ranking all the teams....spurs come in 12th
by JoshuaV on Sep 7, 2010 3:15 AM CDT
Email
Print
i cant belive the bulls are in the top 6 but the spurs are 12 this list is crap...
30. Minnesota Timberwolves
The more things change: Losing the best player on a 15-win team is no big deal, so bye-bye Al Jefferson. Now, the Wolves' most talented player, though perhaps not their best, is Michael Beasley, who's already had a duffle bag's worth of controversy in his disappointing two-year career. While you hope Beasley can turn it around in Minny, it just doesn't seem like the place to build a problem child into a professional. Elsewhere on the roster, Luke Ridnour replaces Ramon Sessions. Ho-hum. Both are truly backups.
The more they stay the same: The Timberwolves remain, undisputedly, the worst team and franchise in the league. Since Kevin Garnett left for brighter days in Boston three years ago, the Timberwolves have become a joke. They're overstocked at point guard, yet all of them are mediocre, and perhaps the best of the bunch (Ricky Rubio) refuses to play for them, choosing instead to remain in Europe. The one bright spot is Kevin Love, but even he's not bright enough to overcome the darkness covering this club.
<!-- END INLINE MODULE --><!-- end inline 2 -->
29. Detroit Pistons
The more things change: Years ago, when Tracy McGrady was healthy and in his prime, the Pistons tried and failed to trade for him. Well, they finally got McGrady, signing him as a free agent this summer for the veteran's minimum of $1.35 million. But the 31-year-old McGrady is such a shell of himself that the Pistons were perhaps the only team that wanted him. McGrady will get a chance to shine in Detroit, though, which is an opportunity he would not have received in most places. The Pistons also finally got a skilled big man, happily drafting Georgetown's Greg Monroe. Monroe has great talent, but his toughness and determination have been questioned, as he underachieved in NCAA ball.
The more they stay the same: Detroit's three best players may still play largely the same position. Point guard Rodney Stuckey may be more like a shooting guard, a position that's already stocked with Richard Hamilton and Ben Gordon. The three are too small to start in a three-guard lineup, but the Pistons' front line is too offensively challenged to put up big points without those three on the floor.
<!-- begin inline 3 --><!-- INLINE MODULE -->
<!-- END INLINE MODULE --><!-- end inline 3 -->
28. Toronto Raptors
The more things change: The Raptors played the Chris Bosh situation all wrong. It seems that every single individual in the league knew Bosh was leaving Toronto except those working in Toronto. Why else would the Raptors hold onto him until the summer, when they would have been far better off trading him before last season's deadline? In the end, Toronto was left to take whatever it could get in the form of draft picks and a huge trade exception for its best player. The Raptors were able to get rid of the disgruntled Hedo Turkoglu, bringing in another international player in Leandro Barbosa, and they also added free agents Amir Johnson and Linas Kleiza and draft pick Ed Davis. Those are decent players, but this was, without question, a lost summer for the Raptors.
The more they stay the same: The Raptors organization has to begin seriously wondering whether it can get an American-born star to stay in Toronto. McGrady left as a free agent years ago, then Vince Carter forced his way out of the country and now Bosh has followed suit. If talented second-year guard DeMar DeRozan blossoms into a star, will he eventually bolt, too? You can't help but think "probably."
<!-- begin inline 4 --><!-- INLINE MODULE -->
<!-- END INLINE MODULE --><!-- end inline 4 -->
27. Indiana Pacers
The more things change: The Pacers added a potential star in Darren Collison, who put up big numbers while filling in for Chris Paul last season in New Orleans. James Posey also came along in the trade that cost Indiana Troy Murphy, and he brings championship pedigree and leadership. For all their struggles on the court, the Pacers are beginning to manage their cap well and could be players in free agency next summer.
The more they stay the same: Second-round pick Lance Stephenson's recent altercation with the mother of his child, in which he allegedly pushed her down a flight of stairs and slammed her head against a step, brings back despicable memories of the havoc wreaked by Ron Artest, Stephen Jackson and Jamaal Tinsley a few years ago. Indiana, in an effort to win back its fan base, has brought in nothing but "good guys" the past few years, but diverted from that strategy in drafting Stephenson, whose troubled past is well-documented. They got burned for it.
<!-- begin inline 5 --><!-- INLINE MODULE -->
<!-- END INLINE MODULE --><!-- end inline 5 -->
26. Washington Wizards
The more things change: There's a new leader off the court, in new owner Ted Leonsis, and one on the court, in new point guard John Wall. Wall has explosive talent and is expected to become a superstar, and the Wizards acquired Kirk Hinrich to give Wall a veteran sounding board to help him maximize his potential. There's been a ton of team turnover, both at last February's trade deadline and over the summer, including a minor move that brought Yi Jianlian over from New Jersey. The Wizards are now a young team with big talent.
The more they stay the same: Gilbert Arenas is back, but back in a different role. When Gilbert left the team after being suspended because of his foolish gunplay with Javaris Crittenton, he was the face of the franchise, on and off the court. Now both of those titles belong to Wall, and no matter what he says, Arenas will have a hard time accepting that. The Wizards would love to trade him but his baggage and the four years and $80 million left on his contract make that awfully hard to do. Arenas helped ruin last season; the Wizards are determined not to let him ruin this one, as well.
<!-- END INLINE MODULE --><!-- end inline 6 -->
25. New Jersey Nets
The more things change: Rod Thorn and Kiki Vandeweghe are out, and Billy King, Avery Johnson and celebrity Russian owner Mikhail Prokhorov are in. Johnson was one of the league's most successful coaches during his tenure in Dallas and will whip the talented but young Nets into shape. Free agency was a failure, pure and simple, since the Nets missed out on all the big names, but they added some quality in Travis Outlaw (though they overpaid him with a five-year, $35 million deal), Jordan Farmar and Anthony Morrow. No. 3 pick Derrick Favors has a world of potential, and the Nets smartly brought in Troy Murphy to hold down the power forward spot until Favors learns the ropes.
The more they stay the same: The Nets are still stuck in a sort of limbo. While they've left the Izod Center in the New Jersey swamps, they're still not in their permanent digs yet. They'll spend the next two years in Newark, playing at the Prudential Center, before moving to Brooklyn for good in 2012. The failure to reach Brooklyn earlier, which was the initial plan, certainly cost the Nets a legitimate shot at LeBron James and the other big-name free agents this summer. Some would say it was fitting for a franchise that, despite its back-to-back trips to the Finals in 2002 and 2003, is still largely regarded as backward
24. Cleveland Cavaliers
The more things change: Well, what can you say? The King is gone. And not just The King, but the GM (Danny Ferry) and the coach (Mike Brown), too. It's an entirely new day in Cleveland. Actually, it's a return to life before LeBron James, when the Cavaliers were a doormat and an afterthought. The past few years they've been on national TV the maximum amount allowable by the NBA. This season? Two times -- once when LeBron and Miami make their first trip to Cleveland and again when new coach Byron Scott faces his former club, the New Orleans Hornets. While Cleveland would have given anything to have heard LeBron say, "I'm keeping my talents in Cleveland," new GM Chris Grant and crew are looking forward to rebuilding the franchise from scratch and proving the Cavs weren't just LeBron and a bunch of bums.
The more they stay the same: Owner Dan Gilbert's immature tirade against James, while panned nationally, was well received in Cleveland, and many believe it was a ploy to get the fans to continue supporting the team. It may work for a few months, or maybe even most of the season, but if the Cavs pack Quicken Loans Arena this season, that'll be one of the few things that's the same. Some of James' old teammates are still there -- Mo Williams, Anderson Varejao, J.J. Hickson and others -- but needless to say, the whole dynamic of the operation will change without LeBron.
<!-- END INLINE MODULE --><!-- end inline 2 -->
23. Sacramento Kings
The more things change: The Kings got a potential star in the draft, selecting 6-foot-11 power forward DeMarcus Cousins with the fifth pick. All the concerns surrounding Cousins related to his perceived lack of maturity. The Kings hired Cousins' high school coach, Otis Hughley, as an assistant to help the 20-year-old make the transition to pro ball and, perhaps more importantly, pro living. If Cousins matures and avoids trouble, the Kings have the makings of a potential contender in him and reigning Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans. It typically takes a great big man and a great perimeter player to contend in the NBA; Cousins and Evans could fit the bill. Athletic shot-blocker Samuel Dalembert could be a nice complement to Cousins inside, and the Kings also drafted 7-foot Hassan Whiteside. Whiteside is a project, but his upside -- again if he matures (and he may have further to go than Cousins) -- is high.
The more they stay the same: If Evans and Cousins both become legitimate stars, the Kings already have the role players in place: Dalembert, Jason Thompson, Carl Landry, Beno Udrih, Omri Casspi and Donte Greene. If the Kings don't implode -- if maturity reigns -- their future is bright.
<!-- END INLINE MODULE --><!-- end inline 3 -->
22. Los Angeles Clippers
The more things change: The long-awaited debut of last year's top pick, Blake Griffin, is what everyone's waiting for, but the Clippers' new look won't end there. Vinny Del Negro, who took a young Chicago team to the playoffs in two straight seasons, takes over on the bench, and he's got plenty of talent to work with. The Clippers had a strong draft, getting small forward Al-Farouq Aminu and point guard Eric Bledsoe. Throw in Randy Foye from the Wizards and solid role player/citizen Ryan Gomes, and the Clippers have tons of depth and ability.
