experience mutually."

Privately, some players have questioned Tomjanovich's long-term plans. The offense was expected to be up-tempo, but it has evolved into more of a long-range shooting experiment, with several team records set or nearly set for three-point shots.

The Lakers have won nine championships since moving to Los Angeles in 1960, but the franchise seemed to spin out of control last season, when Bryant faced a rape charge, the team lost to Detroit in the NBA Finals, O'Neal was traded, and Jackson's contract was not renewed.

Now, a Tomjanovich chapter may be added to that.

"He's had some health issues," Black said. "This had nothing to do with cancer. It's not back. There are other health issues. He is contemplating his options on whether to continue coaching or not. When he does make a decision on that, it will be announced at the appropriate time."

Friends of Tomjanovich were stunned by the developments.

"This has blindsided me," Rocket General Manager Carroll Dawson said. "I've been trying to call him for the last 24 hours and haven't gotten through. Until I talk to Rudy, I don't know what to say except that I am shocked."

Tomjanovich, who spent his entire 11-year playing career with the Rockets, paid his dues for almost nine years as a Rocket assistant coach before getting a shot as the Rockets' head coach in February 1992, more than halfway through the 1991-92 season.

In his first full season, Tomjanovich was coach of the year in 1993. He guided the Rockets to NBA titles in 1994 and 1995.

In December 1977, Tomjanovich almost died after getting punched in the face by Laker forward Kermit Washington during an on-court fracas at the Forum. Tomjanovich, a four-time All-Star at the time, suffered compound facial fractures, and his playing career was never the same. He retired in 1981.

Tomjanovich was diagnosed with superficial bladder cancer in March 2003, ending his string of 2,601 games with the Rockets as player, assistant coach and head coach. He returned that fall as a personnel consultant.

Also, with Houston underacheiving, could things fall in to place for Rudy T to again coach the Rockets before the start of next season? It's probably the only place that would take him for sure after all of this.

I hear nothing but great, great things about Rudy. I'd be excited to see Phil or Riley back, but there aren't many people like Rudy left in sports, and I really hope that if he does have some real health problems, that he get over them quickly for his sake and his family's.

Rudy T is a real class act.

I like Rudy T, wish him all the best with his health, but I don't think he really was the right coach for this team anyway. I do think his coaching cost the Lakers 2 or 3 times this year, with strange coaching decisions. One that particularly comes to mind is playing Brian Cook over Slava Medvedenko. I can't stand Cook, he plays no D and jacks up far too many 3-pointers. The last thing the Lakers need is another 6'10" jump shooter. And yeah the Lakers NOW would actually probably run the triangle pretty well. It's the same type of situation the Bulls had, although the Lakers don't have the consistent 3-point shooter or a true warrior down low like Rodman. But Lamar Odom offensively is every bit as good and versatile as Pippen (if not more so) and Kobe does a decent enough impersonation of MJ. Unfortunately Kobe and Odom haven't played enough yet together to develop that same chemistry, but that will come.

I'd happily take Phil back (especially at the prospects of what's out there), but with all the shit he said about Kobe in his book, I don't see how it would be possible at all if that's how he really feels about #8. But it would be funnier than hell and really piss Shaq off, which of course, to me is a great thing. :)

Never saw this day coming, but then again, the Lakers exhausted every possibility before Rudy T was the fallback. Not a bad fallback guy, but as I said before, the Lakers have been known to do exciting, electric things. Big moves Trading up to get Magic and Worthy, Fire a championship coach to get Riley, trading for Kareem, getting shaq, trading Vlade for Kobe.

Once again, the Lakers would go from a ho hum team this year to the story everyone istalking about if they get Phil back. According to the Times, Kobe has said ok. According to Stephan Smith (I fucking hate him) at ESPN, Kobe wasn't opposed to it but said fences would have to be mended. He said they'll go after Brown, but I don't think that is a good fit either.

Another interesting rumor floating around is a possible return by Jerry West, who has had rumors of him leaving flying around Memphis recently. Maybe the Lakers are realizing the error of their ways, and I for one would be ECSTATIC if West AND Phil came back.

You make one or two moves, and this team is capable. Brett, you're right, this team is similar to the Bulls' teams, i was going to make that point, but you beat me to it.

Anyways, it will probably be Hamblen at least for the rest of the season. He is well respected, and has done well so far.

So, any new workd on Karl Malone? He might as well sign on with the Spurs cause they are going to win it all this year.

Spurs will win the title for sure, that's a done deal IMO.

Larry Brown's philosophies won't work here, the Lakers are way too offensive-minded right now to play that time of game. Plus I don't think they have the personal to play the type of grind out games Larry Brown likes.

If Jerry West came back, life would be fucking great again, I don't care who the coach is. Just having his influence back would be wonderful for the organization.

They're not a bad team, they're just not a very experienced or consistent team. A better coach, a real system (like the triangle), and a few better pieces and they'll be near the top of the West again. They're not that far off, they still surprise good teams once in a while.

I heard Malone was leaning towards retiring, according to a report from his agent last week.

The Lakers have sold out all but 2 home games, how is that not support?

Dude, that place was half empty last night. literally half.

Yep I think last night's game was one of the two. The level of competition didn't help either dude. :) San Antonio is sold out tomorrow.

Whatever dude. Laker fans blow penis.

Whatever dude. Laker fans blow penis.

Thats not a very nice thing to say. Brett is knee deep in baby poop and has not slept in days.

Not like those great fans up in PDX who can't stop booing their team. Does the Rose Garden even sell out anymore? There is no possible way.

Actually I haven't slept in two weeks, the poop I am managing to avoid. That's mom's department.

I think we have earned the right to boo the bitchasses that make utter fools of themselves and our team......darius. It's ok to voice our disapproval. In fact, I was one of the people booing last night in the rose garden. did ya hear me? Any player that goes on a racial tirade towards the coach should be fucking canned. I don't care how good he is or isn't.

Just another in the long line of bozo players to wear a Blazer uniform, no doubt. I think Laker fans have the right to be frustrated too, it hasn't exactly been a wonderful season so far.

Not like those great fans up in PDX who can't stop booing their team. Does the Rose Garden even sell out anymore? There is no possible way.

Actually I haven't slept in two weeks, the poop I am managing to avoid. That's mom's department.

Had to laugh at the poop one Brett. That's the wifey's job here as well.

