Still one week away from opening night.
(http://i40.tinypic.com/2dsem91.gif)
Welcome back Greg Oden. Nice to see him get a dunk on his first play back on the court tonight.
You couldn't ask for a more tasty opener, Heat vs. Bulls. Should be feisty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You're right on. Rose is looking like a beast from what I've seen of him so far.
- Would love nothing more than to see the Heat goes down in flames, but I must admit, I'm pulling for Greg Oden. Seems like a genuinely good guy, and he just hasn't been able to catch a break since being drafted (and to think, Portland took him over Kevin Durant).
- Been able to watch Derrick Rose in the preseason, and it's pretty scary how good he's looking. A lot of guys have never been the same after a torn ACL (Chris Webber, Amare, Jason Kidd, etc.), but Rose looks like he hasn't missed a beat. Gives me some hope that Rajon Rondo can come back near 100% and help lead the Celtics to ten wins on the season. If I was Miami though, run down from two straight Finals runs and rapidly aging, I'd be very worried about Chicago come June.
- League pass is going to pay for itself this season. So many interesting teams and storylines going into the season. The Rockets and Clippers are both going to be must watch teams this season, and I'm really looking forward to seeing how Detroit, Indiana, Brooklyn, New York, Golden State, Minnesota, and a half dozen others play.
- Definitely wouldn't mind seeing one more Miami/San Antonio series in the Finals :)
Quote from: thelakelander on October 23, 2013, 10:50:57 PM
Still one week away from opening night.
(http://i40.tinypic.com/2dsem91.gif)
Welcome back Greg Oden. Nice to see him get a dunk on his first play back on the court tonight.
Looks like traveling to me
P.S. Absolute best development of the offseason is the change from a 2-3-2 format for the NBA Finals to a much more balanced 2-2-1-1-1.
Quote from: copperfiend on October 24, 2013, 09:06:21 AM
Quote from: thelakelander on October 23, 2013, 10:50:57 PM
Still one week away from opening night.
(http://i40.tinypic.com/2dsem91.gif)
Welcome back Greg Oden. Nice to see him get a dunk on his first play back on the court tonight.
Looks like traveling to me
He does move his pivot foot once just after receiving the ball, but the refs were probably too busy being concerned that his knees would give out on him at any moment.
T-minus 8 hours and counting!
Can't wait.
Looking forward to it myself. D Rose says he's the best player in the game. Go out there and prove it buddy!
Victor Oladipo and Tobias Harris will make Magic games worth watching this year. The most fun bad team this season, for sure.
Quote from: funwithteeth on October 29, 2013, 02:15:57 PM
Victor Oladipo and Tobias Harris will make Magic games worth watching this year. The most fun bad team this season, for sure.
Completely agree on Orlando.
Looking forward to watching them rebuild.
How bout them Magic?!? Leading at halftime.
Now don't be too good this year and pull an FSU... AKA losing out on Andrew Wiggins :)
Forgot how much I hate seeing Shane Battier's face...
Hmmm. As a Heat fan, I'm not worried about Chicago. They look the same as they did before Rose got hurt. Great defense but still struggles to score consistently. Can't win that way deep in the playoffs.
Great game. Cant wait to see my first Heat game live.
Quote from: thelakelander on October 29, 2013, 09:53:59 PM
Hmmm. As a Heat fan, I'm not worried about Chicago. They look the same as they did before Rose got hurt. Great defense but still struggles to score consistently. Can't win that way deep in the playoffs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRxqY4wuTHw
:D
So, 76ers rookie point guard Michael Carter-Williams was one steal and three rebounds away from a quadruple-double in his pro debut last night. Against the Heat, no less!
What are the odds the Sixers coaching staff tell MCW to ease up in order to have a better shot at grabbing Wiggins?
^Although I have a feeling that the Heat were hungover from partying the night before (Philly starts game on a 19-0 run), I'd say 97.9%.
Quote from: funwithteeth on October 31, 2013, 07:01:36 AM
What are the odds the Sixers coaching staff tell MCW to ease up in order to have a better shot at grabbing Wiggins?
You've got to think there were some mixed feelings up in the Sixers suites last night :)
What a fantastic night overall, though. Dwight Howard pulling down 26 boards. Bynum finally back on the floor to help the Cavs beat the Brooklyn Celtics. Kevin Love looking like he hasn't missed a step. Knicks home opener. The Warriors flattening the Lakers. Kevin Durant going for 42 points. Gonna be an awesome season, and Russell Westbrook, Kobe, and Rondo haven't even come back yet.
Stupid Sixers can't even tank right.
Quite the thrashing the Magic laid on Brooklyn last night...
They were still celebrating their win over the Heat and forgot there's a lot of games left to be played.
Pacers are looking SCARY good after 8 games.
I can't wait for the Heat to play them.
(http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3552257/lancepalm_medium.gif)
So finally the Pacers lose, unfortunately it was the Bulls who beat them. Can't stand either team. Go Heat!!!
The Charlotte Bobcats are gonna retire that name in 2014, and become the Hornets again. Very good news, as they are being reestablished what is more of an identity to the city. That Bobcat name seemed like a 'stop-gap' until NOLA changed it's named to the Pelicans more than anything. Also the Bobcats have that stigma of losing unlike the Hornets did. The NBA already have too many off-based/weird named teams ala Utah Jazz, LA Lakers etc; Good to see that trend being bucked this time.
www.espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/9491180/nba-approves-name-change-charlotte-bobcats
Derrick Rose will miss the rest of the season :/
http://espn.go.com/chicago/nba/story/_/id/10034512/derrick-rose-chicago-bulls-season-knee-surgery
That sucks. Are we witnessing Brandon Roy II?
Hopefully not that bad, but I have a sinking feeling we may be witnessing Chris Webber II.
Not sure how anyone can maintain that speed and explosiveness after having both knees redone.
There's always the Pacers to knock off Miami :)
Best-case scenario for Rose right now is probably a Grant Hill-type career.
A group of Cavs fans who want LeBron James have resorted to some crazy "Bring Tebow to Jax-esque" measures by having billboards say "Come Home LeBron". Atleast those Cavs fans know that LeBron actually can play that professional sport, unlike the embarrassment here with Tebow.
www.foxsportsohio.com/nba/cleveland-cavaliers/story/Come-home-LeBron-billboard-shows-up-in-A?blockID=966303&feedID=3561
Despite their record, the Heat really are playing some sloppy ball, yes I know its early and a long season.
The Heat are just cruising until the playoffs. Other than seeing what Oden will look like, later in the season, there's not much to get excited for.
The Heat can afford to cruise because, as of this morning, they and the Pacers are the only two Eastern Conference teams above .500. The Western Conference has nine teams above .500.
True. The East has taken a step back this year.
Will be a lot of Sub .500 teams in the playoffs if things don't change. Heat still waste a lot energy letting subpar teams hang around only to mount a come back late in the 3rd and 4th qtrs. You have Wade with bad knees and LBJ with a suspect back. Need to put these teams away early if possible.
Pacers continue to look downright terrifying this season.
I would not sleep on these guys if I were Miami.
Despite their grand start, they're only two games ahead of cruise control Miami. Pacers will get theirs in due time. There's a reason Greg Oden and Mike Beasley were acquired and they were not for the Bulls.
holy crap...did the pro basketball season start already?
Pacers lose again tonight, Heat one game behind now.
Heat at Pacers is this a look at the road to the NBA finals 2014?
Pretty much. There's no one else that appears to be a challenge to top either of these teams in the East. However, from player quotes, it appears tonight means much more to the Pacers than the Heat.
Quote from: thelakelander on December 10, 2013, 05:14:48 PM
However, from player quotes, it appears tonight means much more to the Pacers than the Heat.
Appears that way from the box score too. :P
Great game by Indiana down the stretch. I can't wait to see how Greg Oden impacts the Hibbert matchup later in the year.
Great game.
Paul George definitely got the Jeremy Lin treatment from Lebron and the Heat in that first half.
Those guys can be downright terrifying defensively when they want to be.
The NBA still plays?
Quote from: civil42806 on December 11, 2013, 03:56:10 PM
The NBA still plays?
I feel like this post is missing some words.
EDIT: Though it reminds me of the time, during the previous season, I was watching some game at a bar and this guy comes up beside me and asks "Are you watching
basketball? I didn't know people still watched
basketball." I shot him a look, he then stared down at the bar and said "I didn't mean to be rude" before walking away.
Will the Heat win this game?, they have lessened the deficit. Not a good idea to fall behind the Pacers
Nice comeback. Wade was vintage tonight.
again I ask, when does the professional basketball season start?
