The Best One-on-One Matchup of the Playoffs
Tim Duncan (photo. adidas)Remember that Nike ad from a few years back when a 5-on-5 run devolved into Paul Pierce and Jermaine O’Neal going 1-on-1 full-court while the other guys just sat on the sideline and watched? That was kind of like what we saw between Chris Paul (35 pts, 9 asts) and Tony Parker (31 pts, 11 asts) last night in Game 3 of Hornets/Spurs. Right from the jump, CP and TP went back-and-forth giving each other buckets; both guys were relentless going to the rack and trying to bury the other one under a hailstorm of points. At halftime Paul was ahead on the judges’ scorecards — his team was leading, he’d scored 18 points, and Mark Jones was using words like “radiant” and “sublime” to describe him. But the second half was Tony’s, and behind an 11-0 Spurs run in the fourth quarter, his team came away with the W and avoided what would have been a catastrophic 0-3 series deficit … There was no shortage of mixtape plays from both Paul and Parker. One time CP started a madcap drive into the lane, then stopped on a dime and sent Bruce Bowen running damn near into the stands. (Bowen complained that Paul had pushed off.) Another time he hit an impossible Wade/Jordan-esque circus shot with his back to the rim and some indescribable English. Then CP pulled a ball-fake on Tim Duncan that had the big guy looking like he’d joined the cast of “Lost.” As for Parker, he basically spent the night doing his subtle little head and shoulder fakes and making N.O.’s front line hop all over the place looking foolish … The other guys out there weren’t just Paul and Parker fodder, though. Duncan figured out the Tyson Chandler/Melvin Ely combo enough to put up 16 points, 13 boards and 4 blocks. David West (23 pts, 12 rebs) predictably got his inexplicable number of open jumpers. And Manu Ginobili broke out of his slump by dropping 31 points. Gregg Popovich’s decision to start Manu and bring Mike Finley off the bench was an instant success, as both guys finally played a good game. Finley knocked down three shots beyond the arc … That fourth-quarter run by the Spurs to put the game away was an absolute clinic. One reason you can never count them out is because they can seemingly flip a switch and start playing near-flawless basketball for long stretches just like that. It’s basically what the Pistons think they can do but aren’t as effective at it … Aside from Parker just going off, the biggest difference between last night’s game and the first two games of the series was that San Antonio was hitting their three-pointers (11-for-25). When those are going down it opens things up for everyone … Rough night for Bonzi Wells. First he missed a dunk, then a few minutes later missed a layup in transition. Normally when that happens on the playground you won’t see the ball again for a while, but Bonzi’s teammates had enough faith in him to at least not freeze him out … D-West continued his “one altercation per game” streak by getting into a staredown with Finley. If the Hornets manage to get past the Spurs and (let’s pretend) the Lakers make it past Utah, we’d bet money on a West/Ronny Turiaf battle going down … Did you see when the Spurs were running the clock out with about 20 seconds left and the Hornets decided not to guard Robert Horry? Horry thought about it, was going to pass, then changed his mind and knocked down a three. It doesn’t really count as a dagger since the Hornets had already given up, but still a cold-blooded move by Big Shot Rob … The Cavs were looking good for a while, but the Minnesota ‘04 Connection — Kevin Garnett and Sam Cassell — led a Celtics’ comeback that turned into a relatively easy Game 2 win. You know what’s driving KG (13 pts, 12 rebs) at this point, but Sam (9 pts) is an interesting case. He already has two rings, but he won those so long ago it probably feels like a whole other lifetime to him. He’s playing this year like a ring-less vet who’s desperate … For a while it looked like it was gonna be the Big Z Show. Zydrunas Ilgauskas (19 pts) was automatic with that baseline jumper; it’s not just that we never saw him miss, we never saw him hit rim. Everything was all-net with a hand in his face … So Ben Wallace is very blatantly signaling to the bench that he needs to come out of the game, he’s actually stumbling and teetering on the court, and he’s right in front of Mike Brown as all this is happening. Did Brown ever grab a sub off the bench to check in? Nope. As much as we talk about the inability to adjust quickly and gum wrapper-sized playbook, that may have been the best example yet of Mike Brown’s coaching acumen. On the next whistle Wallace took himself out and almost fainted on the sideline, and THEN you finally saw Anderson Varejao head to the scorer’s table. Wallace went to the locker room to get checked out for what turned out to be an allergy-fueled case of dizziness and while he warmed up with the team before the second half, didn’t play anymore … LeBron’s stat line (21 pts, 5 rebs, 6 asts) looked a little better than his last game, but it was by no means a quality showing. ‘Bron turned the ball over 7 times and shot 6-for-24 from the field. Part of his struggles are due to the Celtics defense — they’re committed to not letting LeBron destroy them the way he does pretty much everyone else — but a lot of it is just LeBron missing shots he usually makes … It looks like KG has found his new Zaza Pachulia, and of course it’s Varejao. They had a couple of scrapes yesterday; and Varejao very well might have been the person KG yelled something incomprehensible at him after hitting a jumper in the fourth quarter. The Cavs called timeout after that, and coming back from the commercial break KG was sitting on the bench staring into a towel, just in his own world. You thought he was a threat to snap when the Wolves didn’t win championships? Imagine what KG might do if he falls short with a team that he knows can win? … Jeff Van Gundy’s proposal that notorious floppers be forced to wear an “F” on their jersey was too funny. Remember that early-’90s Cuba Gooding Jr. movie Daybreak, where the government was marking diseased citizens with the letter “P”? Let’s do an NBA version starring LeBron as a flopper who’s disguising himself as a non-flopper in order to save the others … Your All-NBA teams for 2007-08, as announced yesterday: First team is Paul, Kobe, KG, LeBron and Dwight Howard. Second team is Steve Nash, Deron Williams, Dirk Nowitzki, Duncan and Amare Stoudemire. Third team is Manu, Tracy McGrady, Carlos Boozer, Pierce and Yao Ming. When we got word of this in the Dime office, almost everyone had a problem with Yao’s selection. The pro-Yao argument? He was VERY good for more than half the season before getting hurt, averaging 22 points, 10 boards and 2 blocks on a playoff team. The anti-Yao arguments? Marcus Camby and Pau Gasol … We’re out like a Hornets sweep …
May 9th, 2008 at 3:17 am
Duke says:
Spurs are coming back. No need to worry.
And the Cavs better trade Lebron before he leaves after his contract is up and they get left with shit on a stick.
May 9th, 2008 at 3:19 am
nbarountable says:
About time Popovich got his act together. He was killing his team with the decision to put Bruce Bowen on Chris Paul during the first two games. That freed Peja loose to become their third scorer and a brilliant outside threat. San Antonio can’t outscore those trio plus a good supporting cast. Bowen was never going to be able to limit Paul enough to make it worth letting Peja free.
Bruce is the perfect type of defender for Peja. Someone very quick who’ll live inside his shirt and run through screens all day long without giving him an inch. Someone discplined defensively who won’t gamble at every opportunity (that’s you Manu) and give Peja open threes.
Now it’s West and Paul against the Duncan/Parker/Manu. Much better odds.
