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After listening to the Abbott slagging off Bryant yet again Jan 13th NBA Today podcast, and enduring yet another Henry Abbott near-diatribe on how "Kobe Bryant might be good, but not that good", it became almost questionable as to what Henry's actually seeing.
Ok... step back a bit - I guess the proceeding is said more for effect than anything else, but rather than Henry Abbott seeing stuff that we're missing, I'd suggest the boot's on the other foot: it's more about what he's not seeing (or... choosing not to see, which is more likely the case).
Before I get into it, it'd be appropriate to qualify what I'm talking about. Do I agree that there are times 'in the clutch' where LA and Kobe would be better served passing the ball rather shooting a fade away turn-around jumper over 2 guys while three others try and make life difficult? Absolutely. Most definitely.
But to continually deride the guy (Kobe), while focusing on what is a very, very short timespan... well, I think you're missing the big picture because of focusing on the minutae. And this is something that Abbott himself alluded to in his last anti-Kobe spiel, albeit unintentionally.
Before focusing in on the "clutch", Abbott makes an interesting statement in regards to a fact re. Kobe's time at the Lakers:
"... the Lakers were actually - over Kobe's career - the best offensive team in the NBA... in terms of points per 100 possessions over Kobe's career, the Lakers had *the* best offense over the past 15 years in the NBA. These numbers were true if you broke it into smaller numbers of years like 5 or 6 - the Lakers had the best offense."
Interesting.
Now, Abbott later mentions in regards to crunch time play that in terms of crunch time play, in the top 7 teams per 100 possessions - there is no go-to elite player, other than New Orleans (formerly Chris Paul) and Orlando (Dwight Howard). The next ones are Trail Blazers, Spurs, Raptors, Jazz, Cavaliers, Wizards. The next one is the Heat (who obviously have 2 "go-to elite players").
So that's:
1. Hornets
2. Magic
3. Trail Blazers
4. Spurs
5. Raptors
6. Jazz
7. Cavaliers
8. Wizards
... and then at #9, the Heat (who don't really fit with what Abbott's saying anyway - something he acknowledges).
Now, I'm guessing here - and painting with very broad strokes, but the allusion Abbott's making is that by not having a "go-to guy", these teams are better off in the crunch. And he states that only the Hornets/Magic are substantially ahead of the field, NOLA quite so.
I can understand that. A team not dependent on any particular guy for their offense will continue to not be dependant on any particular guy in the clutch. Fine. But have a look at those teams, that top 8. Of them, only the Magic, Spurs and Cavaliers have been to the Finals in the past few seasons, and the Cavs... well, we know why and what happened to that reason. Only the Spurs have won in the last decade. And a sizable number of those teams are mid-to-very low ranked teams now.
So whilst having a better crunch-time offense, this hasn't equated to getting enough wins to make a heady difference. They're not "better" by having this crunch offense...
The reality of having a guy who is actually an "elite go-to player" is that he'll want to be the "elite go-to player". Now, this may mean some problems in crunch time at times, but it will also equate to a larger win share than if your team was without that player.
I'm yet to hear/see Abbott ever approach this. It's always "Kobe isn't clutch". But it's always just that, that's always the main focus. Sure, Kobe may not be the king of clutch as many hold him to be. But that needs to be paired with an acknowledgement that that Bryant's team has been the best offensive team over the last decade and a half, and in that time frame has one a third of the NBA championships.
Don't get me wrong: as stated before, Kobe and the Lakers would benefit from his having a more open and generous attitude towards who takes that last shot. Same with Melo, same with a few other superstars. However, that's not where we are currently, and whilst Abbott's right with his point that he asserts (over, and over again, ad infinitum) of "pass-to-the-guy-whose-open", the hammer he continually wields needs to be seen in light of "these-guys-win-games" - because that's just as true. And as far as Kobe Bryant is concerned, he wins titles. Five.
I can live with that.
no comments
After listening to the Abbott slagging off Bryant yet again Jan 13th NBA Today podcast, and enduring yet another Henry Abbott near-diatribe on how "Kobe Bryant might be good, but not that good", it became almost questionable as to what Henry's actually seeing.
Ok... step back a bit - I guess the proceeding is said more for effect than anything else, but rather than Henry Abbott seeing stuff that we're missing, I'd suggest the boot's on the other foot: it's more about what he's not seeing (or... choosing not to see, which is more likely the case).
