NBA Thread XXXIII: Paul Stars In: The Clip-Show

[Unocal 76]

5 questions for Koda

1. Last year, the Thunder went from 8 seed to a division title and the West Finals. We all know about Durant and what he does, so what was the biggest reason they went from lowest seeded West playoff team to making the strides they did last year?

2. Conversely, what was the biggest reason they couldn't get past Dallas in the West Finals?

3. Why has Durant been been able to get this good this young?

4. If OKC had found a way to get past Dallas, do they beat the Heat?

5. What are your expectations for the Thunder this year? My personal take- if Dwight Howard does not become a Laker, they'll own the West this year and I'd book it that OKC will be playing in June.

[MGH]

johnhollinger IMHO 95% chance the league pulled the Lakers back in for leverage with Clips.


Yeah, no conflict of interest with the NBA owning one of the teams at all.....

[andrew8798]

What a joke

[H-Fist]

Dec 13, 2011 22:05:17 GMT -5 Unocal 76 said:

5 questions for rehab and his Bulls:

1. Last year, the Bulls shocked many with their ascent from .500 and barely getting the last playoff spot to the best record in the league. What was the main reason, in your opinion, they did so well?

2. When we last saw Chicago, they were losing to Miami in the East Finals. This surprised me, given that it was a deep Bulls team against what was perceived as a three-man show. Why was Chicago unable to advance to the NBA Finals?

3. Derrick Rose won the MVP last year. How did he become this good this fast? More specifically, what makes him one of the league's elite players?

4. If the Bulls added (blank player), it could put them over the top.

5. What are your expectations for the Bulls this year?

Rehab can take his own stab, but here's my answers:

1) Coach Thibs. While the addition of Boozer as a frontcourt scorer was big, the regime change from Vinny Del Negro to Tom Thibodeau can't be overlooked. He turned Luol Deng and Joakim Noah into borderline all-NBA players because of their defense and he got everyone on the roster other than Kyle Korver to buy into the defensive strategy. He especially connected with Derrick, who loves the tough love style Thibs uses. He's Basketball Gruden.

2) Boozer's turf toe limited him, and the loss of Asik midway through the series weakened the team also. Korver was ice cold at a time when Miami could continually roll a fresh, bigger defender (Wade, LeBron, etc.) onto Rose. Derrick could still be very good to great, but no transcendent, while Deng couldn't fill Boozer's shoes as the 2nd offensive option.

3) Hard work, determination, and the right people around him. Thibodeau drove him to focus on his defense, which went from bad to okay. Lots of little factors - the right veteran pieces, the right things happening with the team, etc. - can be brought up. But ultimately it's that this kid has leapt leaps and bounds every season since his one season at Memphis. He wants it.

4) I think the impending signing of Rip Hamilton might do it, as anything shy of a trip back to the conference finals would be a disappointment. They still have their bench mob intact, excepting Big Sexy Kurt Thomas: CJ Watson, Kylonnie Brorver, Taj Gibson, and the Turkish Hammer. They probably re-sign the Vanilla Godzilla as a player-coach. And improving from Keith Bogans to Rip Hamilton at the starting 2-guard makes a world of difference: offensive production from that spot on the lineup, fewer minutes played by Deng, etc.

5) A return trip to the conference finals, but they still might be a year away from the championship. Their ultimate advantage in the East is the combination of returning their entire core roster (which has proven itself to be incredibly important to the NFL this year) through short training camp and their depth, which should allow them to play through the grueling regular season schedule. They also play in a system that thrives, even in their 3-hour practices and riding bikes in the film room, on 100% total commitment and a family atmosphere where they all buy in.

[Dat Dude]

5 questions for rehab and his Bulls:

1. Last year, the Bulls shocked many with their ascent from .500 and barely getting the last playoff spot to the best record in the league. What was the main reason, in your opinion, they did so well?

