Clearing out the basketball scrapbook...
by Aaronstampler on May 21, 2009 1:39 AM CDT
43 comments
Just some random thoughts I wanted to get out of my system...
1. Bill Simmons is a fucking idiot.
I can't believe this guy wrote a 700+ page book about basketball (which figures to be one long love poem to LeBron, Durant, and all things Celtic) and he knows so god damn little about basketball. I'm perfectly at ease admitting the guy knows more about personnel and how stuff like salary caps and trades work than I do, but for basic basketball x's and o's strategy, I think I definitely understand the game better than Simmons.
He's blaming George Karl for the Nuggets losing Game 1 last night because of a bad inbounds play with Anthony Carter as the inbounder like that one play lost the game. George Karl didn't tell his team to miss a bunch of free throws. He didn't tell them to give up 17 offensive rebounds to the Lakers. He certainly didn't tell Kenyon Martin to foul Kobe 20 feet from the basket with less than a minute to go. The players blew the game, not the coach. Even in the first half, when I saw Denver missing all those freebies, I knew it would come back to bite them. Your margin for error in winning a road playoff game in LA or Cleveland is small. You have to play almost a perfect game. You just can't piss away 10 free points like Denver did and expect to come away with the win. And Martin has always been a dumb player, and not clutch at all.
2. No really, Bill Simmons is a fucking idiot.
The Sports Fella had an amusing chat today where he reccomended that the Spurs trade Tony for - get this -
For instance, a deal that makes sense to me is Parker to the Wolves for Randy Foye, the No. 6 pick and expiring contracts. Something like that. And if you're the Wolves, you'd do a deal like that because that gives you a foundation of Jefferson, Love and Parker... you need 3 building blocks to contend and those are 3 good ones. Reminds me of the Ray Allen/Boston trade a little.
Oh yeah, that makes total sense. Let's trade our superstar for a scrub, the 6th draft pick of what you termed "the poop sandwich" draft, and some expiring contracts. Even if those contracts and getting rid of Tony's contract opened up 30M of cap room, I don't think it makes a whole lot of sense to waste what might be Duncan's last "good" year, and for all we know Manu's as well, on a team that has no chance to win and is just waiting for 2010 to do something.
The problem is that Simmons, in his fantasy of wanting to be the Wolves' GM, is thinking of the deal only from Minnesota's point of view. Since it'd be a great move for them, it makes sense to him. You know, I almost want him to get the job, just so he could be publicly humiliated by how awful he'd be at it. Maybe once the twentieth straight GM laughs in his face after Simmons pleads on the phone, "But... but... this trade works on ESPN's trade machine..." he'd get the hint that he was better off writing about Rocky IV.
I'm not going to admonish Simmons for having dreams and fantasies. I certainly have mine and recently most of them have involved my friend "Justine" from the Crazy Horse in San Francisco. But personally, a deal that makes sense to me is moving Tony and Red Rocket for LeBron. It totally works on the trade machine too.
3. I thoroughly enjoyed tonight's Orlando-Cleveland game.
And not just because my bet with my friend Roh is looking good. We bet before the series on how many games the Magic would win and I said at least two and he said none or one, so it's looking good for me, thanks to the sensational fourth quarters turned in by the Magic's forwards, my homey Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis.
I think Orlando is an awful matchup for Cleveland. They can initiate their offense in three different ways. They can dump it in the post to Howard and have him kick out to shooters. They can run the show with Rafer Alston who's more of a traditional, versatile point guard than Mo Willams, who's basically just a short shooting guard. And of course, they can run things through Turkoglu, who's an awesome point forward and a very underrated passer/playmaker.
The Cavs on the other hand only have one guy who can initiate their offense. They also have only one guy who can post up. And in a bizarre coincedence, they're both the same guy. Neither Williiams nor West can create any good shots for themselves or their teammates.
James is a superstar and definitely the best player alive, but he can't beat a team like Orlando singlehandedly. He scored 49 tonight and it wasn't enough. I think he might have already thrown his best punch for the series. He's not going to average 50 unless he shoots a ridiculous percentage from three and hits way more free throws. When you factor in that Orlando has a much deeper bench (I can't believe nobody's noticed that the Cavs bench kinda sorta sucks) there's no way they're going to win the next four games straight. Orlando will make them work and an outright upset wouldn't shock me, but I doubt Stern would allow such a thing.