Before I get into it, it'd be appropriate to qualify what I'm talking about. Do I agree that there are times 'in the clutch' where LA and Kobe would be better served passing the ball rather shooting a fade away turn-around jumper over 2 guys while three others try and make life difficult? Absolutely. Most definitely.
But to continually deride the guy (Kobe), while focusing on what is a very, very short timespan... well, I think you're missing the big picture because of focusing on the minutae. And this is something that Abbott himself alluded to in his last anti-Kobe spiel, albeit unintentionally.
Before focusing in on the "clutch", Abbott makes an interesting statement in regards to a fact re. Kobe's time at the Lakers:
"... the Lakers were actually - over Kobe's career - the best offensive team in the NBA... in terms of points per 100 possessions over Kobe's career, the Lakers had *the* best offense over the past 15 years in the NBA. These numbers were true if you broke it into smaller numbers of years like 5 or 6 - the Lakers had the best offense."
Interesting.
Now, Abbott later mentions in regards to crunch time play that in terms of crunch time play, in the top 7 teams per 100 possessions - there is no go-to elite player, other than New Orleans (formerly Chris Paul) and Orlando (Dwight Howard). The next ones are Trail Blazers, Spurs, Raptors, Jazz, Cavaliers, Wizards. The next one is the Heat (who obviously have 2 "go-to elite players").
So that's:
1. Hornets
2. Magic
3. Trail Blazers
4. Spurs
5. Raptors
6. Jazz
7. Cavaliers
8. Wizards
... and then at #9, the Heat (who don't really fit with what Abbott's saying anyway - something he acknowledges).
Now, I'm guessing here - and painting with very broad strokes, but the allusion Abbott's making is that by not having a "go-to guy", these teams are better off in the crunch. And he states that only the Hornets/Magic are substantially ahead of the field, NOLA quite so.
I can understand that. A team not dependent on any particular guy for their offense will continue to not be dependant on any particular guy in the clutch. Fine. But have a look at those teams, that top 8. Of them, only the Magic, Spurs and Cavaliers have been to the Finals in the past few seasons, and the Cavs... well, we know why and what happened to that reason. Only the Spurs have won in the last decade. And a sizable number of those teams are mid-to-very low ranked teams now.
So whilst having a better crunch-time offense, this hasn't equated to getting enough wins to make a heady difference. They're not "better" by having this crunch offense...
The reality of having a guy who is actually an "elite go-to player" is that he'll want to be the "elite go-to player". Now, this may mean some problems in crunch time at times, but it will also equate to a larger win share than if your team was without that player.
I'm yet to hear/see Abbott ever approach this. It's always "Kobe isn't clutch". But it's always just that, that's always the main focus. Sure, Kobe may not be the king of clutch as many hold him to be. But that needs to be paired with an acknowledgement that that Bryant's team has been the best offensive team over the last decade and a half, and in that time frame has one a third of the NBA championships.
Don't get me wrong: as stated before, Kobe and the Lakers would benefit from his having a more open and generous attitude towards who takes that last shot. Same with Melo, same with a few other superstars. However, that's not where we are currently, and whilst Abbott's right with his point that he asserts (over, and over again, ad infinitum) of "pass-to-the-guy-whose-open", the hammer he continually wields needs to be seen in light of "these-guys-win-games" - because that's just as true. And as far as Kobe Bryant is concerned, he wins titles. Five.
I can live with that.
no comments
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As is often said, life gets in the way. It's true of blogging too, and I won't get into stories: but I've been busy.
Anyway - back into it. A few things I want to discuss...
- Firstly on the Lakers: they're both better and worse than I expected/hoped they'd be. Or if not worse, where they were last season. Lemme 'splain... I think they've made the transition (or rather, are in the process of making the transition) from Phil Jackson to Mike Brown rather smoothly. Or... it's going rather smoothly thus far.
- 9-5 isn't what I'd normally call a brilliant start, but given the parameters of operation this season, it's pretty nice. Compare it to other teams, and it's not too bad. Look at it through the lens of new coach, no Bynum for games 1-4, and playing a back-to-back-to-back to open the season.
Actually, so far this season, the Lakers have had only 3 of those 14 games not be part of a back-to-back, or back-to-back-to-back. That's NYK (win), Houston (win) and Memphis (win).
- Kobe Bryant's been playing some AMAZING basketball lately. Will the 40-point-barrage continue? Hell no. But I do expect him to be slightly improved over what he was last season. The lengthened layoff during the lockout clearly helped Kobe, as did the platelet-rich plasma therapy. It appears to be so successful that I expect a far greater number of athletes making pilgrimages to get the "German procedure" in the coming years... interestingly, I've seen the anti-Kobe faction deride his FG% (incorrectly), assists (mistakenly) and then minutes per game (not really a worry... is it?).
