NBA 2008/2009

The new NBA season is finally here, and what a season it promises to be!

One of the best draft classes we've seen for a while (Rose, Beasley, Mayo in particular), including big Greg Oden who was unable to partake last year (and has stacked on the muscle), the re-emergence of D-Wade, the prospect of a Lakers team with a fully fit Bynum/Gasol/Odom front court, the ability of the Celts to repeat, the questions over Ron-Ron's gelling into what could be a devastating Houston team......

Anyone playing Fantasy? How's your roster looking?

I love Rugby, League, and Cricket....but I LIVE for NBA.

So, who are you liking this year?

I'm intrigued by the Blazers, going to be such a fun team to watch and they're so young...going to be a force for years to come imo. Roy, Aldridge, Oden, Bayless, Fernandez (will be watching this dude in especially close after his Olympics exploits), sick nucleus of players.

Can't see the Celt's not winning the East, although I think the Sixers are going to be a formidable challenge; their marquee off-season pick-up Elton Brand has gelled really well with them thus far and they have some promising youngsters in Thaeddeus Young and John Salmons, not to mention Iguodala and Dre Miller (who is criminally under-rated imo, but not so young).

On the Westside, I'm liking the Lakers to repeat also....having Bynum at 100% is going to make them that mush more dangerous...it was his presence they really missed in the Finals last season. I reckon their closest challenge will come from the Rockets who are just stacked with skills now they've added Artest and Yao is back and healthy.

I've been reading the RSS feeds daily but I haven't put it all together yet. Houston has got to be a real contender this year. Celtics and Lakers to be up there again.

Knicks to be a running joke. Hopefully a bit of a resurgence in Miami for DWade.

Knew I could count on you to show up Mr Funk

The Knicks were embarassed by the Celts a few days ago in pre-season, D'Antoni's trying to play Suns ball in New York....with that roster it's just not going to work. 25 wins max imo.

D-Wade is angry and you only need to look at his Olympic performance for proof of that, he was the best player in that team coming off the bench. The man has a point to prove after Miami's abysmal 07/08 which was largely due to his own injury nightmares. A full season with Beasley and Marion may even see them back to the playoffs.

sorry MCgooch and Mr Pfunk! just finished work so havent had the chance to get on today...

my lakers team looks prety good and yes they missed Bynum during the finals. The rockets do look good and so do the heat..

Here is m y bold pick for the year and no doubt win or lose you will qoute me on it....

CAVALIERS TO TAKE THE EAST
HAWKS TO GO VERY CLOSE.

McGooch every time i try with the fantasy it refuses to let me in so when it does il let u know where im at

Tucks, knew there was another one....

Bold prediction indeed! I really don't think the Cavs have done enough in the off-season to improve to the point where they can beat the Celts, besides picking up Mo Williams that is.

They'll def be up there though, and I'm hoping the Hawks will too. If Josh Smith can become more consistent with his production then there's no doubt they will be.

Go Hawks :>

Anyone know where I can watch games online ? or download them ?

http://www.justin.tv/directory/sports

www.rojadirecta.com

I think you can d/l the games via torrent but I'm not too sure.

First lot of power rankings:

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/power-rankings.htm?csp=34

Rockets ranked quite low. Cavs and 76ers the big improvers near the top.

