SInce there was talk in the other thread of starting a new one, here we go!

Thanx, George. A Virgin post? There's somehting wrong with that picture...

I copied Canmark's post from the NBA thread and posted it here, for ocntinuity...



I forgot about Delfino. Don't think much of him either. Didn't impress me at all in the playoffs; no arc at all on his jumper; did nothing to help Detroit. But he'a better defender than Kapono.

Marc, IMO Bargnani at center is not the answer either. He's bigger and stronger than CB4, but the perfect center for your offensive scheme would be a guy with Nesterovic's strength and size blessed with Bargnani's and/or CB4's moves and basketball IQ. Whether you play CB4, Nesterovic, or Bargnani at center, you're still giving up something to your opponent: either size (CB4 or Bargnani too small) ) or skill around the basket (Nesterovic is big enough but stiff as a board, and no offensive upside).

Mo Pete signed with the Hornets: Are you sure the Raptor fans are disappointed with MoPete's departure? There were times last season when he was roundly criticized by fans and the media for standing up for himself. Anyway, I'm sure you know that we, The Hornets, signed him to a 4 year/$23M deal today. His position will depend on Peja's health. If Peja Stojakovic returns, MoPete will play SF opposite Peja at SG; if Peja's unable to play; MoPete will play SG. I think the Hornets are gambling a bit; hoping that Peja will be healthy enough to play next season. With the acquisition of MoPete, they can't re-sign Desmond Mason, who played the #3 hole last season ...and...remain under the cap; so Desmond is outta here, becaue the Hornets have vowed to remain under the cap.
More News:
Steve Blake signed with the Blazers today. Good pickup. Steve is a Jarrett Jack clone; a passer first; just what the Blazers need at point. Doesn't seem fair that the Blazers get so much talent in the blink of an eye, while some of the teams in the East can't even get one.....(Miami Heat still can't find a PG, and may never). The guys over at realgm.com are speculating that the Blake deal is 2 years/$5.5M with a team option for the third, but exact numbers have not been reported. I'm not sure what's going on in Portland right now because they have a logjam at PF (Fyre, Lafrentz, Aldridge, McRoberts); Center (Oden, Pryzbilla, Schenscher, and Magliorre); SG (Roy, Rodriguez, Green, Kaponen), etc. If I remember correctly, they have to trim the roster to 17 players by July 31st, so they can't keep all these guys. Some of these guys will defintelty get traded, or sent down to D-league, I would guess. Plus, they had numerous PR problems last season; now they have so many good guys, quiet guys, they might not get much emotion on the court, and this sometimes translates into limited crowd support and enthusiasm (boredom?), but time will tell.

Mo Williams Staying in Milwaukee: Mo has agreed to a 6 year/$52M contract with the Bucs. Good move for the Bucs, especially if they can persuade Yi to sign with them as well. But you have to feel bad for the heat. Seems like they spent most of the summer trying to sign a PG and came a cropper every time. Talk about bad luck.

Chucky Atkins signs with the Denver Nuggets: The Grizzlies drafted Mike Conley Jr, so they don't need Chucky anymore. Hard to figure this one. AI needs the ball; Melo needs the ball; Chucky needs the ball. Somebody's going to be left wanting. Nuggetss signed another shooter; just what they didn't need. I don't get it.

Does anybody know what happened to Larry? Dude, where are you?

Re: Mo Pete
I guarrantee that when Mo Pete returns to Toronto as a NO Hornet he will get a standing ovation, unlike some ex-Raptors stars like Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady (don't really understand that), and Damon Stoudemire (don't get that either).

Stephen Jackson and Ron Artest have been named NBA Goodwill Ambassadors for the 2007-08 season.

Okay not really. They've actually been suspended for the first seven games of next season.


http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/bask...n.ap/index.html

I was under a different impression, but I'm happy to be wrong about MoPete. Just promise me the Raptors won't come after CP3 in a couple years.


Yeah, but the Players Union is appealing the ruling on behalf of SJax and Artest. That's somehting I've never understood. Why does the league tack on punishment AFTER the courts have already punished players? Seems excessive and unfair to me.

More News:

Jamaal Magliore Signed With Nets: Just as I suspected, the frontcourt logjam in Portland is thinning. Jamaal Magliore signed a one year, $4M deal with the Nets today. Good move for the Nets. IMO, Magliore is a better all round player than Mikki Moore, especially in the low post.

Mikki Moore signed with Sacramento: He signed a 3 year/$18M deal with the Kings today. I don't know why New Jersey fans are so surprised. Nets offered Noore $3.5M/year; Kings offered $6M/year. You don't have to be a Rhodes Scholar to figure this one. Mikki would be a fool to turn that down. I say Mikki will be a better player in the wide open West than the slow-down, physically draining Eastern Conference, since he's not very physical anyway.

I think Schensher just had a one year deal so he is gone.

Don't worry about the Blazers being nice but dull a la Spurs. There is plenty of fire there. And I can assure you, if they win, fans will be excited.

I just returned from a 3 day backpack. Hiked up 7,000 feet to get over a rough mountain pass and then climbed two 14,000 peaks. All with a pair of hiking boots held together by string and duct tape (seriously -- the outersoles both came unglued somehow). I'm totally exhausted, but I'm trying to catch up on the news. The posts from all of you are a great way to start.

Thomas, like you I don't understand why the Nuggets would let Steve Blake walk and sign Chucky Atkins instead. Atkins can get on a hot shooting streak, but as you say, they don't need another player who wants to shoot. And based on what I saw of him with the Lakers, he can't defend and he's a jerk. There's a reason he's played for 97 different teams in the past 5 years.

On the other hand, I do not feel the least shred of sympathy for the Heat. Sure, they needed a PG, but they kind of cast their fate on a "win now" mission (and they did win) picking up old folks like Shaq, Gary Payton, Eddie Jones, Alonzo Mourning, etc. And they lucked out something ridiculous with getting Mourning for a song. I really do sympathize with Canmark -- the way Mourning screwed Toronto over (and the Nets too, for that matter) was shameful.

Sacto is overpaying Mikki Moore ($6m/per) by at least as much as the Griz are overpaying Darko. Hell, if I were 7 feet, I could probably be rich!

I am glad to see Derek Fisher coming back home to the Lakers. He's a huge upgrade from Smush Parker, particularly in the human being department. Parker can barely play and is a total prima donna, which is a really awful combination of traits.

Finally -- Portland signs yet another point guard?! I guess they'll let Fernandez mature in Europe for a year or two, but still... I kind of agree with Thomas about Portland giving up on Randolph a year too soon. Even one of the Blazers admitted that they might not win 32 games (last season's tally) this year. On the other hand, in 3 or 4 years, they could be the best team in the league. If I were a Portland fan, I could live with that compromise. Also, Oden may never be quite the player Tim Duncan is, but he's already miles ahead in the personality department. He's going to be giving some great interviews during his career.

Don't expect any sympathy from me; Macho Man. You had no business scaling a mountain at all....especially for fun. You're gonna break your friggin neck one of these days. I assume you did it "because it was there"? One last question? Machismo, courage, or BALCO? Good to have you back, buddy.

Sacto overpaying Mikki Moore? That's an understatement. Mikki joined elite company today: Rashard Lewis, Peja Stojakovic, Darko, every Knick except David Lee and Zach Randolph, ARod, Barry Zito, Carlos Lee, Pat Burrell, Roger Clemens; Eli Manning, Terrell Owens, Edgerin James; and as much as I hate to say it, the Galaxy's David Beckham.

Portland is stockpiling a lot of guards, but still have only two quality PGs on the roster (Jack and Blake), so that's OK. Plus, they are PGs that willl look to get the ball to the Portland Big Men (always a a good thing). But WTF will they do with all those combo/SGs? Roy is set, but doesn't need five guys to back him. They finally got their scoring SF (Jones), but don't have a quality backup. But Portland is definitely making ALL the right moves to improve. They got it right this time round, so the GM deserves a lot of praise.

True about the Heat, but I still feel sorry for them. White Chocolate won't last much longer and Gary Peyton is treading water at PG. Shaq is declining fast. Eddie J and Zo still have something left though. Nice young nucleus too; too bad they can't shoot. As long as the Heat have DWade, I will watch every chance I get. He is to the East what Kobe is the West; a consumate playmaker.