- Hawaii's an awesome place.
- Even in the light of Kobe's pace of game at the moment, I'd love to see Gasol/Bynum have a greater impact on the game. That's more on coaching than Kobe tho'. Most of the time, they present an advantage that is unmatchable by opponents. Most of the time...
- Gotta say, LeBron is playing some amazing ball at the moment. Same with Rondo, Durant & (up until his injury) Melo.
- Mentioning former CotY Mike Brown, I'm actually far more impressed with him than I thought I'd be. Kudos to you, Coach Brown.
- The presence of Mike Yam and Henry Abbott on the NBA Today podcast make me appreciate Ryen Russillo all that more. Tim Legler - you're actually pretty damn good.
Ok, I'm not being fair. Initially, I thought Mike Yam was pretty bad, but in light of what Abbott presents, well... Mike, you're ok. As far as radio presenting goes, Abbott is a talented writer (except when it comes to Kobe Bryant - more on that in a later piece).
- The Clipper loss: I don't think you can put that one on Kobe, not at all. Sure, he didn't shoot quite at the 50% clip that he had been, but pretty much everyone on the team was worse (if less prolific). Gasol: 7-17. Bynum: 6-13. These are two guys who should be hitting at a much higher percentage, especially in light of the big-man defense that the Clippers present. Barnes: 1-6. Derek Fisher: 2-5.
- Speaking of Fisher, can we see more of Darius Morris please? Thus far, I like what I see.
- The next 5 games are huge. Hosting Dallas, traveling to Miami and Orlando in a Florida back-to-back, then hosting Indiana before seeing the Clippers again in a Lakers homegame. Huge stuff there.
- Lastly: if Dwight Howard is to be traded before the trade deadline, surely it'd be to the Lakers. Brook Lopez being injured will impact the way Orlando view him (that along with... well... "sucking"), and the New Jersey ineptitude will affect the way Dwight views the Nets. Bynum is not Howard, but there's no other singular piece that the Magic can attain that's better. Did I mention Hawaii's nice?
no comments
As is often said, life gets in the way. It's true of blogging too, and I won't get into stories: but I've been busy.
Anyway - back into it. A few things I want to discuss...
- Firstly on the Lakers: they're both better and worse than I expected/hoped they'd be. Or if not worse, where they were last season. Lemme 'splain... I think they've made the transition (or rather, are in the process of making the transition) from Phil Jackson to Mike Brown rather smoothly. Or... it's going rather smoothly thus far.
- 9-5 isn't what I'd normally call a brilliant start, but given the parameters of operation this season, it's pretty nice. Compare it to other teams, and it's not too bad. Look at it through the lens of new coach, no Bynum for games 1-4, and playing a back-to-back-to-back to open the season.
Actually, so far this season, the Lakers have had only 3 of those 14 games not be part of a back-to-back, or back-to-back-to-back. That's NYK (win), Houston (win) and Memphis (win).
- Kobe Bryant's been playing some AMAZING basketball lately. Will the 40-point-barrage continue? Hell no. But I do expect him to be slightly improved over what he was last season. The lengthened layoff during the lockout clearly helped Kobe, as did the platelet-rich plasma therapy. It appears to be so successful that I expect a far greater number of athletes making pilgrimages to get the "German procedure" in the coming years... interestingly, I've seen the anti-Kobe faction deride his FG% (incorrectly), assists (mistakenly) and then minutes per game (not really a worry... is it?).
- Hawaii's an awesome place.
- Even in the light of Kobe's pace of game at the moment, I'd love to see Gasol/Bynum have a greater impact on the game. That's more on coaching than Kobe tho'. Most of the time, they present an advantage that is unmatchable by opponents. Most of the time...
- Gotta say, LeBron is playing some amazing ball at the moment. Same with Rondo, Durant & (up until his injury) Melo.
- Mentioning former CotY Mike Brown, I'm actually far more impressed with him than I thought I'd be. Kudos to you, Coach Brown.
- The presence of Mike Yam and Henry Abbott on the NBA Today podcast make me appreciate Ryen Russillo all that more. Tim Legler - you're actually pretty damn good.