Great game by the Heat and Trailblazers last night. So what is a Trailblazer?
Someone exceptionally skilled at
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/79/The_Oregon_Trail_cover.jpg)
Speaking of the Blazers, I'm currently reading The Breaks of the Game. Around the time covered by the bulk of the book (the late 70s), it's mentioned that the Knicks were struggling with overpaid, underperforming players, and that they couldn't afford to do anything about it either with cash or draft picks. Sound familiar?
Quote from: funwithteeth on December 11, 2013, 03:57:45 PM
Quote from: civil42806 on December 11, 2013, 03:56:10 PM
The NBA still plays?
I feel like this post is missing some words.
EDIT: Though it reminds me of the time, during the previous season, I was watching some game at a bar and this guy comes up beside me and asks "Are you watching basketball? I didn't know people still watched basketball." I shot him a look, he then stared down at the bar and said "I didn't mean to be rude" before walking away.
I get it from my father in law sometimes. I'll get "you're watching baskteball?" or "I haven't watched basketball since (insert 80's year) or since (insert 80's star) retired". I love game of basketball. Not a huge fan of the structure of the current NBA, especially with the cap. I just like to watch the sport.
What's your beef with the cap?
Just curious.
The luxury tax?
Quote from: KenFSU on December 30, 2013, 03:00:18 PM
What's your beef with the cap?
Just curious.
The luxury tax?
One issue is that there really isn't a cap at all. Look at the payroll of a team like Brooklyn. Whats the point of even having a cap?
Even if the luxury tax isn't an effective deterrent for overspending—look at Brooklyn—most owners are aware that big spending is generally a high risk/low reward situation. Look at Brooklyn.
That said, I can't get into a detailed discussion about this. Any time I read an article and things like cap space start getting thrown around, my eyes glaze over.
Quote from: funwithteeth on December 30, 2013, 03:42:35 PM
Even if the luxury tax isn't an effective deterrent for overspending—look at Brooklyn—most owners are aware that big spending is generally a high risk/low reward situation. Look at Brooklyn.
That said, I can't get into a detailed discussion about this. Any time I read an article and things like cap space start getting thrown around, my eyes glaze over.
I'm no expert myself. It's just the whole thing seems silly. And then you get teams taking on terrible contracts and draft picks for nothing. I remember one year the Clippers traded Baron Davis and a first round pick to Cleveland for scraps.
Quote from: funwithteeth on December 30, 2013, 01:41:53 PM
Someone exceptionally skilled at
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/79/The_Oregon_Trail_cover.jpg)
LOL, the journey in which everyone died of obsolete complications like dysentery etc.
Here's a pretty funny youtube vid.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgbCg3G4A70
Check out the new Charlotte Hornets wordmark; It looks ALOT like the Jaguars. Someone even mentioned it on the site. They're jackin' our style, LOL
www.sportslogos.net/logos/view/512015472015/Charlotte_Hornets/2015/Wordmark_Logo
Hell of a loss for the Heat last night, but man, Greg Oden playing his first regular-season minutes in four years:
(http://i.imgur.com/ka3QZKA.gif)
"I'm so happy"
This is going to be so much more heartbreaking when his body fails him again.
Falling behind by 30 in the first half is one of those games where you know someone partied pretty hard the night before. It happens. Anyway, loved seeing Greg Oden finally play last night. He's a beast. I just hope he can stay healthy because I'd love to see him and Hibbert go at it.
(http://usatftw.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/oden.gif%3Fw%3D640%26h%3D360)
Can't stand Miami and tickled pink by the three game skid, but man am I ever happy for Greg Oden.
NBA season has been quite a bore this season, but the game between the Warriors and the Heat was a pretty good one. I love clutch shots at the end of a game.
Yeah, everytime Del Curry's son shoots, I've gotten to the point I just assume it's going in. For all of the doomsday talk about the Heat's struggles and Indy's dominance, the Heat are only 2 games behind.
Watched a couple minutes of the Rising Stars game before remembering why I never watch these all-star games. Whole lot of people standing around watching other people take shots. What a bore!
The 3 point shootout is about the only thing worth watching during all-star weekend these days.
LOL, Birdman a three point specialist now?
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cq5-D6AEweI/UwQtECY1WqI/AAAAAAAACxs/SkrB7iSv4ks/s1600/4.gif)
LOL Mark Cuban shaking his head.
So the Birdman really can fly. :)
The New Orleans Pelicans did a makeover of their mascot, Pierre the Pelican. HUGE improvement, as the old mascot scared the kids; The old Pierre is stuff that nightmares are made of!!
http://news.sportslogos.net/2014/02/14/pierre-the-pelican-returns-with-friendlier-less-terrifying-look/
Mannnnnnnnnnnnnnn.
Hate to say it, Ennis, but that was pretty wild last night.
LeBron was on fire!!! Needs to get his nose broke more often and I liked the black mask.
These TO's are killing the Heat, just sloppy playing out there.
Playoffs can't come fast enough. LeBron's ball handling today is just as bad as mine!
If they continue play like this 2 TOs followed by a shot clock violation, then 2 more TOs which allowed Houston to tie and then take the lead, they'll be out the first round.
They'll be fine. As long as Wade stays healthy, I fully expect them to make it back to the Finals again.
Gonna be funny when Charlotte takes Miami to seven games in the first round.
That would be since the Indiana series won't make it to a game 7, assuming the Pacers get past Brooklyn or Chicago.
Of course I'm a biased Heat fan but that was the most horribly officiated game I've seen in a while. Instead of losing by 1, I rather see them get blown out by 20 then see Indy given a 3 on a West travel and Miami lose a Wade 3 off a bad call. 6 point swing, which is essentially the game in a low scoring slugfest. With that said, Indy doesn't scare me as much as they did early in the season. I rather the Heat play them than Brooklyn.
Hey Lake Indy should scare us, Miami has not been playing well at home or on the road. I dont see them going past the 2nd roumd. Hope I am wrong.
^Indy has been playing just as bad. If they face each other, I believe Miami can match Indy's defensive intensity but Indy can't match Miami offensively. Brooklyn, on the other hand, matches up pretty well. By the same token, Chicago matches up against Indy pretty well. Overall, a Heat/Indy ECF is not a given.
^^ True, should be interesting. Heat 0-3 vs Brooklyn I think.
Yes, they loss two games by 1 point and another in double OT on a night Wade took off and Lebron fouled out.
Quote from: thelakelander on March 26, 2014, 11:51:32 PM
^Indy has been playing just as bad. If they face each other, I believe Miami can match Indy's defensive intensity but Indy can't match Miami offensively. Brooklyn, on the other hand, matches up pretty well. By the same token, Chicago matches up against Indy pretty well. Overall, a Heat/Indy ECF is not a given.
Brooklyn would be a really interesting matchup.
Would love to see the ghosts of Celtics past have one more run.
Would also LOVE to see a Heat/Spurs rematch in the finals.
The Spurs are very quietly on a 15-game win streak and have been able to get some good rest for their veterans throughout the season.
Can never sleep on Pop and the boys.
I'm hoping OKC or the Clippers take out the Spurs. Those old guys are scary. I'll take a Heat verses OKC any day over dealing with San Antonio in a 7 game series.
After football won me over back in 2010, Ive tried my hardest to get interested in basketball and it just does not work. They play too many games, and everything moves to fast. LOL Im going to try again this season to become a fan ;D
I've been a big sports guy my whole life. I can watch and follow just about any sport.
Quote from: thelakelander on March 27, 2014, 04:24:28 PM
I've been a big sports guy my whole life. I can watch and follow just about any sport.
Except for golf and baseball=ugh,
I don't really watch golf and baseball, but I can if there's nothing else on. I used to watch baseball almost every night. However, being a Marlins fan, that got old after seeing my favorite teams gutted every couple of years into a modern day version of the Bad News Bears overnight.
I love baseball. I love it's history, it's records, it's stadiums, all of the different analytics, and it's general wackiness (managers who wear uniforms, grossly out of shape 40 year olds still starting, double-headers, a 500 game regular season, random start times when the entire city is at work, catchers wrapping their legs around pitchers and straddling them after no-hitters, the third base coach and his dramatic windmill and the general existence of the first base coach, the lazy pick-off throw, six hour games, the bench clearing "brawls" where everyone runs out and rubs up against the other team, stirrup socks, intentional walks, etc).
That said, I find it nearly impossible to watch.