LMAO! Read this:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylc=X3oDMTBpYTg2ZTBwBF9TAzk1ODYxOTQ4BHNlYwN0 bQ--?slug=ap-knicks-thomas&prov=ap&type=lgns

Hey Isiah, you stupid asshole, you had about as much chance of coaching the Lakers as I do. You sucked as VP in Toronto, you sucked as a coach, and you're god awful as GM. Go fuck yourself, Dr. Buss would never have you as part of the organization.

I think it makes a lot of sense that Isiah would issue a public statement. It's no different than Larry Brown's interview with Steven A. Smith or Mitch Albom clarifying his stance with the Knicks.

Anyone watching TV or using the Internet the last week has known that Isiah's name has been floating around as potential coach.

I agree that Thomas had been mediocre as a President and crappy as a coach, but why the venom?

I not only understand what he did, I think he should've done it sooner.

I don't like Isiah, never have, never will.

I think Isiah is arrogant ass.

NEW YORK (AP) -- Isiah Thomas took himself out of the running for the Los Angeles Lakers' coaching job, issuing a statement Wednesday saying he was committed to remaining in his current position as president of the New York Knicks.

He was actually considered for the job? :wtf:

He was actually considered for the job? :wtf:

Only in his own mind...Or my opinion of the Lakers just went straight to the outhouse...

Curious.....what's your opinion of the blazers tonight? ;)

I think Isiah is arrogant ass.

I think it was great that Jordan wouldn't let Isiah be on the Dream Team in '92. His conceited ass didn't deserve a spot there.

I don't like Isiah, never have, never will.

Same here bro. I can't stand that prick! I just can't get into basketball like I did during the 80's. It's not the same game. It's played by a bunch of spoiled "Me first" players and I just can't get into it.

Hard to argue with you Viking.

Say what you will about Isiah, but the bottom line is he was one of the best point guards to ever play the game-in the top 5 no doubt. Yes, he's an ass and a terrible GM/coach/management type. Why he thought he was up the Lakers job-hell if I know. He must have been contacted-either formally or not-concerning the job. I doubt seriously he would just come out and say, "Hey, I'd like to coach the Lakers" unless there had been some kind of contact. Finally, what Jordan did, or allegedly did, was totally low class IMO. Couldn't he have put his ego or distaste aside in order to, oh I don't know, represnt our country with the best players available to WIN? Granted, he certainly wasn't needed. That just irks me to no end-along with these premaddonas now who didn't play for their "lame" reasons. Granted, some were legit (Wallace having surgery, some other player getting married, etc), but that's a whole other rant all together.

Jordon was the KING IMHO, if he didnt want Isiah on the team then Isiah didnt belong on the team. WHo would you rather have Jordon or Isiah. Isiah was a great player but still and ass.

Jordon was the KING IMHO, if he didnt want Isiah on the team then Isiah didnt belong on the team. WHo would you rather have Jordon or Isiah. Isiah was a great player but still and ass.

I agree, Jordan was the king, but he should have been able to put aside his petiness for the common good of the team (i.e. to win a gold medal for the United States) not to get back at Isiah for what he perceived as wrong doings. Asking who to have on a team is not fair-both bring things to the table that the other didn't. Jordan was a scorer-Isiah could run the team etc. I'd rather have both. But Jordan and Pippen (think it was the next team) wanted to be babies about it instead of doing what is best for the team. Again, its the same thing with the previous Olympic team. Players like Kobe, Carter, etc didn't want to play for their country-which is just chicken shit IMO. Its an HONOR to represent your country.

Did anyone else hear/see "Mike and Mike" this a.m.? Dick Vitale was on and started talking about Rudy T. and who should take his place (Jackson, Calhoun, etc). Dickie then said Kobe should be the coach since he had a say so in the players/coaches that should be kept (Jackson/Shaq). He then went on a rant about how Kobe didn't care about winning b/c if he had, he would been there with Mitch Kupchack (I'm sure I've misspelled that one) and done everything to keep Shaq around. He then related it to Magic/Kareem and said Magic would have done that b/c he wanted to win.

Magic had Paul Westhead fired, that's pretty common knowledge. Dickie V needs to relax methinks and stick to college basketball. Shaq ran himself out of town, he had planted the seed at the beginning of the year when he said to Jerry Buss during a pre-season game, "Now you gonna pay me?" Kobe had nothing to do with Rudy T resigning, jesus. Can't people just accept what the man says, that he was wearing down, his health was deteriorating, and the pressure was mounting to the point where he couldn't get away from the game ever. Not everything is a Kobe-conspiracy.

I agree, Jordan was the king, but he should have been able to put aside his petiness for the common good of the team (i.e. to win a gold medal for the United States) not to get back at Isiah for what he perceived as wrong doings.

Considering that dream team was the greatest basketball ever assembled in the history of the sport, I'd say the common good of the team was just fine without Isiah.

Magic had Paul Westhead fired, that's pretty common knowledge. Dickie V needs to relax methinks and stick to college basketball. Shaq ran himself out of town, he had planted the seed at the beginning of the year when he said to Jerry Buss during a pre-season game, "Now you gonna pay me?" Kobe had nothing to do with Rudy T resigning, jesus. Can't people just accept what the man says, that he was wearing down, his health was deteriorating, and the pressure was mounting to the point where he couldn't get away from the game ever. Not everything is a Kobe-conspiracy.

I don't think I or Dickie V. said anything about Kobe running Phil off. He basically was commenting on who the next coach could be. He then followed it up by saying Kobe isn't/wasn't concerned about winning and the Lakers are now a mediocore team.

Considering that dream team was the greatest basketball ever assembled in the history of the sport, I'd say the common good of the team was just fine without Isiah.

You're right, why have the best point guards playing at the time (Stockton I believe was on the team? along w/Magic and Isiah) on the same team? We all see what happened this year when the team didn't have the best available.

No but Kobe is blamed for running Shaq off, partially true, yes maybe. But Shaq didn't want to be here anymore either. So I don't know how someone can say Kobe doesn't want to win, that's just silly. Besides Vince Carter, what professional athlete doesn't want to win? How much more effort should Kobe show? I don't get that take at all. Of course he wants to win.

No but Kobe is blamed for running Shaq off, partially true, yes maybe. But Shaq didn't want to be here anymore either. So I don't know how someone can say Kobe doesn't want to win, that's just silly. Besides Vince Carter, what professional athlete doesn't want to win? How much more effort should Kobe show? I don't get that take at all. Of course he wants to win.

