Now you can discuss things without continuing to beat upon the "Offseason Transactions" thread.

Question of the day from someone who's not really a fan of the NBA: what's wrong with this league (or at least the Eastern Conference) when the only undefeated Eastern team is the 3-0 76ers???

Thanks for starting the thread.

Answer: it doesn't mean much. 3 out of 82 games ain't nuthin. What it does mean is that Iverson is still playing his heart out and still carrying the team.

Maybe getting shopped around during the off-season was just what AI needed. For me, AI carrying the Sixers is a very bad omen. The Sixers won't make the playoffs by handing the ball to AI and standing around while he shoots. We've already seen this show and we all know how it ends. You'd think guys like AI, Marbury, and Kobe would understand that basketball is a team sports...but they don't. Lebron, on the other hand, is the ultimate team player.

I didn't see the game, but the good news for the Sixers is that Iguodala scored 20 points. He's the guy that needs to step up -- and that AI and Webber need to let have the ball enough to do it -- for the Sixers to have any chance at all to make the playoffs. Although if I were Bill King, I'd rather hit the lottery and the Greg Oden (among others) sweepstakes

Did you guys hear what Nellie said about Mike Dunleavey Jr today? Nellie called him "a disaster; didn't rebound...didn't guard....." I wonder how long before Nellie has Dunleavey Jr. sitting the bench....alongside Adonal Foyle? If Nellie is so dissatisfied with Dunleavey Jr., you have to wonder whether the Warriors might choose to revive their trade talks with the Clippers to get Corey Maggette in exchange for Dunleavey Jr. This would piss off Nuggett fans everywhere because most of them were looking forward to having in Denver. But I think Maggette would be a huge upgrade over Dunleavey Jr., especially in Nellie's fast-paced, wacked out system.

Ben Mauler is reporting that Kevin Garnett will exercise his opt-out clause with the Twolves in 2007 and join the Lakers. Lucky bastards. But will Koby allow him enough touches to be productive? Interesting.....

Would be good karma if the Knicks got Greg Oden.....

I think Dunleavy played something like 13 minutes in the last game (an astounding upset of Dallas). Hopefully, Elgin Baylor will have the sense to veto that trade (Dunleavy Sr. could hardly be expected to be objective about his son). Maggette for Dunleavy even-up would be the swindle of the year, and then some.

I've read the same rumors about Garnett, but if every rumor was worth a victory, the Lakers would have won 100 games by now this season. That said, Garnett *would* be the perfect complement to Kobe, since Garnett is one of the few superstars who can play in a complementary role (like Grant Hill, if he had been healthy).

As for the Knicks, they have to fire Thomas before they deserve any good karma.

I know its early, but I'm just not seing how Nellie can realize his vision of basketball with Biedrins, Troy, and Dunleavey Jr. on the floor. All three are too big and too slow for the fast-paced, helter-skelter scehmes Nellie likes to play. I know Nellie loves the three guard offense, but what happens when one of them is off, like Baron Davis was tonight against my Hornets. Who picks up his slack then? I don't think he'll find it in Biedrins, Troy, and Dunleavey Jr. Sorry.

Fire Isiah? Where I have heard that one? I'm willing to give him an entire season. Afterall, Marbury and Francis like Isiah a lot, so maybe they will listen to him.

You're right. I woudn't trade Maggette straight up for anybody on the Warriors roster. What is the deal with the Clippers and Maggette anyway? Why are the Clippers so willing to discuss trading him? What's he done to make the Clipper Front Office lose faith in him?

Well, as I mentioned before, I think it's Dunleavy (Sr.) who has an issue with Maggette. He's criticized his defense (understandable) and his basketball IQ (not sure about that one). And Maggette's been grumbling about not starting, about minutes, and about not having plays called for him (all understandable).

But supposedly everything has been patched up, with Maggette agreeing to come off the bench and Dunleavy agreeing to make him a major part of the offense for the 25 or so minutes he does play. And he's led the Clippers in scoring in at least 2 games so far. Particularly with Brand looking exhausted from the summer games, I think that leaning on Maggette's offense now is a must for the Clippers.

But Larry, if basketball IQ was a prerequisite for starting in the NBA, there wouldn't be enough players to field more than half dozen teams. If basketball IQ and defense are problems for Maggette in Los Angeles, both problems would be minimized by relocating to San Francisco. Nellie doesn't preach defense, and his players don't practice it. Plus, Maggette has about the same basketball IQ and temperament as Baron Davis, and Baron is a starter.

What the hell is up with Dallas, Denver and Phoenix? Right now a combined 1-11! The Mavs are being outscored by an average of 14.5 PPG! The Nuggets lost to the Knicks at HOME! The Suns have at least had a tough shcedule with the Clips twice and the Spurs and have been close in most of their losses.

Nice to see New Orleans/OklahomaCity off to a great start. And Atlanta is leading the East at 3-1!

It's always dangerous to try to draw any conclusions this early in the season -- in two weeks we could all be marvelling at how well these teams are playing.

But Dallas may still not have recovered emotionally from their collapse in the Finals. And when I look at the box scores, suddenly they don't look so deep any more. With Josh Howard injured, a lot of pretty marginal players are logging a lot of minutes. I think Croshere is mostly over the hill (and his hill wasn't that high even when he was on top of it), and that the Mavs will regret giving up Marquis Daniel, Josh Powell and Rawle Marshall.

The Suns are having a tough time incorporating Amare's ups and (mostly) downs. And Diaw isn't in shape.

