NBA Season 2010-2011

[Tiger Hawk]

Saw that a couple days ago. I'd love to get Thompson, a player I've always thought had a lot of potential, but if the Hawks trade Teague, we literally have no player on our roster that can defend quality point guards. Even Teague is a WIP but he has the physical attributes.

 

[Special K]

He may be past it but Billups might become available if they trade Melo. Would he be an upgrade n Bibby? Maybe if you ask nicely they can send Sheldon Williams back;-)

Nash isn't the best defender but you could get him for Josh Smith if the suns really want to move him.

Nash/JJ/Williams/Horford/Zaza or however you want to split your front court. Imagine if you could get him for Crawfords expiring, picks and filers... That would be sick to see Smith and Nash together! Might have to do that on 2K where there are no tax concerns!

 

[Ridders]

Imo gaining Nash doesn't make the Hawks better if it comes at the expense of J-Smoove. As you said, if you can pair Nash and Smith, now that would be special.

 

[Tiger Hawk]

Yeah I would love Billups. I honestly feel that if the Nuggets get back some good pieces for Melo, they would more comfortably move Billups for just an average package. Crawford + Teague + draft pick is pretty darn enticing IMO if they're rebuilding.

Billups-JJ-Marvin-Smith-Horford + Bibby-Zaza-Evans on the bench is a nice 8 man nucleus. We'd have to rely on the starting 5 more than ever, but once you're in the playoffs you do that anyway.

I still can't get over not drafting Paul in 2005 though. Had we got him, it's unlikely we land Horford in 07, but we'd likely be a better team with a Paul-JJ-Smith nucleus, plus a mid-round pick in 2006 instead of Shelden. Although that 2006 draft was putrid.

Or even take Marvin in 05 and Roy in 06 (drafted 6th after Shelden went 5th). Roy-JJ-Marvin-Smith is pretty nice?

 

[Ridders]

Dunno about Roy, his knee issues are worrying. Paul's the one that would be a killer though, especially because iirc, the Hawks needed a PG at the time.

It's interesting to remember that Portland also technically passed on Paul (and Deron), since they had the #3 pick and traded down to #6 after exchancing picks with Utah. Ended up taking Martell Webster with the 6th pick. Think that one worked out well for the Jazz!!

 

[Tonearm Terrorwrist]

Bosh ripping it up in the first half 22 points, 7-11 from the field missing a few mid range shots and 5 rebounds but it isn't like the Suns have anyone who can stop him though.

T-Mac injured himself again against LAL the guy has played like 70 games in the last 3 years gotta feel sorry for him unless you're a Magic fan.

 

[Ridders]

Maybe he can join Iverson in Turkey?

 

[Ridders]

Heat are owning the Suns. Up 104-73 in the 3rd. Bosh with 35

 

[Tiger Hawk]

Yeah Portland botched that draft big time.

Just in relation to Roy's knees - Chris Paul had his meniscus removed last year to fix his problems - that's exactly what happened to Roy a couple years back so now I'm thinking, in 18 months or so, what will be happening with Chris Paul? Would be a shame, because I think he's clearly the best point guard of the past 20 years.

And the Hawks still need a point guard! That issue still hasn't been resolved!

 

[Ridders]

Hmmm hadn't thought of that. Certainly hope not.

In regards to Roy, I rememeber around draft time, one of the knocks against him (that hurt his draft stock) was that team's medical staffs were not sure his knees could hold up in the long term. Would Roy's problems be more attributed to those previous concerns or the miniscus being removed from his knees in the surgery you mentioned?

I'm a noob in regards to medical knowledge so its possible that two issues I mentioned are connected.

Regardless, your right that Paul's surgery will no doubt impact him down the road.

 

[Tiger Hawk]

TBH, I don't know 100%. My memory is that he's had a lot of different injuries (ankles, knees etc), but the reason he's struggling now is that the meniscus in one of his knees (left I think) was removed two years ago which has resulted in two years of bone on bone grinding. He had the meniscus in his right knee removed before this season so it's possible his other knee will be f**ked in a couple of years as well.

I'd say removing the meniscus is as a result of other injuries to his knees (you don't just go out and remove cartilage for no reason), but the issues he's having now is as a result of removing the meniscus, not earlier injuries.

I'd say Chris Paul has this year and maybe next as an elite player. He'll always be above average because he's never relied on athletic ability but he'll start breaking down which will affect his performances.

 

[Ridders]

I'm guessing it would also depend on how much of the meniscus that they removed during Paul's procedure? Did they take out all the meniscus from his knee, or just the torn bit?

 

[Tiger Hawk]

All of it.

 

[applesauce]

All of it.

Wow that is massive. I know a couple of people who had it done, one for BMX and the other RL. Both went down hill within 2yrs. Bloke who did BMX will need a titanium knee soon but he is holding off for as long as possible cause they only last for 15years....:shock:

My mate who plays union had his meniscus cleaned up but not all removed and hasn't had any issues since (4yrs ago).

 

[Tiger Hawk]

Came across this (entirely speculative):

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_magic/2010/11/magic-title-move-acquire-billups-melo.html

The Magic have pieces to land them both. Before the Heat land them by, oh, dealing Chris Bosh. I tweeted this weeks ago. Melo is making $17 million, Billups $13 mil this season.

The Magic have a veteran package they can hand over to Denver: Shooting guard Vince Carter ($17 mill), center Marcin Gortat ($6 mill) and point guard Jameer Nelson ($7 mill).

Is it better than the proposed package New Jersey apparently is offering of draft picks and Derrek Favors? I’d say the Magic’s would-be deal is more proven, no question.

Billups-Pietrus-Melo-Lewis/Anderson-Howard with Q-Bass-Anderson/Lewis-White Chocolate-Duhon on the bench? Would need to pick up a centre (the article mentions Dampier) but it's intriguing. I like the Magic this year, think they can win the East as is, but would that be an upgrade?

Nelson is younger (and cheaper) than Billups but is he any better? He's probably having the stronger season but I'd probably still lean towards Billups - doesn't turn the ball over as much, as good (if not better) at running the P&R, solid outside shooter that draws more fouls (and shoots 90% from the line), and an upgrade defensively (except against quick points).

Whilst Melo and his iffy 3-point stroke probably doesn't fit as well in the Magic's structure, I'd put Kobe and Melo as 1 and 1A when it comes to shot creation, something the Magic desperately need. Big question mark is getting him to buy into defence.

 

[Ridders]

Only concern with Billups is that he's getting on now (34 years old). Although you'd think he'd be someone who would age well since his game isn't dictated by athleticism.

If I was a Nuggets fan, I'd be pretty dissapointed with a package like that, especially considering that they passed on the chance to make the deal with the Nets and get a talent like Favors.

 

[Ridders]

Gotta hand it to the Blazers. They always seem to find a way to perform even if their depleted with injuries.

Beat Denver 86-83

 

[Ridders]

OMG. Darko is exploding in the game against the LA. 4 mins left in the 3rd. He has 17 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists and 6 blocks.

It's time!!!

 

[Ridders]

And the Celtics somehow just lost to the Durant-less Thunder.

 

[Ridders]

Getting a little emotional here. We could be witnessing Darko's greatest ever game.

Oh and Matt Barnes has been so hot in this game. 22 points (7-7 FG, 5-5 3PT) 6 assists and 6 rebounds so far.