Kobe (photo. Chris Sembrot)The costumes and the set were the same, a lot of the actors were different, and Lakers/Kings almost re-created the same drama last night that they used to produce in the first half of this decade. Arco was rockin’ like it was 2002, as the home team grabbed the lead early and kept it deep into the second half, during which Ron Artest was extra-hyped even for Ron Artest; he was giving Lamar Odom buckets on one end (23 pts) and guarding everyone from Kobe to Pau Gasol on the other end, all while bouncing all over the place. It was funny how the Kings’ announcers couldn’t decide whether they loved Ron-Ron’s outward emotion or if they were afraid of Ron triggering a Kobe outburst … Then the outburst came. With L.A. trailing in the fourth quarter, Kobe put on the cape (just to even it up for those who thought we shouldn’t have given LeBron honors the other day) and dropped 17 points in the last five or six minutes. Pulling out spin moves, finger rolls, 360 two-handers and a bunch of free throws, Mamba finished with 34 points in the Lakers’ win … Gasol put up 31 points and 10 boards, and on one play dropped Beno Udrih on his ass with a shoulder fake. But Pau apparently still has to get used to some of his teammates. One time he had Luke Walton on the wing while running the break (yes, Pau was running the break) and air-mailed a lob that would’ve been fine for Kobe or Josh Smith to finish, but it was all Luke could do to get a hand on the ball and prevent a turnover. Luke actually made chicken salad out of it, flipping the ball back to Pau for a bucket … Speaking of Beno, the Kings announcers call him “The Tazmanian Slovenian.” Ugh … Earlier on Tuesday we crowned L.A. as the #1 team in the League in our latest Hit List power ranking. How far did the previous #1 (Detroit) drop? How far has Deron Williams‘ recent barrage lifted the Jazz? Check it out HERE … Having to deal with Shaq and Amare meant the Blazers needed to go big, which meant Channing Frye saw some daylight. Frye (11 pts, 5 rebs) was even on the floor during crunch-time, when he drew a critical basket-interference call in Portland’s loss … After Amare (22 pts, 7 rebs, 4 stls) got whistled for a foul on LaMarcus Aldridge that he didn’t like, STAT came back on the possession following LaMarcus’ free throws and punched a vicious dunk over Joel Przybilla. Aldridge caught one on Amare later on, though … The Blazers color guy said that if Phoenix lost Amare, it would be as big as the Rockets losing Yao. Do you agree with that? Phoenix has so much more depth than the Rockets … Josh Boone, Nenad Krstic, Stro Show, DeSagana Diop, Sean Williams. There’s some potential there, but in case you forgot, the Nets’ front line still needs some help. Last night they all got lessons from Tim Duncan, who dumped 29 points and 12 boards on NJ, including his trademark ugly one-hand fadeaway … Devin Harris is already challenging Vince for the best Whiny Face on the roster. In the first half Devin had a couple instances where he stayed behind on a play to complain to the refs while the Spurs had numbers in transition … Up by one at the end of the third quarter, what were the odds Seattle would hang onto the lead and pull off the upset in Detroit? Yeah, thought so. A lineup featuring mostly backups (Rodney Stuckey, Juan Dixon, Tayshaun, Amir Johnson and Jason Maxiell) took control as soon as the fourth quarter began, setting the Sonics up for the starters to finish the job … On one of the Sonics’ last chances, Kevin Durant got harassed by Prince into an air-ball. When Seattle beat Minnesota in OT the other day, Durant was in a similar late-game situation and gave Corey Brewer buckets. As Sonics’ announcer Kevin Calabro helpfully pointed out, though, Tayshaun’s a little better than Corey Brewer … Donyell Marshall is wearing #42 for the Sonics and looks EXACTLY like Vin Baker. It’s almost creepy and a little infuriating/depressing if you’re a Sonics fan … With no Chris Bosh around to keep him in check — or at least make him work on defense — and fresh off his seventh 20-20 stat line of the season, it was safe to pencil in Dwight Howard for going Cloverfield on the Raps. But the combo of Kris Humphries, Rasho Nesterovic and Andrea Bargnani did a reasonably good job on Dwight, holding him to just one point in the first half and a tame 19-point, 14-rebounds showing overall. Toronto still got blown out, though … Now Marcin Gortat is getting more burn than J.J. Redick? The Dukie You Love To Hate probably needs a change of scenery after this season. He could definitely find a spot in the rotation with a few teams out there. We like the idea of J.J. running with New Orleans’ second unit … What is O.J. Mayo’s future in the pros? Some are saying he’s the next Jerry Stackhouse … Glass-half-full, you could say Warriors/Hawks was a track meet between two explosive offensive teams. Glass-half-empty, it was just two teams that don’t play any defense and would’ve scored just as many points running against cones. In fact, we’re not even sure if they were running plays; it was a lot of 1-on-1. The Warriors got the W, 135-118, behind 35 from Baron, 29 from S-Jack (with 6 triples), 20 from Monta and 19 from Mickael Pietrus (5 treys). Joe Johnson scored 38 (5 threes) for the losers … And speaking of losers, the only thing worth mentioning from Bulls/Grizzlies was the hellacious dunk Rudy Gay unleashed upon Joakim Noah’s face … We’re out like another Vin Baker …
March 5th, 2008 at 6:06 am
Toan says:
still with a broken leg and nothin to do
March 5th, 2008 at 6:26 am
KIdd w/in says:
i think kobe deserves to be the mvp!