I think what he was implying was that had Shaq stayed, the Lakers would probably be near or at the top of the west-that's just what I got from his babbling. Granted, I was eating my cereal while watching this, but I think I got his jist. I don't believe Vitale was questioning Kobe's effort-just the fact that he allegedly ran Shaq off. Then he started the Magic/Kareem comparision to Kobe/Shaq. Don't kill the messenger, just saying what I heard today :thumb:

Nope I understand. They might be near the top, but they were a pretty old team last year and the year before. With Shaq's and Kobe's salary, there really would have been very little they could have spent to get better. I question how good they really would have been, they weren't quite good enough last year to get it done.

Wow the Lakers actually finally finished one of these comebacks off with a win. Will miracles never cease.

Wow the Lakers actually finally finished one of these comebacks off with a win. Will miracles never cease.
Be nice. :)

Yayyyyyyy!! Da bwazers got beat by duh hornets againnnnn. Dat's gwaaaaate!! :thumb:

Fucking 8-40 and 2 of those are against the blazers. This team is more dysfunctional now than it's ever been, even with wallace on the team.

ESPN is reporting that Reggie Miller will retire at the end of this season... which basically sucks. If not for the unfortunate incident in Detroit, this year would have been one of his best chances to get that long awaited ring. :(

Hate to see 'ol Reg go ...

ESPN is reporting that Reggie Miller will retire at the end of this season... which basically sucks. If not for the unfortunate incident in Detroit, this year would have been one of his best chances to get that long awaited ring. :(

He was a great player who mastered the game's root fundamental (shooting) and was mentally wicked-tough. Naismith would be pleased with Reggie's career.

Considering that dream team was the greatest basketball ever assembled in the history of the sport, I'd say the common good of the team was just fine without Isiah.

If the Dream Team was better off without Isiah, then yes, it makes no sense to have him there.

There's little doubt, however, that Isiah owned and petted Stockton like a little stepchild.

Let's keep it in perspective: Isiah did all of the passing Stockton did (in fact, it was Isiah's season record that Stockton broke), but averaged 20+ points, while leading the league in steals, and winning 2 All-Star game MVPs.

2 All-Star game MVPs.

2 All-Star game MVPs.

2 All-Star game MV.....ok, you get it. Isiah was loved by all until he figured out the only way to get what he wanted was to go through Bird & Magic, rid his team of malcontents (Dantley), and move to a grinding offense that would HURT his scoring & assist numbers, in the name of defeating (and emulating) the Celtics. This takes us to somewhere around 1987.

I'd rather have him be hated & winning, then crying in his locker like Barry Sanders.

That said, I finish this message the way I started it: If the Dream Team was better-off without Isiah, then he indeed shouldn't have been there.

It was meant to be a TEAM, and Isiah is a dictator. If that hurts team morale, then he can go get bent.

Karl Malone is rumored to be announcing his retirement this weekend...any Mail-man fans out there?

I heard that tonight as well. I enjoyed watching Karl play. Its too bad he arrived with the Lakers at the same time Kobe created his fiasco. If it weren't for that soap opera, I think perhaps Karl would be retiring with a ring.

If the Dream Team was better off without Isiah, then yes, it makes no sense to have him there.

There's little doubt, however, that Isiah owned and petted Stockton like a little stepchild.

Let's keep it in perspective: Isiah did all of the passing Stockton did (in fact, it was Isiah's season record that Stockton broke), but averaged 20+ points, while leading the league in steals, and winning 2 All-Star game MVPs.

2 All-Star game MVPs.

2 All-Star game MVPs.

2 All-Star game MV.....ok, you get it. Isiah was loved by all until he figured out the only way to get what he wanted was to go through Bird & Magic, rid his team of malcontents (Dantley), and move to a grinding offense that would HURT his scoring & assist numbers, in the name of defeating (and emulating) the Celtics. This takes us to somewhere around 1987.

I'd rather have him be hated & winning, then crying in his locker like Barry Sanders.

That said, I finish this message the way I started it: If the Dream Team was better-off without Isiah, then he indeed shouldn't have been there.

It was meant to be a TEAM, and Isiah is a dictator. If that hurts team morale, then he can go get bent.

Amen to that. Let's also not forget he was/is in the top 5 in assists w/o every realy having a dominant post player to give him the gimme assists every night. Not to take anything away from Magic/Stockton, they played with 2 of the greatest post players ever. Christ, I could be in the top 10 in assists in the league if I had Malone or Jabbar to through it to-okay, probably not, but you get the point. Also, his performance in game 6 of the 1988 Finals was the stuff of legends. He scored 25 points in the 3rd quarter on a badly sprained ankle. In this day of professional athletes taking time off b/c they have ingrown hairs on their legs and from being sunburnt, its good to see someone step up and play his ass off when no one would have thought less of him had he sat out. And yes, to all you Lakers fans out there, I am aware the Lakers won the 1988 Finals. Despite that, its still one of the best Finals ever played.

Flip Saunders relieved of coaching duties

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Timberwolves coach Flip Saunders was relieved from his coaching duties and will be replaced by Kevin McHale, vice president of basketball operations, the team announced Saturday.

Saunders will be reassigned within the Timberwolves organization, the team said. The reasons for his removal were not immediately announced.

McHale will take over the head coaching duties for the remainder of the season.

Saunders was named head coach on Dec. 18, 1995, taking over for Bill Blair.

In more than nine seasons, Saunders posted a 411-326 record and was the winningest coach in franchise history, the team said. He directed the Wolves to a team-best 58-24 mark in 2003-04 that included a first ever appearance in the Western Conference finals.

On Dec. 1, 2004, Saunders became the eighth person in NBA history to have coached his first 700 games with the same organization.

McHale started his career with the Timberwolves in 1993-94. He has served as a special assistant to the coaching staff, broadcast analyst and assistant general manager before he was named vice president of basketball operations in May 1995.

Did anyone else see Jermaine O'Neal's blabbing the other day about the fight? I have yet to see it on the internet and it was only a small piece in my local crappy Sunday paper. I'm going to paraphrase, so don't shoot me if I misquote: he basically was bitching about Asstest being suspended saying that Ben Wallce started the whole thing by shoving Artest and then throwing a towel at him as he lay on the scorer's table. O'Neal then said something to the affect that Artest wouldn't have gone into the stands had Wallace not thrown a towel at Asstest. :rolleyes: He then questioned why there wasn't a foul called b/c of it (I think a technical was called). He then went on about how the media is covering this more than the baseball incident where the player threw a chair into the crowd and the hockey player/murder charge against his agent. He then said something to the affect about race and claimed the media was biased.

