N B A Discussion thread

[Guynemer]

I still have 2005 Game Five Robert Horry nightmares.

[Lord Avalon]

FWIW, I heard from a friend at work who plays basketball with a guy whose brother went to Chauncey's charity golf event, where he witnessed a profanity-laced shouting match between Chauncey & Joe D. So maybe things had soured.

Also two words: expiring contracts. This summer Iverson's $20.8M and Sheed's $13.7M come off the books. That frees up $34.5M And looking ahead to 2010 free agents, you have Chris Bosh, Dwayne Wade, and LeBron (though he's likely to go to a bigger media market).

[Deity Dude]

Originally posted by Lord Avalon
FWIW, I heard from a friend at work who plays basketball with a guy whose brother went to Chauncey's charity golf event, where he witnessed a profanity-laced shouting match between Chauncey & Joe D. So maybe things had soured.

Also two words: expiring contracts. This summer Iverson's $20.8M and Sheed's $13.7M come off the books. That frees up $34.5M And looking ahead to 2010 free agents, you have Chris Bosh, Dwayne Wade, and LeBron (though he's likely to go to a bigger media market).

I too, like most people, reacted to the face value of the deal.

Part 2 of your post is what really makes sense. Joe D. is playing chess again and moving the pieces strategically. It still gives the Pistons an outside chance this year - but it protects the team in the long run. Lots of cap room and young players. He rebuilds without having a "rebuilding season".

[Guynemer]

Originally posted by Lord Avalon
FWIW, I heard from a friend at work who plays basketball with a guy whose brother went to Chauncey's charity golf event,

I am your father's brother's cousin's uncle's former roommate. [/Dark Helmet]


Hard to imagine Joe D in a shouting match with anyone, but especially a fellow class act like Billups.

Regardless, upon further review, DD appears to be right. This move positions us well to go after Boozer after this season, or James or Wade or Bosh after next season, or some combination thereof.

[Lord Avalon]

Originally posted by Guynemer

I am your father's brother's cousin's uncle's former roommate. [/Dark Helmet]


Hard to imagine Joe D in a shouting match with anyone, but especially a fellow class act like Billups.

Heh. Well, I did hear it fourthhand.

Excerpt from Detroit News today:

Payroll flexibility

... the financial picture can't be ignored. The deal gives the Pistons tremendous flexibility, and a built-in out clause should Iverson not pan out.

Iverson's $20.84 million will come off the books after this season. Rasheed Wallace's $13 million also comes off the books. In trading Billups, they knock about $28 million off the payroll -- $12.1 million next year, $13.15 in 2010-11 and another $3 million that was the guaranteed portion of Billups' $14.2 million option year in 2011-12.

With McDyess, they lop another $6.8 million next season.

All in all, not including Wallace's salary, it works out to about $36 million in savings, which is huge with the uncertain economic landscape.

The Pistons, if things work out, have the means to re-sign both Iverson and Wallace after this season. Or, they could be a high roller on the free-agent market for the next two summers. Or, they could hold steady and save some cap space and room under the luxury tax threshold in anticipation of giving long-term extensions to Rodney Stuckey and Arron Afflalo (in 2010) or Amir Johnson (who is up after next season).

Although if Denver buys out McDyess, maybe he'll be back.

[Guynemer]

I just realized I left out a "nephew's" somewhere from the Dark Helmet reference.

Reportedly, the Denver GM does not intend to buy out McDyess. Which sucks. I love that guy. When he gets hot from that 15-18 foot range, he is completely unstoppable.

[Lord Avalon]

Yeah, sucks for McDyess. He had the most desire to win a championship of any Piston. It'd have been great to have his and AI's hunger driving the engine. Wonder if he'll retire.

[Jac de Molay]

[/deactivates Lurker Cloaking Device]

Well, McDyess may not be done with Pistons just yet. Local papers are reporting they may reacquire him.

And I for one think this is great move. Chauncey has laid some major eggs in the playoffs the past few seasons, Iverson is more hungry, and still scores in the mid-20 with 7-8 assists....

[/reactivates Lurker Cloaking Device]

[Lord Avalon]

Unfortunately, papers have old news. Report: Nuggets intend to keep McDyess

[Ming]

The Bulls are simply looking average this year, with two home wins, and two losses on the road.

But finally, there may be some long term hope. Derrick Rose looks like the real thing. We've had so many first round picks lately that just don't cut it. But for once, it looks like the Bulls made the right pick.

It would be SOOOOOOOOOOOOO nice for a change to have a player that's worth building around. We've heard so much hype about so many of the players, and none of them have really panned out. Derrick Rose looks like the guy.

[Grandpa Troll]

Funny Advertisement Video



Makes Steve Nash look like he is a Blue Movie Production

[-Jrabbit]

Welcome to the Thabo Sefolosha Era...

Bulls' Hinrich needs thumb surgery, to miss three months

CHICAGO — Chicago Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich will undergo thumb surgery next week and could be sidelined for up to 12 weeks, the team said on Saturday.

Hinrich tore a ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb during Friday's victory over Phoenix, the Bulls said on their website (www.nba.com/bulls).

He will undergo surgery on Tuesday and could be sidelined until early February, missing up to 43 games.

A six-year veteran with the Bulls, the 2003 first-round draft pick was averaging 8.3 points and four assists per game.

It'll be interesting to see how far into the season we get befor D. Rose hits the wall...

[Will9]

dp

[Will9]

The Grizzlies are actually looking decent this year (suprising considering that they are starting 3 rookies, Darrell Arthur, O.J. Mayo and Marc Gasol, this year) They are 2-0 at home and 1-4 on the road. I'm looking forward to their 3-game home stand starting Wednesday

[Lord Avalon]

OK, I guess the Nuggets claiming they wouldn't buy out McDyess was just for show.

McDyess waived by Nuggets, set to become free agent

Hopefully he'll be back with the Pistons mid-December.