Two words: Tom Thibodeau . Vinny Del Negro had practically the same roster last year and the Bulls did poorly. Yeah, I know they added Carlos Boozer and Kyle Korver, but Boozer was out due to injury for most of last season, and Kyle Korver was a non-factor late in the playoffs. Anyone who watched the classic Bulls/Celtic series years back wasn't shocked on how well Rose has *ahem* blossomed as a player. So as much as Rose played his ass off last season, it was Thibodeau's defensive system (that made the Celtics champions) that are now making Chicago a contender.


2. When we last saw Chicago, they were losing to Miami in the East Finals. This surprised me, given that it was a deep Bulls team against what was perceived as a three-man show. Why was Chicago unable to advance to the NBA Finals?

The same reason that they struggled against Indiana in the playoffs: they didn't have a quality shooting guard that could create his own shot. Bogans and Brewer's jump shooting make Rondo look like Reggie Miller. And Korver is a sharp shooter, but is a liability on defense. If the Heat back court would have had to watch a 2-guard that was threat on the perimeter, that means Rose isn't double triple teamed constantly, Deng doesn't have to overextend himself, and the offense is more balanced. They didn't need an all-star caliber 2-guard like OJ Mayo or Eric Gordon (all though that would be nice), but imagine if they had a Jason Richardson, Jamal Crawford, or Jason Terry like guard during that series? Bulls could have overcame Heat.

3. Derrick Rose won the MVP last year. How did he become this good this fast? More specifically, what makes him one of the league's elite players?

That's the thing, Rose from Day 1 was always a stud (once again look at his rookie year, and his performance against Boston). It's just now they have a coach and the players around him that make the team a winner. Rose was totally on board with the Thibodeau hiring, bought into the system which made it easy for his teammates to buy into as well. He busted his butt in the off season and improved his jump shot in addition to that. As far as how he ranks among his peers, he's the best point guard in the league. He has the leadership skills Chris Paul, the clutch play of Rondo, the freakish athleticism of Westbrook, and the consistency of Darron Williams. He's only 23 years old and he's hasn't even reached his prime yet! And unlike CP3 he's more durable.

4. If the Bulls added (blank player), it could put them over the top.

In my answer to the second question has this answer as well. They need a solid two guard. Richardson just resigned with the Magic, so he's out. Crawford won't consider going back to the Bulls for some reason. So who fits the mold that the Bulls can afford? Rip Hamiliton. He maybe older, but he still has a killer jumper that teams would be a fool to leave him open. He can play defense (Remember Detroit's defensive dominance years back?) and he has championship experience. Chicago gets Rip, they'll have no weakness. The front court is a defensive juggernaut with Boozer and Noah. Plus with Boozer have more experience with the team, he can now assert himself offensively in the post. Deng gives you great perimeter D and a good offensive player both in slashing and shooting. And Rose is...do I really need to explain?

5. What are your expectations for the Bulls this year?

I expect them to finish no lower than 2nd in the East. Boston with all their older players are gonna hate all the back to back games in the compressed season, so they're not a threat. The Magic will implode any minute now with Howard trade rumors. The Hawks and Pacers, etc. are no threat (see last playoffs). The Heat is the one that is going to compete with them for the No. 1 spot obviously. The only wild card is New York. If Chandler can improve their Def. they could be a threat. *Looks at coach of the Knicks* LOL yeah right, like that guy has EVER coached a good defensive team.

[Krimzon]

Dec 13, 2011 22:23:40 GMT -5 andrew8798 said:

Kwame Brown to the Warriors $7M/1yr

Kwame Brown actually convinced some team that he's worth $7 million?

[GreyScaleLJH]

Dec 13, 2011 21:45:38 GMT -5 Koda, Master Crunchyroller said:

Dec 13, 2011 21:37:13 GMT -5 andrew8798 said:

The Wolves have traded F Lazar Hayward to the Thunder for two second-round picks.

Jamal Crawford has reportedly narrowed his list of acceptable teams to three: The Knicks, Blazers and Kings.

Lazar Hayward is....interesting.

