2005-06 NBA Season Discussion Thread

[a6m5]

Update on Michael Finley situation says that Detroit, one of the front runners in a Finley sweepstakes has dropped out. Instead, Detroit has acquired Dale Davis in free agency. I hate this, because the Pacers' my favorite team in the East, and am also a huge DD(Double D) fan. Shucks! As for Finley, my guess is that he'll sign with one of these three teams: Miami, Phoenix, San Antonio. There are more teams interested in his service, however.

 

[Saleen Man]

I honestly hope he goes to Phoenix. It would make for another exciting playoff run before the Spurs eliminate them. As for Detroit, Dale Davis will be a solid backup. This begs the question that I've been asking since they drafted him: What the 'ell is Detroit doing with Milicic?

 

[a6m5]

I honestly hope he goes to Phoenix. It would make for another exciting playoff run before the Spurs eliminate them. As for Detroit, Dale Davis will be a solid backup. This begs the question that I've been asking since they drafted him: What the 'ell is Detroit doing with Milicic?

Phoenix definitely could use Finley. Phoenix claims they have a better team than they did last year. What do you think?

Joe Dumars still claims Milicic was a good pick.......... Didn't he pass on Camelo Anthony and Dwaye Wade to pick Milicic?

 

[Saleen Man]

Phoenix definitely could use Finley. Phoenix claims they have a better team than they did last year. What do you think?

I'd say that's probably true. Stoudemire will keep getting better, being only 23, and Nash and Marion still have another 2-3 really good years left in them.

Joe Dumars still claims Milicic was a good pick.......... Didn't he pass on Camelo Anthony and Dwaye Wade to pick Milicic?

Yes, he did. I'm still baffled as to why though. Wade actually ended up going 5th , "my" (only because I'm Canadian ) Raptors skipped over Wade too. Anyway, back to Milicic, I was confused even when Detroit brought in Rasheed Wallace. I thought well ok, they want to make a run at the Championship, and then Milicic will start seeing some time. Well, they've made their run, and he still never sees the court. Now on top of that, they're constantly bringing in these veteran big men to play backup minutes, again taking away from any time Milicic would see in the first place. Terrible draft pick in my opinion.

 

[a6m5]

Yes, he did. I'm still baffled as to why though. Wade actually ended up going 5th , "my" (only because I'm Canadian ) Raptors skipped over Wade too. Anyway, back to Milicic, I was confused even when Detroit brought in Rasheed Wallace. I thought well ok, they want to make a run at the Championship, and then Milicic will start seeing some time. Well, they've made their run, and he still never sees the court. Now on top of that, they're constantly bringing in these veteran big men to play backup minutes, again taking away from any time Milicic would see in the first place. Terrible draft pick in my opinion.

At least the Raptors got Chris Bosh. I checked the draft picks in '03, Detroit also passed on Kirk Hinrich, Luke Ridnour, Josh Howard. Even the Blazers got Travis Outlaw with the 23rd pick. He was just out of high school at the time, but is starting to show his talent(on par with Darius Miles, IMO) now.

 

[Saleen Man]

At least the Raptors got Chris Bosh. I checked the draft picks in '03, Detroit also passed on Kirk Hinrich, Luke Ridnour, Josh Howard. Even the Blazers got Travis Outlaw with the 23rd pick. He was just out of high school at the time, but is starting to show his talent(on par with Darius Miles, IMO) now.

Yeah, Bosh has actually developed quite well, although he still needs to get bigger. What I think Detroit should've done is just trade the pick away, I mean it was useless of them to draft Milicic. Or draft Wade and trade Billups or something. Possibilities were endless. Travis Outlaw...I know he's a high flyer, but can he shoot? The one thing Darius Miles could never do: shoot....

 

[Ram-Rod]

Im cheering for my home again ( houston rockets ) .

 

[a6m5]

Yeah, Bosh has actually developed quite well, although he still needs to get bigger.

