Ballin’: SOS to LeBron – Wake Up, Man
NBA May 9th. 2008, 10:45am
Boston 89 Cleveland 73: We’re wracking our brains trying to find any parallels between last year’s Cavs-Pistons Eastern Conference Finals and this series after two games. Other than a close game one, there isn’t much. What we had previously chalked up as an off-game for LeBron appears to be more than that; perhaps the Celtics have LeBron rules in effect. After the 2-for-18 stinker, the NBA’s best player shot 6-for-24 last night in a game that turned ugly in the third quarter and stayed that way. Like Windhorst, we’re not ready to count the Cavs out just yet, but a) LeBron obviously needs to take over and b) the Cavs need to find people interested in scoring. What the heck was up with Ben Wallace?
San Antonio 110, New Orleans 99: Started dozing off in the third quarter when the game was close, and our last memory was – if the Hornets pull this off, do we pronounce the Spurs run over, or further fellate Chris Paul? Despite CP3’s aerial heroics – words cannot describe this circus shot; Pam Word’s ‘oh!’ doesn’t count – the Spurs pulled away in the fourth to draw within 2-1. Paul had a 35-9 night, but the Hornets got nothing from Peja or the bench. The Spurs dynamic backcourt of Parker and Ginobili made 23-of-46 shots for 61 points, and they took more shots than the rest of the team, and scored more half of San Antonio’s points. Who’s going to be the Hornets designated stopper? Mo Pete? Bonzi?
178 Responses to “Ballin’: SOS to LeBron – Wake Up, Man”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
May 9th, 2008 at 10:47 am
Loved the flop into the first row by LeBron in the first half. Unreal the ref actually fell for it. You would think someone that physically gifted wouldn’t be such a bitch.
May 9th, 2008 at 10:48 am
I thought LeBron could take any team to the Finals any year. I really underestimated the fact that the team around him sucks. A lot.
May 9th, 2008 at 10:48 am
Must be all the blumpkins…
May 9th, 2008 at 10:48 am
for 2 straight games now the only person who has showed up is Z
i do not know if it is a case of him forcing shots trying to do too much but as lbj goes so does the cavs (shocker i know)
tomorrow night is obviously it…while i too do not think they are out of it yet any loss in the next 2 are it for the cavs
May 9th, 2008 at 10:50 am
When people refer to him as “LBJ” I always think we should start calling him “The Spanish Blow Job”
May 9th, 2008 at 10:50 am
if i hear ANYONE say the Celts played great D, ill fucking scream bloody murder. the Cavs missing every shot they take for 2 straight days isnt fuckign great D.
and KG is a bitch.
May 9th, 2008 at 10:51 am
that made me chuckle CRM
May 9th, 2008 at 10:51 am
I think he/they gets back on track in Cleveland. I hate when people complain about refs, but the Cavs couldn’t buy a call on the road and that bald fuck is one of the worst road ref’s you can have. When LeBron can’t get a call he stops driving. Take care of business at home. The Spurs aren’t done and neither are the Cavs.
May 9th, 2008 at 10:51 am
CRM…im down with that. The Spanish Blowjob it is.
May 9th, 2008 at 10:52 am
The Cavs game was horrible to watch. Lebron cost me some money last night that mfer. For the last time, he is not the NBA’s best player.
May 9th, 2008 at 10:53 am
RE: Ben Wallace
He sucks. Big time.
May 9th, 2008 at 10:54 am
Again, painful painful game to watch last night between Boston and Cleveland. Ug. Night and day between that and the SA-NO game.
May 9th, 2008 at 10:54 am
Danny Ferry should be fired. That trade was horrible. You don’t make a trade just for the sake of making one.
May 9th, 2008 at 10:55 am
opinions of the trade can fluctuate so quickly…when wally and west were hitting their shots its a good trade when they arent it sucks
larry hughes and gooden do not change anything
May 9th, 2008 at 10:56 am
I dont think the Cavs were just missing shots Boston did play pretty good defense.
May 9th, 2008 at 10:56 am
But I remember everyone saying that trade was fantastic. That trading bums for bums was sheer genius!