The more they stay the same: For all the new faces, the Clippers will go only as far as veteran Baron Davis takes them. Davis, a Hall of Fame talent who's spent half his career underachieving, can put L.A. in the playoffs if he's engaged or in the dumpster if he loafs. Midsummer reports weren't good, as sources said the 6-3 point guard was up to 260 pounds, 45 pounds above his listed playing weight.
<!-- END INLINE MODULE --><!-- end inline 4 -->
21. Golden State Warriors
The more things change: The most significant change here may be the ownership transfer from Chris Cohan to Joe Lacob. Lacob, who previously held minority ownership in the Boston Celtics, is a no-nonsense guy who's vowed to put an end to the Warriors' recent history of dissension and dysfunction. He is evaluating the front office and coaching staff and might replace Don Nelson on the bench. On the court, Golden State moved Anthony Randolph, Ronny Turiaf and Kelenna Azubuike to New York in exchange for David Lee. Lee is a legitimate double-double guy who should play well alongside Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis, because he can be productive without having plays run for him. They also sent Corey Maggette to Milwaukee for reserves Dan Gadzuric and Charlie Bell.
The more they stay the same: Lacob is being patient before making changes, but he needs to get rid of Nelson. Nelson has hampered the Warriors' young talent for years and his gimmick offenses are played out. In Curry, Ellis and Lee, Golden State has a promising nucleus that needs to be honed by a serious coach. A few years ago, Nellie would've been the man for the job. That's not the case anymore. If Nelson's not replaced, expect some fun, highlight-quality moments from the Warriors' young guns, but lots of losses.
<!-- END INLINE MODULE --><!-- end inline 5 -->
20. Charlotte Bobcats
The more things change: It's likely that the Bobcats will waive Erick Dampier and his non-guaranteed contract, but if they keep him, he's basically replacing Tyson Chandler. Since Chandler spent so much time on the injured list, and Dampier could be in a contract year, that could be a good thing. Dampier's last strong season -- the best of his career -- came when he was playing for a contract in Golden State. Eduardo Najera is a bruiser who could add some necessary toughness, and the once-wildly-promising Shaun Livingston will be given a chance to resurrect his career, which was derailed in 2007 by a brutal knee injury.
The more they stay the same: The Bobcats experienced a bit of prosperity last season, and we all know how crazy that makes Larry Brown. There have long been rumblings of tension between Brown and the Bobcats' front office, so unnecessary Brown-caused drama would not be surprising.
<!-- END INLINE MODULE --><!-- end inline 6 -->
19. Philadelphia 76ers
The more things change: League lifer Rod Thorn, who worked lots of magic in New Jersey, moves two hours south to become the president of the Sixers, rejoining his old Nets partner, Ed Stefanski. Doug Collins, a former Sixers star, is the new coach, replacing Eddie Jordan and his Princeton offense. Center Samuel Dalembert was shipped to Sacramento for Andres Nocioni and Spencer Hawes, a trade that sacrifices athleticism for grit. No. 2 pick Evan Turner is hyped but was underwhelming in summer league.
The more they stay the same: The Sixers' biggest problem is that highly paid power forward Elton Brand is a slow, halfcourt player who doesn't fit with the Philly speed demons (Andre Iguodala, Lou Williams, Thaddeus Young), who are better suited for playing up-tempo basketball. You have to wonder if the Sixers are going in an even slower direction with the hiring of Collins, who has a history of playing deliberate, plodding basketball. If that's the case, how will Iguodala, Williams et al. fit into Collins' scheme? In other words, there was confusion last season and there will be confusion this season.
18. New York Knicks
The more things change: New York didn't get the man/men they wanted in free agency, but they definitely improved by adding Amare Stoudemire, Raymond Felton, Anthony Randolph, Roger Mason, Ronny Turiaf and Kelenna Azubuike. Obviously, the addition of Stoudemire makes up for the loss of David Lee, and Randolph is a diamond in the rough, a versatile youngster with star potential. There's no guarantee he'll reach full bloom, especially under the pressure-packed bright lights of NYC, but if he does, he'll be special. Of course, the talk of Carmelo Anthony wanting to join the Knicks has made this once-proud-but-recently-embarrassing franchise feel loved again.
The more they stay the same: Mike D'Antoni still loathes defense, sometimes going days without mentioning the subject in practice last season, according to one former player. Unless that changes -- and there's little reason to think it will -- the Knicks will be an inconsistent team. In the past, the Knicks have brought in talented, big-name power forwards, paraded them around Madison Square Garden as saviors and then watched them fail miserably (Antonio McDyess and Zach Randolph, anyone?). Many believe it'll be a case of déjà vu with Stoudemire, who has such bad knee problems his contract could not be insured.
<!-- END INLINE MODULE --><!-- end inline 2 -->
17. Houston Rockets
The more things change: Of course, the biggest change is that the biggest man in the league, Yao Ming, will return from his foot injury. But his days of playing 30-plus minutes a game (not to mention averaging 20 and 10) could be over. The signing of Brad Miller will give Houston a nice one-two punch at center, even if Yao's minutes are limited. Courtney Lee was acquired in a trade for Trevor Ariza, which is at best a lateral move; Lee's no better than Ariza and probably a bit worse. Draft pick Patrick Patterson is a promising talent.
The more they stay the same: The good news is that Luis Scola and Kyle Lowry were re-signed, and one would expect the high-scoring Kevin Martin to be better acclimated to his teammates after playing a half-season with them last year. In Martin and Aaron Brooks, the Rockets could have one of the highest-scoring backcourts in the league.
<!-- END INLINE MODULE --><!-- end inline 3 -->
16. Memphis Grizzlies
The more things change: The free-agent signing of Tony Allen was a nice move, giving the Grizzlies much-needed depth off the bench. And while Allen is not exactly known as a leader, he spent the last three years under Kevin Garnett's wing and in the professional, title-contending culture of the Celtics. If he can transfer some of those lessons learned to the Grizzlies, that will be a benefit in Memphis.
The more they stay the same: The Grizzlies brought back Rudy Gay to the tune of $82 million. A bit high? Without question, but it keeps the young nucleus of Gay, O.J. Mayo and Zach Randolph together -- at least for another year. Throw in Marc Gasol and that's a nice young foursome. Problem is, Mike Conley continues to be a weak link at point guard, and last year's lottery pick, Hasheem Thabeet, still seems to be in the "project'' stage.
<!-- begin inline 4 --><!-- INLINE MODULE -->
<!-- END INLINE MODULE --><!-- end inline 4 -->
15. Atlanta Hawks
The more things change: The biggest change was the move from Mike Woodson, who improved the team's record in each of his six seasons, to longtime assistant coach Larry Drew as the head man. Drew was the players' choice, which could be a good or a bad thing. What we do know is that he will try to get more movement in the Hawks' offense, nixing Woodson's iso-exclusive philosophy. Besides that, the Hawks added a couple of nondescript bigs in Jason Collins and Josh Powell. They're hoping Jeff Teague can wrestle the reins away from veteran Mike Bibby, but that may be too big a jump for the second-year point guard. Rookie draft pick Jordan Crawford gained fame for dunking on LeBron James, but can he play?
The more they stay the same: For all the excitement over the return of Joe Johnson, fact is, the Hawks have hit their ceiling. They may win 50 games but they are a second-round playoff team at best, a step below the real EC contenders: Miami, Boston, Orlando and probably Chicago. Collins and Powell won't improve Atlanta's fate against real bigs like Dwight Howard. The Hawks will be good again, but no way they threaten to win the East.
<!-- END INLINE MODULE --><!-- end inline 5 -->
14. New Orleans Hornets
The more things change: First and foremost, Chris Paul, who missed 37 games because of injury last season, is back, though he's not necessarily happy about returning to New Orleans. The point guard wants to play for a contender, and new GM Dell Demps and new coach Monty Williams have tried to make moves to appease their superstar. They traded away his backup, Darren Collison, to bring in Trevor Ariza and sent Julian Wright to Toronto for Marco Belinelli. Ariza and Belinelli are young and full of potential. The hope is that with Paul getting them open looks, they'll finally tap their upside with the Hornets.
The more they stay the same: If Marcus Thornton can improve on his pleasantly surprising rookie year, in which he averaged nearly 20 points over the last three months of the season, the Hornets could have their best backcourt in recent memory. That would make the already-solid big-man tandem of Emeka Okafor and David West that much better, and with Ariza aboard, Peja Stojakovic can perhaps fill the role of sniper off the bench. Basketball-wise, it doesn't look as bad as many might think. But off the court, it's a mess, as the ownership transfer from George Shinn to Gary Chouest continues to hit stumbling blocks. Closure for this club won't come until Chouest is running the team.
<!-- END INLINE MODULE --><!-- end inline 6 -->
13. Milwaukee Bucks
The more things change: Reigning NBA Executive of the Year John Hammond was at it again this summer, making moves for the surprising Bucks that should leave them just a tier below the elite. Trading for Corey Maggette was the big move, and while Maggette has made the playoffs only once in his 11-year career, he is a big-time scorer who gets to the foul line as well as anyone else in the league. The Bucks were 29th out of 30 teams in free throws attempted last season, and Maggette can cure that deficiency all by himself. If he buys into coach Scott Skiles' hardcore defensive philosophy -- bottom line, he won't have much choice -- the Bucks could surpass Atlanta and maybe (maybe!) challenge Chicago or Boston for the third seed. Drew Gooden adds toughness and is an upgrade over the power-forward-by-committee system the club employed last season.
