Official NBA thread

[cp176]

Bamba is 20 years old. he is light for a kid that is what 6"11- 220 I think. What is good about him is his athleticism. He can run and he jumps out of the building. he is for sure a project and probably is not an actual Ainge target. He is a defender and a shot blocker for sure right now. He is not Manute Boll! Like I said - he might not be in the Celtic future but he sure as s*** isn't chump change either. Some team who wants size may very well wind up with a good one here.

[Emp9]

Bamba is 20 years old. he is light for a kid that is what 6"11- 220 I think. What is good about him is his athleticism. He can run and he jumps out of the building. he is for sure a project and probably is not an actual Ainge target. He is a defender and a shot blocker for sure right now. He is not Manute Boll! Like I said - he might not be in the Celtic future but he sure as s*** isn't chump change either. Some team who wants size may very well wind up with a good one here.

 

I’d draft him if we had that high a pick- I like him that much. We don’t though. And we’d have to give up a lot, most definitely way too much, to trade up in the daft to get him.

[moonslav59]

Stop caring about the NBA.

 

It's all fixed!

[Spudboy]

Stop caring about the NBA.

 

It's all fixed!

 

Lol.

 

Do you remember several years back ( more than that, actually ) the NBA had to fire a ref that was caught gambling on games or taking bribes? I forget the details but something like that happened.

[Jasonbay44]

There is another fix job going on attempting to give the Warriors a win. The NBA is a joke.

[Jasonbay44]

OMG JR Smith has to be the dumbest player in the league

[Jacoby_Ellsbury]

Lol.

 

Do you remember several years back ( more than that, actually ) the NBA had to fire a ref that was caught gambling on games or taking bribes? I forget the details but something like that happened.

 

Tim Donaghy. He casually bet on NBA games that he wasn't involved in with his golf buddies, who unbeknownst to him were passing his tips/bets on to organized crime. Donaghy decided to stop betting because it hit him that he was abusing his position and would be in deep, deep s*** if anyone found out, and the mob (obviously) wasn't happy. They tracked him down early in the 06-07 season and threatened him back not only into picking games (directly for them this time), but also to start betting on games that he officiated.

 

He took note of league directives that went out to refs through e-mail (i.e. they would send a bunch of replays of Allen Iverson getting away with palming violations, the obvious message being that the league wanted to refs to crack down on that), and he knew the officiating patterns and biases of his fellow refs well enough to hit on like 75% of his picks. He knew that Dick Bavetta officiated to keep games close, so he bet the underdog in Bavetta's games on the assumption that the favorite would fail to cover the point spread due to Bavetta manipulating the game. He knew that Joey Crawford hated several league owners and would try to stick it to their team whenever possible. Allen Iverson once publicly mouthed off about Steve Javie and didn't really get punished by the league for it, so the refs not-so-secretly decided to inflict mob justice and screwed Iverson on calls for the next couple of weeks, which Donaghy used to make more picks and win more money by betting against Denver for the next couple of weeks. Interestingly, a bunch of refs were pals with Isiah Thomas and would hit him up for signed merchandise and other goodies, with an unspoken understanding that they would help out the Knicks on the court, which makes the Knicks' failures in the mid 2000s all the more hilarious - they had several officials in their back pocket and STILL could only win 23 games a year. Maybe a certain ref blew an important call that cost Orlando a game and felt guilty or was doubting himself over it. If that ref mentioned to Donaghy or Donaghy otherwise found out that the ref would be working another game for Orlando within the next week or two, Donaghy would pick Orlando to win that game.

 

Sometimes the rationale for his picks was less sinister - maybe Kobe Bryant or Allen Iverson somebody was the favorite player of some ref's son or nephew, so the ref would favor that player, subconsciously or not. Maybe a coach owned a restaurant and Donaghy found out that the restaurant comped the ref's meal, or gave them a standing 'free dinner' card for whenever they were in town, and of course they would return the favor and help his team out on the floor.

 

I have his book. Pretty interesting stuff.

Edited June 1, 2018 by Jacoby_Ellsbury

[moonslav59]

It seems almost choreographed like wrestlemaninia. The gteam destined to lose gets off to a roaring start, a few bad calls changes the momentum, and a few more non calls seals the deal for the annointed winners.

 

The NBA gets the teams it wants into the finals.

 

It's FIXED!

[bkzwhitestrican]

OMG JR Smith has to be the dumbest player in the league

 

https://twitter.com/burdman0324/status/1002533727736606720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ksat.com%2Fsports%2Fmemes-mock-jr-smiths-epic-blunder-in-game-1-of-nba-finals-lebron-james-cavs-warriors

[Spudboy]

This JR Smith clip is wicked funny.