As for Denver, the $60 million Nene is nowhere back to being what he is *supposed* to be, and Kenyon Martin just went out with another serious injury.

Yeah. I agree with Larry. It's early and players are not 100%. Denver is missing Kenyon Martin and something is physically wrong with Nene. Plus, as Ben Maller pointed out today, Andre Miller is not talented enough to play PG in a George Karl offense.

The Mavs are missing Josh Howard.

The Suns: Nash and Stoudamire need to re-establish their chemistry. And Stoudamire's hands appear to be numb; because he's fumbling the ball a lot. Barbosa is his usual wreckless self; turnover prone. Shawn Marion has yet to find his shooting touch. Diaw is struggling.

But having said that, look at the schedule. The Nuggets lost to Clippers, TWolves, and Knicks. The Suns lost to Lakers, Clippers, Jazz, Spurs, and Mavs. And the Mavs lost to Spurs, Rockets, Clippers, and Warriors. In short, the Spurs and Clippers have simply out-played these teams, and had a hand in dealing out several of those losses. So, some of the problem could stem from the fact the Mavs, Nuggets, and Suns have been playing, and losing to, some very good teams.

As for surprises on the positive side, how about the Jazz? Now 7-1, they have the best record in the league, and just crushed the Clippers even with Kirilenko out with the inevitable injury.

It's too early to toot my horn, but I did peg them as a playoff team this year (assuming their injury situation isn't too horrendous). Thomas, I know you disagree because of their backcourt, and any team that starts C.J. Milles at off-guard does have to be viewed with suspicion. But Deron Williams has been a revelation, and Harpring and Derrick Fisher are nice players to bring off the bench.

I don't like the Jazz. It has nothing to do with the players. I love AK47, but I don't like that system; it's too heavily influenced by the pick and roll; the most boring basketball ever created. I don't like it. It's unwatchable. I liked Malone and Stockton, but couldn't bear watching them do that crap time after time. I also like the Spurs, but don't watch them a lot either, because they rely too much on the screen and roll. It takes all the fun out of basketball, because it requires quick, strong, and agile perimeter defenders to get over and/or under those screens, and not a lot of teams have that.

Perhaps I was a tad hasty in writing off Andre Miller. Dude is laying it down. Blame my skepticism on Ben Maller. It just goes to show that when J.R. Smith is sitting the bench, Denver is tough to beat.

But from what I've seen, the Clippers look like the team to beat in that division. That team is loaded from top to bottom.
Can you believe the way the Raptors are cuddling Bargnani? Let the dude play....let him take his knocks...he'll be a better player for it.... Knicks not looking good at all......and they never will until Isiah gets rid of Marbury and Francis.

For some reason Andre Miller always gets a lot of abuse from sports columnists, even though he puts up pretty good numbers. It was the same way when he was with the Clippers. Speaking of the Clippers, Kaman needs to get with the program. Now that he's signed a $50+ million contract, he's playing like garbage.

I'm not sure coddling Bargnani is such a bad thing. Throwing him to the wolves too early could have the effect of destroying his confidence. That's the epitaph that the so-called experts always give for Shawn Bradley -- that he was put out there right away and everyone and his grandmother tried to dunk on him (and mostly succeeded) -- and that shot his confidence. Like Frederic Weiss, whose entire life was destroyed by that one dunk that VC threw down on him.

I don't want to sound like a skeptic. Andre Miller and Deron Williams are both playing very well, Chris Paul well, in fact, so they get major props.

Did you read Randy Hill's FOXSports.com column today? He believes that none of the top 10 2006 draft picks is playing very well right now, including Bargnani, mostly due to injury and lack of playing time. So perhaps, I was wrong to single out Bargnani. But he was the #1 pick overall. Personally, I think Lamarcus Aldridge will turn out to be the best of the lot. I don't know what to make of Tyrus Thomas right now.

On the other hand, Sergio Rodriguez is playing very well in a limited role, and with all the problems the Blazers are having right now with Jamaal Magliore's laziness, Randolph's legal trouble, Darius Miles, Joel Pryzbilla, and Rafe LaFrentz out with injury, and Brandon Foye hurt, Rodriguez could get more playing time at PG, if the Blazers shake up the lineup and move Jarrett Jack to SG.

Also, Adam Morrison and J.J. Rreddick are having trouble guarding people, and, having trouble creating their own shots. This, however, was not unexpected. Both of them will need to get much faster setting up behind screens to get good shots. I had no idea these guys were so slow. They didn't look this slow in college.

I did see that column. I think it was a bit overstated. First, it's incredibly early, and even rookies that end up making an impact in their first year probably need a month or two to settle in.

Second -- and I never thought I'd be defending Morrison, who I swore was overrated -- AM just had two fine shooting games in a row for Charlotte, even helping knock off San Antonio in a 27 point outburst. So he might be figuring out how to get his shot off quicker. No question that he can't defend, but everyone knew that coming in. Still, as opponents make adjustments to counter him, I wonder if he'll have any other tricks up his sleeve. There's no way he's the next Larry Bird, despite what his admirers claim.

I was always a big Aldrige proponent, so I'm glad to see he's done well in the few games he's played. What really amazes me with Portland is how well Randolph has been playing. He's scoring in the high 20's, shooting a high percentage and pulling down rebounds. This can't last, can it?

Yeah, AMMO had a monster night aginst the Spurs. Guess Bruce just had an off night (did he play?), or, the BCats figured out how to get AMMO some open looks. Didn't see the game, so I don't know how AMMO managed to get that many points. And, no, he's no Larry Bird. But I still like AMMO and hope last night was a sign of things to come. Based on what I've seen so far, the BCats will need even more from AMMO to threaten the playoffs.

