This might be the most highlight worthy series starting this weekend. Both of these teams have a lot of promise and we'll see who shows up.
Grizzlies: This was the darling team that made lots of noise last year plowing through the Western Conference playoffs. The beef up front in Gasol and Randolph cause enough problems of their own, but this team now has Rudy Gay back to go along with the rest of this solid team. They have a stopper in Tony Allen, a bench guy that can score when needed in OJ Mayo, and we're hoping that we get a chance to see the artist formerly known as Agent 0. This Grizzlies team is just starting to catch some momentum with the return of Randolph and will be a tough out for the Clippers.
Who has to step up:
Mike Conley. This is going to be a match up based on tempo. The Grizzlies can run, but they are best with their bigs dominating the Clippers bigs. Conley will have to control that tempo and keep the Clippers (Paul) from pushing for all of those highlight finishes by the Clippers.
Clippers:
The Clippers are in the playoffs!!!! Let's celebrate that for a moment. The early season trade that brought them Chris Paul is paying dividends and I even like the pick up of Nick Young who gives them some height and scoring in the backcourt. We all know about Griffin and Jordan and the dunks, but I think the Clippers are going to have to perform in the half court because this is the playoffs. This should be a very good series.
Who has to step up:
Caron Butler and Kenyon Martin. Butler has got to show up big time for this Clippers team. Foye, Paul, and Williams can shoot the 3 ball to provide some space, but I think Butler is going to have to put someone on the block and make them guard him from there. This is why the Clippers got Kenyon Martin for this playoff run. He's going to have to rebound and play the enforcer for this team if they hope to win this series. He can't let people just take Blake Griffin down like they have been doing. But Martin can't get thrown out either.
Outcome: This is a tough one, heart says Clippers, head says Grizzlies. I got the Clippers in 7.
Showing posts with label Memphis Grizzlies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Memphis Grizzlies. Show all posts
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Sunday, May 01, 2011
Western Conference Playoffs Round 2 - Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies
The Thunder come into this series having beat the Nuggets with a great closing game performance by Kevin Durant and the Grizzlies come in with an upset win over the #1 seeded San Antonio Spurs. The more and more I think of this, the got hosed in their playoff seeding. They are getting all of the good teams.
Oklahoma City Thunder:
Durant and Westbrook,...where's the help? I've been waiting on Harden. Ibaka showed his usefulness with his defensive performance against the Nuggets. He was swatting every shot that was thrown up. This team needs a third scorer so that Westbrook can cut back on some of his forced shots. It's going to be more important in this series that the Thunder play defense, because I'm sure that they have enough offense to matchup with the Grizzlies and their deep bench.
Memphis Grizzlies:
Well you upset the #1 seed and now you get, arguably, the second best team in the West (Lakers being the best team in the West). This Grizzlies team woke up and learned a lot in that series against the Spurs. They learned from their Game 5 that they really have to put their foot on their competitions necks to finish series. The Grizzlies bench played well, but this team was led by Randolph and Gasol. (Just as a note, this trip to the playoffs doesn't in anyway validate the trade that the Grizzlies participated in to get Gasol). Randolph was unstoppable and I guess that's what that $70M extension does for him. Gasol didn't have the numbers that Randolph had but he caused Tim Duncan problems in the paint and effectively took him out of the series. The bench was led by Darrell Arthur who seemed to hit every 17 foot jumper that he took. If he keeps this up with the play that they got from Vasquez and the rest of the bench, it's going to be tough sledding for the Thunder.
X-factors:
Thunder - Russell Westbrook and James Harden. Westbrook has got to run this team on a consistent basis and no do another Game #4 (30 shots, 30 points). He's gotta find the shooters on the team and hit those jumpers in the lane. Yes, He's Derrick Rose-light, so he's gotta play that way. James Harden HAS got to be that 3rd scorer for this team. Memphis is deep and they are going to need points off the bench.
Grizzlies - Greivas Vasquez and Sam Young/Tony Allen. Greivas is the man coming off the bench and backing up Conley. If you watched him play at Maryland, you know what he can do. The fact that he's doing it on a consistent basis, great! Sam Young/Tony Allen, these guys should draw the defensive assignment of stopping, well sowing down Kevin Durant. If they can do a decent job of this, the Grizzlies advance.