I'm a Cubs fan, so my team is usually out of contention by week two anyway.
duvaldude, did you watch last year's finals between the Heat and the Spurs? I found a lot of generally non-basketball fans enjoyed it. It was a great series.
It was a great series and so was the one between the Heat and the Pacers.
Yep. No matter what Jesus Shuttlesworth does this year, that game 6 three against the Spurs made his entire 2 year contract worth it.
Most certainly, game over if he doesn't hit that shot. I had gone to bed :) only to be surprised the next day.
THE NBA, guess they dont play defense anymore. I wish the Heat would cool off on these turn=overs.
Yeah. I'm just ready for the playoffs to start. We'll know pretty soon if these guys are capable of "turning on switches" once the games mean something.
Ah so whats going on in Miami tonight? Will the Heat let the Pacers back in this game?
Evidently not. I didn't see the game though. I was at One Spark.
No joke: I don't think the Pacers will be getting past the Bobcats in the first round. They'd be better off drawing the kinda streaky Wizards instead.
They almost let them back in, well anyway this is setting up for an interesting playoffs.
Holy crap!!! If the LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling isn't a racist, I don't know what the word is. This is 2014 right? Wow..
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhT6d5fMhzI&list=HL1398492007&feature=mh-lolz
Donald Sterling being a racist sack of shit isn't news (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Sterling#Accusations_of_racism_and_discrimination), but it's always nice to have a fresh reminder.
Compendium of just how truly fucking awful Donald Sterling is (http://deadspin.com/your-complete-quotable-guide-to-decades-of-donald-sterl-1568047212)
The man is scum.
Anyway, I am enjoying the playoffs. I was hoping the Bulls would get swept, but they pulled it out last night. I think the Heat lose tonight b/c of sloppy play and turn-overs.
Sterling's needed to go for a long time, but absolutely no way this can get swept under the rug.
A truly disgusting human being that the NFL's college of owners and the commissioner should be ashamed to have had amongst their ranks for this long.
People keep calling for the Clippers to boycott their game tomorrow against Golden State. To me, every team should boycott. Sterling's views obviously don't reflect those of Doc Rivers, Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and the rest of the Clippers squad, why should they be the only one's taking a stand?
(http://media.giphy.com/media/2XskdWuFbv1XXlLYcBG/giphy.gif)
(http://media.giphy.com/media/2XskdWz9y363OIIeLPq/giphy.gif)
Quote from: thelakelander on April 29, 2014, 12:29:33 AM
(http://media.giphy.com/media/2XskdWuFbv1XXlLYcBG/giphy.gif)
(http://media.giphy.com/media/2XskdWz9y363OIIeLPq/giphy.gif)
Lol that was a good one
My favorite Pacers thing from this playoff run:
(http://espngrantland.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/wtfpacers.gif?w=576&h=317)
Don't let Paul George distract you from the antics of the possibly drunk David West in the upper right of the screen.
Anyway, have the Pacers used their amnesty yet? Because Hibbert's gotta go.
^Hilarious.
welp... that's what showboating gets right there lol
ADAM SILVER, bringing the thunder.
Fantastic decision by the commish to ban Sterling for life (plus $2.5 million fine).
I only hope he doesn't go all Al Davis and drag it out for years.
Also, how ironic would it be if Donald Sterling's comments opened the door for Magic Johnson (and partners) to buy the LA Clippers? Magic's denied it, but I would be shocked if he isn't a front runner.
Would be good for Jacksonville too, as it would mean one fewer investment group in Los Angeles trying to steal an NFL franchise from another city.
Quote from: KenFSU on April 29, 2014, 06:36:45 PM
Would be good for Jacksonville too, as it would mean one fewer investment group in Los Angeles trying to steal an NFL franchise from another city.
Tying Jax to this scenario is a big stretch IMO. Until some unforeseen shocking news come about, Jacksonville sports' team 'moveaphobia' is eradicated IMO. The Jags, Suns, Sharks, Armada etc are staying put in the Bold City far as I'm concerned.
Many thought that the new NBA commish would suspend Sterling 'indefinitely' with a lil' wiggle room, but he really opened eyes by banning him. The former commish David Stern did many things to protect Sterling; It wouldn't shock me if Stern is in that old boy network.
Bye, bye Bulls!!! Wow the Raptors almost had a major choke job. Why do these teams get huge leads and then relaxed?
Rockets won but James Harden continues his third straight year of being a non-factor in critical playoff games.
Nice try by Brooklyn last night but in the end the Nets wind up like the girl in the pink shirt:
(http://images.thehollywoodgossip.com/iu/t_full/v1399540878/shovel-girl-gif.gif)
Thrilled to see Stan Van Gundy back in the coaching game, but the rumors he wants to bring Otis Smith with him make me a little :/
I'll miss him not being on the Dan Le Batard show but it's good seeing him back in the league.
Another great clutch performance by Shuttlesworth!
(http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/riptide/ray-allen-jesus-shuttlesworth.jpg)
Some bad officiating down the stretch in that game but the Nets choked that game away. Their fans sure are whining about the refs.
(http://www.memeduels.com/custom/4f9a3.png)
Thunder in 6
Heat in 5
At least two games where David West yells at his teammates.
I want the Heat to win, but I think they lose in 5. We shall see.
^Heat lose in 5 to Indy? The same team that sub-.500 Atlanta took to 7 games? A team that relies heavily on a crazy guy like Stephenson to keep his head straight for multiple straight games? A team that's 3-4 at home in the playoffs and been shaky on the road for most of the season? LOL, no way. I'll take Heat in 6.
Heat might as well get a bye to the Finals. Let Hibbert and George get an early start on their next fishing trip.
Well you know Indy will bring it when they face Miami. All Teams do.
True, but 5 games? Assuming key players remain healthy, I don't see the Heat going down to anyone in 5 games, San Antonio and OKC included. Too much talent and experience for that.
;D
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BoIPJBqIEAA6QfA.jpg)
If Miami can win both their home games, this might be a short series.
It may well be a short series of Paul George's concussion lingers.
Who needs Paul George when you have the flopper?
http://www.youtube.com/v/Wgu7iufAz9Q?version=3&hl=en_US
Hold on, let me find the video of all of LBJ's flops.
LOL, LBJ is a polished actor. Stephenson needs to brush up to avoid those $5k fines.
NBA, they need to have them walked down the red carpet. Pacers complain about the Heat flopping and they are just as bad.
This sums up the Spurs/OKC series.....
(http://abload.de/img/okcspursjhs92.gif)
I love watching the Spurs casually destroy teams.
Shuttlesworth Lives!
(https://d3j5vwomefv46c.cloudfront.net/photos/large/854338301.gif?1400987172)
Spurs over Heat in 6 :D
LeBron will be LeBron. Give me a healthy Wade and at least one guy to knock down open threes consistently, and I like their chances. However, it would be great to have Bosh playing up to his contract again.
I don't know. LeBron will be LeBron, but this Heat team really isn't as good as they were last year and the Spurs are looking better than they did last year.
The Heat need a new power forward; Battier and Haslem aren't cutting it anymore. And Birdman, as effective as he is, is old and has to play limited minutes. What about the Heat making a serious play for Kevin Love? If they can get LBJ to stay, I can see it being enough of an incentive for Love to stick around.
They've coasted most of the year but look about the same to me. Battier and Haslem didn't cut it last year either and Mike Miller's impact was pretty overrated, IMO. The thing about their bench is some random guy always steps up in crunch time. It's been that way for three years now. Nevertheless, any regression in the bench has been made up with a healthy Wade, who hasn't been healthy during the playoffs since the 2011 Finals loss to Dallas.
Nevertheless, they will retool this year. Outside of Norris Cole, nearly every guy's contract is either up or they have the ability to opt out. My guess is LeBron, Wade and Bosh end up staying (still no better alternative out there) and Riley retools the rest of the roster to get more young and athletic (something he would have did if they lost to the Spurs last year).....or basically what the Spurs have done in recent years. With that said, I wouldn't mind Love taking the place of Bosh.
As for the Spurs, they look good right now with OKC being limited in the middle but they are beatable (Dallas almost took them out). Should be a great series again if they both can get past this round.
That was a great win last night. I just wish they play better in the 1st half. If they make it to the finals, it would be wise not to fall to far behind the Spurs. They seem to be clicking on all cylinders right now.
(http://ballislife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/tumblr_n551biJys21qc9n6mo1_400.jpg)
yawn
^^ Yeah that's what the Pacers did for 4 quarters last night.
That type of night. Calling it now. Lebron goes for 40 as the Heat close out Indy on Friday!