I know Chucky can't defend, but why compound problems in Denver? I mentioned ball hogs AI, Melo, and Atkins, but I forgot about JR Smith. He's probably the worst ball hog I've ever seen. I like the Nuggets; but all that offense, and not a single defensive stopper (Camby good at times though)? How's that gonna work?

I know you love the Fish, but like I said earlier, he's not the answer. I'm sure you know that.


That's a given. Plenty of talent in PTown; no debating that. Teams tend to overreact to player indiscretions, especially when the ticket-paying fans start complaining about morality and character. Except for one bench warmer, your team is loaded with money players, good guys, and model citizens. They might not be Spurs West just yet, but they've got Utah Jazz clone written all over them. Spurs are the best team the basketball and the least watched. Jazz aren't very sexy either. If not for Boozer, Deron, and AK47, they'd be unwatchable too. Of course Portland fans will be happy if the team wins; and that should happen regularly over the next few years, but with that lineup and those personalities, Blazers are already starting to look like the Jazz.

With Schenser and Magliore gone, that fixes your center rotation at three. Right? You still have too many PFs and way too many guards though. More cuts/trades to come, I expect.

Thomas, if you keep talking about machismo/manhood, etc., Ms. de Blazer is going to have to take you out to the woodshed. I'll have you know that there were two women up on the top of Mt. Williamson (2nd tallest peak in California) when I got there. And when I did my second peak -- Mt. Tyndall -- I joined a couple from San Diego. The guy got nervous and stopped when the climbing got slightly technical; the woman stayed right with me and made it to the summit.

So why do I do it? For the challenge, the fun and the incredible natural beauty and views. Unfortunately, it was sort of cloudy and rainy a lot of the weekend, so the pictures aren't going to be that terrific.

Back to basketball. Yeah, this overpaying business in sports keeps reaching more absurd limits. Sacto could have signed Moore for $4m/year instead of $6 (and even that would probably have been too much), the Griz could have gotten Darko for $6 or 7, and Orlando was bidding against itself for Lewis. Almost no one else had cap room! Why didn't Orlando just offer him $11m/year, which is still a king's ransom for a one-dimensional player. Who was going to overbid that? Totally nuts. If those owners want to throw away some millions, I can think of better causes than basketball players trying to feed their families.

And speaking of David Beckham, why do you hate to say he's being overpaid? Actually, he's being payed as a celebrity, not as a soccer player, so maybe it makes economic sense for the MLS. Personally, I find all the glamor-hype over him and his SpiceWife to be a bit sickening; I wish it could be happening somewhere other than L.A.

Larry, as I understand it, the Magic gambled....and lost with Rashard Lewis. $15M was Shard's asking price from the git go; no surprise there. The surprise was that he actually got it. And from what I've read, the Magic did start negotiatins in the $12-$13M/year range, but got nowhere. Rashard and his agent were adamant about a max contract. I think the Magic had a Dwight Howard/Darko twin tower offense in mind, with Shard on the perimete to keep teams honest. I also think they believed a sign-and-trade with Seattle could be maneuvered in their favor; e.g., they could dump one or more bad contracts to help offset the money they invested in Rashard, and maybe get a 1st rd pick ou of it. But the plan fell apart with a big thud. Once they rescinded their qualifying offer to Darko, he felt lied to and mistreated, so packed his bags. Strike #1. Then, Seattle refused the sign-and-trade. Strike #2. Then they had to extend Dwight's contract. Strike #3. Unlike Rashard, Dwight is worth every penny he got, but that contract extension sealed their fate for years to come with respect to the salary cap and their ability to compete for quality free agents in the future. The success of the Magic franchise will swim or sink with Rashard Lewis and Dwight Howard, since the two of them occupy almost half the Magic payroll. My theory is that the money they committed to Rashard wouldn't look so bad had they been able to re-sign Darko and rid themselves of a bad contract/or recoup a lottery pick in the process via the sign-and-trade. But all the heavy arm-twisting and financial leveraging didn't work; so they had to sign him straight up. That stuff only works on Danny Ainge. Finally, the League frowns on broken promises. Once the Magic committed themselves to sign Shard, they had to do it. Remember all the name-calling and bad karma that resulted from Boozer's broken promise to the Cavs? He begged them to decline the team option so that he could become a free agent; said if they did this for him, he would re-sign with them; a 6 yr/$40M contract. They did him this favor, but he f--cked them. Once free, he promptly signed a better deal; 6 year/$64M with the Jazz. Teams will look to protect themselves when dealing with Boozer in the future; that's for sure. Had the Magic broken their promise to Shard, they wouldn't be able to deal in good faith with any future draftee or free agent again.

I think Ms deBlazer is warming up to me. So I'm a little rough around the edges. I'm a good egg. As for you and your mountain, I get it; the thrill of victory and all that, right? I've done that; but not at 20,000 feet.

Thanks for the detailed explanation, but I still don't get it. So, like, when Shard's agent says no to a $12m/year offer, what if the Magic say: OK, go get a better offer elsewhere. No way anyone else offers Lewis even that much, given how very few teams have cap room. What does Smartass Agent do then?

Well, when you put it like that, there's is no answer. Shard and his agent would have to look elsewhere. But Shard didn't need to do that because the guys in Orlando really wanted him there. Why they over-paid that badly for Rashard is admittedly a mystery to me.

Wanna hear a really cool trade rumor? The Blazer message boards and forums are chatting wildly about an impending trade between the Blazers and Grizzlies. There is wild speculation that the reason the Blazers are stockpiling so many players (e.g.; they just re-signed Travis Outlaw to a three year/$12M contract today) is to sweeten the pot for an impending trade with the Grizzlies for Mike Conley Jr. Perhaps Jarrett Jack and/or Webster and/or Pryz and future #1 to reestablish the magic between Oden and Conley Jr. in Portland. Weird huh? Like me, some guys are having trouble understanding why Portland needs so many players at the same position, especially guards. There must be a grand plan behind all these moves. There just has to be.

Rumors are as thick as fleas this time of year. I don't credit any until I see them happen. I don't think a deal for Conley is in the works because Portland would not have signed Blake and then added another point guard.

Portland's point guards: First, Rudy Fernandez is a two guard. Also, Summer League clearly showed that Sergio Rodriguez needs more time to develop. He may well be the point guard of the future but it's the hardest position to learn and another year or two apprenticing will be a big help to him. As for Jack, I really see him as more of a combo guard in the mold of Vinnie Johnson or Danny Ainge, who can come off the bench and play both backcourt positions. That is, unless he is dealt. Kopponen will probably stay in Europe another year. Green looks like a keeper but may spend time in the NBDL or end of bench.

On another topic, why do some people think being nice means being dull? Are only jerks interesting? Oden is smart, funny, approachable, and personable. So is Roy. I mean, isn't that better than Michael Vick?

On yet another topic, Oden's doc suggested he get the tonsils out when he was a kid. Then Oden and his mom heard he could die from the surgery and said no way. True, even minor surgery is not risk free but the odds of a healthy child or young adult dying from tonsillectomy are pretty remote. Also, Oden said he got about 5 or 6 bad sore throats every year where he could barely swallow water. Last year lost 15 lbs. Had a lot of trouble breathing. Sure puts the kibosh on the idiot who thought he'd do a Bill Frist and diagnose Oden from afar. And if Oden was as good as he was sick, how scary good will he be healthy? He is recovering and was spotted at a local store buying popsicles.

I wouldn't be surprised if Portland had that in mind. But I'm skeptical it will happen -- Portland would probably have to offer a good bit more than that to get what was the #4 pick in a loaded draft.

In other news, the newly bought out Steve Francis signs with the Rockets, who pay him a whopping $6m (like he needs the money after his buyout!). The Rockets have already signed a ballhogging point guard in Mike James (who Houston thought so highly of the first time around that they gave him away for the disastrous Rafer Alston). So now they go out and sign another ballhogging PG. The Rockets had better hope that McGrady and Yao can keep Stevie in line. I also heard that the Heat offered Francis even more money, but that he picked the Rockets over them.

Following a breakout season (18.1ppg, 7.2rpg, 50%fg), Gerald Wallace is rewarded with a 6-year $57 million deal from the Charlotte Bobcats.