The more they stay the same: The last image we saw of Andrew Bogut was a harrowing one, with the 7-footer writhing on the floor in pain after suffering a gruesome elbow injury. Bogut's rehabbing now, but missing the start of the season is not out of the question. Beyond that, the Bucks are hoping that when he returns he comes back as the All-Star-caliber player he was last season (15.9 ppg, 10.2 rpg and 2.5 blocks). Also, expect point guard Brandon Jennings to build on his excellent rookie season, mainly by improving his .371 field goal percentage. He thinks the added talent can enable him to average a double-double (points/assists). Re-signing John Salmons was huge. And on a sad note, injury-plagued former All-Star Michael Redd, who's missed the better part of the last two seasons, is on the shelf again and not expected back until February.
12. San Antonio Spurs
The more things change: Tiago Splitter, the 25-year-old Brazilian center San Antonio drafted in 2007, is finally a Spur. If the 6-foot-11 Splitter, a Spanish League MVP and all-Euroleague player, is as good as advertised, he'll give Tim Duncan some much-needed help up front and slow the aging process of this proud, once-great team. The Spurs have a great draft history, and they appear to have snagged another player to watch in shooting guard James Anderson, who was a straight-up scoring machine at Oklahoma State. There's been noise about Tony Parker going elsewhere, particularly New York, but the three-time champion remains in San Antonio for now.
The more they stay the same: The Spurs' time has passed, simple as that. They'll win 50ish games and be regarded as dangerous come playoff time, but they're just too old and banged up to go all the way anymore. Only a young stud or two could stave off Father Time, and while good, Anderson and newly minted starter (it seems) George Hill aren't of that caliber.
<!-- END INLINE MODULE --><!-- end inline 2 -->
11. Phoenix Suns
The more things change: He was sometimes a hero, sometimes a headache. Now, he's just a memory. Amare Stoudemire, a mainstay second only to Steve Nash in the Suns' fun-ball run, signed with the Knicks as a free agent. But Phoenix doesn't think it'll miss a beat. The Suns have always played well when injuries sidelined Stoudemire, so they think the additions of Hedo Turkoglu, Hakim Warrick and Josh Childress will render Amare forgettable. There's a new front office to boot, with former star player agent Lon Babby taking over as president and Lance Blanks leaving the rubble that is now Cleveland to become the Suns' GM. Turkoglu, who cost the Suns Leandro Barbosa, hopes the change of scenery brings back the All-Star level of play he displayed in Orlando but lost last season in Toronto.
The more they stay the same: Even if the Suns don't miss Amare, they'll miss the Finals. The defense has gotten better under Alvin Gentry, but it's still not stellar enough to win three Western Conference playoff series. At some point, the 36-year-old Nash is going to start acting his age. (He already does on the defensive end.)
<!-- END INLINE MODULE --><!-- end inline 3 -->
10. Denver Nuggets
The more things change: The Nuggets have long had one of the strangest front-office schemes in the league, with opposing teams wondering whether Mark Warkentien, Rex Chapman or Bret Bearup was running the show. Now, Warkentien and Chapman are gone, but we'll have to wait and see if the situation gets any clearer. On the player front, the free-agent signing of Shelden Williams is, well, underwhelming.
The more they stay the same: For the past few years, the D in Denver has stood for dysfunction, and that's one thing that hasn't changed. Only this time, it's more serious than ever, as star forward Carmelo Anthony is subtly forcing his way out. Anthony's dream is to get the Nuggets to trade him to New York, where he could sign the three-year, $65 million extension he's thus far refused to sign in Denver. But Orlando, Chicago, Houston and New Jersey could also be acceptable destinations. Oh, and as usual, Kenyon Martin is apparently going to miss some time this season with knee injuries; same goes for Chris Andersen.
<!-- END INLINE MODULE --><!-- end inline 4 -->
9. Dallas Mavericks
The more things change: Change has become the norm in Dallas, as owner Mark Cuban keeps searching for that perfect mix to put around superstar Dirk Nowitzki. In that vein, the Mavericks replaced Erick Dampier with Tyson Chandler, a younger, more athletic, albeit injury-prone center. Dazzling second-year guard Roddy Beaubois, a Frenchman who conjures visions of Parker, could signify a changing of the guard, but first he'll have to get healthy: He's expected to miss training camp with a broken left foot.
The more they stay the same: Let's just cut to the chase: As has been the case since 2006, when the Mavericks blew their greatest opportunity ever to win a championship, they have a very good team that's still a notch below the true title contenders. Rebounding was a problem last season, and will be again if Chandler can't stay healthy.
<!-- END INLINE MODULE --><!-- end inline 5 -->
8. Utah Jazz
The more things change: Carlos Boozer and his 19 points and 11 rebounds are gone, but the Jazz brought in reinforcements. First, there's Al Jefferson, the stat-producing big man Utah got from Minnesota for two future first-round picks and one past one (Kosta Koufos). For Jefferson, this is a test to prove whether he's the real deal or a fraud: If he passes, he'll prove he can do more than put up pretty numbers -- namely, win. Failure will come if he's unable to lift the Jazz to another level. Utah also drafted NCAA wonder boy Gordon Hayward, who most think will be a good fit. He's definitely got promise, and with the Jazz needing help on the wing, he'll get a chance to prove himself.
The more they stay the same: Paul Millsap is another reason Utah's not fretting the loss of Boozer, and with the two-time All-Star now in Chicago, Millsap could be headed for his best season yet. Elsewhere, the position that's plagued the Jazz for what seems like eons -- shooting guard -- could still be a question mark. Veteran Raja Bell was signed and could be the starter by default. (Anyone ever heard of Othyus Jeffers, a backup in the mix?) But how much does the soon-to-be-34-year-old Bell, who played just six games last season, have left?
<!-- END INLINE MODULE --><!-- end inline 6 -->
7. Portland Trail Blazers
The more things change: Besides their draft picks, headlined by promising forward Luke Babbitt, the Blazers haven't done a ton this offseason. They added 2-guard Wesley Matthews, who made a name for himself with his surprising rookie play last season in Utah, and they're likely to lose Rudy Fernandez, the athletic wing who's demanding a trade or a return to Europe (anything but another year in Portland!). Those additions/subtractions mean little and won't move the Blazers' needle up or down much. But there's another addition coming in the form of 7-footer Greg Oden. After missing all but 21 games last season with yet another major injury, Oden is expected to be healthy for the start of this campaign. If he can play a whole 82 games -- and play them well -- the Blazers could be the best of the rest (besides the Lakers) in the West. Oh, and there's been a shake-up in the front office, with Rich Cho leaving Oklahoma City to replace Kevin Pritchard as GM. Cho hired the capable Bill Branch (formerly of OKC) and Steve Rosenberry (formerly of Atlanta) as his assistant GMs.
The more they stay the same: Head coach Nate McMillan is one of the best in the league. He and veteran point guard Andre Miller clashed early last season before eventually making peace. Despite that well-publicized beef and all the injuries, the Blazers still won 50 games. With McMillan and Miller on the same page, the Blazers, if healthy, will be dangerous.
6. Chicago Bulls
The more things change: For weeks, the Bulls appeared to be the front-runners in the LeBron Sweepstakes, but they had to settle for Carlos Boozer, Kyle Korver, Ronnie Brewer and Kurt Thomas. It's not as bad as it sounds, though. Boozer gives the Bulls what they haven't had since the days of Bill Cartwright -- a big man who's a bona fide low-post scorer. And Korver is the knockdown 3-point artist Chicago has been longing to put next to Derrick Rose. Brewer brings more athleticism, and longtime banger Thomas, one of the last of a dying breed, adds toughness. Ballyhooed Celtics assistant coach Tom Thibodeau takes over on the sidelines, assuring that the Bulls will be much stronger defensively. The longtime assistant also has experience on the offensive side of the ball, but questions remain about his game management, multitasking and player relations skills, all critical components for a head coach. Moving the 12 inches between the assistant's chair and the head man's chair is a huge leap. We'll see if Thibodeau is up to the challenge.
The more they stay the same: The Bulls missed shooting guard Ben Gordon, now a Piston, last season, and they'll miss him again. Fact is, the Bulls don't have anything close to a 2-guard to be feared. Brewer would seem to be the starter, but he'll be outclassed most nights. Korver is a specialist who will be a defensive liability. Clearly, Chicago's hope is that the team is so strong at the other four positions that it can get away with a middling shooting guard. But that position has become a powerhouse around the league, so the Bulls' lack there could hurt.
<!-- END INLINE MODULE --><!-- end inline 2 -->
5. Oklahoma City Thunder
The more things change: The Thunder like their first-round draft pick, Cole Aldrich, believing he can become something akin to Kendrick Perkins. We don't agree; Aldrich is very likely to be a stiff. But that still won't halt the Thunder's rise. We like the addition of Daequan Cook a bit more. Though he took a major step back last season, Cook is a legit 3-point threat who should strengthen OKC's bench. Ditto for Morris Peterson.