Here's my two cents: Yes, Asstest fouled Wallace hard during the end of a blow out. IMO, he should have let Wallace go for the layup, chances are he would have missed it anyway. If Artest was so offended or mad about the retaliation to the foul or the towel throwing incident, why didn't he go up to Wallace himself instead of some overweight tubby guy in the stands? I think we all know the answer to that. The reason why this is getting played over and over and over again is b/c it happened during an ESPN game. Had it happened on say TNT, I doubt we'd see this much coverage. As far as the baseball and hockey incidents, I think there are good reasons why they aren't being covered as much. First, those seasons are over with. Secondly, the "lockout" is more important and makes better stories than a murder for hire scheme. I agree w/O'Neal in that this fight thing won't die down. But it certainly doesn't help that he's running his yap about it.

I agree w/O'Neal in that this fight thing won't die down. But it certainly doesn't help that he's running his yap about it.

Yet, you felt the need to bring it up here. :rolleyes:

:sleep:

Yet, you felt the need to bring it up here. :rolleyes:

I'm sorry if my input on an article I read bored you.

I'm sorry if my input on an article I read bored you.

Apology accepted. :)

A collection of fans rates their satisfaction with their franchises:

(Link) (http://proxy.espn.go.com/espn/sportsnation/franchiseRanks?sport=null)

Looks like the 2005 Eastern Conference Champions are #1.

Looks like the 2005 Eastern Conference Champions are #1.

I'm seeing the Detroit Pistons, not the Miami Heat... :confused:

The NBA's Counterfeit Money Players. Compliments of Jeff Merron at ESPN's page 2.
I love lists like this and this one was an eye opener. Could not believe some of these guys were still in the league. (would love to see a list like this for baseball)
You have to love the guaranteed contract. Some of this may be dated, but here are the highlights.

1) Latrell Sprewell (T'Wolves) - $14,625,000 - 12.5 points, 2.45 rebounds, 2.2 assists a game. In a contract year, and after talking junk in the offseason, I would have expected better numbers.
2) Brian Grant (Lakers) - $13,233,434 - 3 points, 3 rebounds a game. Makes $53,800 a point!
3) Dikembe Mutombo (Rockets) - $18,760,000 - Plays 13 minutes a game. 4 points, 4 rebounds a game.
4) Allan Houston (Knicks) - $17,531,250 - Glossed the rich mans Dell Curry. Classic.
5) Anfernee Hardaway (Knicks) - $14,625,000 - 7 points, 1.8 assists. Aside from always being hurt, he is guaranteed more money as he gets older. Unreal.
6) Dale Davis (Warriors) - $10,068,750 - 2.7 points and 4.2 rebounds. At his peak he was getting 10 points and 10 rebounds a game. That was 9 years ago.
7) Antonio Davis (Bulls) - $12,925,000 - 6 points, 5.6 rebounds a game.
8) Tim Thomas (Knicks) - $12,900,000 - 10.3 points, 3.4 rebounds a game.
9) Jalen Rose (Raptors) - $14,487,000 - 16 points, 2 assists, 3 rebounds. Makes $9M more than any other Raptor.
10) Keith Van Horn (Bucks) - $14,487,000 - 11.3 points, 5.7 rebounds a game. Makes a 1/4 of the Bucks total payroll.

Wow, who's coffee did Chris Webber piss in? :wtf: What a weird trade...

ummm... yeah. A definite 'wow'

What a weird trade...

Not only is it weird, seen, but it's completely one-sided in the Sixers' favor.

Yup. I'm not a CW fan by any stretch, but what they got for him is an accumulative squat.

I wonder if Peja is next?

I totally doubt it. I don't think the town would put up with it. He's their draw now.

You might be surprised. After this awful trade, anything seems possible.

Seriously. He must have been fucking the owners wife or something. Ken Thomas ain't bad, but.....sheesh.

In other news, the Pacers' rumor mill is swarming with speculation of a Donyell Marshall trade. The Indianpolis Star says the Pacers may get Marshall for Scott Pollard straight up. Frankly, I think that would be a steal for the Pacers. I say go for it.

The Lakers will make a deal, you watch.

The Lakers will make a deal, you watch.

I read that they are interested in Carlos Boozer.

Yes well Jack Haley, the resident Fox Sports Laker kiss ass reported the deal was done Sunday and it hasn't happened yet. It was Caron Butler, Vlade, and Devean George for Boozer. Steal of a trade for the Lakers if you ask me. Hell the Lakers won their last two without Caron because he's been sick.

Sac trade is awful, don't know what they're thinking. Blowing up the team I guess.

Lakers don't need to make that deal for Boozer. My guess is Peja is coming, and their key to getting him is probably Vlade. My cousing up in Sac-town told me how close he and Vlade were, and they own some businesses together, and always made public appearances together.

The Lakers most likely have their eye on James, Stoudamire, or Ming. In keeping Rudy T for the next couple years, it LOOKS as if they Lakers are trying to get a nucleus of Yao, Bryant, Odom, Stojakavich, Butler. I'd love to see a playmaker like LeBron, and I can't imagine Amare would leave Pheonix, unless that situation blows up, so Yao looks like the default choice.

I think Butler is someone who could develop. Stoudamire would be a great pickup for LA too, because as good as Pheonix is, they could be the next Sacramento Kings.

Not only is it weird, seen, but it's completely one-sided in the Sixers' favor.

Yes it was wasn't it. :)

The one thing I don't understand is why they would want Kenny Thomas. The guy's contract runs thru 2009! :eek:

I'll take Peja, but NOT in exchange for Lamar Odom. Caron Butler, OK, but I will be pissed if the Lakers dump Odom for Peja.

I'll be pissed if L.A. makes a move for Yao. He's the most overrated player in the league IMHO.

Kobe could never play with James.

The NBA regular season get a little tiresome. I love draft day, the trading deadline day, and the playoffs. Some wild last minute trades today. Walker back to Boston?!

OAKLAND, Calif. -- The Golden State Warriors acquired guard Baron Davis from the New Orleans Hornets on Thursday for guard Speedy Claxton and forward Dale Davis.

Baron Davis
Davis

Baron Davis, a two-time All-Star who finished sixth in the NBA in scoring last season, will form a potent backcourt combination with Jason Richardson in Golden State. He has played just 17 games this season while struggling with several minor injuries, but still is considered one of the league's top point guards.

