NBA 2010 Off Season Thread

[McLegend]

Sting is going to be Kevin Durant.

Ric Flair is probably more like KG. You know since they are both old, and have bad knees. Then Rondo, Pierce, and Allen are the rest of the 4 horsemen.

[Crimson]

lol @ nwo video

[Heros Welcome]

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[McLegend]

Not as good as the other one. Still pretty good

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[alvarado52]

In other news, the two Laker rookies looked strong in their summer league debut. Of course its just summer league, but im sick of hearing about the Heat.

Ebanks, the 6-9, 210-pound Trevor Ariza body double at small forward (he even wore Ariza's No. 3), led the Lakers with 21 points to go with two assists and two steals.

Caracter, 6-9 and now 270 pounds -- after losing more than 30 pounds since college -- added 20 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks in the Lakers' 89-84 loss to the Pistons.

[alvarado52]

i also didnt realize Gerald Green was on the Lakers summer league roster.

[IC Champion]

I didn't realize Gerald Green was still in North America.

[IC Champion]

Bosh and James both signed 6year/110 million dollar contracts, so they didnt even really take that much less money. The Heat really wont have any money left. Looks like everyone else will be making the league minimum.

[IC Champion]

Just saw a miami press conference, ridiculous. They don't even have a full team and there talking championships. I hope Orlando or Chicago crushed them. even Boston.

[IC Champion]

Another interesting story. Has some good points, and a good take on things.

The Decision" was simultaneously the most painful and most hilarious television show I've seen in a long time. Its entertainment value rested almost entirely in its scope -- the same way a person goes to the Niagara Falls or to the Grand Canyon for that take-your-breath-away moment when the heretofore unimaginable vastness of the vista is first perceived, I watched "The Decision" in breathless awe of the sheer scale of the narcissism involved.

By any measure it was a landmark moment in the history of human self-involvement, eclipsing previous peaks in the narcissism Himalayas (Nero's impromptu fiddle concert as Rome burned, the career of the prophet Mohammed, Kim Jong Il publishing "The Popularity of Kim Jong Il") mainly because it was a collective effort. You can understand the citizens of Tsaritsyn cheering the decision to rename their city; if they didn't like "Stalingrad," they were getting lined up and shot.

But what was our excuse? The weird thing about this Lebron story is that seven or eight years ago, he seemed like a nice kid. All he did was step into a media machinery deisgned to create, reward, nurture, and worship self-obsessed assholes. He was raw clay when he went in, and now he's everything we ever wanted him to be -- a lost, attention-craving narcissistic monster who simultaneously despises and needs the slithering insect-mortals who by the millions are bent over licking his toes (represented in The Decision by the ball-less, drooling sycophant Jim Gray).

I'm sure there's a larger point to make in all of this about how the insane pathology behind the LeBron spectacle (read: a co-dependent need to worship insatiable media-attention hogs gone far off the rails of self-awareness) is what ultimately is going to destroy this country and leave us goverened for all time by dingbat megalomaniacs like Sarah Palin. But for now I think it's important to just enjoy "The Decision" on a pure humor value basis, since we're unlikely to see anything that funny for a good long while. To me the top five moments:

1. So here's LeBron James, sitting in a gymnasium full of children from the Boys and Girls Club, the charity that was to receive the proceeds from the event. Let's note the first thing: LeBron had a full hour to say anything he wanted, and might perhaps have used that time to talk about the Boys and Girls club, which was conceived for the express purpose of helping kids who don't have enough parental guidance -- kids like LeBron, for instance (whose biological father was an ex-con who was never there). LeBron instead chooses to have a show entirely about himself filled with navel-gazing commentators raving over his highlights, followed by Gray and his idiotic questions about whether or not LeBron bites his nails. Then, when Gray finally gets to a question about whether it might be hard to share the spotlight with Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh, LeBron answers, "It's not about sharing. You know, it's about everybody having they own spotlight." That's his message to the Boys and Girls of America: It's not about sharing! I exploded in laughter when he said this. Even funnier, nobody commented on it. I mean, what's the problem? The kids got the proceeds, didn't they?

2. The day after the show, I woke up and checked the internet to see if "It's about everybody having they own spotlight" had already made Bartlett's quotations or something -- it seemed primed to be turned into a famous line that encapsulates the mood of a country for a whole decade, sort of like "Tune in, turn on, drop out" or "Greed is good." But when I Googled it, I found less than a full page of hits. Why? Because ESPN not only spent the whole evening shamelessly deep-throating LeBron, they fixed his grammar post-factum. In the official transcript, LeBron sounds not like stammering, uneducated buffoon he sounded like on live TV, but just like any other ordinary, more or less literate mass-media dickhead. Some of his malaprop gems will survive ("I want to win into the future"), but otherwise... apparently, fame is now its own spell-checker. Obviously this isn't all LeBron's fault -- the guy didn't go to college, after all, and he's not being paid to be a public speaker -- but this is part of the story, the fact that sports stars don't need to go to school really at all anymore and can get to the pros by going to sham high schools that exist solely to crank out basketball players. But even that part of the story gets whitewashed.

3. Gray isn't visible during most of the interview -- thank God -- but about five minutes into their talk LeBron glances down slightly, and suddenly I was conscious of feeling Gray's off-camera eyes locked on LeBron's crotch during LeBron's answers. I burst out laughing. Overall, the whole scene was an uncanny replay of the Hot Tub Time Machine sequence in which the balding white Rob Corddry is forced to suck off black comedian Craig Robinson after losing a football bet. This has to have been the absolute low point in the whole history of the "interview," right? Charlie Gibson's 2008 Bush interview is a candidate, I guess, but this has to be the worst ever -- especially when you throw in the fact that Gray was a) paid by LeBron to do the interview, and b) chosen because he has a "special sales relationship" with one of the sponsors, the University of Phoenix.