New series on our hands now, pity the Spurs are already in a hole.
May 9th, 2008 at 3:24 am
nbarountable says:
That Boston mystique worked wonders on Wallace last night. Wallace thinks the smoke from the pyrotechnics may have triggered the allergic effects.
Wonder if it’ll be banned for the rest of the series (at least) as a precautionary measure? Not wild on the pyrotechnics myself so no loss.
May 9th, 2008 at 3:34 am
Nora says:
Lebron just missing shots I will believe for one game–not 2.
May 9th, 2008 at 3:45 am
Chosen says:
i agree its a better match up for parker to be on paul but bowen is not that fast and wont be able to get past screens when byron sets them up for peja next game. i dont think its a new series yet cause everything still hangs on pauls performance and the hornets already know they can stop the spurs if they play solid team defense and stop penetration.
lebron looks mentally frustrated and physically abused from the wizards series. its like he’s thinking ” man do i gotta do this all by myself again”. plus he looks tired of getting pretty much tackled in the lane so he’s settling for jumpers, which is what doc wants. bad thing is that cavs have enough players that can miss shot so brons gotta get mad and start taking over and moving lateral when needed to avoid the charge
May 9th, 2008 at 3:54 am
Duke says:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=3umkSmzILKU3V
Barkley makes me laugh.
May 9th, 2008 at 4:00 am
kb24! says:
umm wade/jordan? hahahahahahaha more like kobe/jordan. WAde is GARBAGE.
May 9th, 2008 at 4:10 am
eric says:
Can’t believe all those spurs fans burrying their own team after 2 losses at the hornets. They might as well support the celts I wouldn’t be surprised.
May 9th, 2008 at 4:58 am
G says:
Manu comes off the bench, granted hes not a true 6th man, but I have a hard time with the all nba selection of a player who is not a starter. Dude is good tho, Ill give him that, so Im not upset with the selection. But I woulda liked to see AI or maybe Baron get some all nba love.
all nba honorable mentions: AI, B Diddy, Kidd (too many tripple doubles not to mention), Butler or Jamison (at least one of those guys should get some love), Bosh, Sheed
May 9th, 2008 at 4:59 am
Chosen says:
garbage or not it was definetly a wade/jordan move. watch more highlight and then talk shit for kobe. when do you see kobe make shots over his shoulder spinning with his head down not looking at the basket on a daily basis? STAND RIGHT THERE
May 9th, 2008 at 5:00 am
bill says:
come on hornets. Spurs are just too fundamental. Hornets can win with great team defence and playing their game. (Spurs always win the 4th quarter when they need to though). Class act and powerhouse in the NBA (in terms of bball fundamentals)
May 9th, 2008 at 6:38 am
Yoooooooo says:
Why do NBA journalist still drink the Steve Nash Kool Aid??? He was maybe the 5th or 6th best PG in the league this year. Behind Baron, AI, CP, Deron, Kidd (maybe) and yet this guy continues racking up NBA honorables like he’s Jordan or something. Its crazy to me. 2nd team all NBA??? That’s wild to me, I didn’t even think he was on peoples radar but apparently the press loves this guy for obvious reasons. Tmacs team won 22 straight and he gets 3rd team?? Steve Nash didn’t have near the season Deron Williams had, yet there on the same team? At the same position? The league LOVES its white players man…
Yao Ming was nice, when he played, but… I aint see a 7 ft asian play ball in about 2-3 mnths so I kinda forgot about his season. I see why kids today only care about offense. Players with good offensive #’s ALWAYS get more pub than a guy with decent offensive #’s who makes consistent efforts defensively. And don’t give me that all-defensive team either. All-Nba is supposed to be the best guys in basketball and last I checked basketball had 2 ends of the court.
Yo im heated STEVE NASH 2nd team all-nba?? Knock it off man. He hd a good season, but was he really a TOP 10 player in the league this year? Naaaaaah. Not even close. The boy Bosh got played. Sorry for ya my dude
May 9th, 2008 at 6:40 am
GayforRudy says:
G,
Jason Kidd was an “all-star”. I think that’s enough for him.
Nice to see Deron make the 2nd team when all they let him do over all-star weekend was that skills challenge.
May 9th, 2008 at 6:47 am
Yoooooooo says:
kobe Bryant makes that over the shoulder shot all the time bro, what do you be watching?
O and I was so vexed at the steve nash thing that I forgot to mention CP and TP. Them boys know how to play ball man. It was hilarious watchin them both with perplexed faces after the other just put the moves on em. TP’s face was classic when he was just shakin his head and smirking after CP blew by him for an over the shoulder layup over Tim Duncan. I was cracking up. I was really entertained last night, and I rarely have those sentiments when Kobe isn’t playing.
Last night Hornets did a poor job of closing out on the shooters early and that allowed them to get in a rhythm. Timmy still missed a LOT of layups he normally makes tho. It was kina strange to see.
Boston/Cavs is setting basketball back. Its unbearable to watch, and thus I don’t have comments because I couldn’t watch it.
Anybody heading to Boston this weekend for that AAU tournament? Or UVA?
May 9th, 2008 at 6:55 am
YOUNGFED says:
“One reason you can never count them out is because they can seemingly flip a switch and start playing near-flawless basketball for long stretches just like that. It’s basically what the Pistons think they can do but aren’t as effective at it”
Dime WTF yall need to cut that hatin’ shyt out.
Ben Wallace aka “The Artist Formerly known as Big Ben” (lol) needs to stay in the fukin’ game all the money the payin his ass. If I was Mike Brown I play his butt 40 plus minutes with no water break and make do a shoot around during halftime breaks. (LMAO) but real talk.
BTW That’s the best all NBA Team EVER Hands down. I Dare someone to prove me otehrwise.
YOUNG FIZZLE aka “YOUNG MONEY” aka “YOUNGSTARR”
May 9th, 2008 at 7:06 am
kobeef says:
Another counter argument for Yao: his team got better after he went down for the season. I’d take any of the following before Yao
1. Dwight 2. Amare, 3. Chandler, 4. Bynum, 5. Oden
6. Rasheed, 7. Dalembeast
Yao hurts Houston’s game with his slow ass. At least the players listed above are at the other end of the floor before the shot clock is half expired. And they can jump. And they have about the same or longer wingspan than Yao (even though all are half a foot shorter). And I don’t think any of the above have been stuffed by Nate Robinson.
I’m out like the NBA picking all NBA teams based on talent, not marketing appeal.
May 9th, 2008 at 7:15 am
G says:
@ 16
Dalembeast over Yao? Seriously? I hear you on the drawbacks to his game but come on show the man a little respect. And Oden? How can you even say that without seeing 1 min of him in NBA action.