Irish, + 1 million
TBL, there are slight parallels, I am pretty sure LeBron shot horribly the first two games against the Pistons last year before recovering and having a good rest of the series, including the amazing Game 5 performance.
May 9th, 2008 at 10:57 am
Boston is smothering Lebron, and he is doing nothing but help them by taking tons and tons of bad shots. Yeah, his teammates aren’t helping him out, but you have to give them shots. Constant 20 footers off the dribble aren’t going to get it done. These teams make me want to throw up.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:00 am
ALL NBA First Team, picked yesterday
Kevin Garnett PF
Lebron James SF
Chris Paul PG
Kobe Bryant SG
Dwight Howard C
And yes folks, i have been saying it all year. Who is the best center in the NBA? that is right Dwigth mother fucking Howard
May 9th, 2008 at 11:01 am
the cavs have a ton of expiring deals next year because they took on extra money this year.
if they get bounced, they get bounced…but theyll have the pieces to make some moves next season. i still like the trade.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:01 am
Kobe, made first team? Are you serious?
I mean he’s at best a third tier player, I thought for sure he would make third team All NBA, or maybe not at all.
\Sarcasm
May 9th, 2008 at 11:02 am
@irish – it’s kind of slim pickins in the NBA center dept nowadays. Especially with Oden hurt and Yao out most of the year.
I’m calling it now – Oden is first team all NBA at center next year. Bookmark this.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:03 am
I do love to laugh, though, at the comparisons of the Cavs to the Lakers. Can you imagine what LeBron could do with Kobe’s supporting cast?
Fo
Fo
Fo
Fo
May 9th, 2008 at 11:03 am
Lebron is taking the shots he normally takes, they just aren’t falling, happens to everyone. And actually, this is very much how it went against Det last year, he had 10pts in game 1 and 19 in game 2, both loses. Lets not forget that Boston couldn’t beat freakin Atl on the road.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:03 am
I agree — LeBron is not NBA’s best. Kobe is! And Chris Paul ain’t too far behind…
May 9th, 2008 at 11:03 am
wally being the biggest asset this yr…and i dont think any cavs fan here really thought we would get very far this yr
if lbj decides to go all detroit pistons on them thats all well and good though
May 9th, 2008 at 11:03 am
The turnovers from bronie are really bad. That and missing lay ups. He needs to take the ball in harder and start dunking on people, and to stop playing soft when they do not call fouls. Its almost like he is shying away from contact. VArejo/Wallace neeed to be crashing the offensive boards more. Boston is playing some soft zone and cavs are watching all this missed shots go into the hands of the celtics.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:04 am
Man no wonder Boston is 6-0 at home in the playoffs. They have the home court sinus advantage.
Boston is a place tough for sinuses anyway – Ben Wallace
May 9th, 2008 at 11:04 am
@clown- get used to it for the next 12-15 years
May 9th, 2008 at 11:05 am
anderson v needs to never see the floor again and if he does couch brown better tell him if he tries to put the ball on the floor there is a death quad waiting in brazil to say hello to his family
May 9th, 2008 at 11:05 am
@Clown – Didn’t the Cavs see him playing with Chicago before they traded for him? He is D-O-N-E.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:05 am
CP3 > The Spanish Blow Job
Kobe > The Spanish Blow Job
This is truly the most disappointing, disturbing thing about these playoffs…even if the Cavs lost and LBJ played well thats one thing, but I am going to say the Spanish Blow Job is the reason his team lost
May 9th, 2008 at 11:05 am
clown, if we ever get off this island, we’ll have to see about that.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:06 am
*squad
May 9th, 2008 at 11:06 am
A Cleveland friend and I were watching game 1, and agreed that Lebron hasn’t learned how to flop yet. He’s pretty horrible at it. I don’t fault him for it, because he’s certainly not the only one, but he needs to go to Bosnia or something to take some classes.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:06 am
Oden will be a beast defensively but I dont think he unseats Dwight in his first season.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:06 am
i think Avery Johnson should coach the Cavs
May 9th, 2008 at 11:06 am
Hey Big Lead, put Kobe on the Cavaliers and the the series is split right now (at least).. do you disagree?