(https://d3j5vwomefv46c.cloudfront.net/photos/large/854834656.gif?1401331764)
^^^I agree. The Pacers almost choked game 5 away. It's only a matter of time when the Heat closes out the Pacers, and ultimately wins another NBA Championship. I can't say that I'm a Heat fan in anyway. I respect my friend who despite being from MIA is a diehard Magic fan, and refuses to jump on the bandwagon.
Heat 3. Pacers 1. Refs 1.
(http://giant.gfycat.com/AggressiveEarnestErmine.gif)
goodbye Indy!
(http://freshpatrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/xbox-controll-Roy-hibbert.png)
(http://img11.hostingpics.net/pics/233122Pacersgonefishing.jpg)
So much for all the Nest and Pacers hype, dismissed!!!
Finally.....game night!
(http://wpow.bbgi.curationdesk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2014/06/bil1-300x198.jpg) (http://wpow.bbgi.curationdesk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2014/06/Heat-Spurs-Billboard-Miami-Page-Q1-300x173.jpg)
REALLY interesting implications for this series. If Miami loses, I can't see Lebron being as excited to stick around. I also can't see Bosh and Wade being so willing to play for below market value. But if Miami wins, they almost have to keep the band together so they can go for a fourth title. It isn't unrealistic to think that the short-term future of the NBA rides on this series.
That said, I'm a pretty intuitive guy, and this is the vision that the basketball gods have given me:
Game 1 - Spurs win by 10+ (1-0)
Game 2 - Spurs win (2-0)
Game 3 - Miami wins by 10+ (2-1)
Game 4 - Spurs win (3-1)
Game 5 - Lebron serial killer game, Miami wins on the road (3-2)
Game 6 - Miami wins (3-3)
Game 7 - Spurs blowout for the Title (4-3 Spurs)
Aftermath - Lebron leaves to find his redemption in Cleveland, and Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade both opt out of their contracts with the Heat. Despite Wade's sketchy health and Chris Bosh's lackluster performance on the boards, Miami re-signs both players to max contracts. With that salary anchor around their neck, the Heat spend the next few seasons fighting for the 6th or 7th seed in the East before going into full tank mode as early as 2017.
LBJ is not going back to the dysfunctional clusterfuck that is Cleveland. Way too many people take that idea seriously.
My prediction:
Game 1 - Spurs win by 10+ (1-0)
Game 2 - Miami wins close one earning desired split on road. Allen/Lewis hits big three down the stretch (1-1)
Game 3 - Miami wins by 10+ as Duncan remembers he's 50, Parker's ankle falls off as Lebron/Wade/Bosh get hot from the outside (1-2)
Game 4 - Miami wins close one with clutch threes by Shuttlesworth and Lewis down the stretch (1-3)
Game 5 - Spurs win by 10+ as old man pride kicks in one last time (2-3)
Game 6 - Wade turns clock back to 2006, Miami wins title with Gabby sitting courtside (2-4)
Wade is the surprise Finals MVP...
Greg Oden gets a ring before Durant....
Beasley gets a ring before Rose....
Off season: Big 3 take less money to add Melo to the mix! Other team's fans go postal nationwide as LeBron declares....not 3, not 4, not 5....
Oh, and Cuyahoga River catches on fire again as Cleveland continues to hemorrhage residents.... 8)
(http://i.imgur.com/dBsAq8b.png)
LMAO! So far my prediction is correct, although it looked like the Heat were taking control before LeBron's body self destructed. Hopefully, San Antonio gets that AC fixed before Sunday!
LeBron was drinking Gatorade last night (http://deadspin.com/actually-lebron-james-was-drinking-gatorade-last-night-1587186858)
Shame how the Heat's defense cramped along with LeBron's muscles. It was a fun game until the last couple of minutes. Not least of which because Jesus Shuttlesworth rose from the grave to
(http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--aLVg-h4U--/c_fit,fl_progressive,q_80,w_636/xezggq2sbhzkbwruvimi.gif)
^ Now that was crazy. I had to do a double take to make sure that was not a stunt double dunking.
Split as predicted.....
(http://i.imgur.com/orD8byD.jpg)
LMAO @ that pic
I was expecting the Spurs to win this series but I didn't think it'd be this easy for them.
Ditto. Luckily, I'm at a conference, so I haven't had the opportunity to witness these beatdowns in the same manner as I would have if I were in Jax.
Lake, any reaction to the ESPN report that Miami is going to aggressively pursue Carmelo Anthony in the offseason? According to Mark Stein, Lebron, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh *might* be willing to sacrifice millions from their own contracts in order to bring Melo aboard. Personally, I would hate it.
The Heat should worry about building their bench before trying to get another all-star starter.
Quote from: KenFSU on June 13, 2014, 09:53:20 AM
Lake, any reaction to the ESPN report that Miami is going to aggressively pursue Carmelo Anthony in the offseason? According to Mark Stein, Lebron, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh *might* be willing to sacrifice millions from their own contracts in order to bring Melo aboard. Personally, I would hate it.
I wouldn't mind seeing it just for the theater and entertainment of seeing the rest of the league's fans cry. However, if you ask me what they really need, I'd say address the PG and C positions. Their problems are on the defensive end and a lot of it deals with them lacking size and reliable production in those two spots.
Can't blame Lebron, that's for sure.
Miami's role players were not good this series. Spurs could be back to back champs if you really think about it. I wasn't surprised Miami lost,
I noticed at 5:30 left in the 4th that Miami only had one timeout left. I wonder at what point before that Spoelstra realized it was over.
Quote from: Keith-N-Jax on June 16, 2014, 09:57:35 AM
Miami's role players were not good this series. Spurs could be back to back champs if you really think about it. I wasn't surprised Miami lost,
They are too old. Miami's role players are mid-late 30's.
San Antonio has Leonard, Mills, Splitter. All under 30.
Quote from: Keith-N-Jax on June 16, 2014, 09:57:35 AM
Miami's role players were not good this series. Spurs could be back to back champs if you really think about it. I wasn't surprised Miami lost,
Your prediction was right. Spurs in 5. I never would have imagined.
Quote from: pierre on June 16, 2014, 10:54:53 AM
Quote from: Keith-N-Jax on June 16, 2014, 09:57:35 AM
Miami's role players were not good this series. Spurs could be back to back champs if you really think about it. I wasn't surprised Miami lost,
They are too old. Miami's role players are mid-late 30's.
San Antonio has Leonard, Mills, Splitter. All under 30.
Can't win every year. I'm sure Miami will retool this off-season (they have to because most of the team's contracts are up) and be back (because the East sucks) next year. Hopefully, the Spurs make it too!
It was funny seeing Super Cool Beas playing his ass off in garbage time.
^I thought Miami failed that guy. Everyone keeps talking about the need for Miami to get younger athletic players and they had one sitting on the bench the entire season. Hopefully, he resigns and gets some playing time next year.
I like it:
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/11107325/charlotte-hornets-unveil-three-primary-new-uniforms
With the first and second rounds already passed by in the NBA Draft, the Gators center and native Jacksonvillian, Patric Young still hasn't been drafted yet. He was expected to get drafted in someone in the later first round to the second round. He had a big party at Latitude 30, which had to be pretty dismal. The Magic better get him so that he could save that franchise from moving to Seattle (the NBA's big bad boogeyman, a la the NFL's LA & London) JK.
The Heatles all opt out of their expensive contracts to let Riley do his magic!
(http://usatftw.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/kid.gif)
The NBA should implement a rule that states any free agent can not sign with any team for more than 10% less than the highest offer received from another team. Would put an end to the this stuff. I mean Yankees and Sox ruin baseball by spending through the roof and Miami is attempting to ruin baskeball. But oh well. Once this run is over the Heat will go back to being the irrelevant team they were before.
Also a Dolphins fan, my NFL team hasn't won anything since 1973......four years before I was born. They haven't been out of the first round of the playoffs in a decade (Jags fans should know this feeling ;)). I'm totally fine with going into the tank for years, after a decade of being able to see my favorite NBA team rack up multiple rings!
Neverthless, Miami is only doing what the Spurs have done for the past decade. You can't fault players for talking less money, so that they have a better chance of creating a winning team. It never was a problem when Duncan, Parker, and co agreed to play for less, so that the rest of their team could be stacked with talent.
But didn't the Spurs actually draft their Big 3?
Well they did actually tank back in the 1990s, which resulted in them drafting Duncan. Nevertheless, the money their big 3 have freed up by taking less than market value in salaries, they've surrounded them with free agent acquisitions and trades.