May 9th, 2008 at 7:15 am
kobeef says:
@ Youngfed
I’d offer the following as better All NBA Teams (but I agree – it would be close with the current team). Keep in mind the these players were in their prime when they were All NBA first team (Kidd, Shaq)
Circa 2004 All NBA First Team
Kevin Garnett, Minnesota
Tim Duncan, San Antonio
Shaquille O’Neal, LA Lakers
Kobe Bryant, LA Lakers
Jason Kidd, New Jersey
Circa 1988 All NBA first team
Larry Bird, Boston
Charles Barkley, Philadelphia
Hakeem Olajuwon, Houston
Michael Jordan, Chicago
Magic Johnson, LA Lakers
May 9th, 2008 at 7:25 am
YOUNGFED says:
That’s just so Retarded kobeef come on, I’m from Detroit and I’d take Yao over Sheed (some nites) lol. Also you don’t even know if oden can play NBA ball yet.
Most Anticipated Albums of 2008
1.) Lil Wayne
2.) Luda
3.) Cam
4.) Busta
5.) TI
6.) G-Unit
7.) Re-up game
May 9th, 2008 at 7:29 am
kobeef says:
@G
If I was the Rockets GM I’d trade Yao this summer for a top notch PF or PG. THink the Suns would send Amare for Yao? What about Bosh for Yao?
Yao rakes in the money for your team but I really don’t think he has the speed or athleticism to dominate in the NBA the way your franchise player should. Imagine T-Mac with Bosh. There would not be first Round knock-outs.
May 9th, 2008 at 7:34 am
YOUNGFED says:
Kobeef
That 1998 team is the Truth bruh
May 9th, 2008 at 7:38 am
Lee says:
WOW .. That 1988 team has probably 5 of the 10 greatest players ALL TIME !!!
Plus on the bench you’d have Wilkins, Ewing, Malone, Thomas/Stockton, Dumas/Drexler. Go a bit deaper Mullin, Pippen, Robinson, Hardaway, Miller … Dam, the nba was strong then.
May 9th, 2008 at 7:39 am
kobeef says:
interesting news from Calderon (for Raps fans)
“I want to be a starter and be in a team that aspires to everything,” he wrote. “I will not be on a team in which I cannot be an important contributor”
So…..that pretty much says to Colangelo that if he wants Calderon he’s gotta get rid of Ford……which is going to be next to impossible. If I was a raps fan I’d be crying right now about losing Calderon.
May 9th, 2008 at 8:02 am
BxBaller says:
At Yoooooooo, yeah I don’t understand how Nash made the second team over guys like Iverson, Davis, Billups, hell even Parker. But we all know why he made the second team, super media slurpage.
May 9th, 2008 at 8:09 am
sans says:
Ludacrias @ #2, really? You need to get some Def Jux in your system, Fed, some Blue Scholars, Roots, Def, anything with Mouse, Living Legends, and on and on. Seriously, that much love for LUDACRIS, that’s fn ludicrous. For real, Papoose will change your world.
I don’t even want to talk about Mike Brown. Horrid game management, a fn glacier on making decisions, it’s almost like he pays no attention whatsoever to the game that’s being played in front of him. Isn’t he an old Popovich assistant? WTF?
Oh, that Lebron back-door cut alley-oop was sick…too bad the Cavs only run that play once every eight games. Gotta catch em off guard, I guess. I’m out like sweeping the spurs…
May 9th, 2008 at 8:09 am
djKianoosh says:
great win by the spurs. the hornets are so damn good. West made shot after shot after shot. They really have no answer for him. and Parker and Paul put on a great show. manu.. GINOBILI!!! my main man played great! he took maybe 1 or 2 too many threes instead of drives, but all in all they sooooo needed that kind of game from him.
the hornets role players looked a little skittish in the 2nd half.
May 9th, 2008 at 8:27 am
Ross says:
“D-West continued his “one altercation per game” streak by getting into a staredown with Finley.”
LOL! It’s good to know I’m not the only one that noticed that.
May 9th, 2008 at 8:28 am
YOUNGFED says:
@Sans
Don’t like Papoose although he got a hot track on GTA IV and what I’ve heard from the roots and really poppin’ even though I love the group.
Kats that’s underground and hot
Lu Breeze- toronto
Blu and Exile – Bay Area
Boaz – Pittsburg, Pistolvania
Wiz Kalif – Pisttsburg
Termonolgy
May 9th, 2008 at 8:30 am
YOUNGFED says:
Typo
“ain’t really poppin”
May 9th, 2008 at 8:42 am
IGP says:
When is the new Nas album coming out? And has anyone heard of Atmosphere? He’s nasty.
Anyway, yeah the Celtics/Cavs games are ugly. Bron does not look good hopeuflly he snaps out of it. I gotta think when he gets to Cleveland he will have a break out game in the series. And there is no way Nash should be all NBA this year. But otherwise, I can’t really complain about the lists.
May 9th, 2008 at 8:47 am
jz_smoove says:
How is Dirk in the nba second team? boozer is better than him this season, david west could make for an argument in there too. and oh yeah, calderon to Miami sounds: Calderon, Marion, Wade, Quinn. oh Sh!t wait, scratch Quinn. get that sh!t outta here. i would like calderon to stay with my Raps but hey.
May 9th, 2008 at 8:56 am
IGP says:
Calderon would be pretty good on the Hawks too
May 9th, 2008 at 8:56 am
YOUNGFED says:
@IGP
Damn how I forget about the new Nas ablum
Let me know yall if I missed any other really out albums coming out fellas. Summertime is upon us and my collection gotta be a one when I rollin’. You know what it is.
May 9th, 2008 at 9:01 am
GEE...Don't be pullin on my church clothes! says:
sans I tried tellin dudes earlier that Papoose was nice.
88 was bout as nice as it gets for all NBA!
Hello all NBA 3rd team! I saw that mess and was cracking up! Houston up though.
The China rules. They got Sterny in the pocket lol.
Hey now having those teams battle each other would be fun to see though. Sure the 1st team would probably run away with it. The 2nd and 3rd team might be tight battles though.
Anyway Congrats Spurs! Good to see them back on it, although I hope they don’t win the series! I played NBA 08 last night and had TP working on that as well.
Good to see Boston learn from what happened to Detroit. Although the true test of how much they learned will be visible in Cleveland. Really Boston has to get some road playoff wins!
So we got a 3 All nba teams, if you not happy make a 4th.
For the 4th I got
B Diddy
Billups
Caron
Bosh
Pau Gasol
May 9th, 2008 at 9:08 am
Prof. TX says:
@post 18
I have to agree that ‘88 team would wreck just about anything the league could put together today. It would be a great game to watch though.
Magic vs. Paul – Both good passers but Magic’s size lets him see right over Paul and find the open shooters.
MJ vs. Kobe – Doesn’t need to be said, gets debated here every single day.
Bird vs. LeBron – Bird is a better shooter, LeBron more athletic.
KG vs. Barkley – Would be a good rebound battle, until Barkley gets tired of KG’s act and gets ejected for knocking the big ticket on his ass in the third quarter.
Olajuwon vs. Howard – Dream Shakes and a shot blocking clinic.
May 9th, 2008 at 9:12 am
BALLZ says:
Sorry Dime, but the “F” (flopper) on the jersey wasn’t a reference to some sh*t Cuba Gooding movie, but rather a reference to “The Scarlet Letter.” Nice literary acumen.