May 9th, 2008 at 11:07 am
LeBron already has 17 turnovers in this series. Wow. Imagine if they actually called him for it when he travels, too?
May 9th, 2008 at 11:07 am
Howard is a beast but he was a step slow here
May 9th, 2008 at 11:08 am
What?
May 9th, 2008 at 11:08 am
With Kobe, we would have played Boston as an 8 seed in the first round.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:08 am
I think Cleveland’s biggest problem is Mike Brown. He needs to design an offensive system around LeBron, not just give it to him and let him score. They need something like the Triangle that MJ had in Chicago. Maybe, no definately, they need a new coach. Maybe D’Antoni should wait until the Cavs lose and take that job. That would be a great fit for his coaching style.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:08 am
If LeBron can’t drag a group of stiffs to the finals every year he should just jump off a cliff.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:09 am
grungedave – hyperbole
May 9th, 2008 at 11:09 am
@SM- you bastard lol
Dwight didnt even jump. cmon now, you know he blocks shot with the best of em
May 9th, 2008 at 11:09 am
@Nick P – So, Boston would be home right now?
May 9th, 2008 at 11:10 am
The trade was still awesome. I don’t care who we got. It’s irrelevant. Getting rid of Larry was worth whatever the cost.
I’d rather have Lebron missing jumpers than Larry Hughes. And Gooden would do nothing versus KG.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:10 am
Greg Oden will never be as good as Al Jefferson
Bookmark that
May 9th, 2008 at 11:10 am
@CRM: No
May 9th, 2008 at 11:10 am
Nick P, you don’t really believe that do you? For one, Kobe played in all 82 games, including playing with an injury that other guys have received season-ending surgery with. He’s also better defensively, which makes a difference. I think people are seeing now that Kobe hasn’t exactly “lost his fast ball,” the guy is playing pretty efficiently don’t you think?
By the way, how much better could Jordan have played in the first 6 Laker playoff games?
May 9th, 2008 at 11:11 am
CRM..is too young TBL..in 1983 the Sixers were dominant and when asked how teh playoffs would go..Moses Malone said..Fo Fo Fo…mean three straight sweeps…after they won the title (Still enjoying it Philly!) and when 12-1 doing it…He said Fo Fi Fo…it is on their championship rings
May 9th, 2008 at 11:11 am
Joe Johnson can push you to the edge, Kobe Bryant can sure as hell push you off the cliff.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:12 am
RWH – Thanks for schooling me. I’m still green.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:12 am
Please don’t do the Lebron-Kobe thing. Please…….*cringe*
May 9th, 2008 at 11:15 am
Seriously the Kobe Lebron debates are a horrible and pointless. Please come back to this site in 15 years when both careers are over
May 9th, 2008 at 11:15 am
Poor Avery does not deserve that
May 9th, 2008 at 11:16 am
What does your supporting cast have to do with shooting 19% and committing 17 TOs? The “poor supporting cast” argument only works when you GO OFF and lose.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:16 am
@cursed: I believe Lebron was worth about 7 more wins than Kobe this season. So yeah, do the math.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:17 am
Yes, D’Antoni should wait for a job that might not come open, while he has two staring him in the face right now.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:17 am
Zydrunas was dominating in the first quarter, then came back in the 2nd quarter and couldn’t get the ball.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:17 am
How many less has he been worth in the playoffs?
May 9th, 2008 at 11:18 am
the cavs always start out games going to BIg Z. I dont understand how teams havent figured that out yet and put a stop to that
Bryant Reeves > Big Z
May 9th, 2008 at 11:18 am
Cursed. How did Cavs make it to the finals last year? Your line of reasoning is just way off. Kobe is better becuase he played hurt? Really it had nothing to do with getting a skilled 7 footer or an accurate shooting veteran point guard? Also check on some of Benard Kings playoff ‘runs’ specifically 84
May 9th, 2008 at 11:19 am
Let’s have a West vs Duncan debate!
Cursed, you can start…
May 9th, 2008 at 11:19 am
The refs will give LeBron the Noah’s Arc in Cleveland so the series is FAR from over.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:20 am
SM – I never said Kobe was better b/c he played hurt, where did you pull that from? I think he’s better because he’s a better all-around player. I think them getting to the finals was a biproduct of playing in the Eastern conference – and that they would have lost in the first round to 7 of the teams in the Western Conference.
