NBA Season Thread

[crashcarson15]

I have a hard time understanding why basketball fans always lump Minnesota in categories with teams like OKC, Sacramento, Milwaukee and LAC. It is far more appealing marketing wise than places such as Utah, Portland, Indiana, Toronto, Orlando or Charlotte. I guess people fail to realize the corporations that are actually headquartered in Minnesota. Who wouldnt want to be a poster child for 3M, Best Buy, Target or General Mills? Granted the weather isnt the greatest... But basketball is played indoors, you get the summers off and there are 40+ road games a year. Minnesota isnt a top-3 destination but it very well could be a top-5 or -10. The Timberwolves themselves have not been the greatest but they more potential than any other bottom feeder team and they definitely should be considered a possible destination for the premium free agents. After all... we did lure in Brett Favre and managed to launch a lanky high schooler named Kevin Garnett into a $125 million dollar superstar.

I don't get why people lump Toronto in with backwaters like Utah, Portland, Indiana, Charlotte and Minnesota.

The Raptors will NEVER be the #1 attraction in Toronto.

And under that concept, the Pacers will be the #1 attraction if/when they get good again and if/when the Colts go back to mediocrity.

[rams80]

I have a hard time understanding why basketball fans always lump Minnesota in categories with teams like OKC, Sacramento, Milwaukee and LAC. It is far more appealing marketing wise than places such as Utah, Portland, Indiana, Toronto, Orlando or Charlotte. I guess people fail to realize the corporations that are actually headquartered in Minnesota. Who wouldnt want to be a poster child for 3M, Best Buy, Target or General Mills? Granted the weather isnt the greatest... But basketball is played indoors, you get the summers off and there are 40+ road games a year. Minnesota isnt a top-3 destination but it very well could be a top-5 or -10. The Timberwolves themselves have not been the greatest but they more potential than any other bottom feeder team and they definitely should be considered a possible destination for the premium free agents. After all... we did lure in Brett Favre and managed to launch a lanky high schooler named Kevin Garnett into a $125 million dollar superstar.

I don't get why people lump Toronto in with backwaters like Utah, Portland, Indiana, Charlotte and Minnesota.

The Raptors will NEVER be the #1 attraction in Toronto.

And under that concept, the Pacers will be the #1 attraction if/when they get good again and if/when the Colts go back to mediocrity.

I doubt the Pacers will ever top the Colts again.

[crashcarson15]

I have a hard time understanding why basketball fans always lump Minnesota in categories with teams like OKC, Sacramento, Milwaukee and LAC. It is far more appealing marketing wise than places such as Utah, Portland, Indiana, Toronto, Orlando or Charlotte. I guess people fail to realize the corporations that are actually headquartered in Minnesota. Who wouldnt want to be a poster child for 3M, Best Buy, Target or General Mills? Granted the weather isnt the greatest... But basketball is played indoors, you get the summers off and there are 40+ road games a year. Minnesota isnt a top-3 destination but it very well could be a top-5 or -10. The Timberwolves themselves have not been the greatest but they more potential than any other bottom feeder team and they definitely should be considered a possible destination for the premium free agents. After all... we did lure in Brett Favre and managed to launch a lanky high schooler named Kevin Garnett into a $125 million dollar superstar.

I don't get why people lump Toronto in with backwaters like Utah, Portland, Indiana, Charlotte and Minnesota.

The Raptors will NEVER be the #1 attraction in Toronto.

And under that concept, the Pacers will be the #1 attraction if/when they get good again and if/when the Colts go back to mediocrity.

I doubt the Pacers will ever top the Colts again.

Eh I have a feeling that if the Colts ever go back to how they were when Jeff George was the quarterback, they'll fade fairly quickly here.

[HedleyLamarr]

The Hawks seriously don't have a shot at getting Ilgauskas, should he become a free agent, do they?

[infrared41]

Cavs 105 - Hornets 95. Cavs fans can step away from the ledge...until the next loss anyway.

[TFoA]

The Hawks seriously don't have a shot at getting Ilgauskas, should he become a free agent, do they?

It'd be FANtastic if he came here...but considering this team's track record, I doubt it happens unless Ilgauskas basically screams out "ATLANTA PLEASE SIGN ME!" So yeah, definitely expecting to see Big Z in Cleveland again.

Also, the Memphis Grizzlies pulled a Milwaukee Bucks tonight...& by that, I mean blow a chance to beat the Lakers by missing free throws down the stretch & allowing Kobe Bryant the chance to do what Kobe Bryant does: Crush the hopes & dreams of teams like the Memphis Grizzlies & the Milwaukee Bucks.

Have I mentioned how much I enjoy watching Kobe Bryant play as of late? I'm like this close to admitting a man-crush.

[dfwabel]

The Hawks seriously don't have a shot at getting Ilgauskas, should he become a free agent, do they?

It'd be FANtastic if he came here...but considering this team's track record, I doubt it happens unless Ilgauskas basically screams out "ATLANTA PLEASE SIGN ME!" So yeah, definitely expecting to see Big Z in Cleveland again.

Also, the Memphis Grizzlies pulled a Milwaukee Bucks tonight...& by that, I mean blow a chance to beat the Lakers by missing free throws down the stretch & allowing Kobe Bryant the chance to do what Kobe Bryant does: Crush the hopes & dreams of teams like the Memphis Grizzlies & the Milwaukee Bucks.

Have I mentioned how much I enjoy watching Kobe Bryant play as of late? I'm like this close to admitting a man-crush.