Ok, I'm not being fair. Initially, I thought Mike Yam was pretty bad, but in light of what Abbott presents, well... Mike, you're ok. As far as radio presenting goes, Abbott is a talented writer (except when it comes to Kobe Bryant - more on that in a later piece).
- The Clipper loss: I don't think you can put that one on Kobe, not at all. Sure, he didn't shoot quite at the 50% clip that he had been, but pretty much everyone on the team was worse (if less prolific). Gasol: 7-17. Bynum: 6-13. These are two guys who should be hitting at a much higher percentage, especially in light of the big-man defense that the Clippers present. Barnes: 1-6. Derek Fisher: 2-5.
- Speaking of Fisher, can we see more of Darius Morris please? Thus far, I like what I see.
- The next 5 games are huge. Hosting Dallas, traveling to Miami and Orlando in a Florida back-to-back, then hosting Indiana before seeing the Clippers again in a Lakers homegame. Huge stuff there.
- Lastly: if Dwight Howard is to be traded before the trade deadline, surely it'd be to the Lakers. Brook Lopez being injured will impact the way Orlando view him (that along with... well... "sucking"), and the New Jersey ineptitude will affect the way Dwight views the Nets. Bynum is not Howard, but there's no other singular piece that the Magic can attain that's better. Did I mention Hawaii's nice?
no comments
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'Melo and Co come to Staples to take on Kobe tomorrow night. For this heavyweight match up, our ticket partner TiqIQ has a special deal for Lakerfans, courtesy of with-malice.com, where fans can "make an offer" on the price they want to pay: For example, a "2 star" ticket (as described by ScoreBig.com) that would typically sell for $110 (after shipping + handling fees) can be had for an offer of $80 all-in (with no additional costs for shipping or handling). Meanwhile, a "3 star" ticket that usually retails for $250 after fees can be purchased for an offer of $125 via this promotion. But you gotta move fast, as this deal expires at 7pm Pacific TODAY! To make an offer on this deal, click the graphic below... (or click here!)
no comments
'Melo and Co come to Staples to take on Kobe tomorrow night. For this heavyweight match up, our ticket partner TiqIQ has a special deal for Lakerfans, courtesy of with-malice.com, where fans can "make an offer" on the price they want to pay: For example, a "2 star" ticket (as described by ScoreBig.com) that would typically sell for $110 (after shipping + handling fees) can be had for an offer of $80 all-in (with no additional costs for shipping or handling). Meanwhile, a "3 star" ticket that usually retails for $250 after fees can be purchased for an offer of $125 via this promotion. But you gotta move fast, as this deal expires at 7pm Pacific TODAY! To make an offer on this deal, click the graphic below... (or click here!)
no comments
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So now it's the Clippers turn...
With Dell Demps pushed to the side of the plate like some misbegotten and unwanted cauliflower, NBA officials are demanding the world from the Los Angeles Clippers in their efforts to pry Chris Paul from their cold, grasping claws Hornets. Eric Gordon, Chris Kaman, Al-Farouq Aminu, Eric Bledsoe and Minnesota's unprotected 2012 first-round draft pick.
Damn.
The Clippers are balking at giving up both Gordon and Minnesota's first round draft pick. I mean... we're talking the T-Wolves here: that's likely to be one helluva pick in the best draft we've had in years.
The thing is, Stern really can't get less - otherwise he's open to fire after he nixed the Lakers/Houston/NOLA deal.
It's amazing how even post the lockout, the mess was minimal. And then David Stern at the behest of Dan Gilbert & co. create the biggest mess we've seen in the NBA since Tim Donaghy.
All ugly.
no comments
So now it's the Clippers turn...
With Dell Demps pushed to the side of the plate like some misbegotten and unwanted cauliflower, NBA officials are demanding the world from the Los Angeles Clippers in their efforts to pry Chris Paul from their cold, grasping claws Hornets. Eric Gordon, Chris Kaman, Al-Farouq Aminu, Eric Bledsoe and Minnesota's unprotected 2012 first-round draft pick.
Damn.
The Clippers are balking at giving up both Gordon and Minnesota's first round draft pick. I mean... we're talking the T-Wolves here: that's likely to be one helluva pick in the best draft we've had in years.
The thing is, Stern really can't get less - otherwise he's open to fire after he nixed the Lakers/Houston/NOLA deal.
It's amazing how even post the lockout, the mess was minimal. And then David Stern at the behest of Dan Gilbert & co. create the biggest mess we've seen in the NBA since Tim Donaghy.