Actually even Leonard was a draft pick of theirs also. So their core has all been drafted by them. Yes the others may have taken less to stay with the team, but that is their loyalty to their team, not loyalty to a couple of other players to try and make it as easy as they can to make the finals. One of those franchises is most likely respected by the majority of fans and the other one most likely is not.
Actually, Leonard was not a Spurs draft pick. He was drafted by the Pacers. The Spurs traded George Hill for him. Danny Green, Boris Diaw, Marco Belinelli, Patty Mills, etc. were all free agent signings. I'd argue that these five are the reason San Antonio won. All of them would not be able to be on that team if their aging big 3 had not agreed to take less money throughout their careers. The Heat's set up is essentially a mix between the Spurs model and Boston's arrangement of their former Big 3. If teams want to compete long term, they have to find guys willing to put personal greatest and income aside for winning at the team level.
I think a lot of the "non-respect" for the Heat by other fans is simply hate, sprinkled in with a lot of jealously. Put those three on any other team, and those fans would lose their hate and immediately do cartwheels. It's all good though. I was jealous of Jordan and the Bulls during the 1990s. The Mourning/Hardaway teams (or any other team in the league), never had a chance against a prime Jordan and his stacked roster.
And when was that trade for Leonard? Draft night. Being a big NBA fan I am sure you realize draft night trades are hey you pick OUR guy and we will trade. Sorta like draft night this year when they PG from CT was drafted and the announcers were saying this is actually Miami's pick.
I am sure a lot,of the hate is jealousy no doubt, but at same time I never hear that hate for the Spurs with their 5 championships in 10 years.
Quote from: thelakelander on June 28, 2014, 07:14:41 PM
I think a lot of the "non-respect" for the Heat by other fans is simply hate, sprinkled in with a lot of jealously. Put those three on any other team, and those fans would lose their hate and immediately do cartwheels. It's all good though. I was jealous of Jordan and the Bulls during the 1990s. The Mourning/Hardaway teams (or any other team in the league), never had a chance against a prime Jordan and his stacked roster.
Very true. I was anti-Lebron for the first couple years with the Heat, but I've grown out of it. The fact that y'all won those two championships actually helped relieve my animosity, and I openly admit that I will be doing cartwheels if we get Lebron in Houston. (But some other team can have Carmelo, please)
Quote from: edjax on June 28, 2014, 07:23:26 PM
And when was that trade for Leonard? Draft night. Being a big NBA fan I am sure you realize draft night trades are hey you pick OUR guy and we will trade. Sorta like draft night this year when they PG from CT was drafted and the announcers were saying this is actually Miami's pick.
I am sure a lot,of the hate is jealousy no doubt, but at same time I never hear that hate for the Spurs with their 5 championships in 10 years.
5 championships in 15 years, but point still made.
^No doubt, the Spurs have likable players. Even though Tony Parker slept with his teammate's wife, you have to be a real tool to despise that team. Being a Heat fan, it didn't hurt too much losing to them. All one could do is admit they had a better team, admire the offensive show they put on, and acknowledge your team needed to revamp to compete against that juggernaut. Much of the hate of the Heat swells around LeBron. He's the game's best player and no matter what league, a large segment of fans will either love or hate that guy.
Quote from: ProjectMaximus on June 28, 2014, 07:29:52 PMVery true. I was anti-Lebron for the first couple years with the Heat, but I've grown out of it. The fact that y'all won those two championships actually helped relieve my animosity, and I openly admit that I will be doing cartwheels if we get Lebron in Houston. (But some other team can have Carmelo, please)
Melo would look good in Houston. I'd rather he be a Rocket instead of a Bull.
Question/Observation - We all know the mayor says he want the NBA to come to Jax; frankly this would be very good for the city but... Has he done anything? ;)
I ask as I am in no way a fan of the sport. I did recently take the Grandson to a Jax Giants game, just a regular game, nothing special. We had club seats (which were typically threadbare and dirty). The play seemed to be above the level of whoever it was we were playing. The thing that impressed me was the numbers! That place was packed. There were lines two blocks long and many lines at the doors to get in. I'd say the place was probably 80%-85% full. I confess after buying $50 worth of bad popcorn and junk food, about half time I'd had all I could handle, BOREDOM HAD SET IN BIGTIME. For me the best part was a group of local girls at half time that ran, bounced on a springboard and did aerial flips dunking the ball. When they were done so was I. I suspect with NBA quality, we could probably more then support the team, but is the place even large enough? It sure isn't the Chesapeake Energy Arena in OKC or the Amway Center in Orlando, but have no fear, I'd fall asleep in those game too. ::)
VIVA COLOMBIA!!! 2-0!!! VIVA! :D
No. Our arena is too small and lacks the modern luxuries newer NBA arenas come with.
^^^ However, FWIW I think the fan base is adequate in Jax. This is definitely a sports-crazy town. You need ownership and a stadium. If you get ownership you can build a stadium, though. That's what we did for the Jags.
I don't. If the NBA were expanding (they probably need to contract, if anything), there are several more viable markets out there. If I'm Jax, I'd invest the millions we'd be forced to give away, into something else that improves our community's quality of life.
I agree there are priorities with a limited budget, but don't forget that professional sports shine an advertisement on a city that would be expensive to pay for, and they are good citizens who give back in terms of charity, outreach and community support. The Jags and the Players Championship are good examples of this.
We can barely fill Jags seats now. I do believe that we'd struggle to fill an NBA sized arena consistently for the amount of games that would be played each year. At this point, I don't think the NBA would remotely consider Jax as an expansion site and I don't think it would be the best use of Jax's time and money to seek one.
No way Jax could support an NBA 41 game home schedule for an 18k seat arena which would be a minimum. I would see several cities in front of us for a team such as return teams to Seattle, KC, St Louis and Cincy.
It's silly to have this conversation. I hate to say it because I like to dream big, but there's no way Jax can get the corporate support necessary for the NBA. Fan support is not enough. As Lake said, invest in QOL and attracting the kind of investment that can eventually lead to supporting an NBA team, and then maybe in a few decades this conversation will seem reasonable.
An NBA team in Jacksonville is a flat-out impossibility anytime in the next decade, for a half dozen reasons. It points out a fundamental ignorance of the modern NBA landscape and requirements for the mayor's office to even discuss it. First and foremost, we would need to tear down and rebuild our decade-old arena. It's too small for the NBA, and lacks the high-end amenities required by the league. Secondly, the NBA has no plans to expand, and with Sacramento building a new arena and the Bucks new ownership committed to keeping the team in Wisconsin, there is zero talk right now of any existing team wanting to relocate. If there were, Seattle, Kansas City, and St. Louis would be all over it, and the franchise would likely cost the buyer nearly a billion dollars. We don't have the corporate sponsorship necessary to carry 41 NBA games, nor is there any demonstrable evidence (TV ratings, preseason ticket sales, etc.) suggesting that Jacksonville is a basketball-crazy town, where 18,000 fans will buy $50 tickets on a Tuesday night to watch a terrible expansion franchise square off with the Bucks, or Hornets, or Hawks.
Let's focus on doing one thing right (the Jaguars).
When the Jaguars are 1000 percent stable, MLS soccer is the next logical step, not NBA basketball.
Wasn't really keeping up with anything this past weekend and here on Monday morning I learn Jason Kidd is gonna coach the Bucks.
Free agency starts tomorrow!
I bet Melo's a Bull by Thursday.
Quotehttp://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/234070/Heat-Telling-Free-Agents-$12M-In-Cap-Space-Available
Heat Telling Free Agents $12M In Cap Space Available
Jul 01, 2014 4:03 PM EDT
The Miami Heat are informing prospective free agents that they expect to have as much as $12 million in salary cap space to offer after getting LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to re-sign.
With reports of James seeking a max contract around $20.7 million, the pay cuts that Wade and Bosh are willing to take are drastic.
Wade and Bosh were each scheduled to earn earn more than $20 million this upcoming season and a total of $40 million over the next two years.
On Tuesday, the Portland Oregonian reported that Bosh has plans to accept a five-year contract starting at $11 million, and Wade would accept a four-year deal starting at $12 million.
The Heat are angling to be serious bidders for Kyle Lowry.
In what universe does this possibly end well? Where to start. First of all, you have Dwayne Wade, who can barely suit up for 50 games a season, getting paid almost $50 million over the next four years. Does he even have two more seasons left in his body? Secondly, you have Chris Bosh, who is easily worth $15 million a season on the open market, accepting a five year deal for LESS THAN DWAYNE WADE. Thirdly, though Wade and Bosh are willing to sacrifice salary, Lebron will not budge from max salary. Tell me this doesn't breed resentment down the road. Sounds like it is pretty much inevitable at this point that Lebron signs a two-year deal with Miami and we have this same conversation again in 2016.
