THE 2015 NBA PRE SEASON THREAD: BEST WISHES TO LAMAR ODOM

[8pm at msg]

Bron sweet talked Mo into coming back at the expense of Mike Miller.

That's rough.

 

[ThaxbyChamblis]

guys giving Lebron the business because Mike Miller was dumped?

Mike Miller?? Dude is getting almost $3M ($2M too much) because of Lebron. LeBron can;t do right or wrong with some of you.

Miller is the spokesperson for washed, yet Lebron is the bad guy.

I don't think it was very serious.

 

[bhzmafia14]

http://www.basketballinsiders.com/ranking-the-western-conferences-second-units/


Ranking the Western Conference Second Units

Third Tier

15.Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks’ bench is a disaster. When DeAndre Jordan made his U-turn, things started going downhill for Mark Cuban and his team. They were able to re-sign J.J. Barea, but lost Richard Jefferson. The rest of their backcourt consists of Raymond Felton, John Jenkins, Devin Harris and rookie Justin Anderson. If you thought this was going to be top-heavy team before, just take a look at the roster now. Their best player off the bench might be the 2015 version of Harris, or perhaps Anderson. Their frontcourt consists of some relatively unknown players that most casual fans have never heard of, including Dwight Powell, Maurice Daly Ndour, Satnam Singh Bhamara, Jarrid Famous.

14.Portland Trailblazers

The Trail Blazers lost a whole bunch of players in free agency this summer. In addition to losing 80 percent of their starting lineup, they also lost depth. Their second unit is basically a host of young, promising, yet unproven talent… and Chris Kaman. At this point, their best bench player is probably C.J. McCollum. The rest of the rotation consists of Noah Vonleh, Meyers Leonard, Allen Crabbe, Maurice Harkless, Pat Connaughton and Tim Frazier. It looks like it’s going to be a rough year for the rebuilding Blazers, though, to their credit, they did well in acquiring some young talent after losing LaMarcus Aldridge to the San Antonio Spurs.

13.New Orleans Pelicans

Compared to other Western Conference teams, the Pelicans have very little depth and will again likely rely on the monster production of the “The Brow,” also known as Anthony Davis. While Quincy Pondexter and Ryan Anderson aren’t bad players, the rest of the bench is a little thin. While New Orleans will likely be healthier next season compared to 2014-15, their bench will likely be hit and miss throughout, especially considering Luke Babbitt, Dante Cunningham, Alonzo Gee and Toney Douglas will probably be relied on for meaningful production.

12.Utah Jazz

The Jazz’s starting lineup is certainly maturing and starting to mesh as a unit, but the rest of their roster is comprised of relative unknowns. As of today, the Jazz’s best bench player is probably Alec Burks. Rodney Hood has shown some promise and rookie Trey Lyles could be special. The problem is everyone on the bench is young and inexperienced, which could lead to inconsistent production. Utah’s roster rounds out with Trevor Booker, Grant Jerrett, Jack Cooley, Tibor Pleiss, Joe Ingles, Chris Johnson, Elijah Millsap, Bryce Cotton and Raul Neto.

11.Los Angeles Lakers

While the Lakers have certainly upgraded their roster both in the starting and second units, they still have a lot of unproven players. Jordan Clarkson had a great summer league, Julius Randle has some serious potential and Lou Williams is a potent scorer, but apart from that they don’t have much. Robert Sacre isn’t really a league average backup center at this point and everyone else are unknowns. The roster is rounded out with Ryan Kelly, Larry Nance Jr., Tarik Black, Anthony Brown and Jabari Brown.

Second Tier

10.Minnesota Timberwolves

The Timberwolves have the last three number one draft picks in Karl-Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett. Towns and Wiggins will be in the starting unit, which leaves Bennett, who hasn’t lived up to his draft position, along with high-flyer Zach LaVine and bruiser Shabazz Muhammad as reserves. While there is young talent here, the bench will likely struggle against opposing second units featuring several veteran players. Tyus Jones, Lorenzo Brown, Damjan Rudez, Gorgui Dieng, Nikola Pekovic, Adreian Payne and Nemanja Bjelica finish out the roster.

9.Sacramento Kings

The Kings have taken a slightly different route than many of these teams. When other free agents spurned the Kings, they had to move to Plan B. They’ve signed older players as backups that have already hit their peak in the NBA. These veterans won’t make as many mistakes, but also their ceiling is limited. Their bench is headlined by sharpshooter Marco Belinelli and big man Kosta Koufos, both of whom were acquired this summer as free agents. They also have Caron Butler, Omri Casspi and Quincy Acy coming off their bench with Eric Moreland, James Anderson, Seth Curry, David Stockton and Duje Dukan rounding out the roster.