4. When Gray asks LeBron, "Was it always your plan to play with Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh?" watch as he hedges for a second in between the words 'Well," and "I mean," before answering, "Well, I mean, I'm looking forward to it. To say it was always in my plans, I can't say it was always in my plans because I never thought it was possible." In that one little hedging moment he starts, ever so slightly, to smile. And everybody knew what that smile meant: it meant, "What the fuck do you think? Of course, we've been planning this for years." So he smiles, giving the deal away completely, then instantly switches gears and just turbo-lies right into the camera. I thought: this is just like politics! A terrible, totally unskilled liar, telling a completely transparent lie, who then improbably gets let off the hook by the sycophantic moron interviewing him. What is it about this story we love so much?

5. The camerawork was spectacular. The slow zoom-in leading to the EXTREME LEBRON CLOSE-UP during the key question -- You've had everybody else biting their nails. So I guess it's time for them to stop chewing. The answer to the question everybody wants to know: LeBron, what's your decision? -- if you'd asked a great comic film director to spoof reality-show direction, that's what it would look like. But here's the question: was this a spoof of reality-show TV, was it reality-show TV, or was this a society that can no longer tell the difference? Several times during the ESPN broadcast I got the sense that the network itself had lost track of where "reality" was. Were we really supposed to believe that this thing wasn't decided ages ago, that Wade was seriously considering going to Chicago at one point, that the Knicks were ever in it, that LeBron was trying to convince Bosh to come to Cleveland? Of course not, it was all bullshit, designed to snare viewers, the grownups among us all know that. But the ESPN anchors looked like they were hanging desperately on every tweet, almost like they really believed this stuff. Poor Stuart Scott, he's been podded completely, if you chopped that dude's head off, nothing but little plastic balls containing digitized "Boo-yah" chips would fall out of his skull. It's the prototype for all future news coverage-- one or two dominant news networks pushing sensational fairy-tale versions of reality in a race for ad revenue, competing with a few scattered hacks on the internet covering the much less important parallel "real story," i.e. the truth. In order for the networks to push their version most effectively, they have to genuinely believe that what they're spinning is real. Which is why you see them starting to mistake fake drama for real drama from time to time -- they're beginning to drown in their own bullshit.

Watch and see if that doesn't become the template for presidential campaign coverage in 2012. See if those reality-show zoom-ins don't start to creep into interviews with candidates. This is the beginning of our big Lost in Space journey together, where news and reality-show programming fuse completely and we all end up complete morons, voting strippers and X-games athletes into the White House. I'm psyched. Are you?

http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/matt-taibbi/blogs/TaibbiData_May2010/179533/83512

[IC Champion]

LOL @ Espn spell checking the transcript so LeBron doesnt sound like someone who just went to highschool to play basketball.

[alvarado52]

Just saw a miami press conference, ridiculous. They don't even have a full team and there talking championships. I hope Orlando or Chicago crushed them. even Boston.

Yeah, the Heat are officially the most hated franchise in the NBA. Dude's are full of themselves. I know they have talent, and many NBAers have ego's...but the way these guys are talking about winning 7 titles and shit just rubs me the wrong way.

I didnt even have any sort of negative stance on the team, but after yesterdays spectacle/interview, i officially would love to see them fail miserably for years.

[Crimson]

I love this. Seriously as much as these guys are hated now it is f'n great for the NBA.

[McLegend]

http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=5369580

O shit.

Btw Chris Quinn has expressed interest to play with The Heat. So in the case I to am expressing interest to play with The Heat. I think it's only fair if Chris Quinn is allowed expresses interest then I should be allowed to.

[IC Champion]

Chris "Coudn't get minutes on the Nets" Quinn.

[owenbrown]

lol Dan LeBatard

[OssMan]

LeBron James is heading South... but his mom... is heading West.

[Evil Vito]

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<font color=goldenrod>LOL that is ridiculous</font>

[Nark Order]

http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/3601/heatumad.jpg

[Krimzon7]

Lebetard is fucking awesome! He's good on Mike and Mike, but this is him raw, and uncut! Godddamn let me tune in more! Discounted! Purple Drank! Holla!

[Skippord]

http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_15481738

pretty good pro LeBron article I read today

[Juan]

Orlando Magic restricted free-agent guard J.J. Redick is close to signing a three-year offer sheet worth about $19 million with the Chicago Bulls, a league executive told Yahoo! Sports.

[McLegend]

Wait doesn't Orlando have like 8 days to match that?

Also I really like what Chicago is doing. I think both Korver and Reddick are great shooters obviously, but they are underrated defenders.

[RP]

that Lebatard stuff was so fucking amazing.

[Triple Naitch]

Korver and Reddick are practically the same player. What's the point of signing both?

[McLegend]

I guess this way you always have a great shooter on the court.

[DaveWadding]

and a Token White Guy

[McLegend]

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2010/07/inside_the_decision_miamis_cou.html

First behind the scenes look we have gotten so far. There will probably be other new stuff coming out about this for months maybe even years to come.

I find the point of this article is how Pat Reily is the truly one the master manipulator in the World.

[McLegend]

and a Token White Guy

That's probably the biggest reason.

[Juan]

Nets and Jordan Farmar soon will agree to 3yr/$12m deal

[Emperor Smeat]

NBA investigating tampering charges involving the Heat but Raptors and Cavs both declined saying they were responsible for the claim.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5371956

[McLegend]

Suns get Hedo Turkoglu and Josh Childress.

Barbosa goes to the Raptors.

[DaveWadding]

love it.

it's like Amar'e/Frye but with Turk and Fropez.

[IC Champion]

lol, Turk sucks. Enjoy.

[IC Champion]

Cuban: NBA should examine how Heat got Big 3
(AP) – 14 hours ago

LAS VEGAS — Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban says the NBA should examine how free agents LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade all ended up with the Miami Heat.

Cuban tells a group of reporters at the NBA's summer league in Las Vegas that he intends to ask the league's Board of Governors to inquire about the situation.

According to a story posted on the Cleveland Plain Dealer's website Sunday, Cuban says the league needs to develop more definitive rules governing the issue of player tampering.

NBA owners are scheduled to meet Monday in Las Vegas.