The more they stay the same: Conventional wisdom says the Thunder are just too young to reach the Finals, so they're probably one year away from being a legitimate Western Conference contender. All this team needs is time. How much Serge Ibaka improves and builds on last season's strong playoff performance is huge for the Thunder. If Ibaka can become a legitimate starter, he could emerge as the big man OKC will undoubtedly need to be capable of competing for a ring in the future.
<!-- END INLINE MODULE --><!-- end inline 3 -->
4. Orlando Magic
The more things change: Wildly busy last season, the Magic have done only small-scale tinkering this summer. But it could have large-scale implications. The loss of hard-nosed wing defender Matt Barnes will hurt, pure and simple. And the addition of backup (third-string?) point guard Chris Duhon will have minimal impact. Rookie Daniel Orton has promise, but he's a major project.
The more they stay the same: Vince Carter's wishy-washy play will only get more disappointing and inconsistent after a summer's worth of aging; Rashard Lewis' pattern of declining productivity in each of his three seasons in Orlando should continue; and summer spies say Dwight Howard hasn't been diligent about adding post moves to his sub-par offensive arsenal, so there's not much reason to believe the Magic will improve this season.
<!-- END INLINE MODULE --><!-- end inline 4 -->
3. Boston Celtics
The more things change: Shaq is in, Sheed is out, which should bolster the Celtics' front line, particularly with the addition of Jermaine O'Neal and with Kendrick Perkins missing the first few months of the season due to a knee injury. But the athleticism and defensive tenacity of reserve guard Tony Allen will be missed. Defensive architect Tom Thibodeau is also gone, having become the head coach of the Chicago Bulls, and it remains to be seen if Boston's vaunted defense will be as strong without him.
The more they stay the same: Head coach Doc Rivers decided to return after nearly walking away and Nate Robinson's second season with the club could go even better than his first, since he'll be better acclimated to the Celtics' system and culture. But each member of Boston's Big Three will, of course, be a year older, and you have to wonder if a 35-year-old Ray Allen, a 34-year-old Kevin Garnett and a 33-year-old Paul Pierce can muster another title run. Rajon Rondo's improvement will need to be even greater to make up for the likely decline of the three stars.
<!-- END INLINE MODULE --><!-- end inline 5 -->
2. Miami Heat
The more things change: What's new? There's not a soul on Earth who couldn't answer that question. In what could prove to be the most successful offseason in NBA history, the Heat turned themselves into not only an absolute contender but a potential (perhaps even likely) dynasty. Besides landing big fish LeBron James and Chris Bosh to run with Dwyane Wade, Miami did a tremendous job, with virtually no money to work with, of surrounding its three stars with solid role players: Mike Miller, Udonis Haslem, James Jones, Eddie House, Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Juwan Howard. If the Heat are smart (and who can doubt them after this summer), they will put LeBron at point guard and unleash him as the reincarnation of Magic Johnson. Bottom line: If James is as good as he's been advertised throughout his career, there's no excuse not to win the title this season.
The more they stay the same: Even though they added the 6-foot-10 Bosh, one of the best big men in the league, the Heat are still likely to be soft up front. That's fine against most teams but could be a problem against the Lakers, the Magic and maybe even the Celtics. Of course, that's been the problem in South Beach ever since 2007. Jamaal Magloire was once a roughneck, but for the past three years, he's been about as durable as a pair of Chuck Taylors, even though he's only 32 years old. Joel Anthony? He's only 6-9 -- and that's just one of his deficiencies.
<!-- END INLINE MODULE --><!-- end inline 6 -->
1. Los Angeles Lakers
The more things change: For the second straight summer, the Lakers came off a championship and refused to rest on their laurels. Give them major credit; the additions of Matt Barnes and Steve Blake were excellent. Barnes will pay huge dividends if the Lakers meet Miami in the Finals, because he gives them another tough, hard-nosed defender (along with Ron Artest and Kobe Bryant) to throw at LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. Blake is similar to Derek Fisher, only -- and this is huge -- younger. And finally, the league's biggest team got bigger, adding the fragile, but very capable shot-blocker, Theo Ratliff. The two big questions facing the Lakers are: (1) will Andrew Bynum be/stay healthy; and (2) will Kobe, in his 15th season, lose another step?
The more they stay the same: For a while, it looked like the Lakers would have to adjust to a new coach, but the most accomplished coach in NBA history, Phil Jackson, decided to come back for one more season (at least) and a shot at a fourth three-peat. The Lakers hope Bynum's history of injuries doesn't remain the same. If he can stay healthy, he'll be a beast and perhaps the difference in the Finals matchup we all want to see: Lakers versus Heat.
152 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
I believe this is the most recent ESPN Insider offseason ranking of all 30 NBA teams by Chris Broussard and John Hollinger, which we discussed in an earlier FP or FS back in August.
(HINT: You can usually find the source by highlighting a paragraph, copying it to clipboard, and pasting it into Google or your favorite search engine. At least that’s what I do.)
Hey, if posting a sharp, insightful, yet non-sarcastic comment were that easy, even olf would do it.
by freshtunarightofftheboat on Sep 7, 2010 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions
Joshua, in the future provide a link in a FanShot. Please do not copy/paste an entire article into a FanPost. Thanks.
hey sorry about that…im in iraq and it dosnt let me use that feature for some reason. i tried over and over again but it would not let me and its a goverment security so it blocks any links that i try and copy so sorry again. this is from espn insider
WHY IS THE SKY BLUE.....BECAUSE GOD LOVES THE INFANTRY
Stay safe
out there homie
One thing i can do...................is FINGER ROLL.
by gunnin' gervin on Sep 9, 2010 11:56 PM CDT up reply actions
funny.What the hell?I think Chi is the 10th team and I think Phx should be the ones out of the top 10 and be replaced by SA.Again being old is the reason, they forgot,we’re not the oldest.I think even if SA in the future would have ave age of 25.5, “experts” might say they are 35.5. These people are crazy, I don’t care about SA can win this or that, but we’ve always been a cliche for old.Wait did I mention that our ave age is 26.9
Bet they think Boston is younger or LA is younger(c’mon even with that age they are considered to be 20.Bet the writer didn’t notice that LA is older or shall I say oldest?)
Champion of Me. All about ‘Bron and all about nothing.
and oh, I forgot to mention that we’re younger than Miami .and @fresh, these ESPN guys are typical ESPN guys.See I got these ages from their site and they’re too lazy to see if it is true that we are that old.
Champion of Me. All about ‘Bron and all about nothing.
Um, we are lucky to be listed as 12th in the league –
just in the West we are topped by –
Lakers, Jazz, Thunder, Trailblazers, and maybe the Rockets and Nuggets
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
Woah mate, that’s enough of that. Duncan, Parker, Manu, Splitter, Hill, Anderson, Blair and even Jefferson! I think we’ll be 2nd in the west by a long shot.
"Are you gunna bite all day little doggie, or are you gunna bite?"
by Joseph Parkes on Sep 7, 2010 8:25 PM CDT up reply actions
I think 2nd is possible and have thought so for a while. Portland (healthy) and OKC might beat us is we are coasting/resting for the season or have a big 3 injury but other then that i really like our team. first time in a long time manu/parker/duncan all not playing international or coming off of injury (this alone is great news even though they are a year older), 2nd seasons for Jef and Blair, 3rd season for hill, some nba ready 3pt shooters and spliter finally here (modest expectations are solid play for 20-24 min as a 7ish footer is a huge upgrade all by itself). nothing is certain but i think we got a lot better this year. we won 50 games last year and got better.
jazz are not better losing some shoting and getting Jefferson to replace boz, i dont think rockets are better even if yao stays on the floor. nuggets were always over rated and now have to deal with melo possibly leaving or having it hang over the team all year. i dont see us lower then 4th and more then likely 2nd if we get off to a good start with all the new faces.
2nd is waaaayyyyy optimistic
Lakers are 1st, everyone agrees
Thunder are right behind along with Blazers and Mavs.
There is no way we finish 2nd in the Conference.
sorry, wish i could say different but facts are stubborn things
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
by Joe deLarios on Sep 11, 2010 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions
i think 2nd is optimistic but not impossible.
I’m curious what facts you are talking about, the season hasn’t started….almost all of this is opinion in the form or prediction,speculation and conjecture. there are no facts that the suprs wont be 2nd
Lakers are 1st, everyone agrees i agree too but it doesn’t make it a fact
Thunder are right behind along with Blazers and Mavs. all an opinion
I personally think the thunder are being a little over rated, want to see Portland make it to the end of the season before ill say they are better and think we have gotten much better and should finish ahead of the mavs. Certainly all these team COULD finish 2nd but i really think we have made enough improvements to be right there with them for 2nd
wow, only if you were willing to put your $$$ where your mouth is
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
by Joe deLarios on Sep 12, 2010 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions
that’s not the disagreement – you know what we are debating, and it’s not fourth place, or even third. You want to call on second, considering how “we made enough improvements to be right there” – but i understand if you don’t want to rise to the occasion
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
by Joe deLarios on Sep 12, 2010 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions
what?…i agreed 2nd was optimistic :P
i never said we were definitely 2nd and no one else was close
you listed 6 teams in the west you think are better or could be and i think that was way too many
im not sure how i got your attention here but first you talk about facts where there are none
then you imply i wont “back it up with money” which is absurd as i don’t even know you, and my lack of willingness to bet doesn’t weaken my argument anyways.
then you say you understand why i “wont rise to the occasion” to back my claim…but what your saying isn’t even my claim.
you are a truly gifted e-thug congratulations
gifted e-thug
I love that. Nice turn of phrase, sf.