The Portland Oregonian is a credible source?
^No. Their agent has already come out and said the Portland Oregonian report is not true.
Quote from: thelakelander on July 02, 2014, 02:06:23 PM
^No. Their agent has already come out and said the Portland Oregonian report is not true.
But for what purpose? Because the story isn't true, or because it would be an unprecedented, flagrant violation of the league's CBA for any discussions to that end to have taken place prior to the beginning of free agency, which only began yesterday. Even if the numbers aren't completely accurate (and Wade and Bosh could be signing back-loaded contracts for all we know), the same chatter is also coming from Yahoo, ESPN, the Washington Post, etc. Lebron requests max contract, Wade and Bosh take deep pay cuts.
KenFSU,
This should explain the counterargument to your question.
http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2014/7/1/5861964/miami-heat-nba-free-agency-chris-bosh-dwyane-wade-new-contracts
Quote from: thelakelander on July 02, 2014, 02:06:23 PM
^No. Their agent has already come out and said the Portland Oregonian report is not true.
Their agent is a credible source?
Orlando signing BEN GORDON is just doubling down on being in the lottery next year, too.
Quote from: KenFSU on July 02, 2014, 02:18:59 PM
Quote from: thelakelander on July 02, 2014, 02:06:23 PM
^No. Their agent has already come out and said the Portland Oregonian report is not true.
But for what purpose? Because the story isn't true, or because it would be an unprecedented, flagrant violation of the league's CBA for any discussions to that end to have taken place prior to the beginning of free agency, which only began yesterday. Even if the numbers aren't completely accurate (and Wade and Bosh could be signing back-loaded contracts for all we know), the same chatter is also coming from Yahoo, ESPN, the Washington Post, etc. Lebron requests max contract, Wade and Bosh take deep pay cuts.
What's a violation? Three teammates meeting with each other and figuring out how much cash they'd give up before sharing this info with the team? It seems to me that the Heatles are running the show, moreso than the Heat organization. IMO, it's pretty refreshing to see guys willing to give up millions for the sake of putting themselves in better position to win championships. The opposite of that is Joe Johnson or some of the insane overpaid contracts being tossed out by teams this week.
QuoteLeBron James has made it clear he wants help on the Miami Heat's roster and he wants to see ownership spend to do it. He opted out early in part to put pressure on the Heat organization — upgrade this roster or I look at my options.
Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh are with him.
The three of them are going to lay back at the start of free agency and let Pat Riley recruit guys, but they are giving him contract frameworks to make that possible, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports.
As Miami Heat president Pat Riley begins to pursue free agency at 12:01 a.m. ET Tuesday, LeBron James and his Big Three teammates plan to give the franchise a window to recruit a supporting cast and close deals with them, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
The Heat's free agents – James, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade and Udonis Haslem – have the framework of deals in place to remain with Miami, arming Riley with his limitations within the salary cap to sign talent, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
"Everybody has their [contract] number and has left a little bit of room to let [Riley] maneuver," one source briefed on the contract discussions told Yahoo Sports.
http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/06/30/report-lebron-wade-bosh-give-riley-window-to-upgrade-roster-at-start-of-free-agency/
Quote from: ProjectMaximus on July 02, 2014, 02:20:19 PM
KenFSU,
This should explain the counterargument to your question.
http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2014/7/1/5861964/miami-heat-nba-free-agency-chris-bosh-dwyane-wade-new-contracts
Quote from: thelakelander on July 02, 2014, 02:06:23 PM
^No. Their agent has already come out and said the Portland Oregonian report is not true.
Their agent is a credible source?
Right now, no one is. Those guys aren't even in the country at the moment. From what I understand, they've come up with some numbers they're acceptable with (on their own) and have given Riley some time to see if he can pull in some more players with the money they're willing to give up. Who knows what the final numbers will be? That will depend on what fish they can land and if the Heat move Cole to free up more cap space. I'd rather this happen, then relegate the team to mediocrity by signing some dude like Gordon Hayward to a max contract.
Quote from: thelakelander on July 02, 2014, 02:40:25 PM
What's a violation? Three teammates meeting with each other and figuring out how much cash they'd give up before sharing this info with the team? It seems to me that the Heatles are running the show, moreso than the Heat organization. IMO, it's pretty refreshing to see guys willing to give up millions for the sake of putting themselves in better position to win championships. The opposite of that is Joe Johnson or some of the insane overpaid contracts being tossed out by teams this week.
Devil's in the details. If Lebron, Bosh, and Wade had private discussions amongst themselves, there's no violation. If the Miami Heat or Pat Riley were at all involved in those talks though, that's a clear violation. The Yahoo report from June 30th, as least to me, certainly made it sound like the Big Three had an implicit agreement in place with Pat Riley for the framework of a potential deal, contingent perhaps on Riley making some noise in free agency. Worth noting that a similar incident with Joe Smith cost the Minnesota Timberwolves
five first round picks, not that anything will come out of this one.
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources--lebron-james--dwyane-wade--chris-bosh-to-give-pat-riley-time-to-improve-roster-023118965.html
Also, MAX MONEY for Gordon Hayward?!?!? What is this world coming to.
Didn't the Cavs just draft Wiggins? Don't he and Hayward basically have the same skill set?
EDIT: Now reports are indicating the Suns are the ones who want to overpay Hayward.
Quote from: KenFSU on July 02, 2014, 02:52:12 PM
Quote from: thelakelander on July 02, 2014, 02:40:25 PM
What's a violation? Three teammates meeting with each other and figuring out how much cash they'd give up before sharing this info with the team? It seems to me that the Heatles are running the show, moreso than the Heat organization. IMO, it's pretty refreshing to see guys willing to give up millions for the sake of putting themselves in better position to win championships. The opposite of that is Joe Johnson or some of the insane overpaid contracts being tossed out by teams this week.
Devil's in the details. If Lebron, Bosh, and Wade had private discussions amongst themselves, there's no violation. If the Miami Heat or Pat Riley were at all involved in those talks though, that's a clear violation. The Yahoo report from June 30th, as least to me, certainly made it sound like the Big Three had an implicit agreement in place with Pat Riley for the framework of a potential deal, contingent perhaps on Riley making some noise in free agency. Worth noting that a similar incident with Joe Smith cost the Minnesota Timberwolves five first round picks, not that anything will come out of this one.
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources--lebron-james--dwyane-wade--chris-bosh-to-give-pat-riley-time-to-improve-roster-023118965.html
Also, MAX MONEY for Gordon Hayward?!?!? What is this world coming to.
They theoretically could have had those conversations before opting out right?
(I can't believe I'm actually defending the team. And if the three do come back with more cap space to improve the supporting cast I will hate the Heat so much more)
^They did. The conversation was had a few days after LeBron opted out. A day or two after that meet up, Haslem and Wade opted out. Bosh opted out about 24 hours later (around June 29th). Ray Allen and James Jones will play another year if LeBron sticks around. If not, Jones is retiring and Allen is willing to follow LeBron.
Quote from: ProjectMaximus on July 02, 2014, 03:49:08 PM
And if the three do come back with more cap space to improve the supporting cast I will hate the Heat so much more)
Oh, they will come back with more cap space. There's no other reason for guys like Wade and Haslem to pass up that much cash, at this point in their careers with 3 rings a piece already. However, I don't expect big names to join. Expect to 2-3 decent veterans in key spots (ex. C, PG, & a defensive SG or SF).
^Instead of the Lowrys and Melos of free agency, I'm expecting the likes of Gasol, Nelson, etc.
Btw, I just heard on the radio that the Heat went after Stephenson but he wanted more money. Deng want to be in Miami but Miami isn't willing to pay him what he wants either. Miami's priority is Ariza.
Quote from: thelakelander on July 02, 2014, 04:26:01 PM
^They did. The conversation was had a few days after LeBron opted out. A day or two after that meet up, Haslem and Wade opted out. Bosh opted out about 24 hours later (around June 29th). Ray Allen and James Jones will play another year if LeBron sticks around. If not, Jones is retiring and Allen is willing to follow LeBron.
Right, I was just referring to KenFSU's tampering concern. Their agents could've easily discussed all the scenarios with Pat Riley before these guys became FAs, which would've been totally legal.
Quote from: funwithteeth on June 05, 2014, 04:35:47 PM
LBJ is not going back to the dysfunctional clusterfuck that is Cleveland. Way too many people take that idea seriously.
