Basketball

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Predictions:



West

1. Lakers (all healthy, best talent)

2. Utah

3. New Orleans

4. Houston (someone will get injured)

5. Portland (could be awesome)

6. San Antonio (manu out forever, too old)

7. Dallas (should have kept devin harris)

8. Phoenix (Shaq will play less than 50 games)



maybe Denver



East

1. Orlando

2. Boston (I don't think they will stay healthy again)

3. Detroit

4. Philly (Elton Brand will rock)

5. Cleveland (my fav)

6. Toronto

7. Miami (healthy wade + marion + beasly)

8. Atlanta



maybe Chicago, Milwaukee



thats just for regular season, ones playoffs start its a whole new season



anyone else wants to predict feel free, I think we should be allowed 1-2 changes at all star break.
 
Just when I think the Clippers are good... something happens.



And I don't mean to hate on the Lakers but when Shaq left and Kobe went ego-trippin'... the shine dulled.



And as much as Paul Pierce feels he's the best on Boston... it's all about the Kid... KG made that trophy happen.
 
[quote author="irvine_home_owner" date=1223623034]Just when I think the Clippers are good... something happens.



And I don't mean to hate on the Lakers but when Shaq left and Kobe went ego-trippin'... the shine dulled.



And as much as Paul Pierce feels he's the best on Boston... it's all about the Kid... KG made that trophy happen.</blockquote>


I basically feel the way you do -



Elton Brand - ouch. Clippers almost became interesting.



Shaq/Kobe - did you read Phil's book? Sign me up as a Kobe hater. Until I see differently, he's a faker IMO.



Pierce - great player, but I'm a KG fan. I honestly don't root for 'teams', just players. Teams are usually about 'business' anyways. But KG's on Bos, so GO BOS! I root'd for Minne since KG.





On a tangent, I used to love GB. Now I want them to burn and GO JETS. (Favre fan here) And Detroit Lions deserve to suck for a decade or more until they've paid for robbing the fans of Barry Sanders.
 
[quote author="ogredave" date=1223621585]I'm root'n for Boston again.</blockquote>


<strong>Bbbbbboooooo Celtics! Go Lakers!</strong>



I'm a lifelong Lakers fan. One who yearns to hear Chick's voice again... One who grew up on Magic, James, Bryon, Bryon, and Coop. That being said, I don't like Kobe much at all. He's pretty much an a$$. He is fun to watch when he is playing the right way. I do like Gasol's game, although he whines too much. I love the Lakers youngsters, Farmar, Sasha, Ariza and Bynum. Walton and Radmo can fall off the face of the earth for all I care. Sometimes I love Lamar, but mostly he is just floatin' through games, tons of untapped potential and crazy athleticism with a choker personality and delicate psyche.



Boston had a great year. KG's energy, leadership, and skills elevated them. I don't see a repeat this year due to age, health, etc. concerns. Ray will miss games. Those ankles are creaky at best. Doc Rivers can't coach his way out of paper bag. The East is getting stronger. Orlando added Pietrus, who will give them a solid 2-guard finally. If they could trade a wing player for a legit big man, they could be very dangerous. Philly, well Philly is going to be very good very soon. Brand now, some great young talent (Thaddeus Young is the real deal), improving Dalembert and Iggy. Detroit didn't change much this year accept they have a great set of young guys like Stucky and Maxiell that are going to get even better this year.
 
I think the Lakers have the best chance to win it this year.



The Celtics won last year on hunger alone. They dove after every ball, ran through every pick, and played the best defense in the league. Lakers didn't play that badly, they just were not as motivated, especially that last game. Kudos for Celtics for the win.




Lakers will have a better shot this season, as they will improve in the following area:




1. Interior defense: Bynum gained 25lb of muscles during the off season. 7'1, 285lb. Lakers were 'Charmin' soft last season in the post, but got away with it because Duncan is a finess interior player, and neither Denver nor Utah (Boozer is 6'9 around 260, but got into foul trouble too easily, and couldn't jump over Gasol every play) had an over power center. Boston might still be able to run through Gasol, but at least they have to deal with Bynum at the rim.




2. Kobe is pissed off and can taste another championship. Assuming he passes the ball to his teammates, and is happy with 25 pts, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists per game. The Lakers will dominate. If he wants to play 1-5 offense again, then Lakers will have issues.




3. Solid Bench: Vlad Rad, Luke Walton, Sasha Vujacic, Jordan Farmar, and Trevor Ariza. The Lakers' 2nd unit might be better than the Minnesota Timberwolves, Memphis Grizzlies, and Charlotte Bobcats' starting 5. Major question mark would be, who can back up Bynum and Gasol, as Mihm and Mbenga are not really proven. They picked up Josh Powell from the Clippers during the off season, who was their Turiaf. Not sure how that's gonna work out.http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/teams/roster?team=LAL




Major Challenges this season will be from Utah, San Antonio, New Orleans, and Houston in the West, and Boston, Detroit, and Philly in the east.