But I don't think these streaks of brilliance are anything new for Zach. We'll see how he plays the rest of the season, if he can stay out of jail and remained focused, hungry, and in-shape. I'm happy for Lamarcus too. He found a good fit for his game in Portland because he doesn't have to be the bully rebounder, something he failed at in college (he got pushed around a lot under the basket). With Pryzbilla, LaFrentz, and ZaBo around to do the dirty work down low, Lamarcus doesn't really need to be physically dominant to be effective. But Portland has assembled a lot of very big players, so they might have trouble with speedy, running teams that play a lot of fast break and/or small ball.

Larry, I watched the Sacramento/Grizzlies game last night. Who the hell is Kevin Martin and what do you know about him? Where's he from? Where did he play college ball? How did he get so good from downtown? He was in the zone last night. Bibby was too, but we expect that from him. And, of course, my boy, Ron Artest, whom you hate with passion (when will you forgive him his transgressions?), also played well.

Bowen did play and did "guard" Morrison. Thomas, I know you hate it when I claim all these players are declining, but like big Ben Wallace, I think Bowen is on the downhill slide of his career. Ben nabbed all of 5 rebounds (to go with one point and, I think, one block) in his last game. But Bowen is going down even faster. It's no wonder to me he got cut from the U.S. team, which was so desperately in need of defenders. Don't get me wrong -- I love Bowen's work ethic and what he has accomplished from such an unheralded start, but age... it's a bitch.

Z-Bo came into the season in great shape -- first time in history -- so that's a good sign. As long as he stays off the weed and only gets into minor traffic scrapes (or other misdemeanors that don't affect playing b-ball) he might just surprise everyone this year.

Yeah, that Martin guy is a marvel. Actually, he gave signs of breaking out in a huge way towards the end of last year. He's got a weird looking jumper, but it is deadly. And he says he feeds off Artest, so you should like that.

For the record, I don't Detest Artest, I just think he's a psychopath. But if he makes it through this year without major incident -- other than releasing a bomb [not in the good sense] of a rap album -- I'll have to hand it to him. I love his game, so long as he lays off those dumb 3 pointers he's so enamored with. He's a total beast, so he should be posting up small forwards and demolishing them near the basket. And he's the best defender in the game.

I don't mind that you attribute poor play to age because that's legtimate cause and effect. I just think that "bitch" you point out should also be apply to declining supertars like AI (don't like him), CWebb (love that guy; will miss him when he hangs it up), and even Jason Kidd. On the other hand, age hasn't affected Carlos Boozer much, has it? And even though you think he should have retired after last year's championship, Gary Peyton is still contributing. So is Alonzo Mourning.

What has gotten into QRich and Curry? Both played very well in the Knicks win over the Heat, although Shaq was out with a sprained ankle (not exactly news; is now a recurring theme).

Martin's jumper looks more like a set shot to me. But he's got a damn quick release; that how he gets away with it, I guess. And Larry, I thought Artest shot well from downtown against the Grizzlies.

It seems unfair that Chuckie Atkins works so hard on both end sof the court for the Grizzlies, only to come up short in the end. That dude is playing his ass off right now. I only wish his teammates had his fire and determination.

Hey, lay off poor Carlos, he's only 24!
Boozer just seems old, already having career highlights including Bam-Boozering Cleveland with that signing betrayal; having spent most of last season on the shelf, injured; having pissed off Jerry Sloan; having been the subject of trade rumors with the Lakers, etc. etc. But this year -- assuming he stays healthy -- he looks like the real deal.

As for Webber, no question - he's toast. His situation is really getting sad, with reports that he demanded a trade (which he since denied). Like there is any team on the planet that is going to trade for his $22m./year contract. Heck, not even Isiah would.

AI *should* be declining due to age, because his game is based on speed, because he has ton of miles on him, and because he's little and gets hit all the time. But last year was, statistically at least, his best year in the NBA. And he's averaging 28+points and 7.5 assists so far this year. I can understand your disliking him, but looks to me like he's still doing what he's done his entire time in the league.

I thought Mourning was Miami's best center last year. This year, he and Shaq are having a race as to who can decline faster -- Wade will have to be a magician for the Heat to repeat this year.

I agree that Kidd has been in decline -- he hasn't really been quite the same since his microfracture surgery. He's such an icon, though, that most sportswriters are afraid to say so. But he's started out this year pretty damn well.

Finally -- Artest's three point stroke. Last time I checked, he was 6 for 34 from downtown for the year. Come on Ron, use your strength and speed to get to the rim.

Larry, thanks for having my back on Carlos Boozer. I can't help it. Carlos Boozer looks so much like Felton Spencer. I owe Carlos an apology. He's already a better big man than Felton ever was. Anyway, Utah is playing very well right now. They have nice rhythm and chemistry right now, especially Boozer, Williams, and Millsap. I wonder if AK47 is worried about sitting the bench when he returns.

A doozy of a game between Nellie's Warriors and the Suns, huh? I love up tempo basketball and that game must have been a pleasure to watch. Which team can get off the most shots? Most fast breaks? Most quick shots? Unfortunately, you have to add....most defensive breakdowns?

I also owe Marion an apology. I actually though he upped his rebound total last year to get a better contract, but I guess I was wrong. He's still getting rebounds like a monster this year. And the Suns seem to be resting Nash more this year than ever.