[Innovator]

http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/11/2010/07/340x_picture_3.jpg

[Innovator]

This is all we have right now:

In an article that should probably have been in the gossip section, Chris Paul reportedly toasted at Carmelo Anthony's wedding (http://tweetphoto.com/32027689) to a "Big 3" of them and Amar'e Stoudemire in New York. It's ludicrous, but let Knicks fans have this. [NY Post (http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/knicks/me_amar_and_melo_BU8MzS41wIdwRYLU1D7NTJ)]

Attendee Spike Lee (http://www.nypost.com/t/Spike_Lee)nearly passed out at the suggestion.

[Dragon]

Nice, another pipe dream that us Knick fans can dream about for two years and then get our hopes crushed.

Just looking forward to the season to start now. I think the Knicks have gotten some solid pieces this offseason. Definitely gotten a lot younger and have some guys with solid upside. Obviously they have Amare but been reading up on Anthony Randolph and he has some great potential. Whether he figures it out or not is yet to be seen. Also apparently signed some Russian center who's been the #1 or #2 international FA the last two years. Felton's an upgrade over Duhon as well.

I dunno, not any immense upgrades across the roster but there is definitely some, and hopefully with improvement from some of their young guys from last year (Gallinari, Chandler, Douglas), it will give the Knicks a chance to get one of the bottom seeds in the East. I know the Knicks aren't winning it all or going very far if they make the playoffs this year, but they've made improvements and put themselves in a better position to deal some of these younger guys for an impact player or sign someone like Carmelo IF he's a free agent next year.

[Dragon]

Or maybe I'm just trying to spin this offseason that was supposed to bring LeBron here in a good light. Either way I still think they can actually make the playoffs this year. And I guess thats a step in the right direction.

[Innovator]

They might be able to sneak in at 8, considering .500 might get you spot 6 in the East.

[McLegend]

The Sixers will be better then they were last year so they will be fun to watch. I'm going to enjoy watching Jrue Holiday and Evan Turner for years to come

I can't wait for the Season to start. It's July 12, and I find myself checking NBA updates all day. There should be so many good teams this year. Almost every team has gotten better. The Bulls might be an elite team, and might be the anyhwere from being 1st-3rd best team in the NBA.

I can't wait for Halloween 2010.

[DaveWadding]

lol, Turk sucks. Enjoy.

He helped get the Magic the the Finals 2 years ago and then signed a big contract in Toronto and sucked. Sounds like the Raptors' fault to me. Enjoy Bryan Colangelo's 2 favorite players Barbosa and Diaw.

[McLegend]

Hasleem stays in Miami

Derek Fisher stays in LA.

[IC Champion]

He helped get the Magic the the Finals 2 years ago and then signed a big contract in Toronto and sucked. Sounds like the Raptors' fault to me. Enjoy Bryan Colangelo's 2 favorite players Barbosa and Diaw.

How is it the Raptors fault he came into camp fat and out of shape? How is it their fault he fiegned illness, and then was seen out partying that night? It's the raptors fault he couldn't make an open shot? And that he got benched and than cried about wanting to be traded in the off season in Turkey? He helped the magic because he had Dwight Howard, and no real point guard, so he always had the ball, it wasn't really so much him.

Hedo is unproductive and over paid at about 10 million a year, Barbosa has one year left at about 7 million. Good deal for us I'd say.

[IC Champion]

Apparently Gilbert thought Lebron was his slave. Ridiculous.

[IC Champion]

According to Jesse Jackson.

[Emperor Smeat]

Hasleem stays in Miami

Derek Fisher stays in LA.

Not surprised about Fisher staying since he definatly used the Heat as a way to get the Lakers to pay the money he wanted even if it meant an extra year. I would also assume his daughter's medical condition probably also played a part since it was the reason he moved from the Jazz to Lakers (better hospitals to take care of her needs).

[alvarado52]

Pretty stoked about Ebanks game so far, i'll admit, i didnt know much about him prior (i knew more about Caracter) but he's looked solid. I know its just summer league play, but still...its good to see prospects shine.

[OssMan]

LeBron James is heading South... but his mom... is heading West.

http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/11/2010/07/340x_picture_3.jpg

[Nark Order]

Lebron James is so immature and handled this whole situation horribly... AND DELONTE WEST HAD SEX WITH HIS MOM HEHEHEHEHEHEHE!

[IC Champion]

I think thats a pretty unfair generalization.

[IC Champion]

Espcially for assman. :shifty:

[Juan]

David Stern on NBA TV: " 'The Decision' was ill-conceived and poorly executed."

[DaveWadding]

So where was he, you know, before it aired?

[DaveBrawl]

Counting his money.

[Juan]

Matt Barnes wants to be a Laker. He turned down $2.6 mil/yr MLE from the Magic.

Honestly don't think the Lakers can even match that offer tho

[alvarado52]

I hate Matt Barnes. Dude is a douche...he belongs on the Celtics.

[Juan]

Just filed to ESPN.com: Sources say UTA has quickly moved into lead in race to acquire Al Jefferson from MIN and working now to seal deal

[Juan]

Charlotte has traded Tyson Chandler and Alex Ajinca to Dallas for Dampier, Matt Carroll and Najera, a league source tells Y! Sports.

[Juan]

wow, I guess Kobe really wants Raja Bell to be a Laker next season

The seemingly hard-to-picture prospect of Kobe Bryant and old nemesis Raja Bell playing for the same team remains alive.

The longtime rivals will sit down for a face-to-face chat Wednesday in Los Angeles to further discuss the feasibility of the Lakers signing Bell in free agency, sources close to the situation said.

Bell is traveling to Los Angeles this week to watch the ESPYs and has arranged to meet with Bryant to hear the Lakers' face of the franchise make yet another recruiting pitch to the 33-year-old swingman.

Bell acknowledged last week in a phone interview with ESPNLosAngeles.com's Dave McMenamin that he has already fielded several phone calls from Bryant, who was unforgettably clotheslined to the floor by Bell in Game 5 of a testy Suns-Lakers series in 2006 that L.A. ultimately lost in seven games.