1
Boston Celtics
1
They get the top spot until someone gives us a reason otherwise.
2
Los Angeles Lakers
2
Bynum makes a Finals team even better.
3
New Orleans Hornets
3
Not to nit-pick, but they might miss Jannero Pargo.
4
San Antonio Spurs
4
Will struggle some early until Ginobili returns.
5
Philadelphia 76ers
7
Philly hopes to renew classic Celtics-Sixers rivalry
6
Cleveland Cavaliers
9
The power of LeBron
7
Detroit Pistons
6
Young players like Johnson, Stuckey and Maxiell ready to emerge.
8
Portland Trail Blazers
5
OK, maybe No. 5 was a little too high. But this young team's on the rise.
9
Houston Rockets
8
It will be interesting to see how Artest fits in.
10
Orlando Magic
10
The bench still needs to prove itself.
11
Dallas Mavericks
11
Kidd and Nowitzki feeling a sense of urgency.
12
Phoenix Suns
13
With Nash, Shaq and Amare, this team believes it can win it all under Porter.
13
Utah Jazz
12
Kirilenko could really shine as a sixth man.
14
Atlanta Hawks
21
The starters are terrific. But after that …
15
Milwaukee Bucks
18
Jefferson could make a big difference here.
16
Miami Heat
17
Defense will determine their success.
17
Toronto Raptors
15
Wing play a big question mark.
18
Washington Wizards
14
Losing their starting point guard and center will take its toll.
19
Los Angeles Clippers
19
Will be tough defensively inside with Kaman and Camby.
20
New York Knicks
30
The Knicks will actually be watchable this season.
21
Chicago Bulls
25
Will eventually have to sort out a crowded backcourt.
22
Charlotte Bobcats
23
If Okafor starts at center, is out-of-shape May really the answer at power forward?
23
Golden State Warriors
16
Will Monta Ellis be the same when he eventually returns?
24
Denver Nuggets
20
They still need a starter-worthy true point guard.
25
Minnesota Timberwolves
22
Could pull some upsets this year.
26
Memphis Grizzlies
24
Marc Gasol hasn't looked half bad.
27
Indiana Pacers
27
Danny Granger is an emerging star.
28
New Jersey Nets
29
Lopez looking like a nice draft pick.
29
Oklahoma City Thunder
28
This year will be a learning experience
30
Sacramento Kings
26
Somebody has to finish last.

Interesting rankings.

My fantasy roster:

Wade
Durant
Jamison
Butler
Beasley
Mayo
Kirilenko
Haslem
Harris
Boozer
Artest
Bibby
Lee

Pretty happy with that, dropped Hinrich for Mayo and Moon for Haslem.

Gameday baby, briiiiiiiiing it!

What are the details on the fantasy competition you're in?

It's a Yahoo Head-to-Head style league, would invite you to join in but we've already had our draft and all....

Seems like they are not showing as many games on sky this season, or is that just me

I caught some of the Celtics-Bulls game on Saturday - good to see some action Broadcast in widescreen too, by the looks

Thursdays and Saturdays is all we've ever had unfortunately, although we did get a whole lot of playoffs action last season for the first time, that was pretty special.

Check www.veetle.com for NBA TV coverage

Saturday's game was dry as, had high hopes for that match up too.

Rose is the real deal though, no doubt about that....

http://www.nba.com/2008/news/11/03/nuggets.pistons.trade.ap/index.html?rss=true

Surprising deal.

The Pistons had to do something, but I didn't think this would be it.

Wouldn't be surprised to see the Pistons look for more trading, probably Wallace, would be interesting to see who wants him on their squad.

Yeah it is odd, bit gutted to see AI go to Detroit as it's a team I've always hated, but at the same time it would be great to see him have some actual success...a one year hit out for the chip.

The fans there are gonna LOVE him and his hard-nosed steez though, no doubt about that.

Should be very interesting seeing Mcdyess has come out saying he will never put on a nuggets jersey.. reckons he will retire instead. Nuggets have said if he wants to opt out he will only get 50% of his 13.6 million. Otherwise he can just sit on the bench for 2 years haha

I'm sure they can just trade him.

Spurs are fucked now. Parker out for 4 weeks!

Must be some sort of curse

Yesssssss, they are screwed now!

Hate the Spurs......

D-Wade carved hat game to pieces, so good seeing him back in full flight.

This is the hawks year baby.

5-0

3 of those games were teams in the top 10 of that list :>

Celtics up next, coming off a win against the Raptors too

Never count out a champion

Bandwagon jumper

haha nah, girl has always supported them, so I'm supporting them with her

ok yeah, bandwagon jumper

Haha, nah that's fair enough...although if it were me I'd start backing the Lakers just to spite her

Is she from Boston or just into NBA?