If I'm Lebron, looking at both Miami and Cleveland, it really is a tough call. Even if Miami reassembles their big three, Father Time will still be banging on their door. I couldn't see him signing for longer than two years, max. Cleveland is the polar opposite. They now have Kyrie Irving and Andrew Wiggins locked down for five years each,
three first round picks for 2015, Anderson Varejao, Anthony Bennett, etc. With Lebron, Cleveland would have to be a favorite to dominate the East for years to come. He'd have to patch things up with Dan Gilbert (which won't be easy, but let's face it, they are both at fault for how things ended), and Cleveland would have to shed a bit of cap space, but it's certainly looking more possible now than it was even a month ago. He'd have to realize though that if he were to sign with Cleveland, it would be VERY difficult to ever leave the Cavs again.
My predictions:
1) Lebron to Cleveland
2) Bosh to Houston
3) Wade either stays in Miami or takes an inflated contract with Charlotte
4) Melo stays in New York, and is joined by Pau Gasol
QuoteRich Paul Offering Cavaliers Belief LeBron Could Return
Jul 07, 2014 10:05 AM EDT
LeBron James' agent, Rich Paul, has confided to people that bringing his client back to the Cleveland Cavaliers is a mission for him. Paul is informing the Cavaliers that they're in a strong position to sign him again and is encouraging officials to offer no restraint in their recruitment of James.
Paul has held meetings with several teams without James during the first week of free agency.
Paul will be joining James for a sit-down meeting later this week with Pat Riley and the Miami Heat.
The Heat have been unable to secure a deal with any free agent as the status of James is making it difficult for Riley.
"LeBron is the ultimate recruiter, but he hasn't been any part of this process," a league source tied to the Heat's recruiting efforts told Yahoo Sports. "The first question they all ask is the same: 'Do I get to hear from LeBron? What's he going to do?'"
Via Adrian Wojnarowski/Yahoo! Sports
QuoteCavaliers Finally Remove Dan Gilbert's Letter From Website
Jul 07, 2014 10:10 AM EDT
The Cleveland Cavaliers have allowed Dan Gilbert's open letter following LeBron James' decision to sign with the Miami Heat to remain hosted on their website for four years.
The letter was up as recently as Sunday, but it was taken down on Monday amid reports the Cavaliers are in a legitimate position to sign James.
Via Brian Windhorst/ESPN
Quote from: KenFSU on July 07, 2014, 08:54:53 AM
Quote from: funwithteeth on June 05, 2014, 04:35:47 PM
LBJ is not going back to the dysfunctional clusterfuck that is Cleveland. Way too many people take that idea seriously.
If I'm Lebron, looking at both Miami and Cleveland, it really is a tough call. Even if Miami reassembles their big three, Father Time will still be banging on their door. I couldn't see him signing for longer than two years, max. Cleveland is the polar opposite. They now have Kyrie Irving and Andrew Wiggins locked down for five years each, three first round picks for 2015, Anderson Varejao, Anthony Bennett, etc. With Lebron, Cleveland would have to be a favorite to dominate the East for years to come. He'd have to patch things up with Dan Gilbert (which won't be easy, but let's face it, they are both at fault for how things ended), and Cleveland would have to shed a bit of cap space, but it's certainly looking more possible now than it was even a month ago. He'd have to realize though that if he were to sign with Cleveland, it would be VERY difficult to ever leave the Cavs again.
My predictions:
1) Lebron to Cleveland
2) Bosh to Houston
3) Wade either stays in Miami or takes an inflated contract with Charlotte
4) Melo stays in New York, and is joined by Pau Gasol
If LeBron goes to Cleveland, I'd put my money on Indiana or Chicago to come out of the east. Clevelands front office is horrible and their roster is pretty young with no experience. By the time those kids come around (assuming they don't turn out to be busts), Lebron will have wasted a few extra years of his prime. Also, I'd put money that Riley would quickly retool Miami's roster will the cash freed up, so they wouldn't be down for long. Nevertheless, I still believe all this is hot air.
does anyone care?
About?
Quote from: tufsu1 on July 07, 2014, 01:32:06 PM
does anyone care?
Does the entire sports world, including the 15 million viewers who watched Lebron and the Miami Heat fall to San Antonio, not count enough for you?
Basketball might not be your thing, but aside from the World Cup, this is
the sports story of the summer.
It's not a stretch to say that the entire NBA landscape can and will shift depending on where Lebron James choses to play. The futures of Chris Bosh, Carmelo Anthony, Dwayne Wade, Pau Gasol, Chandler Parsons, Kevin Love, Ray Allen, Andrew Wiggins, and numerous others could dramatically swing based on whether James picks Cleveland or Miami.
This is pretty crazy. Miami, Cleveland, Houston and Minnesota all have millions riding on his decision now. Houston could possibly lose Parsons or wind up overpaying him, due to this dragging out. World Cup aside, this is normally a dead month for sports radio. However, the theater is pretty good, switching listening time at work between Miami and Cleveland radio stations. It's amazing how two groups of people take the same limited information and come out to totally different interpretations.
^ Add Jeremy Lin to that list as well.
If Lebron signs with Cleveland, the dominos would likely fall like this:
Lebron to Cleveland > Chris Bosh to Houston > Jeremy Lin to Philadelphia > Chandler Parsons to Houston > Carmelo Anthony to New York > with the possibility of Ray Allen to Cleveland > Andrew Wiggins and Anderson Varejao to Minnesota > Kevin Love to Cleveland.
Chris Sheridan (ESPN/AP/Sheridan Hoops), who has proven a reliable source in the past, is reporting that Lebron has chosen Cleveland, and will make the official announcement on his website.
Quote
Chris Sheridan is reporting that LeBron James has privately made his decision to sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers and an announcement will be made on LeBronJames.com.
James is also expected the news to be announced before he leaves for the World Cup Final in Brazil, which will be played on Sunday.
James met with Pat Riley on Wednesday to deliver the news. Riley attempted to get James to reconsider by comparing the relative instability of the Cavaliers compared to the Miami Heat. The meeting lasted one hour and a source said that James' stance did not change.
A source says that James' inner circle, from his wife Savannah to his agent Rich Paul and best friends Maverick Carter and Randy Mims are unanimous that he should return to the Cavaliers.
Quote from: KenFSU on July 10, 2014, 08:01:46 AM
Quote from: tufsu1 on July 07, 2014, 01:32:06 PM
does anyone care?
Does the entire sports world, including the 15 million viewers who watched Lebron and the Miami Heat fall to San Antonio, not count enough for you?
Basketball might not be your thing, but aside from the World Cup, this is the sports story of the summer.
wow...15 million viewers worldwide...quite impressive since South Florida 7 million people on its own
and, btw, I like basketball very much...just not the bastardized version played in the NBA today
Quote from: tufsu1 on July 10, 2014, 01:25:30 PM
Quote from: KenFSU on July 10, 2014, 08:01:46 AM
Quote from: tufsu1 on July 07, 2014, 01:32:06 PM
does anyone care?
Does the entire sports world, including the 15 million viewers who watched Lebron and the Miami Heat fall to San Antonio, not count enough for you?
Basketball might not be your thing, but aside from the World Cup, this is the sports story of the summer.
wow...15 million viewers worldwide...quite impressive since South Florida 7 million people on its own
and, btw, I like basketball very much...just not the bastardized version played in the NBA today
15 million viewers
stateside, plus tens of millions of others in the over 240 countries broadcasting the game worldwide.
26.3 million U.S. viewers watched last year's Game 7, more than the BCS championship game, or any other sporting even aside from the NFL.
Obviously people care. Turn on the TV today, or the radio. Open the newspaper.
Also, for all the widespread talk about the current bastardized NBA, I challenge you to find a historically purer basketball team than Greg Popovich's 2014 NBA Champion San Antonio Spurs. Ditto the 2011 Dallas Mavericks, the 2008 Celtics, and the 2004 Pistons. So much of the fun of the last ten years, NBA-wise, has been the battle between the pure, traditionally built teams and the big-three style franchises.
If LBJ and Bosh jet, what are the chances Riley overpays Wade in a thanks-for-everything gesture? (Because I can't imagine even the dumbest organization would be willing to pay the aging, broken-down Wade what he was owed before he opted out.)
