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

[bigbangtheory 5,000+ posts]

On a run and gun team Marion did. Not exactly a great on the ball defender vs other big men. He would thrive on a team that spreads the ball around. He is an awesome baseline player he shoots from either side of the basket 8-15 ft on either baseline he is golden...how do I know? 2 open gyms at Vincennes Juco college. One of my best friends ran track there at the same time Marion played there. If he would have been a Piston over the last 6 years you would have seen this. Not many teams run any type of midrange game and that is actually his strong suit. Was in college as well.

He would still do fine in Clevelands game plan. He would still average 13-15 pts a game and 8 rebounds a couple assisits.... thing is he is all about the money and doubt he would take less than 6 million a year.

He actually is pretty good against other big men for his size, which is why they use him that way because he is quick, can jump and those long arms.

And what does him being a Piston have to do with anything?

If you remembered, one of the other teams I watched a lot of was the Suns. Always have been a fan of the Suns........minus the jew GM.

 

[audiolife 5,000+ posts]

You are saying those Suns teams had a good defense? Fan or not IF you think they played good defense you are nuts. Reason being I brought up the Pistons they are one of the few teams who actually tried to use the mid range game in their offense.

 

[Masta Ace 10+ year member]

I think it was a horrible deal for LA on the Ariza/artest thing.
Why fix what isn't broken? Artest and Kobe hate eachother and Artest is cancer in most club houses. I think the Rockets made out big time in this though. Ariza will be a starter and show he is worth his value. He will put up similar if not better numbers than Artest and Arizas defense is good, so good deal for the Rockets, shitty deal for the Lakers.

LOL at everything you just said. Lakers will be a much better team, Kobe and Artest have so much respect for each other and loves how both work so hard. Phil Jackson will be able to keep Artest under control. All Artest is eyeing for is that ring and nothing is going to stop him from getting it.

Rockets making it big?? They got Yao with an injury that might keep him out a season, they got Tmac who supposedly out until February. The Rockets are another lottery team on ground zero. Ariza did not want to go to Houston, but his agent got too greedy for a deal and it backfired.

Great pickup by the Lakers.

And Ariza puttimg up better number than Artest next year?? He was a 9 pt 4 rb guy while Artest at 17 and 6.

 

[audiolife 5,000+ posts]

LOL at everything you just said. Lakers will be a much better team, Kobe and Artest have so much respect for each other and loves how both work so hard. Phil Jackson will be able to keep Artest under control. All Artest is eyeing for is that ring and nothing is going to stop him from getting it.
Rockets making it big?? They got Yao with an injury that might keep him out a season, they got Tmac who supposedly out until February. The Rockets are another lottery team on ground zero. Ariza did not want to go to Houston, but his agent got too greedy for a deal and it backfired.

Great pickup by the Lakers.

I agree not only that Artest is a far greater offensive threat than Ariza. Only negitive would be is if he starts going off the deep end starting crap with the other team. He will more than likely lead the second unit when Kobe is out. Something Ariza couldn't do.

 

[swangin68 10+ year member]

and remember artest gave kobe fits on defense, enough to aggrivate him or atleast bother him a lil,, but kobe is so good even that dont phase him,,so if u were the lakers wouldnt u want that guy on ur team instead of matching up with him, now he can give pierce, lebron, rashard lewis, guys like that some trouble.. with an already solid defense.. and a legit threat on offense that can light it up,, he plays with alot of heart just like kobe,, since they were so much alike in that area, they seemed they didnt like eachother, but truly they do and got much respect.. now there on the same side,, it will be all respect and all to shut down there opponent which kobe is not anymore,,,//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

 

[Masta Ace 10+ year member]

and remember artest gave kobe fits on defense, enough to aggrivate him or atleast bother him a lil,, but kobe is so good even that dont phase him,,so if u were the lakers wouldnt u want that guy on ur team instead of matching up with him, now he can give pierce, lebron, rashard lewis, guys like that some trouble.. with an already solid defense.. and a legit threat on offense that can light it up,, he plays with alot of heart just like kobe,, since they were so much alike in that area, they seemed they didnt like eachother, but truly they do and got much respect.. now there on the same side,, it will be all respect and all to shut down there opponent which kobe is not anymore,,,//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

Perfectly said. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[bigbangtheory 5,000+ posts]

LOL at everything you just said. Lakers will be a much better team, Kobe and Artest have so much respect for each other and loves how both work so hard. Phil Jackson will be able to keep Artest under control. All Artest is eyeing for is that ring and nothing is going to stop him from getting it.
Rockets making it big?? They got Yao with an injury that might keep him out a season, they got Tmac who supposedly out until February. The Rockets are another lottery team on ground zero. Ariza did not want to go to Houston, but his agent got too greedy for a deal and it backfired.