May 9th, 2008 at 9:14 am
BALLZ says:
Gasol over Yao I can see, but Camby? Camby? Mr. Glass All-NBA over Yao? Lay off the PCP Dime. Sherm kills.
May 9th, 2008 at 9:16 am
GEE...Don't be pullin on my church clothes! says:
Considering all the 88’s are out, have we come full circle.
Are we now at the point where (while they could never be replaced) the current stars provide the atmosphere the 88’s used to give?
I got to admit I am feeling real good, about the NBA right now. It’s been a while since I couldn’t wait for the next year to begin.
I honestly at this point would say we are 358 degrees to it being like it was star wise and expectations.
May 9th, 2008 at 9:30 am
Dennis Castro says:
Will the Lakers lose a game before reaching the WCF? They’re playing at a high level right now. CP vs KB would be a great matchup, you know Kobe would be looking forward to trying to shut Paul down himself.
Lebron’s J just looks flat. He looks like he’s not getting the lift on it like he was. I agree with a couple of posts that said he’s probably a little beat up/tired from that Wiz series. Why Brown isn’t putting him on the block to get him some looks or to free up the shooters is beyond me.
In terms of hip-hop albums this year, Cormega’s going to drop a certified classic and shut that ish down.
I don’t even look for Nas anymore, his ear for beats is hot garbage. C-Webb should stick to TNT instead of making beats.
May 9th, 2008 at 9:33 am
King James says:
Comparing Papoose to Luda is worst than comparing Souljah Boy to J-Hova! Sell a million records first.
May 9th, 2008 at 9:40 am
Big V says:
‘88 squad is pretty sick…….and yo, DC, when’s Mega dropping? I’m always amped to hear new ish from Corey……
May 9th, 2008 at 9:46 am
YOUNGFED says:
Thank you King James, plus Papoose ain’t even all that. Ludacris is the best lyricist in the South hands down and one of the best period.
@Dennis Castro
Cormega ain’t been hot since his 1st album dude is certified out dated.
@DIME
Yall some cetified Yao and Pistons Haters. Get off the Lakers Dik, we all know they nice, but Gasol ain’t better than Yao. Dude get hurt and yall forget the truth.
May 9th, 2008 at 10:06 am
Brown says:
@King James
You mean sell 1 record first lol. Papoose is played out already. He needs to drop an album this year. Same goes for Saigon. I like both artists, but why does it take so long to drop an album? The buzz is gone for both them dudes.
Buckshot and 9th Wonder’s “The Formula” is an album everybody should check out.
May 9th, 2008 at 10:06 am
zach says:
@ YOUNGFED
Check out DIRTY you want down south shit, way better than Luda. Check out the pimp and the gangster or love us or hate us, both albums are classics that just haven’t been heard (pick almost any song off either album)
Anybody heard any new news on Chauncey??
May 9th, 2008 at 10:07 am
GEE...Don't be pullin on my church clothes! says:
http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2006/players/04/24/dunk0501/t1_dunk.jpg
LOL please click.
Deeeezzz Nuttzz!
May 9th, 2008 at 10:07 am
doc says:
Gasol only did somthing after he hopped on Showbe’s bandwagon.But Yao,Nash,and Dirk gonna make All NBA until they get out the league.That shit all about marketing not what happened this year.
May 9th, 2008 at 10:08 am
Tom S. says:
I think you guys meant Outbreak, not Daybreak.
May 9th, 2008 at 10:09 am
doc says:
yall keep coming with these underground rap jokers.The top 5 rappers are Dylan,Dylan,Dylan,Dylan,and Dylan.
May 9th, 2008 at 10:10 am
Brown says:
As for Calderon, the Raptors would be morons to let him go. The first thing they need to do this offseason is re-sign Calderon and get rid of Ford. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, if they keep TJ and let Jose go, I’m turning in my fan membership. No team will ever win a chip with TJ Ford as their starting PG. He’s a liability on both ends of the floor, and is seriously overpaid.
I have doubts that Bryan Colangelo will admit his mistake in trading for Ford in the first place and get rid of him. BC needs to show and prove this summer.
May 9th, 2008 at 10:14 am
YOUNGFED says:
@Zach
“It’s just sore, man,” said Billups, who refused to guess whether he’d be ready to play in Game 4 against the Magic on Saturday.
But his medicine man — Pistons strength-and-conditioning coach Arnie Kander — put the injury in a much more positive light.
“My goal is to get him ready for Saturday,” Kander
said. “It’s feasible, of course.”
Also Zach ain’t nobody touchin’ Luda down south except maybe Andre 3stacks
May 9th, 2008 at 10:14 am
djKianoosh says:
not to get off topic from all the hip hop talk..
but another thing from the Spurs-Hornets game was that Popovich shortened that bench. The big “4″ (includes bowen) all played basically 40 minutes each. The other three that played were Oberto, Finley and Thomas for about 22 minutes each. Wasn’t the consensus here that Barry should have gotten more minutes than Finley? He barely played. Udoka also didn’t get any run until garbage time. Horry, Vaughn, Stoudamire? nada.
Can this 7-man rotation keep up with the younger hornets?
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/boxscore?gid=2008050824
May 9th, 2008 at 10:16 am
GEE...Don't be pullin on my church clothes! says:
I like Serious Jones
We could go on this rap thing all day. It’s really in what you are looking for. Hardcore gutter MC, Lyrics, Record sells, thought provoking dudes that actually have something to say or what?
Anyway I love when MC’s battle, I wish we had more top stars go against each other on wax and just leave it on wax. No underground ish either , put the ish out there for people to see and judge who got who.
Got to think pg’s like CP3 and Deron are going to be in high demand during the draft.
May 9th, 2008 at 10:18 am
YOUNGFED says:
Who The Fuk is Dylan! ain’t seen him now where. Not xxl, not allhiphop.com, not even hiphopdx.com. We not talking about yo boys doc.
@Brown
did you see buckshot new video wit Charlie Murphy it’s hilarious reminded me of his dave chappelle days.
May 9th, 2008 at 10:18 am
doc says:
Only Point guard who can get there is D-Rose this year.
May 9th, 2008 at 10:20 am
doc says:
U never seen Chappelle show with making the band fed?My boys dont rap.
May 9th, 2008 at 10:20 am
YOUNGFED says:
GEE
We talking about straight up lyrics Gee and 3stacks and Luda got the south on lock
May 9th, 2008 at 10:21 am
doc says:
And I’d rather hear Dylan than Cam and re up gang whoever the fuck they are.you off today fed this and u ask who Reggie Lewis is.
May 9th, 2008 at 10:22 am
YOUNGFED says:
Oh OK Doc now I see where you going
May 9th, 2008 at 10:22 am
GEE...Don't be pullin on my church clothes! says:
For the rap heads. Take ya survey.
http://www.survey-machine.com/take_survey/251210
This is going to be one of the more hypocritical things I have done…but
Jose Calderon to Houston!!!! Woooo! For real as much as I have been going off about dude all year I would love to see him on that squad.
I am enjoying Bruce Bowen punk dudes on the sly lol. The bump you as I walk by and pushes and stuff. Hilarious. That is just a good dude to have on your squad defensively.