That's what I've been hearing about him.....

What I think Detroit should've done is just trade the pick away, I mean it was useless of them to draft Milicic. Or draft Wade and trade Billups or something. Possibilities were endless.

I guess this is where they say the hindsight's 20/20, but I think they should've picked Carmelo Anthony. Most of us were surprised by how good Dwayne Wade was, but Carmelo, as much as I don't like him, many scouts predicted that he was going to be almost as good as Lebron James, and they were right. Pistons with Carmelo would've been a scary team.

Travis Outlaw...I know he's a high flyer, but can he shoot? The one thing Darius Miles could never do: shoot....

So true. D. Miles is so streaky from outside. Outlaw's short jumpers are almost as good as Miles', outside is still shaky. But he does have a real clean form and he does work on them quite a bit. I'm betting he's going to be a MJ type of player. Athleticism early in the career, but good defense and jumpers to follow a bit later. He works on his game, plays with pride, so nowhere to go but up!

Edit:

Im cheering for my home again ( houston rockets ) .

Didn't they pick up a new big man?

 

[VIPFREAK]

Die! j/k

 

[a6m5]

Die! j/k

Are you looking for the NHL thread? I think I saw it in the "comedy corner" section.

 

[Saleen Man]

Are you looking for the NHL thread? I think I saw it in the "comedy corner" section.

Haha!

I guess this is where they say the hindsight's 20/20, but I think they should've picked Carmelo Anthony. Most of us were surprised by how good Dwayne Wade was, but Carmelo, as much as I don't like him, many scouts predicted that he was going to be almost as good as Lebron James, and they were right. Pistons with Carmelo would've been a scary team.

Then that leaves Detroit with decisions on what to do with Hamilton/Prince. Bah, I guess it all worked out in the end. Except of course for Milicic, who will keep picking slivers out of his ass for years to come. As for Carmelo, I really think he got screwed over for Rookie of the Year. Him and James were very close stat wise, but Anthony was the biggest reason Denver got into the playoffs, in a much tougher Western Conference. Although I guess everybody knew James would win it.

So true. D. Miles is so streaky from outside. Outlaw's short jumpers are almost as good as Miles', outside is still shaky. But he does have a real clean form and he does work on them quite a bit. I'm betting he's going to be a MJ type of player. Athleticism early in the career, but good defense and jumpers to follow a bit later. He works on his game, plays with pride, so nowhere to go but up!

MJ?! I don't know if I'd go that far (or anywhere near there ) but I agree with you that he's got potential. A lot of these high school kids that go to the NBA are usually very "dunk-oriented" for lack of a better term. It's the ones that actually work at their all around game that become superstars.

 

[a6m5]

Haha!

I hope I didn't offend you, or other Canadian members. Viper and I talk a lot of trash regarding basketball/hockey/baseball. I'm still trying to steer him in the right direction.

Then that leaves Detroit with decisions on what to do with Hamilton/Prince. Bah, I guess it all worked out in the end. Except of course for Milicic, who will keep picking slivers out of his ass for years to come. As for Carmelo, I really think he got screwed over for Rookie of the Year. Him and James were very close stat wise, but Anthony was the biggest reason Denver got into the playoffs, in a much tougher Western Conference. Although I guess everybody knew James would win it.

Good point, I forgot about Rip Hamilton and Prince. I guess Wade or Hinrich would've worked out well then?

I'd have voted for Lebron, simply for the pressure he had to face, on/off court. He was a big "bullseye" out on the court.

MJ?! I don't know if I'd go that far (or anywhere near there ) but I agree with you that he's got potential. A lot of these high school kids that go to the NBA are usually very "dunk-oriented" for lack of a better term. It's the ones that actually work at their all around game that become superstars.

Sorry! MJ type, as in showoff dunker early in his career, more complete game as he matures. Travis right now is looking like next Desmond Mason. Potential to become next T-Mac or VC is there, however.