From San Diego, moved here when she was 8, just supports the NBA

I would be tying that shit down ASAP bro, lol

Make that 6-0

Will be interesting to see if they can beat the celtics at home, I doubt it as that is what cost them the playoff advancement last season.

But we will see :>

not the only 6-0 team thankyou very much boiyos!

Go Paul Gasol in those last 30 secs. We took the best the MAVS could deliver and still won.

TAKE NOTICE BITCHES WE GOING 1 BETTER THIS YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thoughts on the McDyess situ?

Seems to be a few trades that are completely farcical lately.

http://slamonline.com/online/nba/2008/11/would-mcdyess-have-a-better-chance-in-cleveland/

Boston though? Surely there's no cap left at the Celtics?

You wouldn't think so.

He should go to Cleveland imo, would fill that missing inside scoring role and add some much-needed depth.

*** SPOILERS FOR TODAY'S GAMES ***

Washington have broken their duck today, against the Jazz of all teams... The Wizards were definitely better than a .000 team Need Agent 0 back I guess.

Celts break the Hawks streak with a ONE POINT win. Hawks obviously did v.well B-)

Without Smith as well.

Quite proud even though I am not from Atlanta

Yeah had Pierce not hit that money jumper at the end the Hawks had that one. Hawks could go further than the first round if they keep it up and dont get any injuries.

at the suns - rockets 'fight'

http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?categoryId=2459788

Love how Shaq steps in and man handles everybody from the rockets when T-Mac shoved Nash.

Too early to really see how good anyone will be, but good to see the Blazers knock over the Heat. Look to have a pretty good young team - Brandon Roy, LeMarcus Aldridge and Greg Oden (if he can stay avoid anymore injuries!)

Usual suspects looking good, and Lebron has already had at least 3 or 4 30+ games (including a few 40 point games too) but hes a freak so its not really a suprise.

And just to prove how crap he is, Lebron decide to ONLY score 22 points, but had 11 assists.
I have said it before and will continue to say it, the man is a freak. He will have at least another 5 years in the league, I hope he can get a title.

http://www.nba.com/games/20081113/DENCLE/boxscore.html

How's this for the stuff of dreams?!

Bro, he's only 23....scary.

Really hope he gets that MVP this year.

So that would give him nearer to 10 years in the league

Yep, at least imo.

He will leave the League with a wake of broken records....

True dat. I remember his averages after his 2nd season, one of only 4 or so players to average more than 25 pts and 7 rbs and 7 asts, the only other players to do so were in the hall of fame, and he did it when he was about 21!

Do you guys use www.insidehoops.com to keep up to date with whats going on? Its the best hoops one I have seen for up to date info

Marbury on the table for trading - excellent.

Can someone give a run-down of this saga? I've only caught it this season with him refusing to play (?) and the Knicks refusing to do anything about it

Nah it wasn't that he refused, D'Antoni just didn't play him or Eddy Curry cos they didn't fit in with his new vision for the team.

Superb move imo, Marbury niggles me...wish he'd f*ck off to Europe. Apparently he's like a plague in the locker room.

www.slamonline.com

All the way bro...

Ahh yeah thats right, man I have been reading slam since it started (still remember the issues that had Larry Johnson and Shawn Kemp on the cover) and my xmas present from the mrs last year was a subscription, but I keep forgeting to check out there website!

As for Marbury, he's acting like a little bitch. I get the impression he still thinks hes the player he was ten years ago, which from what I saw last year he clearly isnt. I think they Wash should just buy out his contract and be done with it.

It looks as though D'Antoni is doing something right, the knicks are off to (by their recent standards anyway) a decent start. From the stats I have seen it looks as though little Nate Robinson provides a good spark off the bench for them.