lebron should not get his mvp award if kobe will not win a mvp award!
hands down.. kobe for mvp!
lebron is averaging 30-8-7 because he is in the east!
EAST=conference of losers!
mamba is the mvp!
March 5th, 2008 at 6:27 am
KIdd w/in says:
oh! and more thing!
TOAN I THINK YOUR LEG WILL BE BROKEN FOREVER!
hahaha
March 5th, 2008 at 7:18 am
Tux says:
Kidd w/in, you got a broken cock. How can Kobe be a hands down unanimous selection? I can’t believe you have discounted Tim Duncan? You think David Joel Stern would enjoy seeing an adultering sexual offender lift the MVP trophy above his head? Obviously it’s up to the media, but Mr Clean TD has just put his squad right where they usually end up each year. Back in no. 1 whilst doing it without their star point guard for some of the journey. It’s March people, the playoffs are just around the corner and the Spurs are tuning up with a little 10 straight action.
March 5th, 2008 at 7:18 am
YOUNGFED says:
“Guess who’s back, back is the INCREDIBLE”- Chuck D
K-HOVA for President!!!!
Hope Channing Frye leaves next year he’s to good not to be used at all. Also I didn’t know Dixon could still ball like that and now with Theo here in a minute our bench is gonna be better than our starting 5. Just kidding but we are deep as hell. Flip will find a way not use every body he’s already hoe’n Afflao on PT.
“It feels like I’m at home,” Ratliff said. “I’m seeing a lot of the old faces. … It’s a great feeling right now.”
Hamilton is starting to piss me off it seems like the more he’s off (5-19 last nite) the more he shoots atleast drive to the damn rim wish we could trade his ass.
March 5th, 2008 at 7:23 am
the_don_mega says:
Kidd is right…
kobe should get his first…
not sayin’ its about seniority…
but kobe IS still the best in the L…
hands down…
the only thing i disagree on is the thing bout bron being in the east…
dude can put up the same numbers even if he’s out in siberia…
March 5th, 2008 at 7:25 am
YOUNGFED says:
I know Celts is gonna hate me for this but I’m much mire worried about Lebron in the playoffs than the Celtics, sorry had to but that out there.
March 5th, 2008 at 7:29 am
Flying-Dutchman says:
“Flip will find a way not use every body ”
QFT
Out of Sheed, Prince, Billups and Rip - Who will end up leaving (or retiring) first? Rip would be the easier one to replace and i could see Billups and Prince herefor a long time
March 5th, 2008 at 7:36 am
Vignesh says:
sean williams aint getting no daylight..hes one of those few guys who play aggressively ..RJ can’t hit water in an ocean without kidd…vince is actually doing a better job overall and playing a bit of defence as well…not bad…am out like…am out!!
March 5th, 2008 at 8:24 am
droppin' opinions says:
League MVP is wack anyway, so who cares if K-Hovarated wins it.
‘04 - Garnett - team not even in playoffs
‘05 - Nash - playoffs
‘06 - Nash - lost in conference finals
‘07 - Diggler - league’s “best team” wiped out of the first round by an 8 seed
shouldn’t the MVP mean more?
March 5th, 2008 at 8:28 am
Flying-Dutchman says:
Hey should award it the DAY every team finishes playing 82 regular season games, so noone can judge their happenings in playoffs..Just my thoughts..
How about Co-MVP?
March 5th, 2008 at 8:29 am
Celts Fan says:
I can understand that YOUNGFED, I think it’s wrong, but I can absolutely understand it. He’s the best player in the East, and in the NBA one guy can win it (and after last year, I can understand why you would be. You must still be waking up at midnight screaming. Now THAT was a Cloverfield…) I’d still be more worried about a talented team that plays TEAM ball and defends like Boston (and for us to worry about, Detroit) over a team with one transcendant, all-time great superstar, good D behind him, but not a ton of other offensive weapons…
March 5th, 2008 at 8:31 am
KIdd w/in says:
TUX! u have a malfunctioning brain! spurs will be spurs because their coach the pope!
a MVP is determined by how u play the whole nba season and not because u have a sexual harassment case! TIM DUNCAN doesn’t deserve to be the mvp anymore because he already proven himself! he already won 2 times! it’s time for kobe to get his recognition after all he’s the best player in the world today!
