2005-06 NBA Season Discussion Thread

[a6m5]

Could there be a better replacement for Damon Jones? Payton, Wade, Williams, just think of the fast break possibilities.

First time word "fast" and Gary Payton's name was mentioned in a same sentence, since the late 90's!

 

[Giancarlo]

First time word "fast" and Gary Payton's name was mentioned in a same sentence, since the late 90's!

He's not fast, but he really knows how to play the point, and could get the ball, pass it to Wade quickly (he's a greaty passer), then he and Haslem, Posey or Walker can run the fastbreak.

It's gonna be such a great season. The east is really catching on the west.

 

[a6m5]

He's not fast, but he really knows how to play the point, and could get the ball, pass it to Wade quickly (he's a greaty passer), then he and Haslem, Posey or Walker can run the fastbreak.

It's gonna be such a great season. The east is really catching on the west.

Actually, I do like the concept of two big point Point/Shooting combo guards playing the 1(PG) and 2(SG). If Stan Van Gundy could take advantage of lineup like that, that backcourt could do some damage.

 

[Giancarlo]

It depends on how much stamina Williams has. Wade can stay playing nearly the whole game.

 

[a6m5]

It depends on how much stamina Williams has. Wade can stay playing nearly the whole game.

I would go with Wade playing major minutes at SG, White Chocolate playing lot of minutes at PG with GP covering backup role for both positions. The ideal three guard rotation, unless Miami has another quality guard on the roster.

 

[Giancarlo]

I would go with Wade playing major minutes at SG, White Chocolate playing lot of minutes at PG with GP covering backup role for both positions. The ideal three guard rotation, unless Miami has another quality guard on the roster.

Not really, other than maybe Shandon Anderson and some rookies. I dunno, i think GP is a little too past his time to play the minutes for 2 positions.

It all depends on what other moves we make this season. We should still have $4 million of that midlevel exception to use since GP was supposedly signed for the veteran's minimum. Reports say we're looking at Casey Jacobson and Rodney White.

 

[a6m5]

Not really, other than maybe Shandon Anderson and some rookies. I dunno, i think GP is a little too past his time to play the minutes for 2 positions.

You are probably right about that. Anderson would be a good backup at SG, I suppose.

 

[Saleen Man]

He's not fast, but he really knows how to play the point, and could get the ball, pass it to Wade quickly (he's a greaty passer), then he and Haslem, Posey or Walker can run the fastbreak.

It's gonna be such a great season. The east is really catching on the west.

Yeah, give it to Walker on the break for a pull up three. Haha.

 

[a6m5]

Yeah, give it to Walker on the break for a pull up three. Haha.

Cheap shot at Walker's crappy shot selection. Ohhhhhhh, I love it! 👍

 

[Giancarlo]

He's pretty good at sinking wide open 3s. Not the best, obviously, but he can do it if it's necessary. I know Pat Riley and SVG are not gonna let him make stupid plays. He's under a real organization now, one that has a very good chance of winning.

 

[a6m5]

I found a cool video from a Blazer's weblog. Looks like it's a scrimmage that was held with young NBA players and prospects. Blazer's rookie, Martell Webster(wearing red jersey, #1) is in most of the highlights. He was advertised as a outside shooter with good athleticism and NBA ready body(he jumped from high school) and he looked it. Video is good quality and I think it's about 6 minutes long(I have DSL, took around 3 minutes to download).

Monday, September 26, 2005

Pickup game featuring Martell Webster
Unbelievably cool video sent to me by a reader named Peter (warning: video is 77 megs and will take several minutes to download on a broadband connection. I'm working on making it available as streaming video).

Here's how he describes the contents:
Here's a video of Martell Webster when he came up here in Seattle. He ended up with 51 points and just gotta say hes an amazing shooter. I believe he missed 2 shots the entire game and was going up against Jamal Crawford most of the time. Others in the game were Nate Robinson, Will Conroy (UW), Tre Simmons (UW).
Peter also says these players have been coming to play at UW for the past month or so. He'll send more as he gets more.

Players I can identify: No. 2 in black is Nate Robinson. No. 1 in red is Martell Webster...can anyone else help out here?

Looks like he was scoring at will out there. 👍 In a year or two, I think he'll be a solid NBA shooting guard.

 

[Saleen Man]

I found a cool video from a Blazer's weblog. Looks like it's a scrimmage that was held with young NBA players and prospects. Blazer's rookie, Martell Webster(wearing red jersey, #1) is in most of the highlights. He was advertised as a outside shooter with good athleticism and NBA ready body(he jumped from high school) and he looked it. Video is good quality and I think it's about 6 minutes long(I have DSL, took around 3 minutes to download). Looks like he was scoring at will out there. 👍 In a year or two, I think he'll be a solid NBA shooting guard.