Chinese still trying to keep Yi out of Milwaukee.

Larry, that dog won't hunt. Rockets have twenty-two players right now, but can only keep fifteen. Worse, there will be no D-league for most of them because they are ineligible. D-league is not like the minors in baseball, where guys can go to recoup a winning form. The Rockets list ten guards on the current roster.

Point Guards: Rafer Alston, John Lucas III, Mike James, and Steve Francis
Shooting Guards: TMac, Bonzi Wells, Kirk Synder, Aaron Brooks, Luther Head, Bob Sura, and Brad Newley.
Small Forwards: Luis Scola, Chuck Hayes, Shane Battier, Mike Harris, Steve Novak, Carl Landry, and Justin Reed.
Power Forward: Jackie Butler? (This can't be right? Can it?)
Center: Dikembe, Yao Ming, and Tsakalidis.

The Rockets have way too many guards and small forwards.....and except for Yao, no big men. The Rockets will definitely trade some of their guards for a PF. They have to. The Jazz abused the Rocket frontcourt in last year's playoffs. They Rockets could never get that key rebound late in the game when it mattered most. Yao got pushed around like a rag doll. So, if you think Portland is overloaded with guards, and likely to trade one or more of them, the Rockets have enough to start an armory, so they will definitely trade some of them for a PF.

Here's what I think will happen:
Point Guards: Mike James will start; Steve Francis will back him.
Shooting Guards: TMac will start; with Bonzi Wells at backup.
Combo Guards: Rockets don't really have any combo guards except Steve Francis.

Left Out: Rafer Alston is way too short to play SG. Plus, he got abused last year in the playoffs. Same problem for John Lucas III. But if Mike James and Steve Francis play Point, both Rafer Alston and John Lucas III become expendable. Luther Head played SG last year, but is an inconsistent spot up three point specialists who can't play point, so he's also expendable.

Small Foward: Shane Battier will start, Scola will back, with Hayes the third option?
Power Forward: Don't ask me, but it can't be Jackie Butler...
Center: Yao Ming will start; Dikembe will back him, and Tsakalidis the third option?

Who's left out of the starting lineup? Seven of the guys listed below.

Rafer Alston, John Lucas III, Aaron Brooks (D-league?), Luther Head, Bob Sura (probably gets cut), Brad newley (D-league?), Mike Harris, Steve Novak (D-league?), Carl Landry (D-league), Justin Reed, and Jake Tsakadalidis (is useless).

Of course, Mike James, Steve Francis, and TMac won't get along. Both Francis and Mike are shoot-first point guards, with a history of loud and very public bitching about playing time and lack of touches. To compound the problem, TMac is also a shooter and will need the ball to be effective (can't play D worth a damn); the team's second scoring option behind Yao. That's too many shooters for any one team; a dinner conundrum my grandma used to describe as "too many tea cups and not enough saucers". Rox should be a lot of fun next season; I'm definitely gonna add them to my "must watch" list.


When compared to the $118M Rashard Lewis got, Gerald was screwed senseless by his agent. Funny how that works. Gerald is all defense with a limited offense; while Rashard is all offense with a limited defense, and who gets the big money? The scorer...every time.


Ms De Blazer, I count 19 players on the Blazer roster and eight of them are guards. By rule, a team can only carry fiftenn active players. D-league doesn't count. Lets assume that your assumptions are correct; that Petteri Kopponen stays in Europe and that Taurean Green is sent down (D-league), that still leaves 17 players, two players too many; and still six guards. Which two players will get cut/traded/sent down?
Point Guards: I would guess Jarret Jack and Steve Blake will make the team for sure.
Shooting Guards: Clearly, Brandon Roy will make it, with Martell Webster as back-up?
The Combo Guards: Only Fernandez and Rodriguez remain under your scenario.
Small Forward: James Jones, with Travis Outlaw at backup, and since you guys can't get rid of Darius Miles, I would assume he gets your 3rd option at SF? Udoka is no longer needed.
Power Forward: Lamarcus Aldridge, Channing Fyre, with LaFrentz as 3rd option? MacRoberts become expendable.
Center: Greg Oden, Joel Pryzbilla, and Schenser as the 3rd option.

So, by deduction, the four names in bold type won't make the 15 man roster.

If the Blazers wish to deal for Mike Conley Jr., they can still do that. They can package together any assortment of guards/forwards to make it happen. Not sure about this, but it might be possible for the Blazers to trade future picks for Conley Jr; if they have 2008/2009 1st rd picks to trade, and, if the Grizzlies are still under the salary cap. I don't know the draft pic status for Portland and I didn't check the Grizzlies team salaries, but I know the Blazers are at, or over, the cap, but Conley Jr. wouldn't cost them much; he'll sign a rookie contract ($3-4M/year?). In short, you could be right. The Blazers could be done with off-season moves. If so, they bargained well. They filled all the holes in their lineup. But....what makes you so sure that they've given up on Mike Conley Jr.? They sure as hell wanted him before and during the draft, so we know the interest is there. And the Blazers have certainly stockpiled enough pieces to get Conley Jr., should the Grizzlies decide it is in their best interest to move him.

I really don't see Memphis giving up Conley after taking him with the #4 pick (slightly too high, in my opinion). They certainly aren't going to take spare parts from the Blazers (and the Blazers aren't going to part with any of their promising main parts).

McRoberts obviously goes to the D league. I'm surprised that Udoka appears to be available -- I just heard him described as a lock-down defender, who San Antonio is trying to acquire.

As for the Rockets, Lucas III will get cut and I thought Sura was on the verge of retirement anyway, with all his injuries. Jackie Butler is an interesting pick-up. I'm surprised the Spurs found no use for him. He can play center (backup, obviously), and is supposed to have some pretty good offense. Also, the Spurs gave up Scola (Rockets gave them Spanoulis, so at least they dumped one guard), who is supposed to be promising. Thomas, isn't Scola a PF rather than a 3? And Chuck Hayes is a 4, so the Rockets are thin but not completely bereft at the 4.

Finally, I completely agree with Ms. de Blazer about Oden and personality. As I wrote previously, Oden is going to kill Duncan in the personality/interview department, even if his game is never quite that stellar. He's incredibly funny, and he's only 19.

Hi guys, I'm new around here. So let me start by saying I'm a huge Memphis Grizzlies fan, that right ...Memphis Grizzlies! Please don't take this the wrong way, but I feel I must defend my boy, Chucky. It's true Chucky can't defend worth anything, but he is not a jerk. I have spent quite a bit of time around Chucky the past two years, and he is really a nice guy. Yes, on the court, Chucky is fearless and isn't afraid to shoot. In Memphis, we needed that. We had several guys scared to take the shot, when the game was on the line. Chucky was good for Memphis and I am glad he signed with Denver and wish him the best. I think one reason, Denver choose to get Chucky is because he isn't afraid to shoot. If teams concentrate on AI and Melo and lay off Chucky, he will burn them. Teams will have to keep him honest, helping to open up your big guns. I don't think you guys will have to worry much about Chucky. He was a team player in Memphis. Now Melo and AI, co-existing, that's another story.

Smokey, welcome!

Well, you may know Atkins' personality better than I do. He did say some jerky things when he was a Laker, though. As for his game blending in at Denver? Gosh, it seems they already have J.R. Smith, who is a shooter without a conscience. Do they really need yet another one of those? Still, I think Denver will be an interesting team next season.

As for Memphis, Smokey, what do you think of their chances? Are they going to keep Gasol? Is Darko ever going to be worth his salary?