And Larry, about AI. I have a theory about teams with just one superstar: most nights, they do not play as a team. If AI has to score 35ppg, the Sixers won't win an NBA championship this year. Kobe was saddled with the same task last year, and he fizzled out in the playoffs. For example, Drew Breess threw for 500 yards agianst the Bengals last Sunday, and we lost huge. You need to involve all players in the game plan to get the most out of a team.

Funny about Boozer and Felton Spencer. It never would have occurred to me, but there is a definite resemblance (although Boozer got by far the better of the deal).

Yeah, the Warrior have sure come around in a hurry. Got to hand to Nelson. And Monta Ellis looks like a budding star.

I agree with you about one-super star teams. Even in these days of diluted talent, they aren't going to win championships. And that includes the Cavaliers, in my opinion. LeBron is more of a team player than Iverson, but he still needs a great supporting cast (like Wade had in Miami last year). And he ain't got one.

What Nellie's doing in San Francisco is amazing. Gotta hand it to him; he's got Warrior fans excited about basketball again. Even the usually selfish Baron Davis is playing team ball. He and Monta work well together. And Nellie has quickly identified the right "athletes" for that sctterbrained high octane and high risk small ball offense he likes so much. Guess that's why the club-footed Dunleavey Jr. is coming off the bench. Think Baron Davis will be around next year? If he's smart, he will.

I'd take LeBron any day over AI. LeBron and company might have lost to the Raptors tonight but LeBron is definitely a team player in every sense of the word. AI is not. Also, I think Lebron is surrounded by better talent than AI.

About the Nuggets: JR Smith had a big night. But why wouldn't he? He's got a free reign to jack up any shot he wants in that offense. Melo has his back. But I still don't like JR. He's a punk; at least he was in New Orleans. Maybe he's turning over a new leaf, but I doubt it.

Kobe? What's his problem? He seems to be moving in slow motion compared to last year. But Kwame and Bynum are playing well, so the Lakers aren't missing Kobe much right now.

I'm swamped with work these last couple weeks; not much time to post, but I'm trying to keep up.

Everyone in the world would take LeBron over Iverson. But until James's supporting cast is improved, I don't see him winning a championship. And he might not win one until he leaves Cleveland after his contract is up.

Kobe is still working himself back into shape after knee surgery. He had a 40 point game against the Clippers, so he may not be far away. I'm more concerned about Odom. And before the inevitable rush to blame Kobe -- it isn't Kobe's fault that Odom missed 6 out of 10 free throws in his last game.

Speaking of Iverson, he comes back from wisdom tooth surgery to drop 46 points on the league's best defense -- the Chicago Bull (spelling intended). Ben Wallace, the league's defensive star, registers no rebounds, no blocks (and, of course, no points). Stick a fork in Big Ben --- he's cooked even sooner than I thought he would be.

I'm still riding high after LSU's dramatic victory over Arkansas today, so I didn't get to watch much basketball. But I did see that both Kobe and AI put up big numbers. Hopefully, that performance will help Kobe find his rhythm. I can't watch as often as you do, but I don't see anything wrong with Odom, or Bynum. The shooting slumps that you speak of happen all the time in basketball. As fans, we don't like to admit it, but players are human. Sometimes, they simply don't feel well, have personal problems, or succumb to great defense. But they find other ways to contribute. On the other hand, Big Ben, is unique. His contribution is singular; he's not counted on for offense, so he must dominate the boards and clog up the middle. If he can't do those things effectively, his presence on the floor hurts his team; for example, a player with offensive talent, even if bad defensively, would at least contribute points. Still, its hard to belive that Big Ben got no boards and no points. That's bad. When's the last time that happened to him? Chicago got him for his defense. With him, they hoped to dominate teams with their defense. And on some level, they have. The Bulls have assembled some terrific defensive players. But in doing that, they sacrificed scoring. That is a problem they will have to fix if they are serious about chalenging the Heat and Cavs for dominance in the East.

Congrats to your Tigers. Too bad the basketball team lost. Still, a less big Big Baby looks pretty good this year.

A lot of people are disappointed in Odom. Talent-wise, he should be one of the top 10 or 15 players in the league, but he hasn't been able to string it together for more than a few games at a time. Last year, he looked great in the playoffs against Phoenix, completely dominating Marion, and getting every Laker fan's hopes up. But he's been wildly inconsistent again this year. Bynum, on the other hand, is only 19, and his inconsistency is completely understandable.

This is kind of cute (and gay) as reported at http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/basket...5170807,00.html

November 26, 2006
A couple of weeks ago, Seattle point guard Earl Watson went to the press and let it be known he wasn't happy with his playing time, which had diminished with the emergence of starting point guard Luke Ridnaur.
So it's hard to say whether he and coach Bob Hill were playing or serious following a recent practice.

After addressing the media after a practice last week, Hill saw Watson shooting 3-pointers.
''How much does a backboard cost? About two grand?'' Hill blurted out, referring to a brick Watson shot recently that missed the rim but clanged off the backboard.
''You can include that in my trade,'' Watson responded.
''I'm never going to trade your (butt),'' Hill said. ''No, I'll trade you to Miami so you can sit behind Gary Payton.''
''I bet I won't,'' Watson shouted back.

My, my, drama queen? Or is he just jealous of pretty boy Luke Ridnour?