[alvarado52]

Well, looks like Al is headed to Utah officially, and 'Big Z' is continuing his legacy of LeBron ass sniffing and following him to Miami.

[Krimzon7]

David Stern on NBA TV: " 'The Decision' was ill-conceived and poorly executed. "

What the fuck? So, people talking about the NBA during Baseball Season, The World Fucking Cup, and the NBA Off Season isn't good for the sport?

Say what you will about the Lebron situation, just realize that you're saying it! David Stern should have a Coke, a smile and shut the fuck up.

End Mini Rant.

[Juan]

ESPN.com sources: Nuggets win race to Al Harrington and have agreed to terms w/Harrington on five-year deal worth $34 million.

Great pick-up by Denver.

[Skippord]

is Dan Gilbert going to freak out like a bitch over big Z leaving?

[Loose Cannon]

Heat picked up Juwan Howard. wooo

[RP]

Melo PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!

[McLegend]

Billy King hired as Nets executive

Yeah I don't really get it.

[Innovator]

Russian Cuban was pleased with his jetskiing.

[Innovator]

And please, they're the Nyets now.

[Juan]

http://www.nba.com/lakers/photos/100714steveblake.jpg

[alvarado52]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5381152

Sources with knowledge of the deal told ESPN.com that Bell and the Jazz have agreed to terms on a three-year deal worth nearly $10 million, prompting Bell to cancel his sitdown in Los Angeles with Bryant that had been scheduled for Wednesday night.

seriously? Utah?

[Juan]

Dammit

[Krimzon7]

ha ha! fan those Flames of hatred in La Raja!

[RP]

lol Raja Bell : " Fuck a Kobe Bryant "

[Schlomey]

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[The Pope]

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[Schlomey]

hahahahhaah i love those guys

[Krimzon7]

Paul Rudd made me LOL with his subtle facial expressions! I'd love to see Bron's face during that.

[Triple Naitch]

Not really concerned about the Lakers not getting Raja Bell. I'd rather see them use that money towards re-signing Shannon Brown.

[Hanso Amore]

I actually like the Knicks offseason so far.

I like trade of David Lee. Azibuke is a solid player, and Randolph could blossom into an all star at some point. They are still a bit weak, but they are gettign players I like. Felton was a solid signing too. They are still a bit thin at wing.

[alvarado52]

Yeah, the Knicks really salvaged the off-season. They made very solid moves/decisions

[Hanso Amore]

They didnt complete fuck up. I knew this shit would happen with all the teams making so much room for so few players, now teams like the nets have nothing to show for all of this.

[alvarado52]

though i do feel a David Lee/Amare combo would have been more solid, but they did get decent players in return for Lee.

Also:

http://i29.tinypic.com/dlot37.jpg

[SammyG]

The Decision: Wadding is fat

[IC Champion]

The Decision: Wadding is fat

I bet you spent the better part of a week thinking of that one. Good show.

[SammyG]

NAHHHHHHHHHH. Fuck you IC btw.

Steve BLAAAKKE SHOWWWW

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Heat picked up Juwan Howard. wooo

Wait WHAT

Isn't he like 45? I had no idea he was still playing.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

And he played in 73 games last year. God damn son.

[RP]

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[Gertner]

Raja Bell knows a winner when he sees one.

[Loose Cannon]

lol

[Emperor Smeat]

J.J. Reddick resigns with Magic for 3 years, $19 million.

Nate Robinson signs 2 year deal at $8 million to stay with Celtics.

Penny Hardaway wants to come back and play in the NBA.

Knicks tried to use Isiah Thomas to lure Lebron to the team. It ended up failing badly.

[McLegend]

Also I saw that Donnie Walsh might be stepping down as GM soon(like 1-2 years), and a canidate for his replacement would be ....

Isiah Thomas

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Gotta wonder what the Florida International University Golden Panthers fans think about that rumor.

[IC Champion]

Who?

[alvarado52]

nobody should let Isiah Thomas near a basketball or anything basketball related.

[Hanso Amore]

I would let him [lay point on an over 40 team.

[Loose Cannon]

Penny Hardaway wants to take his talents to South Beach

[McLegend]

I am slowly starting to come to the realization that the Heat are just going to own the NBA for the next 10 years.

:(

[IC Champion]

Pffft, Wade is like 28, and has about 4 good years left on those knees, and Bosh is a human cone on defense, and as fragile as glass. I honesly don't see Juwan Howard or Mike Miller adding a whole lot to the team. They are gonna be weak down the middle, and teams like Orlando and LA will feast on them down low.

[Nark Order]

lol. k.

[IC Champion]

I think they will win a title, I just dont think they will dominate the next 10 years

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Pffft, Wade is like 28, and has about 4 good years left on those knees, and Bosh is a human cone on defense, and as fragile as glass. I honesly don't see Juwan Howard or Mike Miller adding a whole lot to the team. They are gonna be weak down the middle, and teams like Orlando and LA will feast on them down low.
Celts got one good year left assuming Perk gets healthy for the 2nd half of the year.

I don't think the Heat are just gonna run through everyone. I think they will be the #1 seed but it's not gonna be like that year the Lakers only lost 1 game in the playoffs when Shaq was just straight beasting people.

[McLegend]

It's over.

[Innovator]

The East is already over.

[IC Champion]

We haven't even seen the heat play one game yet, how is it over?

[alvarado52]

The East is already over.

pretty sure ive heard this for the past 4 years when everyone and their mother predicted LeBron and the Cavs to win the championships

also, this is kinda a bummer

http://www.nba.com/dleague/dfenders_splash.html

[Nark Order]

pretty sure ive heard this for the past 4 years when everyone and their mother predicted LeBron and the Cavs to win the championships

You don't see how this is a different scenario in any way here?

[alvarado52]

No i dont...its still a bunch of band wagon James jock riders claiming he/his team will come out from the east.

Same scenario to me.