Welcome, Smokey. What's up? I had a real bad accident in Memphis once; lost three of my front teeth; got ticketed for DWI and had to drive all the way back up there for a court appearance, which did not go well. I don't like Memphis much. Anyway, please don't infer any personal dislike for the Grizzlies or their players. I am a huge Gasol fan; I like Darko, and I especially like Mike Conley Jr. You guys should have a really nice offense next year (can't say the same for the defense tho). Chucky played his heart out last year. I only saw one or two games on tv, but I read sports pages daily, so I know the media has been very gracious in its praise of Chucky Atkins. And if Chucky had been traded to say, the Cleveland Cavaliers (don't have a point guard), the Lakers or the Heat (both teams need shooting point guards), I think my take would be a lot more positive about Chucky's future in the NBA. But, dude, Chuky in Denver? With AI, Melo,, and J.R. begging and bitching for the ball every trip down? It could work, if Chucky is willing to accept his role as a distributor rather than a scorer, but I would think the Nugget scouts know his tendencies. I think the Nuggett had no choice in the matter; they desperately need a PG and all the distributing PGs had been taken, so Chucky was the best fit for the team payroll. I like the Nuggets and I wish Chucky the best, but there will be problems; there are only so many shot attempts and only one ball. Somebody's gonna be real unhappy in Denver next season. Anyway, when I make personal attacks, its usually aimed at Isiah. But even that's in good fun; I loved watching Isiah and Dumars when they played for the Bad Boy Pistons. Here's another example: I'm really pissed at Dirk for disappearing in the playoffs last season, but i still like the man a lot. What he does on the court doesn't affect how I feel about him personally.


Larry, thanks for correcting and updating my post. It's very hard to keep up with every offseason move; especially these days. Plus, I'm sure you've surmised I talk too much anyway. Can't help that; love sports.

Guys play 3/4 and/or 4/5 a lot in this league. Foxsports.com list Scola as a forward; meaning a "combo" forward; same for Chuck Hayes. With good reason; neither Scola nor Hayes is, IMO, a prototypical PF ala Tim Duncan.

You could be right about Mike Conley Jr.; obviously I have no inside information. But something's afoot in Portland; in Houston, and in Phoenix. Time will tell.

What did you mean by "Oden will kill TD1 in the personality department"? A day old corpse would give TD1 a run for his money in a personality contest. Of course Oden is more charismatic than Tim Duncan. So am I.

Here's some startling news: NBA Referee Tim Donaghy Under FBI Investigation for Betting on Games, Including the ones he refereed.
http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives...ba_ref_donaghy/

I'm not surprised. There were too many suspicious touch fouls/ejections/technical called the last few seasons. Donaghy refereed game #3 between the Suns and Spurs in last season's playoff. That was the game where Amare was whistled for three quick fouls in the first half with the Suns up by 15 pts. This allowed the Spurs to focus their attention on Nash, which they did, and the Spurs quickly erased the lead. The FBI is claiming that Donaghy had a gambling problem, was heavily in debt, was recruited and leveraged by the mob to fix NBA games. Dependng on the point spread, and which way the mob bet, Donaghy's job was to ensure that the mob won; whether they bet the "over" or the "under". Many people, including Shaq, have intimated, without making specific accusations, that one or more NBA refs might be on the take. As I'm sure you know, Steve Nash and Donaghy have a long history of run-ins.

In the 2007 Knicks./Suns regular season triple over-time game, Donaghy awarded two free throws to a Knick player with no time remaining, which allowed the Knicks to tie the game and win it in overtime. It seems that Donaghy's objective had less to do with which team won than manipulating the point spread to his advantage to enrich himself and appease his mob bosses.

You suggested in an earlier post that the Suns got hosed in their series with the Spurs in the playoffs; especially with the ejection and suspensions of Amare and Diaw. Now, you have even more fodder to fuel your argument. We now know that at least one of the refs in the Spurs/Suns series was a cheat. But, I'm not prepared to go the next step, because I think the Suns would have lost the series anyway; they had no answers for Tim Duncan.

I will never be able to watch another NBA game without wondering if the refs are on the take. I'm sure 95% of them are honest, but it only takes one bad apple to shift the advantage.

More News: Suns Traded Kurt Thomas, 2008 1st RD and 2010 1st rd picks to the Seattle Sonics for a 2nd rd draft pick and a $8M Trade Exception.

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives...icks_to_sonics/

I understand why Steve Kerr did it, but I don' think this was a wise move at all. Before the Kurt Thomas trade, the Sun payroll was $78.5M. The Luxury tax was then set at $67.9M last month. Simple subtraction would suggest that the Suns would have to pay $10.6M in luxury taxes. Hell, I wouldn't want to give the league $10M in taxes, would you? To avoid doing this, the Suns convinced the Sonics to take Kurt off their hands by sweetening the pot with two first rd draft picks; one in 2008 and the other in 2010. Kurt is set to earn $8.1M in 2007-2008. Fortunately for the Suns, the Sonics just acquired a $8M Trade Exception in the Rashard Lewis sign-and-trade deal with Orlando, which they then used to acquire Kurt Thomas from the Suns. The only thing the Suns got from this deal is a $8M salary dump, leaving their team payroll (minus Kurt Thomas) at approximately $70M. Instead of paying a $10M luxury tax, the Suns now owe just $2.1M in luxury taxes.

The Suns avoid a huge luxury tax, but at what price? They just lost SF James Jones to the Blazers and got nothing in return. Now they trade Kurt Thomas to the Sonics and get nothing in return. In short, the Susn lose two forwards; a SF and a PF, to avoid a luxury tax. But what does this do to their chances of winning an NBA title next year? Thomas was the only Sun who played well against TD1. Who will guard Yao? TD1? Boozer? Shaq? Can Amare do it? I don't think so; defense is definitely NOT his thing. Can Diaw help? I don't think so. He can't even guard Dirk Nowitzski and Dirk is a soft PF (sorry Ms deBlazer), so what chance does he have against TD1? Diaw is so undersized and skinny; he's too light to be an effective PF, let alone a center. Larry, I think the Suns just got worse; I think Steve Nash, Amare Stoudamire, Shawn Marion, Raja Bell, and Grant Hill's jobs just got harder; and as much as I hate to admit it, I think the Spurs, Mavs, Rockets and Jazz chances of advancing to the NBA Championship round just got easier.

Finally, all the nonsense on the Suns message boards about an $8M trade exception is silly. What they got was the right to acquire $8M in salary if they want, but why the hell would Kerr go out and add $8M in salary after just dumping $8M in salary to avoid a huge luxury tax? Suns aren't going to add another salaried player this off-season. They're done making moves, and they're done chasing an NBA championship in the Steve Nash era......unless they decide to bite the bullet, pay the luxury tax, and spend more money for another big man. But as I said, why would they do this when they just dumped salary to avoid paying a luxury tax?

P.S. Larry, is there a spell check on this board? I need it bad.

The Steve Nash Charity Classic is tonight in Vancouver.

Thomas, did you ever find your teeth? By the way, I suspect you're even more charismatic than Michael Jordan. You shouldn't hold Oden to your standard.

As for Donaghey, I know a lot of people feel the way you do. A lot of people are saying it's the doom of the NBA. Personally, I find all that massively overblown. Don't get me wrong -- if it's true it's a terrible thing. But it's just one guy. I see no reason to suddenly suspect all the refs are on the take (and all the NCAA refs too, as some are now conspiracy theorizing). Who knows if (again, assuming it's all true) Donaghey's shady calls actually affected the outcome of any games, as opposed to just point spreads? I don't know, but it's not going to affect how I watch games from now on.

Turning to Phoenix's donating Kurt Thomas and two first round picks to Seattle: If I were a Suns fan I'd be furious. I understand Sarver's desire to avoid the luxury tax, but he's clearly more interested in making money than in winning championships. Last year, he sold two first round picks for cash -- picks that could have turned into the much heralded potential of Rajon Rando, or Marcus Williams (the one with the Nets). As I recall, he sold Phoenix's draft picks in 2005 also. And then this year, he sold the promising Rudy Fernandez to Portland. Talk about s***ing on your fans. I find it really disgraceful.

Me? Charismatic? Hahaha!!! LMAO. I'm five feet nuthin; 100 and nuthin, and look like the crypt keeper. Wanna know how the world feels about short, skinny people? Listen to Randy Newman sometime. Nope; looks and personality don't live here. And, no, I didn't find my teeth; I bought new ones. Also lost a tooth in a car crash back in high school. Never found that one either.

About Donaghy: You're too trusting, buddy. Why was Bowen allowed to punk Nash in game #3 of the playoffs (against the Spurs)? Sure, this could all be coincidental, but now that we know a cheat (Donaghy) was on the floor making those calls, I have to wonder if he was trying to influence the outcome. Here's an interesting fact. The team receiving the most foul calls has won every NBA playoff series. I heard this on the radio, didn't hear who said it, so I hope his information was accurate. But if it is, it means that called fouls are more important than we realize. Had the refs paid more attention to Bowen's hand-checking, crotch-kneeing, and foot-stomping, Nash and his teammates would have received more free throws. Can't say whether the Suns would have beat the Spurs (I don't think so), but they could have used more free throws (Nash was fouled repeatedly) in game six; that's for sure. But Donaghy's antics have not gone unnoticed. Doc Rivers intimated Donaghy might be on the take. Shaq did the same. Turns out they were right.