8.Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets have a very balanced roster overall, which in this case is not a great thing. Most of their players are basically on the same level talent-wise. No one necessarily stands out. They have a bundle of decent role players dotting their roster, but no superstar, at least yet. Headlining the Nugget’s bench is the seventh overall pick in this year’s draft, Emmanuel Mudiay. As of right now he is behind experienced veteran Jameer Nelson, but probably not for long. Also on the roster riding the pine are Gary Harris, Will Barton, Wilson Chandler, J.J. Hickson and a few others. The players ahead of them are only marginally better than them, which means their bench is decent, but their starters arguably are not when compared to the rest of the league. They can hold their own, that’s for sure. The rotation also includes Nick Johnson, Erick Green, Joffrey Lauvergne, Nikola Jokic, Joey Dorsey and Kostas Papanikolaou.

7.Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies have a very nice starting lineup as well as some high caliber players coming off their bench. Brandan Wright, Jeff Green (though he starts occasionally), the old man Vince Carter and Beno Udrih, have a good mix of talent and skill along with the rest of the second unit to keep the team afloat until the starters can come back in the game. Matt Barnes, Jarnell Stokes, JaMychal Green, Jarell Martin, Jordan Adams and Russ Smith round out the roster.

6.Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder have a great starting lineup but was demolished by injuries in 2014-15. The upside is their bench players gained valuable experience with the extra playing time. D.J. Augustin, sharpshooter Anthony Morrow, Andre Roberson, Kyle Singler, and Steven Adams can certainly hold their own on the court until Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka are done resting. The rotation is rounded out by Nick Collison, Steve Novak, Cameron Payne and Mitch McGary. However, they probably aren’t going to win you too many games by themselves or make up deficits without some help. That’s what top tier second units do.

First Tier

5.Phoenix Suns

The Suns have locked in their core for the future and bolstered their shooting and defense as well as their leadership through the draft and free agency. Their bench unit will be quite good in 2015-16. Adding Tyson Chandler sends the budding Alex Len to the bench and gives him even better mentoring as a defensive anchor. They drafted one sharpshooter in Devin Booker and they signed another one in stretch-four Mirza Teletovic. Plus, they opened the door for the effortless scoring of T.J. Warren in a salary dump that created time at the backup small forward spot. They also have Archie Goodwin and signed Sonny Weems. The future is bright for this bench. Look for them to win some games single-handedly when the starters don’t have it going next year.

4.Houston Rockets

The recent trade to acquire Ty Lawson took a little depth and some longer-term prospects from Houston, but what they lost in quantity they gained in quality. Lawson will likely take over as the starting point guard (subject to his off court issues), which slots former starter and defensive stalwart Patrick Beverley as the backup point guard. Beverley is a pesk on defense and can knock down shots from three-point range, so he could potentially be one of, if not the best backup point guard in the Western Conference next season. Along with Corey Brewer, Donatas Motiejunas and draft picks Sam Dekker and Montrezl Harrell, the Rockets have some serious firepower coming off the bench. Rounding out their rotation is Clint Capela, Jason Terry and K.J. McDaniels as the backup small forward.

3.San Antonio Spurs

Of course the Spurs are ranked this high. They have a knack for picking great players from a low draft position and developing players effectively. This offseason they landed star forward LaMarcus Aldridge in free agency and convinced David West to turn down millions in guaranteed money from Indiana for a chance to win a championship. West, along with Manu Ginobili, Boris Diaw, Patty Mills along with some young talent like Ray McCallum and Kyle Anderson will sway many games back in the Spurs’ favor when San Antonio’s starters are off their game. The roster is rounded out by Matt Bonner, Reggie Williams, Boban Marjanovic, Jonathan Simmons and Jimmer Fredette.

2.Los Angeles Clippers

Boy did the Clippers’ free agency period go from bad to amazing! They lose DeAndre Jordan, then get him back and also sign Paul Pierce, Lance Stephenson, Wesley Johnson and Josh Smith. The Clippers bench is basically a starting unit for an average NBA team all by itself. The rotation is rounded out by Jordan Hamilton, C.J. Wilcox, Cole Aldrich, Austin Rivers and Branden Dawson.

1.Golden State Warriors

The defending champs won their ring on the back of their versatility and depth. The Warriors retain Draymond Green, which leaves the starting unit intact. They also re-signed Leandro Barbosa and drafted Kevon Looney, who could be a steal as the 30th overall pick. With a championship run under their belts, the bench will likely continue to dominate moving forward, led by finals MVP Andre Iguodala, who stepped up big time when his name was called. A former All-Star, he rode the bench and contributed where he could. Then, when he called to guard LeBron, he performed admirably. The roster is rounded out by James Michael McAdoo, Festus Ezeli, Marreese Speights, Shaun Livingston and Brandon Rush.

 

[awwsome]

Suns been getting **** on in this thread but really, they ain't that bad.

 

[keel252]

cant take that list serious.

 

[awwsome]

That list also lets you know that Memphis got a problem playing their young dudes.


Adams shoulda been getting minutes out here, he's probably they're second best perimeter scorer outside Conley.

 

[bhzmafia14]

That list also lets you know that Memphis got a problem playing their young dudes.