Classic examples of team basketball from DWade and LeBron in their last games. Good to see that each tries dilligently to get his teammates involved in the game. I might have to take back some of what I said about AI being selfish. He did make some effort to involve his teammates tonight but they shot the Sixers out of the lead. Some might argue that's proof that AI should take more rather than fewer shots, but I still say that if AI had involved his teammates more from the start, they would be more likely to shoot in rhythm when called upon to produce. This works for DWade, Kidd, Nash, and LeBron, and it should work for AI. I mean, he runs that offense even if he isn't a true PG. Plus, I don't understand why Korver isn't starting. Once he gets going, he can drain the perimeter shots with consistency. What do the Sixers have to lose? Their big men can't stop anybody anyway.

Did the Jazz actually lose to Orlando? Did Dwight actually outplay Boozer? Is Grant hill actually playing well again? Look out for the Magic! They are playing well.

Looks like Golden State is for real.....good job, Nellie! I knew you could do it. Duncan looked old and lost tonight.

Here's something funny. Stephon Mmarbury is actually playing worse with Iisiah as coach than he did with Larry Brown. That's the classic definition of "un-coachable".

Philliproy: That is funny, but quite typical of Earl. Incidentally, I'd take Earl over Ridnour anyday. But that's just me.

Utah has been a surprise, but Orlando has been an absolute shock. Darko is doing nothing, and they're still tearing up the league. But my prediction is it's only a matter of time until Hill goes down with an injury and they become unglued.

I can't believe Golden State either. Biedrins is looking like the second coming of Kevin Garnett -- who would have guessed that?

Marbury really is pathetic. He's dropped in value to match his $15 sneakers.

This has nothing to do with NBA basketball, or maybe it does, but I'm curious what others think of the Bulls' no head band rule? They also have a no corn rows rule, I believe. Since Big Ben knew the rule, why would he deliberately violate this rule; not once but twice? At first glance, I sided with Skiles, simply because Big Ben knew the rule was in place and still elected to don a head band. He was wrong to do that, even if the rule is, in my opinion, silly. I think that not wearing a head band is a small price to pay for $10M/year, but that's just me. I never, in my wildest imagination, dreamt that this would turn into one of the biggest issues in Chicago sports, particularly the racial accusations and undercurrent associated with it. I recognize that Stern is trying to improve the NBA's image, including on-the-court and off-the-court attire, which I support, but I don't think a ban on head bands will help accomplish that goal. I think many NBA fans were put off by what they preceived as a burgeoning infiltration of urban culture into the NBA, so NBA execs, coaches, and owners tried to follow Stern's lead by creating rules designed to increase the league's popularity with Middle America. I do like the dress code, the zero-tolerance rule regarding arguing calls, but I think the head band rule is just plain silly. Having said that, if Big Ben doesn't like the head band rule, he should work with the Bulls' FO and other teams to effect a trade to a team that doesn't have such a rule, if he truly believes that principle is more important than money. He is a Chicago Bull now, and, even if he has worn a head band all his pro career, he must now abide by whatever rules the Bulls' FO decides to invoke, even the silly ones.

I think the no headband rule is silly, but it's hardly unique for pro teams to have arbitrary rules. The Yankees, after all, have that idiotic "no facial hair" rule.

I think Big Ben is a Big Baby. He admits he wore the headband in knowing violation of the rule. What's his problem? He's being massively compensated (and massively overcompensated, if you ask me) by the Bulls. Is it Scott Skiles' fault that he's been playing like garbage most of the games this season? For $60m., yeah, I think he could cut the crap and just focus his energy on the game.

I read some theory that Chicago instituted the no headband rule after Curry and some other malcontents wore crooked headbands in a game -- I guess as some sort of halfbaked protest.

Anyway, in the last game Wallace ditched the headband and actually played well, so maybe there's hope. Although the Bulls still are a mess, offensively.

You know something? I'll bet all this image reconstruction stuff is the result of the bad publicity plaguing the NBA for the last few seasons, especially in Portland and Denver. Remember when MJ first donned the long shorts? He looked cool in them, but then AI took it to a new low with huge, baggy shorts that ended just above the ankle. What was once a cool head band has now turned into wide and gaudy looking towels. Maybe attire means little to we sports fans, but I think it means a lot to casual NBA viewers. I don't blame the Yankees for the facial hair ban either; without it, we could end up with baseball players in the country's biggest television market looking like Darius Miles. Plus, the ban hasn't bothered Johnny Damon much.

Back to real basketball. Micheal Redd did it again; he upstaged Kobe. Josh Howard got off tonight, probably because Nowitzski lost vision in his eye. What's up with that anyway? Did he get hit or just going blind? And I don't care who says otherwise, I firmly believe that, with the exception of Pierce and Szczerbiak, Ainge would trade any combination of players and picks to make Paul Gasol a Celtic. And I don't blame him.

Well, I agree that Damon is a lot better off minus the caveman look. It's one thing to require a minimal level of personal grooming, but as someone who is partial to facial hair, I find the ban absurd.

I'm sure Ainge would pull that trigger for Gasol, but unless the new owners of the Grizzlies are truly grizzly, I can't believe Memphis would go for that.

There was a fun article posted in something called Gambling.911, laying odds on who's the first coach to be fired (for some reason, it won't let me copy the URL link, so I've pasted some of it below). It gives 2 to 1 on Isiah. Actually, it's pretty silly, because it gives 150 to 1 on Doc Rivers, who certainly is the top 5 candidates for the ax, and, for instance, 20 to 1 on Phil Jackson, which is obviously ridiculous. And at 10 to 1, I'd be placing a substantial sum on Sam Mtchell!