Prediction: I want to see a Lakers/Thunder Western Conference Final and the NBA has done all it can to put that in doubt. The Grizzlies are coming off a great series win and I'm still trying to figure out their weakness. They are long, athletic, and can control the paint. What else do you need? Hollins (coach) has been there as a player and won, but is he as a coach that missing piece? As much as I want the Thunder to win, I'm liking this Grizzlies team more and more. Grizzlies 4-3.
Oklahoma City Thunder:
Durant and Westbrook,...where's the help? I've been waiting on Harden. Ibaka showed his usefulness with his defensive performance against the Nuggets. He was swatting every shot that was thrown up. This team needs a third scorer so that Westbrook can cut back on some of his forced shots. It's going to be more important in this series that the Thunder play defense, because I'm sure that they have enough offense to matchup with the Grizzlies and their deep bench.
Memphis Grizzlies:
Well you upset the #1 seed and now you get, arguably, the second best team in the West (Lakers being the best team in the West). This Grizzlies team woke up and learned a lot in that series against the Spurs. They learned from their Game 5 that they really have to put their foot on their competitions necks to finish series. The Grizzlies bench played well, but this team was led by Randolph and Gasol. (Just as a note, this trip to the playoffs doesn't in anyway validate the trade that the Grizzlies participated in to get Gasol). Randolph was unstoppable and I guess that's what that $70M extension does for him. Gasol didn't have the numbers that Randolph had but he caused Tim Duncan problems in the paint and effectively took him out of the series. The bench was led by Darrell Arthur who seemed to hit every 17 foot jumper that he took. If he keeps this up with the play that they got from Vasquez and the rest of the bench, it's going to be tough sledding for the Thunder.
X-factors:
Thunder - Russell Westbrook and James Harden. Westbrook has got to run this team on a consistent basis and no do another Game #4 (30 shots, 30 points). He's gotta find the shooters on the team and hit those jumpers in the lane. Yes, He's Derrick Rose-light, so he's gotta play that way. James Harden HAS got to be that 3rd scorer for this team. Memphis is deep and they are going to need points off the bench.
Grizzlies - Greivas Vasquez and Sam Young/Tony Allen. Greivas is the man coming off the bench and backing up Conley. If you watched him play at Maryland, you know what he can do. The fact that he's doing it on a consistent basis, great! Sam Young/Tony Allen, these guys should draw the defensive assignment of stopping, well sowing down Kevin Durant. If they can do a decent job of this, the Grizzlies advance.
Prediction: I want to see a Lakers/Thunder Western Conference Final and the NBA has done all it can to put that in doubt. The Grizzlies are coming off a great series win and I'm still trying to figure out their weakness. They are long, athletic, and can control the paint. What else do you need? Hollins (coach) has been there as a player and won, but is he as a coach that missing piece? As much as I want the Thunder to win, I'm liking this Grizzlies team more and more. Grizzlies 4-3.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Western Conference Playoffs Round 1 - Wrap Up Game 1's
And now the West,......
Spurs vs. Grizzlies - Just for a second I thought that everyone, including Charles Barkley, was going to be wrong after Matt Bonner hit his second 3 late in this game, but the Grizzlies didn't fold. Tony Allen almost gave the game away with some missed free throws, but in the end it was the newly signed Zach Randolph (4 years, $71M) and Marc Gasol that proved to be the difference in this matchup. The Spurs really missed Ginobili with the game on the line and it showed. The Grizzlies stole one from the Spurs at home and now they have win Game 2 to keep it going. Great shot by Battier there at the end, nothing like a veteran presence. Duncan looked good, so maybe that rest all season really helped out.
Lakers vs. Hornets - Please go and look at what I wrote here, and then read the rest. Paul came out and got his 33 pts, 14 asts, 7 rebs (all defensive), and 4 stls. That's not quite what I said, but that's damn close. This is all fools gold anyway. The Hornets can't play this well for 4 games, so I imagine that they lose this series 4-1 now instead of the 4-0 prediction. The sad part is that Kobe had a chance, twice, late in the game to bring his team back and he couldn't. He missed two layups and didn't get any calls. Is this how it ends for him? Kobe actually looked human on Sunday. He can't do that again if Gasol plays as bad as he did, if the Lakers expect to win.