With that said, he played unbelievably in three of the Pistons games and carried them to victory (that and the lock down defense and outside shooting by the “crappy” supporting cast)
May 9th, 2008 at 11:20 am
Not exactly true. Better players around you can mean fewer double teams, and can open up the floor so the defense doesn’t collapse around you when you have the ball. It also means that you don’t have to run the play and slam your body around like a pinball on every possession.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:20 am
+1 for bringing up Bernard King
May 9th, 2008 at 11:21 am
Yes, West outplayed Duncan most of the season and two out three in the playoff games so far.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:21 am
And….leaving this post. I think I’m actually nauseous from reading about Kobe and Lebron so much.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:21 am
SeanJean, you mean you dont want 50 posts comparing a 12 year veteran with the best coach in the history of the game and fantastic supporting cast to a fifth year player surrounded by mediocre players and a dumbass coach?
May 9th, 2008 at 11:21 am
Thanks for bringing it here Cursed
May 9th, 2008 at 11:21 am
Nobody wants to say it, fine I’ll say it:
FRAUD!!!!!
May 9th, 2008 at 11:21 am
St. Bear, the Lakers supposedly have the best lineup in the history of basketball, yet that hasn’t stopped the Jazz from doubling Kobe OFTEN. They blitz him on high screen and rolls and double him in the post..
May 9th, 2008 at 11:22 am
@cursed: It’s funny the only way you can make Kobe out to be better than Lebron is by using as small a sample as possible. The 81 point game, and now 2 games vs. Boston.
The Cavs with Kobe this year are like a 38-39 win team.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:23 am
We’ll miss your very insightful analysis Sean Jean, you know, like “Boston plays good D,” and ” The west is better than the east.”
May 9th, 2008 at 11:23 am
Finally, something we can all agree on.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:24 am
No Nick, I used an 82-game sample in which Kobe led the Lakers to the 1 seed in a historically tough Western Conference. I’m sure you’ll say any top 20 player in the league could have done the same right?
May 9th, 2008 at 11:24 am
not in the history of basketball, no way do they have the best lineup
May 9th, 2008 at 11:24 am
Interesting… Today the catalyst to the LeBron vs. Kobe Debate #212 was The Big Lead itself. How about some variety? Uhm… Did someone noticed that TBL posted lists of MVP voting even posts about Rookie of the Year award and in the day that The Rapist wins the MVP the “extra” post about the NBA is talking about CP3?
Haterade anyone?
May 9th, 2008 at 11:24 am
I knew I should have kept my mouth shut, like I normally do in Ballin’.
I haven’t watched any of the Lakers series because they’re on too late, but I was talking more conceptually rather than these two specific players.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:25 am
Less because Kobe would have probably held out
May 9th, 2008 at 11:25 am
I know we just adopted new rules against personal attacks, but its freaking cursed who never lets this ridiculous conversation end. Take it somewhere else.
Man that CP3/Tony/Manu dual last night was fantastic. Can Duncan go more than two minutes without his eyes popping out, man I hate that dude.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:25 am
May 9th, 2008 at 11:25 am
I agree with what Irish said a couple of days ago. Why is Kobe hated so much? Hes a great all around player who brings it everynight. Lebron is great and people have no problem screaming it. But if you say Kobe is great everyone has to jump out and say Kobe is shit and Lebron is so much better.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:25 am
“alleged” rapist, pleaseandthankyou
May 9th, 2008 at 11:25 am
@CH402- no post about the All NBA first team either
May 9th, 2008 at 11:26 am
Deron williams dunk in game 2 was sick
May 9th, 2008 at 11:27 am
better than that pussy dunk by Tayshawn Prince
May 9th, 2008 at 11:27 am
Can you imagine what Kobe could do at 6′8″ 260? We’re talking averaging a triple double. Plus I bet Kobe wouldn’t double clutch going to the hole. Note to LeBron fans: he can never be considered the best player in the league if he is going to consistantly become a 6′8″ 260 pound jump shooter everytime someone shows him some semblance of resistance as he did in the Finals last year and doing thus far against the Celtics. It’s one thing to flex against DeShawn Stevenson, a disinterested Pistons team, and a broken down Nets team.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:27 am
I was responding to the Big Lead, he says things then admits he only watches 5 or so minutes of playoff games.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:27 am
Amare’s dunk on Howard>Tayshauns
May 9th, 2008 at 11:28 am
Coop, where did I make a personal attack? I’m talking basketball, seems like some of you would rather we not argue basketball points or something..
