Around the NBA IV

[watch1958]

Split from previous thread because it got too long. So, so long.Previous thread can be found here.
Doc Rivers no longer doing GM stuff at LAC. Jerry West influence already being felt.

[FrigginFalcon]

So glad we got a nice guy Durant instead of Drama Queen making everyone serve him like a God.

I don't want to take away anything from Durant's talent -- he is an all-time great for sure -- but I think history will judge the REAL win for the Dubs being his decency and selflessness -- his willingness to put winning, team play, team cohesion, and FUN ahead of money, control, drama, and ostentatious celebrity.

To acknowledge and paraphrase another poster's tagline, Durant should be paid to endorse Viagra because he is the ultimate "stand-up guy."

By contrast, even though he has moved twice in search of Rings, and looks poised to do it again, LeFlop James is obviously more interested in being in charge and being in the spotlight than on winning Championships. Durant may not play in as many Finals as James will, but I think there's a good chance he winds up with more rings.

[Mylie10]

Doc Rivers no longer doing GM stuff at LAC. Jerry West influence already being felt.

About time Doc got slapped in the nuts!

[BdeRegt]

So glad we got a nice guy Durant instead of Drama Queen making everyone serve him like a God.

I don't want to take away anything from Durant's talent -- he is an all-time great for sure -- but I think history will judge the REAL win for the Dubs being his decency and selflessness -- his willingness to put winning, team play, team cohesion, and FUN ahead of money, control, drama, and ostentatious celebrity.

To acknowledge and paraphrase another poster's tagline, Durant should be paid to endorse Viagra because he is the ultimate "stand-up guy."

By contrast, even though he has moved twice in search of Rings, and looks poised to do it again, LeFlop James is obviously more interested in being in charge and being in the spotlight than on winning Championships. Durant may not play in as many Finals as James will, but I think there's a good chance he winds up with more rings.

This is ridiculous LeBron bashing. Every move of LeBrons career has been focused on winning (and playing with his friends). He might care more about winning than anyone in the history of the league because he knows it is how he is judged. He definitely cares about his legacy and setting himself for after basketball but that doesn't take away from him wanting to win. He's in the spotlight because he is a top 2 player of all-time.

[FrigginFalcon]

So glad we got a nice guy Durant instead of Drama Queen making everyone serve him like a God.

I don't want to take away anything from Durant's talent -- he is an all-time great for sure -- but I think history will judge the REAL win for the Dubs being his decency and selflessness -- his willingness to put winning, team play, team cohesion, and FUN ahead of money, control, drama, and ostentatious celebrity.

To acknowledge and paraphrase another poster's tagline, Durant should be paid to endorse Viagra because he is the ultimate "stand-up guy."

By contrast, even though he has moved twice in search of Rings, and looks poised to do it again, LeFlop James is obviously more interested in being in charge and being in the spotlight than on winning Championships. Durant may not play in as many Finals as James will, but I think there's a good chance he winds up with more rings.

This is ridiculous LeBron bashing. Every move of LeBrons career has been focused on winning (and playing with his friends). He might care more about winning than anyone in the history of the league because he knows it is how he is judged. He definitely cares about his legacy and setting himself for after basketball but that doesn't take away from him wanting to win. He's in the spotlight because he is a top 2 player of all-time.

First of all, LeFlop is at best the #3 SG/SF after Jordan and Bryant. If we also consider the great Centers, Power Forwards, and Point Guards, who contribute(d) in different but equally important ways, he's maybe near the bottom of the Top 10. If refs would call "shoving people out of your way with your left forearm" as the foul that it is, he'd lose half his offensive game and drop further in the rankings.

LeFlop has indeed been focusing on chasing rings, and unlike some who castigate him (and KD) for that, I do not. What I do fault him for, in Cleveland the first time, in Miami, and especially back in Cleveland, is bullying the organization into letting him be player, coach, and GM, doing a poor job of it, . . . and then whining about the results. He IS a very talented player, but he is ALSO a flop artist, a bully, a cry-baby, a prima donna, and a bum.

[Coxy]

Doc Rivers no longer doing GM stuff at LAC. Jerry West influence already being felt.

About time Doc got slapped in the nuts!

Would love to have been a fly on the wall in that meeting.