It could definitely happen. But if Bosh lands with HOU and James goes elsewhere, the Heat will also need to save a decent amount of cash so they can go after the next best free agent to add to the roster, otherwise Heat games might start looking more like Panthers games.
http://www.theonion.com/articles/breaking-lebron-james-leaning-toward-joining-alqae,36417/ (http://www.theonion.com/articles/breaking-lebron-james-leaning-toward-joining-alqae,36417/)
If I'm Riley, if Lebron leaves, I'd try to keep Bosh/Wade and use the $20 million freed up to get 2 or 3 decent free agents to complement those two. It won't beat the Spurs, but that's enough talent as any team in the East.
If they both leave, I'd give Wade is +$40 million over two years, tank during that time and have a favorable cap situation for the 2016 off-season for a second 2010 instant upgrade.
Btw, if Lebron does go to Cleveland, I'm not sure he wins another championship. Irving's health is just as shaky as Wade's, Wiggins hasn't even played in a real NBA game, the front office has never won anything and the coach is a rookie too. You don't win in the playoffs with no experience or defense (Irving doesn't know what that is). With another move this off-season (which I expect all of them to make), teams like Indiana, Washington, and Chicago would easily take them out.
AAAAND THAT is why I love The Onion! Allahbron James...wow.
thelakelander, As a person who isn't entirely opposed to the idea of planned tanking, Miami is a whole different beast. Miami isn't like Jax in that they don't stand by their team during difficult times like we do. If they're going to tank, their fan base will shrink. It's not a bad plan in theory, because tanking would allow you to not only save up cash but also be in good position for drafts. Still, if both Bosh and Lebron go, the attendance will suffer.
I have never seen anything like this. The fate of Rajon Rondo is now rumored to be tied up with Lebron's decision as well. Reports are that if Lebron stays in Miami, Kevin Love would be interested in joining Miami. Boston, meanwhile, is hoping to make a play at Love. If Kevin Love joins Lebron in Miami or Cleveland, however, the Celtics supposedly want to deal Rondo.
The only way Love gets to Miami, is if Bosh goes to Houston. Same thing goes for Melo, who for some reason, still hasn't signed the new $129 million deal with NYC. However, Bosh is traveling around and world, wants to stay in Miami to play with Lebron, and is waiting for Lebron. So the whole league is at a standstill.
It really is a matter of who blinks first. It seems like it's going to be all or nothing for Bosh and Lebron as I just don't see either one of them staying in MIA if the other goes elsewhere.
If I'm Melo, I look at CHI as my best chance to win a championship, especially if MIA loses Bosh and Lebron. Even a CLE team with Lebron and Irving wouldn't scare me in the East if I had Noah, Gibson, Boozer and MAYBE Rose. Yeah the NYK mega deal would be great, but maybe he's put more value on the trophy than the cash.
I agree with you there. Chicago would be a serious contender with Melo, even if Lebron and Bosh stay in Miami.
Well, I wouldn't have thought LeBron would let sentiment outweigh everything else.
After the decision four years ago, I really think Lebron handled this one with a lot of class. Good for him. Lebron back to Cleveland is one of the great stories in American sports history. Can't wait to see how this all plays out.
Also, mighty interesting that Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett weren't mentioned in the essay...
Getting rid of Wiggins to possibly only rent Kevin Love is such a Cavs move.
(http://i.imgur.com/ILNd5pE.gif)
Worst job today has to be Miami Heat sales rep
Quote from: pierre on July 11, 2014, 03:14:21 PM
Worst job today has to be Miami Heat sales retention rep
Fixed.
The Bulls are going to make a run at Dwayne Wade if they don't get 'Melo, say league sources.
Wade can probably still produce if restricted to a limited 6th man role. He just looked cooked after heavy playoff minutes after a rather light regular season.
What is going to be left for the Heat, though? 40 minutes a night of Norris Cole and Danny Granger averaging 20 ppg on 25% shooting?
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BsRxyqSCAAENn_J.jpg)
Quote from: Non-RedNeck Westsider on July 11, 2014, 03:29:00 PM
Quote from: pierre on July 11, 2014, 03:14:21 PM
Worst job today has to be Miami Heat sales retention rep
Fixed.
Haha... We ain't tanking!
QuoteAdrian Wojnarowski @WojYahooNBA 36s
Chris Bosh is finalizing an agreement to return to Miami on a five-year, $118M deal, league sources tell Yahoo Sports.
Can't fault LeBron for wanting to go back home after helping the Heat win two more rings. LeBron is a huge economic boost for NE Ohio. However, that's no reason to start acting like the Orlando Magic either. There's $23 more million to spend on revamping the team. The East will be competitive next year. The Bosh move really sucks for Houston though.
Quote from: KenFSU on July 11, 2014, 02:23:27 PM
(http://i.imgur.com/ILNd5pE.gif)
There was a funny one with Wade and Pat Riley but I can't find it now.
(http://i.minus.com/ii8xdkMtRBjEx.gif)
I don't keep up with all this cap stuff. Miami could conceivably still offer the max (or near it) to Melo, right?
Yes, but I don't see Melo wanting to take LeBron's place. The Heat are currently working on smaller deals with Wade and Haslem. My guess is LeBron's money gets split up into 2-3 decent pieces, creating a team with some decent depth. According to 790 The Ticket, Bosh/Wade now fighting with LeBron for Ray Allen.
(https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/t1.0-9/10444748_551089151657633_3280669653640879710_n.jpg)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BsRvh29IIAIuJ0y.jpg)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BsRxp4PCEAEEswB.png:large)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BsR4cNNIgAIJhVp.jpg:large)
(http://maroko1337.com/gif/yjTr1Fm.jpg)
(http://maroko1337.com/gif/vuuvwiL.jpg)
A Miami Heat parody (about LeBron James leaving) of "Rude." I think it sounds better then the original.
http://www.youtube.com/v/uwhHeZEpOME
^ here's what I learned from local Miami news this weekend....UD, CB, and Birdman are back in the fold...and none of them turned their back on Miami...and, oh yeah, in Riley they trust!
^Here's what I learned from non-local Miami news this weekend...
(http://s.quickmeme.com/img/0f/0ffb8e7df02a776ab1214daaee9267dd4812c8eac7764cc62691f3130446b16f.jpg)
http://www.youtube.com/v/9DUiOM9JkQQ
Paul George :-\
Just saw the headline. That sucks. After the Livingston injury a few years back, I don't know if I want to see video of how it happened.
It's up there with Livingston and Kevin Ware. Here's hoping he can recover like Livingston did.
Shit, this has ruined my night.
Didn't have the stomach to watch the video.
Feel terrible for the guy, the Pacers organization, and USA Basketball.
Kevin Love to Cleveland is official, per Yahoo Sports.
The Wolves pick up Wiggins, Bennett, and a protected first round pick next season.
If I'm a Wolves fan, I'm thrilled to have parlayed an expiring contract into possibly the best prospect since Kevin Durant, along with a solid young talent and a future pick.
If I'm a Cavs fan, I'm thrilled to have Love, Mike Miller, James Jones, likely Shawn Marion, and quite possibly Ray Allen jumping on board, but I'm also a little bummed to miss out on the opportunity to see Lebron help Wiggins and Bennett develop.
The East is going to be mighty depressing this year with the Pacers out of serious contention, but maybe the addition of Pau Gasol and a healthy Derrick Rose will lead to an awesome Cavs/Bulls rivalry.
Yawn..... ;)
What will be thrilling is seeing Lebron run around like a chicken with his head cut off, covering for four matadors on defense. If he thinks he had problems against San Antonio's efficient offense last year, just wait next season! In other thrilling news, his Ohio twin got arrested last night for punching his ex-girlfriend.
Btw, I love the signs that have been popping up all over Akron...
(http://the305.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/lebron-miami-akron-billboard-ad.jpg)
This is great foreshadowing for the first game of the 2014-15 season. I suspect it will be played in Miami and the arena air conditioning will malfunction.
Dan Le Batard suspended from ESPN for two days for that billboard (http://deadspin.com/dan-le-batard-suspended-two-days-for-trolling-lebron-wi-1617809190)
The Comic Sans was a nice touch.
LOL. Is ESPN really that scared of pissing off Lebron? It's not like he went Dan Gilbert style, said what SAS did, or punched his girlfriend like Oden and Ray Rice.
Quote from: KenFSU on October 24, 2013, 08:10:22 AM
- Would love nothing more than to see the Heat goes down in flames, but I must admit, I'm pulling for Greg Oden. Seems like a genuinely good guy.
... or not.
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/11339343/prosecutors-formally-charge-greg-oden-battery
The new LAC owner Steve Ballmer scared the Clippers stars with his speech. I'm not sure, but I think that he wants the LAC to be hardcore. :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mriKM_39cfE