All ugly.
no comments
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I went on record yesterday as to how I felt about the possibilities facing the LA Lakers this off season.
Kinda glad I put that out there, because it allows me to state with 100% certainty that the anger I feel is not because I'm a Lakerfan, but because I believe that what David Stern did was flat out wrong.
But this has huge implications...
I am concerned that Stern feels this is an ok move. 3 GMs agreed to this, including the one appointed by the league to run the team they own. Up until this point in time, the NBA had not taken one ounce of action on any of the day to day workings of the New Orleans Hornets, including trades.
To nix it because some other teams were upset (I wonder if Dan Gilbert's letter was typed in Comic Sans?) about it is interference. No two ways about it. It's alarming that they hold so much sway over the Commissioner's office.
Why would the Clippers or anyone else make a "better" offer for Chris Paul when they know that at least one offer (from the Lakers) has been blocked?
This has huge implications for all of the NBA. I doubt this is over... I don't think this is finished yet.
And where the fuck was Stern when LeBron/Wade/Bosh went to Miami? How come Melo could do exactly what Paul wanted to do... only with less going back the other way? Hell, even go back to Gasol himself coming to LA!
You opened this door David, you can't shut it half-way now because you're having misgivings. no comments
I went on record yesterday as to how I felt about the possibilities facing the LA Lakers this off season.
Reiterating:
"...if NOLA were to bite on a deal with Gasol as the centerpiece, then it would be a possibility... but my gut tells me that it's going to be an either/or deal. Not both. Either way, I kinda think I'd prefer a Howard/Gasol/Bryant key three rather than a Howard/Bryant/Paul."
Kinda glad I put that out there, because it allows me to state with 100% certainty that the anger I feel is not because I'm a Lakerfan, but because I believe that what David Stern did was flat out wrong.
But this has huge implications...
I am concerned that Stern feels this is an ok move. 3 GMs agreed to this, including the one appointed by the league to run the team they own. Up until this point in time, the NBA had not taken one ounce of action on any of the day to day workings of the New Orleans Hornets, including trades.
To nix it because some other teams were upset (I wonder if Dan Gilbert's letter was typed in Comic Sans?) about it is interference. No two ways about it. It's alarming that they hold so much sway over the Commissioner's office.
Why would the Clippers or anyone else make a "better" offer for Chris Paul when they know that at least one offer (from the Lakers) has been blocked?
This has huge implications for all of the NBA. I doubt this is over... I don't think this is finished yet.
And where the fuck was Stern when LeBron/Wade/Bosh went to Miami? How come Melo could do exactly what Paul wanted to do... only with less going back the other way? Hell, even go back to Gasol himself coming to LA!
You opened this door David, you can't shut it half-way now because you're having misgivings. no comments
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Well, the NBA world's a-flutter with speculation over the possibilities involving Chris Paul and Dwight Howard. LA's been named as a destination for both, amply fueled by Matt Barnes announcing that Dwight told him he wants to play with the Lakers, and apparently Chris Paul recognizing that the Knicks are a no-go, and now the Lakers are his team of choice.
Now, if NOLA were to bite on a deal with Gasol as the centerpiece, then it would be a possibility... but my gut tells me that it's going to be an either/or deal. Not both. Either way, I kinda think I'd prefer a Howard/Gasol/Bryant key three rather than a Howard/Bryant/Paul.
Don't get me wrong: the latter would be a pretty awesome set of players to possess. Even in fantasy basketball that threesome would be nigh on impossible to possess... but it's just that I like what Pau Gasol brings to the court, and I think paired with Howard LA's D becomes pretty much impenetrable - and the other end of the floor would be awesome as well.
Offense: Kobe would pretty much have to be solo-teamed. Same with Howard/Gasol. How do you defend that?
There's less overlap with the skillsets of Howard/Gasol/Bryant than Howard/Bryant/Paul (and far less than a certain threesome that dwells on the Eastcoast).
Add to this, there is Chris Paul's knee - a concern that would have to hang over him like the Sword of Damocles... questionable knees are one helluva bane for a point like Chris Paul.
The addition of Jason Kapono adds fuel to this all: he's the perfect kick-out shooter for either a slashing CP3 or beastly D12. Need more? Andrew Bynum's said he "wants his own team". Every day that seems more and more likely.
If it comes to a choice between the two, gimme Dwight.