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Hey Stampler, awesome three points. I’m a fan. About the Orlando-Cleveland series, you’re right on on that one. I mean, I know it was the regular season but the Cavs totally got blown out in Orlando that one 40-point time, and for me it really exposed some things. That was the only Cavs-Magic game I saw during the season and it was painful to look at LeBron toiling for his points while his teammates again faded out. Basically, the offense reverted to 2007 mode and the LeBronians were doomed.
Going forward and maybe away from the topic, I know LBJ will eventually win a chip but I’d like the Cleveland FO to get him a Pippen-type of player (yeah I know, maybe quite impossible and another MJ-homer moment) who would orchestrate the Defense, defend the other team’s best scorer while not completely being a liability on the offensive end. Heck, I don’t think Cleveland has a designated defensive stopper aside from Bron himself. Even one Ariza or Battier or Bruce Bowen will help tremendously, so LBJ can focus on his mah-velous offensive talents.
Yet again the tested, same old proverb holds true – that basketball is a team game and LBJ can’t win it all by himself. Or maybe, LeBron’s really a freak and will shatter this ages-old belief.
by silverandblack_davis on May 21, 2009 3:21 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, Simmons’ comment about Parker was pretty stupid. And what’s with the “expiring contracts”? I thought we had lots of expiring contract. Hell, if I remember correctly, only Tony and Timmy have contracts that extend beyond the next season.
I wouldn’t give up on the Cavs just yet. You guys are talking like the Laker fans after the first game of their series. It was a damn close game, and could’ve gone either way.
Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
by LatinD on May 21, 2009 8:12 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
The trade Machine doesnt account for talent, cohesion, or need
Just money…..why on Earth would they trade Parker? He’s a top five, if not top three, pg in the world right now…. I wouldnt even trade him for Blake Griffin’s rights…by the way, poor Clippers, getting the no 1 pick in this lousy draft
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
by bren on May 21, 2009 8:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think that trading Parker could make sense for the right pieces, given that you need to win right now due to TD and Manu’s advancing age, and the Spurs have multiple holes to fill at the 3 and 4. However, I’m not sure what those pieces would be—you’d have to get a really good 3 and 4 back (like Battier and Landry, Millsap and Kirilenko, etc.), plus you no longer have an All-NBA PG. Picks don’t make sense because they wouldn’t help until Tim and Manu’s window closed.
I wouldn’t mind trading him, honestly, but the trade Simmons suggested is laughable from the Spurs’ perspective. I’m having trouble thinking of a reasonable trade that helps us in the short term.
I think the Spurs’ best option at this point is to hope the Big 3 stay healthy, and they can find some diamonds in the rough (a la Stephen Jackson in 2003) to play the 3 and 4 spots. As long as we’re sharing random thoughts, I noticed in the other night’s game that Denver has two guys languishing on the bench who might be available and would help the Spurs: Linas Kleiza and Renaldo Balkman. I like both of them better than Ariza, and their value is probably depressed stuck behind ’Melo.
The question is what other dumb team out there will offer them more than they are worth. Either one would make us solid at the 3 (with Findog, Clankdoka, and possibly Bowen playing spot minutes behind them). Then we’d just have to solve the 4/5, but maybe some combination of Mahinmi/Gist, with Bonner playing garbage time, would do the trick.
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
by tomasito on May 21, 2009 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You make a ton of sense. I don’t see wholesale changes happening (much as we like to dream) and getting a Kleiza/Balkman/Ariza -type to go with Mahinmi/Gist is likely what we’ll have to made do with.
So, with all that, I guess we pray for health for the Big 3 and, if we get it, prepare for another deep run in the playoffs.
You’re better off trying to intimidate the sea. - LatinD
Free George Hill! (member #4)
by jollyrogerwilco on May 21, 2009 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We’re forgetting that we need a center above all else. If we don’t get a true 5 this offseason then Timmy will be the de facto center once again and that ain’t his gig. Yawn can’t be relied on to start at center for us for 82 games.