[Emperor Smeat]

pretty sure ive heard this for the past 4 years when everyone and their mother predicted LeBron and the Cavs to win the championships

also, this is kinda a bummer

http://www.nba.com/dleague/dfenders_splash.html

Where will the Lakers put their D-League players since they owned their D-League team by themselves?

The rest of the NBA teams paired up in groups of 2-3 per D-League team to save on yearly costs.

[Nark Order]

No i dont...its still a bunch of band wagon James jock riders claiming he/his team will come out from the east.

Same scenario to me.

lol. k

[alvarado52]

Narc, im not gonna sit here and pull the 'your ass doesnt even watch NBA games' card (even though i could).

What i am gonna say is that chemistry means alot more than any 'big three'. Teams like Boston, San Antonio, LA, etc all have chemistry, they play together well.

You havent even seen these dudes on the same floor at the same time (except maybe all-star games), so how can you sit here and think they will all of a sudden step on the court and start throwing behind the back passes for alley-oops like they are all mind-linked?

Chemistry will mean more than anything else, and honestly, beyond the three damn players everyone is nutting over, they barely have a starting five.

I guarantee they will have MAJOR issues against teams like Orlando, Boston, LA...anyone that have a strong front court will push these boys around.

[Nark Order]

It's just ridiculous when you call the situations the same when they're clearly worlds apart. You're complaining about stupid fanboys when you're quite blatantly acting like one yourself. I'm not saying the heat are going to slice their way through the division like a hot knife through butter, you're just trying to make it out like I'm saying that so you can "insult my ignorance." It seems like you're trying to downplay the signifigance of this monster all star team here because it just annoys you. If that's the case, then just say so.

Saying that this is the same as Cavs fan saying Lebron is going to win every year is absolutely fucking ridiculous and you know it. This is probably one of the biggest signings in NBA history and it's turning the NBA upside down right now. And of course I haven't seen them play a game together yet, and neither have you. Keep hoping that they're "not going to mesh" or that they're going to "fall apart" or something, but I think we both know the chances of that happening aren't very good. I think it just annoys the hell out of you how good they're most likely going to be.

You COULD be right and this could be one of the biggest busts ever... But you probably aren't. I just feel like you're speaking as a Lakers fan more than you're speaking as a basketball fan.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Biggest thing with the Heat is going to be defense. Who is going to play any post defense? Bosh wants no part of that

[Nark Order]

LeBron is probably going to be the guy to step into more of a roleplay role here, but he sure as fuck won't be able to do it all. I imagine he'll get solid numbers offensively and defensively but yeah, they're going to need some more D for sure.

[Juan]

LeBron doesn't really play in the post though. Out of the big three, it looks like LEBron is gonna sacrifice his game the least, so I dunno if him moving into the post will work that great for him.

[Nark Order]

As for D in the post, your guess is as good as mine. The team isn't complete yet but I don't know who else they could even afford at this point.

[IC Champion]

Biggest thing with the Heat is going to be defense. Who is going to play any post defense? Bosh wants no part of that

As someone who as watched bosh for 7 years, i can verify that statement. He is a terrible defender, I've seen right gaurds with better lateral quicks.

[IC Champion]

As for D in the post, your guess is as good as mine. The team isn't complete yet but I don't know who else they could even afford at this point.

Whats Ben Wallace up to these days?

[Supreme Olajuwon]

http://www.lakersuniverse.com/pictures/2003_2004_fab_four.jpeg


Championsssssssssss

[Supreme Olajuwon]

LOL @ Malone's shorts. They're up to his elbows.

[alvarado52]

http://www.lakersuniverse.com/pictures/2003_2004_fab_four.jpeg


Championsssssssssss

Good example. Great talent, no chemistry, almost got ousted by the Spurs, and eventually lost to the Pistons (who had GREAT defense and chemistry)

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Come on, those shorts. They're almost touching the numbers.

[alvarado52]

Malone is a black hick, what do you expect?

[Skippord]

I'm just wondering if Chris Bosh can play defense

[Juan]

Cpt. High Pants

[alvarado52]

He cant. He's shit at defense. LeBron cant play post defense either. Dude gets alot of his blocks off running starts, which isnt all that easy to do when someone is posting you up.

[Nark Order]

Good example. Great talent, no chemistry, almost got ousted by the Spurs, and eventually lost to the Pistons (who had GREAT defense and chemistry)

True. That was a very short lived team though. WadLeBosh will be around for a good long while it seems. If they can come out as a force this year, just imagine how they'll look in a couple years. On the same coin, if they're dysfunctional this year, they'll have some time to work the kinks out.

[alvarado52]

as time passes they will learn to play on the same court, certainly. The question is how much, how soon, and if they are all willing to. I know they signed on the dotted line at the same time, but attitudes can change once the season begins.

[Hanso Amore]

Lebron and Wade are not that good when the offense isnt running through them. THat is going to be the big story here. What makes these guys great is going to be hindered by having others around.

I think it will work out to success, but if things fall apart I will not be surprised.

[McLegend]

I just want to let everyone know that I hate Rick Fox with a passion.

Goodnight

[Juan]

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc241/nanemar/NylonTvIssue1.jpg

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Lebron and Wade are not that good when the offense isnt running through them. THat is going to be the big story here. What makes these guys great is going to be hindered by having others around.

I think it will work out to success, but if things fall apart I will not be surprised.
I disagree. I think LeBron & Wade are going to have no problems offensively. LeBron's PPG is going to go down but I think his assists are going to be way up. I honestly see LeBron handling the ball more as a PG with Wade playing off the ball, despite the size difference. I really think LeBron wants to try to average a triple double, he talks about Oscar Robertson all the time, and you only need 10ppg to do that.

[IC Champion]

LeBron should stop worrying about what other players did, and worry about winning. talking about averaging a triple-double is retarded, how about go and win something first.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Pretty sure he's won in the regular season before. Are you implying that LeBron trying to average a triple double could cost them a playoff spot?

[alvarado52]

Los Angeles Lakers are shoring up the potential loss of forward Josh Powell to the Atlanta Hawks by agreeing to terms with veteran big man Theo Ratliff on a one-year deal for the veterans' minimum of $1.35 million, according to a league source.

