***Offical 08/09 NBA thread!***

[mokedaddy 5,000+ posts]

I thought Dirk was the leader on the team? And with Kidd's lack of offense, he's not really a threat to nail down a 3 or take it to the hole, so people are able to sag off of him and help on _____(insert scorer here). Harris knew he could drive on pretty much anyone, so he had that kind of respect from defenders. I don't think anyone is afraid of Kidd taking them to the hole on a nightly basis...
Kidd's defense is pretty pathetic as well...can't be a team leader if you don't play any D. It's actually sad to see how easy it is for other PG's to just have their way with him and get to the basket with ease. I remember watching a Mavs/Spurs game and seeing Harris just absolutely shut down Tony Parker...it was great.

Look at me getting all worked up...this always happens when I start talking about Kidd.

Dirk is soft, thats why hes not the leader. Kidd plays pretty good d for how slow he is, he cuts off passing lanes and tips a lot of balls. Same with his offense. They are different kinds of players and its nothing really to get worked up about but Kidd was the best 3 pt shooter on the team last year. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/fyi.gif.9f1f679348da7204ce960cfc74bca8e0.gif

 

[RAM_Designs 5,000+ posts]

Dirk is soft, thats why hes not the leader. He plays pretty good d for how slow he is, he cuts off passing lanes and tips a lot of balls. Same with his offense. They are different kinds of players and its nothing really to get worked up about but Kidd was the best 3 pt shooter on the team last year. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/fyi.gif.9f1f679348da7204ce960cfc74bca8e0.gif

I still think Dirk commands more respect from the team than Kidd does, maybe that's just me. And Kidd hardly ever shot. The only time he'll even think about shooting is when there's absolutely no one around him...even then he might drive and pass out. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif But seriously, when he's wide open from 3, like he is a lot, I expect him to hit the shot...he just doesn't take that shot enough IMO.

 

[mokedaddy 5,000+ posts]

Nobody is perfect. And I am definitely not a Kidd nuthugger, but I do think it is good for them that he is staying this year since he is already here. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[quest51210 10+ year member]

lol

 

[mokedaddy 5,000+ posts]

//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/laugh.gif.48439b2acf2cfca21620f01e7f77d1e4.gif

Thats classic.

 

[rtillaree 10+ year member]

Gortat more athletic than Bass? Really? At least Bass has a very solid midrange jumper...and I hate Kidd with a fiery passion. What a freaking joke the Mavs are for keeping him and shelling out 20+mil for a 35 year old has-been. Getting rid of Devin Harris was a huge mistake and it shows with how the team has done these past 1.5 years. I can't even stand to watch the games anymore, and I used to watch EVERY game.

Gortat is definitely more athletic than Bass...I love Bass, not a knock, but it's just the truth here...

Gortat can dunk from the FT line, like for real, at a legit 7 foot, he has a 36" vertical his lane agility ranks up with the SF's in the league and he runs like a gazelle up and down the court, insanity for his size. Gortat has so many qualities, I really want the Magic to re-sign him, but for the money, he's not worth it as a backup to the best center in the league, it doesnt make sense....Gorat takes up a lot of space on the interior, plays great man defense, pretty solid help defense, great hands, excellent foot work, excellent pick and roll guy, can also shoot the ball well (just hasn't done a lot of it because it has not been asked of him), he can block shots (highest per 36 block rate in the league last season), extremely long reach, one of the highest rebound rates in the league last year per 36 and per 48. Guy will not back down from anyone either.

while he has some nice moves around the basket, he can stand to work a bit more on his finishing, he can dunk super easy, but sometimes he tries to do some fancy stuff showing his touch and he botches the easy stuff...probably simple to fix there...his fouls are probably his biggest issue, he fouls a lot, like 7.4 fouls per 48...

he will make a great addition to the Mavs, give him 35+ mpg, he's going to be a 15/10 guy easy, will fit much better than Erica Dampier...

the polish hammer is a great up and coming player, instant fan favorite too...On top of basketball, he's a boxer as well as a high end auto mechanic (BMW's), he has the fastest car in the NBA, an M5 with over 800hp and it sounds like puttin your head next to a Harley's pipes when he rides by you, he's just a real interesting guy...

but yea, YouTube his dunk competitions, he won a few of them overseas...one of them he busts his face pretty bad attempting the FT dunk, but he can finish it for sure, I've seen it...it's amazing...