Young can you all win without Billups?
May 9th, 2008 at 10:24 am
GEE...Don't be pullin on my church clothes! says:
No doubt Young and you and Em got holding it down in Detroit. For real do you even like Eminem, you don’t say much about dude?
May 9th, 2008 at 10:27 am
alex says:
Its official: Chris Paul is the new number 1 flopper in the NBA. There was an incident last night after the refs blew the whistle and Paul was ever so slightly bumped by Oberto and came out flying like he was hip-checked by Horry. Its a shame to see such a young and talented player, who’s not even in his prime yet, flop like that. That’s a ‘veteran move’ reserved for old-timers who did their time, paid their dues, and have lost a step or two. Even Vlade didn’t flop when he was younger.
Nevertheless, good game by the Spurs last night. I think Pop might have figured out that the key is just to let CP3 score as much as he wants as long as he doesn’t get everybody involved – what happened in the 4th Q last night. He might score 40 but at some point a true point guard like him will turn into a ‘reluctant scorer’ since their mentality is to get everyone involved.
May 9th, 2008 at 10:30 am
YOUNGFED says:
GEE
Ya we good, Stuckey can hold it down plus R. Lewis ain’t going to score 30 a nite on the same nite Sheed doesn’t do anything.
On Em he’s one of the best when he wants to be thats why I don’t say to much he’s gets on some when shit some times. I knew dude back we cats used to battle at the hiphop shop. My brother destroyed his boy proof but they said proof won because all his fellas was there.
May 9th, 2008 at 10:32 am
Dennis Castro says:
V, should be dropping this year. I know that’s a recurring statement, but I’ve heard that Mega’s got the album pretty much finalized.
Fed, by 1st album, do you mean Testament? Cause The Realness and The True Meaning were both 4 mic albums at the worst.
May 9th, 2008 at 10:35 am
GEE...Don't be pullin on my church clothes! says:
http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2006/players/04/24/dunk0501/t1_dunk.jpg
Did yall see this? Had to post it again.
Aight Young I am like that with Lil Wayne cause when he wants to he is real nice.
Young come on …Stuckey?
May 9th, 2008 at 10:37 am
Dennis Castro says:
But I’m with you on Re-Up, them boys are the truth.
May 9th, 2008 at 10:40 am
yallallreadyknow says:
who the fuck voted for that all nba team bullshit?
FIRST team is legit; in fact, we all seen that coming before the season even started..
but carlos boozer made a team and steve nash made a team? that is pure nonesense. carmelo anthony didn’t make it nor did allen iverson. nor did baron davis nor brandon roy.
i aint got no problem with with yao ming making it. if his comp is camby and gasol; shit, you’d pick yao too.
May 9th, 2008 at 10:42 am
djKianoosh says:
bruce locking down peja was key. that allowed parker to play even with paul, to a certain extent. west had been outplaying duncan, but timmy finally showed up and played him somewhat even.. then manu was able to get the leg up on peterson. and oberto/thomas tried their best against chandler, though they were rightly more concerned about not letting paul in the paint, which they did just barely enough times to be effective.
practically everything went as planned for the spurs, and that’s how tough the hornets are to beat now. impressive. very impressive.
May 9th, 2008 at 10:45 am
Alf says:
Dime one of the things you didn’t mention about Spurs/Hornets game three also the defensive adjustments Poppvich made to put Bruce on Peja. As even the ABC announcers alluded to, this was a key move since it denied Peja’s shooting abilities (somewhat) and created more speed at the defensive end (Parker) to match up with Paul.
It didn’t look like much, but these small adjustments are what make champions, CHAMPIONS.
On the other hand, should the Spurs lose this series one can argue its because Poppvich didn’t have Bruce on Peja for Games 1 and 2.
May 9th, 2008 at 10:52 am
DaPro says:
CP3 is nice as hell but he might be starting to enter the “Kobe zone” where everything he does is amp’d 100XXX on the court.
I think he could kick Bowen in the balls and the commentary would still luv this guy. He can ball but damn if the man scratches his ass they talk about it.
May 9th, 2008 at 10:54 am
girlybballluver says:
Wade is garbage????? You can’t be serious…thanks for the laugh.
It was great watching CP and TP go at it last night. Even though I need SA to win this series, I couldn’t be mad at Paul. He’s just too good…how can you hate a guy like that?
I’m not a Boston fan, but I sure am getting a thrill watching them put a beatin’ on James & co. Hahahaha!!
May 9th, 2008 at 10:54 am
DaPro says:
Albums to Check for in no order
NaS -Nigger
Lil Wayne -CARTER 3
Game -LAX
Luda- ???
Outkast-???
May 9th, 2008 at 11:13 am
YOUNGFED says:
Dapro you were on point till you thru the Game wack ass in there you should’ve put Crooked I in there
@Gee
Yes Stuckey can handle it he gave you 19pts and would’ve hade more assist if cats could buy a damn bucket.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:14 am
yallallreadyknow says:
who said wade is garbage? whoever said that need they head checked. wade is single now, so he knocking down starr jones and getting that miami coochie he couldnt get while he was married on south beach.
he’ll be back strong next yr to remind yall.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:15 am
YOUNGFED says:
Also Dapro I don’t think outkast is cooming soon Dre 3000 said he’s working on his album but he only got like one song done he said.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:25 am
GEE...Don't be pullin on my church clothes! says:
Aight Young I will have to check it out. I am wondering about ya boy on D though?
Wade is the truth!
LOL @ 69. Good one DaPro
Same way announcers go nuts when TP speaks french. Glad Kobe doesn’t pull out his other language on them, it might be to much for them to handle.
May 9th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
DaPro says:
Yeah sometimes I think some of these commentators have man crushes on Kobe, CP3, Nash
I mean damn brotha, these catz can ball but don’t climax over a crossover. The media is funny like that though.
May 9th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
DaPro says:
Young, Game is decent. He puts together good albums even if he name drops. As an mc he is aiight but album wise you get your money worth( like we pay for it anyway)
May 9th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Brown says:
Black Milk is what Detroit hip hop is all about right now. Em’s next album (King Mathers) needs to be near-classic for him to even be relevant again. Dude’s last album dropped him straight off the map. Plus Shady/Aftermath hasn’t put out an album in how long? They have so much talent there, but nobody’s releasing anything. We’ll be waiting on Detox for years to come, if it ever comes out at all.
May 9th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
GEE...Don't be pullin on my church clothes! says:
For real you all check for these cats. Like go you tube these dudes now and you will automatically leave your computer and hit up the nearest record store.
South – Red durt
Mid. West – Big Rhine (or Rhyno)
West – Slang
East – N.O. regard (yes that is his name dude is illl)
May 9th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Austin Burton says:
I have no problem with The Game name-dropping when a bunch of other rappers name brand-drop all the time. Always mentioning Gucci and Range Rover and stuff.
@Ballz #36 — Of course it was a reference to The Scarlet Letter. Never said that it wasn’t. But it also reminded me of the Cuba Gooding movie, which was a reference to the Scarlet Letter. Nice made-for-TV-movies acumen.
