NBA Let the Signings Begin

[dal4018]

To all fans of Linsanity say goodbye he is now a Rocket but he lamented on leaving Gotham saying he wanted to stay.He should have signed if that were the case the Knicks offered him 25 million!!!!

[rkwittem]

NBA TV reporting that the Portland Trail Blazers have traded Raymond "Fatty" Felton and Kirk Thomas to the New York Knicks for Jared Jeffries and Dan Gadzurik. Due to the Knicks acquiring Felton, there is a very good chance they will NOT match Houston's offer on Jeremy Lin. Jeffries is a 4-5 tweener and Gadzurik is a solid 5 so this does not change anything from Portland's perspective regarding Nicolas Batum.

[rkwittem]

Mavs sign Mayo. Big signing. Team looks very good. I think we sign one more big guard/small forward, and will be ready to make a run

Huh? It looks like a 5-seed. Dirk, Kaman, Collison, Mayo, and Marion isn't going to be setting the world on fire. What kind of run did you have in mind?

[dal4018]

NBA TV reporting that the Portland Trail Blazers have traded Raymond "Fatty" Felton and Kirk Thomas to the New York Knicks for Jared Jeffries and Dan Gadzurik. Due to the Knicks acquiring Felton, there is a very good chance they will NOT match Houston's offer on Jeremy Lin. Jeffries is a 4-5 tweener and Gadzurik is a solid 5 so this does not change anything from Portland's perspective regarding Nicolas Batum.

Agreed Thomas,Kidd are both pushing 40 and Felton you describe as fatty you must hand it to the Knicks.

[clenz]

As expected, Portland matched Batum's offer from Minnesota. Next up for the Wolves to pursue are Celtics restricted free agent Greg Stiemsma, Lakers power forward Jordan Hill, Rockets free agent Courtney Lee and the Bulls Ronnie Brewer.

Interesting that the Lakers are making a strong move to get Dwight Howard with either Cleveland or Houston. Bynum and/or Gasol may be gone if this happens.

Howard/Bryant/Nash vs LeBron/Wade/Bosch....that would be epic.

Lakers win that every time.

[clenz]

Howard/Bryant/Nash vs LeBron/Wade/Bosch....that would be epic.

Howard has said that he would sign a long deal with the Lakers but the only problem holding up this deal is Bynum will not.

If you're the cavs (in the proposed 3 team trade) do you really care *that* much. You'r giving up 2 or 3 draft picks that won't amount to shit for you...and you are giving up the Sideshow bob looking mother fucker.

Play with Bynum until the trade deadline, find a place he wants to go ship him off and get something for him.

[dal4018]

Howard/Bryant/Nash vs LeBron/Wade/Bosch....that would be epic.

Lakers win that every time.

Thanks to D12 of course!!!!!!!!!!

[dal4018]

Howard has said that he would sign a long deal with the Lakers but the only problem holding up this deal is Bynum will not.

If you're the cavs (in the proposed 3 team trade) do you really care *that* much. You'r giving up 2 or 3 draft picks that won't amount to **** for you...and you are giving up the Sideshow bob looking mother ****.

Play with Bynum until the trade deadline, find a place he wants to go ship him off and get something for him.

Who is going to take him this guy was a headache in LA.

[clenz]

If you're the cavs (in the proposed 3 team trade) do you really care *that* much. You'r giving up 2 or 3 draft picks that won't amount to **** for you...and you are giving up the Sideshow bob looking mother ****.

Play with Bynum until the trade deadline, find a place he wants to go ship him off and get something for him.

Who is going to take him this guy was a headache in LA.

I'm sure a lot of teams would take the risk on a 7' 23/24 year old who has shown, more than a couple times, he can be as dominant as anyone in the league if he wants to be.

[rkwittem]

Howard/Bryant/Nash vs LeBron/Wade/Bosch....that would be epic.

Lakers win that every time.

EVERY time? Who guards Wade and LeBron? Kobe can only guard one and Nash can't guard either. Howard would be able to get his, sure, but what happens if the Heat went small and made Howard guard Bosh on the perimeter? I'd still have to take Miami in that situation. I know they're a little unorthodox but Miami has shown that their style can work even against a bigger team like a Boston or OKC, for example. Just some food for thought.