Artis, I think it’s possible that you guys aren’t having the same conversation. Want to try restating your position? Then sf can respond to that, and we’ll see where that takes us.
I’m trying to rediscover verbosity. - LatinD
e-thug, thanks.
I was calling you out for thinking the Spurs could finish 2nd – I said there was no way – you came back with that it might be possible – I said it wasn’t. We had a disagreement and was hoping we could make a gentleman’s wager on it – not $$$ as that would be illegal but maybe a Manu Jersey or some cool swag.
If you don’t want to “rise to the occassion” then don’t – not a big deal
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
by Joe deLarios on Sep 13, 2010 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions
I’m fine with the experts saying the Lakers will be first in the West. That’s kind of a big “duh” there.
However to say in one breath that the Spurs are topped by the Jazz, Thunder, Trailblazers, Rockets, and the Nuggets? No, not at all! The Jazz have lost three (?) key players and replaced them with one injury prone player. The Trailblazers have yet to play a healthy season, the Rockets will get nowhere without Ming, and the Nuggets have completely capitulated; there seems to be little chemistry and organization there. Unless there is a change for the better this season, the Nuggets might become the new definitions of anarchy and chaos. As for the Thunder, they will probably improve-but enough to jump from eighth to second?
I will not say the Spurs will be second in the West. This team is notorious for slow starts. However I do believe the Spurs can challenge for second and have a good at third or fourth.
Artis, I’m surprised you didn’t mention the Mavs in your list of teams. I know they will not compete for a championship but they are usually decent about securing a high seed (only to collapse come playoff time). Who do you envision capturing the division title?
"Rip it and grip it!" -Kevin Costner
Oh, yes, you are right Augustus – and the Mavs – so teams that will top us in the standings are:
Lakers, Thunder, Blazers, Mavericks, and possibly Jazz, Rockets and Nuggets.
That puts us about 5th or 6th in the West and in the East you have the
Celtics, Bulls, Heat, Hawks and Magic
So, yes 12th is about right
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
by Joe deLarios on Sep 11, 2010 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions
strange, isn’t it?
"The A-Train deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
by Joe deLarios on Sep 20, 2010 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions
You are out of ur mind!! Lucky to be 12th?!?! The blazers were as good as they were gonna be the last two years. Oden will get hurt again and u lost Travis outlaw and steve Blake. Roy and Aldridge r awesome and I like nick batum but it gets rather shallow besides maybe balless and pryzbilla. Spurs will handle them. We almost always have the nuggets number and that’s to assume that melo is even still there. And come on…the rockets? Wow. Allthough they are well coached and play hard i feel that the rockets contention for a title ended when" the dream " left for the raptors for some sad reason. The jazz are always solid but alaways kind of a no-threat for some reason. Not to mention that they lost boozer, korver and Ronnie. They added Jefferson but he doesn’t even replace boozer in my opinion. Certainly not after the knee surgery. The one legit team u had up there ahead of the spurs was the thunder . Granted the mavs r dangerous but they are chronic choke artists as well. All and all I think it will be a very close race for second between the thunder and the spurs. With the mavs very possibly right there as well. But honestly man, to say that there is no way that the spurs can get 2nd is not only incorrect due it just actually being possible, but the comment itself is just ignorant. Doubtfull i know but I hope some of my facts/opinions might sway your decision slightly.
The possibility is remote at best – it ain’t happening. Especially considering
1. the age of our players
2. the fact that Pop will be forced to rest the veterans
3. the possibility of injury
4. the fact that our planned starter, Tiago, is new to the system
So 2nd, no, not happening. If you have a strong conviction about it then let’s put something on the table, especially if you feel my justification is “ignorant” it should be an easy pick up for you
"The A-Train deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
by Joe deLarios on Sep 20, 2010 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions
1. the age of our players
2. the fact that Pop will be forced to rest the veterans
3. the possibility of injury
4. the fact that our planned starter, Tiago, is new to the system
good list of why we might not make it…i would add if one or all of the gaurds dont step up to give manu rest…which is like you #2
yea this is pretty stupid. He says the Spurs are way too old, I know that’s the general consensus but how about actually looking at the roster before saying that. And then He ranks the celtics 3….lol.
There is NO way the Suns are a better team than the Spurs without Stoudemire, i’ll be suprised if they even make the playoffs. The Nuggets should also be ranked lower because of the Carmelo drama and Karl battling cancer. Those are the two teams that should definitely be behind the Spurs.
I feel like the Thunder are starting to become a little overrated…sure they’re young and exciting but without a legitimate big they should not be a top 5 team in the league. The Bulls could also be good, but shouldn’t be ranked #6. Not a very well done rankings
Maybe by old the author means guys past 30,so I’ll just put Manu an TD(forget Gino and Bon).Maybe he thinks the team consist only of 2 players.
Champion of Me. All about ‘Bron and all about nothing.
Per basketball-reference.com, the age of players in descending order of minutes played:
Jefferson – 29
Duncan – 33
Hill – 23
Ginobili – 32
Parker – 27
McDyess – 35
Bogans – 29
Mason – 29
Blair – 20
Bonner – 29
The rest played less than 400 minutes
So of the top 10 players, 5 will be 30 this season, 2 are gone and 3 will be younger than 30. That is not a young team.
that is also last years team
this year could look alot more like this
blair getting 5 more min a game (not unlikely) less duncan/dyess
spliter 20min (should get more but atleast this) less min for duncan/dyess
neal/anderson (15min total again not unlikely) less manu
hill/parker more or less min either way both are under 30
all 4 of them are well under 30 and lowering the mins of our top 3 30 year olds form last year not named jefferson who just hitting 30 this year.
this years team as far as min will be much younger
blair getting 5 more min a game (not unlikely) less duncan/dyess
spliter 20min (should get more but atleast this) less min for duncan/dyess
Duncan played 31.1 mpg and McDyess played 21.0 mpg. Barring injury, I don’t see their minutes going down. Splitter will more likely take minutes from Bonner, Blair and/or Jefferson.
neal/anderson (15min total again not unlikely) less manu
Last season, the Spurs had 2 veteran back up wings. This year, they have guys with no NBA experience. And you expect Ginobili’s minutes to go down?
Duncan and Ginobili are the team’s two biggest stars and they are getting up there in age. Adding rookie bench players to the team doesn’t change that.
ok so barring injury this seems like what we have
front court
duncan min30 (rest7-9 games on back to back ect)
blair min18 (this is what he had last year and i think there 0% chance his min dont go up atleast alittle)
dyess min 20
bonner about 8 (garbage time/foul trouble or whenever duncan sits and knowing pop and his like of guys who know the system this could be higher)
that leaves 20 min for spliter
i personally think spliter and blair both get more then this but with this conservative estimate both duncan and dyess are spared over a min a game from last year and those min more then likely go to younger guys (spliter/blair)
back court
manu 28 (rest7-9 games on back to back ect)
parker 30
hill 28
jefferson30 (putting jef here because less small ball with him at the 4)
that leaves about 30 min a game counting time manu sits
Anderson is considered nba ready and can play 15min we’ll say
that leaves 15min a game for neal (cant be too much worse then mason last year right) temple (played well for 14min a game when we had him last year) gee (no clue but even if he gets garbage time 2min a game thats something)
this seems completely realistic and conservative estimate …if you don’t like this break down tack 1-2 min each on parker hill and jefferson and that would be what they played last year and that would insure manu is under 28
clearly if someone gets hurt that changes things but everyone is rested and the team is deeper and younger, which should mean more rest for manu and duncan. clearly their numbers go back up in the playoffs but then again thats the point.
the original point was the team is younger and even if you just take bonner, mason, boggan out of last year and put in spliter, anderson and and parker not missing 30 games they are younger.
The math doesn’t really work out that way…i wrote a previous comment on this topic but you have to remember Blair was the only Spur to play all 82 games last season. You need to work with total minutes and not minutes per game.
Also, I think Bonner is likely to see the majority of his time with Duncan or Blair. Bonner will get more minutes than 8 per game and it won’t be garbage time/foul trouble. Bonner has a $3.5 million dollar spot in the rotation to create space for our other bigs.
i agree bonner will get more min
my point is we have more then enough to fill in the spots unless some oen gets injured
would you agree that as the team is currently constructed, as deep as it is that duncan and manu cant drop a min a game and a few games to rest. i dont see how they can’t
i think they can rest more and drop mpg as currently constructed…..Manu played 75 games and Duncan played 78….they both could afford to be around 72
I’m thinking the Spurs will be able to run teams out of the building better with Tony healthier and our new additions so hopefully we have less close games where Duncan/Manu run up 35+ minutes. Duncan had 22 games out of his 78 that were 35+ minutes. Not terrible but not great either.
Duncan played 31.1 mpg and McDyess played 21.0 mpg. Barring injury, I don’t see their minutes going down
I think McDyess’s minutes will go down. He kind of sleep-walks until the All-Star break. I expect Pop to give him the Horry treatment.
by doggydogworld on Sep 9, 2010 11:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Not you again!