 

[Saleen Man]

I hope I didn't offend you, or other Canadian members. Viper and I talk a lot of trash regarding basketball/hockey/baseball. I'm still trying to steer him in the right direction.

No no, I used to be a big hockey fan, but now it comes third for me behind basketball and football.

Good point, I forgot about Rip Hamilton and Prince. I guess Wade or Hinrich would've worked out well then?

Either one of those players would've been perfect. Then Detroit would only have to worry about moving Billups. But then maybe the Raptors would've taken Milicic.

I'd have voted for Lebron, simply for the pressure he had to face, on/off court. He was a big "bullseye" out on the court.

Ok, but in my opinion, "Rookie of the Year" is the rookie who plays the best on the court, and nothing else. Off the court affairs (both meanings of the word ) should have nothing to do with any award's voting.

Sorry! MJ type, as in showoff dunker early in his career, more complete game as he matures. Travis right now is looking like next Desmond Mason. Potential to become next T-Mac or VC is there, however.

Ha, you scared me for a second there. You're probably right with the Desmond Mason comparison, but Outlaw has a big advantage already with his height. Hopefully it works out, there's always room for one more T-Mac or VC.

 

[a6m5]

Either one of those players would've been perfect. Then Detroit would only have to worry about moving Billups. But then maybe the Raptors would've taken Milicic.

I'd like Wade or Hinrich, because they can play 1 or 2, as far as I know. And I'd keep Billups. He's my favorite on the Pistons.

Ok, but in my opinion, "Rookie of the Year" is the rookie who plays the best on the court, and nothing else. Off the court affairs (both meanings of the word ) should have nothing to do with any award's voting.

I agree, and I think Lebron was a better than Carmelo on court. IMO, every opposing team players stepped up to stop Lebron James. I don't think Carmelo demanded same type of attention. I was torn between the two though, so I do see your side of the argument. 👍

Ha, you scared me for a second there. You're probably right with the Desmond Mason comparison, but Outlaw has a big advantage already with his height. Hopefully it works out, there's always room for one more T-Mac or VC.

Yup. He's very long. Sky's the limit for this kid.

 

[Saleen Man]

I'm wondering, what is your (and anyone else ) take on Vince Carter? As I'm sure you know, he's now hated in Canada by almost all basketball fans. Personally, he was one of my top three favorite players when he was in Toronto, and still is. Obviously it wasn't right of him to "take some nights off" (McGrady as well), but he wanted out. He should've just made it heard earlier. I was so happy the day I came home and saw Vince Carter had been traded for 2 reasons: 1. I knew there was a good chance he'd become his former self ie. scoring at will, making posters out of random big guys, and 2. He would be paired up with one of my other favorites, Jason Kidd. I think this year the Nets will do much better, as long as everyone can stay healthy. I am kind of disappointed that Abdur-Rahim couldn't pass a physical though.

 

[a6m5]

I'm wondering, what is your (and anyone else ) take on Vince Carter? As I'm sure you know, he's now hated in Canada by almost all basketball fans. Personally, he was one of my top three favorite players when he was in Toronto, and still is. Obviously it wasn't right of him to "take some nights off" (McGrady as well), but he wanted out. He should've just made it heard earlier. I was so happy the day I came home and saw Vince Carter had been traded for 2 reasons: 1. I knew there was a good chance he'd become his former self ie. scoring at will, making posters out of random big guys, and 2. He would be paired up with one of my other favorites, Jason Kidd. I think this year the Nets will do much better, as long as everyone can stay healthy. I am kind of disappointed that Abdur-Rahim couldn't pass a physical though.

I'm sorry, Saleen. I am a Nets hater! Especially Kidd! I don't wanna get started on Kidd though, he's one of your favorites after all.

On Vinsanity, I've always liked him. I can understand Canadian fans being upset at him though. They still are upset at Damon Stoudamire, also. Whenever Blazers played there, I can hear the boos every time Damon touched the ball.