@Tom #47 — Cuba was in both Outbreak (co-star) and Daybreak (star).
May 9th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Austin Burton says:
1964 All-NBA team:
O. Robertson
J. West
B. Petit
E. Baylor
W. Chamberlain
No one’s beating that team.
May 9th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
DaPro says:
88 was better Autin
No way West gets off on Mike
Magic didn’t play d but he and the Big O would be damn near a wash on O
Petit was nice but Bird was the truth. Bird has to much size.
Baylor and Barkley would go at it but Barkley was more versatile even though Elgin has the height Barkley has the muscle
As nice as Wilt was the Dream will always be the best center ever. He could handle like a guard, no way Wilt is ready for the “Dream Shake’
May 9th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
GEE...Don't be pullin on my church clothes! says:
By the way no one really check the names on 79 I just made them up cause so many of you were coming with some rappers I never heard of lol.
Anyway
LOL Austing I would put the 88’s against them and place the money on the 88’s!
Anyone with this information? Who was the last team to not lose even 1 playoff game on their way to the chip?
May 9th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
K Dizzle says:
Austin
you don’t think ‘88 would give em a game?
Brown
I’m done waitin for Detox
but who you think the Raps could get for TJ? They need a Charles Oakley type banger for that toughness, but TJ’s value ain’t very high right now
Youngfed – You right on that Blu n Exile joint. It’s in steady rotation for me right now but you might be wrong on the Pistons gettin by anybody without Chauncey. Chauncey woulda got 19, got the others involved, and won the game. He’s got the psychological over Jameer and Arroya and whoever else the magic got
Gee – Told you you’d come around on Jose lol, but don’t you wanna wait and see what Franchise comes with next season? jk
May 9th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Austin Burton says:
Jordan gets the nod over West, and Oscar/Magic is probably a wash like you said.
Your forward matchups are off, though. Barkley would more likely guard Petit (PF) and Baylor would be on Bird (SF). Looking at it that way, Baylor would give Bird the business. And honestly I haven’t seen much Petit footage so I can’t say how he’d fare against Barkley.
And sorry, Hakeem isn’t even in the discussion for Best Center Ever. That’s not a diss; Hakeem is Top-5 or Top-10 all-time, but the only 3 people in the “best” conversation are Wilt, Russell and Kareem.
May 9th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
YOUNGFED says:
Ya 88 is way better. And DaPro I just never really liked the Game so I’m Kinda Bias
@Austin
the 88 and 2008 team is better than those 1964 guys.
Kobe vs West= Kobe
CP3 vs O= Tie
Lebron vs Petit= No contest LEBRON
Tim vs Baylor = Tim
Chamberlain vs Howard = Chamberlain
thats 4 to 1 in 2008’s favor.
May 9th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
GEE...Don't be pullin on my church clothes! says:
K-Dizz that is cold. LOL
Hey everyone take a good look at the SMACK photo today of TD. That is about as close as we will prolly ever see him in what resembles a LA Clippers or Lakers Uni.
Kobe and TD…wow that would be something?
Clippers can only wish.
Hakeem still would give Wilt plenty of work whether he is top 3, 5 or 10.
Not to say Wilt wouldn’t do his thing, tall mofo. Still Dream just got to much.
May 9th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Austin Burton says:
A tie between Oscar and Paul? You’re trippin’. Oscar was arguably the greatest point guard ever, and if you wanna call him a SG, was Top-2 at that position. He might be the 2nd greatest PLAYER ever. CP is the flavor of the year right now, but don’t give him that much credit that he’s even with Oscar.
Again, Baylor was a SF, Petit a PF. Therefore Baylor would guard LeBron, and Petit would guard Duncan. And LeBron v Baylor isn’t “no contest.”
May 9th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
YOUNGFED says:
K-Dizzle If it’s one thing I know its music. Just got thru listenin’ to AZ Undeniable album on the net sounds pretty good I’ma check it out. If you like real music that bang too Blu and Exile is fire. And Detox Fuk DETOX, Dre trippin that album 10 yrs. in the makin.
Pistons gone be alright with/wo Chauncey Dizzle.
Who think the NERD album gone be hot I got mixed feelin’ bout that one.
May 9th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
YOUNGFED says:
Lebron vs any small foward ever is NO CONTEST Austin. Even with that logic I’ll give 3 to 2 in 2008’s favor.
Just Thinking out loud?
Austin you probably check out the Blu and Exile album and didn’t even give ya boy no credit.
Blu and Exile Best Rap Group of the Year until The Re-Up Gang Drops. BTW 5mics and 5stars.
May 9th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
DaPro says:
The Dream isn’t in G.O.A.T center discussion?
He deserves some mention for being able to dominate both sides at a time that was most dominated by true centers.
Austin The Dream has to be in the discussion
May 9th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
DaPro says:
Paul couldn’t gaurd Oscar, too much size but Paul is too quick for the Big O
May 9th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
yallallreadyknow says:
what is the sleeper team of all the ALL NBA TEAMS of all time? What year has the best “sleeper” team?
May 9th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
SAS Sizzle says:
Damn AB, Olajuwon is mos def one of the best Centers ever in his prime, you will never see someone match his combo of defense (team D, blocks, steals, rebs) with the wicked offensive repertoire (fakes, moves, and the Dream Shake). The Dream Shake is equivalent to Kareem’s sky hook. As soon as Jordan steps out of the game for a minute he takes two titles against Ewing and Shaq consecutively, and obliterated David Robinson along the way in ‘95. He is my favorite Center ever anyway. Put him in Wilt or Russell’s era and he would be a monster, too.
Spurs finally came with a decent gameplan and it paid off. Ginobili finally looked like he didn’t give a damn about injury. If they are lucky enough to take Game 4 they are going to have momentum heading to N’awlins. GO SPURS GO
May 9th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
YOUNGFED says:
WTF Austin How You not gone put Shaq in the Best centers ever when he is the Best Ever
May 9th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
GEE...Don't be pullin on my church clothes! says:
Co-sign on SAS
YOUNG …Blu looks homeless? LOL
http://www.eataddict.com/other_artist_downloads/index.html
Go get your download on pimpin.
May 9th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
GEE...Don't be pullin on my church clothes! says:
http://www.nba.com/history/awards_allnba
Here we go. Count the Centers or pick your sleeper or whatever.
Just throwing this in for the All NBA discussion.
May 9th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
GEE...Don't be pullin on my church clothes! says:
First sleeper 97 -98 team:
Karl Malone, Utah
Tim Duncan, San Antonio
Shaquille O’Neal, LA Lakers
Michael Jordan, Chicago
Gary Payton, Seattle
Second sleeper sleeper third team 90-91
James Worthy, LA Lakers
Bernard King, Washington
Hakeem Olajuwon, Houston
John Stockton, Utah
Joe Dumars, Detroit
May 9th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Austin Burton says:
The top 3 are Wilt, Russell in Kareem in whatever order you prefer. But Hakeem and Shaq are clearly in the next tier. Maybe Hakeem is 4th-best all-time, but since he’s not in that Top-3, then no, he’s not in the best ever discussion because he can’t crack that Top 3. If someone can seriously sit here and tell me how Hakeem is better than Russell, better than Wilt, or better than Kareem I’d like to see it. Same thing with Shaq. Definitely up there in the Top-5 or Top-10, but a clear level below Russell-Wilt-Kareem.