I don't think the Lakers will roll through the season, as they will have some chemistry issues early on, but I think this team will be better equipped to take on the Celtics in the Final this season.
 
<blockquote>... Assuming he (Kobe) passes the ball to his teammates, and is happy with 25 pts, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists per game ...</blockquote>
Yeah, like this will ever happen.
 
I'll put EB in the same class as Boozer for betraying his team. I already have tickets for Clippers vs. 76ers this year. Going to be lots of boo's that night.



And I wasn't a Laker fan until last year, I was very anti Kobe (and very pro Lebron) but I think Kobe turned a corner maturity wise and grew into a far better leader. Instead of forcing the crappy fadeaway shot with 3 defenders on him, he'll now pass to the open guy and trust him. And before last year I could not stand Sasha but he reallly improved drastically. Still cannot believe how he got burned so bad by Ray Allen on that one play in the finals though.





Don't worry Ipop, I think Ariza will start stealing some Walton and Vlad minutes soon :)



Like ogredave, I'm more of a players fan than a teams fan. Its hard to stay on a team when stars switch so easily. I am very anti Pistons (too cocky/arrogant and complain too much) and anti Spurs (too much flopping, and think they never make a foul) though. I still think Duncan never believes he has actually ever committed a foul his whole NBA career. I really hope either Philly or Cleveland hands it to Detroit this year. And it would be nice to see Phoenix finally get revenge on the Spurs. For Nash and Amare though, not Shaq. Of course Shaq would try to take all the credit though.
 
How can you fault EB for leaving the craphole that is Clipper Land?! Sterling is a POS. Look how he mucked up Baylor's departure. Now Elgin hasn't been the best selector or developer of talent in the world but he's one of the forefathers of modern basketball. Show the brother some respect!



I love EB's game. He will shine in the East. Philly can be a gritty good defensive team with some decent scoring now. Clips have a mismash of talent but it will be fun to watch B-Diddy at least.



If the Lakers were gone, I'd probably be a Portland fan. Love that roster. Oden is a beast. Bynum vs. Oden for years to come could approach Dream vs. Patrick days. Aldridge is going to be very good. He's like a black Gasol with a deadly 15-18 footer. Brandon Roy is a great young fundamental guy and Bayless will be great someday. Portland is going to have a hard time keeping Rudy Fernandez off the court.



I think Chris Paul wins the MVP this year. He and Lebron and the true class of the league.



Lakers looked terrible tonight BTW. Seems like they haven't even been practicing...
 
I don't fault EB for leaving, just the way he did. Just like Boozer he agreed to become a free agent telling the team he would sign if they did what he wanted. Boozer wanted more money, EB wanted another big name player. Both cases the teams complied and then both times the players broke their promises. I just think he should of kept his word. But either way, doesn't matter, he'll get way more wins in Philly than he ever would of gotten in LA.



Can't imagine if Boozer was still on the Cavs though. Him and Lebron would make a great combo.
 
There are some franchises where you can't blame the players. The Clippers are definitely one. Raiders & Lions would be the others that come to mind.



Goes back to my fan of the player, not the team thing.



-edit- Oh one last thing - the Minn owner said KG was tanking it some games a while back. I don't think there's anyone who plays harder than KG. Dude has one gear, all-out. Throw Minn on my list of franchises where you can't blame the players.
 
[quote author="ogredave" date=1223680063]There are some franchises where you can't blame the players. The Clippers are definitely one. Raiders & Lions would be the others that come to mind.



Goes back to my fan of the player, not the team thing.



-edit- Oh one last thing - the Minn owner said KG was tanking it some games a while back. I don't think there's anyone who plays harder than KG. Dude has one gear, all-out. Throw Minn on my list of franchises where you can't blame the players.</blockquote>


Yeah, that damn Minnesota. <strong>Never trust a Celtic</strong>, or former Celtic in this case...
 
[quote author="ipoplaya" date=1223627732][quote author="ogredave" date=1223621585]I'm root'n for Boston again.</blockquote>


<strong>Bbbbbboooooo Celtics! Go Lakers!</strong>



I'm a lifelong Lakers fan. One who yearns to hear Chick's voice again... One who grew up on Magic, James, Bryon, Bryon, and Coop. That being said, I don't like Kobe much at all. He's pretty much an a$$. He is fun to watch when he is playing the right way. I do like Gasol's game, although he whines too much. I love the Lakers youngsters, Farmar, Sasha, Ariza and Bynum. Walton and Radmo can fall off the face of the earth for all I care. Sometimes I love Lamar, but mostly he is just floatin' through games, tons of untapped potential and crazy athleticism with a choker personality and delicate psyche.