But it is a needed move because Durant was literally the only Small Forward on the team. So now we have backup in that position.

Couldn't Daequan Cook and Royal Ivey be classified as small forwards as well? I know its not their primary position, but both can play it when need be.

[Jedi-El of Tomorrow]

Dec 13, 2011 22:52:07 GMT -5 Krimzon said:

Dec 13, 2011 22:23:40 GMT -5 andrew8798 said:

Kwame Brown to the Warriors $7M/1yr

Kwame Brown actually convinced some team that he's worth $7 million?

He's almost 7 feet tall. That's what he's done to convince them.

[Koda, Master Crunchyroller]

Dec 13, 2011 22:24:42 GMT -5 Unocal 76 said:

5 questions for Koda

1. Last year, the Thunder went from 8 seed to a division title and the West Finals. We all know about Durant and what he does, so what was the biggest reason they went from lowest seeded West playoff team to making the strides they did last year?

2. Conversely, what was the biggest reason they couldn't get past Dallas in the West Finals?

3. Why has Durant been been able to get this good this young?

4. If OKC had found a way to get past Dallas, do they beat the Heat?

5. What are your expectations for the Thunder this year? My personal take- if Dwight Howard does not become a Laker, they'll own the West this year and I'd book it that OKC will be playing in June.

1) That's the thing, I don't think it was just any singular reason as for why the Thunder improved as much. I think it was mainly a combination of Westbrook stepping it up and becoming an All-Star caliber Point Guard, and Ibaka and Harden getting vastly more playing time in the wake of the Jeff Green trade, as well as Ibaka getting to play in his position. He's a shot blocking, jump shooting Power Forward, but his first real year had him mainly coming in off the bench at Center to relieve Krstic as Green was our starting Power Forward. And let's face it, James Harden would be a starting Shooting Guard on the majority of the teams in the league, and we have him coming off the bench to lead the charge with our second team. That just is plain down wrong.

2) The biggest reason was Dirk. No doubt about it, we just didn't have enough answers for Dirk. Eventually Collision, and somewhat Ibaka, picked up on handling Dirk(and they could afford to put them on Dirk instead of battling with Chandler as Chandler wasn't a scorer), but fouls caught up with them. Dirk is amazing at picking up fouls.

3) I think it is because he puts his all into the game, and he just keeps practicing and improving. I mean look at this lockout, he was one of the only guys to keep playing basketball all throughout the lockout, and he didn't even get paid for it, he mostly spent his time playing charity games.

4) I don't know. I mean when we faced them the one and only time post-Perkins trade, we killed them, ran them out of the building(like we did the Lakers), but at the same time, the Heat were NOT playing in the playoffs like they did in the regular season, they brought their A game. I think, though, that they might have, thanks to LeBron's disappearing act in the 4th quarter, it would've meant just having to beat Bosh and Wade, and I think they could have done that. Also, keep in mind the Heat had almost no depth on bench, so when Wade, Bosh, and James would take a breather, it could have spelled bad news for the Heat.

5) My expectations for the year is a #3 seed or better in the playoffs, another Northwest division title(won't be hard to do, T-Wolves suck, Jazz suck, Nuggets will be without 3 of their key guys from last year, and as such, while not necessarily suck are no where near the Thunder's level this season, and the Blazers lost Roy to retirement due to injury and Oden is sidelined....again.....due to injury), and maybe the NBA Finals. I'm expecting at least making it to the Western Conference Finals once more. If we make the Finals depends on if Howard goes to the Lakers. If he doesn't, I think the youth and athleticism of the Thunder will allow them to run roughshod over the majority of the aging(or just flat out bad) West.

[Koda, Master Crunchyroller]

Dec 13, 2011 22:55:40 GMT -5 GreyScaleLJH said:

Dec 13, 2011 21:45:38 GMT -5 Koda, Master Crunchyroller said:

Lazar Hayward is....interesting.

But it is a needed move because Durant was literally the only Small Forward on the team. So now we have backup in that position.