Ballmer - "Jerry says you can't play GM anymore Doc. Sorry"

[Quazza]

Looks like we dodged one in Willie Reed ......

[turk3d]

Manute Bol has a son playing bball (7'2) and his team walked off the court due to unfair officiating (similar to what Lavar bell did recently).

http://www.espn.com/college-sports/recruiting/basketball/mens/story/_/id/20282356/youth-basketball-team-featuring-5-star-recruit-bol-bol-forfeits-game-officiating

[turk3d]

Lebron certain to opt out of Cleveland next year according to article:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2727864-lebron-james-relationship-with-cavaliers-ownership-reportedly-beyond-repair?utm_source=cnn.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=editorial

Maybe he's figured out there's no way Cleveland will be able to beat us the rest if his career.

[FrigginFalcon]

Lebron certain to opt out of Cleveland next year according to article:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2727864-lebron-james-relationship-with-cavaliers-ownership-reportedly-beyond-repair?utm_source=cnn.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=editorial

Maybe he's figured out there's no way Cleveland will be able to beat us the rest if his career.

Of course I don't want to see it happen, but still, it would be so deliciously ironic to see LeFlop AND Kyrie bash Cavs management all season long, promise to leave, piss off the fans, poison the well completely in Cleveland, then make it to the Finals and through some miracle win. Talk about A-W-K-W-A-R-D ! ! !

[turk3d]

Lebron certain to opt out of Cleveland next year according to article:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2727864-lebron-james-relationship-with-cavaliers-ownership-reportedly-beyond-repair?utm_source=cnn.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=editorial

Maybe he's figured out there's no way Cleveland will be able to beat us the rest if his career.

Of course I don't want to see it happen, but still, it would be so deliciously ironic to see LeFlop AND Kyrie bash Cavs management all season long, promise to leave, piss off the fans, poison the well completely in Cleveland, then make it to the Finals and through some miracle win. Talk about A-W-K-W-A-R-D ! ! !

LOL.

[lars_rosenberg]

I don't want to take away anything from Durant's talent -- he is an all-time great for sure -- but I think history will judge the REAL win for the Dubs being his decency and selflessness -- his willingness to put winning, team play, team cohesion, and FUN ahead of money, control, drama, and ostentatious celebrity.

To acknowledge and paraphrase another poster's tagline, Durant should be paid to endorse Viagra because he is the ultimate "stand-up guy."

By contrast, even though he has moved twice in search of Rings, and looks poised to do it again, LeFlop James is obviously more interested in being in charge and being in the spotlight than on winning Championships. Durant may not play in as many Finals as James will, but I think there's a good chance he winds up with more rings.

This is ridiculous LeBron bashing. Every move of LeBrons career has been focused on winning (and playing with his friends). He might care more about winning than anyone in the history of the league because he knows it is how he is judged. He definitely cares about his legacy and setting himself for after basketball but that doesn't take away from him wanting to win. He's in the spotlight because he is a top 2 player of all-time.

First of all, LeFlop is at best the #3 SG/SF after Jordan and Bryant. If we also consider the great Centers, Power Forwards, and Point Guards, who contribute(d) in different but equally important ways, he's maybe near the bottom of the Top 10. If refs would call "shoving people out of your way with your left forearm" as the foul that it is, he'd lose half his offensive game and drop further in the rankings.

LeFlop has indeed been focusing on chasing rings, and unlike some who castigate him (and KD) for that, I do not. What I do fault him for, in Cleveland the first time, in Miami, and especially back in Cleveland, is bullying the organization into letting him be player, coach, and GM, doing a poor job of it, . . . and then whining about the results. He IS a very talented player, but he is ALSO a flop artist, a bully, a cry-baby, a prima donna, and a bum.

Stopped reading here.
LeBron is way better than Kobe.

[FrigginFalcon]

Stopped reading here.
LeBron is way better than Kobe.

You are of course welcome to your opinion, incorrect as it may be, and even more welcome not to read or comment on my posts.

Bryant - 5-2 in the Finals, including three in a row and a 2010 win vs. a Boston Team with three Hall of Famers (Garnett, Pierce & Allen) while Kobe had a supporting cast that featured MAYBE one (Pau Gasol?).