Baron Davis informed reporters of the deal in New Orleans shortly after the NBA trade deadline passed. The former UCLA star craved a return to California after spending his first 5½ NBA seasons with the Hornets in Charlotte and New Orleans.

When rumors of the deal circulated around the Arena in Oakland on Wednesday night, Richardson was thrilled.

"I'm on the phone right now,'' he said. "Me and B.D. are good friends. That would be huge for the franchise. He can do a lot of things when he's healthy.''

Claxton was in his second year with the Warriors, but the former Hofstra guard never got comfortable. He fought off challenges for his starting job from Nick Van Exel and Derek Fisher, but couldn't score consistently enough to help Golden State become a winner.

Dale Davis, a 14-year veteran, is in his first season with Golden State, which acquired him from Portland in a deal for Van Exel. He hasn't played consistently with the Warriors, but his contract expires this summer.

The Hornets are the Western Conference's worst team at 11-43, while the Warriors are right above them at 16-38.

DALLAS --
The ever-tinkering Dallas Mavericks made a surprising move to bolster their rotation Thursday, getting Keith Van Horn from the Milwaukee Bucks for Alan Henderson, Calvin Booth and cash.

Moving Van Horn, in addition to the trade of Mike James to Houston earlier Thursday, removes nearly $13 million in salary-cap obligations from the Bucks' payroll next season.

The Bucks made the moves in anticipation of presenting free agent-to-be Michael Redd with a contract offer sufficiently lucrative to convince Redd to spurn advances from his home-state Cleveland Cavaliers and stay in Milwaukee.

When healthy, Van Horn would provide Dallas with another scorer, perhaps when star Dirk Nowitzki rests or even alongside him at small forward. Coach Don Nelson loves trying to create mismatches, so he might even pair the two perimeter-oriented big men at center and power forward.

Problem is, Van Horn isn't always healthy. He's missed 19 games this season because of tendinitis in his right ankle and has been hobbled often in his 10-year career. Milwaukee has mostly limited him to fewer than 20 minutes per game since he came off the injured list in January.

In addition to his lessened role, the Bucks were willing to give him up for salary-cap reasons. He's due nearly $16 million next season, while Henderson becomes a free agent and Booth is owed a little more than $6 million; Booth also gets a small raise the next season.

Dallas acquired Henderson and Booth over the summer, with Henderson basically a throw-in on a deal with Atlanta after he played just six games last season. He wound up becoming a key part of the team's rotation -- he was the only Mavericks player to appear in all 52 games so far this season.

The timing is a bit awkward for the Mavericks because center Erick Dampier just went on the injured list with a stress fracture in his right foot and Henderson started in his place the last two games. Booth's role had increased, too. Dallas had no choice, though, because Thursday was the trade deadline.

The Hawks Thursday sent Antoine Walker back to the Celtics in return for Gary Payton, Michael Stewart and Tom Gugliotta, league sources told ESPN Insider Chad Ford.

Walker is averaging 20.4 points in over 40 minutes a game this season. He played for the Celtics from 1996 to 2003.

Payton, who reluctantly came to the Celtics in a summer trade from the Lakers, reportedly was in talks with the Celtics about a contract extension. Payton is eligible to become a free agent after this season.

Payton, in his 15th season in the NBA, has started all 54 games this season for the Celtics averaging 32.8 minutes a game.

Trade roundup:

ESPN.com (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1998814)

I really can't believe how well Philly sits after today. CW and Iverson? Wow man.

Ya know, I had some hope. I really didn't think Sac would leave themselves that fucked without a plan. I guess I was wrong!

I thought perhaps they might have something cooking with Portland to give up Peja for Abdur-Rahim and maybe another forward/guard....something. Bummer man. I guess we're taking the route of letting contracts expire and clearing cap room to jump in the ring to offer Redd a billion dollars next year.

Really. What's Sac going to do now. Maybe they know something about C-Web? Maybe his knee is shot?

Really. What's Sac going to do now. Maybe they know something about C-Web? Maybe his knee is shot?

Even if they don't, they are playing the odds. Webber has shown a better recovery than ANYONE who has ever had that surgery. He's 32 next week. He makes 20 million a year...

Taking on 3 contracts that equal 20 mil is easier to work with simply by being easier to move.

The Kings got back Corliss Williamson, who was traded from here after earning the nickname "Scoreless" Williamson. Well, 2 Sixth man awards later, he's found his game.

The Kings got cap flexibility, bench depth, and , probably, better chemistry. Webber has been a loud and public pain in the ass since the end of last season. The Kings were unstoppable last year...UNTIL Webb returned and declared the Kings "his team."

Now, it may be bad that no one apparently challenged Webber...They deferred. But, did the Kings NEED that "my team" crap when they were steamrolling the league without Webber?

Yes, Webb was having a great comeback year. Yes, he probably "Moss-ed" himself in this town. Yes, the Kings flow better, pass better and defend better without him...Yes, this deal is looking to the future, but the Kings aren't mailing it in...

I expect to see a team that's more loose, yet more focused...The Kings will adjust well to this change and I think we will see whose team this REALLY is...It's Adelman's team, Adelman's style, and Adelman's personality that keeps the Kings humming through injuries.

I only expect two or three off-season untouchables...Bibby and Miller, and probably Maurice Evans...Adelman has been extended and Bibby runs the floor the way Adelman wants it run...Miller is proving to be as good or better at Vlade's game than Vlade and Evans is what we all hoped Gerald Wallace would be...

I like this deal for the future...and the present. And all this "Sac screwed themselves" talk will go away as soon as Webb goes down or as soon as Philly sees Detroit or Miami in the playoffs...whichever comes first...

And all this "Sac screwed themselves" talk will go away as soon as Webb goes down or as soon as Philly sees Detroit or Miami in the playoffs...whichever comes first...

One doesn't correlate with the other, Sacto. The Kings screwed themselves.

Some good points sac. Still, they really fucked themselves on that one! :D

I suppose though, that if I were a fan like yourself, with the name that you have and all that ;) , I'd probably look to the bright side also and come up with similar points.

You mention some undeniables speaking on the positives, but at the same time there are some undeniable negatives. Corliss still doesn't have much game. His stats don't lie and I've watched him play. If he ends up getting minutes, his stats will improve, but I don't see much. I'm not professing to be such a pro that I'll deny I could have missed something though. Thomas is good....inconsistantly. Not sure about what's-his-name. lol. It all comes down to really getting squat for a quality player though.

