Ty Lawson traded to Houston

[red96]

Just going by the numbers, it looks like the Rockets would have to dump Ariza, Brewer, Beverley, renounce DMO and/or Jones maybe and a bit more to make enough room for Durant. I mean after all of that would the Rockets really be a big upgrade over the current Thunder team?

If we can get Durant, we dump Howard.
If he re-signs for less, we can keep him. If not, too bad.
In the scope of right now, Durant's better, and has a longer window.

This concerns me
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nuggets-president-josh-kroenke-ty-lawson-210140038.html

"There were just a lot of times where you were at practice and you just know. You could smell it. You know there is probably deeper issues than he would probably let on.”

This isn't just partying at night. He's a day drinker.

Balls.

And thats just the very reason why I don't see KD choosing Houston next off-season. Without Howard we are not a better option then OKC. I might be by myself on the Melo bandwagon, but id prefer Melo and our current core than KD, Harden and leftovers. Im not saying Morey shouldnt pursue KD next year, i just think he'll look at other opportunities this season (like Melo) for that reason.

[moofs]

And thats just the very reason why I don't see KD choosing Houston next off-season. Without Howard we are not a better option then OKC. I might be by myself on the Melo bandwagon, but id prefer Melo and our current core than KD, Harden and leftovers. Im not saying Morey shouldnt pursue KD next year, i just think he'll look at other opportunities this season (like Melo) for that reason.

Depending on what Lawson does this year, we should easily be better than OKC.
There's no one like Harden on their roster, and Lawson is better than Westbrook, apparently even while drunk.
They have 2 centers who might end up being really good, but Ibaka was in a weird rut last year.

I don't see a whooooole lot of way for them to be better than us in a year.

[red96]

And thats just the very reason why I don't see KD choosing Houston next off-season. Without Howard we are not a better option then OKC. I might be by myself on the Melo bandwagon, but id prefer Melo and our current core than KD, Harden and leftovers. Im not saying Morey shouldnt pursue KD next year, i just think he'll look at other opportunities this season (like Melo) for that reason.

Depending on what Lawson does this year, we should easily be better than OKC.
There's no one like Harden on their roster, and Lawson is better than Westbrook, apparently even while drunk.
They have 2 centers who might end up being really good, but Ibaka was in a weird rut last year.

I don't see a whooooole lot of way for them to be better than us in a year.

Moofs, I've always respected your thoughts and opinions, but i cant get behind the bolded. Either way, id like to get your opinion on my Melo trade on the general trade board. Id like to know if you think that scenario is comparable to a KD acquisition.

[bondom34]

And thats just the very reason why I don't see KD choosing Houston next off-season. Without Howard we are not a better option then OKC. I might be by myself on the Melo bandwagon, but id prefer Melo and our current core than KD, Harden and leftovers. Im not saying Morey shouldnt pursue KD next year, i just think he'll look at other opportunities this season (like Melo) for that reason.

Depending on what Lawson does this year, we should easily be better than OKC.
There's no one like Harden on their roster, and Lawson is better than Westbrook, apparently even while drunk.
They have 2 centers who might end up being really good, but Ibaka was in a weird rut last year.

I don't see a whooooole lot of way for them to be better than us in a year.

I honestly don't think I've ever seen something quite that....I don't know. Its about the same as comparing Harden to Tyreke Evans. Unless you want to say he's much better than OKC's backup PG. Plus a bench of
Augustin/Payne
Morrow/Waiters
Singler
McGary/Collison
Kanter

Plus him seeming remarkably happy. He's got the team in LA doing workouts and hanging out on the beach.

Alright sorry to interrupt again but that was just...wow.

[Mr. E]

I don't know why we're talking about KD and 2016/2017.

I'm excited about 2015/2016!

We've got ourselves a freaking ball team right now with this squad!

And I don't think that we've seen the last move for the offseason.

[moofs]

Depending on what Lawson does this year, we should easily be better than OKC.
There's no one like Harden on their roster, and Lawson is better than Westbrook, apparently even while drunk.
They have 2 centers who might end up being really good, but Ibaka was in a weird rut last year.

I don't see a whooooole lot of way for them to be better than us in a year.

I honestly don't think I've ever seen something quite that....I don't know. Its about the same as comparing Harden to Tyreke Evans. Unless you want to say he's much better than OKC's backup PG. Plus a bench of
Augustin/Payne
Morrow/Waiters
Singler
McGary/Collison
Kanter

Plus him seeming remarkably happy. He's got the team in LA doing workouts and hanging out on the beach.

Alright sorry to interrupt again but that was just...wow.

Sorry, I'm a notorious Westbrook-basher.
Not actually that I dislike him, and I don't think he's a negative-impact star like some players (e.g. Andrea Bargnani, 2012-2015 Kobe Bryant), and it's not that he's bad or un-fun to watch by any means. I love watching him play.
It's that he takes a bunch of bad shots that drag down his net effectiveness, with last year being the first time he was significantly efficient (something I don't really expect to repeat, but it'd be nice if it did)

From an aesthetics standpoint, I'd take Westbrook any day. (Until last year and the step-daddy, I might've taken him over Harden on this one, too, tbh.)
From a court-warping (if there is such a thing) standpoint, he's probably better than Lawson, too.