 

https://www.facebook.com/NBCSAuthentic/?hc_ref=ARSGHmRCt3HexodFxmLR7_r9nuVBtxQmkQPWJBLDpAVSTQT2oIkx3qrO81qu2AK_OKw&fref=nf

[Thunder]

I'm not watching the Finals due to the fact of how tired I am of these two teams. I hate both teams, but would like to see Golden State win because I have a friend I met in college from the Bay Area whom I love like a brother, and he is a big Warriors fan, a real fan, not a bandwagon like so many others. I only just saw what JR did in its entirety this morning and I can't stop laughing. Mike Breen, the play by play guy for ABC, had the best reaction. I hate JR as well, so that just warms my heart.

[Hugh2]

If the league is fixed, how come we never hear about this from the owners? If I was a billionaire team owner who saw my team lose because they are not Golden State or whoever you bet your ass I'd be vocal about it. Also, I'm not much of a conspiracy theory guy. Back when I use to judge boxing matches I remember the one thing you never want to see is an equal match, because 100% of the time whatever call you make the otherside accuses you of being "biased" or "blind" and I believe I've been called an effing AH a few times too. When everything else is even, both sides always think they win. Now when you break things down play by play, there are a bunch of missed calls in every single game. How often does an umpire make a bad strike or ball call? 99% of the time, if you stepped back and took an ubiased look at it you'd end up seeing that they're making bad calls for both sides.

 

I'm pretty sick of Golden State/Cleveland myself.....but it will be nice to see Lebron lose for a 3rd time in a row.

[Youk Of The Nation]

If the league is fixed, how come we never hear about this from the owners? If I was a billionaire team owner who saw my team lose because they are not Golden State or whoever you bet your ass I'd be vocal about it. Also, I'm not much of a conspiracy theory guy. Back when I use to judge boxing matches I remember the one thing you never want to see is an equal match, because 100% of the time whatever call you make the otherside accuses you of being "biased" or "blind" and I believe I've been called an effing AH a few times too. When everything else is even, both sides always think they win. Now when you break things down play by play, there are a bunch of missed calls in every single game. How often does an umpire make a bad strike or ball call? 99% of the time, if you stepped back and took an ubiased look at it you'd end up seeing that they're making bad calls for both sides.

 

I'm pretty sick of Golden State/Cleveland myself.....but it will be nice to see Lebron lose for a 3rd time in a row.

 

I don't know a lot or care at all about basketball, but it's inescapable this time of year, especially on ESPN radio and ESPN TV, which is on the bar TV at my job 24/7. So I thought this might be incorrect, and I googled and found I was correct. The Cavaliers won in 2016, so this would only be the second consecutive year that Lebron lost, no?

 

I'm okay with that, from what I know (admittedly only from ESPN TV/radio), he seems like a very unlikable guy.

[cp176]

If the league is fixed, how come we never hear about this from the owners? If I was a billionaire team owner who saw my team lose because they are not Golden State or whoever you bet your ass I'd be vocal about it. Also, I'm not much of a conspiracy theory guy. Back when I use to judge boxing matches I remember the one thing you never want to see is an equal match, because 100% of the time whatever call you make the otherside accuses you of being "biased" or "blind" and I believe I've been called an effing AH a few times too. When everything else is even, both sides always think they win. Now when you break things down play by play, there are a bunch of missed calls in every single game. How often does an umpire make a bad strike or ball call? 99% of the time, if you stepped back and took an ubiased look at it you'd end up seeing that they're making bad calls for both sides.

 

I'm pretty sick of Golden State/Cleveland myself.....but it will be nice to see Lebron lose for a 3rd time in a row.

 

I agree with you here. I am not into the conspiracy crap at all. That is for others. I do not particularly like this version of the NBA much myself. Tends to de-emphasize the concept of team as opposed to the individual. I did enjoy watching my beloved Celtics make this run though.

[cp176]

I don't know a lot or care at all about basketball, but it's inescapable this time of year, especially on ESPN radio and ESPN TV, which is on the bar TV at my job 24/7. So I thought this might be incorrect, and I googled and found I was correct. The Cavaliers won in 2016, so this would only be the second consecutive year that Lebron lost, no?

 

I'm okay with that, from what I know (admittedly only from ESPN TV/radio), he seems like a very unlikable guy.

 

 

Lebron does come off as unlikeable particularly so since he doesn't play for our side.

[Spudboy]

I like Lebron's politics.

[Jasonbay44]

I don't even understand the Lebron hate, he is a great player, fantastic role model and his work in the community and for the youth of Cleveland is fantastic. I wish we had more professional athletes that handled themselves like Lebron.