What's really disconcerting is the fact that Donaghy provided his mob bosses with a list of which referees would call each NBA game in 2005, 2006, and 2007. He broke the rules; gave the bosses a betting edge; and then manipulated the games he called to ensure that mob bets were successful.

I agree. Sun fans must be infuriated. No quality big men; except for Amare. In my mind, Marion should be a SF; not a PF, even if his outside shot is suspect. I see no way the Suns will contend for an NBA title next season; especially without a true center and a championship caliber backup PG for Nash.

No surprise here. Yi is demanding the Bucs trade him.
You're a lot higher on Rondo than I am. He's a very streaky shooter, and I'm being generous.
Phoenix did sell their 1st rd picks in 2005; they've done that for years.

Canmark, thanks for posting that. Nash is doing a good thing. Good luck.

Well, Randy Newman is kind of short and skinny (or at least used to be) himself, and he knows a thing or two about charisma, in a perverse and ironic way.

Back to Donaghey. Shaq says every ref is on the take, unless the ref gives the Big Baby the calls he wants. Shaq is (or was) a great player, but he always has an excuse when he loses. Crooked or otherwise incompetent refs is an easy, ready-made excuse. If you use it enough, by coincidence you might happen to get it right one out of 100 times. And as for Bowen -- he gets away with murder routinely. It's not just when Donaghey is calling the came.

Believe me, I'm not defending Donaghey in the slightest. And it is possible he influenced the point spread of that Spurs/Suns game. But what decided the series, for me, was Stern's suspension of Amare and Diaw. So that still bothers me way more than some possibly crooked calls by that scumbag ref.

The Suns aren't merely hurting their chances for a championship now. Sarver is sacrificing the team's future. After Nash retires, and Marion starts to slow down a bit as he ages, they'll have absolutely no young talent in the pipeline. How's Sarver going to make money then? No one is going to come to games when his team stinks. Amare will want out of there when his next contract is up. I just don't get it.

On the plus side for the NBA, at least the Donaghey relevations are coming well after the season is over and well before the season starts. David Stern has the time to launch an investigation and put some procedures in place where all refs would be monitored for their on- and off-court dealings.

I think the negative is that all refs are going to be tainted, and how long before players (hello, Rasheed Wallace) and fans are questioning ever call that's made and saying that this or that ref is on the take?

I've read articles that say that it's hard to find a "smoking" gun with regards to Donaghey's influence in the sense that if large bets are placed on certain teams with certain point spreads, Vegas will adjust the point spreads to compensate (side note: perhaps this will squelch the talk of moving a team to Vegas). This doesn't mean that he wasn't making improper calls and people weren't benefitting from improper calls, but as with cheating on the stock market, cheating can be noticed by the market if blatant. (Also, I haven't heard of any specific examples where a specific call that was clearly wrong and that had a proven impact on the final score of a game, such as a basket allowed/disallowed at the end of a game).

Also, we have to consider that there are 3 refs on the court and calls can be changed. Also, the ref doesn't shoot the ball. You can favor one team over another with calls, but if they don't make there shots (or if the other 2 refs are calling fouls) there's nothing you can do.

But this is a warning call for other sports leagues, too, as it's heightened the public's awareness of this issue, as steroids in baseball/cycling/track has raised the drug issue in other sports (example: golf). People are going to be looking more closely at the calls of refs and umpires in other sports leagues and that may not necessarily be a bad thing.

Larry, you never said "perverse charisma"; I'm loaded with that. I thought you were talking good charisma, the George Clooney kind.

About your David Beckham post: He's definitely one of my heroes, so I hope he's good for American soccer. Maye his acquisition will at least increase soccer gate receipts, which will in turn lead to an increase in player salaries. But if I were Becks, I'd be careful of hanging out with Tom Cruise (one of his best friends) right now; Tom is experiencing a huge PR meltdown, and Tom's bad PR could spill over onto Becs' family, friends, and business associates as well.

NBA News: Hornet's Desmond Mason signs with Milwaukee Bucs: Desmond was asking too much and the Hornets were adamant they would not exceed the salary cap. Hornets are also in negotiations with Rocket PG, John Lucas III. Rox have five PGs; they don't need JL3.

Bucs new lineup:
PG: Mo Williams, with Bell backing him.
SG: Michael Redd and Desmond Mason.
SF: Bobby Simmons, with Desmond backing.
PF: Villanueva
Center: Andrew Bogot, with Gadzuric as back up.

More News: Rockets Looking To Move Rafer Alston and John Lucas III. This is not exactly news, since we expected this move. It's common knowledge the Rockets need a PF, and are willing to trade one or more PGs to get one, but which PF? The possibilities are: 1) Udonis Haslem (Miami); A. Varejo (Cleveland); Kenny Thomas (Sacramento); and Brian Cook (LA Lakers). Heat won't deal Haslem. They barely have enough healthy pieces as it is. Varejao is a possibility; but is a restricted free agent, so the Cavs have the last word in this; they can simply match any offers if they want him. Kenny Thomas is also a possibility; the Kings just signed Mikki Moore. Cook is a possibility; Lakers have been shopping that guy forever. But if the Rockets are really in win now mode, only one man fits the bill...Udonis Haslem. BUt I guarantee he won't leave Miami. Varajeo can rebound, but can't shoot worth a damn. Kenny Thomas offers no improvement over what is already there, and Cook would be a step backward, and, downward.



I'm really surprised that you and Larry are so complacent about this issue. How can you guys be so certain Donaghy acted alone? How can we be assured that other NBA refs are not on the take? In my mind, it is just as likely that other NBA refs, coaches, and players bet on games as it is that Donaghy acted alone. Since we do not know the facts, I'm not willing to give NBA refs and officials the benefit of doubt on this issue, including Stern himself. All the off-court criminal activity and bad behavior is very bad for the NBA, but pales in comparison to fixing games. If this thing actually has legs and widens into a multiple ref scandal, I sure as hell won't be watching NBA basketball anymore. I can overlook Kobe's frequent bitching and crying, AI's selfishness, Starbury's over-priced and bloated $20M/year contract, Nowitzski's marble-sized balls, Yao Ming and Varejo's constant flopping, Rasheed Wallace's adolescent temper tanturums, and LeBron's palming the ball and traveling every chance he gets, but I won't tolerate fixing games.

I've posted my thoughts on the Donaghy mess on the "Was the Fix In?" thread.

But on that topic, Thomas, what's with this sudden accusation that Yao flops??

About Houston trying to trade Lucas III and Alston -- Miami would have to be crazy to give up Haslem for that dreck. And Cleveland would have to be nuts to give up Varajao. But if the Lakers want to somehow part with Brian Cook for them, I'm all for it!

Thomas, you left Yi out in the Milwaukee discussion. Think he'll end up somewhere else? It's kind of sickening that the Chinese get to dictate how the NBA runs, don't you think? (The Mob dictating how the NBA runs is a different matter. )

Memphis chances for the up-coming season, are better than last year's. Yes, we are going to keep Pau, and Darko is going to have a breakout season. High post- Darko, Low post -
Pau, Conley and Lowry are fast and will be pushing the offense. Warrick slashing through the lane, Miller spotting up for 3, and throw in Rudy and we're going to have a GAY ole time in Memphis. If we stay healthy, we are going to surprise a lot of teams.

I love Mike Conley Jr. too, but you could be expecting a little too much from a rookie PG. I could be wrong though. Chris Paul. Deron Williams. I don't like the idea of throwing young players to the wolves myself; better to let them sit a while and learn from the vets. Same could be said for Darko. He's a young player with promsie, but has yet to realize his talent. In Orlando, that dude sometimes actually forgot which play was called. The others are established players; good players: Gasol;, Rudy, and Miller. Not sold on Warrick yet. But here's to hoping the Grizzlies get off the mat and land some punches next season. They have the pieces, they have a good coach. No reason they can't make some noise.