From an efficiency standpoint, Lawson has so far won hands down (almost 4% better on TS%, far better passer).
http://www.boxscoregeeks.com/players/compare?utf8=%E2%9C%93&player_ids%5B%5D=238&player_ids%5B%5D=74&season=career

Relevant: http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/230869/76ers-To-Retire-Allen-Iversons-No-3-In-March

Moofs, I've always respected your thoughts and opinions, but i cant get behind the bolded.

I really appreciate it. My opinions DO have a tendency to be standing out in left field, though.
Atop a flagpole.
Wearing nothing but striped boxers and playing weird al's greatest hits while dancing the electric bugaloo.

Either way, id like to get your opinion on my Melo trade on the general trade board. Id like to know if you think that scenario is comparable to a KD acquisition.

I've been against Melo for years (to degrees variant on my mood), and had Morey acquired him, it would have been a serious knock on my estimation of his ability.
Some examples:
(2008) viewtopic.php?p=16390281#p16390281 - "As far as the trade? No thanks, just don't like 'Melo. I'd almost rather have Josh Howard." (still true)
(2010) viewtopic.php?p=24773454#p24773454
viewtopic.php?t=1053949&start=20#p25075262
(2014) viewtopic.php?f=16&t=1309696#p38964573
(2013) viewtopic.php?p=34259000#p34259000 (lol)

Side note:
HAHAAHAHAHA

I don't care what anyone says, Harden is just a backup.

WHAT!??!?

[texasholdem]

How would you guys rank the Western Conference as the teams currently are comprised and assuming Kobe, KD, etc. are healthy?

My predictions:
1. Spurs
2. Warriors
3a. Rockets
3b. Clippers
5. Thunder
6. Grizzlies
7. Pelicans
8. Suns

9. Mavericks
10. Timberwolves
11. Kings
12. Lakers
13. Jazz
14. Trailblazers
15. Nuggets

[MaxRider]

1. Warriors
2. Rockets
3. Clippers
4. Spurs
5. Thunder
6. Pelicans
7. Grizzlies
8. Jazz
9. Kings
10. Mavericks
11. Trailblazers
12. Timberwolves
13. Lakers
14. Nuggets
15. Trailblazers

[bondom34]

Depending on what Lawson does this year, we should easily be better than OKC.
There's no one like Harden on their roster, and Lawson is better than Westbrook, apparently even while drunk.
They have 2 centers who might end up being really good, but Ibaka was in a weird rut last year.

I don't see a whooooole lot of way for them to be better than us in a year.

I honestly don't think I've ever seen something quite that....I don't know. Its about the same as comparing Harden to Tyreke Evans. Unless you want to say he's much better than OKC's backup PG. Plus a bench of
Augustin/Payne
Morrow/Waiters
Singler
McGary/Collison
Kanter

Plus him seeming remarkably happy. He's got the team in LA doing workouts and hanging out on the beach.

Alright sorry to interrupt again but that was just...wow.

Sorry, I'm a notorious Westbrook-basher.
Not actually that I dislike him, and I don't think he's a negative-impact star like some players (e.g. Andrea Bargnani, 2012-2015 Kobe Bryant), and it's not that he's bad or un-fun to watch by any means. I love watching him play.
It's that he takes a bunch of bad shots that drag down his net effectiveness, with last year being the first time he was significantly efficient (something I don't really expect to repeat, but it'd be nice if it did)

From an aesthetics standpoint, I'd take Westbrook any day. (Until last year and the step-daddy, I might've taken him over Harden on this one, too, tbh.)
From a court-warping (if there is such a thing) standpoint, he's probably better than Lawson, too.

From an efficiency standpoint, Lawson has so far won hands down (almost 4% better on TS%, far better passer).
http://www.boxscoregeeks.com/players/compare?utf8=%E2%9C%93&player_ids%5B%5D=238&player_ids%5B%5D=74&season=career

Relevant: http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/230869/76ers-To-Retire-Allen-Iversons-No-3-In-March

Moofs, I've always respected your thoughts and opinions, but i cant get behind the bolded.

I really appreciate it. My opinions DO have a tendency to be standing out in left field, though.
Atop a flagpole.
Wearing nothing but striped boxers and playing weird al's greatest hits while dancing the electric bugaloo.

Either way, id like to get your opinion on my Melo trade on the general trade board. Id like to know if you think that scenario is comparable to a KD acquisition.

I've been against Melo for years (to degrees variant on my mood), and had Morey acquired him, it would have been a serious knock on my estimation of his ability.
Some examples:
(2008) viewtopic.php?p=16390281#p16390281 - "As far as the trade? No thanks, just don't like 'Melo. I'd almost rather have Josh Howard." (still true)
(2010) viewtopic.php?p=24773454#p24773454
viewtopic.php?t=1053949&start=20#p25075262
(2014) viewtopic.php?f=16&t=1309696#p38964573
(2013) viewtopic.php?p=34259000#p34259000 (lol)

Side note:
HAHAAHAHAHA

I don't care what anyone says, Harden is just a backup.