May 9th, 2008 at 11:30 am
Yeah Darrell, excellent point. But what would Lebron average if he was 8′9″ with better quickness?
And what if Shaq could shoot 80% from the 3-point line.
So much fun.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:30 am
Kobe’s dunk on Howard is the best of them all
http://youtube.com/watch?v=3SXSRlyR8bU
that is a throw-down on the best center. Plus it was Dwights rookie year, you can tell by Kobe’s #8 jersey
May 9th, 2008 at 11:31 am
Not you, me, you just won’t let Kobe vs Lebron go.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:32 am
Hef the Attention Whore asked me to come up with a logo for a site I’m sure none of you have heard of yet. One of them definitely captures the vibe of the jokers involved better than the other.
One
Two
May 9th, 2008 at 11:32 am
Duncan averaged 100% from three in the Phoenix series. just sayin.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:33 am
Coop, are you saying it’s not you it’s me? Are we breaking up?
May 9th, 2008 at 11:33 am
where are the Pistons fans?
can you say even series going back to Detroit? oh yeah
May 9th, 2008 at 11:33 am
Seems like TBL won’t let Kobe/LeBron go.. when he does, I will.
I’m lying
May 9th, 2008 at 11:34 am
Duncan>Kobe
May 9th, 2008 at 11:34 am
@Nick: Can you imagine how sick Kobe would be if the hoop was only 7′, but only for him?
May 9th, 2008 at 11:34 am
The block Turiaf had on Deron’s dunk attempt in game one was sick.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:36 am
Seriously, Cursed…it seems like every fucking day you start the Kobe Lebron stuff. I’m not one for telling people what they can and can’t say on here, but c’mon, man. There can’t be anything else left to say about it.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:36 am
unmoderated commenting > moderated commenting
May 9th, 2008 at 11:37 am
How about we debate LeBron vs. Ditka?
May 9th, 2008 at 11:37 am
Ditka > Lebron
May 9th, 2008 at 11:38 am
@cursed: Kobe so far in the playoffs is averaging 34 / 6.3 assists / 5.3 rebounds on about 51.5% shooting with an assist to turnover ratio of 2:1 on 22 FGA per game.
So essentially he’s shooting better than Lebron by a non-trivial margin and doing all the other things worse by a non-trivial margin.
In sum, he’s basically doing what Lebron did over 82 games.
Since everyone now concedes that Kobe is playing so amazing in the playoffs, doesn’t that speak to just how much better Lebron was than Kobe in the regular season, and that the Cavs would be dogshit over 82 if we replace Lebron with Kobe?
May 9th, 2008 at 11:38 am
I don’t know what LeBron would average at 8′9″, but I do know if you D’d him up hard enough he would do nothing but jack up 3’s.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:39 am
Am I allowed to respond to Nick or no? I don’t want to drive anyone else away from the website.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:40 am
@ Irish
true… guess there’s not much of a debate there.
At least I gave it my best.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:41 am
Since you asked, no.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:41 am
@cbh49er
I was just saying that Brown isn’t the right coach for this team, and they would be better off with a coach who would exploit the actual talent of the team, like D’Antoni. Personally, I think the Knicks will make D’Antoni an offer he can’t refuse, and Avery Johnson will fall in the Bulls lap. Those are the best 2 coaches on the market now, so I don’t know where the Cavs would go from there, if they would decide to make a change.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:41 am
Duncan’s bug eyes > Ginobili’s bald spot
May 9th, 2008 at 11:41 am
Mail order wife ads>talking apple Ipod ad
May 9th, 2008 at 11:41 am
Bill Brasky > Ditka
May 9th, 2008 at 11:42 am
@ Irish Orlando magic Dancers verus Miami heat dancers
May 9th, 2008 at 11:43 am
What makes Avery Johnson a great coach? That’s not a rhetorical question, I’m honestly asking. I don’t see what he’s done that’s so special. He walked into a pretty sweet situation and the team regressed each year. Granted, some of that can be because of some bad personnel moves, but I don’t understand why people consider him to be such a great coach. Kinda like how Doc Rivers was top 3 voting for coach of the year. As Jeff Van Gundy said, it’s because they traded for two all-stars.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:43 am
I am so confused. The Cavs have talent but they have the wrong coach, or is it the Cavs have no one except for King James?