LMAO! I set you up with that Cook comment; like a pit bull, you went right for the juggler. You can thank me later. I knew your sentiments about Cook.

Trust me, until this post-season, I never considered Yao a flopper either. But, the way he played against the Jazz? Crumbling to the floor as a result of the slighest contact? As big as he is? It was embarressing. Boozer's a monster on the boards and manhandles his opponents pretty good under the basket, but he's not THAT tuff.

Buddy, if you seriously think Yi will ever set foot in Milwaukee; let alone play PF for them, I got some bayou swampland I'd like to sell you ASAP. Villaneau and Bogut better start eating their Wheaties because they will be the frontcourt in Milwauklee next season. Do I think the Chinese are muscling the NBA? Not yet. A better question. Why no chinese point and/or shooting guards in the NBA?

I don't know why fans in Houston want Haslem so badly. It must be obvious Miami can't afford to lose him. They're too thin (and old) as is.

I agree with you about Conley. He's got tons of promise, but only one year of college ball. Didn't Paul and Deron have a few years of experience? I'd bet on Conley becoming a fine player, but not Darko. Also, I'm undecided about Rudy Gay. He's got talent, but he could end up being a headcase.

You're right about Cook! Another of Mitch Kupchak's many blunders.

I still can't buy Yao as a flopper. He doesn't have the greatest balance in the world, so that might have something to do with him crashing to the floor upon contact.

Hey, the Lakers drafted Sun Yue, the "next Magic Johnson." Really, the guy's a PG, a flashy passer, and he's 6'9". Too bad he weighs about 160 and is probably too weak to play in the WNBA. (I hope Ms. de Blazer doesn't take that the wrong way!)

Larry, CP3 and Deron were drafted in the same year, 2005. CP3 was named starting PG at the beginning of the 2005-2006 season. Deron was drafted by the Jazz and played backup for half a season, but was promoted to starting PG for the second half of the 2005-2006 season. So both CP3 and Deron were starting PGs since 2005-2006.

Hey, I read an interesting article today by Charlie Rosen at foxsports.com. He said that the best place for Kobe, if through some miracle he actually left the Lakers, would be the Phoenix Suns. Also said that the Nuggets would never be a championship contender with AI on that team. Also said that people who think the Spurs are boring don't know basketball, and, that its the media's fault people don't like and appreciate the Spurs. I agree with his first two conclusions, but not the third. I'm no expert but I understand basketball fairly well, and the Spurs bore me so bad I can hardly stand it.

Yeah. Darko is the wild card. I hope he learns to focus better. Will he play PF or center in Memphis? If PF, as expected, Warwick would probably get less minutes. And Larry, Rudy is a very exciting and athletic player. I didn't know he had personal isues though . Why do you say he's a head case? What's he done?

And who the hell is Sun Yue? Sometimes a big heart can overcome a thin frame and lack of size. Spud Web overcame. And he was a midget. Right? And Minute Bol? Actually he got over, but that's another story. That dude had to run around in the shower to get wet. Right? But he made it happen. Maybe the same will happen for Sun Yue??? But the very idea of a starting chinese PG in the NBA just seems wrong somehow. That alone sparks my interest, so I'm all for it.

I remember that much about CP3 and Deron. What I was trying to remember was how many years of college ball they each had. It had to be more than 1, like with Mike Conley.

You know my thoughts about Rosen, so I needn't comment.

Rudy Gay isn't a headcase like Rasheed, but in the sense of someone who doesn't always focus, and may not apply himself. Think Stromile Swift -- another athletic, heralded young player who amounted to nothing. I'm not saying that Gay won't have a better career than Swift, just that there's a risk he'll be a career underachiever.

As for Sun Yue -- he won't be starting anytime soon. The Lakers knew he was a project when they picked him up. He's not just thin, but very very weak by NBA standards.

Re: Blazers overloaded rostser, Udoka and Shenser are gone. They were both FA's and not re-signed. So that does trim things down.

Meanwhile, Willamette Week named Greg Oden "Best of Portland" in their annual BOP issue. He gamely showed up with a hand-stenciled "Best of PDX" T shirt and ball. But said he is not really best of Portland ... yet.

There are still rumors of a deal involving Przybilla and Jack.

Ms deBlazer, you're supposed to finish. Pryzbilla? Jack? What rumors have you heard? Which players are involved? Otherwise, you're simply teasing us. Anyway, Udoka and Shenser won't be missed. I hope I get to watch every single game the Blazers play next season. That's how curious I am about the new roster changes.

And "Best of Portland"? Is the award for best athlete in Portland?



I don't know, Larry. I'm not as down on Stromile as you are. It's true; he hasn't lived up to expectations since leaving LSU, but there are real reasons for that. He is injury-prone and can't stay healthy; that affects his game, which is based mostly on athleticism. Plus, he' only 6'9 but was forced to play center for a while when Gasol went out with injury. The offensive scheme in Memphis doesn't fit his game very well either. When healthy, he's a gazelle, so could have blossomed with the Suns or Warriors. Nellie would have loved him. He's all wrong for Memphis. They wanted him to be a physical PF, but that's not his game. Instead of trying to make him more physical at PF/C, they should have trimmed him down and used him as a combo PF/SF. He's a decent rebounder and nobody finishes a fast break like Stromile. The problem with Stromile, I think, is not so much that he's a head case; he's a health case.

I haven't watched Rudy play a lot, but he seemed "into the game" to me. Darko's head clearly wanders away from the game, but I haven't seen Rudy do that. But I iwll try to watch him more closely next season, to see if he's giving his all.

I wish you would forgive Charlie whatever he did to piss you off. Can't you guys make up? Charlie Rosen is one of the most knowledgeable sportswriters in the bussiness, especially baseball and basketball. He understands the X's and O's of the game very well. Sure, his writing lacks style and flare; he's a humorless, no non-sense, in-your-face writer, and I know that irritates you, but I like that about him.

Thomas, well you've followed Swift's career more closely than I have, especially since he's a "local." Given what you say about him, someone should have traded him to the Suns. I was just using him as an example of an athletically gifted player that didn't apply himself. There are no doubt better examples. As for Rudy, he supposedly got more focused in the second half of the season, so maybe that's a good sign for him.

Charlies Rosen is a bitter little man. It infects everything he writes, even when he has great knowledge on the subject.

Larry, I tried posting for awhile but couldn't. The recurring error said something about "too many emoticons", which is news to me since I don't know WTF an emoticon is. I'll try again tomorrow.

Thomas, you probably just got too emotional about Charlie Rosen. [that's an emoticon -- an inane example of computerese!]

Thomas, the problem is, Jack and Joel went up the hill, oops, I mean, have been rumored to be traded for damn near everyone!

Best of Portland is not best athlete in Portland. It is a local paper's designation of what is the best thing, person, whatever, about the City of Portland. They give lists, best restaurant, best park, etc but have on their cover the overall "Best of Portland".

Ms deBlazer, great to see you've got past that nasty fascination with Oden's tonsils. What is it with you and tonsils anyway? They're gross.

You know what's ironic? Portland with too many PGs and Miami with too few. Worse, Blake and Jack are now in Portland. One team gets stuck with Smush Parker; the other gets blessed by the basketball gods and all his angels (sorry about the pronoun). Since you're collecting PGs, we have Pargo. He can shoot, but not much else. Want him?


Dude, I don't use smilies, so why was I accused of doing somehting I didn't do? Why does that phrase keep popping up in sports and divorce courts? It pissed me off, so I took my pee wees and went home. Anyway, I looked it up (emoticon). The word is a lot like your Computerese? Is that a real word? If so, I insist you share it with Charlie.

Great News for the Lakers: Smush Parker Sings with Miami!!
http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives...s_smush_parker/

They reported "a two year deal for part of the MLE". Never said if the second was a team or player option. Also never quoted a specific figure, but is half ($2.5M) a reasonable assumption?