!! get that tux !!
tux= SPURS FANBOY!
March 5th, 2008 at 8:36 am
Celts Fan says:
JJ should be in someone’s rotation. He’s too good of a shooter to not be able to have a John Paxson/Steve Kerr type role somewhere.
Dime, it’s Vin & Tonic to you.
March 5th, 2008 at 8:39 am
Celts Fan says:
ya, I’ve been a huge “duncan’s the best player in the league” guy the past few years. Not anymore. Kobe’s the MVP right now (and best player in the league), then LeBron, then CP3, then KG, then Deron Williams or Dwight, and only then can you even begin the TD for MVP argument (not a knock on him as much as a compliment on everyone ahead of him and the way their teams are playing as SA coasts into yet another deep playoff run, don’t forget, MVP = Regular Season award)
March 5th, 2008 at 8:40 am
fiyaman says:
PHX losing Amare is Bigger than Rockets losing Yao. If Amare goes down the Suns r done. At least the Rockets got TMac and a good defense. That gives them a fighting chance. If Amare goes down Shaq or Nash cant carry that team. They probably wouldnt win another game.
March 5th, 2008 at 8:43 am
rathauneak says:
I also agree that Kobe should get MVP. Dude has been the best player in the league for a few years now and owns arguably the best skill set EVER. Every year, analyst give reasons why Kobe didn’t win the MVP and he comes back the next year and tweeks his game accordingly. What more could they ask of him before the finally give it to him…he’s earned it time and time again. They practically GAVE Dirk one of Kobe’s trophies IMO…lol
March 5th, 2008 at 8:53 am
GEE... Imma turn this mutha OUT! says:
Young I think you was gone yesterday but yea I lived in the D before so that is how I know a lil bit. I love the D and root for them from time to time specially if they not going against Houston, Denver or Lakers lol.
I was all on some bad boys stuff back in the day. I was a lil shorty then but memories of the D were good and weird lol. Hey wasn’t the Pistons on some MC Hammer stuff back in the day during their championship run, was it 2 Legit 2 quit or I do work? I don’t remember.
Anyway Young you should be way more worried about Boston that Clev. No way Detroit as smart as they are, lets LeBron do that again. Trust me that fire was hot, so they know to smother it than try to let it die out. That won’t happen again. Only thing you can worry bout is if then new teammates in Clev. start producing, then pretty much you need to be like OH SH@#!
LOL did Jose Calderon play last night I am just wondering? I am going to have to go check the stats. It’s funny cause ok Baron got snubbed but he is still putting up crazy numbers, carrying his team and winning games. I don’t hear no talk on Jose anymore, and last box score I saw had TJ’s numbers not Jose’s, and they are taking l’s without Bosh. Was Jose really snubbed?
I wish I wish Houston could get LaMarcus. Sure dude had foul trouble last night, but he still puts in consistent work. That dunk he gave Stat. ReEEeAAAaaaAAAaal Nice!
Kobe playing like he on a mission to save the world.
Droppin I am going to have to agree, it’s been some years the wrong cats even got the award too. It’s not as much. Almost like the All Star MVP is better than the L’s. LOL
I am seeing Kobe on more and more commercials now. I am glad he seems to have his ish coming back since Colorado. Perhaps even Nutella will let him be there spokes person again.
16 Tonight!
March 5th, 2008 at 8:57 am
YOUNGFED says:
Oh by the way I forgot to tell 2nites the nite Badboys kick Bostons ass a shut everyone up for good. I got a feelin Boston’s gonna pull a Dallas move in the 1st round. Sorry Celts it is what it is.
We all know its K-HOVA the emaculant sodomizer (LOL) for MVP so lets dead that debate its done.
March 5th, 2008 at 9:02 am
YOUNGFED says:
I always go back a check old post when I get to work so I already saw that GEE. Kinda figured you had been here though. Also GEE Boston doesn’t really have that Stone cold killer that can destroy teams so we can equal there stars out.
March 5th, 2008 at 9:03 am
Simon says:
I’m just wondering if anyone else notices how biased the Portland announcers are. Last night they were such a joke I had to turn off the sound so I didn’t become dumber by listening to them. I understand you have to please the local fans, but their homing last night was insane.
March 5th, 2008 at 9:07 am
bigdoggchad says:
Droppin’ Onions in 04′ K.G.’s Timberwolves made it to the Conference finals before losing to the Lakers.
MVP= KOBE
CLOSE 2nd= LeBron
3rd= CP3
I am only going to go 3 deep cause IMO KG and Dwight have dropped out of consideration.