@Youngfed — How can you say LeBron is “no contest” against every small forward ever when he’s currently having problems against James Posey? LeBron versus Caron Butler isn’t even “no contest.” Go back and watch Game 5 of that Wizards/Cavs series when Caron gave ‘Bron 32 and the game-winner. LeBron could eventually be the best SF ever, but give it time.
May 9th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Kobeef says:
@Dime
In true NBA style, can we all get a cheeseburger when we reach 100 posts for SMACK?
May 9th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
K Dizzle says:
All NBA Teams since 1946
http://www.nba.com/history/awards_allnba.html
How about the 74-75 team as a sleeper all-NBA team?
Rick Barry, Golden State
Elvin Hayes, Washington
Bob McAdoo, Buffalo
Nate Archibald, K.C.-Omaha
Walt Frazier, New York
Outside shooting, defense, passing, rebounding
big guys could step out and shoot. McAdoo still can’t get respect from the NBA.
Guards that played defense, distributed, and took over when they wanted.
Alltime best centers: In no order cuz this is too nasty:
Russell, Wilt, Kareem, Dream, Shaq
May 9th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
YOUNGFED says:
Come on Austin they throwin alot more at the Kidd than James Posey. Dudes nickname should be “Tripple Team” cause thats all he see’s. Who’s bettere than Lebron since we gotta give it Time.
LMAO at GEE I thought the album cover was kinda smoove.
May 9th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
The Dude says:
yo, you’s want straight butta ????
Check out my boy TeeZee.
He tight!!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=EwTZ2xpQwpA
May 9th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Mrbball says:
YOUNGFED: Who’s anticipating those albums especially when they are free. I love music but anticipating no.
None of them cats is worth really anticipating. I used to anticipate Busta back in the day but er um…
1.) Lil Wayne
2.) Luda
3.) Cam
4.) Busta
5.) TI
6.) G-Unit
7.) Re-up game
Wayne, TI, Luda & Busta is nice but it ain’t like when PAC or Big, used to drop an album or even Jay or Em-shady.
And CAM what are you smoking? Is Cam your cousin? GAME yeah right G-Unit. I can’t do it. 50’s last album was tight but short. Man if thats what we are anticipating then HIP HOP has falling off.
May 9th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
DaPro says:
Young come on son, The Dream showed cats who the best is. In his prime Dream was unguardable too many moves, nice jumper, handles, the total package no question
May 9th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Myrie says:
Kobeef/Dime–
#100—-
Not a bad idea.
Dime: what kind of incentive can be offered for reaching 100 comments on a given section?
May 9th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
SAS Sizzle says:
@AB, it is hard to say Wilt or Russell is way better than someone like Dream because they are different ERAS. Put them against a more athletic and bigger generation and they would probably still rival Hakeem but not just destroy him like you seem to suggest.
They were the monsters of their generation. I mean look at Dwight Howard, absolute freak of nature, but the game has evolved so much and even athleticism has evolved to the point where he doesn’t just come in and dominate the entire league for 10 straight years and take every ‘chip along the way. You put Dwight in Russell’s era and I bet you he gets those ‘chips. Same with Hakeem.
And how you can place a threshold like “TOP 3″ so he doesn’t make the discussion? I think it is garbage to have a “Top 50 Greatest” ever, yet the league goes on for fifty more years, you simply cannot rotate guys off the list, you have to expand the list to “100 Greatest” or whatever to compensate – it is impossible to choose a select when the number of choices keeps increasing annually. My point is that having a specific allowable number does not work, it has to be an arbitrary choice.
My 2-cents
May 9th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
doc says:
Austin U cant just say Russell and Wilt better than Dream.Its different eras and the games I see on classic sports them point guards dribbled like fuckin 12 year olds.I can just see Petit trying to man up against somebody like Bron right now.hE ALREADY COULDNT FUCK WITH DUDES BACK THEN THEY was blackballing from the league.U seen Black Magic.And dont even bring Mike up yet what West gonna do with his lightwork Showbe.
May 9th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
DaPro says:
Austin
We could go on and on about this but Dream is my main man, the center spot is his on my roster
A 7′0 footer with moves like a guard. Gives you buckets and blocks what’s not to love???
May 9th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
doc says:
If James Posey played in the 60’s with his game now he would be talked about as one of the greatest players ever.Them dudes wasnt as athletic.Dwight Howard would have murdered the league back then with his undeveloped game.I know u not supposed to disrespect dudes like Russell but I dont give a fuck if Ben Wallace played back then would he be Bill Russell.
May 9th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
SAS Sizzle says:
And re: the rap game, what happened to those dudes ‘Hieroglyphics’ from the West Coast? They were nice for a minute for underground + beats + lyrics. I think Del-TFH was in there. I busted out that vinyl the other day and had to reminisce on the late 90’s underground.
May 9th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
rootsradical says:
stop pulling the race card when it comes to nash or the nba loving its lighter toned players. you sound pathetic.
May 9th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Brown says:
@K Dizzle
I’m not sure what the Raps can get for TJ Ford, but they HAVE to get rid of him because neither he or Calderon will accept coming off the bench and you can’t spend that much money on one position with so many holes in your lineup.
I think it depends on who they target in the draft. Do they try to go big with guys like Hibbert, McGee, Speights, Lopez (the less talented one) etc., or do they target a wing player like CDR, Donte Greene, Brandon Rush, etc.?
Free agency could also be a big factor. Either way, they have weaknesses that need to be addressed. They desperately need a slasher/scorer, someone who can at least create offense for either themselves or teamates. Kapono is one of the best spot-up shooters in the league, but when teams can get away with single-man coverage, his game is neutralized. They also need someone who can defend the wing position cuz it looks to me like Anthony Parker has slowed down a half-step from last year, maybe because he’s asked to carry too much of a load on both ends of the floor. And yes, they do need a big man. Someone with some muscle who can bang and play some defense (Joey Dorsey, DeSagana Diop, etc.).
Honestly, I’d take whatever I could get for Ford. Future first round pick maybe. There are teams who could use a PG, so I think they should be able to get something for him, even if it’s not fair value. Straight up for Corey Maggette might be an option, even if it’s just to open up more cap space for next year. That’s a move I’d make in a heartbeat, cuz LA needs a PG badly, unless they luck out in the draft lottery and get to pick either Rose or Bayless.
May 9th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
ash says:
is the dirk hating on this board because he is white.
did you know that dirk, KG and Timmy are the ONLY ones to make it ALL NBA the last 7 yrs. dirk is a straight up baller, who cares if he dosent post up. he is getting 24 and 10 every night. had 28 and 12 in the playoffs.
maybe if the american mindsight of big men have to dunk and play within 3 feet of the basket changes, the US might win the olympics again.