ANALYSTS AT BETUS.COM POSTED THE FOLLOWING ODDS (see website here):

Atlanta Hawks, Mike Woodson - 20/1
Boston Celtics, Doc Rivers - 150/1
Charlotte Bobcats, Bernie Bickerstaff - 10/1
Chicago Bulls, Scott Skiles - 5/1
Cleveland Cavaliers, Mike Brown - 50/1
Detroit Pistons, Flip Saunders - 20/1
Indiana Pacers, Rick Carlisle - 25/1
Miami Heat, Pat Riley - 50/1
Milwaukee Bucks, Terry Stotts - 30/1
New Jersey Nets, Lawrence Frank - 5/1
New York Knicks, Isiah Thomas - 2/1
Orlando Magic, Brian Hill - 150/1
Philadelphia 76ers, Maurice Cheeks - 50/1
Toronto Raptors, Sam Mitchell - 10/1
Washington Wizards, Eddie Jordan - 5/1
Dallas Mavericks, Avery Johnson - 50/1
Denver Nuggets, George Karl - 150/1
Golden State Warriors, Don Nelson - 20/1
Houston Rockets, Jeff Van Gundy - 50/1
Los Angeles Clippers, Mike Dunleavy Sr. - 5/1
Los Angeles Lakers, Phil Jackson - 20/1
Memphis Grizzlies, Mike Fratello - 5/1
Minnesota Timberwolves, Dwane Casey - 7/1
New Orleans/Okla. City Hornets, Byron Scott - 30/1
Phoenix Suns, Mike D'Antoni - 25/1
Portland Trail Blazers, Nate McMillan - 27/1
Sacramento Kings, Eric Musselman - 100/1
San Antonio Spurs, Gregg Popovich - 150/1
Seattle SuperSonics, Bob Hill - 22/1
Utah Jazz, Jerry Sloan - 50/1

Well, they got some odds right. No way will Phil Jackson, Jerry Sloan, Greg Popovich, Eric Musselman, Mike D'antoni, Byron Scott, Don Nelson, Jeff Van Gundy, George Carl, Avery Johnson, Brian Hill, Terry Stotts, Pat Riley, Rich Carlisle, Fip Saunders, or Mike Brown be fired. Those guys are good. But why are they so sure that Doc Rivers's job is safe, especially the way that team is playing? Maybe because the FO relaizes that the Celtics have just two good players (Pierce and Sczcerbiak) and a wishing well, and the fault for their miserable play can't be blamed on Doc Rivers?

As for the NBA coach most likely to get fired, I agree with the odds. Eddie Jordan, at 5-1, has the Wizards going in the wrong direction, but the slumping Gilbert Arenas and Antoine Jamison might have something to do with that. Etan Thomas can't carry the whole team by himself. And Mike Fratello, at 5-1, is struggling because of injuries to Gasol, Stoudamire, and Eddie Jones; Swift's sudden regression, and Rudy Gay yet to prove his worth. I wouldn't fire Fratello though; he knows the game, but I've read rumors of the Grizzlies FO's desire to remake that team for months now, so Fratello is likely on a short leash in Memphis. Lawrence Frank at 5-1 is a real surprise because the Nets have been a perrenial play off team. They have one of the best scoring trio in the NBA in Kidd, Carter, and Jefferson. It's not Frank's fault the FO didn't go out and sign some big men to support Kidd, Carter, and Jefferson. Also, I don't think it's a surprise that Isiah is listed at 2-1 either. He took the job knowing that he had only one year to turn the Knicks into a winning team. Very few people, even fans in New York, beleived that Isiah could do that, especially with the me-first duo of Francis and Marbury on the floor. Those guys are coach killers (borrowing a phrase from Jim Mora). Dwayne Casey, at 7-1, should be fired; his team is underperforming and his players are clearly not listening to him any more. And Scott Skiles at 5-1? WTF? This is the same guy that coached the Bulls into the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs last year, right? So why is he at 5-1? He shouldn't even be on the list. And Sam Mitchell at 10-1? While I personally don't think he making the best use of the talent at his disposal, I doubt he will get fired. The Raptors are not a team with a reputation for the quick hook. Plus, the Raptors have undergone a complete overhaul this year, and no coach, except for maybe Phil Jackson (e.g.; the complete transformation of Kwame Brown) can work basketball miracles.

And Kobe scoring 50+ points tonight is a step backwards if you ask me, despite the win. The Lakers will NEVER win the West with Kwame Brown and Andrew Bynum playing 36 minutes with just five shots between them. Not a winning strategy. Kobe....get your teammates involved, dude! Those guys need to learn, and Kobe jacking up 35 shots per game will only hurt the Lakers in the long run because it stunts player development.

A lot of those odds seem kind of silly to me. Even among the "safe" coaches, why would Phil Jackson be 20-1, when others are as low as 150-1? (By the way, I would not put Terry Stotts on the list of good coaches, although I agree with all of your others)

As for the Lakers -- I didn't see the game, but from everything I've read it sounded like Kobe was letting the game and the shots come to him and wasn't forcing anything. Hey, when you've got it going, the team benefits if you keep shooting. You're right about Bynum and Brown not producing. But that's also been true in games where Kobe has taken only 10 shots. I think the problem is with the B's, not Kobe. Bynum's inconsistency is due to his youth; Brown, on the other hand, is maddening.

Well, maybe Kobe is letting the game come to him, but I still don't see how any team with a selfish scorer that does not involve his teammates in the offense can contend for an NBA championship. Kobe (Lakers), Redd (Bucs), AI (Sixers) could take a lesson from some of the real "teams" in the NBA: Suns, Magic, Jazz, Heat, Nets, Mavs, Spurs, Kings, Clippers, etc. Of course, ther are a couple exceptions: Carmelo Anthony (Denver) and LeBron (Cavs) seem to be able to score at will while involving their teammates, and both those teams are legitimate title contenders.