Adams shoulda been getting minutes out here, he's probanly they're second best perimeter scorer outside Conley.

Man, who you tellin? Both Russ and Adams need to play next season. Its one thing to have a veteran saavy team, but failing to mix youth with the vets in the rotation will hurt in the long run. Beno is solid, but sucks on defense. I'll rather give Russ a chance and save Beno as a 3rd string in case of injury.

 

[awwsome]

Man, who you tellin? Both Russ and Adams need to play next season. Its one thing to have a veteran saavy team, but failing to mix youth with the vets in the rotation will hurt in the long run. Beno is solid, but sucks on defense. I'll rather give Russ a chance and save Beno as a 3rd string in case of injury.

For sure, the insistence on playing TA hurt yall in the playoffs.

They coulda never put Bogut on Adams, it's not to discredit TA because he's as elite as it comes as a defender but scoring is important as well.

 

[Nereyda Vuelve Por Dios]

Can someone tell me why OKC is being hailed to make and even win the NBA chip. Im looking at the line-up and not seeing the greatness besides the obvious 2.

Especially compared to there adversaries. 

 

[awwsome]

Can someone tell me why OKC is being hailed to make and even win the NBA chip. Im looking at the line-up and not seeing the greatness besides the obvious 2.

Especially compared to there adversaries. 

Oh idk, maybe because they have two of the top 5 best players in the world and the second best rim protector who's shooting above league average from 3 with an actual basketball coach?

There's no team in the league that has a top 3 as good as Russ/KD/Ibaka.

 

[freeze]

swaggy p byke

 

[suavamente]

Where's :Larry Sanders? Heard he was playing at the Drew

 

[Lovetohate3000]

 
Can someone tell me why OKC is being hailed to make and even win the NBA chip. Im looking at the line-up and not seeing the greatness besides the obvious 2.

Especially compared to there adversaries. 

ppl have that 2k mentality .

there is only one ball and they cant stay healthy .that iso  take turns offense can only take you so far.

 dont believe in them either. 

 

[awwsome]

I just look at the Bucks current roster, think about how great they would be with Sanders and just .

Their defense is phenomenal without him, with him it would be borderline unfair.


Mental health is no joke though so I support his decision regardless, just sucks we can't see him in what's supposed to be his prime years.

 

[awwsome]

ppl have that 2k mentality .
there is only one ball and they cant stay healthy .that iso  take turns offense can only take you so far.
 dont believe in them either. 

You do know the coach that was behind that offense is gone right?



Yall dudes sound crazy.

 

[Lovetohate3000]

You do know the coach that was behind that offense is gone right?



Yall dudes sound crazy.

yea i do .

still we'll see who sounds crazy in may. 

 

[keel252]

Oh idk, maybe because they have two of the top 5 best players in the world and the second best rim protector who's shooting above league average from 3 with an actual basketball coach?

There's no team in the league that has a top 3 as good as Russ/KD/Ibaka.

not to mention how big DJ is for them...

being able to go small ball will be unreal for them. man if they stay healthy and keep Waiters off the court, they will be back.

 

[addict4sneakers]

Dellevedova got 1.2. Dude thought he was getting 4 per

 

[keel252]

Dellevedova got 1.2. Dude thought he was getting 4 per

deep down that fool know he wasnt worth that much.

 

[bballkid11]

swaggy p byke

 

[freeze]

Hibachi doh....

Gilbert Arenas Banned from Basketball Hoops at County Fair for Winning Too Much

We just got banned from all the basketball hoops at #orangecountyfair...every one screamed #theRimsarebent I screamed #hibachi ...#ArenasFamily #CountyFairRockstars

Gilbert Arenas hasn't played in the NBA since 2012, but he still has a hot hand.

The three-time All-Star dropped so many buckets at the Orange County Fair in Costa Mesa, California, that he was banned from all basketball hoops—but not before coming away with more prizes than he or his four kids could hold.

He evidently also brought back his signature catchphrase "Hibachi!" per the Washington Post's Des Bieler, while letting the shots fly and adding to his new oversized-stuffed-animal collection.

And yes, that is a donut on his head.

 

[junglejim]

Hibachi doh....

Good.  **** those carney folk

 

[Lovetohate3000]

his son with a curry jersey. 

 

[ill steelo]

Damn Delly outplayed Derrick Rose & Stephen Curry at points during the Cavs playoff run & he only got the tiny QO of 1 yr, 1.2 mil He was the 2nd biggest reason they won game 6 in CHI & games 2 & 3 vs. GSW.

JR still unsigned after being the best 3 point shooter in the league outside of Golden State, after his trade to CLE.

Gilbert getting stingy now. Still hasn't thrown the 80 mil at TT.

 

[awwsome]

not to mention how big DJ is for them...

being able to go small ball will be unreal for them. man if they stay healthy and keep Waiters off the court, they will be back.

Yup, keeping Waiters off court is paramount.


How they gave up a draft pick for dude is beyond me.