Exciting times to be a Laker fan... no comments
Well, the NBA world's a-flutter with speculation over the possibilities involving Chris Paul and Dwight Howard. LA's been named as a destination for both, amply fueled by Matt Barnes announcing that Dwight told him he wants to play with the Lakers, and apparently Chris Paul recognizing that the Knicks are a no-go, and now the Lakers are his team of choice.
Now, if NOLA were to bite on a deal with Gasol as the centerpiece, then it would be a possibility... but my gut tells me that it's going to be an either/or deal. Not both. Either way, I kinda think I'd prefer a Howard/Gasol/Bryant key three rather than a Howard/Bryant/Paul.
Don't get me wrong: the latter would be a pretty awesome set of players to possess. Even in fantasy basketball that threesome would be nigh on impossible to possess... but it's just that I like what Pau Gasol brings to the court, and I think paired with Howard LA's D becomes pretty much impenetrable - and the other end of the floor would be awesome as well.
Offense: Kobe would pretty much have to be solo-teamed. Same with Howard/Gasol. How do you defend that?
There's less overlap with the skillsets of Howard/Gasol/Bryant than Howard/Bryant/Paul (and far less than a certain threesome that dwells on the Eastcoast).
Add to this, there is Chris Paul's knee - a concern that would have to hang over him like the Sword of Damocles... questionable knees are one helluva bane for a point like Chris Paul.
The addition of Jason Kapono adds fuel to this all: he's the perfect kick-out shooter for either a slashing CP3 or beastly D12. Need more? Andrew Bynum's said he "wants his own team". Every day that seems more and more likely.
If it comes to a choice between the two, gimme Dwight.
Exciting times to be a Laker fan... no comments
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News out that the Lakers have signed former UCLA sharp-shooter, Jason Kapono. In the scale of what's expected to take place across the NBA landscape (and in LA in particular... hello Mr Howard?), it's a minor move - but one I like. Kapono's a great shooter - and that's something that LA desparately need. With whoever LA end up on on the floor with, there will be open looks for guys shooting from range. Over the past few seasons, the big issue has been actually *having* a guy who can hit those open looks... career 43.7 3pt shooter. no comments
News out that the Lakers have signed former UCLA sharp-shooter, Jason Kapono. In the scale of what's expected to take place across the NBA landscape (and in LA in particular... hello Mr Howard?), it's a minor move - but one I like. Kapono's a great shooter - and that's something that LA desparately need. With whoever LA end up on on the floor with, there will be open looks for guys shooting from range. Over the past few seasons, the big issue has been actually *having* a guy who can hit those open looks... career 43.7 3pt shooter. no comments
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The LA Lakers schedule for the 2011/12 season looks like this (back-to-backs in blue, back-to-back-to-backs in red):
December
Sun 25 vs Chicago
Mon 26 @ Sacramento
Tue 27 vs Utah
Thu 29 vs New York
Sat 31 vs Denver
January
Sun 01 @ Denver
Tue 03 vs Houston
Thu 05 @ Portland
Fri 06 vs Golden State
Sun 08 vs Memphis
Tue 10 vs Phoenix
Wed 11 @ Utah
Fri 13 vs Cleveland
Sat 14 @ LA Clippers
Mon 16 vs Dallas
Thu 19 @ Miami
Fri 20 @ Orlando
Sun 22 vs Indiana
Wed 25 vs LA Clippers
Sat 28 @ Milwaukee
Sun 29 @ Minnesota
Tue 31 vs Charlotte
no comments
The LA Lakers schedule for the 2011/12 season looks like this (back-to-backs in blue, back-to-back-to-backs in red):
DecemberSun 25 vs Chicago
Mon 26 @ Sacramento
Tue 27 vs Utah
Thu 29 vs New York
Sat 31 vs Denver
January
Sun 01 @ Denver
Tue 03 vs Houston
Thu 05 @ Portland
Fri 06 vs Golden State
Sun 08 vs Memphis
Tue 10 vs Phoenix
Wed 11 @ Utah
Fri 13 vs Cleveland
Sat 14 @ LA Clippers
Mon 16 vs Dallas
Thu 19 @ Miami
Fri 20 @ Orlando
Sun 22 vs Indiana
Wed 25 vs LA Clippers
Sat 28 @ Milwaukee
Sun 29 @ Minnesota
Tue 31 vs Charlotte
no comments
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Very close. The 2011/12 NBA season kicks off in but a few, short weeks - and NBA fans are experiencing a veritable myriad of emotions as the lockout ends, and the NBA begins again. The months of wheeling and dealing in the trade-season will be crammed into the space of a few weeks.
