The 2010/2011 NBA Season Thread

[tim_m]

If the Mavs have any weakness its what i consider the Knicks syndrome. Remember the great knick teams from the 90s? They never won even while Jordan was gone. They would get these huge leads and let the teams come all the way back and then the knicks would win against the lesser teams but against a great team like Houston lost. If the mavs are going to beat miami they have to stop letting teams come back and getting a lead before finally winning it. The heat are too good defensively for them to have to do that night in and night out. The Mavs must sure up their defense a bit and play great defense for an entire four quarters.

[D]

I dont think Miami are that great defensively against Dallas.

Their 2 best defenders are Lebron and wade but Dallas score different than other teams. Miami have nobody that can guard Dirk and Dallas don't have those big time scoring/driving guards that Lebron and Wade have shut down in the East playoffs.

so its gonna be interesting to see how they play Dirk.

If Im Dallas, i play a zone on Miami. Make Wade and LEbron shoot 3's.

[tim_m]

Totally agree. They can't let them get in the paint and get easy baskets. Dirk has just been on fire. I don't know if anyone can stop him the way he's playing. He absolutely deserves all the talk he's been getting as far as being one of the all time great shooters.

[Eazy E]

Lebron James is everything that is wrong with the NBA. 

Really?  I don't get this... Here's a guy who plays some of the best TEAM basketball in the sport and he's considered "everything that's wrong with the NBA."   No scandals, no rape cases, no divorces, no drunk driving... he will gladly pass the ball for the final shot if someone is open (ex. Donyell Marshall).  Really, the only thing he's done wrong was "The Decision", but who cares if you aren't a Cleveland fan?  He earned free agency, who is anyone to criticize where someone chooses to live and work.  Not to mention that the Cavs dropped from first to worst - the incentive was to stay and play alongside Mo Williams?

...... and come on, it's not like Wade was one of his rivals, I don't recall them ever meeting in a playoff series?  This isn't like Lebron joining the Celtics or whatever the other legends (i.e. MJ, Magic) were saying about him joining forces with "the guy to beat".  He sacrified more money from Cleveland for a lesser role in Miami - all 3 of them did actually.  The opposite of what everyone else in the league does, which is once the team gets success, they demand MORE attention, money, credit, fame, etc. (Marion and Amare in Phoenix are prime examples).  Furthermore, the consolidation of stars just made the playoffs that much better.  It made the regular season matter.  Honestly, we don't need 30 teams, each with a superstar and 14 shitty role players - teams like Miami, LA or Boston are way more exciting to watch (whether you love them or love to hate them). 

Lebron is far from what's "wrong with the NBA".  Dirk's title will only mean more because he choked the time before, not because he stayed with the same team.

[Eazy E]

Wow, I shouldn't have defended him... I should have just let that run of clutch plays speak for itself!

[tim_m]

That run was impressive just like the mavs run in game 4. Should be a great finals two very evenly matched teams.

[tim_m]

Anyone have any thoughts on Pippen's comments saying LeBron is better than Jordan? I think Pip needs to put down whatever he's smoking cause he's sounding like a moron Jordan is not only a better all around player but also has more heart and is a leader. We'll see when LeBron leads his team to 6 titles.

[D]

Lebron may be better all around skilled but has nowhere near the heart or will of Jordan. the intangibles of Jordan Lebron doesn't have


Jordan did dominate a pretty weak era of the NBA.

[tim_m]

Jordan not only had more heart and will he was a great leader and motivator. He had the ability like Messier and Gretzky to make those around him better. Without Jordan does anyone really think those bulls teams win 6 titles? I don't; LeBron on the other hand feels the need to surround himself with a dream team to win it all.

[gnr-4-ever]

The Finals started, Heat up 1:0 already. LeBron owned the Mavs, if they don't stop him it's gonna be hard.

Highlights of Lebron:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXGpi6omGfg


Edit:
Shaq just announced his retirement.

[Eazy E]

Jordan not only had more heart and will he was a great leader and motivator. He had the ability like Messier and Gretzky to make those around him better. Without Jordan does anyone really think those bulls teams win 6 titles? I don't; LeBron on the other hand feels the need to surround himself with a dream team to win it all.

Mike Bibby? Mario Chalmers? Mike Miller? Joel Anthony? Zydrunas Ilgauskas?  Hardly a "dream team" outside of their three best players... Lebron is the ultimate example of making his teammates better.  Look what he did with those supporting lineups on the Cavs!  If you stick Lebron on the 90's Bulls in place of Jordan or any of Kobe's championship teams - 9 times out of 10 they still win the title.

He's not Jordan, no one will be Jordan... but he gets a lot of shit that he doesn't deserve, his talent is unbeleivable.

[D]

Just game 1. Miami should win game 1 at home.

Dallas won't play that bad again. their bench was terrible.

[w.axl.rose]

Just game 1. Miami should win game 1 at home.

Dallas won't play that bad again. their bench was terrible.

i hope so... and this is the only time i will be going for your mavs... 

[pilferk]

Anyone have any thoughts on Pippen's comments saying LeBron is better than Jordan? I think Pip needs to put down whatever he's smoking cause he's sounding like a moron Jordan is not only a better all around player but also has more heart and is a leader. We'll see when LeBron leads his team to 6 titles.

See...I heard Scotty say it live and that's not what I got out of it.

He said Jordan IS the best scorer to ever play (no arguments there).  And that's not going to change.

