2005-06 NBA Season Discussion Thread

  • Thread starter a6m5
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Wow, I didn't see this coming. :D Nick Van Excel is joining the San Antonio Spurs! Van Excel still is a scoring machine, but is a smart one. Even when he is blowing up on the offensive end, he's never gets out of control like Kobe or Anton Walker. Does the Spurs signing of Van Excel mean Spurs is out of running for Michael Finley sweepstakes? I think so. I'm little bit dissapointed, but at least they got some good help. Only thing that's bothering me with the Spurs roster is Big Dog Robinson. I'd like to see the Spurs cut him loose, if they are not going to play him.
 
I like that pickup a lot by the Spurs. Even though they won the championship, it was clear that they were in need of a backup point guard. Beno Udrih clearly isn't good enough yet, and Van Exel, like you said, can score at will and will be a great addition. Do you think Glenn Robinson can still start somewhere?
 
Saleen Man
I like that pickup a lot by the Spurs. Even though they won the championship, it was clear that they were in need of a backup point guard. Beno Udrih clearly isn't good enough yet, and Van Exel, like you said, can score at will and will be a great addition. Do you think Glenn Robinson can still start somewhere?
Yes. Truthfully, I was never a fan of Big Dog, but I hate to see a player of that caliber rotting on the bench.

From what I saw last year, I don't think Udrih will ever be a good player in NBA. Sounds kind of mean, but he couldn't shoot well, made all sorts of mistakes and showed zero athleticism. He was outquicked and outmuscled every time he played. Man, I forgot how badly he played until you just mentioned his name! :indiff: He's not a PG, but the guy I wanted to see play the backup PG role was Devin Brown. Unfortunately, he was injured during the NBA Finals, I believe.
 
a6m5
Yes. Truthfully, I was never a fan of Big Dog, but I hate to see a player of that caliber rotting on the bench.
Well, he was good, but now at his age (32), and the injuries, he'll probably just be a shadow of his former self. I'd like to see him out of San Antonio though, maybe see what he's got left somewhere else.

a6m5
From what I saw last year, I don't think Udrih will ever be a good player in NBA. Sounds kind of mean, but he couldn't shoot well, made all sorts of mistakes and showed zero athleticism. He was outquicked and outmuscled every time he played. Man, I forgot how badly he played until you just mentioned his name! :indiff: He's not a PG, but the guy I wanted to see play the backup PG role was Devin Brown. Unfortunately, he was injured during the NBA Finals, I believe.
Haha, it's not mean, it's the truth. The thing that stood out the most about him were the turnovers. Devin Brown has really developed in his time with the Spurs, he's a good scoring threat for them off the bench. I think Brown teamed up with Van Exel should make for a stellar 2nd group.
 
Saleen Man
Well, he was good, but now at his age (32), and the injuries, he'll probably just be a shadow of his former self. I'd like to see him out of San Antonio though, maybe see what he's got left somewhere else.
You're right. I did forget how old he was. Looks like we do agree that he isn't any help to the Spurs though.

Saleen Man
Haha, it's not mean, it's the truth. The thing that stood out the most about him were the turnovers. Devin Brown has really developed in his time with the Spurs, he's a good scoring threat for them off the bench. I think Brown teamed up with Van Exel should make for a stellar 2nd group.
Yeah. Good thing about Van Exel is that at this point in his career, he doesn't require that much playing time. Playing time distribution shouldn't be an issue.

P.S. I think I just realized the correct way to spell Van Exel's name. :ill:
 
a6m5
Yeah. Good thing about Van Exel is that at this point in his career, he doesn't require that much playing time. Playing time distribution shouldn't be an issue.

P.S. I think I just realized the correct way to spell Van Exel's name. :ill:
:lol: I thought it was just another nickname. Van Excel. :D
 
a6m5
Does the Spurs signing of Van Excel mean Spurs is out of running for Michael Finley sweepstakes? I think so. I'm little bit dissapointed, but at least they got some good help. .

No, it doesn't. I'd prove it to you, but the ESPN article online seems to be down.
 
Some big NBA News today. First one I read was about the 5 year extension Yao Ming signed with the Houston Rockets. I think it was good move by the Rockets and Yao, both. If Yao was happy in Houston, there really was no point to test the free agency since he got the "max" extension.

Second one I read of course was about Michael Finley going to San Antonio. I wanted to see this happen, not only because I like Finley and Spurs, but really because Finley as a person fits right in with the Spurs roster. Him being a great player is an added bonus. :sly: Bit off-topic, but one of my (countless) bosses at work has a son who works for Nike, who played little bit of semi-pro ball also. Anyway, his job basically is to communicate with the Nike's NBA players and make sure they are getting handled, that everything is OK. I still remember how excited his dad was, when he was assigned to Kobe Bryant(before the alleged rape). However, the player who he became pretty good friends with was, you guessed it, Michael Finley. From what I"m told, he is super down to earth, and is a great guy.