I feel bad for Pat. He worked his butt off to get a decent backup for White Chocolate, but came up empty. With only a MLE offer, he coudn't get Jarrett Jack. Couldn't get Steve Blake. Mo Willaims pimped him for more money elsewhere. Rafer Alston was too rich for the Heat payroll. Seems like every decent PG escaped Riley's clutches. Hard times ahead for the Heat. Wade better get healthy; Shaq better get in shape; and White Chocolate better be ready for long minutes. If White Chocolate gets hurt and Smush fails at PG, Dwade's life on the defensive end will be a living hell, trying to defend speedy littlre PGs like Nash, Barbosa, CP3, and Devin Harris. IMO, Riley and company screwed the pooch on this one. Gary Payton at 62 y/o is a better PG than Smush at 26 y/o.

The move will probably quiet some of the Smush temper tantrums we saw in LA, especially with Pat at the helm (Players love Pat). Shaq and Dwade will command his respect, but none of that will make up for the multitude of imminent turnovers; the constant snarling at coaches, fans, and teammates; and a complete disidain for team defense. Shaq, Wade, and Haslem will spend long hours and a ton of energy trying to cover up for Smush's defensive lapses. I see no way in hell this signing solves the Heat's depth problems at PG. I think Smush is a waste of money, but I love the Heat, so I hope I'm wrong.

The Celtics waived Allan Ray today. Funny how the C's sign Ray Allen and then waive Allen Ray. Even weirder that both are SGs. But only one is a bona fide NBA talent (Ray Allen), but the reversible name was fun while it lasted.

I think that's kind of funny -- after plaguing the Lakers for two years, Smush gets to go and plague Shaq. And Miami will be paying almost 3 times as much as the Lakers for the "pleasure." Talk about desperation.

The only possible positive for Miami is that when Parker flashes his (unearned) diva attitude, Shaq will Smush him into a pulp, so Parker will think twice the next time.

I knew the Ray Allen/Allen Ray tandem was too good to be true! Danny Ainge has no sense of humor (as if we didn't already know that...).

Around here, we have coined a word that is call STROTENTIAL. It is a word dedicated to Stromile Swift. It is defined as one who has a great deal of potential, but lacks the work ethic or motivation needed to excel. Hopefully, you are right and Stro will blossom in an offense similar to the Suns or Warriors. Remember Marc Iavaroni is our new coach, and he comes from Phoenix. Iavaroni, also, is known as a good "big" man's coach. I, for one, don't believe Swift is injury prone. Stro is not the brightest light in the house, and seems to have problems learning new play schemes. Instead of putting the time he needs into his game, Stro perfers to plays video games and rely on his athleticism. When athleticism only doesn't work and the coach is pissed, Stro fakes an injury. (And he's not too convincing at that!) People like me keep believing Stro, simply because he does have so much athleticism. We hope the right coach will help Swift build his self-confidence, and he will become worthy of his #2 pick. (We also hope that for another one of our young players- Darko.) I think we will see it with Darko, but I don't think we will with Stro. Because I know no coach can give Swift self-confidence, he has to give it to himself. If Iavaroni, however, can persuade Stro to dedicate himself to the game, Swift could have a breakout year. On a side note, don't play video games with Stro, you will lose!

Rudy Gay, on the other hand, is a young kid who's confidence is easily shaken, but he does have drive. Rudy remained in Memphis most of the summer working on his game. I think we will see a great improvement in Rudy this year. I think he's learned to deal better with the head games opposing players throw at him. Last year, I think he was in awe of certain players, and they could get in his head and break him down. Now, that's he has experienced the NBA and the awe-factor has worn off, look for great things from Rudy. Gary Payton, the greatest SMACK talker in the game, may get under your skin a time or two, but after that you say, "Oh, that's just Gary."

Hakim Warrick and Mike Miller may benefit most from Memphis' new run-and-gun offense. We have 2 PG that are fluid fast (Conley and Lowry). I look them for them to break-down defenses, kicking it out for Mike for 3, or dishing to a cutter. Mike will benefit, because he won't have to work as hard to get as shot. Hakim will benefit coming off the bench, giving the Grizzlies a spark. Hakim improved greatly from his first to second season. I think he will continue to show improvement this year. Ivy's offense is made for a slasher, and Warrick has worked hard on extending the range of his jumpshot, this summer.

Last, I want to mention my boys, Pau and Darko. Look for the Ivory Towers to give teams fits (Darko playing the high post, and Pau playing the low post.). Can you say High-Low Pick-&-Roll?

GO GRIZZLIES!!!!!

The Ray Allen/Allen Ray thing reminded me of a Raptors game I attended where Allen Ray was playing like Ray Allen that made me sit up and take notice. I looked through the Raptors last season schedule and think I found the game in question: Friday January 26, 96-90 Raptors victory, but in 24 minutes Allen Ray scores 17 points, including 3-4 from 3-point land and 6-12 overall from the field (his season average was 6.2ppg and 38.6% from the field, but 41.4% from 3).

Well, thanks Smokey, you completely validated my description of Stromile. I bet Houston fans could add a few paragraphs to what you wrote.

I agree with you that Darko is a better bet, if only because he's floundered around for just 3 years. Stro has already wasted more than half of his career.

Eddie Curry robbed at gunpoint.

Allen Ray will now be playing in Europe, for $1M/year. Not bad. Huh? Is Allen Ray a better player than Smush Parker. I say the answer is yes. But Smush will get paid $2.5M/year, with (get this!!) both years guaranteed. Xmas came real early for Smush this year.

As for the Heat. Smush and Shaq will get along fine. Shaq suffered through two years of Chris Jackson at PG (Chris later changed his name to Mahmoud Abdul Rauf when he played for the Nugetts in the NBA; you may remember Abdul's refusing to sing the national anthem?. With the exception of Pistol Pete and a few others, Chris was one of the most exciting players to wear an LSU uniform, but under Dale Bown's tutelage, became the biggest ball hog I've ever seen. Shaq had to literally beg for the ball. But Chris and Shaq managed to co-exist somehow. After college, Shaq played with Kobe. Another exciting player whose ability to ball hog is unmatched. But Shaq managed to co-exist with Kobe. They won NBA championships. If Shaq was able to get along with Chris Jackson and Kobe Bryant, he will certainly be able to get Smush Parker to tow the line.

Why didn't the Heat try to sign Brevin Knight? Wouldn't you agree that he's a better PG than Smush Parker?



Smokey, its great to have you on the board, but the best part of your experience is that you get objective opinions from outside the Memphis fanbase. So, here's several reasons why a run-and-gun offense won't work in Memphis, despite Ivaroni. 1. You need a quality/veteran PG to make it work. Grizzlies don't have one. I like Mike Conley Jr. but he's a rookie. 2. The run-and-guin works in Phoenix because they have a PF (Marion) and a center (Amare) who can sprint down court with Nash before opponents can set their defense. You mentioned an Ivory Tower offense, which I interpret to mean both Darko and Gasol will be on the floor at the same time; one at center, the other at PF. Darko and Gasol don't even come close to matching the speed, quickness, and athleticism of Shawn Marion and Amare Stoudemire. It would be very difficult to run-and-gun from a twin tower set. The twin tower set is utilized most frequently in the half court set. Can you imagine Parish and McHale in D'antoni's fast-paced offense? Those guys would be spent midway through the first quarter. 3. Grizzlies simpy don't have the personnel for it. You need a deep bench at full depth to run and gun. I know Phoenix does it with a short bench, but they are the exception. They get away with a short bench because they don't play defense (so they stay out of foul trouble), and, because Nash, Marion, and Stoudemire can run all day. Grizzlies don't have enough athletes of that caliber, so they would need a deep bench to allow the starters time to catch their breath.

If I haven't pissed you off yet, this should close the deal. Looking at the Western Conference, the locks for the 2007-2008 playoffs are: Phoenix, Lakers, Mavs, Spurs, Rockets, Nugetts, and Jazz. That leaves one spot for the rest. My pick for that eighth spot is either the Hornets or Blazers. If the Hornets get Peja back in the lineup, and Chandler has another year like last, they could make it in. The Blazers are simply over-loaded with gifted young talent, and, that team has a bench that is the envy of every coach in the NBA. I think the Grizzlies will be greatly improved next year, but there are too many question marks to even consider a break out season, let alone the playoffs. Darko is a question mark. Swift is a question mark. Conley Jr. is a rookie, so untested. Gasol will still need to carry the team on his back, and, as we saw last year when he tried to manuever his way out of Memphis, he doesn't like doing that. So, I'm not as enthuisiastic about the Grizzlies chances as you are, even though i wll try to watch them every chance I get. I'm fascinated with Darko's walkabouts on the court and Mike Conley Jr.'s ability to adapt to the NBA.