I thought I'd ask a few of my NBA colleagues within the Bloguin Network what they felt about the coming season... 3 questions:
2) There are still a ton of things that remain to be done with the Timberwolves. How will Derrick Williams and Ricky Rubio fit with the team? And what about new coach Rick Adelman? How do all our guys get rotational minutes and steady playing time? Will Kahn make some more mores? Something needs to happen, as we've still got too many guys that could make an argument for playing time, and positional logjams all over the place. I'm not worried about Rubio's play nearly as much as some "experts" this past off-season, and just can't wait to see him on he court doing his thing and leading our team. I've still got high hopes for him and his unrealized potential.
3) Durantula4MVP
EC = Bulls
WC = Thunder
Champions = Thunder*
2. As a long-time Phoenix Suns fan (since the late 80s – word up to KJ, EJ, Chambers and the crew), I'm expecting basketball Santa to put coal in my stocking this year. But as long as they don't ship Steve Nash out of town (especially not to South Beach), I'll be happy enough.
2. MVP – Kevin Durant, Eastern – Miami, Western – Lakers, Champ – Miami (excuse me – I need to go vomit now).
2. Mike Brown mentioned in the Lakers press conference last week that he's planning on using a lot of the regular season games as practice games to help the players learn the nuances of his playbooks. That's really not something they can avoid this season considering there are more than 200 plays (as I heard) in his offensive book alone and that there will be only 2 pre-season games scheduled for each team in the NBA before the official season starts. So there really isn't a whole lot of practice time at all. But we should get an idea on how much the Lakers want to win this year on opening day.
3.
MVP: Kevin Durant
East Champs: Miami Heat
West Champs: Lakers
NBA Champs: Lakers
njuries that might normally cost a few games in a suit could now mean 6-10 out of uniform and that could have a big impact of playoff hopes.
2: First off, the Celtics have to sign some players! Big Baby isn't coming back and I'm not convinced we'll see Jeff Green in... well, green. I am genuinely excited by the talk of the CP3/Rondo trade, but I'm also excited by talk of Santa Claus coming to my house on Christmas Eve - and it doesn't mean either of them are going to happen. I think the condensed schedule is going to hurt Boston and while we'll make the playoffs, we need to be very lucky with injuries as well as Doc managing minutes effectively for us to go close.
3: Miami to win the East and Dallas to set up a re-match of lasts season's final. Miami to get LBJ a ring.
Perhaps the only silver lining on the clouds which shroud the approaching 66-game NBA season exist in fact due to (rather than in spite of) its brevity.
Ponder this: year after year we are told that the real season starts when the playoffs begin. Veteran teams rest their players during the dog days of the regular season, holding out those gaffer-taped bodies in preparation for the "real season" to commence.
This time around, with the shortened regular season, each game takes on an increased importance in the final standings. The lesser number of games reduces the likelihood of injuries, as much as it reduces the likelihood that players sit out with minor injuries, "just in case".
On the other hand, this make-do season provides some negatives. Whoever wins it all will have an asterisk firmly affixed to their title, in much the same way as the San Antonio Spurs' 1999 NBA Finals victory was tainted.
The nature of the schedule means that teams will need to be ready on the fly, with little time to acquaint themselves with new teammates or opponents. Whilst veteran squads may have an advantage due to the shorter schedule (due to their experience and lessened chance of injury), conversely the increased number of games per week will mean that young squads with unity under their collective belt like the Oklahoma City Thunder suddenly have a much better shot at things.
Most important of all, it's time for NBA Fantasy Drafts!
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Very close. The 2011/12 NBA season kicks off in but a few, short weeks - and NBA fans are experiencing a veritable myriad of emotions as the lockout ends, and the NBA begins again. The months of wheeling and dealing in the trade-season will be crammed into the space of a few weeks.I thought I'd ask a few of my NBA colleagues within the Bloguin Network what they felt about the coming season... 3 questions:
1. What's your general feeling about the upcoming season? A cramped, manic schedule starting Christmas Day...
2. Discuss your team... what's the Yuletide season hold for you?
3. Predictions: MVP, Eastern Champ, Western Champ... and NBA Champion* (surely we'll need an asterisk this season???)!
Away we go...College Wolf, T-Wolves Blog
1) Relieved. I'm just glad there is going to be a season. If not, there would have been a plethora of unanswered questions for pretty much every team in the league (except the Bobcats, no one cares about them. And screw Michael Jordan.) Unfortunately I expect a "sloppy-ish" season that will probably have more injuries and bad play than usual; but a shortened season is better than no season.2) There are still a ton of things that remain to be done with the Timberwolves. How will Derrick Williams and Ricky Rubio fit with the team? And what about new coach Rick Adelman? How do all our guys get rotational minutes and steady playing time? Will Kahn make some more mores? Something needs to happen, as we've still got too many guys that could make an argument for playing time, and positional logjams all over the place. I'm not worried about Rubio's play nearly as much as some "experts" this past off-season, and just can't wait to see him on he court doing his thing and leading our team. I've still got high hopes for him and his unrealized potential.
