LeTravel and the Crab dribble Thread - Wadette Girliman

[Benjammin]

Obviously, it's hard to argue against the likely dominance of the Heat over the next several years. However, I know in my own life and in the world of sports, we cannot predict the unexpected or account for all possibilities. Right now the Wizards have to worry about the Wizards, becoming the best team they can be and not worry about the Heat. With some real luck, the Heat will eventually take care of themselves.

[Hoopalotta]

I hate looking at these guys smiling on the front page of ESPN



Heat is On

Blech.

[willbcocks]

From here, I would just back off any sort of moves that would peak in the next few years and go all in on a tank job that has us poking our honker out of the gopher hole after the brunt of the blitzkrieg has reaped the worst of it's sour carnage. Give me cap space and lottery picks for the next two years and we'll see if Dwight wants to jump ship. I can back the idea that we could test out mettle against those top teams, but it would seem to be prudent to have that take place closer to the point when the Zardians are in position to make a legitimate run (ie. When Wade is 32).

All along, I've argued that this is presicely the gopher we must become, so this doesn't phase me much. LeBron's other option, Chicago, would have required us to create some kind of underground tunnel community, waiting for our children gophers to poke their heads out. But this is ok--it'll pass.

Possible chinks in the armor:
1) new CBA sets a hard salary cap
2) injuries
3) wade already old and dying
4) chemistry (the least likely)

[sfam]

From here, I would just back off any sort of moves that would peak in the next few years and go all in on a tank job that has us poking our honker out of the gopher hole after the brunt of the blitzkrieg has reaped the worst of it's sour carnage. Give me cap space and lottery picks for the next two years and we'll see if Dwight wants to jump ship. I can back the idea that we could test out mettle against those top teams, but it would seem to be prudent to have that take place closer to the point when the Zardians are in position to make a legitimate run (ie. When Wade is 32).

All along, I've argued that this is presicely the gopher we must become, so this doesn't phase me much. LeBron's other option, Chicago, would have required us to create some kind of underground tunnel community, waiting for our children gophers to poke their heads out. But this is ok--it'll pass.

Possible chinks in the armor:
1) new CBA sets a hard salary cap
2) injuries
3) wade already old and dying
4) chemistry (the least likely)

I am so not interested in playing to be an "also-ran" in the hopes that Dwight might take pity on us an jump ship to the wiz, as opposed to the other 5 teams that will have the same strategy. No thanks. Any strategy that requires us to be one of those begging and groveling stooges on whatever selection process Dwight comes up with ("Eat these worms or I won't even consider you!") is not a strategy I'd advocate.

Building through the draft, and potentially leveraging what we have right now is a far better approach. Building a defensive juggernaut with flashes of speed seems like a good strategy to me to beat the Miami Wades and Co. in 3-4 years from now. But again, I'd be pretty floored if at least one or two of the three don't have an opt out clause after three years.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

What I also really don't like about Miami is they've already got a supporting cast.

Chalmers locked down Rose when Kansas won in the NCAAs. Chalmers isn't a strong pro, but he's got Derrick Fisher-type support player in him. A PG who will defend, gets steals, and who no longer has to worry about his offense makes him useful. The guy's going to help them win.

Jarvis Varnado's slight of build but long on rebounding and shotblocking. Perfect role-playing, hustle guy.

Dexter Pittman has great size and seemingly an even greater personality. I can see him making the team and being an extremely good rebounder for them.

Da'Sean Butler, once his ACL heals, is a big-time winner. WVU rode him to the Final Four. Should be a very solid pro.

It's only a matter of time before Mike Miller signs on with them if he truly wants to win. (I say he should go to Chicago, however, if he wants more minutes and money.)

Honestly, the only thing that will save the rest of the league IMO is if when Miami plays they don't get the whistles. I find that very unlikely. They should be favored to beat everyone. Kobe's on the wrong side of 30. Boston IMO is done (I don't expect them to even get beyond the second round). Orlando can't score it well enough.

Unfortunately for the rest of the league, the Heat can't help but win it if their main guys play to potential.

I brought up chemistry saying if they lost games they'd melt down. But the more I think about it, they're not going to lose too many. Too much talent.