Boston had a great year. KG's energy, leadership, and skills elevated them. I don't see a repeat this year due to age, health, etc. concerns. Ray will miss games. Those ankles are creaky at best. Doc Rivers can't coach his way out of paper bag. The East is getting stronger. Orlando added Pietrus, who will give them a solid 2-guard finally. If they could trade a wing player for a legit big man, they could be very dangerous. Philly, well Philly is going to be very good very soon. Brand now, some great young talent (Thaddeus Young is the real deal), improving Dalembert and Iggy. Detroit didn't change much this year accept they have a great set of young guys like Stucky and Maxiell that are going to get even better this year.</blockquote>


You know... when you first came to IHB and we butted heads, I knew deep down your Laker love would prove that you are a decent guy. Turns out I was right. I had hope that you would come around one day, and you did. Too bad the Lakers let me down, but I have hope for them this year. I too, am a lifelong Lakers fan. I will never forget the first Laker game my dad took me to at the Forum. The Magic and Kareem days were something to see.



Vic has a great point, Kobe needs to have faith in his teammates to pass the ball to them. Bynum could seriously be a dominant figure in the low post, and help Kobe shine even more. Farmar has been consistently becoming better and better with time, and as long as that continues he could really take the team to another level as long as he and Kobe have faith in him. We will see what happens, but even the most stubborn have been known to come around, so anything can happen.



These Boston fans have become so cocky in recent years. They have forgotten all too quickly what a painful and miserable sports life they have had in the past. Hopefully that will change soon, otherwise they will become like their hated Yankees fans. They need to be hurt and crushed again, so they can be humbled and appreciate their wins. :-/
 
<blockquote>These Boston fans have become so cocky in recent years. They have forgotten all too quickly what a painful and miserable sports life they have had in the past. Hopefully that will change soon, otherwise they will become like their hated Yankees fans. They need to be hurt and crushed again, so they can be humbled and appreciate their wins. </blockquote>
I hope I didn't say anything to offend anyone. I was only teasing Vic. (I hope he knows I was teasing).
 
[quote author="CalGal" date=1223885283]<blockquote>These Boston fans have become so cocky in recent years. They have forgotten all too quickly what a painful and miserable sports life they have had in the past. Hopefully that will change soon, otherwise they will become like their hated Yankees fans. They need to be hurt and crushed again, so they can be humbled and appreciate their wins. </blockquote>
I hope I didn't say anything to offend anyone. I was only teasing Vic. (I hope he knows I was teasing).</blockquote>


I was teasing you too. I also wanted to remind any Boston fans about their past. I kinda liked it better when they were miserable and disappointed. I could empathize, I'm an Angel fan after all.
 
Calgal: i love bantering with you about sports, i just wish that i win one of these days :P



Graph: the mere mention of Angels brings up the following emotions

1. denial

2. anger

3. acceptance



Anyways, NBA season starts in a few weeks. Should be a fun season. :)
 
[quote author="graphrix" date=1223895961][quote author="CalGal" date=1223885283]<blockquote>These Boston fans have become so cocky in recent years. They have forgotten all too quickly what a painful and miserable sports life they have had in the past. Hopefully that will change soon, otherwise they will become like their hated Yankees fans. They need to be hurt and crushed again, so they can be humbled and appreciate their wins. </blockquote>
I hope I didn't say anything to offend anyone. I was only teasing Vic. (I hope he knows I was teasing).</blockquote>


I was teasing you too. I also wanted to remind any Boston fans about their past. I kinda liked it better when they were miserable and disappointed. I could empathize, I'm an Angel fan after all.</blockquote>
I figured, but I wanted to make sure.

I actually don't care if we win or lose.

It's fun either way.

And I still don't get the TV if we are winning or losing. :shut:
 
Here is a good video of Devin Harris getting hustled by a street baller. Reminds me of White Men Can't Jump.





<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ysv3v7uXblw">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ysv3v7uXblw</a>
 
[quote author="24inIrvine" date=1223619215]Predictions:



West

1. Lakers (all healthy, best talent)

2. Utah

3. New Orleans

4. Houston (someone will get injured)

5. Portland (could be awesome)

6. San Antonio (manu out forever, too old)

7. Dallas (should have kept devin harris)

8. Phoenix (Shaq will play less than 50 games)



maybe Denver



East

1. Orlando

2. Boston (I don't think they will stay healthy again)

3. Detroit

4. Philly (Elton Brand will rock)

5. Cleveland (my fav)

6. Toronto

7. Miami (healthy wade + marion + beasly)

8. Atlanta



maybe Chicago, Milwaukee



thats just for regular season, ones playoffs start its a whole new season





anyone else wants to predict feel free, I think we should be allowed 1-2 changes at all star break.</blockquote>


how can you have utah in front of NO? houston as a 4 seed? if Macgrady can play more than half the season and I'm surprised not to see clippers either 7 or 8 seed. I cant comment on your east predication as I dont follow them that close right now. Also the suns will be in the top 5. Shaq will shine this year he still has something to prove to Kobe and Jerry Bus.
 
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