Very cool video. A couple of nice crossovers in that movie. One play that stood out that I didn't really care for, was a 3-on-2 the red team had and Webster didn't go to the hoop and shot the three. Too much of an Antoine Walker-ish thing to do. Besides, aren't you taught at a young age to always go to the hoop in an odd man situation? He could be good, but as I'm sure you know, there's a such thing as "practice players", or "scrimmage players" whatever you want to call them. Let's see how he performs in a real game situation. Still a great video, lots of cool highlights. 👍

I really like Nate Robinson. I loved his game at Washington, and I hope he does well in the NBA.

 

[a6m5]

One play that stood out that I didn't really care for, was a 3-on-2 the red team had and Webster didn't go to the hoop and shot the three. Too much of an Antoine Walker-ish thing to do. Besides, aren't you taught at a young age to always go to the hoop in an odd man situation?

You know I agree with you on this. Except on this occasion, when you are having 51 point night, you are allowed to take that questionable shot.

He could be good, but as I'm sure you know, there's a such thing as "practice players", or "scrimmage players" whatever you want to call them. Let's see how he performs in a real game situation. Still a great video, lots of cool highlights. 👍

Yeah, you can see there wasn't much coaching going on, if any. Jermaine O'Neal used to be one of those players, who could play even with Rasheed Wallace(in his prime) in the practice, but couldn't produce in the game. That came couple of years later. From what I could tell, I think Martell's pretty mature for his age. With his "NBA" body and his mind, I think he'll be a future starter for sure. I can't wait until the preseason starts!

 

[Saleen Man]

You know I agree with you on this. Except on this occasion, when you are having 51 point night, you are allowed to take that questionable shot.

Yeah, I guess if you're not missing anything, no one really cares where you're shooting it from. It is the worst though when players take 3's on fastbreaks just 'cause they're cocky bastards. Haha. Man I hate Antoine Walker.

Yeah, you can see there wasn't much coaching going on, if any. Jermaine O'Neal used to be one of those players, who could play even with Rasheed Wallace(in his prime) in the practice, but couldn't produce in the game. That came couple of years later. From what I could tell, I think Martell's pretty mature for his age. With his "NBA" body and his mind, I think he'll be a future starter for sure. I can't wait until the preseason starts!

Is this Webster guy on the Portland roster?

 

[a6m5]

Yeah, I guess if you're not missing anything, no one really cares where you're shooting it from. It is the worst though when players take 3's on fastbreaks just 'cause they're cocky bastards. Haha. Man I hate Antoine Walker.

Don't you hate it, when somebody who's playing with you does that? Takes outside shots or some crazy shots, when you have the numbers on fastbreak?

Is this Webster guy on the Portland roster?

Yep. Our top pick in this year's draft.

 

[Saleen Man]

Don't you hate it, when somebody who's playing with you does that? Takes outside shots or some crazy shots, when you have the numbers on fastbreak?

Oh God. There's nothing worse in my opinion than playing with people who aren't smart when it comes to basketball. Sigh.

Yep. Our top pick in this year's draft.

So in 5 years he'll actually play?

 

[a6m5]

So in 5 years he'll actually play?

Well, considering our young team, I'd say 3.

 

[Saleen Man]

Well, considering our young team, I'd say 3.

Heh, speaking of the Blazers, what's the starting line-up look like this year?

 

[a6m5]

Heh, speaking of the Blazers, what's the starting line-up look like this year?

Nobody knows..... including the new headcoach, Nate Mcmillan. I think it's safe to say Zach Randolph at PF and Joel Przybilla at Center. You've probably never seen Przybilla play, but he's an awesome defensive center. Blocking and rebounding machine. 👍 Darius Miles will probably start at SF, but I'm hoping Travis Outlaw can squeeze in there by the end of the season. Two backcourt positions are pretty much up for grabs. We signed Steve Blake(Wizards) to the offersheet, and the Wizards has until Wednesday to match it, but I don't think they will. Juan Dixon's a proven veteran, so he'll get major minutes for sure. Sebastian Telfair will get a lot of minutes at 1.

Blazers really went young in this rebuilding mode, so we won't know until the preseason, really.

 

[Saleen Man]

I've seen Pryzbilla play quite a bit, and he really surprises on defense. He likes to block, and will always challenge. A very gritty defender. I think Zach Randolph needs to shed a few pounds, or at least add some muscle, haha. He's still good either way though. Telfair really showed what he can do last year, he impressed me a lot. I'm sure that Maryland connection will play well together, even if it is Portland, and not Washington. After saying all that, I'm sure the Blazers will get their asses handed to them this year.

 

[a6m5]

I've seen Pryzbilla play quite a bit, and he really surprises on defense. He likes to block, and will always challenge. A very gritty defender.

You are well informed. 👍 Only concern with Joel last year was that sometimes, he's too eager to block(some stretches, he was blocking 5, 6 shots a night!). If he played just tad bit under control, he'll be even more effective.

I think Zach Randolph needs to shed a few pounds, or at least add some muscle, haha. He's still good either way though.

Zach also needs to learn defense and passing. He's most effective when he's a scrapper, but now all he wants to do is hog the ball. I have no doubt in my mind McMillan will straighten him out.