Thunder vs. Nuggets - The refs had better be in shape for this series because these two teams are going to run and put up numbers. Nene should be outlawed in about 25 states the way he is abusing the rims. I haven't seen any big man just dunk on people like he did in this Game 1 and the Thunder for the most part were watching the entire time. Give Westbrook his props (that's aimed at some of my co-workers) because he balled for this team. With Westbrook the Thunder can't put up enough points to win this series against this loaded (did you see the ease with which Gallinari was shooting the rock, Chandler played well, and both point guards for Denver pushed the rock) Nuggets team.
Mavs vs. Blazers - Ho hum,....another well intentioned badly reffed game that helped the Mavs win this down the stretch. Are the refs trying to make it up to Dirk from their calls when the Mavs played the Heat for the title a few years ago? Dirk had 13 free throw attempts in the 4th quarter. Stop, read it again, 13 free throw attempts. Not much else to say. The Blazers have got to win Game 2 or they may get bounced early.
What game did you enjoy the most? Who you got?
Spurs vs. Grizzlies - Just for a second I thought that everyone, including Charles Barkley, was going to be wrong after Matt Bonner hit his second 3 late in this game, but the Grizzlies didn't fold. Tony Allen almost gave the game away with some missed free throws, but in the end it was the newly signed Zach Randolph (4 years, $71M) and Marc Gasol that proved to be the difference in this matchup. The Spurs really missed Ginobili with the game on the line and it showed. The Grizzlies stole one from the Spurs at home and now they have win Game 2 to keep it going. Great shot by Battier there at the end, nothing like a veteran presence. Duncan looked good, so maybe that rest all season really helped out.
Lakers vs. Hornets - Please go and look at what I wrote here, and then read the rest. Paul came out and got his 33 pts, 14 asts, 7 rebs (all defensive), and 4 stls. That's not quite what I said, but that's damn close. This is all fools gold anyway. The Hornets can't play this well for 4 games, so I imagine that they lose this series 4-1 now instead of the 4-0 prediction. The sad part is that Kobe had a chance, twice, late in the game to bring his team back and he couldn't. He missed two layups and didn't get any calls. Is this how it ends for him? Kobe actually looked human on Sunday. He can't do that again if Gasol plays as bad as he did, if the Lakers expect to win.
Thunder vs. Nuggets - The refs had better be in shape for this series because these two teams are going to run and put up numbers. Nene should be outlawed in about 25 states the way he is abusing the rims. I haven't seen any big man just dunk on people like he did in this Game 1 and the Thunder for the most part were watching the entire time. Give Westbrook his props (that's aimed at some of my co-workers) because he balled for this team. With Westbrook the Thunder can't put up enough points to win this series against this loaded (did you see the ease with which Gallinari was shooting the rock, Chandler played well, and both point guards for Denver pushed the rock) Nuggets team.
Mavs vs. Blazers - Ho hum,....another well intentioned badly reffed game that helped the Mavs win this down the stretch. Are the refs trying to make it up to Dirk from their calls when the Mavs played the Heat for the title a few years ago? Dirk had 13 free throw attempts in the 4th quarter. Stop, read it again, 13 free throw attempts. Not much else to say. The Blazers have got to win Game 2 or they may get bounced early.
What game did you enjoy the most? Who you got?
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Western Conference Playoffs Round 1 - San Antonio vs. Memphis Grizzlies
I never thought the Spurs would have had the best record in the West, but they found a way to hold to their lead over the Lakers and be the #1 seed. The Grizzlies have been quiet all year but they toughed it out to make the playoffs this year and they are a little scary.
Spurs:
The old guard is back. The Spurs draft well and make good decisions and that's why they are always here. They still have Tim Duncan, although somewhat limited, they have Ginobili and Parker, that's the core. Add to that the way the bench has played, (Neal, Blair, Bonner, etc.) and this Spurs team looks like just about as good as any they've had going in to the playoffs. With Ginobili ailing from his elbow injury, this will give more time to the bench until he's ready to return. After Tiago splitter, the Spurs lack big men, so that can be an issue for them.
Grizzlies:
The young guns. Mike Conley is playing like he signed a big contract, Randolph and Gasol are big and talented enough to score in the post and command double teams. I like the guys that they can throw out there on defense to shut down an opposing teams' wings (Tony Allen and Shane Battier). If the Grizzlies are smart they will run on this Spurs team and try to make this a sprint. They have to impose their will and dominate the game in the post.