May 9th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Austin Burton says:
Whenever you’re talking about players from different eras, you have to consider what I like to call the “calibration factor.”
Example: Bill Russell was like 6-9, 215. That was in the 1960s. But if you took Bill Russell and put him in the 21st century, you’d have to take into account he’d have a 21st century diet, a 21st century weight-lifting program, and just the different genetics that people have now. So given that, he wouldn’t be 6-9, he’d be like 7-0. And he’d be athletic as hell.
You can’t just drop James Posey today into the 1960s, because the way athlete trained and the way people were built, Posey wouldn’t be the same person. I hope that makes sense.
May 9th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
doc says:
Naw ash aMerican hindsight is u cant be a pussy 3 years in a row in winning situations in the playoffs.It aint a white or black thing with me.ANybody who be on here know T-Mac get the same grief.We going to the Olympics with Showbe and Bron on the same team its a wrap already.Maybe if Dirk wasnt such a bitch he’d have a title already prick.We all know we lost the Olympics because players stopped caring and thought they could just show up.Its over now.
May 9th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
doc says:
Naw AB I aint going for that.How the hell is he gonna be 7 ft because he was ballin now all of a sudden.Its still 6 9 215 dudes but they Tayshaun Prince.So u pretty much made my case he would get his lunch ate today.Wilt was a 7 footer.U are what u are.What they eating different now?My grandmom cook the same shit she did back then.U are right about Posey not being the same person thhough,he would be a fuckin beast.Playing point-center averaging a triple dub.And we would keep hearing how Bron putting up numbers only Him Magic Mike Oscar and James did.
May 9th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
doc says:
just my opinion though AB.I think them dudes werent as good.I watched the tapes.
May 9th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Austin Burton says:
What I’m saying if you can’t just drop 2008 James Posey in the 1960s. It doesn’t work like that. You can’t just take someone out of the 1960s and put them on the court in 2008.
May 9th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Austin Burton says:
Look at it this way: James Posey grew up being influenced by Michael Jordan. And he played with and against guys who were influenced by MJ. If you threw him in the 1960s, there was no MJ for him to be influenced by. It’s really hard to explain my point, I’ll admit, but the basic theory is that you can’t compare athletes from different eras without taking into consideration the outside factors that made them what they were.
May 9th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
SAS Sizzle says:
I thought the best one-on-one matchup of the playoffs was Rodney Stuckey versus Jameer Nelson??? YF would agree
May 9th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
GEE...Don't be pullin on my church clothes! says:
So do you break the Eras down by 10 or 20 years then? If that case one could say Hakeem was the top, if not one of the top 2, Centers of his era.
Also if you can’t “if” a player into an era then it’s nearly impossible to really say who the all time top center would be or is?
I, personally, will always ride with Dream.
You all know the “Stop Snitching” shirts.
Time to make the “Stop Floppin” shirts.
Yea someone can take that idea for free. Print the suckers up and wear them to the next Spurs game. I promise they get some press.
May 9th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
GEE...Don't be pullin on my church clothes! says:
You got to have like 20 or 30 people wear them with you now. Perhaps Papa John’s will print them up. They printed up the “Crybaby 23″ shirts against LeBron lol.
May 9th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Brown says:
@Youngfed
Yes, I did see the video for “Go All Out” with Charlie Murphy. Dude is hilarious. Apparently him and Buck go way back.
May 9th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Celts Fan says:
Austin, you are DEAD ON man (#s 98 and 115.)
While I think Magic’s clearly the best PG ever, my top 3 players of all time are MJ, Magic, and Oscar in that order. It’s tough to quantify Wilt and Russell since they played in such a different era, so I have them as 4 and 5 (though you can argue anything after MJ from 2-5 IMO.)
Hakeem is the 5th best center ever (I have him behind Shaq, but I can see moving him to 4th) but he;s CLEARLY behind Wilt, Kareem, and Russell. Hakeem may have had the most all-around talent of the 5 (that fade-away may be the most unblockable shot EVER. That was straight nasty.) but he’s not the best. guy was a legend though and classy as hell.
I’m out fellas. Have a good weekend.
May 9th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
Ian says:
youngfed
lol sorry but the pistons switch comment is true
but the 2004 team
crushes this team
id take the 1996 team also
May 9th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Ian says:
1998
shaq
timmeh
malone
jordan
payton
May 9th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Ian says:
austin
why the fuck didnt u post that calibration stuff here when i was trying to explain to someone here why babe ruth is the best baseball player ever
he said the same thing doc is sayin that the babe couldnt hit today but u have to give him the same training diet fuck maybe ruth would have a scott rolen body.
but then again i know why doc says that
i posted here a couple of days ago that david robinson and hakeem olajuwon are the two best centers ever
cuz to me it doesnt matter how much u do stuff to get better genetics count and none of those centers could move like the two i mentioned
May 9th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Ian says:
celts
i gotta pick david and hakeem in their prime over shaq
May 9th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
Desert Storm says:
sorry, Robinson’s not in the discussion for top 5. Great player, great person, but not top 5. only spurs fans have d-rob in the convo. Russell(rings), Wilt(numbers), Kareem(38,000), Hakeem(offensive genius), Shaq(physically dominant – bar none)
that will be all
May 9th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Ian says:
desert storm
u sure im a spurs fan
btw
please go check robinsons numbers and compare him to hakeem
and yes id take david over shaq
u have your top 5 i have mine just leave it at that
david had less to work with in his prime than any of the others and yet he could still match them
May 9th, 2008 at 7:30 pm
SAS Sizzle says:
Hakeem – most skilled
Russell – most rings
Shaq – most dominant force
Kareem – most points
David – most admirable, athletic
Wilt – most women
Vlade Divac – most flops
muhahahaaa
May 9th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
Desert Storm says:
Ian, name one person wilt played with
May 10th, 2008 at 1:18 am
JoeGym says:
Robinson was nice but not on that list or in Dream’s league.
Remember this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hW4uXlRGAF0
Hakeem added an array of offensive skills w/footwork developed by his years of playing soccer & handball to his already dominant defense.
Top 10 all time in points, boards, steals & all-time blocks leader.
May 10th, 2008 at 1:38 am
Ian says:
desert storm
jerry fuckin west fool
May 10th, 2008 at 1:39 am
Ian says:
btw why does it bother u that i think david is top 5
May 10th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
K Dizzle says:
@ post 133
Elgin Baylor, Hal Greer, Chet Walker, Wali Jones, Billy Cunningham, Luke Jackson, Gail Goodrich, Pat Riley, Happy Hairston and of course the Logo. Wilt had him some studs too and the 67 Sixers is one of the all-time greats
May 11th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
KMP says:
Check out my blog on Richard Jefferson’s choking incident:
http://kmposted.blogspot.com/2008/05/nba-richard-jeffersons-drama-kmps-pov.html
leave a comment.
May 11th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Darkchild says:
TP is an ‘effin stud
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1r5mp_tony-parker-nba-by-shady23_sport
Where were Kobe, Amare, Gilbert Arenas, Dirk/Terry/Dampier & Vinsanity going?