 

I also give him props for taking blame for the loss, even though it clearly wasn't his fault, he dodged every question about JR/George Hill.

[Jasonbay44]

If the league is fixed, how come we never hear about this from the owners? If I was a billionaire team owner who saw my team lose because they are not Golden State or whoever you bet your ass I'd be vocal about it. Also, I'm not much of a conspiracy theory guy. Back when I use to judge boxing matches I remember the one thing you never want to see is an equal match, because 100% of the time whatever call you make the otherside accuses you of being "biased" or "blind" and I believe I've been called an effing AH a few times too. When everything else is even, both sides always think they win. Now when you break things down play by play, there are a bunch of missed calls in every single game. How often does an umpire make a bad strike or ball call? 99% of the time, if you stepped back and took an ubiased look at it you'd end up seeing that they're making bad calls for both sides.

 

I'm pretty sick of Golden State/Cleveland myself.....but it will be nice to see Lebron lose for a 3rd time in a row.

Did you actually watch the game though? It was horrible, even the announcers and other NBA players and athletes were discussing how bad it was. Plus, you know, the NBA has had officials bet on and rig games in the past...

[Spudboy]

I don't even understand the Lebron hate, he is a great player, fantastic role model and his work in the community and for the youth of Cleveland is fantastic. I wish we had more professional athletes that handled themselves like Lebron.

 

I also give him props for taking blame for the loss, even though it clearly wasn't his fault, he dodged every question about JR/George Hill.

 

I would like to have said this.

[cp176]

I don't even understand the Lebron hate, he is a great player, fantastic role model and his work in the community and for the youth of Cleveland is fantastic. I wish we had more professional athletes that handled themselves like Lebron.

 

I also give him props for taking blame for the loss, even though it clearly wasn't his fault, he dodged every question about JR/George Hill.

 

IMO - Professional athletes should never be subjected to the kinds of questions he was asked in one of the news conferences that I listened to. People in news media constantly over step the bounds of common decency in a warped effort to create news where more often than not there is no news. I am a lifelong Boston Celtic fan so i bet you can guess where my heart lies when the question of who is the greatest come up. Sorry Larry - you come in second for me. I have to say though I have not seen any player in the last 56 years who is able to affect a game as much as this man. The only one who even comes close is Wilt. I say this knowing quite well that this is apt to stir the feelings of the MJ fans. Oh well.

[StephenCurry30]

we definitely need more role models like LeBron. he spent millions to send kids to college, and he actually keeps in touch with the kids he helps, making sure they're actually going to class, and etc. he married his hs girlfriend, and has been faithful his whole life. i respect the s*** out of LeBron, and his basketball skills speak for themselves. its had to hate a guy like him, when other great players, like Jordan, had the gambling issues, cheated on his wife, was linked to getting his dad killed,etc, and kobe was a massive douche, raped someone, and etc.

[Jacoby_Ellsbury]

LeBron turned into a phony, race-baiting shitbrick when he rejoined Cleveland. I was a staunch defender of his during the Miami era (as previous pages of this thread will show) but over the last four years he has become insufferable.

[Youk Of The Nation]

, was linked to getting his dad killed,

 

Whoa what? Didn't the guys see him napping in a really nice car on the side of the road and only find out he was Jordan's dad after they had already killed him?

 

EDIT: I just googled this for a few minutes and I can't find a single non-conspiracy theory, non-sketchy looking site proposing the theory that Jordan had any link to his father's murder. I did find articles on a bunch of E-newspapers with questionable journalistic integrity and a few conspiracy videos on YouTube.

Edited June 3, 2018 by Youk Of The Nation

[Emp9]

So, The Celtics didn’t make for any drama and stuck with their pick. Texas A&M 6-10 Forward Robert Williams. I don’t know too much about him but he was projected to get drafted earlier than the 27th pick but teams think he “lacks work ethic”. I say we’ll see if that stands in Brad Stevens’ system. A paycheck may also help with a lack of work ethic as well. Overall, I guess I’m just glad they held onto Brown and Tatum.

[Jasonbay44]

So, The Celtics didn’t make for any drama and stuck with their pick. Texas A&M 6-10 Forward Robert Williams. I don’t know too much about him but he was projected to get drafted earlier than the 27th pick but teams think he “lacks work ethic”. I say we’ll see if that stands in Brad Stevens’ system. A paycheck may also help with a lack of work ethic as well. Overall, I guess I’m just glad they held onto Brown and Tatum.

He's a very good player and is a steal at 27. He's the guy I wanted the Wizards to get, but of course like usual, they do something stupid and take a project SF, when they already have huge money invested in Otto Porter, and have Oubre.