McGrady wrote on his Twitter account Wednesday, "clippers, bulls, lakers, heat....but that could change by the morning...lol..this is the NBA".

http://www.nba.com/news/features/aldridge.2010.freeagency/?ls=iref:nbahpt1#Ratliff?ls=iref:nbahpt2

[IC Champion]

Pretty sure he's won in the regular season before. Are you implying that LeBron trying to average a triple double could cost them a playoff spot?

I'm sorry, I should have been more clear, I meant he should win a title, instead of talking about wanting to average triple-double for the season.

[Nark Order]

He put himself in the optimum position to win a title this year and you're throwing a fit about it. Can the man do anything right in your eyes?

[IC Champion]

lol, that wasn't my point. I just think man is getting ahead of himself when he's talking about about averaging a triple-double for a season when he hasn't even won a championship yet. I'm not throwing a fit about his decision or him wanting to win, I think what he did was classless with how he handled everything. But you dont get that. Maybe if you werne't on the man's dick you would see that. :p

[Nark Order]

No, you're just set on shitting all over the guy for everything he does because you don't like one decision that he made. It's ridiculous.

And I like how stats mean nothing in your eyes. Yes, he's done absolutely nothing. Since he joined the NBA he's just sat on the court every night with a thumb up his ass. Ok. Have it your way.

[IC Champion]

lol, now your just putting words in my mouth and making things up.

[Nark Order]

No, I'm asking. Why do statistics mean nothing to you? There's no pride to be taken in stats? Also, is there no pride to be taken in having the best regular season record? Don't tell me that championships are more important. Just answer my questions.

[Nark Order]

You don't think saying that "he's done nothing" is a little misleading and unfair? You don't like him and you hate that he's "overhyped" so you're trying to undersell his accomplishments. That's all there is to it.

[IC Champion]

lol, k.

[Juan]

Well it's official. Matt Barnes is a Laker. Signed a 2 year $3.6 mil contract.

[alvarado52]

still a douche bag in my eyes. Hate that fucker.

[alvarado52]

But getting Blake, Ratliff, and Barnes definitely upgrades our bench and defense at the same time.

[SammyG]

HAD TO RETURN for this Barnes shit. He is a thug. Lakers now have Artest and Barnes.. How much more hood does it get, for LA? Jesus. Barnes is a major upgrade as a backup at the 3 position, that's for sure. If Mitch can get Shannon re-signed, he gets major props for this offseason. Prolly deserves it even if he doesn't get Shan-Wow back

[alvarado52]

Yeah, he did what he could outta nothing, and considering Miami pretty much became the magnet for role players, i'd say we got what we needed outta free agency.

Truthfully, even if they dont re-sign S.Beezy, i'd like to see Sasha Fierce gets some more PT, if only just for his pesky D.

[Skippord]

the Nuggets will still outstab the Lakers

[Juan]

Anyone here have NBA TV? Fucking love that Real NBA show.

[Skippord]

why isn't anyone all up in arms about Chris Paul like they are about LeBron?

[Loose Cannon]

cause Chris Paul is cool

[Loose Cannon]

CP3 at MSG

[IC Champion]

why isn't anyone all up in arms about Chris Paul like they are about LeBron?

lol, you honestly don't see any difference?

[Skippord]

actually I'd say demanding a trade and implementing a strategy to get out of the place you're still under contract to is worse than holding a special to announce you're leaving

[IC Champion]

Atleast you recognize there is a difference.

[Emperor Smeat]

actually I'd say demanding a trade and implementing a strategy to get out of the place you're still under contract to is worse than holding a special to announce you're leaving

It seems more like what most "star" or near "star" players would do when they want out in all the major sports (ex. Kobe a few years ago demanding a trade while looking at Bulls, Cliff Lee in MLB wanting out of Seattle while creating his list).

Although to be fair, CP3 situation is a bit different since now the popular thing is to buddy up with others for new teams but he's doing nothing different than players attempt every year with trades.

[Skippord]

it might bother me more because it'll make Carmelo Anthony staying less likely probably

[Emperor Smeat]

Looks like NY Knicks going to be out on another star player bidding war.

Chris Paul changes his mind and wants to go to Orlando instead of New York if the Hornets trade him. Originally looked like he would go to New York to team up with Stoudamaire and maybe Mello and/or Parker in the future.

[McLegend]

Stephen Jackson's wife was robbed at gunpoint in their house. Captain Jack was not at home.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5403547

[IC Champion]

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- The sister of Lorenzen Wright says the former NBA player has been missing for nearly a week.

Savia Archie tells WREG.com in Memphis that Wright was last seen Sunday when he was expected to fly out of the city. The family has filed a missing persons report with police, who tell the website they don't suspect foul play.

Wright played in college at Memphis and later for the Grizzlies as a pro. He last played in the league for the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2008-09 season.

[Droford]

I just found out his middle name is Vern-Gagne.

Wonder if his parents were old school wrestling fans.

[McLegend]

Who is ready for some Blue/White USA basketball game?

[SammyG]

That game sucked

[Nark Order]

Why does Kobe want to work with everybody he gets into fights with?

[SammyG]

Anyone crazy enough to mess with him is crazy enough to play with him

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Come on Knicks, please get Paul</font> :(

[alvarado52]

Ron Artest keeps active over the off season to stay in playing form.

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[Krimzon7]

Fuck The Lakers as a Staff, Record Label and as a Motherfucking Crew!

[alvarado52]

Fuck The Lakers as a Staff, Record Label and as a Motherfucking Crew!

dont make me sick our resident dog, SammyG, on your ass.

[SammyG]

Krimzon, if you wanna be down with the Heat, then fuck you too, Krimzon XL, fuck you too! All y'all mothafuckaz fuck you die slow mothafuckaz number 24 make sure all y'all championships don't grow

[McLegend]

Good thing Ron Artest doesn't have to make living playing Dodgeball. Otherwise he would be in trouble.