You're right however, in that next year will tell. Webber is old on that knee. His contract is pretty heavy, to say the least. I see your logic and agree the future of the Kings became brighter sooner, but the bottom line is that I think they really undersold him and could have done a LOT better for themselves on the trade.

Trading him wasn't the bad move. Trading him for a trio of mediocre talent was.

What is it with these one-sided trades? Baron Davis for Speedy Claxton and Dale Davis? Damn. The Pacers should have offered Artest for LeBron. :D

One doesn't correlate with the other, Sacto. The Kings screwed themselves.

If you lived with the guy for the last 7 years, you'd see my point...

If you lived with the guy for the last 7 years, you'd see my point...

I see your point, Sacto. As seen mentioned, the criticism is not in getting rid of Webber, but rather the shit they received in return.

Some good points sac. Still, they really fucked themselves on that one! :D

You're right however, in that next year will tell. Webber is old on that knee. His contract is pretty heavy, to say the least. I see your logic and agree the future of the Kings became brighter sooner, but the bottom line is that I think they really undersold him and could have done a LOT better for themselves on the trade.

Trading him wasn't the bad move. Trading him for a trio of mediocre talent was.

Webber has been on the block for a long time. Hard to find takers for a 20 mil guy on one leg...

The Kings didn't screw themselves in this trade...They screwed themselves when they gave Webber almost 30 million more than San Antonio was reportedly offering...

Last night's game in Dallas told me all I need to know...It was a loss, but for a team playing with only 8 guys and no Peja, it went to the wire. Better inside defense and rebounding until the fourth when they were just tired.
Ball movement was way better and the most obvious post-Webber benefit...speed...It was a track meet and Webber's knee is too creaky for any of those...And, the Mavs worked for everything...That lane was continually clogged with purple shirts...

Are they title ready? No, but no one is clear cut yet. If Corliss comes in and simply snags 10 rebounds a game and protects the lane when Miller and Songaila are out, this is a good deal...

The best thing about the trade is that the Kings gave up the memories of three seasons ago and stopped telling themselves that they were still only 7 free throws away from the promised land...

I see your point, Sacto. As seen mentioned, the criticism is not in getting rid of Webber, but rather the shit they received in return.

Write it down...The Kings will be rolling with Peja back and the Webber honeymoon will soon be over in Philly...And if you think Williamson is shit, you haven't watched his game develop since he left Sacramento.

Kenny Thomas by means of mere presence and mobility will be an improvement over Webb''s "defense."

The Kings don't need scoring...They need bench depth and rebounding...

They got both yesterday...

That's an interesting perspective to take, but from a 76ers fan's perspective, it looks to me like the Kings have given up on this year. I don't know what their future plans are as far as next season, but getting rid of Webber was a sign that they've given up on that era. It's ashame that they were never able to get to the finals with Webb, but I guess that's life.

I agree that Corliss is a very solid NBA player that'll give you about 10 and 7 a night. When Iverson was hurt Corliss was scoring in the 20's, so that was a good pick up.

I'm not really a fan of Kenny Thomas, or his big time contract which the Kings picked up for us thankfully. He's athletic, but not very aggressive IMO. I don't think he can play SF because he can't defend the best players in the league, and he's not aggressive enough to play PF IMO. So I'm interested to see how he fits with the Kings.

For my 76ers, this is the best trade they've made in a few years. Webb is the best secondary player we've had here since the 80's, because I can't remember us having another guy like him. It's just ashame he's not what he used to be, but I'll still take that 21 and 10 a night to go with the Answer.

It's a good short term deal for you guys, Sucka...But don't kid yourself...That 21/10 isn't going to come from the low post, which you need to make it past Miami. Webb is an amazing passer...probably the best ever at his position. There will be some highlight reel stuff when he passes to your cutters from the high block. He's also become a far better FT shooter. His half hook from 10-15 is almost unstoppable. There are some great aspects to this trade for you guys.

However...he's a perimeter player who WILL go 6 for 26 and KEEP shooting. I think you'll find that the Webber discussion quickly turns to what he SHOULD be doing. Prepare for disappointment on that score...The guy won't change.

Then, your media will start in on him. Webber is BEYOND hypersensitive to media and fan criticism, and he thinks we gave him a bad time in Sacramento, a city where the Kings are WORSHIPPED. Wait till he annoys you guys, the city that booed Santa Claus and booed when Michael Irvin got up after an injury...

Of course, Webber could have just been waiting for a trade from Sac so he could show the world his real colors and I could be wrong...

And that's what worries me the most about the trade. Giving up Corliss and Thomas leaves us pretty thin in the middle. I'm not even thinking about Miami right now, but if we do get that far, we'll be lacking in the middle for sure. But for now we can focus on winning the division, and that's something that Rogers and Webber can help us do.

And that's what worries me the most about the trade. Giving up Corliss and Thomas leaves us pretty thin in the middle. I'm not even thinking about Miami right now, but if we do get that far, we'll be lacking in the middle for sure. But for now we can focus on winning the division, and that's something that Rogers and Webber can help us do.

Not tonight...:)

Payton could still very well end up back in Boston soon. Word is that his contract may be bought out and he will become a free agent where he may either resign back in Boston or go to Miami.

I LOVE having Antoine Walker back. He used to drive me nuts before when he was here, but he always plays hard and he will not only provide more scoring but his rebounding is a bigger plus for the Celtics.

The guy will take the pressure off Pierce and Davis and maybe re-light the spark that was under Mark Blount's ass last season (a contract year) when he seemed to score 15 points and grab 10-12 rebounds a game. This year he seems uninterested after getting a very nice contract.

I watched a good deal of the game last week against the Lakers and my assumtion is this. Kobe is becoming a whining little prick. The guy seems to have lost alot of respect from his teamates and opponents after throwing Shaq under the bus while dealing with HIS rape charge. Some day I hope Shaq gets him alone.

Not tonight...:)

LOL Fucker.... :p

Not to complain, but Thomas got away with fouling Webber on that last shot. :yell:

Kobe is becoming a whining little prick. The guy seems to have lost alot of respect from his teamates and opponents after throwing Shaq under the bus while dealing with HIS rape charge.

He does seem to be mentally regressing, which I find puzzling.