I for one am not going to be pleased if Dwight Howard goes to LA. My biggest complaint about the NBA is that it gives small market/non glitzy teams almost zero shot to retain or acquire superstar players. I suppose that's fine with David Stern but there are a lot of NBA fans like myself who are really very tired of talking about the Lakers all the damn time. I'm not even a "Laker hater" I am just sick and tired of the same team being relevant every friggin year. (Unless we're talking about college football since we have more powerhouses to choose from)

[Gil Dobie]

Lakers win that every time.

EVERY time? Who guards Wade and LeBron? Kobe can only guard one and Nash can't guard either. Howard would be able to get his, sure, but what happens if the Heat went small and made Howard guard Bosh on the perimeter? I'd still have to take Miami in that situation. I know they're a little unorthodox but Miami has shown that their style can work even against a bigger team like a Boston or OKC, for example. Just some food for thought.

I for one am not going to be pleased if Dwight Howard goes to LA. My biggest complaint about the NBA is that it gives small market/non glitzy teams almost zero shot to retain or acquire superstar players. I suppose that's fine with David Stern but there are a lot of NBA fans like myself who are really very tired of talking about the Lakers all the damn time. I'm not even a "Laker hater" I am just sick and tired of the same team being relevant every friggin year. (Unless we're talking about college football since we have more powerhouses to choose from)

Chambers and Nash will matchup. If Meta Peace is still around, he could guard one or the other or Bosh. Who guards Gasol if he is also there? Still think OKC will be tough to beat for LA and Miami. Now that Durant and company know what to expect in the playoffs.

[eagleskins]

Mavs sign Mayo. Big signing. Team looks very good. I think we sign one more big guard/small forward, and will be ready to make a run

Huh? It looks like a 5-seed. Dirk, Kaman, Collison, Mayo, and Marion isn't going to be setting the world on fire. What kind of run did you have in mind?

Much better roster than last year. Brand is one of if not best backup center/pf in the game. Also, Dahntey Jones pickup was huge. Gives the Mavs athleticism and defense at the 2 and 3. We need another guard, but if Dirk is totally healthy, this is a very dangerous team.

[dal4018]

Who is going to take him this guy was a headache in LA.

I'm sure a lot of teams would take the risk on a 7' 23/24 year old who has shown, more than a couple times, he can be as dominant as anyone in the league if he wants to be.

That is the best part of your statement when he wants to be if not he according to ESPNs Stephen A.Smith is a waste of space.He basically told Kareem Abdul Jabbar he no longer wanted his tutelage.Now I agree that he can be effective if he gets involve early.

[dal4018]

EVERY time? Who guards Wade and LeBron? Kobe can only guard one and Nash can't guard either. Howard would be able to get his, sure, but what happens if the Heat went small and made Howard guard Bosh on the perimeter? I'd still have to take Miami in that situation. I know they're a little unorthodox but Miami has shown that their style can work even against a bigger team like a Boston or OKC, for example. Just some food for thought.

I for one am not going to be pleased if Dwight Howard goes to LA. My biggest complaint about the NBA is that it gives small market/non glitzy teams almost zero shot to retain or acquire superstar players. I suppose that's fine with David Stern but there are a lot of NBA fans like myself who are really very tired of talking about the Lakers all the damn time. I'm not even a "Laker hater" I am just sick and tired of the same team being relevant every friggin year. (Unless we're talking about college football since we have more powerhouses to choose from)

Chambers and Nash will matchup. If Meta Peace is still around, he could guard one or the other or Bosh. Who guards Gasol if he is also there? Still think OKC will be tough to beat for LA and Miami. Now that Durant and company know what to expect in the playoffs.

Sorry but Chalmers will still blow by Nash and World Peace if he has his head in the game can give LeBron problems that leaves Wade who guards him on that Laker squad!!!

[dal4018]

Huh? It looks like a 5-seed. Dirk, Kaman, Collison, Mayo, and Marion isn't going to be setting the world on fire. What kind of run did you have in mind?