 

[Saleen Man]

I'm sorry, Saleen. I am a Nets hater! Especially Kidd! I don't wanna get started on Kidd though, he's one of your favorites after all.

Hate Jason Kidd and the Nets?! Why?

On Vinsanity, I've always liked him. I can understand Canadian fans being upset at him though. They still are upset at Damon Stoudamire, also. Whenever Blazers played there, I can hear the boos every time Damon touched the ball.

Yup, and they're the same way with McGrady as well. They're some of the hardest fans in the league in Toronto.

 

[a6m5]

Hate Jason Kidd and the Nets?! Why?

It goes back to his days in Dallas. I don't know if you remember the Three J's? Jamal Mashburn, Jim Jackson and Jason Kidd. Anyways, that's when I started to read a lot about how selfish he was. Really, locker room politics stuff. Dallas unloaded him, Phoenix did the same, Nets has tried and failed. I don't know if you heard, but he almost got traded to Portland last season. One of my coworkers(he was an awesome baller, as well) and my boss were big Kidd fans. They were giving me so much grief about that trade. They were asking me if I'd still be a Blazer fan, if Kidd played for the Blazers. I told them I'll still root for them, but will definitely like them a lot less.

 

[TwinTurboJay]

um...go Raptors !

 

[Ram-Rod]

Yeah, i think the Rockets got Stromile Swift, i forgot everyone else they got.

 

[Saleen Man]

Yeah, and they picked up Derek Anderson too the other day. Any of you remember when Swift dunked on Yao Ming last year? I wonder if he'll bug him about that.

 

[Ram-Rod]

We could have some compition within the team .

 

[a6m5]

Yao gets dunked on a lot for a big guy.

We could have some compition within the team .

That's a good thing!

 

[Giancarlo]

I wanna see the Heat trade Walker for Caron Butler. That obviously won't happen though. Not until i get NBA Live 06...

 

[a6m5]

I wanna see the Heat trade Walker for Caron Butler. That obviously won't happen though. Not until i get NBA Live 06...

Are you a Walker hater too? Welcome to the club!

 

[Giancarlo]

Are you a Walker hater too? Welcome to the club!

Not exactly. I just don't have a lot of trust in his abilities.

 

[a6m5]

Not exactly. I just don't have a lot of trust in his abilities.

I think he'd make a great 1-on-1 player. The problem is, he brings that game into a 5-on-5 game.

 

[Saleen Man]

I think he'd make a great 1-on-1 player. The problem is, he brings that game into a 5-on-5 game.

Exactly. But I don't think he'd be great one on one. I think he sucks. He can't shoot threes, but shoots so many of them that he gets recognition for the ones he hits. His post game is unpolished, and a lot of his scores down low are very ugly to watch. I hate his stupid "Walker Wiggle" after he scores too. I love the Antoine Walker Hate Club however.

I wanna see the Heat trade Walker for Caron Butler. That obviously won't happen though. Not until i get NBA Live 06...

You like Caron Butler? I thought he was OK in his rookie season, and he has flashes of brilliance with the Lakers, but I'm not too big a fag of him either. Although I do hope Miami trades Walker, for their own good. And on a completely different topic, NBA Live '06 looks like it'll be great. Can't wait. 👍

 

[a6m5]

You like Caron Butler? I thought he was OK in his rookie season, and he has flashes of brilliance with the Lakers, but I'm not too big a fag of him either. Although I do hope Miami trades Walker, for their own good. And on a completely different topic, NBA Live '06 looks like it'll be great. Can't wait. 👍

Butler got traded, didn't he? I can't remember who Lakers got in return......

 

[Saleen Man]

Butler got traded, didn't he? I can't remember who Lakers got in return......

Right, my fault. He was involved in the deal that brought Kwame Brown to the Lakers. I wonder how much Phil Jackson will be able to get out of Brown. Talk about a 1st overall pick bust up to this point in his career.