LeFlop - 3-5 in the Finals, never three in a row, never won without a strong supporting cast. LeFlop ran up big numbers and won a few titles with a very strong set of teammates, but he wilted much more than he blossomed. LeFlop may play in more Finals, but unless he jumps ship again to assemble another Super Team, he will not add to his win total.

[lars_rosenberg]

Stopped reading here.
LeBron is way better than Kobe.

You are of course welcome to your opinion, incorrect as it may be, and even more welcome not to read or comment on my posts.

Bryant - 5-2 in the Finals, including three in a row and a 2010 win vs. a Boston Team with three Hall of Famers (Garnett, Pierce & Allen) while Kobe had a supporting cast that featured MAYBE one (Pau Gasol?).

LeFlop - 3-5 in the Finals, never three in a row, never won without a strong supporting cast. LeFlop ran up big numbers and won a few titles with a very strong set of teammates, but he wilted much more than he blossomed. LeFlop may play in more Finals, but unless he jumps ship again to assemble another Super Team, he will not add to his win total.

3 of those rings were won as the 2nd best player, behind Shaq.
And remember game 7 in 2010? Kobe shot 25% from the field but he won anyway because of his teammates.
Kobe only has 1 MVP and 2 FMVPs, LeBron has 4 MVPs and 3 FMVPs.
If LeBron won't win 5 rings is because he's against the greatest team of all times, these Warriors.

[FrigginFalcon]

Stopped reading here.
LeBron is way better than Kobe.

You are of course welcome to your opinion, incorrect as it may be, and even more welcome not to read or comment on my posts.

Bryant - 5-2 in the Finals, including three in a row and a 2010 win vs. a Boston Team with three Hall of Famers (Garnett, Pierce & Allen) while Kobe had a supporting cast that featured MAYBE one (Pau Gasol?).

LeFlop - 3-5 in the Finals, never three in a row, never won without a strong supporting cast. LeFlop ran up big numbers and won a few titles with a very strong set of teammates, but he wilted much more than he blossomed. LeFlop may play in more Finals, but unless he jumps ship again to assemble another Super Team, he will not add to his win total.

3 of those rings were won as the 2nd best player, behind Shaq.
And remember game 7 in 2010? Kobe shot 25% from the field but he won anyway because of his teammates.
Kobe only has 1 MVP and 2 FMVPs, LeBron has 4 MVPs and 3 FMVPs.
If LeBron won't win 5 rings is because he's against the greatest team of all times, these Warriors.

Huh, that's odd. I thought you stopped reading.

[GS Warriors 1]

So....Irving to the Celtics for Thomas, Crowder, Zizic, and 2018 Nets #1 about to go down.

[FNQ]

So....Irving to the Celtics for Thomas, Crowder, Zizic, and 2018 Nets #1 about to go down.

Cavs are infinitely more scary now.

Celtics look to be a year or two away from being that scary, but have potential. Feel like this wasnt a good move for them in the short-term

[cpower]

seriously i hate this trade. Crowder is a good glue guy and will be useful coming PS time. IF IT is what IT is this year they can be a major threat to us in the next year. He will play his AF to earn that big contract

[Coxy]

Stopped reading here.
LeBron is way better than Kobe.

You are of course welcome to your opinion, incorrect as it may be, and even more welcome not to read or comment on my posts.

Bryant - 5-2 in the Finals, including three in a row and a 2010 win vs. a Boston Team with three Hall of Famers (Garnett, Pierce & Allen) while Kobe had a supporting cast that featured MAYBE one (Pau Gasol?).

LeFlop - 3-5 in the Finals, never three in a row, never won without a strong supporting cast. LeFlop ran up big numbers and won a few titles with a very strong set of teammates, but he wilted much more than he blossomed. LeFlop may play in more Finals, but unless he jumps ship again to assemble another Super Team, he will not add to his win total.

[and1GS]

Ya that's a tough argument. Kobe wasn't the alpha for a couple of those wins, and LeBron has always been the alpha. There's an argument to be made that his Miami teams should have done better and 'well they're ironing out chemistry' isn't a good enough excuse. But right now it's just not a good enough excuse to put him above MJ.

The Kobe v. LeBron debate is dead. It's LeBallz.