3) Durantula4MVP
EC = Bulls
WC = Thunder
Champions = Thunder*
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Jeff Fox, Hoops Manifesto
1. I like the shortened, "cramped, manic" schedule. Should be action packed with little down time.2. As a long-time Phoenix Suns fan (since the late 80s – word up to KJ, EJ, Chambers and the crew), I'm expecting basketball Santa to put coal in my stocking this year. But as long as they don't ship Steve Nash out of town (especially not to South Beach), I'll be happy enough.
2. MVP – Kevin Durant, Eastern – Miami, Western – Lakers, Champ – Miami (excuse me – I need to go vomit now).
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Ezra, The Purple & Gold Blog
1. When a good friend of mine text me that the new season is starting on Christmas, I thought he was just playing a mean joke. Of course, that didn't stop me from looking it up online. Sure enough, everyone is saying the NBA is back. I thought 66 games isn't bad at all. It's definitely better than the 54 games back in '99. General opinion on a shortened season says the younger teams will benefit more. But that all depends upon how much they prepared themselves for a lockout season.2. Mike Brown mentioned in the Lakers press conference last week that he's planning on using a lot of the regular season games as practice games to help the players learn the nuances of his playbooks. That's really not something they can avoid this season considering there are more than 200 plays (as I heard) in his offensive book alone and that there will be only 2 pre-season games scheduled for each team in the NBA before the official season starts. So there really isn't a whole lot of practice time at all. But we should get an idea on how much the Lakers want to win this year on opening day.
3.
MVP: Kevin Durant
East Champs: Miami Heat
West Champs: Lakers
NBA Champs: Lakers
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Rob (Brumbygg), With Malice
1: I'm just doing the happy dance that we have a season at all! I think the 66 game season makes it meaning and not just a sprint to the playoffs, but keeping your guys fresh is going to be a big challenge. Injuries that might normally cost a few games in a suit could now mean 6-10 out of uniform and that could have a big impact of playoff hopes. 2: First off, the Celtics have to sign some players! Big Baby isn't coming back and I'm not convinced we'll see Jeff Green in... well, green. I am genuinely excited by the talk of the CP3/Rondo trade, but I'm also excited by talk of Santa Claus coming to my house on Christmas Eve - and it doesn't mean either of them are going to happen. I think the condensed schedule is going to hurt Boston and while we'll make the playoffs, we need to be very lucky with injuries as well as Doc managing minutes effectively for us to go close.
3: Miami to win the East and Dallas to set up a re-match of lasts season's final. Miami to get LBJ a ring.
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Andre Purtell & Mookie Schiralli, The Fantasy Dudes
Q1: So, the protracted process that was the lockout, leads to a contracted NBA season. As a fan, what's to like?Perhaps the only silver lining on the clouds which shroud the approaching 66-game NBA season exist in fact due to (rather than in spite of) its brevity.
Ponder this: year after year we are told that the real season starts when the playoffs begin. Veteran teams rest their players during the dog days of the regular season, holding out those gaffer-taped bodies in preparation for the "real season" to commence.
This time around, with the shortened regular season, each game takes on an increased importance in the final standings. The lesser number of games reduces the likelihood of injuries, as much as it reduces the likelihood that players sit out with minor injuries, "just in case".
On the other hand, this make-do season provides some negatives. Whoever wins it all will have an asterisk firmly affixed to their title, in much the same way as the San Antonio Spurs' 1999 NBA Finals victory was tainted.
The nature of the schedule means that teams will need to be ready on the fly, with little time to acquaint themselves with new teammates or opponents. Whilst veteran squads may have an advantage due to the shorter schedule (due to their experience and lessened chance of injury), conversely the increased number of games per week will mean that young squads with unity under their collective belt like the Oklahoma City Thunder suddenly have a much better shot at things.
Most important of all, it's time for NBA Fantasy Drafts!
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