X-factors:
Spurs - Gary Neal and George Hill. Both of these guys are intricate members of the Spurs, but they are going to have to step up in this series because the Grizzlies are more athletic than the Spurs. Being the younger member of the Spurs, they are going to have to stay in fron of the Mike Conleys and OJ Mayos of the world. They will also have to pick up the slack in scoring for any games Ginobili misses.
Grizzlies - OJ Mayo and Sam Young. OJ Mayo has got to find a way to get the ball in the basket, but he can't be a volume shooter. He's going to have to play off of the Grizzlies big men to have a complete game. Sam Young has quietly had a decent game. He's going to have to good games against these smaller Spurs' guards. If they can get them into foul trouble along with the absence of Ginobili, this could get interesting quickly.
Prediction: The Grizzlies are a good enough matchup against the Spurs to cause them problems. If Randolph is able to play the best series of his life, they can upset this Spurs team. Will he and will the Grizzlies be ready to step up against the veteran squad? Spurs 4-3.
Spurs:
The old guard is back. The Spurs draft well and make good decisions and that's why they are always here. They still have Tim Duncan, although somewhat limited, they have Ginobili and Parker, that's the core. Add to that the way the bench has played, (Neal, Blair, Bonner, etc.) and this Spurs team looks like just about as good as any they've had going in to the playoffs. With Ginobili ailing from his elbow injury, this will give more time to the bench until he's ready to return. After Tiago splitter, the Spurs lack big men, so that can be an issue for them.
Grizzlies:
The young guns. Mike Conley is playing like he signed a big contract, Randolph and Gasol are big and talented enough to score in the post and command double teams. I like the guys that they can throw out there on defense to shut down an opposing teams' wings (Tony Allen and Shane Battier). If the Grizzlies are smart they will run on this Spurs team and try to make this a sprint. They have to impose their will and dominate the game in the post.
X-factors:
Spurs - Gary Neal and George Hill. Both of these guys are intricate members of the Spurs, but they are going to have to step up in this series because the Grizzlies are more athletic than the Spurs. Being the younger member of the Spurs, they are going to have to stay in fron of the Mike Conleys and OJ Mayos of the world. They will also have to pick up the slack in scoring for any games Ginobili misses.
Grizzlies - OJ Mayo and Sam Young. OJ Mayo has got to find a way to get the ball in the basket, but he can't be a volume shooter. He's going to have to play off of the Grizzlies big men to have a complete game. Sam Young has quietly had a decent game. He's going to have to good games against these smaller Spurs' guards. If they can get them into foul trouble along with the absence of Ginobili, this could get interesting quickly.
Prediction: The Grizzlies are a good enough matchup against the Spurs to cause them problems. If Randolph is able to play the best series of his life, they can upset this Spurs team. Will he and will the Grizzlies be ready to step up against the veteran squad? Spurs 4-3.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Mayo to Indy
UPDATE: This deal didn't get done by the 3pm deadline, but it's waiting for NBA approval.
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Indiana Pacers
Get: OJ Mayo
Memphis Grizzlies
Get: Josh McRoberts and a 1st round pick
My take on the Pacers: This is right up there with Jedi mind trick that the Lakers pulled in order to get Gasol a few years ago. You mean to tell me that the Pacers were able to get OJ Mayo for Josh McRoberts? Yes, he was a former Dukie but he couldn't put any good numbers at Duke.
My take on the Grizzlies: You're kidding me, right? I mean you are definitely kidding me. This is a misprint, gotta be. I bet you that McRoberts isn't even on their roster at the end of 2012.
What the halibut were the Bulls thinking?!?!? You mean you couldn't put together a better deal than this to get the SG that you need to win a title?!?!? I don't even know what to say about this one. I'm done.
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OJ Mayo has been sent to the Pacers for Josh McRoberts and a 1st round pick.
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Indiana Pacers
Get: OJ Mayo
Memphis Grizzlies
Get: Josh McRoberts and a 1st round pick
My take on the Pacers: This is right up there with Jedi mind trick that the Lakers pulled in order to get Gasol a few years ago. You mean to tell me that the Pacers were able to get OJ Mayo for Josh McRoberts? Yes, he was a former Dukie but he couldn't put any good numbers at Duke.
My take on the Grizzlies: You're kidding me, right? I mean you are definitely kidding me. This is a misprint, gotta be. I bet you that McRoberts isn't even on their roster at the end of 2012.