Couldn't Daequan Cook and Royal Ivey be classified as small forwards as well? I know its not their primary position, but both can play it when need be.

Nah, they are Guards, interestingly enough, though, Thabo Sefalosho IS listed as a Shooting Guard/Small Forward, but he never plays SF.

In fact the only one of our Shooting Guards to even be put into the SF slot is James Harden, and that's only in two situations:

1) Durant is sitting out due to injury.

2) They are going small on the court, and when they do that, it is usually with Daequan Cook at SG.

[andrew8798]

Richard Hamilton has been offered a two-year, $10 million deal to sign with the Chicago Bulls when he clears waivers, as expected, Wednesday morning.

[Rican]

I'll do the 5 questions thing. I'm a Spurs fan.

[vm88]

Dec 13, 2011 23:11:51 GMT -5 andrew8798 said:

Richard Hamilton has been offered a two-year, $10 million deal to sign with the Chicago Bulls when he clears waivers, as expected, Wednesday morning.

Nice, now there's the answer for the 2-guard that the Bulls need. As long as he doesn't act like he did last season when he didn't want to play for Detroit, then we'll see a stronger Bulls team than the one last year that finished in 1st place in the East.

BTW, I also want in on this "Starting 5" thing. My team is the Heat.

[Unocal 76]

5 questions for Rican

1. Did last year's success show the Spurs can play up-tempo, or was it a necessary change given what happened against the Suns in the 2010 playoffs?

2. Was the Spurs playoff failure last year because of old age, getting a bad draw in Memphis, or would they have struggled if New Orleans was the 8 seed? That aside, did you think last year's team at some point was gonna play in June?

3. We know Duncan doesn't have many years left, but which of his Big 3 sidekicks has the longer shelf life- Parker or Ginobili?

4. Given how scalding hot the Spurs were around Christmas, what was the turning point for their season that started the doubts to creep in?

5. Your expectations for the 2012 Spurs?

[MGH]

5 for the Nets please!

[The Captain]

I'll take five for the Knicks.

[Deleted]

I'll do 5 for the Knicks

[Unocal 76]

5 questions for vm88 and the Heat, staying away from obvious questions about LeBron and the 4th quarter stuff

1. How do last year's Heat do if they had gone in one of two directions: not signing LeBron and going forward with a Wade-Bosh duo or if they went with LeBron-Wade-Amare Stoudemire?

2. Did the locker room players only meeting really turn the season around as I hear it did in late November, as well as Bosh wanting the ball more after the 5-game skid in March?

3. Spoelstra sometimes got a bad rap, but given how the team rebounded from low points (Shouldergate in Dallas, and the infamous crying episode), plus how he did in 2010 and 2011 with lesser talent, how much credit does he deserve as a coach?

4. LeBron- was he any different a player last year than we saw in Cleveland?

5. I know what your expectations for the Heat this season, so I ask this- most important non Big 3 Heat player?

[Unocal 76]

5 questions for MGH's Nets:

1. Why have the Nets' had a lack of success win-loss wise since 2007?

2. What is there, player-wise, on the Nets that gives you hope?

3. How much of a difference does Prokhorov make?

4. If you could only do one- get Dwight Howard or keep Deron Williams- long term?

5. How much of a benefit is it playing in a weak Atlantic Division where only the Celtics and Knicks kept their heads above water last year?

[Unocal 76]

5 questions for both Knick fans on here:

1. The Knicks were treading water nicely before the Carmelo trade, with Galinari and Felton showing flashes of brilliance. Was it the right move?

2. Had the Knicks gotten a few bounces of the ball their way last spring and get a split or sweep of the two playoff games in Boston, would they have had the momentum to make postseason footprints?

3. How much has D'Antoni contributed to the Knicks post-Isiah revival? Conversely, how much has Stoudemire?

4. With the Celtics looking a bit wobbly amidst age and a lack of depth, can you see the Knicks winning their division?

5. Your expectations for the 2012 Knicks?