Much better roster than last year. Brand is one of if not best backup center/pf in the game. Also, Dahntey Jones pickup was huge. Gives the Mavs athleticism and defense at the 2 and 3. We need another guard, but if Dirk is totally healthy, this is a very dangerous team.

Dirk is moving up the ladder in the age department.

[Gil Dobie]

Sorry but Chalmers will still blow by Nash and World Peace if he has his head in the game can give LeBron problems that leaves Wade who guards him on that Laker squad!!!

So Nash, Kobe, Peace, Gasol and Howard are not going to guard James, Wade, and Bosh?

[bluehenbillk]

NBA starts going down the slippery slope today - allowing advertising on uniforms - cmon people this isn't soccer!!

[rkwittem]

Huh? It looks like a 5-seed. Dirk, Kaman, Collison, Mayo, and Marion isn't going to be setting the world on fire. What kind of run did you have in mind?

Much better roster than last year. Brand is one of if not best backup center/pf in the game. Also, Dahntey Jones pickup was huge. Gives the Mavs athleticism and defense at the 2 and 3. We need another guard, but if Dirk is totally healthy, this is a very dangerous team.

"one of, if not the best backup center/pf in the game." What?? You mean to tell me you'd take Elton Brand over Taj Gibson, Nick Collison, Darrell Arthur, Lamar Odom, J.J. Hickson, or Derrick Favors?
Elton Brand is a shadow of a shadow of his former self. KG abused him the playoffs last year. At this stage, I would rather have Ian Mahinmi than an old, injury-riddled Elton Brand. Unless you're one of those guys who believes in name power recognition over having an actual game at this point in their career.

I will give you that they have a better roster but they are still not even close to winning the west or even being remotely close to contention. And I'm supposed to believe that Elton Brand, Dahntay Jones and an older Dirk are going to put the Mavs on the level of the Thunder?

[rkwittem]

Sorry but Chalmers will still blow by Nash and World Peace if he has his head in the game can give LeBron problems that leaves Wade who guards him on that Laker squad!!!

So Nash, Kobe, Peace, Gasol and Howard are not going to guard James, Wade, and Bosh?

The Heat lineup I presented gives the Lakers more problems than that Lakers' lineup gives the Heat. LA does not have a player at this point who can slow LeBron down for 30 minutes in a game. Chris Bosh during his time in Miami has played very well against Gasol. It comes down to style.

Can the Lakers win a track meet with LeBron, Bosh, and Wade? I don't think they can with two towers on the court. They couldn't beat Miami consistently with Bynum and Gasol because of the play style contrast. Miami can win slugfest-style games even with no true elite center on the roster. They managed to beat Indiana (David West and Roy Hibbert), Boston (already noted for their physical style of play and elite PG), and OKC without having a true center.

For me it comes down to the fact that the Heat's style is much more conducive to forcing their opponents to yield to their style than the Lakers' is, as proven by the 2012 NBA playoffs. We already know how LA will play with Howard and Gasol. The rest of this argument is contingent on knowing how Nash fits into their scheme with Kobe and if they can hide Nash against Miami's wings and backcourt. I'd say that's highly doubtful.

[Gil Dobie]

The Heat lineup I presented gives the Lakers more problems than that Lakers' lineup gives the Heat. LA does not have a player at this point who can slow LeBron down for 30 minutes in a game. Chris Bosh during his time in Miami has played very well against Chris Bosh. It comes down to style.

Can the Lakers win a track meet with LeBron, Bosh, and Wade? I don't think they can with two towers on the court. They couldn't beat Miami consistently with Bynum and Gasol because of the play style contrast. Miami can win slugfest-style games even with no true elite center on the roster. They managed to beat Indiana (David West and Roy Hibbert), Boston (already noted for their physical style of play and elite PG), and OKC without having a true center.

For me it comes down to the fact that the Heat's style is much more conducive to forcing their opponents to yield to their style than the Lakers' is, as proven by the 2012 NBA playoffs. We already know how LA will play with Howard and Gasol. The rest of this argument is contingent on knowing how Nash fits into their scheme with Kobe and if they can hide Nash against Miami's wings and backcourt. I'd say that's highly doubtful.

Fair enough. I just have a gut feeling that Wade is on his last legs. I know he's only 30, but he takes a lot of charges and that wears on his bad back. It will help that he is resting right now, but we will see this season.