What the halibut were the Bulls thinking?!?!? You mean you couldn't put together a better deal than this to get the SG that you need to win a title?!?!? I don't even know what to say about this one. I'm done.
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OJ Mayo has been sent to the Pacers for Josh McRoberts and a 1st round pick.
You Can Always Go Home
UPDATE: This deal in fact did go down and there's more with the Rockets sending out Aaron Brooks to Phoenix for Goran Dragic and 1st round (protected) pick.
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Don't have this confirmed yet, but the Houston Rockets may have agreed to trade Shane Battier to the Memphis Grizzlies for Hasheem Thabeet and a 1st round pick. Battier returns to the team that he was drafted by and Thabeet has an opportunity to to turn his career around before he's out of the league.
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Don't have this confirmed yet, but the Houston Rockets may have agreed to trade Shane Battier to the Memphis Grizzlies for Hasheem Thabeet and a 1st round pick. Battier returns to the team that he was drafted by and Thabeet has an opportunity to to turn his career around before he's out of the league.
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
NBA Wrap 11-2-10
Jared Dudley – Agrees to an extension with the Phoenix Suns for 5 years at $22.5M. The deal will pay Dudley $4.25M a year with a chance for incentives (playoff money at $225K a year). This is an okay deal since Dudley is the first guy off the bench and can play some defense and hit a 3 ever now and then. The Suns didn’t over pay, but I guess in the end it was a fair deal.
Mike Conley – Agrees to an extension with the Memphis Grizzlies for, take a seat, 5 years at $40M, with an additional $5M in incentives. Conley hasn’t really played that well since he’s been in Memphis AND they gave him this deal based on what he did in the pre-season? And you wonder why owners are saying that they are broke. It’s because of deals like this!!! I’ll bet you that Conley hurried up and signed this deal. Quick fast in a hurry.
Josh Smith – Look for Smith to be on the trading block before the Trade deadline. The Hawks extension of Horford has them dangerously close to the luxury tax line in the 2011-2012 season. The Hawks are going to have to make a trade to lower their payroll and the only piece that anyone could possibly want would be Smith, even at his $11+M a year salary. There are a lot of teams that could use an athletic big who rebounds, blocks shots and runs the floor well, so we’ll see what happens from here.
Derrick Favors - Maybe this Melo deal is back on. It seems Favors has shown flashes as he has averaged 10 pts and 10 rebs so far this season (yes, a small sample of games), or at least enough that the Nuggets may be interested in getting something for Melo instead of getting nothing. We'll have to watch this one to see if this deal is put back on the table. Denver had been reluctant to part with Melo unless they got a talented big and Favors (so far) fits that mold.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Iverson Waived
The Allen Iverson saga in Memphis has finished. The Grizzlies and Iverson have mutually decided to put him on waivers. AI should clear waivers in the next few days and will probably become a free agent. I had hoped that this wouldn't be the end of AI, but based on the trade that went down today with the only possible team that would want AI, the Charlotte Bobcats, I don't see a team ready to sign him since he wants to be a starter. If there was ever a time for Doc Rivers to try and talk to AI, now is the time.
Is this the end for AI? We knew it wouldn't last long in Memphis.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
The Rhetorical Question
Is Allen Iverson a team player? Who would have thought that AI's 2000-2001 season would have been the pinnacle of his career? Yes, Iverson has to be one of the best under 6 foot players to ever play the game. He is pound for pound one of the toughest players to play the game, and he will go down in history as one of the best scorers in the game. The question becomes, is Iverson a team player?
Let's get this on the table quickly, I am an Iverson apologist. Loved him at Georgetown, loved him when he crossed up MJ (watch the video), loved him when he carried that Sixers team to the NBA Finals against Shaq and Kobe, but now that great career seems to be ending in Memphis of all places.
We all know that the epitome of a team was that Larry Brown coached Sixers team. That was the first time that a team had been built around Iverson that would highlight his abilities and provided that team with a chance to win every night. Think about it, who was on that team? Theo Ratliff until he got hurt and then the Sixers were able to get Dikembe Mutumbo. The rest of the team: George Lynch, Aaron McKie, Tyrone Hill, Eric Snow, Jumaine Jones, Kevin Ollie, and Todd MacCullough.
Since then, Iverson has been traded to Denver, Detroit, and finally signed by the Grizzlies (the only team to offer him a deal) this year. There have been knocks on AI about him holding the ball too much, gambling on defense, and just not willing to put in the time to practice.