...formerly known as speedostuffer
by Manuwar on May 22, 2009 1:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've got news for you...
…Timmy is a center at this stage of his career. That is his gig. The way the league is going, with smaller, quicker 4’s, Timmy can’t keep up with those guys anymore.
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
by tomasito on May 22, 2009 8:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who are these smaller quicker 4’s that Tim can’t keep up with? Take a look at the teams left in the playoffs’ starting 4’s. K-Mart, Gasol, Ben Wallace, and Rashard Lewis. Lewis is the only guy who Tim couldn’t keep up with and he’s an exception because the Magic play small. Better teams still play with size and a traditional 4. The reason some teams are going with smaller quicker 4’s is because it’s the cheaper route; not because it is better for their team. Tim should still be playing power forward with a true center by his side.
...formerly known as speedostuffer
by Manuwar on May 22, 2009 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are they really better than Ariza? Ariza is an unapologetic defender and just coz he is on the Lakers and how he brought down Rudy, I haven’t warmed up to him yet. Are the other two as ruthless as him?
by LionZion on May 21, 2009 3:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ariza’s a little light, and not especially physical. He’s a good defender with quick hands and feet, but can be pushed around against 3’s like Artest and Carmelo Anthony. He’s athletic, and a decent shooter, but not high-energy, and has a tendency to disappear from games on the offensive end.
Balkman’s a great energy guy, plays bigger than his size, but he’s not the shooter that Ariza is. Kleiza, on the other hand, is a tremendous streak shooter and can provide instant offense. Plus, even though he’s a beefy 6’8", he is quick enough to guard smaller guys and big enough to handle physical small forwards, and rebounds well for his position. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Pop play Kleiza at 4 in his pet smallball lineups. Plus, he’s Lithuanian, so I can’t help but think Pop might have an inside track recruiting him to play for the MLE. Kleiza is my dream free agent pickup for the Spurs, like Azubuike was for Stampler last year.
I don’t want to dog on Ariza, he would be a good addition to the team as well, I just like those other two better.
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
by tomasito on May 21, 2009 11:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Holy crap somebody else knows that Balkman exists? Denver is probably going to have to shed one of their 3 SF’s, and it won’t be Melo. I would take either one of those guys, but not necessarily over Ariza.
Free James Gist!
by Tim C. on May 21, 2009 11:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Arizas price will be too high for us. He is an awesome defender who’s length allows him to get a lot of steals with out compromising his defensive position. And he’s very coachable. Ariza is my Kleiza to you Toma. I would certainly be pleased with Kleiza too though.
...formerly known as speedostuffer
by Manuwar on May 22, 2009 1:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hmm…seems like we might actually have a shot at one of them.
Tonight Ariza and Kleiza both played well on offense. But I can’t remember who Kleiza was guarding though.
by LionZion on May 22, 2009 6:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
but can be pushed around against 3’s like Artest and Carmelo Anthony.
Well…. yeah! Very few guys in the league don’t get pushed around by those two. And both have been assigned to guard Kobe these playoffs. Getting pushed around by Artest and Melo is understandable. One is a crazy madman on defense and the other is a pure scorer who’s been a forever changed player since Bejing. Replace them with Dirk and Andrei Kirilenko and now we have a problem.
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed.
by CMoney on May 22, 2009 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are right, I cited two of the strongest 3’s in the league. However, those two, plus Lebron James, are the players at that spot that the Spurs would have to get past in order to win a title. I feel that Balkman and Kleiza would fare better against big, physical 3-men, Balkman because of his motor and tenacity and Kleiza because of his size and fearlessness.
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
by tomasito on May 22, 2009 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kleiza doesnt do anything on defense. He and Balkman are the exact oposite. Maybe we can sign them both?
"It's a basic truth of the human condition that everybody lies. The only variable is about what."
by Chilai on May 22, 2009 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly, that’s my only problem with Kleiza. He seems to have the physical tools for defense, but doesn’t know how to use them. But who knows, maybe playing for Pop could change that. It seems risky, but I like what he brings on offense, so I would still take him.