[SammyG]

Moment of silence for the champions, for those who made goin' hard a lifestyle

[RP]

Lance Stephenson will be rookie of the year next year.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

cause Chris Paul is cool
Yeah he's so cool he punched a dude square in the nuts while he was in college
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I do hope he goes to the Knicks though. Even though I hate New York it would make for a much more entertaining NBA.

[Triple Naitch]

Delonte West gets the boot in Cleveland two months too late.

[Emperor Smeat]

Delonte West gets the boot in Cleveland two months too late.

Minnesota gave up too much for him since they have no intent to keep him or even try to attempt to see how he would fit on the team.

Minnesota only takes a 1/2 million hit instead of West's $4.6 million if they wanted him for the season.

[IC Champion]

Moment of silence for the champions, for those who made goin' hard a lifestyle

Can you please go away again, no one was begging you to come back.

[IC Champion]

Bryan bashes Bosh:

http://www.torontosun.com/sports/basketball/2010/07/26/14836426.html

[Juan]

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y198/ThatJuanGuy1/tumblr_l68rtn0liU1qzcsd0o1_1280.jpg

[Emperor Smeat]

Former NBA player Lorenzen Wright, who had been missing for over 2 weeks, body was found in the woods in Memphis.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5418167

[SammyG]

Can you please go away again, no one was begging you to come back.
Can you please tell me what you do with your life

[Juan]

China greets Kobe

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[alvarado52]

lol, seriously?

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[RoXer]

umad

[RoXer]

haterrrrrrrrr

y u hatin on us

[SammyG]

lol Flo rida

[OssMan]

http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/nba/news/story?id=5423084

Stoudemire to explore his 'Hebrew roots'

"I'm going 2 Israel 2 study Hebrew. It's time 2 get a better understanding on who we R."

lol

[OssMan]

Yeah he's so cool he punched a dude square in the nuts while he was in college
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I do hope he goes to the Knicks though. Even though I hate New York it would make for a much more entertaining NBA.

This is the #1 reason I hate Chris Paul

[alvarado52]

lol, seriously?

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When they get ousted in the playoffs on the opponents home court, i hope they play this song.

[McLegend]

Wow I really hate The Heat.

[IC Champion]

Can you please tell me what you do with your life

lol, more than you probably. *cue sammygs life story on how he's better than us all*

[alvarado52]

nothing to do with the off-season, but i heart J.Smooth

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[alvarado52]

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[Juan]

<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Xc60OyahjEU&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Xc60OyahjEU&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>

lol

[SammyG]

Rockets Lakers opening night? Come on, NBA, you can do better. Win on Ring night, I guess. Should be nice seeing Yao back, as well. In addition... Heat-Lakers on X-mas, kinda predictable though.

[alvarado52]

The Boston Celtics signed Shaquille O’Neal(notes) on Wednesday, adding the 15-time All-Star center to a team needing his size with center Kendrick Perkins(notes) recovering from knee surgery that could sideline him until February.

The deal with the free agent center is for two years and about $3 million, a person with knowledge of the negotiations said on condition of anonymity because no details were released

2 yrs, 3 million? Dirt cheap

[SammyG]

Wow, not bad at all. Gonna hate Shaq now.

[OssMan]

shawston

[Emperor Smeat]

Shaq ends up saving the Celtics about $4.8 million for taking up Rasheed's spot since Sheed was $5.8 million last year and would have been around $6.3 million if he decided to play this year.

[Jura]

So they have 2 O'Neals on the Celtics now?

[Jura]

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lol

Cleveland's mad.

[McLegend]

The Celtics are old.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Lance Stephenson will be rookie of the year next year.
BORN READY

I think Stephenson will be a good pro, but it might take him a couple seasons. I watched probably 75% of Cincy's games last year and there were times where he was just gross, and other times where he looked like he forgot what sport he was playing. He's got nasty talent though.

Fun fact: Lance Stephenson has a younger brother named Lantz.

[Innovator]

I just want to let everyone know that I hate Rick Fox with a passion.

Goodnight
He got beat by TO and Donovan MCunderthrown.

[Nark Order]

I'm hoping Demarcus Cousins can get the Rookie nod. Apparently he's currently out of shape though. Dunno.

[Emperor Smeat]

Knicks hire Isiah Thomas as a part-time team consultant but he's still going to stay as coach of Florida International college.

http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/nba/news/story?id=5442858

[McLegend]

That is really stupid.

[SammyG]

How the hell is Tyreke Evans rated a 71 on NBA 2K10. Just picked this up, retarded.

[Juan]

Isn't there an upgrade you can download that updates player and team stats?

[RoXer]

They have updates every day. Take it online.

[SammyG]

I just connect it to the Internet?

[alvarado52]

yeah, plug in your Ethernet cord into the hole in the middle of the game disc.

[RoXer]

The disc needs to spin first to get the contents of the data moving. Spining it on your finger takes a while though. If you use it like a frisbee for about 9-12 throws, it should be enough. Just don't drop or else you get red rings on your disc.

[Emperor Smeat]

ESPN releases 1st version of their upcoming projected season standings for the East.

Biggest improvement teams are the Heat (#1 seed, +14 wins difference) and Bulls (#4 seed, +9 wins difference) while biggest drops are the Cavs (13th seed, -31 wins difference) and Raptors (#15 seed, -13 wins difference).

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?page=SummerForecast10-EastStandings

[alvarado52]

oh, ESPN rated the Heat #1 aye? The same people who gave LeBron a one hour special? Shocking.

[Skippord]

Laker fans have no right to bitch about the attention LeBron gets

[McLegend]

Sixers home opener is against the Miami Hate.

I'm so excited. I wish the season started tomorrow.

[alvarado52]

Laker fans have no right to bitch about the attention LeBron gets

Youre absolutely right, LeBron earned his attention by winning Championship seri...oh wait.

[Emperor Smeat]

oh, ESPN rated the Heat #1 aye? The same people who gave LeBron a one hour special? Shocking.

To be fair ESPN only released the East standings so I'd assume if they do release a West standings, Lakers would be #1. A lot of experts are hyping the team as the best similar to when the Celtics got KG and Ray or when Cavs kept adding players.