Telfair really showed what he can do last year, he impressed me a lot. I'm sure that Maryland connection will play well together, even if it is Portland, and not Washington.

Telfair will be a starter in the near future, I'm sure of that. I think I saw Blake play once in person, and once on TV. I wasn't impressed. I hope he surprises me.

After saying all that, I'm sure the Blazers will get their asses handed to them this year.

Don't worry about me. I've been bracing myself for the 05-06 Season, all summer.

 

[Saleen Man]

You are well informed. 👍 Only concern with Joel last year was that sometimes, he's too eager to block(some stretches, he was blocking 5, 6 shots a night!). If he played just tad bit under control, he'll be even more effective.

Doesn't he have a "technical" problem as well?

Zach also needs to learn defense and passing. He's most effective when he's a scrapper, but now all he wants to do is hog the ball. I have no doubt in my mind McMillan will straighten him out.

Tell him to straighten Darius Miles out while he's at it. Or at least do some shooting drills for him.

Telfair will be a starter in the near future, I'm sure of that. I think I saw Blake play once in person, and once on TV. I wasn't impressed. I hope he surprises me.

Blake never get all that much playing time with the Wizards though did he? Being behind Arenas, Hughes, Dixon, probably made it tough for him to get in the game. I hope for your sake that he makes an impact.

Don't worry about me. I've been bracing myself for the 05-06 Season, all summer.

So the 0-23 start won't phase you then?

 

[a6m5]

Doesn't he have a "technical" problem as well?

Not that I noticed....

Blake never get all that much playing time with the Wizards though did he? Being behind Arenas, Hughes, Dixon, probably made it tough for him to get in the game. I hope for your sake that he makes an impact.

Thanks!

So the 0-23 start won't phase you then?

As long as they follow it with 23-0 run.

 

[Saleen Man]

Not that I noticed....

Hmm, not so well informed after all. I could've swore he had a temper problem though.

As long as they follow it with 23-0 run.

....And get to .500, good enough for 12th in the West.

 

[a6m5]

Hmm, not so well informed after all. I could've swore he had a temper problem though.

He's great. He's a very passionate player, but usually keeps his cool. I think I know where you got the idea..... He did almost get into couple of fights last season. That just tells me he's doing his job as the "enforcer".

....And get to .500, good enough for 12th in the West.

I'm already looking forward to 2006 NBA Draft!

 

[Saleen Man]

He's great. He's a very passionate player, but usually keeps his cool. I think I know where you got the idea..... He did almost get into couple of fights last season. That just tells me he's doing his job as the "enforcer".

As long as he doesn't follow in Rasheed's footsteps, he'll be ok.

I'm already looking forward to 2006 NBA Draft!

I'm so glad you didn't respond with something ending with a : sly :. Ha.

Only problem with that is 12th in the West is the same as 3rd or 4th in the East, so you'll still only get a middle-round pick.

 

[a6m5]

As long as he doesn't follow in Rasheed's footsteps, he'll be ok.

I'm not worried about him. Rasheed was "mental". I'm just so glad we got rid of him and Bonzi. 👎

Only problem with that is 12th in the West is the same as 3rd or 4th in the East, so you'll still only get a middle-round pick.

That's true. I'm hoping for 30+ win season this year, but there are many fans here who's predicting 20-25 wins. Only time will tell(I'm right though ).

 

[Saleen Man]

I'm not worried about him. Rasheed was "mental". I'm just so glad we got rid of him and Bonzi. 👎

Although now Wallace is showing that he can have an impact without being a complete &$%#$%@. Probably makes you hate him more eh?

That's true. I'm hoping for 30+ win season this year, but there are many fans here who's predicting 20-25 wins. Only time will tell(I'm right though ).

20-25 would be awful. Actually it's not that bad, I've been following the Raptors for a long time, and after a while 25 wins has become a successful season.

 

[a6m5]

Although now Wallace is showing that he can have an impact without being a complete &$%#$%@. Probably makes you hate him more eh?

One of the reasons why I won't be a Pistons fan, but I don't really care about him. I'm just glad he is gone.

20-25 would be awful. Actually it's not that bad, I've been following the Raptors for a long time, and after a while 25 wins has become a successful season.

What is wrong with the Raptors? They always seemed to be in the losing end of bad trades. I was going to say I'd have fired the GM long time ago, but they did fire the GM, didn't they?

 

[Saleen Man]

What is wrong with the Raptors? They always seemed to be in the losing end of bad trades. I was going to say I'd have fired the GM long time ago, but they did fire the GM, didn't they?

If Glen Grunwald is who you're thinking of, then yeah he was fired last year sometime. Rob(?) Babcock is the new GM. They've definitely made some horrible moves over the years. Obviously trading for VC on draft day was great, but how about Aleksandar Radojevic as the 12th overall pick in the '99 draft? And when it came time to let Vince Carter go, what do they get for him? Crap. Crap and a whiny veteran who doesn't want to play in Toronto. Babcock said "well oh Carter's trade value has dropped over the years". Right, I never believed that. Just look at him now.