March 5th, 2008 at 9:08 am
bigdoggchad says:
I said the same thing about Portland’s anouncers awhile back. Worst homers I heard all season.
March 5th, 2008 at 9:35 am
jz_smoove says:
one of the worse deductive conclusions i have heard ever!……..TIM DUNCAN doesn’t deserve to be the mvp anymore because he already proven himself! he already won 2 times!……why wouldnt someone (anybody) DESERVED to be recognized again if they did very well and keep on producing and carrying their team so. i dont necessarily agree that duncan has to win mvp but this is ridiculously messed up reasoning. and i dont mind this year to have co-mvp’s. its a very tight race between superman west and superman east. and no, nobody cares if they play in the east or west, it dont matter cuz they play the NBA not just one half of it. i also dont agree with lebron (and others) that kobe needs to win first before he does. thats just a classy move by the next great one.
March 5th, 2008 at 9:38 am
Smitty313 says:
To number 10. Kobe over rated. You must be out your mind. Kobe has to hold back his game for his team mate could be better. He could put up 35 to 40 points every night if he wanted to. He’s the 2nd best 2 gaurd ever in NBA HISTORY. He’s one of the best defensive players in the league. I don’t see how he’s over rated. There are two maybe three positions in the league that you know who’s the best at that position. SG(Kobe), SF (Lebron), and PF (Duncan). Not even close for Kobe and Lebron.
March 5th, 2008 at 9:40 am
Kobe Bryant says:
I will win MVP this year because there will be no more excuses from the league not to give it to me this year. Before Gasol came, it would have been KG, but now that we have the best team,it is finally my time. End of discussion.
March 5th, 2008 at 9:44 am
Kobe Bryant says:
Did I tell you guys that my pinkie isn’t actually hurt?
March 5th, 2008 at 10:11 am
Kobe Bryant says:
and lastly, that K-Hova nickname is horrible. Stop it already.
March 5th, 2008 at 10:13 am
Brown says:
GEE, nobody’s talking about Calderon any more because the Raps aren’t playing well, especially now that Bosh is down. Jose actually played well last night, but for some reason Sam Mitchell loves TJ Ford. When Jose was logging crazy minutes, the team was rolling. Ford comes back from injury, takes some of those minutes and the team starts to falter.
Last night Ford became the poster boy for little man complex. He tried to put the Raps on his back at the end of the third quarter and the fourth quarter and the team went in the tank. He was taking ill-advised shots, turning the ball over and not passing to his teammates. Basically everything a PG is not supposed to do. I don’t know if it’s Mitchell’s fault for not telling Ford he’s better suited as a distributor, not a scorer, or Ford’s fault for thinking he can take over a game and gut out a win, which it’s obvious to Raptors fans that he can’t, he’s just not that type of player.
Ford’s performance last night was very Marbury-esque. Ford’s play this year has completely baffled me, he just doesn’t seem to get it. On a team loaded with quality shooters, he should be looking to drive and kick to generate ball movement. Often times he’s the worst shooter on the floor, but decides he’s the one who should be taking all the shots.
Other posters have called me out for being negative about the Raptors, but as a fan, I worry about the current makeup of this team. I don’t see them making progress from last year. I’m hoping they can get better and that Colangelo can make some moves to improve the team, but it seems like they could go the other way at any point. People say it’s just because they’re a young team and still developing, but how long can you use that philosophy as a crutch? Two years from now you won’t be able to say that.
They’ve played great at times this year, but a lot of games they’ve looked horrible. It’s hard to be confident in this team, and that’s not something I would have said last year.
March 5th, 2008 at 10:26 am
. says:
.
March 5th, 2008 at 10:28 am
stones says:
does anyone get more ridiculously dunked on than Joel Pryzbilla?
He’s 7′1″ and has yet to successfully block a shot.
Bring back Mark Eaton !!!
that dude averaged 5.5 blocks in ‘85. That’s just crazy
March 5th, 2008 at 10:35 am
Celts Fan says:
stones - Pryzbilla is actually a good shot blocker, but yes, he gets crammed on pretty routinely.
The Raps are still young and developing, but it seems like they don’t play much D. While they have a lot of nice pieces, you can’t just outscore teams, otherwise Phoenix would have won a ring already…
Kobe’s only over-rated when people say things like, “He may be the most talented ever.” Otherwise, he’s right where he should be rated, best in the league.
March 5th, 2008 at 10:39 am
Celts Fan says:
Ian, to get back to yesterday’s discussion on Tony Parker, it’s as simple as this, basketball’s played on BOTH ENDS OF THE COURT, which is why I never had Nash as best PG in the league and laugh at TP being 2nd like you claim. When you don’t play D like the other guys and shoulder less of a load, it’s tough to make a case you’re a top 5 PG. Sorry, but that’s how it is…
March 5th, 2008 at 10:55 am
doc says:
Everybody puting the Pistons and Boston in the East finals but they better try to avoid Bron in the 2nd round because one of them gonna go. And yes in America we all know the Raptors aint shit.I hope the Sixers play them in the playoffs.