[notin]

we definitely need more role models like LeBron. he spent millions to send kids to college, and he actually keeps in touch with the kids he helps, making sure they're actually going to class, and etc. he married his hs girlfriend, and has been faithful his whole life. i respect the s*** out of LeBron, and his basketball skills speak for themselves. its had to hate a guy like him, when other great players, like Jordan, had the gambling issues, cheated on his wife, was linked to getting his dad killed,etc, and kobe was a massive douche, raped someone, and etc.

 

A lot of that is internet bunk.

 

Anyone linking Jordan to his dad's death is click-baiting you. And even the Kobe situation appeared to be consensual sex with a girl looking for a settlement (although that definitely does not excuse the infidelity).

 

But I agree LeBron is a terrific role model. And as a basketball player, I think he is certainly Jordan's equal, although since I live in Chicago, I am not allowed to say that...

[notin]

He's a very good player and is a steal at 27. He's the guy I wanted the Wizards to get, but of course like usual, they do something stupid and take a project SF, when they already have huge money invested in Otto Porter, and have Oubre.

 

Williams is a massive upside guy who could be a surprise source of rim protection. The Celtics next year could be adding not only Williams, but getting back two All Stars in Hayward and Irving, and seeing more play from Terry Rozier.

 

It's hard not to be excited about that team already...

[Bellhorn04]

A lot of that is internet bunk.

 

Anyone linking Jordan to his dad's death is click-baiting you. And even the Kobe situation appeared to be consensual sex with a girl looking for a settlement (although that definitely does not excuse the infidelity).

 

But I agree LeBron is a terrific role model. And as a basketball player, I think he is certainly Jordan's equal, although since I live in Chicago, I am not allowed to say that...

 

Chad Finn of the Globe asked Jeff Van Gundy who was the greatest between Jordan and LeBron. Van Gundy gave what I thought was a great answer, or non-answer if you prefer. He was passionate and also kind of funny. First he railed against the whole comparison thing-why are we so obsessed with these comparisons, why must we take the joy out of everything etc. He also complained about the obsession with numbers, because referring only to numbers diminishes the great athleticism and artistry that went into those numbers. He allowed that if LeBron plays a few years at this level he will have had the greatest career of any player, although that wasn't the same thing as being the greatest player.

[notin]

Chad Finn of the Globe asked Jeff Van Gundy who was the greatest between Jordan and LeBron. Van Gundy gave what I thought was a great answer, or non-answer if you prefer. He was passionate and also kind of funny. First he railed against the whole comparison thing-why are we so obsessed with these comparisons, why must we take the joy out of everything etc. He also complained about the obsession with numbers, because referring only to numbers diminishes the great athleticism and artistry that went into those numbers. He allowed that if LeBron plays a few years at this level he will have had the greatest career of any player, although that wasn't the same thing as being the greatest player.

 

And that is why Jeff Van Gundy would not fit in in Chicago. Everything Chicago sports out here has to be the "best ever" and fans - and even radio talk show hosts - get MAD if you insinuate it might not be the case.

 

Michael Jordan is the best basketball player ever. He has SIX RINGS!!! (As I tell them, "Bill Russell has 11. How is Jordan even in this conversation?" This does not go over well.)

 

The 1985 Bears are the best football team ever!! With the best defense ever!! (And yes they argue that Jim McMahon, an average to below QB, was the perfect fit for that team and therefore irreplaceable.)

 

Mike Ditka is the best NFL coach ever!! (They do say Belicheck would be if he didn't cheat.)

 

I am sure they 2016 Cubs were the greatest MLB team of all time, per their fans and media...

[Emp9]

I give Jordan decisive bonus points for playing in an era when hand-checkng was still allowed. That’s the deciding factor for me. To me Lebron is a cross-between Karl Malone and Scottie Pippen playing in a league with no hand-checking. There are other factors to my opinion, but they’re less important. It’s not a great comparison either, position wise. To me, I considered Jordan 1, 2, and/or 3, while Lebron’s mainly a 3 and/or 4 (who doesn’t post-up nearly enough imo). That’s not to say Jordan NEVER posted-up or that Lebron NEVER ran offenseive plays acting as a guard. I’m just speaking in general. Predominantly. Other things I consider are: 1) I think the competion was overall greater when the Bulls were rattling off championships. 2) The Bulls were well coached, but they were never considered an exogenous group of superstars. Meaning, Jordan never had to “take his talents to S. Beach” as it were, to win a championship. 3) Who wears who’s number? ... yeah, I thought so.

 

Anyways, Lebron is great. The greatest of his generation I would say.