Great pickup by the Lakers.

And Ariza puttimg up better number than Artest next year?? He was a 9 pt 4 rb guy while Artest at 17 and 6.

Are you partial slow or something?

It has been years that Artest and Kobe don't like eachother. Did you not watch the playoffs this past year when they were jawing the whole time, more so Kobe actually.......and him giving Artest the evil eye.

Artest has been eyeing a ring for sometime.......thought he could do it in Indiana, then Houston and now LA..........yeah, he is on a great team that many think just got worse.......so I am not the only one. And it isn't because I think Ariza is better, he was just a better fit for LA.

He will do good in Houston as he will start and not be a role player there, hence the as good of numbers compared to Artest and is a better clubhouse teammate. Artest could be cancer, unless he finally has his tude in check........which the flame is still there, just someone needs to add more fuel and is only a matter of time.

And no where did I state the Rockets making it big........saying Ariza would do well there, try again. I know Yao is out and probably career in jeopardy and they really are not that good.......even with Ariza, but getting rid of Artest isn't going to kill them. I think they are better with Ariza.

Artest is overhyped beyond hell because of his persona......

 

[bigbangtheory 5,000+ posts]

I agree not only that Artest is a far greater offensive threat than Ariza. Only negitive would be is if he starts going off the deep end starting crap with the other team. He will more than likely lead the second unit when Kobe is out. Something Ariza couldn't do.

Must have missed all those steals Ariza had.....or the big shots he was making....off the bench. He did not start in LA, he was a role player....something Artest hasn't done in many years if ever.

How can you say he is this or that, when you are comparing a starter to a role player off the bench?

Ariza can be a hell of a player if given the minutes and what not. I too was skeptical on his play over Odom from time to time as he was getting more minutes at some points in the season, but he proved to be a big assest for that team.

A lot of experts feel the same way......

 

[Masta Ace 10+ year member]

Must have missed all those steals Ariza had.....or the big shots he was making....off the bench. He did not start in LA, he was a role player....something Artest hasn't done in many years if ever.
How can you say he is this or that, when you are comparing a starter to a role player off the bench?

Ariza can be a hell of a player if given the minutes and what not. I too was skeptical on his play over Odom from time to time as he was getting more minutes at some points in the season, but he proved to be a big assest for that team.

A lot of experts feel the same way......

Ariza started the majority of the Lakers games and played more minutes than Odom during the 2nd half of the season, just FYI. Don't get me wrong, I love Ariza and I'm disappointed he left LA, but It was a great pick up by LA either way because they paid less for Artest at only $5.33 million a year. The Rockets are paying up to $6 million for Ariza and $33m for a 5 year contract. Phil, Kobe, the Buss will be able to handle Artest, I am not worried about that at all. You need to start worrying about your team who has a 38 year all giant clogging up the paint not letting Lebron drive like he used to do, go find a PF too because Wallace will never come to your town.

 

[Masta Ace 10+ year member]

Are you partial slow or something?
It has been years that Artest and Kobe don't like eachother. Did you not watch the playoffs this past year when they were jawing the whole time, more so Kobe actually.......and him giving Artest the evil eye.

Artest has been eyeing a ring for sometime.......thought he could do it in Indiana, then Houston and now LA..........yeah, he is on a great team that many think just got worse.......so I am not the only one. And it isn't because I think Ariza is better, he was just a better fit for LA.

He will do good in Houston as he will start and not be a role player there, hence the as good of numbers compared to Artest and is a better clubhouse teammate. Artest could be cancer, unless he finally has his tude in check........which the flame is still there, just someone needs to add more fuel and is only a matter of time.

And no where did I state the Rockets making it big........saying Ariza would do well there, try again. I know Yao is out and probably career in jeopardy and they really are not that good.......even with Ariza, but getting rid of Artest isn't going to kill them. I think they are better with Ariza.

Artest is overhyped beyond hell because of his persona......

Shaq and Kobe hated each other but still ended up winning 3 rings and had 4 tries. But to be honest, Artest and Kobe are very excited to play with each other. They have a mutual respect for each other and are both only eyeing for that championship. The Lakers would not have picked up Artest if Kobe really hated him. If you were REALLY watching the Rockets/Lakers series, you would have seen Artest and Kobe hugging each other and having a talk after LA took the series. Plus, this wasn't the first time Artest has been trying to go to LA, when he was a free agent in Sacramento, LA was his first choice.

 

[JAZN 5,000+ posts]

Are you partial slow or something?
It has been years that Artest and Kobe don't like eachother. Did you not watch the playoffs this past year when they were jawing the whole time, more so Kobe actually.......and him giving Artest the evil eye.