March 5th, 2008 at 11:07 am
Myrie says:
Ron Artest vs Kobe Bryant…
I think we would all pay to see that confrontation. Ron Artest is the only defensive player in the league we all like to watch. Damn…too bad my lady won’t let us get leaguepass in the house…
No one wants to sign the Glove, but Beno Udrih is in the league. Shame.
If Portlands frontline played the Nets frontline, who would win?
A Vin Baker reference…
Dime: Where is this guy now? Hartford was a long time ago huh?
Let’s get an update on Kendall Gill too….
Warriors are giving teams buckets galore. Imagine if they played the Spurs in the first round. It would be the best and worst matchup for both teams. Think about it…
March 5th, 2008 at 11:26 am
Willis says:
if your mvp scores 17 in the 4th than props to him, but when 12 of those come from free throws and to that end half of those come on Kobe calls, than i’m not buying it. I was at Arco last night and the Kings got thrown under the bus in the 4th by both their coach and the refs who decided to call it in the Lakers favor when the Show was down 10 with 6 minutes left. Theus decided to fuck the gameplan and just give it to Artest the whole time and Artest just took garbage fadeaways the whole time. oh and Anthony Johnson sucks.
March 5th, 2008 at 11:31 am
Myrie says:
Whatchutawkin’bout Willis?
Sorry man; I couldn’t resist.
March 5th, 2008 at 11:37 am
Jim says:
I don’t know how you go after Beno Udrih, of all people. He would give GP buckets; that ship has sailed.
And I would love to imagine Spurs-Warriors…an extra week’s rest for the champs.
March 5th, 2008 at 11:42 am
sam cassell says:
Young said,
“… Also GEE Boston doesn’t really have that Stone cold killer that can destroy teams so we can equal there stars out.”
Lest ye forget my enormous testicles?
March 5th, 2008 at 11:43 am
YOUNGFED says:
SING ALONG “H TO DA IZO V TO DA IZ A” IT’S K-HOVA BABBBYYY!!!!!! (LOL)
March 5th, 2008 at 11:50 am
YOUNGFED says:
As ya’ll can see kinda bored in the office today so I’ll be crackin’ jokes till around 2pm then I’m out. Hopefully I make a couple of yall laugh.
March 5th, 2008 at 11:59 am
GEE... Imma turn this mutha OUT! says:
Hilarious @ 39. I hope no one is remembering anything about anyone’s testicles lol!
Young I agree Detroit is about even with Boston, they really mirror each other except for experience and that is were Detroit has the edge, experience playing together and from a playoff standpoint. Boston has the edge as far as hunger and I still like Boston’s bench better with PJ and Sam on it.
Brown I was just pointing out Jose cause so many posers oops posters were going nuts about how he got snubbed. I am just saying his last like 4 to 5 games have been inconsistent and he has had his share of turnovers and I think he scored like 4 points in one game. Also he logged more minutes than TJ but scored less points.
I just think for him to be getting allllll and I mean alllll that All Star talk and possibly top 5 guard in the L, he should be bringing more to the table on a “consistent” basis. Dig.
Kobe since you are posting could you tell us for real…..Was Karl Malone really trying to hit on your wife? What really happened in Colorado? Also how jealous were you when Shaq got a ring with Wade? Do you think you are better than MJ or that you will be?
March 5th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
GayforRudy says:
Fed-hova,
Just a tip for you…in order to make “a couple yall laugh” I would suggest typing something funny.
Mamba-hova for runner-up MVP
GayforRudy-hova out
March 5th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Joe says:
Just a couple quick points….if you are going to talk about having the best team in the league, you have to wait until the season ENDS. The MVP of the league RIGHT NOW is Timmay Duncan, the best player on the best team (in the west).
As for the Blazers homer announcers, every team has homer announcers. They are paid by the franchise they call games for. David Stern said as much on the Blazers broadcast last night.
And on Pryzbilla, every great shot blocker gets dunked on. They get dunked on because they go after every shot in the lane. Need I remind you of Alonzo Mourning? That guy got dunked on all the time. Mutombo? Yeah he got crammed on too.
March 5th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
YOUNGFED says:
Lol gay4rudy i’m almost off work so I ain’t mess wit you today. However I no you just mad that you couldn’t have been that chick in Colorado. (LOL).
Gee,
I see you finally see why the Pistons have more to fear in Lebron.