 

[quest51210 10+ year member]

McDyess...we go young and add a vet. not a bad deal considering him almost averaging a double double and his stats were better than wallace in most cases last year. wallace just gave up and mcdyess kept his professionalism this past year in detroit. Dice is a classy dude and I think he will be a great acquisition. Blair and Ian will do great under such vets and McClinton and Hill will do great as well. overall, I am pretty positive for the upcoming season.

 

[rtillaree 10+ year member]

McDyess...we go young and add a vet. not a bad deal considering him almost averaging a double double and his stats were better than wallace in most cases last year. wallace just gave up and mcdyess kept his professionalism this past year in detroit. Dice is a classy dude and I think he will be a great acquisition. Blair and Ian will do great under such vets and McClinton and Hill will do great as well. overall, I am pretty positive for the upcoming season.

I would be too...

McDyess is a monster, super competitor...VERY savvy veteran...can get injured, but gives it his all, he will do much better than Kurt Thomas did...Blair is a monster, he will learn a lot from Duncan...McLinton I also like, plus Jefferson coming in to take some of the scoring load, Hill getting more burn and Mason Jr out there, there are a lot of bright spots...the team on paper at least might have lost a little defense in the back court...but, I like it...we'll see...

I was bummed about losing out on McDyess, the Magic wanted both he and Brandon Bass...We signed Brandon Bass today, and we're trying to pickup a few other nice role players to add around the wings...can't wait to see VC/Dwight/Lewis/Nelson next season...

hate losing Lee/Turk/Gortat (possibly) though...

 

[bigbangtheory 5,000+ posts]

Considering Ariza has shown nothing in his career to indicate he would be more than a role player, I don't see how he can be a "star" How about you provide a well thought out logical explanation for why Ariza will have any siccess.

He will be the star of the team granted what they do with McGrady and if he isn't healthy, who else will be? I don't see Aaron Brooks being the next big point guard and he will do okay, but I feel Ariza will shine in Houston, especially with all their inujries and what not. And what the hell is siccess? //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/laugh.gif.48439b2acf2cfca21620f01e7f77d1e4.gif

Are you saying you dont think they are still contenders?

Not at all, I believe they will be right back in the thick of things next year.

I like Bass too, but if we can secure Gortat I think he is a better player.

Both are fantastic players, but I believe Bass can put up better numbers. He is very good at the low post and has a nice smooth shot. So does Gortat, but Gortat unless something happens to Dampier wont get the same type of minutes....granted he will get more than he did in Orlando....or should. Bass can play many postions, PF/C/SF and can create more matchup problems.

I honestly think it will work out for both teams. Wish Cleveland would have gotten Bass..........would have been a good fit, or Milsapp! //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/frown.gif.a3531fa0534503350665a1e957861287.gif

I think Gortat is more athletic than Bass nad has good inside defense. He isnt a star to build your team around but has a descent all around game to go with Nowitski and Marion as primary scorers. I like the fact that Kidd is staying and Terry coming off the bench is where he is best. Should continue to be an interesting off season.

Looking at Dallas's roster, they actually look scary good on paper. I didn't realize they were that stacked. They made some nice pickups, even as bad as signing a 35 year old who has said he would like to play less.......

Gortat more athletic than Bass? Really? At least Bass has a very solid midrange jumper...and I hate Kidd with a fiery passion. What a freaking joke the Mavs are for keeping him and shelling out 20+mil for a 35 year old has-been. Getting rid of Devin Harris was a huge mistake and it shows with how the team has done these past 1.5 years. I can't even stand to watch the games anymore, and I used to watch EVERY game.

I agree to a point, Harris is a lot younger, but Kidd is still a baller! He just isn't a scorer, really never has been.....he is a true PG. I think the deal NJ won on because of the money they saved, but Kidd still has plenty of life in him, granted I think he was asking for too much, but who doesnt?

Marion has a much better jumper then Bass, and someone has to play inside.
As far as Kidd, Harris isnt doing any better so thats pretty much a toss-up. It was a gamble and it hasnt paid off but that happens in sports. As far as this season he is the best they had an option of so its a good move to keep him.

