NBA Thread

[thethe]

We will see what happens in the playoffs. That being said SAS were missing three starters after Leonard left.

OKC is a horrible matchup for them. Also some guy named Westbrook wasn't playing.

[thethe]

Hey, remember when someone thought that JR Smiths contract was a steal compared to Korvers? WHOOPS!

[thethe]

Can anyone remember a situation when a player (LMA) got so good in his late 20's? Guy has been an absolute monster this year. Maybe he just needed the right type of team around him.

[gilesfan]

Hes averaged 18 points per game or more for the last 7 years. It's just people finally paying attention to him.

[yeezus]

Hes averaged 18 points per game or more for the last 7 years. It's just people finally paying attention to him.

It's fair to say his game is at a different level this year. It's likely due to the fact that he actually has some legit talent around him. But his game has stepped up.

[gilesfan]

It's fair to say his game is at a different level this year. It's likely due to the fact that he actually has some legit talent around him. But his game has stepped up.

He's certainly improved, but it's not like he came out of nowhere. His shooting is actually down a bit, but they are feeding him the ball a lot more. Really the only difference in him is better rebounding and taking more shots, not efficiency.

[BRule]

Can anyone remember a situation when a player (LMA) got so good in his late 20's? Guy has been an absolute monster this year. Maybe he just needed the right type of team around him.

Having a stud PG tends to do that, also he's playing PF now with Robin at C which frees him up.

[thethe]

Having a stud PG tends to do that, also he's playing PF now with Robin at C which frees him up.

Wouldn't necessarily call Lillard a stud PG but definitely a vast improvement. You are right though about Lopez. That was a very under the radar move that has paid off big time.

[thethe]

He's certainly improved, but it's not like he came out of nowhere. His shooting is actually down a bit, but they are feeding him the ball a lot more. Really the only difference in him is better rebounding and taking more shots, not efficiency.

It might be because the team is better but LMA is a much more prominent figure in these games. I don't want much of Portland aside from the games against OKC but he flat out balls against us.

They are an interesting team but IMO a year away from being a legit threat in the playoffs. Problem is that while Lillard is a dyanmic offensive player he is really small and gets abused on the defensive side of the ball.

[thethe]

Great piece from SI about midseason grades:

If you’ve found yourself wondering, “How does he do it?” as Durant has piled up four games of 46 or more points in January, realize that he’s starting to wade into uncharted waters. He’s putting together one of the most marvelous individual seasons in league history. Durant is averaging 31 points, 7.7 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.5 steals, a line that has been achieved only once previously (Michael Jordan, 1988-89). Meanwhile, Durant is shooting 50/41/88 even though his usage rate is 31.9; that type of shooting efficiency in such a major role has been approached only once before (Larry Bird, 1987-88). This, again, is greatness.

Yup, this guy is good. Hope he gets multiple rings because then its time to talk about him in the same breath and MJ/Lebron

[BRule]

Hey thethe, remember when I said KD was like George Gervin? And you laughed and laughed?

Your boy, Francesa, just said KD is a 6'11 George Gervin.

[thethe]

Hey thethe, remember when I said KD was like George Gervin? And you laughed and laughed?

Your boy, Francesa, just said KD is a 6'11 George Gervin.

I do like Francessa but its not a correct comparison. Gervin was not a three point shooter. He was not a distributor. He was just an average reboudner as well. Not sure about his defense.

So how exactly are they comparable?

[thethe]

I will say though that I have not seen one minute of George Gervin play so I really don't know if their playing styles were similar. I just don't see though how you can compare them when you compare the stat sheets.

[BRule]

I do like Francessa but its not a correct comparison. Gervin was not a three point shooter. He was not a distributor. He was just an average reboudner as well. Not sure about his defense.

So how exactly are they comparable?

As I pointed out earlier, the way the games were played then, compared to now is completely different. Now, everyone and their mother jacks up 3s, back then.....not so much. Go youtube Gervin and watch him play.

[thethe]

But he couldn't hit the three's like KD could. He wasn't the playmaker or rebounder. So again, they could score a lot of points but that is where the comparison ends.

[thethe]

Melo in flat out beast mode tonight.

[Heyward]

Win a game on the road without Russ or KD?

I know Boston isnt great but thats impressive.

[thethe]

Presti >

[Heyward]

Paul George>>

[thethe]

At some point it will be accepted as fact.that KD is.a.top 10 player of.all time.