Quick thought, is it me or does sam cassell really look like a Sharktagon (LOL)
4 all the haters POST#43, Get money, Have fun, and bag dimepieces. oops I guess you can’t do that. Whats the difference between Gay4Rudy and YOUNGFED….FIFTY GRAND COCK SUCKA BEAT IT..(LMAO)
March 5th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
YallAllReadyKnow says:
since sports writers are all fools and dont know spaldings from their pubes, here is the breakdown of season winners:
mvp: dwyane wade. if it werent for him, miami heat would be winless.
roy: al horford. if you select anyone else, he’ll club you over the head and put your ass in the icu
6th man: i dunno. david lee in ny i guess. that white balls hard and leads the league in rebouding off the bench
coach: sure as hell aint isiah thomas or george karl. gotta go with jerry sloan. angry man just keeps getting wins no matter whose on his roster and plus, he punk’d gorden girichek during a game to leave the bench and go to the locker room crying. that alone makes him the winner
dpoy: no one on ny no one phoe and damn sure no one on gstate. bruce bowen i suppose.
improved: always the hardest to judge. a 1st time allstar should be the obvious pick. if coaches think your good enough to select you for the asg, then you should be good enough to win most improved then..right?
david west
thoughts welcomed
March 5th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
K-Dizzle says:
Gee
why you still rippin on Calderon? I thought it was pretty obvious that the All-Stars are chosen for the first half of the season and when dude is pressed into starting duty and averages 6 to 1 assists to turnover and leads ALL GUARDS in fg%, he shoulda been an all-star. Now Ford is back, they splittin minutes and Bosh is out, of course his numbers are down, but dude is still the top pure point in the east, except for maybe Dre Miller who had a garbage first half but has just turned it on.
Brown
Real Raptors fans disagree with you cuz when they winnin, you got nuthin, but they lose to a good Orlando team without CB4 and basically still “hold” Howard to 19 and 14 and now, it’s the end of the world again. Get this straight: The Raptors are the deepest team in the L, point blank. It’s not a secret. I expect silence again when Bosh gets back.
To the dude that said the refs and “theus gave my Lakers the win”, thank Theus for scoring those 17 in the last 5 cuz he looked a lot like Kobe…
One more thing- Those sayin that Tim Duncan should be in MVP talks are crazy cuz it’s been obvious THIS SEASON, and it kills me to say this, but the mvp of that team has been Manu Ginobili. There, I said it….
March 5th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
dagwaller says:
Brown, good analysis on the Raps.
stones, good point on Przbylla. If every player in the League challenged slashers the way players like Przbylla does, everyone would average about .1 or .2 more bpg more than they do. They don’t because they’re, for lack of a better word, pussies. I’d rather be like AK, Josh Smith, Prz, and Yao and have good block numbers and be on some posters rather than the average player that doesn’t make it onto a poster…and never will.
March 5th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Kobe Bryant says:
Not totally true. You can still make a poster even when not going for the block. Just ask Kyle Korver
http://www.nba.com/media/rmccants_400_080226.jpg
March 5th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
isotope says:
lol
that pic makes me laugh everytime.
March 5th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
YallAllReadyKnow says:
how about the dunk kobe dropped on dwight howard? sick posterization. tea bags homey…straight tea bags….
http://video.aol.com/video-detail/kobe-bryant-slam-dunk-over-dwight-howard/235108796
YouTube - Kobe Bryant slam dunk over Dwight Howard
March 5th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
YallAllReadyKnow says:
replay..
YouTube - Kobe Bryant slam dunk over Dwight Howard
Kobe Bryant slam dunk over Dwight Howard. … Kobe Bryant …
Watch video - 28 sec -
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeLRym4Q-pg
March 5th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Austin Burton says:
K-Dizzle — You think Toronto’s deeper than Detroit?
March 5th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Celts Fan says:
Austin, it’s arguable that Toronto may be deeper, it’s the quality and versatility of the guys that get the majority of the minutes that Detroit trumps them in.
March 5th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Celts Fan says:
*I’d still say probably Detroit’s deeper, but it’s not out of the question to argue Toronto
March 5th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Brown says:
K-Dizzle, why do you get upset everytime I post something about the Raps?
The reason I don’t go all crazy and hype them up when they win is because I know that in the next couple games they will come back to reality and lose a game they should win. They just haven’t played consistent ball all year, and I hate to say it but a lot of that responsiblity falls on Bargnani and Ford, who’ve been the two most inconsistent players.
When talking about depth, Bosh is obviously the only impact player on the team, and Calderon is starting to fit into that category too by being a BORDERLINE all-star, but the rest of the team is a bunch of role players. Having 1.5 stars and a bunch of role players doesn’t make for a very good team because Bosh is forced to shoulder most of the load all season. You’re seeing now how important he is to their success. Having depth means you can lose a player or players for a period of time and still play at the same level, which doesn’t hold true when Bosh goes down. Even when Ford went down, Calderon had to play big minutes because they had nobody else to play the point. But when he did get the start, the team played with more consistency.