May 9th, 2008 at 11:43 am
duncan’s bug eyes
mail order wife ads
ditka
May 9th, 2008 at 11:44 am
Ditka>Brasky…
Ditka never had to ‘ride upon a stead perchance to spy a lady.’
May 9th, 2008 at 11:44 am
@stalking: I think the Cavs could get Avery if they wanted him. Anyone would want to try to step in and be Lebron’s Phil to Mike Brown’s Doug Collins. I don’t think Avery would be a good fit at all, though.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:45 am
Ooops… steed > stead
May 9th, 2008 at 11:46 am
I think the Cavaliers have talent – not championship caliber talent, but good enough talent to win about 50 games a year (which they would have done with LeBron).
My problem is all along is the LeBron-centric offense. I think it ruins shooters and pads LeBron stats. The margin for error in that offense is very small.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:46 am
So when released from Comment Moderation Purgatory (CMP), the post keeps it’s original time stamp? So, if you feel like scrolling aaaaall the way back up to #97…
May 9th, 2008 at 11:47 am
(I meant, would have done if LeBron hadn’t missed games)
May 9th, 2008 at 11:47 am
@atl: He was great for getting them to take on a defensive mindset, but I think he was too controlling on the offensive end, and it really hurt them. The Cavs already have a defensive mindset (or at least they don’t have an offensive one), so I’d prefer an offensive coach in there.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:49 am
How does it ruin shooters? I agree the offense isn’t good, because it doesn’t use Lebron as effectively as it should, but if I’m a shooter, I’d love it. You sit in the corner or wing and get uncontested threes all day long.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:49 am
@Nomo – PLEASE go with Hello Kitty…that’s hilarious. Plus it brings the Asian community to the site in droves…well, except for those that are candidates for marriage to nice American men.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Nick, you would love it if you were a shooter in the late 80’s or early 90’s. NBA players, with the exception of Robert Horry, don’t like to sit in the corner for 20 seconds, wonder if you’re going to get the ball, then get it and have to shoot without being in the flow of the offense.
Guys like to shoot off the dribble and off screens.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:51 am
@ Nomo – I agree with ATL… I laughed my *ss off when I saw that Kitty logo.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:53 am
The Spurs don’t run screens for Barry or Bowen.
The C’s don’t run plays for Posey.
The Lakers let Vucajic sit and wait (not necessarily in the corner) for passes.
Shooting a 3 off the dribble is insane. Why would they want to increase the degree of difficulty?
May 9th, 2008 at 11:53 am
Nick Burns > Pat
May 9th, 2008 at 11:54 am
The biggest surprise of this series is obviously Wally Szerbiak’s dry hair.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:54 am
Nick wanted the Kitty to have an adorable little Hitler ’stache, but I think that’s a bit much.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:55 am
That’s not true about Vucajic, they run him off staggered sets often. Bowen is a stand alone shooter, one of the best from three in the league. I’ll give you him and Barry. But as a whole, I’d wager to say players in today’s NBA would rather have a dribble to get their three ball off than not. Take Kyle Korver for instance..