Just curious, Larry, who do you think is the best rookie right now? I say its a toss up between Ammo (BCats) and Aldridge (Trailblazers) on offense, and Bargnani (Raptors) on defense.

I have to say Ben Wallace is doing exactly what I thought he would do,which is not much.I think some of Larry Brown's eccentricity has rubbed off on him and stuck.

According to a story by the Associated Press, the NBA Players' Union is filing a lawsuit against the NBA. Here is a link to the story. The union is filing a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) about the use of microfiber composite balls and the increase of fines for technical fouls.

Now, I'm all in favor of downtrodden workers receiving their rights, but excuse me while I play the world's tiniest violin for the NBA players. They make more money in one season than most of us will make in a lifetime. I don't know how the NLRB will rule, but I hope they find in favor of the NBA. It's just another example of spoiled, obnoxious, and litigious athletes try to evoke sympathy from the public. I hope their shameless ploy backfires.

I actually sympathize with the players regarding the new ball. That has nothing to do with their being spoiled millionaires -- it's the crux of what the sport is all about. It's absurd that the league never consulted the players before switching balls. And it's not just the malcontents who complain about the ball -- Steve Nash, for one, has said that he hates it and that it has changed the game.

Well, I still think Kobe gets a bad rap, simply because people don't care for his personality. I'm not sure how the world has divided up the all stars into team players and not team players, but everyone likes to do that. Kobe has more assists than Carmelo, but nobody accuses Anthony of being a ball hog. Similarly, Iverson has more assists than LeBron. Now, I think LeBron is a much more valuable player than AI, but he forces lots of shots through double teams, and hangs out on the perimeter too much. Worse, the Cavaliers have been shamefully under-using Ilgaukas, who is one of the better centers in the league. But only if someone gives him the ball occasionally.

Maybe Carmelo and LeBron get a free pass because Cleveland and Denver are winning. Winning always solves all the complaints. If your team loses by one point, rather than acknowledging that a bounce of the ball the other way would have made all the difference, everyone over-analyzes, and decides someone was horribly to blame for the outcome. But if that same scapegoat makes the last shot, and they win by one point, then he's a hero, and all that came before is forgotten.

The Lakers are winning too, but I think their 10-5 record is deceptive. They've had an incredibly easy schedule. The victory over Utah was impressive, but then there have been losses to mediocre teams like Portland, Seattle and Milwaukee.

Thomas, as for rookies -- I'm shocked to see you list Bargnani as the best on defense. I haven't seen him play much, but from what I hear, I would think defense would be by far his weakest aspect. I'm with you on Aldridge. I'd like to see him get more minutes, but he's looking pretty solid out there. Too bad Brandon Roy went down with a heel injury -- he was the best of the bunch.

Well, I don't get to watch the Raptors much either, but believe or not, that's the media buzz about Bargnani.....as well as Garbajosa. So ,maybe the Raptors drafted a couple of foreign players that will work out for them in the future. Of course, the Raptors biggest problem is a dirth of physical rebounders and offense (only Bosh is effective at both) and they will need to address this to compete with the more physical teams in the East.

Yeah, Roy is the best of the lot, but it's not fair to include him since he's hurt and won't be back until late December, if then. Plus, the Trailbalzers have so much young talent on that team, I don't know how much PT he will get. Lamarcus Aldridge is also very good but must compete with Pryzbilla and Lafrentz for playing time. So, I don't expect either of them to put up big numbers unless they show that they are better than the vets they share time with; e.g., Foye is getting more PT than Mike James these days (TWolves).

What disappoints me the most is the lack of PT that Tyrus Thomas is getting in Chicago. He can certainly score more points than Big Ben. That's for sure. And he's a better FT shooter too. I also wish Phil wuld give Framer more PT, but with Kobe and Odom on the floor, I don't know how much PT he will get. I watched the Lakers play twice this season, but he didn't play (don't know why).

But when it comes to scoring, you have to hand to AMMO in Charlotte and to Millsaps in Utah. Those guys are tearing it up. Shelden Williams in Atlanta is also playing well. But those guys get more PT than the rooks mentioned in the previous paragraph.

Busy grading final exams, so I hope this post makes sense.

Since Morrison is practically the featured player in Charlotte's offense, it's a slam dunk that he'll win rookie of the year, unless his shooting percentage really goes to hell. Milsap certainly should win "steal of the draft," however.

From what I read, Thomas is having a somewhat tough time adjusting to the NBA. I'm not really surprised, but I think he's got a great future all the same.

As for Jordan Farmar -- the big knock on him is he's too small for the NBA. Especially for Phil Jackson, who likes big guards. Also, it's tough to pick up the triangle, especially as a point guard. But Farmar has been a really pleasant surprise, and I think he's won Jackson over. He's playing a lot for a Phil Jackson rookie.

Final exams, hey that sounds like fun. I guess there aren't any questions about the NBA, though.

Nope. No sports questions.

You're in the area. What's was up with the pasting the Warriors got at the hands of the Rockets? According to the sports rags, Nellie couldn't find anybody to guard Yao. I found the whole thing hilarious...LMAO, since no on else has either so far this season. Bet Nellie, a guard-small forward match-up specialist, wishes he had some big men now, huh? He even went so far as to give Adonal Foyle a try on Yao, with embarressing and predictable results. And TMac got off as well. Rockets looking damn good.