Now we get to 2009 and we see Iverson not accepting a role coming off the bench. That 2000-2001 season is a distant memory and with the additional 8 years on AI's body, shouldn't he, for the team, come off the bench to help the team? Iverson has been quoted as saying he doesn't feel like he's a bench player, that he's a starter. At some point in our careers we have to know that we aren't the the player that we used to be, or the best player on the court, even MJ realized that.
Just a note to AI. We still love the AI from years ago, but you are in the waning years of your career. Come off the bench for the Grizzlies and you can get your 20+ points a night. But please don't be a distraction and cause yourself an early retirement. I think you still got game, you think you still got game. Prove it to us. Answer the question that many people already have of you, you know, the rhetorical one.
Can Iverson make it in Memphis? Have we seen the last of AI in the NBA? When do you know it's time to hang it all up? Can he be a team player?
Thursday, February 19, 2009
NBA Round Up 2-19-09
Lots to catch up on and with the NBA Trade deadline to expire at 3pm (EST) today, we've already seen a lot of movement. I expect to see some more.
Chicago Bulls - Sacramento Kings
The Bulls and the Kings have made a deal that will send Andres Nocioni, Drew Gooden, Michael Ruffin, and Cedric Simmons for Brad Miller and John Salmons. Is it me or did the Bulls have Miller years ago? Anyway, the Bulls gave up a lot to get Miller and Salmons. Miller will be able to provide a presence in the post for the Bulls (not sure how much he has left in the tank) and Salmons can replace Nocioni from a scoring standpoint. The Kings get a host of players to rent, I mean meld into their team. Nocioni provides some toughness and scoring that will be helpful and Gooden can rebound and shoot spot up jumpers. As I start to think about this, it's not as bad for either team as I originally thought. It's really a swap of personnel that play the same positions. Maybe Paxson will stay around for a while.
Los Angeles Lakers - Memphis Grizzlies
In a salary dump move, the Lakers move Chris Mihm to Memphis for a conditional second round pick in 2013. Nothing like planning ahead. Note to self: Size is something you can't teach.
Portland Trailblazers - Sacramento Kings
The Trailblazers in a salary cap move dump Ike Diogu for Michael Ruffin. (Why is Michael Ruffin still in the league?). Because Darius Miles' contract will hit the Blazers and put them in luxury tax hell, the Blazers are probably a team that will look for more ways to cut salary. They did create a $3M trade exemption that they have up to a year to use.
We'll keep you posted on what happens today prior to the deadline. Who else do you think will be moved? Vince Carter? Chris Bosh? Tyson Chandler again? Nate Robinson?
Chicago Bulls - Sacramento Kings
The Bulls and the Kings have made a deal that will send Andres Nocioni, Drew Gooden, Michael Ruffin, and Cedric Simmons for Brad Miller and John Salmons. Is it me or did the Bulls have Miller years ago? Anyway, the Bulls gave up a lot to get Miller and Salmons. Miller will be able to provide a presence in the post for the Bulls (not sure how much he has left in the tank) and Salmons can replace Nocioni from a scoring standpoint. The Kings get a host of players to rent, I mean meld into their team. Nocioni provides some toughness and scoring that will be helpful and Gooden can rebound and shoot spot up jumpers. As I start to think about this, it's not as bad for either team as I originally thought. It's really a swap of personnel that play the same positions. Maybe Paxson will stay around for a while.
Los Angeles Lakers - Memphis Grizzlies
In a salary dump move, the Lakers move Chris Mihm to Memphis for a conditional second round pick in 2013. Nothing like planning ahead. Note to self: Size is something you can't teach.
Portland Trailblazers - Sacramento Kings
The Trailblazers in a salary cap move dump Ike Diogu for Michael Ruffin. (Why is Michael Ruffin still in the league?). Because Darius Miles' contract will hit the Blazers and put them in luxury tax hell, the Blazers are probably a team that will look for more ways to cut salary. They did create a $3M trade exemption that they have up to a year to use.
We'll keep you posted on what happens today prior to the deadline. Who else do you think will be moved? Vince Carter? Chris Bosh? Tyson Chandler again? Nate Robinson?