Lebron COULD turn out to be the best player ever.  I can't argue with him there, either.  He COULD.  He's got a long way to go to get to Jordan, sure.  But he has the tools to do it.  He's a very good defensive player.  You can't argue with his offensive abilities.  He's a true floor general.  Basically, he's got everything Jordan had during his prime.

We won't know, one way or the other, until Lebron's MUCH further into his career.  But it's POSSIBLE he could eclipse Jordan.  POSSIBLE.

[pilferk]

Jordan not only had more heart and will he was a great leader and motivator. He had the ability like Messier and Gretzky to make those around him better. Without Jordan does anyone really think those bulls teams win 6 titles? I don't; LeBron on the other hand feels the need to surround himself with a dream team to win it all.

Whoa, Whoa, Whoa...hold on a second.

Look back at who was on those Jordan led Bulls.  Scottie Pippen?  Tony Kukoc? John Paxton? Dennis Rodman? Horace Grant?  He might not have had a "big 3" the entire time, but his supporting cast was not chopped liver.  It was not "Jordan and a bunch of scrubs".  In fact, I'd say top to bottom those Bulls teams had a better overall roster than the Heat do, today.

[LunsJail]

Just game 1. Miami should win game 1 at home.

Dallas won't play that bad again. their bench was terrible.

Sorry D, I think this series is over. I know it sounds crazy after 1 game but it seems like the Big 3 can pretty much do what they want.

[tim_m]

Just game 1. Miami should win game 1 at home.

Dallas won't play that bad again. their bench was terrible.

They better not or they're dying fast and quiet. They did exactly what i've said they've been doing. Get a decent lead then let the other team come back and take the lead. Then try and come back and win it. They were able to do it against lesser teams but they aren't gonna do it against the Heat. They are too good defensively. The Mavs have to play better defense and hold on to these leads, take better shots, stop not taking easy shots, i mean you Marion. Dirk was all over him for that shit in game one. They just have to play smarter better basketball like i know they can.

[tim_m]

Jordan not only had more heart and will he was a great leader and motivator. He had the ability like Messier and Gretzky to make those around him better. Without Jordan does anyone really think those bulls teams win 6 titles? I don't; LeBron on the other hand feels the need to surround himself with a dream team to win it all.

Whoa, Whoa, Whoa...hold on a second.

Look back at who was on those Jordan led Bulls.  Scottie Pippen?  Tony Kukoc? John Paxton? Dennis Rodman? Horace Grant?  He might not have had a "big 3" the entire time, but his supporting cast was not chopped liver.  It was not "Jordan and a bunch of scrubs".  In fact, I'd say top to bottom those Bulls teams had a better overall roster than the Heat do, today.

I'm not saying they were, those were some very very good players but without Jordan i still am not sure they win it all.

[Bodhi]

Lebron James is everything that is wrong with the NBA. 

Really?  I don't get this... Here's a guy who plays some of the best TEAM basketball in the sport and he's considered "everything that's wrong with the NBA."   No scandals, no rape cases, no divorces, no drunk driving... he will gladly pass the ball for the final shot if someone is open (ex. Donyell Marshall).  Really, the only thing he's done wrong was "The Decision", but who cares if you aren't a Cleveland fan?  He earned free agency, who is anyone to criticize where someone chooses to live and work.  Not to mention that the Cavs dropped from first to worst - the incentive was to stay and play alongside Mo Williams?

...... and come on, it's not like Wade was one of his rivals, I don't recall them ever meeting in a playoff series?  This isn't like Lebron joining the Celtics or whatever the other legends (i.e. MJ, Magic) were saying about him joining forces with "the guy to beat".  He sacrified more money from Cleveland for a lesser role in Miami - all 3 of them did actually.  The opposite of what everyone else in the league does, which is once the team gets success, they demand MORE attention, money, credit, fame, etc. (Marion and Amare in Phoenix are prime examples).  Furthermore, the consolidation of stars just made the playoffs that much better.  It made the regular season matter.  Honestly, we don't need 30 teams, each with a superstar and 14 shitty role players - teams like Miami, LA or Boston are way more exciting to watch (whether you love them or love to hate them). 

Lebron is far from what's "wrong with the NBA".  Dirk's title will only mean more because he choked the time before, not because he stayed with the same team.

You have a truly warped sense of basketball and competitive sports in general.  So because Lebron has no scandals, rape cases, divorces that is supposed to be an accomplishment?  That's not an accomplishment!! Thats the way you are supposed to live your life!! Lebron didn't sacrifice nearly as much money as you think he did, there is no income tax in Florida.  The consolidation of stars is fucking terrible for the NBA.  If you can't beat em, join em?  That's a good competitive mentality?  Thats good for the game of basketball?  A bunch of stars join one team and automatically win the title?  How is that good?

I love the argument that Lebron earned the right to play wherever he wants and that if we have a problem with that something is wrong with us.  I have no problem with Lebron earning the right of free agency.  That is such a distraction when people use that argument.  HERE is the problem.

LEBRON HAS NO BALLS.  He couldn't get it done in Cleveland, so instead of sticking to his word and trying to win a championship and finish a job he started, he RAN. That is my problem with him.  He is not a competitor.  Anyone can gang up with their friends on one team and win a championship.    I'm supposed to be impressed if the Heat win this title? 

I love the argument that Jordan had great teams too, of course he did, all championship teams are great.  But they were built the proper way, through the draft, and some free agency.  They didn't have stars texting each other to join forces, they used to be rivals who wanted to beat the competition, not join it.

[D]

I can understand why Lebron did it but it doesn't make him any less of a bitch for doing it.