Last story I read was about the Houston Rockets lending a helping hand to the New Orleans Hornets. Props to the Rockets. Very classy move by them. 👍
 
a6m5
Some big NBA News today. First one I read was about the 5 year extension Yao Ming signed with the Houston Rockets. I think it was good move by the Rockets and Yao, both. If Yao was happy in Houston, there really was no point to test the free agency since he got the "max" extension.
Yao always induces rants. First off, there's no way he is worth that kind of money. A man his size, with the skill he supposedly possesses, averaging 8 reboungs a game? 8!? Ridiculous. Although I will say, he does have potential, he clearly needs to be more assertive and aggressive and he will begin to produce better numbers. But in my opinion, he's been an absolute bust so far. The Rockets better hope this doesn't induce a "contract year" to drop his numbers even further. Ah, better. :dopey:

a6m5
Second one I read of course was about Michael Finley going to San Antonio. I wanted to see this happen, not only because I like Finley and Spurs, but really because Finley as a person fits right in with the Spurs roster. Him being a great player is an added bonus. :sly: Bit off-topic, but one of my (countless) bosses at work has a son who works for Nike, who played little bit of semi-pro ball also. Anyway, his job basically is to communicate with the Nike's NBA players and make sure they are getting handled, that everything is OK. I still remember how excited his dad was, when he was assigned to Kobe Bryant(before the alleged rape). However, the player who he became pretty good friends with was, you guessed it, Michael Finley. From what I"m told, he is super down to earth, and is a great guy.
Looks like the Spurs will be a safe bet to win another championship. They're shaping up to be an even more dominant team. One question though, that I've always wondered about. How can you, an avid and loyal Blazers fan, like the Spurs? :odd:

a6m5
Last story I read was about the Houston Rockets lending a helping hand to the New Orleans Hornets. Props to the Rockets. Very classy move by them. 👍
Very classy indeed. Although not really basketball related, I couldn't believe the images I saw of the Louisiana Superdome, with the roof being blown off. :guilty: I wonder if that city will ever be the same. :indiff:
 
Saleen Man
Looks like the Spurs will be a safe bet to win another championship. They're shaping up to be an even more dominant team. One question though, that I've always wondered about. How can you, an avid and loyal Blazers fan, like the Spurs? :odd:
It's the same reason I had to root for the MJ/Pippen era, Chicago Bulls. As a fan of not just NBA, but of basketball as a sport, how can you not admire some of the fine, exceptional teams in the league. For me, that team is San Antonio. I also like the Pacers. :P Main reason is because of Jermaine O'Neal, who I've met before. 👍 Also, Pacer's been my favorite Eastern team since like '92.

Don't get me wrong, when those guys play against the Blazers, I have absolutely no love for them until the game/series is over. :D
 
a6m5
Don't get me wrong, when those guys play against the Blazers, I have absolutely no love for them until the game/series is over. :D
Good. ;)

a6m5
It's the same reason I had to root for the MJ/Pippen era, Chicago Bulls. As a fan of not just NBA, but of basketball as a sport, how can you not admire some of the fine, exceptional teams in the league. For me, that team is San Antonio. I also like the Pacers. :P Main reason is because of Jermaine O'Neal, who I've met before. 👍 Also, Pacer's been my favorite Eastern team since like '92.
Yeah, I can see your point there. I hated the Lakers during their three-peat, but I guess I did admire them for how good they actually were, especially their ability to hit huge shots under pressure situations. *cough* Robert Horry *cough* :crazy:

You've met Jermaine O'neal?! Wow, when did you meet him? Did you have to yell up at him when talking? :dopey:

And, my apologies for the Yao hating.
 
Saleen Man
:D

Saleen Man
Yeah, I can see your point there. I hated the Lakers during their three-peat, but I guess I did admire them for how good they actually were, especially their ability to hit huge shots under pressure situations. *cough* Robert Horry *cough* :crazy:
Although I did root for the Spurs in the NBA Finals, I did admire the Pistons also. I saw the Pistons play in Portland last season, and they were quite impressive. Right now, I'm into teams that share the ball real well.

Saleen Man
You've met Jermaine O'neal?! Wow, when did you meet him? Did you have to yell up at him when talking? :dopey:
:lol: Actually, when I was in front of him, he seemed like he was way over 7 feet tall. I got to meet Jermaine in the mall, during the NBA lockout(was it like 3 years ago?). Mall was fairly empty, and I recognized him from about 40 ft. away, so I started to say to my brother, "that's Jermaine, that's Jermaine!". My brother was like, "uh, no". :D Jermaine heard us, and he approached us, instead. I've met few celebrities, but I think he's the only one I actually had conversations with. Other NBA people I met are: Stephen Patterson(President, Blazers), Shawn Kemp, Antonio Harvey, Kevin Duckworth, Bill Schonely(play-by-play, Blazers). All Blazers personnel(big surprise!).