The Lakers got within 8 points of Detroit the other night, then Kobe comes back into the game, and 4 turnovers later, he screwed his team right into the hardwood.

He seemed really calm and cool last year when Fat Baby was out. Maybe he's just in a rut right now.

LOL Fucker.... :p

Not to complain, but Thomas got away with fouling Webber on that last shot. :yell:

Whatever, bro...:)

I see your point, Sacto. As seen mentioned, the criticism is not in getting rid of Webber, but rather the shit they received in return.

*ahem*


LOL...

Yes, Sacto?

The Kings are playing off emotion right now. Peja is out, and they want to prove that they can win without him and Webber. I witnessed the same thing with Indy directly after the brawl. But, they eventually fell back into reality, and if Peja isn't back soon, so will Sac.

Regardless, the point wasn't that the Kings would suck now, but that they could have made a better trade. If you can tell me how a recent string of emotional play and close wins proves that to be wrong, then I'd like to hear it. :)

ESPN.com news services

Kobe Bryant has agreed in principle to a settlement with the woman who accused him of sexual assault, sources told ABC News on Tuesday.

The NBA star was scheduled to give a deposition Friday, but when that was postponed, speculation arose that a settlement was in the works.

The parties were to meet and could have a signed agreement by the end of the week, ABC News reported.

L. Lin Wood and John Clune, attorneys for the 20-year-old accuser, were going to question Bryant on Friday, but Wood said Monday that the session was called off after his team arrived in Orange County, Calif., for the meeting.

The deposition -- where attorneys question a party to a lawsuit before trial, without a judge present -- would have been the first time Bryant had spoken under oath about what happened.

Wood declined further comment. Clune and Bryant's lead attorney Pamela Mackey did not immediately return calls.

"It sounds like somebody's talking numbers," said veteran plaintiff's attorney Mel Hewitt of Atlanta told The Associated Press on Monday. "We do that in a lot of cases. We'll push for the deposition knowing they don't want to talk to us and hopefully that makes somebody want to drag their checkbook out."

He said the deposition might also have been postponed for a simpler reason, such as an illness.

U.S. District Judge Richard Matsch previously refused to bar the woman's lawyers from asking Bryant about his sexual history. He said he would handle any objections to the questions afterward.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for mental injuries, humiliation and public scorn the woman said she has suffered since her June 2003 encounter with Bryant at the Vail-area resort where she worked.

The woman, now married and pregnant, sued Bryant in Denver federal court last summer, three weeks before the criminal case against him in Eagle County collapsed when she decided she could not take part in a trial.

Bryant, a married father of one, issued an apology but insisted the sex was consensual.

Geez. Took a while to get what she wanted in the first place didn't it? She just wanted his dick in her long enough to prove his dick was in her for undisclosed millions. Evil bitch.

Kobe will have to purchase his wife a new diamond now.

Seen, this one's for you dawg.....

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Falling quickly out of playoff contention for the second straight year, the Portland Trail Blazers fired coach Maurice Cheeks on Wednesday.

Kevin Pritchard, the team's director of player personnel, was named interim head coach, the Blazers announced at a news conference.

"It's a sad day. Maurice Cheeks is a very, very good coach, he's an equally good person," Blazers general manager John Nash said.

Nash said that when he had met with Cheeks earlier Wednesday "he was very professional but also seemed very disappointed, as anyone would be in this type of situation."

Cheeks was near the end of a four-year contract worth an estimated $12 million.

He was popular among the players and fans alike. But when the losses mounted this season, speculation swirled that Cheeks was on the way out.

The Blazers have lost seven out of their last nine games, including a 103-93 loss to the defending NBA champion Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night.

The Blazers (22-33) are in 12th place in the Western Conference, six games back of the Los Angeles Lakers for the eighth and final playoff spot. They went 41-41 last season, missing the playoffs for the first time in 22 years.

With the loss to the Pistons, Cheeks leaves the Blazers with a 162-139 career record. A phone call placed to Cheeks at home Wednesday morning rang unanswered.

Cheeks, who played in the NBA for 15 seasons, was hired by Portland in 2001 to replace Mike Dunleavy, who was also fired. He was the Blazers' 10th head coach. Pritchard was hired by the Blazers in August after serving as a scout for the San Antonio Spurs.

Over the course of his tenure, Cheeks has had his share of trouble with the Blazers both on and off the court.

There were several players cited for marijuana possession, and an incident earlier this season involving forward Qyntel Woods and allegations of dog fighting.

Cheeks butted heads with former guard Bonzi Wells and also got into a shouting macth with forward Darius Miles during a film session earlier this year. Both players served suspensions for their actions.

Former Blazer forward Rasheed Wallace drew unwanted attention to the team two seasons ago when he threatened a game official on the loading dock of the Rose Garden.

Team President Steve Patterson, who also met with Cheeks early Wednesday, said the Blazers would focus on their young talent, although he didn't come right out and say the team had given up on the playoffs.

"I'm not going to mislead anybody. It's a long uphill battle to get to the playoffs from where we're at -- 11 games under .500," Patterson said.

Pritchard was asked if he thought the role as interim coach was an audition.

"This is not the role and not the career path I want to take," Pritchard said. "That said, I would do anything to help this organization."

Yeah, I just read that myself. Actually, it's for you buddy. Not sure philly would want to mix up the chemistry right now with who you got, but then again, why not? He could fall gently in to a pretty good run of people who leave the blazers to go on and do great things. Jermain o'neil? Rasheed Wallace? Cheeks could take you guys pretty far. He's a great coach.

I was thinking that myself, but the only way he makes it onto the Sixers is as an assitant coach. If we relieved coach O'brien of his duties, that would make four coaching changes in two years. Not good. So if Mo comes back to Philly, it'll only be as an assitant, and I know for a fact he'll be welcomed back. It's ashame things didn't work out in Portland cause I was really pulling for him.

I was too man. Nobody here had any problem with Mo. With as many injuries and nutcases that he's had to deal with, I'm suprized he didn't just up and quit. He'll coach again.

What the fuck happened to the Blazers? I am not kidding, this is a legit question. How can one team make so many wrong moves involving personel?

The Blazers have always been a good team, with great talent. They have always had good guys not these thugs that they seem to end up with now. Maybe Paul Allen is just a shitty owner with shitty people that work for him. Maybe its just a bad run of luck for the blazers.

It just boggles my mind that one team can have so many trouble makers, the franchise seems to be spining out of control for all angels. Yes I know teams go through losing seasons while rebuilding but this direction the blazers are headed is not good.