Dennis kick rocks or go jump in a barrel of thumb tacks. We are actual fans of the team and we don’t know what the rotations are going to be and neither does POP so far because preseason hasn’t even started. So how does a guy who isn’t even a fan of the team or on the coaching staff know what the minutes of these guys are gonna be? If you were not such an obvious hater you would maybe venture to think that the older guys minutes will get dialed back if the younger guys step up. It is the same way with any team including the Lakers. If they actually had people that were decent enough to back up Kobe or Pau for medium to long stretches of time while still winning they would do so. Time will tell what the rotations will be until then we all can only speculate.
One thing i can do...................is FINGER ROLL.
by gunnin' gervin on Sep 10, 2010 12:10 AM CDT up reply actions
I don’t mind the ranking but the explanation is lazy and dismissive. Our “time has passed”? Instead of just tagging teams as too old or too young they should try to say something more informative, like how exactly that youth or age dooms the team.
As I recall our time was supposed to be past and our team was supposed to be too old and stale in 2007. National sportswriters declare the end of the Spurs era over and over again, every year, it’s the only narrative they like to use.
I know nobody wants to see that, right? How ‘bout a rematch of the epic Spurs vs. Cleveland? That’s the kind of compelling match-up true fans want to see.
Hey if repeating as champions were that easy even the Spurs could do it.
by olf on Sep 8, 2010 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions
Yikes! That would be “gouge your eyes out” compelling.
Hey if repeating as champions were that easy even the Spurs could do it.
by olf on Sep 8, 2010 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions
After the 2010 Finals and especially game 7, Spurs-Pistons is looking downright classic.
Of course all four of these teams were defensively oriented, offensively challenged – not a great recipe. People like to pretend 2010 finals were watchable because it was gold versus green. By the end I was just glad there wasn’t going to be a game 8 I’d have to watch as well.
by greyberger on Sep 8, 2010 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
Rec’d for
By the end I was just glad there wasn’t going to be a game 8 I’d have to watch as well.
alone!
Hey, if posting a sharp, insightful, yet non-sarcastic comment were that easy, even olf would do it.
by freshtunarightofftheboat on Sep 8, 2010 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions
You are indeed stronger than I. I stop watching once my team is eliminated. (Which is actually not as bad as it sounds since they’ve been to 7 of the last 11 finals or almost two thirds of ’em.)
So I missed the ’05 & ’07 snoozefests Spursfests.
Hey if repeating as champions were that easy even the Spurs could do it.
by olf on Sep 8, 2010 6:59 PM CDT up reply actions
How about the ’04 and ’08 Annihilaketion?
If you liked it, then you shoulda put a fifth ring on it.
by day_late_friend on Sep 8, 2010 7:58 PM CDT up reply actions
It’s funny you should ask. The 2004 team was probably my least favorite team. I could give a crap about them. But 2008 is my favorite year as a Laker fan since Magic & Showtime.
Watching the 2008 Lakers with Bynum unexpectedly claw their way into first place in the West. And then to watch Bynum go down, Gasol step in, defeating the so called “defending champions” and then the team get to the Finals was great!
But with the way they lost to the C’s, I have never been able re-watch those Finals games. But this summer I have gotten past all that. The loss to Boston no longer aches. I can watch those old games and smile.
Anyway way too much info for you I am sure.
Hey if repeating as champions were that easy even the Spurs could do it.
by olf on Sep 8, 2010 9:13 PM CDT up reply actions
Not too much at all. Thanks. :)
If you liked it, then you shoulda put a fifth ring on it.
by day_late_friend on Sep 8, 2010 10:55 PM CDT up reply actions
That’s fair to call us the “so-called defending champions” knowing we didn’t have a healthy Manu.
I still think NO would have beat you and probably beat Boston that year had we not come back to beat them in 7. We’ll never know though.
OK sorry, I couldn’t resist throwing that little snide “so called” in there. I’ll admit that you legitimately won in 2007. (Those were the dark days before the purple & gold Renaissance.)
Over the summer I actually watched some of the 2008 WCF series again. And at the end of the last game it actually surprised me to hear the announcer say that the Lakers had defeated the defending champs.
Also, if I wasn’t so lazy I would put up some excerpts on YouTube. There was some HILARIOUS moments. A couple of my favs involved Manu.
Now I will also concede that Manu was not 100% so I won’t ridicule him for this but there was a point where the Spur bigs (either Duncan or Kurt Thomas I forget) got in foul trouble. So Popovich moves Manu to the 3 for some small-ball.
Phil Jackson immediately put the Lakers 3 (the fearsome Luke Walton) down in the post and he punished Ginobili several plays in a row. I almost peed my pants while I was falling out of my chair LOL and GOLing at the same time. You should be able to check Walton with one leg.
PS, Thank you for defeating NO that year. I like to think we could have defeated Boston with a healthy Bynum and Ariza both of whom were sidelined. But so it goes.
Hey if repeating as champions were that easy even the Spurs could do it.
Pop fouled up by not playing Barry instead of Manu in that first game. Lakers were on the ropes but Manu was injured and ran out of gas, yet Pop continued to play him. Barry was more than capable of taking his spot at that time.
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
by Joe deLarios on Sep 11, 2010 8:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah like I said I’d give Manu a pass because he obviously not 100% but it still was GOL-able that Luke F’ing Walton was punishing him in the post – repeatedly.
Hey if repeating as champions were that easy even the Spurs could do it.
you’re right, it was a joke and Pop should have made the necessary adjustments but it’s easy to second-guess one of the most successful coaches in the modern era of basketball
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
by Joe deLarios on Sep 12, 2010 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions
I guess the last few years must not be in “the modern era of basketball” then?
Hey if repeating as champions were that easy even the Spurs could do it.
um, sure buddy
- and I guess you come from the future where Kevin Durant is kicking everyone’s ass and is the second coming of the NBA – or is that today?
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
by Joe deLarios on Sep 12, 2010 4:47 PM CDT up reply actions
I was just pointing out that he doesn’t seem to have been “one of the most successful coaches” these past few years.
Hey if repeating as champions were that easy even the Spurs could do it.
I suppose it depends on what qualifies a “most successful coach”
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
by Joe deLarios on Sep 13, 2010 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions
i will take that as a capitulation
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
by Joe deLarios on Sep 13, 2010 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions
+1000
If you liked it, then you shoulda put a fifth ring on it.
by day_late_friend on Sep 8, 2010 7:54 PM CDT up reply actions
I was wondering when someone was going to notice that. But maybe if he finally has a good coach and some good players around him. . .
Hey if repeating as champions were that easy even the Spurs could do it.
by olf on Sep 8, 2010 7:01 PM CDT up reply actions
I said MAYBE IF HE FINALLY HAS A GOOD COACH AND SOME GOOD PLAYERS AROUND HIM. . .
Hey if repeating as champions were that easy even the Spurs could do it.
I’m sorry, olf, but I’m unable to rise to every bit of bait that you happen to toss out there.
But thanks for the thought. You know how much we appreciate our resident Laker fan.
I’m trying to rediscover verbosity. - LatinD
Oh well fair enough. Felt like I had to give it a try.
Gettin’ itchy for the season at least preseason to start. Besides you guys beat us 2 of 3 last season I think so I’m a lookin’ for some revenge.
Hey if repeating as champions were that easy even the Spurs could do it.
Hmm, I must have blacked out or something. I thought it was only 3. But according to ESPN:
January 12, 2010 Game 1: @SAS 105-85 bad guys win
Kobe Bryant didn’t play the fourth quarter because of back spasms, and Pau Gasol missed his fifth game because of a strained hamstring.
February 8, 2010 Game 2: @LAL 101-89 Wahoo Lakers win
No Kobe, still no problem for the Los Angeles Lakers.
March 24, 2010 Game 3:@SAS 92-83 Wahoo again
Kobe’s 3-pointers take down Spurs, extend Lakers’ win streak to seven
April 4, 2010 Game 4: @LAL 101-81 bad guys.
Spurs assure playoff spot as Lakers cede home-court advantage to Cavs in loss
San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, speaking before Sunday’s game in Los Angeles, knows his team is the seventh seed in the West thanks to its two-game winning streak and wants no part of falling back into the eighth seed and a playoff matchup with the top-seeded Lakers.
“The ones that say, ‘We don’t care who we play,’ they’re full of baloney,” Popovich said. "We’re all trying to hide from the Lakers in the first round and that’s the truth.
“Really, it’s like, ‘Who do you want to play in the first round?,’” Popovich continued before sarcastically answering his question. “Oh, the Lakers! We’ll play the Lakers!”
Hey if repeating as champions were that easy even the Spurs could do it.
I remember being really disappointed we didn’t win the 2nd game without kobe. Not that it was the end of the world but still need to take care of games when the other team is missing one of its top 3 players
I loved when Pop said this cause its so true…who the hell would WANT to play the Lakers in the first round, that’s just dumb
In hindsight, it would have been good if the Spurs had met the Lakers in the first round – the Lakers would have actually had to play one of the few teams that actually had a realistic chance to defeat them.
You know I am glad that the Lakers winning back-to-back and getting to the finals again & again & again (& probably again in 2011?) hasn’t robbed you of your ability to dream.
And the Lakers who struggled going into the playoffs and in the first round were not the same team by the time they beat the Cs. The Lakers team in The Finals was a lot better and would have pounded those little Thunder (or the Spurs whenever they met them quite frankly).
Hey if repeating as champions were that easy even the Spurs could do it.