I personally don't think they hate each other. It's when you start dangling the trophy in front of them that it brings out their competitiveness. Hell, they had Ron interviewing Kobe last year

 

[bigbangtheory 5,000+ posts]

Ariza started the majority of the Lakers games and played more minutes than Odom during the 2nd half of the season, just FYI. Don't get me wrong, I love Ariza and I'm disappointed he left LA, but It was a great pick up by LA either way because they paid less for Artest at only $5.33 million a year. The Rockets are paying up to $6 million for Ariza and $33m for a 5 year contract. Phil, Kobe, the Buss will be able to handle Artest, I am not worried about that at all. You need to start worrying about your team who has a 38 year all giant clogging up the paint not letting Lebron drive like he used to do, go find a PF too because Wallace will never come to your town.

You are a clueless drone aren't ya?

Ariza started then came off the bench when Odom started........then Odom got hurt and Ariza was back, majority of the time he was a bench role player..........not to mention when anyone starts next to Kobe they are not going to put up numbers like they would on other teams with a go to go already, Bryant as much as I hate him is in a league of his own. So for him to come off and start here and there and only get 24 minutes a game, he was more than just good......he will be a star in Hoston......epspecially with Yao out, hence the reason for the big contract to him. Mark my words he will put up as good as Ron Artest numbers if not better.......probably better.

And it isn't about the team checking Artest, it is Artest checking himself, period! Guy is a different breed.......even worse than Kobe when it comes to what he thinks is right or wrong.

As far as Shaq goes who knows. I wasn't big on that trade anyway. It could either be the trade of the decade or the biggest bust in a long time. Time will tell, but we basically got him for nothing when you really think about who it is.

I even mentioned about us getting other people if you read any of my posts, which is apparent you don't, unless I am directing something towards you.....not to mention I mentioned that Cleveland is thinking of moving Bron to PF and bringing in a SF if they can't find another big man, so..........

With that said, Cleveland will still be doing their thing. Shaq had an amazing year last year with a shit *** team, due to trades and injuries.

 

[bigbangtheory 5,000+ posts]

Shaq and Kobe hated each other but still ended up winning 3 rings and had 4 tries. But to be honest, Artest and Kobe are very excited to play with each other. They have a mutual respect for each other and are both only eyeing for that championship. The Lakers would not have picked up Artest if Kobe really hated him. If you were REALLY watching the Rockets/Lakers series, you would have seen Artest and Kobe hugging each other and having a talk after LA took the series. Plus, this wasn't the first time Artest has been trying to go to LA, when he was a free agent in Sacramento, LA was his first choice.

True about Shaq and Kobe, but that was later on as team mates I thought, not at first. I thought they got along quite well in the begining.

Sorry, I don't remember them hugging, maybe because I was changing the channel or whatever, but don't remember that. Maybe they did and it is just a love hate thing on the floor and off the floor they are fine.

 

[Masta Ace 10+ year member]

You are a clueless drone aren't ya?
Ariza started then came off the bench when Odom started........then Odom got hurt and Ariza was back, majority of the time he was a bench role player..........not to mention when anyone starts next to Kobe they are not going to put up numbers like they would on other teams with a go to go already, Bryant as much as I hate him is in a league of his own. So for him to come off and start here and there and only get 24 minutes a game, he was more than just good......he will be a star in Hoston......epspecially with Yao out, hence the reason for the big contract to him. Mark my words he will put up as good as Ron Artest numbers if not better.......probably better.

And it isn't about the team checking Artest, it is Artest checking himself, period! Guy is a different breed.......even worse than Kobe when it comes to what he thinks is right or wrong.

As far as Shaq goes who knows. I wasn't big on that trade anyway. It could either be the trade of the decade or the biggest bust in a long time. Time will tell, but we basically got him for nothing when you really think about who it is.

I even mentioned about us getting other people if you read any of my posts, which is apparent you don't, unless I am directing something towards you.....not to mention I mentioned that Cleveland is thinking of moving Bron to PF and bringing in a SF if they can't find another big man, so..........

With that said, Cleveland will still be doing their thing. Shaq had an amazing year last year with a shit *** team, due to trades and injuries.

So your telling me a bench role player will be a star putting up better numbers than Artest did once he goes to a different team? LOL

 

[audiolife 5,000+ posts]

Artest averaged 17 points a game a 1.5 steals and 5 rebounds last year. Ariza averaged 9 points 1.7 steals and 4 rebounds last year. Artest can make his own offense as well as play garbage man. Ariza has always played the garbage man role. On first team or secod team the Lakers can and will run offense for and through Artest which is a plus. Ariza's age is a plus but it doesn't mean he will automatically be a 20+ point a game scorer like Artest. Artest is also a very good defender in MANY ways that does not show up on a stat sheet.