WHAT!??!?

Some people don't like him, but he was actually about his normal efficiency last year. His only real increase was assists, and that's just because Kanter can actually score (unlike Perk).

Also, impact stats have him as a huge plus/minus boost who helps teammates, much moreso than Lawson (check RPM from last year, its literally the difference from Harden to Evans). And boxscoregeeks... just to the whole site. They're really not a terribly good analytics site, they've shown in the past an unwillingness to look at anything differently than they do and have said quite a few outlandish things. They absolutely think Deandre Jordan is an MVP candidate and the metric they used, when called out for flaws, is left unaddresssed. Most of the statistical community seems to have them sort of ignored due to their misgivings.

This:
http://bkref.com/tiny/Ucs4I

and this

http://espn.go.com/nba/statistics/rpm/_/sort/RPM/position/1

I mean its really an incredibly outlandish statement.

[MaxRider]

Side note:
HAHAAHAHAHA

I don't care what anyone says, Harden is just a backup.

WHAT!??!?

where did that come from?
that doesn't sound like me
i don't cap i

[zapatasblood]

1. Warriors
2. Spurs
3. Rockets
4. Clippers
5. Thunder
6. Grizz
7. Pelicans
8. Mavs
9. Kings
10. Jazz
11. T-wolves
12. Trailblazers
13. Nuggets
14. Lakers
15. Trailblazers


Sent from my iPhone using RealGM Forums

[texasholdem]

1. Warriors
2. Spurs
3. Rockets
4. Clippers
5. Thunder
6. Grizz
7. Pelicans
8. Mavs
9. Kings
10. Jazz
11. T-wolves
12. Trailblazers
13. Nuggets
14. Lakers
15. Trailblazers


Sent from my iPhone using RealGM Forums

Blazers are both 12 and 15?

[inquisitive]

1. Spurs
2. Warriors
3. Rockets
4. Clippers
5. Thunder
6. Pelicans
7. Grizzlies
8. Jazz

[moofs]

where did that come from?
that doesn't sound like me
i don't cap i

You said it, I just typed [an approximation] instead of copying and pasting.
viewtopic.php?p=34259000#p34259000

[PocketRockets]

I don't know. I just feel like last year was such an anomaly. OKC hurt all year, Spurs are always hurt/resting players, and warriors weren't hurt (surprised curry made it all season). If warriors win it again, it'll be 10x harder this year. I think clippers embrace the villain role, play desperate and take the west in the regular season. Us and OKC doing well and very similar. I think Pelicans, Suns and mavs can all fight for 7/8. Kings/lakers will be better but prob still miss the playoffs by 5-6 games (if Kobe misses >30 games, Lakers will miss the plAyoffs by more than that).

1. Clippers
2. Spurs
4. Okc
4. Rockets
5. Warriors
6. Memphis
7. Pelicans
8. Suns

[MaxRider]

where did that come from?
that doesn't sound like me
i don't cap i

You said it, I just typed [an approximation] instead of copying and pasting.
viewtopic.php?p=34259000#p34259000

look like i have a bad day lol

[TinmanZBoy]

1, Warriors
2, Spurs
3, Clippers
4, OKC
5, Rockets
6, Grizzlies
7, Pelicans
8, Jazz
9, Kings
10, Suns
11, Mavericks
12, Trailblazers
13, Lakers
14, Nuggets
15, Timberwolves

[Nebula1]

1 Rockets
2 warriors
3 clippers
4 Grizzlies
5 Spurs
6 Thunder
7 Pelicans
8 Mavericks
9 jazz
10 wolves
11 kings
12 Blazers
13 suns
14 lakers
15 nuggets

[Mr. E]

As of right now (and this list will change):

1. Warriors - champs who are holding serve. Fully expect them to come out and play-ay-ay.
2. Rockets - Added a possible key player, could get key players back. They were already better than given credit.
3. Spurs - Major upgrade with LMA, but even the finest wines can't age too long.
4. Thunder - Could be #1, could be out of the playoffs...all about health here. I think that they are a major threat to everyone.
5. Grizzlies - The one team no one wants in the first round of the playoffs. Or the second. Or third.
6. Clippers - so much talent...so much potential drama! Win or lose, they'll do it in big fashion.
7. Pelicans - this is where they start to figure it all out.
8. Jazz - They remind me of the Mutumbo Nuggets for some reason. I hate that I like this squad.

[rocketsballin]

dont sleep on dallas. to counter the clippers hail mary at dj, the mavs are making a team full of has-beens, hoping one of them finds the fountain of youth somewhere in dallas. (one of broussards multiple sources say thats why they kept building around dirk. he knows where the fountain is at but wont tell anyone. even has pictures of it)

1 gsw
2 rockets
3 spurs
4 clippers
5 thunders
6 griz
7 pelicans
8 kings