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Pre Season NBA Results 10-22-08
It's still the pre-season, but it's getting close people. The NBA season will kick off on Tuesday (Oct. 28th), and I'm looking forward to that. I'll cover some of the pre-season games just to get a look at how this season should shape out. There were 9 games last night, let's take a look.
Cleveland @ Philadelphia - LeBron was very efficient as he led the Cavaliers to a win against the Sixers, 91-83. He only played 25 minutes but looked like King James. I am not sure that I like Mo Williams starting for this team. For continuity sake, I gotta give that job to Boobie Gibson. He played well off the bench with 17 points (6 of 9 from the floor and 3 of 5 from deep). I know the Sixers are working on chemistry, but it's not quite there yet. Those pre-season polls with them being 2 or 3 in the East may start looking like a bad guess.
Miami @ Memphis - I guess OJ Mayo hasn't met a shot that he doesn't like. All I can say is that any team that is starting Quinton Ross (only because Rudy Gay has staph) that doesn't have a Kobe or a LeBron starting alongside him is in for a long season. Miami looked good with balanced scoring from their starting five, but they are very limited when it comes to their bench, partly because of injuries, but also because of talent. Miami was able to outlast the Grizz for the win 102-85.
Boston @ New York Knicks - Mike D'Antoni went small ball with Marbury, Duhon, and Robinson starting, with David Lee at center. That doesn't even sound like a feasible lineup when the Knicks, as a team, shot 30% in the first half and trailed 34-58. Boston killed them on the boards, even with Paul Pierce going 0-7. Nate Robinson and Marbury led the Knicks with 25 and 14 points respectively. D'Antoni was sending a message to former Bull (and soon to be former Knick) Eddy Curry by giving him a DNP. Boston won 101-90, although the score was not indicative of the closeness of the game.
Indiana @ New Orleans - This game was close throughout, but it's hard to sit and watch Chris Paul play and wonder how good this guy will be. He's good now, but he can get better. I'm giving him an early vote for MVP this year with his 23pts, 15 ast, 5 rebs, and 3 stl performance. The Hornets bench is still short, but this guy is fun to watch. The Hornets edged out the Pacers 101-96.
Chicago @ Dallas - The Bulls had been languishing through the pre-season with injuries and bad play, mostly attributed to a new playbook and unfamiliarity. Last night was a coming out party. Derrick Rose (I hate all of the adjectives describing him because his last name is Rose, i.e. blossomed, bloomed, etc.) played like the player that the Bulls envisioned when they selected him #2 in the draft. Rose came off the bench for an ineffective Kirk Hinrich and gave the Mavericks' crowd a jaw dropping 30 points and 7 assists, while bringing the Bulls from behind to win the game. He did it all with short jumpers, floaters, and even a finish at the rim. If he can play within the system like this the entire year, this could help the Bulls push towards that 8th spot in the East. The other thing to be happy about was that Andres Nocioni actually played well. Bulls won 109-105.
Denver @ Toronto - J.R. Smith picked up where he left off late last season by getting hot and going for 22 points off the bench. The Raptors really treated this as a pre-season game as they kind of cruised throughout. A sign of life from Andrea Bargnani (19pts, 7 rebs, and 3 blks) probably made this loss somewhat appealing. Denver won 105-94.
Charlotte @ Los Angeles Lakers - The game was close, but probably more due to Kobe's injury than the play of either team. Kobe hyper extended his knee when coming down for a rebound and never returned to the game. The Lakers were led by Jordan Farmar (17 pts, 4 ast) and Andrew Bynum (16pts, 8 rebs, 5 asts, 2 stls, and 3 blks). Bynum looked especially active and we all know he's playing for a contract, so this will probably translate into the regular season. The starting frontcourt of the Bobcats (Okafor, May, and Dudley) got 9 pts and 10 rebs collectively. The Lakers won 102-98.
Lietuvos Rytas @ Golden State - This reminded most of the old ABA days (score), without the short shorts. DeMarcus Nelson got a start at PG and played 19 minutes, while getting 11 pts and 8 rebs. Not bad. The rest of the Warriors led a balanced attack against LR and the Warriors ended up winning 126-106. Chuck Eidson (LR) abused any and all comers with a game tying high of 28 points (Stephen Jackson had 28 also).
Phoenix @ Los Angeles Clippers - The Clippers looked horriawful. They actually only scored 25 points in the second half. Amare Stoudamire led the Suns with 21 points and 7 boards as the Suns coasted to victory 86-69.