Yea, but Los Angeles was a slew of pathetic calls and a Kendrick Perkins knee injury away from getting dusted on their home floor.Sorry, but they pulled this title out of their ass
The Spurs = Not your granddaddies 7th seed !
Yeah you’re right. Lots of others are fooled by the three straight Finals appearances and the second title in a row but no not you – you can see through all of that.
Hey if repeating as champions were that easy even the Spurs could do it.
There is no question Los Angeles was the undisputed champion in 09. Now, 2010? Lets just call it the year they were lucky to win it. And I don’t want to hear about Bynum neither, because this guy is a given to be injured every season. What happened to Perkins was indeed a stroke of fortune for Los Angeles.
The Spurs = Not your granddaddies 7th seed !
That reminds me of a quote from the Lakers owner’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
“He has owned the team 31 years and they have been in the NBA Finals 16 times, Luck doesn’t last that long.”
(Not sure it completely applies here, but I do like the quote.)
Hey if repeating as champions were that easy even the Spurs could do it.
The first game when Kobe left the third quarter with back spasms. Man he left with a mere case of ego bruising. George Hill picked his pocket twice, the second time leaving Kobe on his arse at mid-court. My favorite game of last season. I was watching with a Kobe fanatic and he couldn’t say a thing. Lakers were getting smashed and Kobe left his team to face the music alone. Next night he dropped 30 on the timberwolves or something. Man, I hate Kobe.
"Are you gunna bite all day little doggie, or are you gunna bite?"
by Joseph Parkes on Sep 17, 2010 12:04 AM CDT up reply actions
Man he left with a mere case of ego bruising.
Yeah Kobe is always looking for any little reason to sit out.
Next night he dropped 30 on the timberwolves or something.
You must be talking about your XBox game or something. Unless by “dropped 30 on the timberwolves” you mean scored 10 the next night in Dallas and played the entire 2nd half so his back didn’t tighten up sitting on the bench.
Man, I hate Kobe.
I can believe that.
Hey if repeating as champions were that easy even the Spurs could do it.
Yeah sorry bout that, it was 3 days later that he dropped 30 on the Clippers. Still played 35 minutes against Dallas for the win though. Bad back my arse. Dude got pwned by Hill.
"Are you gunna bite all day little doggie, or are you gunna bite?"
by Joseph Parkes on Sep 17, 2010 11:06 PM CDT up reply actions
That Hill guy sounds like a fucking great defensive stopper. We could use a guy like that in the Phoenix series for sure.
"We lost so many games that we shouldn't have lost," - Ginobili, May 2010
What killed us in the Suns series was the amount of open look 3’s the Sun’s guards and bigs had on us. Duncan and McDyess just couldn’t recover quick enough. Frye just rimmed us every game.
"Are you gunna bite all day little doggie, or are you gunna bite?"
by Joseph Parkes on Sep 21, 2010 12:34 AM CDT up reply actions
I have seen Nash and Dragic repeatedly exposing, abusing and embarrassing Hill throughout the series. I don’t want to see this again. Hopefully, Splitter can deal with guys like Frye. I am pretty high on Temple too, he seems to be a better defender than Hill.
"We lost so many games that we shouldn't have lost," - Ginobili, May 2010
i was actually hoping to have seen ya’ll in the first round……..maybe this year
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
by Joe deLarios on Sep 11, 2010 9:00 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes I remember all the talk posts here about Spur fans wanting to meet the Lakers before they got through a few rounds. No offense but Pop said you all are “full of baloney”. I think it would have been a fun series. But hey look at it this way, the way things turned out, at least you were able to make it out of the first round.
Hey if repeating as champions were that easy even the Spurs could do it.
true and Pop may have said such things but I think the Spurs were the only team that LA had any respect for
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
by Joe deLarios on Sep 12, 2010 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions
Please, even I know L A is too arrogant to have any respect for them.
Hey if repeating as champions were that easy even the Spurs could do it.
that’s true – that’s why they won’t take back the championship this year – Kobe will be left broken hearted (+ injured) and Phil Jackson will retire
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
by Joe deLarios on Sep 12, 2010 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions
Your quote says it all – repeating as champions is very difficult, not even the Lakers can do it – in recent times
Kobe is breaking down and injecting Barnes into your locker room just screwed up your team chemistry – though Crazy Pills was supposed to do the same thing but LA ended up winning a ring this year,,,,,so i could be wrong, but i doubt it
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
by Joe deLarios on Sep 13, 2010 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions
repeating as champions is very difficult, not even the Lakers can do it
Don’t you think it would be more convincing if they hadn’t just done it and for the second time in like the last decade? I’m just saying.
Hey if repeating as champions were that easy even the Spurs could do it.
hey, you’re right – that is really badass and speaks volumes about how dominating good the Lakers have been since acquiring Pau Gasol
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
by Joe deLarios on Sep 14, 2010 6:39 PM CDT up reply actions
wtf Pop is the best coach in the league and 90% of all stiffs look get no matter what playing next to Duncan….do you even watch spurs games you loser laker fan!!!!
is that better? i would have used harsher language but im new here and dotn want to get ban.
you put the effort into bothering to troll us i felt bad no one bit :P
First, olf is not a troll. You’re new, so you didn’t know. Just trust me on this.
Second, olf is a closet Spurs fan, which is why he spends so much time here at PtR. He just hasn’t admitted this fact to himself yet. I’m looking into some therapists to help him with his problem, but unfortunately, everyone in California is crazy. So I’m going to have to fly someone in each week from out-of-state, but that gets a little expensive.
With all due respect, gentlemen, we're not as crazy as she is.
it’s true – he just won’t admit it where anyone can hear it (or read it)
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
by Joe deLarios on Sep 11, 2010 9:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Let’s see. Would I rather be called a troll or a Spurs fan? Hmm, let me think. :)
Hey if repeating as champions were that easy even the Spurs could do it.
that’s a tough one – i would rather be a troll then a Lakers fan – so I am guessing that it is recipricated although i don’t hang out on any Lakers boards so………
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
by Joe deLarios on Sep 13, 2010 2:01 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
These preseason rankings aren’t worth much. Still, out of all teams ranked below us only Houston seems to have a legit chance to be better than us – if things work for them real well. Out of teams ranked higher than us, we could be better than Denver, Utah, Portland, Dallas, Phoenix and Chicago. So, I expect us to be somewhere between 6th and 13th at the end of the season. 12th is within that range, but seems rather pessimistic. I think, real question for us will be how much worse Timmeh and Manu will be compared to previous season. I expect several other guys to improve, so if Tim and Manu are still superstars we’ll be strong. If they become mediocre, the whole team will be mediocre, like may be 12th in the League or worse.
"We lost so many games that we shouldn't have lost," - Ginobili, May 2010
And I’ll say it again and again – INJURIES will determine who wins the west and probably the east too. There isn’t that much difference in skills on the top 6 teams in each conference (ok top 4 in the east) that they can overcome a significant injury.
If we consider 100 most likely scenarios for this season, in 95 of them the Lakers and the Heat are playing in the Finals. This is the most predictable season in recent history.
"We lost so many games that we shouldn't have lost," - Ginobili, May 2010
If your numbers are correct, then I choose to consider only 5 of the 100 most likely scenarios for this season, because some events are simply too disgusting to consider until they’re actually happening.
I guess you can call me a five percenter.
I’m trying to rediscover verbosity. - LatinD
The best thing about those numbers is that we’ll never know whether they are correct or not. So I may as well believe that they are correct ;-) I also hope for the best, but I prepare myself to see the worst this season.
"We lost so many games that we shouldn't have lost," - Ginobili, May 2010
Be a five percenter, Kondor. You know you have it in you. Let your hope go and just see what happens.
I’m trying to rediscover verbosity. - LatinD
You think the Heat win in the east in 98 of 100 scenarios?
And the Lakers win the west in 97 of 100 scenarios?
Or the other way around?
by doggydogworld on Sep 15, 2010 9:16 PM CDT up reply actions
Here are 100 most probable Finals-2011 match ups:
Lakers – Heat: 95
Lakers – Boston: 2
Spurs – Boston: 1
Spurs – Bulls: 1
OKC – Orlando: 1
"We lost so many games that we shouldn't have lost," - Ginobili, May 2010
But two percenter doesn’t have the same ring to it.
I’m going to need you to revisit those numbers for me so I can keep the five thing going.
I’m trying to rediscover verbosity. - LatinD
ah, but a 1% is the hardest of the hardcore
"The A-Train deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
by Joe deLarios on Sep 16, 2010 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions
The Heat haven’t played a single game with their newly-constructed roster. And the Spurs will represent the West.
I hope you realize that the Heat will play 82 games together by the start of the Finals. Newly constructed Team USA won the World Championship after much fewer games together.
"We lost so many games that we shouldn't have lost," - Ginobili, May 2010
The point is that you haven’t seen them play any games together, yet you already have them in the Finals.
Boston Big 3 won in their first Finals together, though they were not as good individually as Miami’s Tres Amigos.
"We lost so many games that we shouldn't have lost," - Ginobili, May 2010
And did you pick the Celtics to win the championship? What about all of the other Big 3’s who never won a title?
My perspective may be slanted because i live in the Boston area but i remember everyone thinking the Celtics would go to the finals in 08. Many main stream national media types thought it would take a year for them to gel but they also thought they would be a contender. This was all before the season started…once they started tearing apart the league that year the feeling grew.