Free James Gist!
by Tim C. on May 22, 2009 2:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am not trying to defend Simmons at all, but don’t you have to blame George Karl for part of that loss? He sat Melo for 7 minutes after his hot start, he played Carter way to much, including the last 30 seconds of the game. The guy is a defensive player who can’t shoot…from anywhere, why is he in the game?
Clearly Denver shot themselves in the foot with the free throws and the poor defensive rebounding. But Karl did them no favors the way he coached.
Parker for who? Simmons truly is out of his mind.
by Big50 on May 21, 2009 8:55 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed. If Pop had done something similar at the end of a game then I’m sure most of us would be killing Pop.
...formerly known as speedostuffer
by Manuwar on May 22, 2009 1:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cavs Thoughts
An email I sent two months ago titled “Hollinger is dumb…”:
“again.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&page=PERDiem-090318
Read at your own peril and yes he says he asteriks the spurs because their isn’t a Manu. So our starters and our bench players have the closest plus/minus of any team in the league. Maybe that’s because Pop plays better rotations than the rest of the coaches and rarely leaves benchies to fend for themselves. Considering we are second in the west maybe that statement should read “the spurs bench averages the closest plus/minus to their starters meaning starters are usually on the floor. They are still in the top 6 in point differential meaning that they don’t lose much potency by subbing. It may be random conjecture but having Duncan or Parker on the floor at almost all times leads to a really consistent balanced offense.” Sure Lebron can play 48 minutes a playoff game but thats won him how many championships in the past? How about comparing this to past teams and how they do in the playoffs?
Sorry for the rant."
I went to the Cavs game where Lebron played and Duncan and Manu didn’t. Our D-leaguers were better than their bench. Even their starters didn’t play amazing. +/- for Cavs team should be replaced with a “minutes played with LeBron stat”.
by BlaseE on May 21, 2009 9:40 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Nice post stampler... agreed on all points except:
Neither Williiams nor West can create any good shots for themselves or their teammates.
Mo Williams can create shots for himself and his teammates. He’s done it all season. His ablity to make plays has been the difference this year.
by BigFresh on May 21, 2009 10:09 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Can we also add...
That Simmons advocated drafting Okafor over Dwight Howard, Jay Williams over Yao, advocated giving Blount an (ultimately disastrous) extension when he was with Boston and (ultimately disastrous) Bobby Simmons when he was the Clippers, wrote endless columns about how Doc Rivers should have been fired before he led the Celtics to the championship (I could go on)…
And this guy thinks he could be a good GM? What humility!
by nbrans on May 21, 2009 10:52 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I don’t read him ever because for about a year I have been boycotting ESPN as much as I can, but he really thinks he could be a GM? What the hell? He has absolutely NO qualifications for that other than, like you said, playing around with ESPN trade machine, thinking up incredibly awful trade ideas.
What the Bowen giveth Horry taketh away. --LatinD (2008 Playoffs Round 2, Game 1)
the Spurs do not defeat you so much as they grind you into tiny shards of psychological wreckage.
-the Denver Post
by Hamer_SpursFan on May 21, 2009 10:59 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Being the GM is a good running bit for his column; an easy story — nothing more.
You’re better off trying to intimidate the sea. - LatinD
Free George Hill! (member #4)
by jollyrogerwilco on May 21, 2009 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am not a Lebron fan or anything, you gotta give the guy his due. After getting swept in the finals two years ago, he is back with a vengeance and a game thats still only improving. So when you say you Lebron threw his best punch in the last game, I would say your STILL underestimating. This guy dominates on scoring and dishing and causing havoc, so even with 49 points, I think next game he is gonna bring more maybe in other aspects.