Don't get pissed. OK? Its just my opinion. I'll be happy if the Grizz prove me wrong.


Can someone please explain why anyone would need $10,000 in pocket change? And if there's a good reason, why they won't secure it in a tamper-proof vault? Don't care much for Curry's game, but he seems like a good guy. So I feel bad for him and his family.

You mean you don't keep $10,000 in pocket change? I thought everyone did!(lol)

No, I am not pissed off. Different opinions are what creates discussion. A group-think doesn't do anyone any good. I pretty much agree with your picks-except for the Lakers. After winning just 22 games last year, I see nothing but room for improvement. Rome was not build in a day. All I'm saying is the Grizzlies are on their way. I'm not worried about Mike Conley, Jr. being a rookie. I think he'll be all right. His family and my friends are from the same town in Arkansas, and believe me we raise them tough, rough, and ready. Chris Paul didn't do to bad as a rookie, as I recall.

We will play a modified Phoenix style. We will play some half- court and some uptempo sets. In the Half court, look for Pau and Darko to play together. When we play uptempo, look for Rudy Gay or Hakim Warrick to play the 4, while Pau or Darko plays for 5. Yes, that's right, Rudy Gay at the 4. Marc Iavaroni has been experimenting with this over the summer.
Don't forget we have another young fluid quick PG in Kyle Lowry. Kyle only played in 11 games last year because of a broken wrist. I sit behind the visitor's bench at most games, and I'll tell you what Gary Payton had to say about Lowry during a pre-season game last year, "He is as quick as a muthaf..., don't let him dish, I don't think he can finish." Finishing is what Kyle was been working on this summer. We have Damon Stoudamire as our 3rd pg, but look for him to be there just to teach the two youngsters. I think he will be involved in a mid-season trade, if the Conley and Lowry learn fast. Damon seems to be committed to this role, and wants to coach after his playing days.

The Hornets really don't think will be in the mix. Portland, however, I am looking forward to see. I am happy for Portland, perhaps their Jailblazers days are behind them. I think the Blazers have a hidden gem in Sergio Rodriguez, ala Spanish Chocolate!
Portland, Golden State, and Toronto are the three teams I look most forward in seeing in Memphis this year....so far.

Hey, check out the Spain's August copy of the Rolling Stone, my boy Pau is on the cover, not looking too bad either(I love the shades). If I could get that boy to keep his invisiliner in place, instead of twirling it around with his tongue, he wouldn't look too bad. But kids....what can you do with them?

Shaq got along with Kobe?? Thomas, you ought to call that in as a "breaking news" alert to all major media outlets.

Seriously, it's one thing to get along with difficult players who are extremely talented (Chris Jackson was at least damn promising when he came into the league -- WTF happened to him?) But Smush ain't that, not by a mile. And it's not just that he's a ball hog; it's more that he has a terrible attitude. And he doesn't even try to play defense.

I agree with you about Brevin Knight. I'm surprised he's in such little demand, given how many teams are desperate for PGs right now.

Smokey: I agree with you that the Lakers are no locks for the playoffs (as you can see, I'm no "homer"). But I think the Hornets are definitely in the mix. I think they would have made it last year if not for inordinate injuries. And right now they are way ahead of Portland. Portland may not even match its total of 32 wins from last year. Give 'em 3 or 4 years and they may be in contention for the title, but right now they are far too young, and they just got rid of their leading scorer and rebounder.

Also, Memphis with Rudy Gay at the 4 will be quite a shock. For a team that has always been defense first, that will be a 180...maybe a 540.

I see how you could be confused with Mike Miller's, Chucky Atkins', Pau Gasol's, Rudy Gay's, Hakim Warrick's, and Alexander Johnson's "D" last year. With defensive specialist like those, I'm surprised we won 22 games last year!

Larry, last I heard Chris Jackson was playing in Europe.

I know Shaq and Kobe didn't get along as "boys", but for the sake of championships, they tolerated each other for several years in LA. I know you don't like Shaq as much as I do, but believe me, Shaq is one of the most amiable and fun-loving guys you will ever meet. Kobe is the loner; the man who distances himself from his teammates. I agree with Smush, who said today that "DWade is more a people person than Kobe". Even though Smush's comment has nothing to do with Shaq, they do supoort what I've been saying about Kobe: he's hard to get along with. Everybody loves Dwade; probably the most likeable guy in the NBA, so I know DWade will get along with Smush. The irony is that the remarks about Kobe came from Smush Parker, a man renown for his inability to get along with anybody.

So many teams made so many interesting and meaningful deals this off-season, yet the Lakers' only significant move was to sign the Fish. Good man. Good PG. But not even a quarter of what they needed to contend for a championship. And today, I read they are trying to get Navaro, a Spanish League shooting guard. Why the Lakers need another shooting guard when they've got Kobe is a mystery to all.

Larry, please post your thoughts on the Kevin Garnett blockbuster deal. I know you hold Al Jefferson in high regard, but we're talking Kevin Garnett, one of the best players ever to set foot on the hardwood., so I'm guessing you would approve of the KG for Al Jefferson trade. Right?

KEVIN GARNETT TO THE CELTICS FOR AL JEFFERSON, RANJON RONDO, THEO RATLIFF, AND PICKS http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/7073708?MSNHPHMA

Holy Cow! I guess that "don't want to play for Boston" thing got turned around in a hurry once Ray Allen joined the team? Imagine Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett on the same team. Celtic fans must be ecstatic. Will Boston's big three (Ray Ray, KG, and PP) be enough to overcome the Pistons, Bulls, Cavs, Heat, Nets, and Raptors? Absolutely. None of those teams can boast a star-studded 2-3-4 lineup like Ray Ray, PP, and KG. But, with Rondo in Minny, who is the Celtics starting PG? Sebastian Telfair? Hope not. Will Ray Ray be forced to assume some PG responsibility in Boston? He can do that, but it would limit his effectiveness; it will tire him out and he won't be able to roam the floor for open looks. Kobe has the same problem when playing point; his offense suffers. More worrisome, who starts at center for the Celts? Perkins? I'm no Al Jefferson fan, becaus he doesn't rebound and doesn't defend, but I give props where they are due. Al's low post offense is light years better than Perkin's will ever be. If Perkins doesn't get the job done, KG might need to play center for this lineup to work.

The other problem is the Celtic bench. It's woefully thin. Finally, acording to the realgm,com news wires, other unnamed Celtics players will need to be included for this deal to work. Theo Ratliff ($11.7M), Ranjon Rondo ($1.4M/yr), and Al Jefferson ($2.5M/year) total $15.6M/year and doesn't even come close to satisfying the CBA trade guidelines because Kevin Garnett's earns $22M/year. If the Celtics throw in G-Money ($1.5M/year), the total salary leaving Boston would be $17M; however, when multiplying $17M by 1.25, the total ($21.2M) is still short of KG's $22M, so even G Money might not be enough to make it work and yet another Celtic player might need to be included. And I haven't even mentioned the problem with KG's trade kicker (how much is that anyway? $3M), or the fact that KG could opt out of Boston after next season unless he agrees to a contract extension as part of this deal. Even Danny Ainge wouldn't trade away half his team for a one year rental, especially after the way he got out-maneuvered in last year's draft.


Clearly, you have confused me with another poster. One with money?

Got to go with Larry on this one. Rudy Gay at 4 might work if the Grizzlies play run-and-gun, but that's the only way, because on the defensive end, guys like Duncan and Nowitzski (both play 4 frequently) would take his lunchbox and pee in it. Regarding your PG problem: Damon's been in the league for years. I love that guy; he's an honest and hard-nosed little baller, but you're not gonna get much from him next season.

You could be right about the Hornets but a man can dream. Did I just say that? Either Portland makes it in at #8 or they don't make it in at all. Smokey, any team with Kobe on it should make the playoffs. That's a fact. About your Gasol pic: Smokey, meet Larry. You guys have similar taste in men. Pau Gasol attractive? Larry thinks that about Steve Nash.

I can honestly say I find no Memphis Grizzlies players attractive.

Now this guy, I find very sexy in a dirty ole man kinda way!


Of course, in my fantasies, he's in a position more like this!