[AceDegenerate]

If Cleveland goes from being the #1 team in the league the past 2 regular seasons, to the Worst team this season, doesn't that mean LeBron has been playing with a bunch of nobodies all along?

Which means it really doesn't matter who they put around these guys, they are going to win multiple rings.

Parity doesn't happen in the NBA, Dynasties do, Miami is the new Dynasty.

[Hoopalotta]

I am so not interested in playing to be an "also-ran" in the hopes that Dwight might take pity on us an jump ship to the wiz, as opposed to the other 5 teams that will have the same strategy. No thanks. Any strategy that requires us to be one of those begging and groveling stooges on whatever selection process Dwight comes up with ("Eat these worms or I won't even consider you!") is not a strategy I'd advocate.

Building through the draft, and potentially leveraging what we have right now is a far better approach. Building a defensive juggernaut with flashes of speed seems like a good strategy to me to beat the Miami Wades and Co. in 3-4 years from now.

It's not really and either or with grovelling for Dwight or building through the draft. The initial steps would all be the same. I think they could be beatable in year four or so by an eastern team, but it would take an absolutely stunning spread of talent (the Lakers should have a chance for the next two years).

But again, I'd be pretty floored if at least one or two of the three don't have an opt out clause after three years.

Prepare to be floored because you can't have an Early Termination Option after three years according to the CBA. (Edit for clarity) You've got to play at least four years with the ETO in year five.

[Kanyewest]

My initial concerns

So is Miami going to become a good defensive team especially in the low post? Is Bosh going to be able to stop guys like Howard or Gasol? IMO- no so someone else is going to step up. Rookies that CCJ mentioned are unlikely to do so in the immediate future. Are they going to be able to protect the glass against bigger teams; probably not.

Health- this team will falter if any of their big 3 suffer an injury in the postseason IMO. The Lakers, for instance, were able to sustain a championship run even though Kobe wasn't 100% until the 2nd round of the playoffs, and Bynum wasn't 100% either. LeBron has had injury issues - ie his elbow or being hit in the face by imaginary objects. Dwayne Wade's style of play also leads to injuries and playing longer seasons will put him at risk for injuries as well. Mike Miller's separated shoulder.

We have watched Mike Miller in DC. His 3 point percentage was inflated IMO> He passed on a lot of good looks and rarely shot the ball. We also observed that Mike Miller can't stay in front of his man and offensive players abuse him.

[Illuminaire]

I wouldn't crown their current crop as championship material yet, CCJ. We always tend to overhype rookies before we see them against actual NBA competition, and then most of them end up being scrubs. With how late all those picks were, the odds are extremely low that even ONE of them will be a starting quality player. Heck, they'll be lucky if more than one is even rotation quality.

Let's not sip the Miami coolaid before they're even finished mixing it.

[Kanyewest]

[barelyawake]

Classic shirt, Kanye. I want one.

LeBron's Tweet last night:
"The road to history begins now..."

I hope he gets cancer of the aids of the leukemia of the eyes.

[montestewart]

Classic shirt, Kanye. I want one.

LeBron's Tweet last night:
"The road to history begins now..."

I hope he gets cancer of the aids of the leukemia of the eyes.

"road," "history," and "now" join "humble" as words he doesn't know how to use.

[evilempire]

Here's a Nike puppet one....


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSC8AfkIPzk

[Bickerstaff]

I wouldn't crown their current crop as championship material yet, CCJ. We always tend to overhype rookies before we see them against actual NBA competition, and then most of them end up being scrubs. With how late all those picks were, the odds are extremely low that even ONE of them will be a starting quality player. Heck, they'll be lucky if more than one is even rotation quality.

Let's not sip the Miami coolaid before they're even finished mixing it.

At the same time, don't discount how much harder some of these guys are gonna try now that they're part of something so special.

[hands11]

It's the end of an era.. The death of a threat that has so much more living to do.

Hopefully we get to see a part 2, but how can we ever forget part one

Crab dribble
La Travel
La Queen
La GOAT
La Douche

and now, La Wadette

The King that was never more that a talented court gesture.

Now the Miami King Douche. I'll be LMAO if the Wiz beat you like they did in Cleveland.

Gill against Wade
Dray against Bosh
Looking forward to our new centers against, ?????