That pic was cut out and duracealed to the backboard of the hoop in my room

It made the cover of my 3rd form english folder, with the LJ one on the back



Good to see that young fella Morrow isnt a flash in the pan with his 37 points the other day, followed it up with a solid 25

Good blog with Q&A from Nelson and Morrow at the bottom

http://blogs.mercurynews.com/kawakami/2008/11/18/nelson-on-morrow-after-another-huge-performance-hes-the-real-deal/

So on Marbury again... Can the Knicks not pay part of his salary and trade him? E.g. Keep paying him $10m a year and have another team pick up the other $10m? Or do the salary cap rules prevent that?

Just seems like SUCH a farce!

They could, but they just don't want to. He's virtually been banished from the organisation now, lol.

I think he's going to go to Europe, which would be a shame because he still has a lot to offer. A number of teams could do with his services, he just sounds like such a locker-room plague that's all.

OMG D-Wade is TEARING it up...talk about making a post-injury statement. Elated he's on my fantasy team too

Emeka, meet Dwyane...

http://slamonline.com/online/nba/2008/12/slamadaday-dwyane-wade-on-emeka-okafor/

The way he splits those double teams gives me a semi.

I watched the daily highlights round up they have on the ESPN website, man Wade totaly took over in the 4th qtr. He comes down and nails a 3, next play down beats 3 dudes of the drible (a double team then some poor sucker that comes to help) and lays it in over Emeka, next play beats 2 people then passes it to Marion for the easy lay up then the next play is Emeka being made Wade's gimp.

He only had 41 for the game, he hopeless. If he keeps it up its gonna be another tough decision for MVP between him, Bron, Kobe and Chris Paul.

SICK.

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/brooklyn/2008/12/16/2008-12-16_cash_makes_it_easy_to_forget_coney.html?page=1

Good read about Stephon Marbury from a reporter that met him when he was 13, kinda sums up his situation now really.

Jesus the Celtics are off to a flying start, looking even better than they did last year. I know its a big call to make this early, but have seen their televised games and no one even looks like they will come close. And no im not a Celts fan!

As Doc Rivers pointed out yesterday, they're only 1 game ahead of LA and 2 games ahead of Cleveland (roughly).

Celts have been pissing me off a bit this year, too much attitude and smack talking.

Still undoubtedly the best team in the L right now though...

Yeah both those teams are looking pretty good as well. Likely to be the Lakers taking the west (spurs too old and Hornets dont look quite good enough to tip the Lakers at the mo) and probably Cavs v Celtics conf finals.

But like I said its still early. If Kobe, Bron and any of the big 3 celts get hurt that would change alot.

Rockets having all their players fit at once could mix things up too...

2 big results from yesterday;

Lakers lost at home
http://www.nba.com/games/20090106/NOHLAL/boxscore.html

And Bobcats beat Celtics in OT! Doesnt help when your starting PG has 9 turnovers!
http://www.nba.com/games/20090106/BOSCHA/boxscore.html

Starting PG for how much longer?

Bit distracted, perhaps?

That's a big win for the Hornets - they've been good but not quite there this year.

Celtics lost again, this time at home to the Rockets (a Rockets team missing T-Mac as well).
Cavs now top of the east by 2 games, Orlando 3rd but same record as the Celtics. Lakers lead west by 5 games.

Have you all voted for the all star game? I keep going back and voting just so I can use my final vote (the one where you pick anyone in the NBA) so I can vote for Sean Marks!

Haha awesome... I will try to do that too

Great to see him get some court time on NZ TV a couple of weeks ago!

Hey do any of you guys that check this thread have girlfriends/sisters etc that play ball? Were a girl or 2 short for our mixed team. Play in Westgate on a Tuesday.

And yeah it was good to see Sean Marks on TV, im sure he has been before but thats the first time I have seen him on TV in a game (other than when he was a cheerleader at San Antonio)

I remember one of the 3 or 4 games Kirk Penney played with the Heat even got on TV! all 3 minutes that he played!