Cleveland @ Philadelphia - LeBron was very efficient as he led the Cavaliers to a win against the Sixers, 91-83. He only played 25 minutes but looked like King James. I am not sure that I like Mo Williams starting for this team. For continuity sake, I gotta give that job to Boobie Gibson. He played well off the bench with 17 points (6 of 9 from the floor and 3 of 5 from deep). I know the Sixers are working on chemistry, but it's not quite there yet. Those pre-season polls with them being 2 or 3 in the East may start looking like a bad guess.
Miami @ Memphis - I guess OJ Mayo hasn't met a shot that he doesn't like. All I can say is that any team that is starting Quinton Ross (only because Rudy Gay has staph) that doesn't have a Kobe or a LeBron starting alongside him is in for a long season. Miami looked good with balanced scoring from their starting five, but they are very limited when it comes to their bench, partly because of injuries, but also because of talent. Miami was able to outlast the Grizz for the win 102-85.
Boston @ New York Knicks - Mike D'Antoni went small ball with Marbury, Duhon, and Robinson starting, with David Lee at center. That doesn't even sound like a feasible lineup when the Knicks, as a team, shot 30% in the first half and trailed 34-58. Boston killed them on the boards, even with Paul Pierce going 0-7. Nate Robinson and Marbury led the Knicks with 25 and 14 points respectively. D'Antoni was sending a message to former Bull (and soon to be former Knick) Eddy Curry by giving him a DNP. Boston won 101-90, although the score was not indicative of the closeness of the game.
Indiana @ New Orleans - This game was close throughout, but it's hard to sit and watch Chris Paul play and wonder how good this guy will be. He's good now, but he can get better. I'm giving him an early vote for MVP this year with his 23pts, 15 ast, 5 rebs, and 3 stl performance. The Hornets bench is still short, but this guy is fun to watch. The Hornets edged out the Pacers 101-96.
Chicago @ Dallas - The Bulls had been languishing through the pre-season with injuries and bad play, mostly attributed to a new playbook and unfamiliarity. Last night was a coming out party. Derrick Rose (I hate all of the adjectives describing him because his last name is Rose, i.e. blossomed, bloomed, etc.) played like the player that the Bulls envisioned when they selected him #2 in the draft. Rose came off the bench for an ineffective Kirk Hinrich and gave the Mavericks' crowd a jaw dropping 30 points and 7 assists, while bringing the Bulls from behind to win the game. He did it all with short jumpers, floaters, and even a finish at the rim. If he can play within the system like this the entire year, this could help the Bulls push towards that 8th spot in the East. The other thing to be happy about was that Andres Nocioni actually played well. Bulls won 109-105.
Denver @ Toronto - J.R. Smith picked up where he left off late last season by getting hot and going for 22 points off the bench. The Raptors really treated this as a pre-season game as they kind of cruised throughout. A sign of life from Andrea Bargnani (19pts, 7 rebs, and 3 blks) probably made this loss somewhat appealing. Denver won 105-94.
Charlotte @ Los Angeles Lakers - The game was close, but probably more due to Kobe's injury than the play of either team. Kobe hyper extended his knee when coming down for a rebound and never returned to the game. The Lakers were led by Jordan Farmar (17 pts, 4 ast) and Andrew Bynum (16pts, 8 rebs, 5 asts, 2 stls, and 3 blks). Bynum looked especially active and we all know he's playing for a contract, so this will probably translate into the regular season. The starting frontcourt of the Bobcats (Okafor, May, and Dudley) got 9 pts and 10 rebs collectively. The Lakers won 102-98.
Lietuvos Rytas @ Golden State - This reminded most of the old ABA days (score), without the short shorts. DeMarcus Nelson got a start at PG and played 19 minutes, while getting 11 pts and 8 rebs. Not bad. The rest of the Warriors led a balanced attack against LR and the Warriors ended up winning 126-106. Chuck Eidson (LR) abused any and all comers with a game tying high of 28 points (Stephen Jackson had 28 also).
Phoenix @ Los Angeles Clippers - The Clippers looked horriawful. They actually only scored 25 points in the second half. Amare Stoudamire led the Suns with 21 points and 7 boards as the Suns coasted to victory 86-69.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Stupid Athlete Tricks Part 3
Mario Chalmers (15) and Darrell Arthur (00)
Thanks to AverageBro for breaking the news.
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