May 9th, 2008 at 11:55 am
Nomo, does your name been that you are no longer a consultant, or that you serve as an advisor to Hideo Nomo? Because that would explain Hello Kitty and the appearance of the “Chinese Women For Marriage” ad that appeared around the time you started commenting.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:56 am
I can’t view the pic (damn work), but let me just say: Cats are the Third Reich of pets.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:56 am
@Walfredo
Gangster:
Pat:
Yes, my roommate and I got drunk in college and watched that movie. It was…I can’t even describe how bad it was. I can’t believe I just admitted that.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:58 am
What about the possibility that the officials started watching Classic and decided to let playoff games be a little looser, like in the old days? What if Spanish BJ doesn’t get calls at home (or it becomes a trend . . . there were certainly moments in last night’s NO-SA game that almost certainly would have been fouls at other times, like early in the 2nd when Paul knocked down Beef Jerky)? Would this be good or bad for the NBA?
*starts brewing coffee in fear of inevitable referee pansy-gratifying backlash*
May 9th, 2008 at 11:59 am
@cursed: How about PHX? They are the biggest three point gunnerz in the league since Nash got there. Raja & Marion never had plays called for them. Nash was the only one that shot off the dribble. Everything was pick-and-roll with Nash, find a shooter for 3 or Amare/Marion for dunk.
May 9th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
@ATL: It stems from Consultant No More. I’ve used it for years online, in fact long enough that I’m in the consulting field again (ecomm strategy and general business guru) and the name is just a legacy. I’m dying to change it, but Hef and Irish havent given me the go-ahead.
May 9th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Yes but Marion loves to shoot off the dribble, while yes, Raja likes to wait and shoot. I’m not saying there aren’t players out there that don’t do it, I’m saying you gotta throw these guys a bone once in awhile. Gibson can actually shoot off the dribble.. by the way, but if the offense is just going to be LeBron dribbling into the lane and dishing out, guys are going to continue to be inconsistent as rotating defenders are flying out at them with a hand in the face.
May 9th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
And I said this last night, but do you know how much the Papa John’s pizzas were last night after tax in Cleveland? You guessed it. 24 cents! Do you know who wears that number?
May 9th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
@Nomo – Oh well. I was hoping for the Hideo Nomo scenario. My wife is in ecommerce/interactive marketing. Seems like interesting stuff.
May 9th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
I’d like to see a stat on Marion’s 3s shot off the dribble as a % of total 3 attempts. I’d wager it’s less than 5%.
May 9th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
JJ, I occasionally wonder that same thing. If a game is flowing well then I’m all for swallowing the whistle. I think sometimes the ref’s could actually open up a game by calling more fouls. If Det/Bos starts getting called for all their pushing/grabbing, they have to back off and it opens things up. But at the same time lots of fouls/free throws isn’t exactly exciting.
May 9th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
You have my permission, nomo. I don’t have suggesstions but I demand final approval.
May 9th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Nick P, maybe not threes..but combine long two’s and threes and it’s way up there. I shouldn’t have used the original distinction of “threes,” I should have just said mid to long range jumpers.
May 9th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
If it helps, I’ll change my name’s backstory to… I’m an assistant to Hideo Nomo, specializing in procurring a fine, yet diverse, selection of used women’s panties. Those Asian folks have some great fetishes (fetishi?)
May 9th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
According to a new ad, someone has a crush on me.
May 9th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Actually it’s fetishutiae.
May 9th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Which of you jew lovers is it?
May 9th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
You should click on it to find out.
/TBL
May 9th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Respectfully submitted for your approval, Generalissimo Hef.
May 9th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Guys…if we are meant to be taken seriously…one..but fucking a two rocks…I say 2
May 9th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
@Hef
Guilty as charged!!
May 9th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
And yes, Nomo, that helps.
May 9th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
if we don’t choose two…it might become my avatar
May 9th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
#1 if you want to capture the essence, #2 if you want to nauseate people. Both worthwhile goals,mind you.
May 9th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
i can see the spurs winning game 4 and then stealing game 5…this is where NO’s inexperience will get to them. If im pop im sending ginobili and parker into the lane every time down the court. Spurs /Lakers in the real NBA Finals.
May 9th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Experience vs. Inexperience is the most overrated aspect that is talked about to determine a winner in a series.
If the Spurs come back and beat the Hornets it will be because they are better them, not because the Hornets choked due to inexperience.
May 9th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
ALL NBA 20 Years ago:
Larry Bird, Boston
Charles Barkley, Philadelphia
Hakeem Olajuwon, Houston
Michael Jordan, Chicago
Magic Johnson, LA Lakers
Not even a contest. This team would destroy this years.