Its not automatic but with 2 of the top 10 and 3 of the top 20-25 players in the league (this is better then any "big three" that I can think of) and the way Miami has filled out its roster with good role players I think it is very likely Miami is in the finals. They should be just better then Orlando and Chicago. I think its way more likely the Celtics get old or injured then Miami doesn’t mess well. Miami more then likely going to be just be better then the C’s too.
As stated above if one of the big 3 in Miami get hurt that changes a lot but injuries always change things a lot.
Actually, I was pretty sure that Garnett was going to get a title in Boston. Of course, my hindsight is pretty good. What other Big 3s? Tim, Manu and Tony? Kobe, O’Neal/Gasol and Phil?
"We lost so many games that we shouldn't have lost," - Ginobili, May 2010
My point is the big 3 in miami is a historicaly good big 3 on paper. Relative to the rest of the league and in the era that they play this big 3 is about as good as any we have ever seen. This big 3 crushes Tony, Manu, Tim.
Again the season hasn’t started but on paper you have maybe 2 of the top 3-5 players in the league and an all star PF with them and all are in their prime. I personally can not go further back then the early 80s but when else has there been a team with a big 3 like this ever?
The one hope i had was that they would not be able to fill in the roster well but they have. They have to go out and do it now, but short of a career ending injury they have set themselves up as a top 2-3 contender for the next few 4-6 years. It isnt automatic and thats why they play the games but they are stacked for atleast the duration of the big 3.
Egos are what kill teams like these.
I’m not going to have a discussion about how great a team Miami HAS until they actually start playing, but there are a number of teams in the history of the NBA who had STACKED rosters, but never brought home the jewelry.
If Miami goes on a huge run this year and looks like the prohibitive favorite, I’ll do a piece comparing Wade, James and Bosh to their possible predecessors in the How-did-that-team-never-win-it-all? discussion.
I’m trying to rediscover verbosity. - LatinD
Im not sure ego is gonig to be a problem the way bosh followed wade around like a puppy all summer and lebron clearly doesnt want the pressure of being the man, moved to wades town and will be tring to rehab his image.
there have been alot of good stacked teams in the past but i dont think they look this good…i hope they fail but it doesnt look good. its fun to talk about though
Lots of fun to talk about it, for sure.
One more point: you never know when ego will rear its ugly head. James might seem to be laying aside his alpha dog status with his choice of South Beach as the locale to which he should take his talents (whew! talk about going the long way around that one) but that doesn’t mean that all is destined to go smoothly once he’s there.
I’m trying to rediscover verbosity. - LatinD
Miami’s trio is more talented than San Antonio’s due to age. But im not so sure this trio was THAT much better than San Antonio’s , say, in 2005. Duncan at his prime was at least as valuable as Lebron James is at the moment. Ginobili routinely has moments when hes the best player in the league, and Parker isnt chopped liver compared to Bosh ( what has this guy ever done ? )
I think Kareem, Magic and James Worthy would have something to say about Miamis trio being the best of all time. I’m sure there are probably several others too…
The Spurs = Not your granddaddies 7th seed !
It pains me to say it but Miami’s big 3 i think is better then SA even if we are saying 2005.
Kareem, Magic, Worthy was really good too but by the time they were team mate Kareem could still score but had real problems on the boards and defending bigger/ younger centers, and worthy is over rated imo. If he was on any other team he would be a solid player more then likely not in the HOF.
Like i said this is all on paper and it might not turn out this way, but to say they dont have a chance to be really great or that they are not one of a hand full of top contenders next year seems silly…but the season hasn’t started yet no one knows and we are all bored so thats why sports media starts talking about Miami. what else do they have
I think one of the greatest big 3’s put together on paper was when the Lakers added Wilt Chamberlin to Elgin Baylor and Jerry West. That’s 3 of the top 30 all-time scorers. Their first season together they combined for 71 points and 36 rebounds per game, but lost again to the Celtics.
We are talking preseason predictions here…all im saying is i don’t have any problem with “the experts” picking Miami, they are stacked. the first year of wilt, elgin and jerry could be better no question. its a good comparison. elgin all nba 1st team, jerry all nba 2nd team.
That team was favored to win, had the best record in the west, lost in one of the closest finals ever, 2 or 3 games decided by 2-3 points, with a weird game 7 where wilt said he could play but the coach left him on the bench, the balloons stayed in the rafters in LA and the losing team had the MVP.
avg points per game were alot higher back then and wilt did by far the most damage scoring before he got to LA. clearly this 3 were awesome im just saying 3 of top 30 scorers ever is a little misleading and doesn’t tell he whole story
if Miami makes the finals and takes LA to a game 7 like that then it could have gone either way and no one would be like “see all the experts were wrong!”
I have wondered whether West’s scoring average wouldn’t be higher with a 3 point rule in effect and the extra step or two that modern players are allowed on drives to the basket.
This is why it is hard to compare players from different eras. The rules were different but so was the level of the athletes (everyone is faster stronger more athletic now), and the pace was way different. There are a lot of old timers where you would say, “wow how much better would they be with a 3pt line”
The best thing about those numbers is that we’ll never know whether they are correct or not.
True, there is no way to determine if the numbers are absolutely correct, but the classic technique used to validate the accuracy of such odds is to let the marketplace decide. The theory is that the collective ‘wisdom’ of the free market will push the odds to where they make the most sense. (There are even websites designed for this purpose; it’s sometimes used to predict the margin of victory in Presidential elections and is reasonably accurate.)
Put another way, saying that there’s a 95% chance that the Heat and Lakers will be playing in the 2011 Finals is equivalent to giving 19:1 odds to someone willing to bet that a team other than Miami or L.A. will be playing. For those odds, I’d love to take the side of the bet that one of the 30 other teams will be in the next Finals. (I’d probably lay off that bet — that is hedge it — with the opposite bet in Las Vegas, where the odds probably aren’t so generous, and make money in an arbitrage play.)
Hey, if posting a sharp, insightful, yet non-sarcastic comment were that easy, even olf would do it.
by freshtunarightofftheboat on Sep 21, 2010 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions
I don’t have the Las Vegas odds for the 2010-11 Finals, but a British site called Betfair gives the odds for the Heat and the Lakers winning the championship at 2.78 to 1 and 4 to 1 against, respectively.
So, assuming that someone were willing to give me 19:1 odds for betting that a team other than Miami or LA is in the next Finals (not you, you did fill out the paperwork to join JRW’s Five-Percenter Club, didn’t you?), I could hedge/arb the bet as follows:
1. Bet $100 that we don’t have a Heat-Lakers Finals at 19:1 odds (with that someone)
2. Bet $475 that the Lakers will win the Finals, at 4:1 odds (with Betfair, which I can’t do in reality because I live in the U.S.)
3. Bet $684 that the Heat will win the Finals, at 2.78:1 odds (with Betfair again).
Now, whoever wins in June, I stand to make (at least) $1900, for an initial investment risk of $1259. It’s not like doubling your money, but it’s a guaranteed, practically risk-free return of over 50% in nine months or so. Try to find a better deal than that in the financial markets. :)
Why? Let’s consider the possibilities.
1. A team other than the Heat or the Lakers wins the Finals. I collect $1900 from bet #1 and lose the bets #2 and #3.
2. The Lakers win. I collect $1900 ($475 times 4) from bet #2, lose bet #3, and win or easy bet #1 depending on whether the Lakers are playing the Heat. If they’re playing any other team, I collect another $1900.
3. The Heat win. I collect $1901.52 ($684 times 2.78) from bet #3, lose bet #1, and win or lose bet #1 depending on whether the Heat beat the Lakers or not. If it’s some other Western conference team, I collect another $1900.
Of course, there is the risk that the loser won’t pay, but that’s the reason escrow accounts exist. All bet amounts would have to go into escrow accounts to take care of that risk, for all parties concerned.
Hey, if posting a sharp, insightful, yet non-sarcastic comment were that easy, even olf would do it.
by freshtunarightofftheboat on Sep 22, 2010 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions
this is a long way of saying that they believe there is only about 61% chance of either the Heat or the Lakers winning the Finals next year. if we had 100 parallel universes, we could play 100 playoffs next year and see, whose estimate was closer.
"We lost so many games that we shouldn't have lost," - Ginobili, May 2010
I predicted the Celts to win in 08. That was a no-brainer. And I predict the Heat to win it this year too.
"Are you gunna bite all day little doggie, or are you gunna bite?"
Unless of course the Spurs win the West, then the Spurs win because no East team can beat the Spurs in a 7 game series. Never happened, never will. Prove me wrong. ;)
"Are you gunna bite all day little doggie, or are you gunna bite?"
by Joseph Parkes on Sep 17, 2010 12:10 AM CDT up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recommended FanShots
Recent FanShots
Featured Stories
In Association With
Ball Don't Lie - NBA - Yahoo! Sport
- Days of NBA Lives: Wherein Roy Hibbert tap-dances to Maine
- Grizzlies Valentine’s Day cards are the key to love
- Kevin Love would like the NBA to take the MLB’s approach on All-Star games
- Kobe Bryant fires a few hilarious salvos at Jeremy Lin
- Brandon Jennings states the obvious regarding his 2014 free agency, everyone goes nuts
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