If anything ESPN is just going to do what they usually do and hype up the NBA Finals they want more than covering the other teams who have a better or equal chance at making it. They've been wanting a Lebron vs Kobe finals ever since 2006/2007.

[Hanso Amore]

Update the Roster. THats wht he was when the game released, plus the ratins are different. Not many over 80

[Nark Order]

Youre absolutely right, LeBron earned his attention by winning Championship seri...oh wait.

My problem with you is that you pick and choose the accomplishments that you want to put over as legitimate. His team had the best season record this past season and he's won multiple MVPs. You act as if he's done nothing.

Of course he's earned attention. I feel like you think that ESPN should just sit around and talk about the Lakers 12 hours a day and dedicate a new channel to them or something.

[OssMan]

Youre absolutely right, LeBron earned his attention by winning Championship seri...oh wait.

yeah and so did A-Rod, nobody gives a shit

[SammyG]

ESPN LOVES Strasburg, A-Rod, LeBron and Brett Favre. That is it.

[DaveWadding]

Yup, ESPN definitely never aired a 2 hour movie about Kobe before or anything.

[SammyG]

It was a Spike Lee Joint. Not ESPN produced.

[McLegend]

lol ESPN aired it though. It actually was on ESPN. Like it got air time on the ESPN channel

[SammyG]

Yes, I get that. LeBron asked ESPN to do this, it was a complete ESPN production, for the "Boys and Girls Club of America". Bullshit. They didn't mention them once during that whole 1 hour debacle. I hate LeBron James.

[McLegend]

No one will deny that. Except for Narc.

So Lebron James tweeted today

Don't think for one min that I haven't been taking mental notes of everyone taking shots at me this summer. And I mean everyone!

Not going to lie this feels a little staged. His team realizes his competiveness has been questioned this summer so they tell him to do something like this to try and fix it.

[alvarado52]

My problem with you is that you pick and choose the accomplishments that you want to put over as legitimate. His team had the best season record this past season and he's won multiple MVPs. You act as if he's done nothing.

Of course he's earned attention. I feel like you think that ESPN should just sit around and talk about the Lakers 12 hours a day and dedicate a new channel to them or something.

1) Who the hell wins MVP two years in a row and BOLTS to play with OTHER players?

2) They did have the best record in the NBA, yet people (including you, i believe) always managed to find a way to complain about how the poor kid had 'no help'.

He won two MVPs...thats wonderful, so did Steve Nash and he's not getting 1 hour specials.

[SammyG]

Hey, Lebron, here.

YOU'RE A FUCKING MEDIA WHORE AND YOU ARE NOT THAT GREAT.

COME AT ME, BRO.

[RP]

lol @ not that great. You Laker fans are fucking retarded seriously.

[IC Champion]

Hey, Lebron, here.

YOU'RE A FUCKING MEDIA WHORE AND YOU ARE NOT THAT GREAT.

COME AT ME, BRO.

Your some cool man. Isn't there a gyro somewhere you should be eating?

[SammyG]

You're, learn how to spell.

LeBron is not great. Let him win a couple of championships first, then we'll talk.

lol @ ESPN talking about this 4 player trade that happened today like it's a big deal. Nothing important. Ariza to New Orleans. Ooo. Scary.

[IC Champion]

Spell checking from the man who says "COME AT ME, BRO".

"Too Cool for school" SammyG yall.

[RoXer]

I thought Colleson is a tremendous pickup for Indiana. Wonder what RP thinks.

[alvarado52]

lol @ not that great. You Laker fans are fucking retarded seriously.

Oh you Pacer fans...im sure youll sniff the 8th seed one day.

[alvarado52]

in all seriousness though, LeBron is physically gifted and clearly talented, i just think people kinda over exagerate his talents just a bit.

Play:
Real life: LeBron drives the hoop, the D collapses, he throws it out to (whatever teammate is standing at) the three point line. Assist.

LeBron jock riders: He dribbled between two defenders mid-court, bounce passed between a third defenders legs, where it landed perfectly in the hands of whatever teammate was slashing to the hoop. Assist.

[Droford]

So the Russian Dude that owns the Nets is gonna change their name.

Since they're gonna play in Brooklyn..

The Brooklyn Deckers

lol, they'd have the hottest mascot in the league

[RP]

HOLY FUCKING SHIT THE PACERS HAVE A LEGIT PG

IT IS ON MOTHERFUCKERS IT IS FUCKING ON!!!!!!!!!!!!


WHO WANTS SOME????

[RP]

Larry Bird just turned Troy Murphy's expiring corpse contract into Darren Collison and James Posey. Thats fucking gangster.

[RP]

we're going to the NBA FINALS

[RP]

WE'RE GOING TO THE NBA FINALS MOTHERFUCKERS!



AND TJ FORD'S SAD SACK OF SHIT BODY IS NOT COMING WITH US! BUY OUT MOTHERFUCKER. GTFO

[RP]

WE'RE FUCKING WINNING CHAMPIONSHIPS HERE BITCH! DANNY GRANGER IS GUNNA FUCK SAMMY G'S UGLY WHITE OLD HO!

[Emperor Smeat]

Looks like the mess in New York continues as Isiah Thomas rejects taking the job as Knicks consultant.

Earlier reports had Walsh pissed at the idea while Dolan wanted him back which ended up splitting management into 2 sides. NCAA was also set to investigate FIU had Thomas kept the Knicks job.

[McLegend]

According to the bottom line on ESPN

The 76ers have hired former Nets President to be the Sixers president.

Now I'm sure there is more to this since Ed Stefanski is suppose to be the President of basketball operations. In fact it's possible I misread it, but I swear I saw Rod thorn and 76ers in the same sentence.

[McLegend]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5457095

According to the link Ed Stefanski is still the GM, but Rod Thorn is President.


Yay! I guess... I don't know.

[SammyG]

lol RP, come on.

[Juan]

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs318.snc4/41263_144511305569810_120963417924599_296695_6542802_n.jpg