Awesome, Celts have lost 3 of their last ten games, including the loss to the Cavs on Saturday.
http://www.nba.com/games/20090109/BOSCLE/boxscore.html

Lebron should do some work. He only had 38 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals and 3 blocks.

Also Wade dropped 41, but it was only against the Kings so kinda doesnt count.

Good luck whoever is selecting MVP this year. Gonna be a very tight race between;
Bron, Wade, Kobe and CP3. Im sure there will be a few others but these guys have been outstanding.

And speaking of Chris Paul, his stats from the latest game are insane. 3 more steals and he would have had a quad double! Pretty sure the last one was David Robinson's in about '95 but I could be wrong..

http://www.nba.com/games/20090114/NOHDAL/boxscore.html

Good to see the Spurs beat the Lakers and keep things interestiong in the West, this guy Mason playing for the Spurs this year has come out of nowhere, but he looks to be the goods. Hit the winning shot too.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quadruple-double

Jesus only four quad doubles in the history of the NBA, and Robinson was in '94.

Kobe dropped 61 on the Knicks.



The funny thing about it is I read an interview with Quentin Richardson (one of the most overrated player in the NBA imho) saying he had to step up and go a good job of guarding Kobe. Yeah good work...

http://www.nba.com/games/20090202/LALNYK/boxscore.html

Gasol had 31 points as well!

Sean Marks with a big game for the Hornets yesterday, and he needed one since the starting centre Tyson Chandler is out injured and their power forward all star David West getting thrown out for a flagrant foul.
Still, good sign that he can step it up when he's needed.

http://www.nba.com/games/20090208/MINNOH/boxscore.html

Man, the Hornets SUCK without CP3...he is totally carrying them. Shadow of the team they were last year; West, Chandler, Stojakovic have all struggled.

How about Bron's rebuttal to Kobe's 61 though, he's taking the piss. What a statement, what a fucking player.

Has to be MVP imo...

think kobe and the lakers did most of teh talking takin the king and the cavs apart at home for the first time in 23 games......

you could see Kobe wasnt right, and that fadeaway jumper over Le bron may be the deciding play so far in the race for MVP..

BOOM

Starbury released by the Knicks, can find another team for the post-season

http://www.nba.com/2009/news/02/24/marbury.waived.ap/index.html?rss=true

So which contender will he go to? Who needs a point guard and can fit his ego into their lineup this late in the season?

Well well its starting to get interesting. looks like the Cavs will win the east (just recorded most wins in a season ever for the franchise and there is 9 games left) with the Celts (Ganetts injury obviously hurt them but hes back now) and Magic not far behind (Losing Nelson for the season has hurt them).
Lakers are already guaranteed the West and look like they will win the west in the playoffs, but theres a few teams that could knock them off.

I would like to see the Cavs win the whole thing but cant say im 100% confident that they will win the east, let alont the whole thing.

I'd like to see the Cavs win too, they have a great chance if they can secure the home court which is looking likely...they have been absolutely untouchable there. Can't see the Magic offering too genuine a threat to be honest, especially with Jameer gone as you say. They rely far too much on the outside shot imo. It'll be Boston who satnd in the Cavs way.

Looking at the west, only two teams in it I reckon; the Lakers and the Spurs. I absolutely despise the Spurs so I'd definitely be willing LA through, and a Bron vs Kobe Finals series would be epic.

Bring on the Playoffs baby!!

Cavs secured home court advantage through the playoffs, so when they win the east (I hope like hell they do, it wont be easy. looks like the first round will be against the Pistons, 2nd round against the Magic then of course Boston in the eastern finals)they get home court advantage in the finals.

First playoff game on TV is Sunday at 12, at that time I would think its western confrence game. Speaking of which, its going to take the last day of games (today) to confirm the ranking for the west. The west will be interesting, but I would think the Lakers will come out on top. I would have said the spurs would test them but not without Ginobili.

Damn, the Bulls should've gone 2-0 up yesterday, blew that one big time.

Gordon was unconcious.