Role players should provide the team with consistency, in both effort and production. The Raps are loaded with inconsistent role players: Nesterovic, Bargnani, Humphries, Moon, Kapono, Graham, Ford, Brezec. You never know what you’re going to get out of those guys. They can all produce, but they’re all too inconsistent to be counted on every night. Bosh, Calderon, Parker and Delfino are their only consistent players. That’s 4 out of 12 players. You call that depth? That ain’t even a good starting five.
The difference between me and you is that I choose to be realistic when looking at this team. If they’re healthy and draw Orlando in the first round of the playoffs, I think they can beat them, because I’m not sold on Orlando, but if they go up against the Celtics or Pistons, they don’t have a chance. They match up ok with the Cavs, but LeBron is enough to win that series alone.
If the Raptors want to take the next step, Colangelo needs to get some impact players and some consistency from the role players, plain and simple. Bosh isn’t enough to carry this batch of players very far. Either the current players need to step their game up, or they need to get some new players.
March 5th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
donners says:
the depth of the raptors bench is so overrated. Yeah, they’ve got a lot of guys who can play, but how much can they actually contribute. If you’ve got a bunch of average players who can all play spot minutes, it’s not going to get you much, especially if they don’t have a real dominate starting lineup (bosh excluded). And on another note, the Jamario Moon as a starter experiment has got to end.
March 5th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
ian says:
celts fan
u know whats amazing last night on nba tv they guys were ranking their pg top 5
and u know how the lists came out
isola
had
nash
paul
parker
williams
kidd
aldridge
had
nash
parker
williams
im just sayin u think im crazy but they had parker at 2 and 3
and the other guy at cnnsi at him at 1
aldridge made a good point sayin how can u claim that a pg that hasnt been in the playoffs be the best (paul)
and he choose those who are proven in the playoffs
im not the only one thats crazy
again parker in another system would avg more of everything
myrie
that spurs vs warriors
well this isnt dallas they are playin
March 5th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
ian says:
k dizzle
manu is the shit
but comon the mvp of the spurs is always timmy
March 5th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Celts Fan says:
to me, if you’re the 3rd option on your own team, you can’t be the best in the NBA at any position.
let’s break it down, who of my list is Parker a better defender than? Other than Nash, no one.
Is he a better distributor than the Chris Pauls and Deron Williams of the world? No (that’s not a knock on TP as much of a compliment to the great talent we have at PG now.)
Does he put his team on his back night-in and night-out and pull out Ws? Not to the same extent the other guys do.
He’s a worse distributor, MUCH worse defender, and carries less of a load than the other guys. He’s a top PG cuz he wins and that’s very important, but let’s not go nuts here and put him over guys that are clearly more talented, versatile, and have a larger role in their teams’ success.
IF he could defend well too, then I’d say maybe you’re right, but he can’t.
either way, we’ll have to agree to disagree, cuz neither of us are changing our minds, that’s obvious!
everyone else out there, IS TONY PARKER A TOP 3 PG?
March 5th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Myrie says:
ian–
I didn’t mention the warriors would beat the spurs (nor did I mention the spurs would win either). but it would be an interesting matchup to me. niether team can stop the other; and they play opposite styles. interesting to think about.
And going into last yrs playoffs, you’d be fooling yourself if you knew/thought/forseen golden state beating dallas.
you know darn well, we all had dallas vs phoenix in the wcf.
March 5th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
TBone says:
I think people that call Kobe over rated are pretty ridiculous. Pretty naive. What more would he have to do to deserve his “rating”????
I’m not even a Kobe fan. I’m a Nuggets fan, but you have to give credit where credit is due. Kobe is not over rated.
droppin’ opinions, this is for you.
The MVP stands for Most Valuable PLAYER. Your point about how the respective teams did is 100% irrelevant. Are you still in grade school?
Get your mind straight.
March 5th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
Ian says:
no myrie i didnt darn well know
hehehehe
i won a bet(it was kinda cheap thats why i made it) with the warriors vs two of my friends that are mavs fans
and my wcf was spurs over rockets (i thought tmac was getting out and since i had golden state in the second round not dallas i thought the rockets would win that one also)
no way i pick the suns over the spurs in a series
celts fan
what is this defense thing u mention all the time none of those pgs stop each other none
and none have duncan and manu on their team which means they wouldnt be the best player either
but u mention all the cons of parker but nash and parker shoot way better than the rest and no one can get in the lane better than parker.