[clenz]

The Heat lineup I presented gives the Lakers more problems than that Lakers' lineup gives the Heat. LA does not have a player at this point who can slow LeBron down for 30 minutes in a game. Chris Bosh during his time in Miami has played very well against Chris Bosh. It comes down to style.

Can the Lakers win a track meet with LeBron, Bosh, and Wade? I don't think they can with two towers on the court. They couldn't beat Miami consistently with Bynum and Gasol because of the play style contrast. Miami can win slugfest-style games even with no true elite center on the roster. They managed to beat Indiana (David West and Roy Hibbert), Boston (already noted for their physical style of play and elite PG), and OKC without having a true center.

For me it comes down to the fact that the Heat's style is much more conducive to forcing their opponents to yield to their style than the Lakers' is, as proven by the 2012 NBA playoffs. We already know how LA will play with Howard and Gasol. The rest of this argument is contingent on knowing how Nash fits into their scheme with Kobe and if they can hide Nash against Miami's wings and backcourt. I'd say that's highly doubtful.

Fair enough. I just have a gut feeling that Wade is on his last legs. I know he's only 30, but he takes a lot of charges and that wears on his bad back. It will help that he is resting right now, but we will see this season.

This is why many people put the * for a shortened season on this title.....not that I buy it.


The Heat are a match up nightmare for almost every team. With that said Wade might struggle to go through a full 82 and playoffs....we never know if Bosh will actually show up.....Miller and Battier can't repeat the show they put on in the finals....Wade is a VERY OLD 30. He takes a lot of abuse on the court.

[DJH]

Heat vs Thunder rematch in the finals next year is a mortal lock. Mark it down.

[Grizalltheway]

Heat vs Thunder rematch in the finals next year is a mortal lock. Mark it down.

I certainly wouldn't bet against it. Parity in the NBA is virtually non-existent at this point.

[eagleskins]

Much better roster than last year. Brand is one of if not best backup center/pf in the game. Also, Dahntey Jones pickup was huge. Gives the Mavs athleticism and defense at the 2 and 3. We need another guard, but if Dirk is totally healthy, this is a very dangerous team.

"one of, if not the best backup center/pf in the game." What?? You mean to tell me you'd take Elton Brand over Taj Gibson, Nick Collison, Darrell Arthur, Lamar Odom, J.J. Hickson, or Derrick Favors?
Elton Brand is a shadow of a shadow of his former self. KG abused him the playoffs last year. At this stage, I would rather have Ian Mahinmi than an old, injury-riddled Elton Brand. Unless you're one of those guys who believes in name power recognition over having an actual game at this point in their career.

I will give you that they have a better roster but they are still not even close to winning the west or even being remotely close to contention. And I'm supposed to believe that Elton Brand, Dahntay Jones and an older Dirk are going to put the Mavs on the level of the Thunder?

Lost any cred you had with Odom. Odom cant guard a chair.

[rkwittem]

"one of, if not the best backup center/pf in the game." What?? You mean to tell me you'd take Elton Brand over Taj Gibson, Nick Collison, Darrell Arthur, Lamar Odom, J.J. Hickson, or Derrick Favors?
Elton Brand is a shadow of a shadow of his former self. KG abused him the playoffs last year. At this stage, I would rather have Ian Mahinmi than an old, injury-riddled Elton Brand. Unless you're one of those guys who believes in name power recognition over having an actual game at this point in their career.

I will give you that they have a better roster but they are still not even close to winning the west or even being remotely close to contention. And I'm supposed to believe that Elton Brand, Dahntay Jones and an older Dirk are going to put the Mavs on the level of the Thunder?

Lost any cred you had with Odom. Odom cant guard a chair.

Yeah and no PFs can guard him because of his ball-handling skills. I'd rather have a Lamar Odom as my 3rd big than Elton Brand. It doesn't matter if he can't guard a chair. Elton Brand can't either. Brand also can't dribble or pose a matchup problem for anybody taller than 6-8 in the NBA either.

I like how you copped out of the argument because I disproved every one of your claims that adding Elton Brand and Dahntay Jones makes the Mavs a western contender.