May 9th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
All NBA 10 years ago
Karl Malone, Utah
Tim Duncan, San Antonio
Shaquille O’Neal, LA Lakers
Michael Jordan, Chicago
Gary Payton, Seattle
But this might have been an even bigger blow out.
May 9th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
I recognize all of them except that one from Chicago.
May 9th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
I’d hate to think you’re cherry-picking arguably the best years for All-NBA in league history to prove a point.
1999 All-NBA:
1st Team
Tim Duncan
Allen Iverson
Jason Kidd
Karl Malone
Alonzo Mourning
I’ll take this year’s squad.
May 9th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
1990:
1st Team
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Larry Bird
Julius Erving
George Gervin
Paul Westphal
Again, I’ll roll with ‘08
May 9th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
George Gervin had a career year in 1990
May 9th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
So’s your face.
May 9th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
nick,
i was just looking at a 20 and 10 year interval. it’s those arguments you could have go back and forth forever. but Jordan rules.
May 9th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
agreed
May 9th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Only one comment today, cause my hate is probably too much right now. Just as I was starting to enjoy the NBA, watchability was in the pits for so long that I turned it off when it came on, and then the NBA gives us this Celts/Cavs conf. semifinal. Very sad to say, but fans on the edge are going to be very turned off by the garbage ball being played.
Compared to the west coast (I hate to generalize becuase the Magic. Hawks and Wizards try really hard to be up tempo) it’s very much like watching JV teams play. I don’t want to say that the East coast is done, in fact you can’t, because of the extreme inconsistencies in officiating they have a chance.
May 9th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Completely farcical. Just two years ago, Kobe led the Lakers to 45 wins in a tougher conference and pushed the Suns to 7 games with a starting lineup no better than what LeBron plays with. I’m talking Smush Parker, Kwame Brown and Luke Walton. Oh, and if Luke wasn’t playing too well, we’d get Brian Cook! (*shudders from the bad memories*).
Nick, we all know where you stand on the debate, but from time to time you gotta at least acknowledge Kobe’s greatness and how, in that instance, he led a crap supporting cast to 45 wins. Seems you like to give credit to LeBron for doing that as well, (with arguably better players). It’s a 2 way street.
By the way, can you guess which superstar player led a sub-par supporting cast to 45 wins recently?
May 9th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
I would like to devote more time to the comparisons of all-NBA teams. Can we do this over the weekend? Someone with a cool blog want to look into it?
May 9th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Here’s what’s funny about the GOAT… We all agree MJ was the best ever, the problem is, that people have revisionist history with his on the the court performance. During his last two title years (and the most dominant of his Bulls teams), MJ shot 47%. Yet when you ask people, they make it sound like the guy just flat-out didn’t miss. His assist totals were in the four a game range, he had also lost a ton defensively.
But when you listen to people, they make it sound like he was unstoppable and the most perfect offensive player in the game. (He was back in the late 80’s.. but he was truly a man amongst boys – he did it without a consistent jumper, an way too many white/unathletic guys were trying to guard him).
Just wish people had a little more perspective when it came to his career. His teams were dominant defensively – this never gets brought up (Yes, he was a big part of that, but so was Pippen).
May 9th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
@TheGoose: We’ve debated this in the past, but the Lakers team that year was better than what the Cavs have this year. PER is by no means the be-all, end-all, but it’s quick and dirty. Outside of Lebron and Kobe, the Cavs and Lakers had 1 and 3 above average (PER > 15) players, respectively.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:08 pm
I assume you’re talking about PERs during the 05-06 for LA and 07-08 for Cleveland right?
If the Lakers really had 2 guys besides Kobe and Odom who are considered above average, then PER is even more worthless than I imagined.
I’d still take Drew Gooden/Joe Smith over Kwame, Delonte/Gibson/Hughes over Smush (one of the top 5-10 worst players in the NBA IMO), plus Big Z is servicable. I mean, LeBron has shit to work with. At least I admit that and give him credit for taking his teams as far as he does, unlike you who tries to make Kobe’s teammates (before this year) sound like they’re any good.