March 5th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
word says:
like i said b4 if Bron can keep this average up, he deserves mvp regardless what conf. he plays for. kobe will get it it’s not like he retiring anytime soon,
for any suns or nuggs fans read this:
http://www.nba.com/news/coachscornersunsnuggets.html
I can’t wait for tonights game
March 5th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
K-Dizzle says:
Austin - I don’t think there’s a question that the Raps are deeper than the Pistons.The Pistons might have bigger names but most of them are young and inexperienced or either past their prime. Ratliff, Stuckey, Johnson, Maxiell, Dixon, Hayes, Hermann, Afflalo and Hunter
vs Brezec, Humphries, Calderon, Delfino, Bargnani, Kapono, Garbajosa(who hasn’t even played this year), Graham and Baston. The Raptors bench has more experience and more players in or near their prime. I’m not arguin starters cuz Detroit, Lakers and Hornets got the best starting fives, but I’d argue depth of benches between these 3 teams with the raps
Brown
The reason I go off on you whenever you rip the raps is cuz it seems you and those who agree with your analysis of the raps seem to forget that this is a team which replaced 9 players last season and still won their division, that’s 4 returning players from the previous season. You go off on Colangelo’s MISTAKES like you forgot about the clown that was Rob Babcock, who killed the franchise with his Carter trade for…..name 1 thing the Raps got for tradin a player that some hype as a top tier player in the l and drafting Araujo when raps coulda got Igoudala or whoever. Your argument that the team can’t win when Bosh is hurt makes no sense. You take Kobe, Bron, Baron(still an all-star to me), Roy or any other all-star off any single all-star team and they’ll lose.Yeah, the team’s inconsistent. Every team but the Lakers Hornets Pistons and Celtics have been consistent this year so the raps are the same as 26 other teams. When Bargnani has a 5 game stretch averagin 19 and 7, nuthin, but as soon as he has a bad shootin game, you post about how this team needs to be scrapped. Try givin the team more than 1 year together before you say it’s over. If you think it’s so bad that they won their division last season and are on pace for a better record and happen to trail the stacked Celtics this season, then we’ll just agree to disagree, but there’s 15-20 teams that wish they had the raps rosters
Ian
Yeah, I’ll give Manu some props and Tim’s the best player and maybe the spurs’ MVP for the season, but you gotta admit, when manu was puttin up 35-40 a game and killin teams with last second daggers, he was the MVP cuz he sparked that win streak they on now
March 5th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
droppin' opinions says:
everyone knows that DAN DICKAU is the best PG in the League, so let it rest ya’ll…………………
March 5th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
word says:
and to answer the question, hell yea losing stat at this point in the season would be like losing Yao, he is key both offense and D and is just extremely versatile, he been having a great season and he is going to be critical in the playoffs.
March 5th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Brown says:
K-Dizzle
I never said the Raps team needs to be scrapped, just tinkered with. The way it’s constructed right now isn’t going to get that much better. You can keep lying to yourself, but you’re entitled to your opinion.
What’s funny is I’m watching the Raps pregame, and the first thing Leo Rautins talks about is the Raps inconsistent effort.
Take Kobe off the Lakers, they have guys who can shoulder the load and step up (Bynum, Odom, Gasol). Take LeBron off the Cavs, and yeah they’re a bad team, but everyone knows the Cavs are a one-man team. Roy has been injured this year, and the Blazers still managed to beat some good teams cuz they have Aldridge, and next year they’ll have Oden. Baron’s had some games this year where he had 5 pts, 3 assists, and they still won cuz they still have Jackson, Ellis, Harrington and sometimes Pietrus who step up.
If Bargnani wants to get noticed, he needs put those numbers up consistently, cuz there haven’t been many stretches this year where he’s even played decent. I know he’s only a second year player, and he still has a chance to be a good player, but the Raps biggest weakness is rebounding, and when your center is shooting threes, there’s nobody in the paint besides Bosh to rebound. He’s good offensively, but he needs to give the team some defence and rebounding, which are the Raps biggest weaknesses.
What’s so bad about me saying that the Raps need a big man who can rebound and play defence? There’s nobody on the roster who fits that description, so how are they gonna get better and address their weaknesses other than bringing in another player?
They also need someone who can penetrate and create offense for himself or the team, and there’s nobody on the roster who fits that description either. That’s why it burns me that the Raps could have had Iguodala or Roy, or at least got something better than TJ Ford for Charlie Villanueva.
Don’t get me wrong, Colangelo has done a great job, but he still has some work to do to address the team’s weaknesses, and it ain’t happenning with the current roster.
Real fans want their team to get better, but you seem completely content with this roster. If they stay status quo and ride with this group of players for a couple years and get better, I’ll eat my words, but I don’t see that happenning.
March 5th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
Ian says:
k dizzle
hey comon manus the shit
and the second best player on the team
but i can see manu being the mvp of the spurs this season
March 6th, 2008 at 12:16 am
isotope says:
rockets win!!!