Plus Wall at PG

Best thing they could do is play his at PG.

Look, LaDouche and his team were tops the last two years.
They still aren't really any better without a supporting cast.
There are other teams in this league with more than one good player.

These guy still have to build a team under the cap.

What a douche.

[hands11]

Cleveland has to be a lot of people favorite second team.

Nothing would be sweeter than to see Cleveland do better than Miami.

LMMFAO

[fishercob]

Life has kept me away from the boards, but I wanted to say my piece about Lebron and The Decision real quick.

As has been said by many, I don't find fault with his decision (hell, I even applaud it but more on that in a bit) but the way he did it and how he conducts himself in general is just blood-boilingly insulting. Perhaps he comes by his failings honestly, but as the "man" he keeps reminding the world that he is, Lebron's accountable for his actions. Jeez, when people are saying "if he'd only conducted himself more like Kobe" you know the bar ain't all that high.

I think and fear that it's going to work well -- really well -- in Miami. Lebron is not Michael Jordan. But as a Scoittie Pippen - Magic Johnson hybrid (with a little Karl Malone in there running the wing) that he is Lebron is going to a perfect situation. They may have "point guards" in their lineup, but Lebron is the conductor and he's going to run the show.

What I disliked about Lebron's game so much early in his career is how much he eschewed his point guard game; in high school we'd all seen his size, vision, and ability AND willingness to deliver the ball to open or "opening" teammates. Then he got to the pro's, had little comparative talent around him and had to become much more of a finisher than he is naturally (especially on the perimeter). I mean, I loved watching Lebron in Beijing surrounded by like talent. And the fact that I could call him my own for a few weeks allowed me to overlook his general douchiness (although Coach K and company had him on extremely good behavior) was quite the treat for someone who just loves basketball as I do.

That's my frustration -- my contempt for how he carries himself keeps me from enjoying him as a basketball player. That's my fear -- that he's about to play the game as beautifully as it's ever been played, and I won't be able to appreciate it because he's...well...him.

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While Dan Gilbert missed the mark a bit with his "letter," upon reflection I think it was actually pretty savvy. His words really did resonate with his team's jilted fanbase, and that's what he has to worry about now -- how is he going to get his depressed customers to actually buy tickets and show up for games. By appealing to their sense of being cheated and deserted and to Cleveland's collective "pluck" despite hard times, he's doing what's best for his business.

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Assuming Mike Miller does indeed sign in South Be-atch, it's really hard not to be happy for the guy. He's endured three mostly bad organizations for the bast eight years and has been a hell of a good solider and a good due in the process. There would be worse things than to see him have big success.
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It's a shame we're going to have a lockout, because the league is going to be awesome this year. The East lost a contender in Cleveland, but gained two in Miami and Chicago. New York got better too. Things are finally balancing out a bit. I'll be very excited to see any of Miami, Chicago, Boston, Orlando, LA, Dallas, San Antonio, Portland, OKC play one another. Denver, Utah, ATL, New York, Milwaukee, Houston are also varying levels of intriguing. And there are some young teams, Sacramento, Jersey, Minnesota and our Wizards that bear keeping an eye on.

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Ah yes, our Wizards. I am still a believer. It's going to take time, but I think we're going good places. I trust Ted. He may not get it all right, right away, but he'll get it right. He cares enough to. We're building something, and I think the ride getting there is going to be a lot of fun.

[Severn Hoos]

Don't say I didn't warn you.

Actually, I can see several common characteristics, particularly when it comes to defining words like "humbled/humbling"....

[verbal8]

I wouldn't crown their current crop as championship material yet, CCJ. We always tend to overhype rookies before we see them against actual NBA competition, and then most of them end up being scrubs. With how late all those picks were, the odds are extremely low that even ONE of them will be a starting quality player. Heck, they'll be lucky if more than one is even rotation quality.

Let's not sip the Miami coolaid before they're even finished mixing it.

At the same time, don't discount how much harder some of these guys are gonna try now that they're part of something so special.

Are they going to try harder because they are "humbled" by LeBron, Wade and Bosh?

[fifthstop]

No wonder dude hates DC:

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/reliab ... id=artslot

What a pathetic soap opera of a life...