Saleen Man
And, my apologies for the Yao hating.
That's OK. I think Yao (still)has big upside, but I'm not a fan or anything.
 
a6m5
:lol: Actually, when I was in front of him, he seemed like he was way over 7 feet tall. I got to meet Jermaine in the mall, during the NBA lockout(was it like 3 years ago?). Mall was fairly empty, and I recognized him from about 40 ft. away, so I started to say to my brother, "that's Jermaine, that's Jermaine!". My brother was like, "uh, no". :D Jermaine heard us, and he approached us, instead. I've met few celebrities, but I think he's the only one I actually had conversations with. Other NBA people I met are: Stephen Patterson(President, Blazers), Shawn Kemp, Antonio Harvey, Kevin Duckworth, Bill Schonely(play-by-play, Blazers). All Blazers personnel(big surprise!).
Were you embarassed? I mean, with O'neal hearing you getting all excited like a school girl. ;) Really though, that must've been great.

By the way, the Blazers are coming here to play an exhibition game against the Raptors on October 24th. It's only the second time the Raptors (or any NBA team for that matter I think) have come here. I want to go, but don't think I'll have the money in time. :indiff:
 
Saleen Man
Were you embarassed? I mean, with O'neal hearing you getting all excited like a school girl. ;) Really though, that must've been great.
I wasn't embarrassed, I usually do worse in front of famous people(when I shook hands with the Oasis guitarist, I literally couldn't say a word :guilty: ). I can tell you from mine and other people's encounter with Jermaine, he's very good guy. 👍

Saleen Man
By the way, the Blazers are coming here to play an exhibition game against the Raptors on October 24th. It's only the second time the Raptors (or any NBA team for that matter I think) have come here. I want to go, but don't think I'll have the money in time. :indiff:
NBA tickets are so expensive! I've paid for NBA tickets like twice, and they were both nose-bleeds. If you can, I'd suggest buying tickets for the cheapseats. It'll be worth it. :) My place of work is one of the sponsors for the Blazers, so I usually get free tickets, parking and dinner passes. Yessssssssss! 👍
 
a6m5
I wasn't embarrassed, I usually do worse in front of famous people(when I shook hands with the Oasis guitarist, I literally couldn't say a word :guilty: ). I can tell you from mine and other people's encounter with Jermaine, he's very good guy. 👍
Ha, I think I'd probably be totally speechless. :scared: Yeah, it's a shame he has a bad reputation now after the "Malice in the Palace".


a6m5
NBA tickets are so expensive! I've paid for NBA tickets like twice, and they were both nose-bleeds. If you can, I'd suggest buying tickets for the cheapseats. It'll be worth it. :) My place of work is one of the sponsors for the Blazers, so I usually get free tickets, parking and dinner passes. Yessssssssss! 👍
I haven't even checked the prices yet. :nervous: How many Blazer games do you usually catch in a season?
 
Saleen Man
Ha, I think I'd probably be totally speechless. :scared: Yeah, it's a shame he has a bad reputation now after the "Malice in the Palace".
That was unfortunate. :indiff: But we all saw how nasty Pistons fans can be. Especially those drunken fans. 👎

Saleen Man
I haven't even checked the prices yet. :nervous: How many Blazer games do you usually catch in a season?
Nose-bleeds usually go for $15 - $30(U.S.) in the Rose Garden(Portland), including the service charges. I go to howmanyever games my work lets me go to! :D I'd say at least around 10 games a year. Tickets alone are worth around $100 each, so there's no way I'd be able to afford them myself. :scared: NBA forgot about little people like us, long time ago. It's all corporate.
 
a6m5
That was unfortunate. :indiff: But we all saw how nasty Pistons fans can be. Especially those drunken fans. 👎
Indeed.


a6m5
Nose-bleeds usually go for $15 - $30(U.S.) in the Rose Garden(Portland), including the service charges. I go to howmanyever games my work lets me go to! :D I'd say at least around 10 games a year. Tickets alone are worth around $100 each, so there's no way I'd be able to afford them myself. :scared: NBA forgot about little people like us, long time ago. It's all corporate.
You got that right. Are you allowed to be picky with the games? Say, go when the Lakers are in town as opposed to the Jazz? :dopey:
 
Saleen Man
You got that right. Are you allowed to be picky with the games? Say, go when the Lakers are in town as opposed to the Jazz? :dopey:
Once in a while. They usually take care of me though. The best one was the MJ's last game in Portland. :eek:👍 First and last time I got to see him play in person. :lol:
 
a6m5
Once in a while. They usually take care of me though. The best one was the MJ's last game in Portland. :eek:👍 First and last time I got to see him play in person. :lol:
Man, you're lucky. I would've absolutely loved to see Jordan play. I have to go see the Lakers in Toronto one time or something. NBA games must be great live.
 
Saleen Man
Man, you're lucky. I would've absolutely loved to see Jordan play. I have to go see the Lakers in Toronto one time or something. NBA games must be great live.
It is awesome, live. I hope you can find a way to go see that preseason game. :)
 
Giancarlo
Gah! Damon Jones signed with the Cavs. :(
Sorry to hear that. He played real well for the Heat last season? Big pick up for the Cavs, I'm sure. Interesting fact about him in the article I read was that, he's played for different teams every season. I wonder why that is.....
 
Who knows, i guess he just never had a good year until he came to Miami.

He got signed for 4 years though, so he might actually stay with the Cavs. What a shame.
 
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