Harris is the only player on a shitty team. Of course he is going to have good numbers. Dallas doesnt need a scoring point, they need a tough minded leader which they got in Kidd. We can debate this all night but it is what it is so who really gives a shit.

Did you not see Harris's #'s last year? Guy is young and putting up good numbers and he did have Vince Carter who IIRC put up over 20 last year or close to it. Harris also made the all-star team and did well.

Gortat is definitely more athletic than Bass...I love Bass, not a knock, but it's just the truth here...
Gortat can dunk from the FT line, like for real, at a legit 7 foot, he has a 36" vertical his lane agility ranks up with the SF's in the league and he runs like a gazelle up and down the court, insanity for his size. Gortat has so many qualities, I really want the Magic to re-sign him, but for the money, he's not worth it as a backup to the best center in the league, it doesnt make sense....Gorat takes up a lot of space on the interior, plays great man defense, pretty solid help defense, great hands, excellent foot work, excellent pick and roll guy, can also shoot the ball well (just hasn't done a lot of it because it has not been asked of him), he can block shots (highest per 36 block rate in the league last season), extremely long reach, one of the highest rebound rates in the league last year per 36 and per 48. Guy will not back down from anyone either.

while he has some nice moves around the basket, he can stand to work a bit more on his finishing, he can dunk super easy, but sometimes he tries to do some fancy stuff showing his touch and he botches the easy stuff...probably simple to fix there...his fouls are probably his biggest issue, he fouls a lot, like 7.4 fouls per 48...

he will make a great addition to the Mavs, give him 35+ mpg, he's going to be a 15/10 guy easy, will fit much better than Erica Dampier...

the polish hammer is a great up and coming player, instant fan favorite too...On top of basketball, he's a boxer as well as a high end auto mechanic (BMW's), he has the fastest car in the NBA, an M5 with over 800hp and it sounds like puttin your head next to a Harley's pipes when he rides by you, he's just a real interesting guy...

but yea, YouTube his dunk competitions, he won a few of them overseas...one of them he busts his face pretty bad attempting the FT dunk, but he can finish it for sure, I've seen it...it's amazing...

And I get shit for Ariza, lol !

 

[rtillaree 10+ year member]

Magic re-sign Marcin Gortat and add Brandon Bass...totally worked over the Mavs...

 

[mokedaddy 5,000+ posts]

Bastards //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/frown.gif.a3531fa0534503350665a1e957861287.gif

Maybe its me but I dont think that makes much sense....

 

[rtillaree 10+ year member]

Orlando wants to win, they are showing so by being committed to $78m right now with 3 players still needing to be signed...keeping up with the Jones'

Dwight/Gortat were the most effective Center duo in the league last season (95% Dwight, 5% Gortat obviously)...Gortat, by the stats and numbers was the 2nd best (overall) backup center in the league behind Joel Przybilla...they had Bass to toughen up their front court, they retain Gortat, no they have a front court rotation of

Dwight/Gortat

Lewis/Bass/Anderson

much more versatile than last season...

sure, Gortat isn't worth that money as a backup, he probably wouldn't even be worth that as a full starter until he was able to have a year of starting under his belt. But nothing Otis can do about it, that's what Cuban offered him, and that's what Otis had to match...

as a Magic fan, I'm definitely excited that we're opening the purse strings here...

not to mention that retaining Gortat plus the HUGE trade exception the Magic got from trading Hedo gives Orlando quite a few trade assets come the deadline...

 

[bigbangtheory 5,000+ posts]

A win for the Magic for sure.

Dallas indeed did get worked, but both teams are solid.

Parker signed today with the Cavs for 3 years and we are tyring to resign Wally world, so we are doing good too. Wish it was another big man, but this will do.

They did say they are working on something else, but who knows.

 

[RAM_Designs 5,000+ posts]

You guys need to dump Wally and Z...worthless now IMO.

Wish we got Gortat...good energy player.

 

[bigbangtheory 5,000+ posts]

Wally is still good for 5-6 pts off the bench and his D is getting better and can still shoot the 3 well.

Z is old, slow and beat, but still has one of the smoothest shots from the sides. He will come of the bench and he knows his role will be reduced. I think it will work out quite well with him off the bench actually. We have a lot of options to throw out there now when the 2nd team comes in.

I beleive Parker might fight West for the starting job to be honest.