I'll give you a dollar if you can tell me where Bonzi Wells is hiding? Have you seen him? All this prolonged hiding because of a minor hamstring injury does not bode well for that big contract he's looking to lock up next year. Personally, I think he's depressed.....and with good reason..turning down all that money from the Sacramento Kings for peanuts in Houston.

Larry, are you inplying that Farmer lacks the intelligence to understand the triangle, or, that the triangle simply takes years to understand? I'm guessing the latter. I read a very long article by Tex Winters, with pictures and diagrams, describing the Triangle Offense, and I didn't get it. All I got was mental fatigue.

Come on, for extra credit you could have asked where Bonzi is.

I think Van Gundy is covering for him. Bonzi is obviously a total head case. He may be depressed about losing out on money this year, but next year he's going to be committed to an asylum. No one is going to sign him if he keeps this up.

Regarding Farmar: no, everyone raves about his intelligence. Most players take over a year to pick up the triangle, but he's already catching on. But tonight the problem wasn't geometry, it was rebounds -- the Lakers couldn't buy one to save their lives. Gosh, Tyson Chandler is sure looking like a better $60 million investment than Ben Wallace. Wonder if the Bulls are eating their hearts out?

Well, I read that my favorite player, Tyrus Thomas, is now being tutored by Scottie Pippen. I hope Scottie can help him improve his game; Scottie is an excellent swing man, and an excellent supporting player, so maybe he is the right guy to help Tyrus learn to be a viable and productive second option too, or, at least, another rebounding demon like Dennis Rodman (so long as he doesn't have my boy, Tyrus, getting all girly in hideous wedding gowns...yikes!).

Larry, what's up with Yao using the F word the other night? Whodathunkit! Yao...a gangsta! Yao, Dude, whatsup? Probably been hanging out with TMac too long. Or, maybe he's been listening to my favorite gangsta rap group, Lil Jon and the East Side Boys? I'm guessing he learned that word when Dikembe rapped him with those killer razor-sharp elbows...or maybe when Shaq lowered those mamouth shoulders into his virtually nonexistent rib cage. Always figured if he stayed in the league long enough, he'd find his true calling....gangsta. Larry, I think I'm falling in love, dude.

161-157? WTF? Even for the Suns, that's just sick! I didn't even know the Nets could score that many points. Kidd was so tired, he couldn't even dribble anymore; that's why he dribbled the ball off his foot? Wonder what the score would be in a triple overtime game between the league's most defenseless teams, Suns and Warriors? 200-201?

Sorry about the outcome of the Hornets-Lakers game. Maybe you guys will do better next time round. When Lamar Odom learns, once and for all, that you can't inbound the ball to yourself in the NBA.....hic...I'm still laughing. Don't tell me you didn't.

What has happened to the Warriors? Can't say I'm surprised. You can't simply outscore everybody all the time, especially with O'Bryant on the floor, J-Rich hurt, Baron reverting to form, and Carbarkapa and Dunleavey getting abused.

Pippen should do Tyrus a world of good. Thomas has all the right ingredients; he just needs to develop NBA smarts, and Pippen has got those to burn.

I didn't hear about Yao and the f word until I read your post (then I found it on YouTube). Pretty funny. Maybe it just means that he's finally comfortable enough with American vernacular -- he could have been cursing in Chinese all these years and we wouldn't have known. Anyway, I love how he's been playing this year, except the game in which Garnett shut him down. I mean, Garnett is great, but Yao you've got 5 inches and 70 pounds on the guy.

Yeah, Odom's dribbing the ball up court instead of inbounding after the free throw was pretty pathetic. It just shows that he lacks focus sometimes -- I think he could be so much more consistent and effective than he is.

The Warriors have been losing some tough games, and to tough opponents. I'm amazed they've done as well as they have with J-Rich and Baron injured a lot of the time. Monta Ellis is still coming on strong, although Biedrens has stalled recently.

So.... what subject were the exams you were grading?

Looks like it's time to say buh-bye to A.I.

It's a testament to how pathetic the Atlantic Division is that with a 5-13 record the 76ers, despite being one game in the standings from having the worst record in the entire league, are only two games out of first place in the division.

Can't really say I'm surprised by events in Philly these days. It was a train wreck waiting to happen; one that was long overdue. I have said for years that Philly would be better off without AI. He hampers the development of his teammates, and more than anything, Philly needs to develop and feature its young players, if they want to become a "team". They can't do that with AI on the roster...in my opinion. He shoots way too much; is a constant media distraction; and is pretty much uncoachable. The thing I don't understand is the trade rumors. What's different now than six weeks ago? Or two months ago? What owner is going to absorb a 3 year/$20M/yr salary? And wouldn't a $60M player for player trade require a trading partner to offer up multiple players in return to fit CBA trade guidelines? I thik Philly is better off in the long run without AI. Funny how people were saying that AI and CWebb were getting old, injury prone, and too expensive. Now, both are in jeopardy of sitting the bench or getting traded. Philly is in a world of trouble right now, but, in the long run, they will benefit from this, since they will be forced to go young. It's like the Sixers were becoming the San Francisco Giants of basketball.

People keep saying that Scotttie Pippen was kinda snobby as a teammate, but I always liked him; always thought he was an intelligent and classy guy. MJ too.

Odom is young. Give it time. He, like so many of the Lakers' young players right now, is caught up in an on-the-job learning curve. Even Luke is playing well. Daddy must be proud. So far this year, Kobe hasn't screwed up the Laker chemistry. I hope it stays that way.

I teach several disciplines of science.

Gangsta YMing is my new hero!