It's not the direction we're heading dude, it's the one we're STILL getting out of. The only mistake I've seen so far is extending Darius Miles. Pauls not in business with .....I can't even say his name but you know him well in Seattle.... anymore, so that helps.

BOB WHITSIT!!

Bob had worn out his welcome here in Seattle as well, he was starting to fuck the Seahawks up as well.

:yell: AAAAAHHHHHH!!! Don't say it!! You insufferable bastard!!! :brickwall

Hey, just thought I'd jump in here to say I'm saddened to see Cheeks get fired. Not because I'm a Blazers fan, or pro basketball fan, really, but because I'm a Mo Cheeks fan.

When he helped that poor girl finish the national anthem, well, I thought that was just about the classiest, kindest thing I've seen anyone in the sports world do in a long, long time. And it gets to me everytime I see it, just like Coach V's speech at the Espy's, and just like when Jenny let Forrest sit down on the bus.

Mo Cheeks....solid. :thumb:

But business is business, I know.

Probably a good move...for Mo.

Jim O'Brien is a damn good coach, Sixers would be silly to move him out.

Celtics are playing very well now with Walker. They actually have some talent, and word is that Payton may come back.

Pierce, Walker, Ricky Davis, Raef Lafrentz, and Al Jefferson give them a nice core of players. Add Payton to that, they could make a run in the East. They have some nice depth at all positions, with Delonte West, Tony Allen, and Mark Blount. Nice youth with West, Allen and Jefferson too.

I'd have to say Ainge is doing a very nice job. This year's draft is CRITICAL, they have like 3 picks. If they can get a player or two, to go with the youth they have, they are in good shape for the longer term once they phase out Pierce and co.

Doc Rivers said this morning that when he clears waivers this afternoon that Gary Payton will sign with Boston once again. I like that move, we got Walker back and gave up an unproductive Gigliotta and never used Michael Stewart.

The other alternaitive out there is bringing Kenny Anderson back and Payton is stil much better than he is.

Funny stat, the Lakers haven't been at .500 this late in a season since 1993....which of course was one of the worst Laker teams ever.

Brett, what's the deal with the Carolina Blue uni's. Is that a throwback? I've never seen that before.

Brett, what's the deal with the Carolina Blue uni's. Is that a throwback? I've never seen that before.I

I wondered the same thing. :confused:

http://www.throwback-jerseys-guide.com/basketballthrowbacks.html

I

I wondered the same thing. :confused:

Those are from the Minneapolis days....

Yes, Sacto?

The Kings are playing off emotion right now. Peja is out, and they want to prove that they can win without him and Webber. I witnessed the same thing with Indy directly after the brawl. But, they eventually fell back into reality, and if Peja isn't back soon, so will Sac.

Regardless, the point wasn't that the Kings would suck now, but that they could have made a better trade. If you can tell me how a recent string of emotional play and close wins proves that to be wrong, then I'd like to hear it. :)

Better yet, you tell me what's wrong with "emotional play and close wins?" Who goes anywhere without those?

Like I said before, you seem to want to ignore the facts of Webber's career...He has NEVER played a full season. He is making $20 mil a season. He is 32. His ankles are made of porcelain.

Furthermore, who would you consider a better deal among realistically available players? There's no one out there who would have been better...

FurtherFURTHERMORE, have you watched the new guys? The "shit" Skinner went 15 and 16 in a loss yesterday...

Better yet, you tell me what's wrong with "emotional play and close wins?" Who goes anywhere without those?

Keep my words in context, Sacto. I didn't say there was anything wrong with it. The emotional play induces overachievement, and I don't need to tell you that it's not going to last the rest of the season.

Like I said before, you seem to want to ignore the facts of Webber's career...He has NEVER played a full season. He is making $20 mil a season. He is 32. His ankles are made of porcelain.

Furthermore, who would you consider a better deal among realistically available players? There's no one out there who would have been better...

I don't know, Sacto. I'm not a GM. I'm not privy to their information, nor do I have the power to negotiate with other GMs; but I would have been willing to put a lot of money down that there could have been a better deal made. Not that it matters... It's just conjecture after the fact, anyway.

Wray, I don't understand the "emotional play induces overachievement" thing...What's your point? Would you denigrate the 1980 Hockey Team because they had loads of emotion on top of their great conditioning and coaching?

Talent and preparation are the big ones..I agree with you there. I just don't get your point on this emotion thing. If anything, the Kings should be playing depressed if Webber's departure had an emotional impact.

Sacto, it's a way to say that the trade can't be evaluated for some time to come. Guys will elevate their level of play immediately after a big trade, happens all the time. The true "value" will come out when they are back into the grind and the temporary trade-high wears off. People are saying the same thing about the Walker trade here. Celtics and Walker are playing great, but they are playing on emotion, which simply can't be sustained in an NBA season.

Payton back with Boston. How fuckin great of a trade was that? Trade Gugliotta and Stewart for Walker. Even if you don't re-sign Walker, you still get immediate help far beyond what you gave up, and Walker's contract is up at the end of the year. And, if you want to keep Walker, you don't have cap worries since he's your own guy.

I like where this team is right now. Nice blend of experience and youth in a weak East. They have the potential to make a nice run.

IED, I just disagree with the premise, but whatever...Boston does look better lately. The East is wide open until someone gets to the Motor City...

Boston does look better lately. The East is wide open until someone gets to the Motor City...

D*mn straight, Skippy.

As one SI columnist recently stated, "...Detroit over the Spurs in 6......"

I personally believe that's a stretch at this point, but not out of the realm of possibility.

Speaking of the Spurs, I thought I'd heard that Willie Anderson had 7 children from 5 different women. :eek: Talk about a prolific scorer! :wtf:

Can someone explain this to me? Remember the good old days, say 2001, when a player got traded to a crappy team and that player went to the team? Yes, he bitched and whined about it, but he showed up in the Clippers/Hawks/etc uniform. Now, the players just flat out don't go (i.e. Payton, Morning, Jackson) and yet the trade still goes through. What's up with that? I just don't see how the Hawks, for example, weren't able to force Payton to sit out and not get paid. Instead, he gets released, signs back w/Boston, and who did the Hawks get in return? Granted, I'm not a Hawks fan and could care less who they get, but I just don't understand this latest tendency, for lack of a better word, for players to not go to a crappy team, and then that team just up and release them when they don't want to show up.