Yeah bro I kept an eye on the live scores then saw the highlights on the NBA site, fuck you Ray Allen!!

That series has been epic so far

Live streams here:

http://www.justin.tv/raptorsnation_hi

Game 7 baby!!

What.a. series.

Will go down in history...

Bron MVP, I woulda been pissed if Kobe got it. Not that hes bad but Bron deserves it.

Im hoping the Magic knock the Celts out, should be able to with no KG.

Still looking like it will be a Lakers - Cavs final

Bron 109 of 121 votes, 2nd youngest ever to win it....Kobe and D-wade not even close. First of many too no doubt.

I'm hoping the Magic can take out the Celts; it all depends on Shard and Turk imo, Shard to take adv of his mis-match with Big Baby and Turk to be productive as well as limit PP. Dwight will get his.

Yeah, Cavs vs Lakers Final would def still be on odds-on fave. Brons vs Kobe, would be immense.

LOVE Playoff b/ball

P.S: ESPN screening all Conf. finals, game every 2nd day from 15/5. Yea boi!!!!

Who was the youngest MVP?

Magic off to a good start, 52-36 just before half time

YES!! Huge win, home court advantage given up on first game of the series. Impressive comeback though, Celts were obviously tired after their 1st round war.

Youngest was Wes Unseld

A few fiery moments in yesterdays games. First Fisher smashing Scola over as he tried to screen him then Kobe throwing elbows at Ron Ron and getting Artest upset and ejected.
And in the Magic - Celtics game Rafer alston slapping Eddie House on the back of the head after House nailed a 3!

Cavs to go 2 nil up over atlanta today.

Cavs up 3 nil, Nuggets up 3 nil, Lakers Rockets 2 all (after winning today with no Yao, hes gone for the rest of the playoffs) and hopefully the Magic will go up 3-1 over the Celts. Celts looking pretty weak without KG.

Bron is MVP indeed, nearly had a 50 point triple double yesterday (47, 12 and !

Rockets evened the series up yesterday, winning without Yao (gone for the playoffs with a fracture in his foot) so that series is 2 all.
Celtics and Magic are tied 2 all as well.
Both Denver and Cleveland have a chance to sweep Dallas and Atlanta, and teh Cavs - Hawks game is on ESPN at 11 today!

Hmm maybe I should have checked what I posted yesterday.

CRACK

AND.......

It's gone to game 7 on both coasts! Epic finals series continue.



gc.

Heh.



gc.

^^^Yeah seen that SMF, tis gold

Oh, and sit the f*ck down KG..it's over buddy! Fucking yessssss, damn the Magic played well. Their series with the Cavs will be competitive as hell.

Glad the Rox lost too, seeing them in the WC finals would've been lame as hell, pretty dryballs team imo.

Bring on the conference finals bitches!

Lebron almighty!





gc.

PS the NBA is the probably best competition of any professional sport on the planet this year. Easily the best of any that I have witnessed anyhow.



gc.

You know it bro, best sports league in the world These playoffs in particular have been incredible thus far, and we've only just got into the conference finals.

And as for that shot....wow. I was streaming it live and went absolutely nuts, Bron just wrote himself into a bit of folklore there. Won't mean anything if they don't win the series though, Magic proving a match-up nightmare for the Cavs.

Watching the Nugs trying to go up 2-1 atm, tight midway through the 4th....let's go Melo!

no way bro. Kobe proves once again he is CLUTCH

Clutch rapist maybe.

:>

gc.

LOL. I'd rather watch highlight packages of NFL mini-camps (currently just the rookies and new signings. They're not even wearing pads. So, really, it's not even REAL practice.) than the NBA. The LeBron buzzer beater was vaguely interesting. Vaguely.

i thought they were voluntary OTA's at the moment?

You don't even like basketball, as if you're going to like watching it you muppet.



gc.

Lol, don't you have a Lavea group masturbation session to attend or sumthin?

Why the fuck is there no game 3 coverage of teh cavs magic game on tv!!??