Simmons is on page 2. He is there for whacky imagination and funny writing, and its just that. Its by no means serious analysis. As for trading Tony, there could always be something since he is the biggest asset. But its hard to think of better returns than Tony really. And as a PTRer, we dun really want the big 3 touched./{insert dirty comment}
Nuggets lost yesterday on too many things which pissed me off. JR Smith actually hurt the team with his critical turnovers. Missed free throws as everyone knows. Martins stupid stupid stupid foul where he thought the ref would be willing to let it go coz its only Kobe…yeah right. After all that stupidity, Mr. Pudgy DID do the next stupid thing by making the smallest guy on the court throw the inbounds. They caught the ‘stupid’ train home and hopefully some ppl got off.
by LionZion on May 21, 2009 12:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
And LeBron plays great D. He’s going to lock up Rashard Lewis in game 2.
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed.
by CMoney on May 21, 2009 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
When Lewis and Turkoglu were handed their contracts, I remember thinking how their agents even worked out such overpayment on players. But remarkably a few(4 yrs?) years later, its paying off depending upon your perspective.
Lewis I still think is playing below potential while Turkoglu has about maxed out imo.
by LionZion on May 21, 2009 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
To think of how invisible Turkoglu was during his time in S.A.
Argh.
You’re better off trying to intimidate the sea. - LatinD
Free George Hill! (member #4)
by jollyrogerwilco on May 21, 2009 4:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s probably Pop’s fault in some way.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on May 21, 2009 7:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He was such a wimp. I remember his confidence was a constant concern, and he absolutely went into the tank against the Lakers in the playoffs—he scored as many points as I did as a starter in the deciding game (0). Maybe there’s hope for Matt Bonner after all, five years from now on a different team, after his dreadful no-show against Dallas.
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
by tomasito on May 21, 2009 11:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
After Turk, and then Scola, I’m not sure I’d be able to survive watching Bonner do that too. That might completely shatter me.
You’re better off trying to intimidate the sea. - LatinD
Free George Hill! (member #4)
by jollyrogerwilco on May 22, 2009 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It honestly wouldn’t phase me. It’ll be hard to notice Rocket succeeding in several years with that “Pops” knife still in my back.
And the upcoming Gist release will then take my attention away as well.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on May 22, 2009 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow, tough AND pessimistic — nice combo!
You’re better off trying to intimidate the sea. - LatinD
Free George Hill! (member #4)
by jollyrogerwilco on May 23, 2009 12:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He made just about every jumper he took. Can he keep that up?
Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
by LatinD on May 21, 2009 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he made 20-30. Thats about in the standard lebronesque range right.
by LionZion on May 21, 2009 7:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He averages .489, so it wasn’t all that standard. And his effective FG% off jumpshots is .427. It was a pretty good game for him.
Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
by LatinD on May 21, 2009 9:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not in any way saying they’re equal, but which team is better without LeBron and Dwight? Are you going to take the Turk/Lewis led team or the Mo/Z led team? Stampler didn’t say it was his best punch but could be. Lets say he has two more games over 45 pts (which I doubt). Does that mean the Cavs win those games? I doubt it. Its like the Spurs where Tony and Tim can produce like crazy but unless Finley/Mason/Bonner makes a shot, we lose. Delonte West playing 47 minutes in a game for a championship team….
Benches in Game 1
Magic +20 minutes +20 pts
Magic also only gave up 12 pts on 13 TO’s.
by BlaseE on May 21, 2009 1:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Howard has clearly a better supporting cast. The cavs dont make it to the playoffs withouth lebron, while the magic are capable of winning playoff games withouth Dwight (like agaisnt the celtics)
"It's a basic truth of the human condition that everybody lies. The only variable is about what."
by Chilai on May 21, 2009 6:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know about the Cavs missing the POs without LeNike; we are talking about the East.
"If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on." -SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on May 21, 2009 7:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maurice williams, Delonte, Szerbiak, Varejao, Ilgauskas and no bench…. sounds like playoff material? At best they scrap the eight seed. The Pistons still look better to me.
Lebron is the piece that makes this guys shine doing what they do best. You want Williams shooting open 2pts and 3pts. You dont want him being your main creator (just ask some Bucks fans)
"It's a basic truth of the human condition that everybody lies. The only variable is about what."
by Chilai on May 21, 2009 7:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would if I could find any!
You’re better off trying to intimidate the sea. - LatinD
Free George Hill! (member #4)
by jollyrogerwilco on May 22, 2009 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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