And you know that he wanted to get revenge from their last MEM visit when he became the LAL leading scorer, but lost the game. Tomorrow night's game at DAL will be an interesting test since the Mavs made the trade and now attack the basket in the 4th. Plus, they have actually had time to practice.

[Still MIGHTY]

I mean, how else would Kobe come back?

Game-winning three-pointer with 4.3 seconds left is just about it. He probably would have wanted the buzzer beater but whatever.

It's just Kobe being Kobe, and I like that just fine thank you.

[dfwabel]

I have a hard time understanding why basketball fans always lump Minnesota in categories with teams like OKC, Sacramento, Milwaukee and LAC. It is far more appealing marketing wise than places such as Utah, Portland, Indiana, Toronto, Orlando or Charlotte. I guess people fail to realize the corporations that are actually headquartered in Minnesota. Who wouldnt want to be a poster child for 3M, Best Buy, Target or General Mills? Granted the weather isnt the greatest... But basketball is played indoors, you get the summers off and there are 40+ road games a year. Minnesota isnt a top-3 destination but it very well could be a top-5 or -10. The Timberwolves themselves have not been the greatest but they more potential than any other bottom feeder team and they definitely should be considered a possible destination for the premium free agents. After all... we did lure in Brett Favre and managed to launch a lanky high schooler named Kevin Garnett into a $125 million dollar superstar.

Since when have those companies used a Timberwolves player nationally outside of Garnett in 2005?

Best Buy/Garnett Relationship

When has 3M, General Mills (now a part of Kraft Foods), Pillsbury, Target or any MSP based Fortune 1000 company used a MSP athlete on a national campaign? I have never seen Mauer or Morneau in my Sunday Target ads.

If you use that analogy, then others NBA cities not the level of NYK/NJN, CHI, LAL/LAC, would be higher the free agent list:

Fortune 500 companies by city

People want to play for DAL and Mark Cuban, but outside of that, your list is debunked as 3m is more into NASCAR than the NBA. General Mills and the fact they produce sugary products is a flag for endorsers are you do not want to be know as a guy who shows Cheerios to adults, but Lucky Charms to kids.

[Sguse1]

I have a hard time understanding why basketball fans always lump Minnesota in categories with teams like OKC, Sacramento, Milwaukee and LAC. It is far more appealing marketing wise than places such as Utah, Portland, Indiana, Toronto, Orlando or Charlotte. I guess people fail to realize the corporations that are actually headquartered in Minnesota. Who wouldnt want to be a poster child for 3M, Best Buy, Target or General Mills? Granted the weather isnt the greatest... But basketball is played indoors, you get the summers off and there are 40+ road games a year. Minnesota isnt a top-3 destination but it very well could be a top-5 or -10. The Timberwolves themselves have not been the greatest but they more potential than any other bottom feeder team and they definitely should be considered a possible destination for the premium free agents. After all... we did lure in Brett Favre and managed to launch a lanky high schooler named Kevin Garnett into a $125 million dollar superstar.

Since when have those companies used a Timberwolves player nationally outside of Garnett in 2005?

Best Buy/Garnett Relationship

When has 3M, General Mills (now a part of Kraft Foods), Pillsbury, Target or any MSP based Fortune 1000 company used a MSP athlete on a national campaign? I have never seen Mauer or Morneau in my Sunday Target ads.

If you use that analogy, then others NBA cities not the level of NYK/NJN, CHI, LAL/LAC, would be higher the free agent list:

Fortune 500 companies by city

People want to play for DAL and Mark Cuban, but outside of that, your list is debunked as 3m is more into NASCAR than the NBA. General Mills and the fact they produce sugary products is a flag for endorsers are you do not want to be know as a guy who shows Cheerios to adults, but Lucky Charms to kids.

Because all of the following what Wolves fans have endured: Malik, the Joe Smith deal, Paul Grant, Steph going crazy, the 1999 Draft, Wally's contract, Cassell's injury during the WCF, Latrell's quest to feed his family, Ndudi Ebi, Mike James and Ricky Davis, Foye for Roy, McCants over Granger, KG's wasted prime, still owing a 1st round pick for the Marko Jaric trade, throwing in a 1st rounder for Marcus Banks, the Flip firing, the Casey firing, the Wittman hiring, finally sending KG out of town, and spending the last 3-4 years cheering for little more than cap space and draft pick

That is the reason the franchise has been looked down upon. Basically, its all McHale's fault for our ineptness.

[crashcarson15]

So then why don't they use a superstar such as Mauer, Morneau, or Peterson? They're local guys that are very successful on successful teams.

[FiddySicks]

I have this sneaky suspicion that OKC, Minnesota, Sacramento and the Clippers will be the premier destinations for the top free agents. If the players really care about winning all of these teams have the framework to add a superstar and become a contender with a deep bench. Adding Chris Bosh to OKC would make them a SCARY team. Wade or Lebron to Minnesota or LA would make each of those teams great contenders. Sacramento could look to Amare to give Tyreke an athletic Big to team with. I dont really think its simply New York or Chicago. There other teams that have great talent and would instantly become contenders by adding one of the premier free agents. It isnt as simple as... New York has enough $ for 2 guys. But, realistically what else do they have? Where a team like Minnesota may have up to 4 first round draft picks, has the rights to Ricky Rubio, also has a young blossoming pg in Jonny Flynn, a potential all-star in Al Jefferson and a very solid athletic PF in Kevin Love. That is more enticing than simply playing in New York to me.

Your logic is sound. That said, none of it is ever going to happen.

I know the idea of playing in New York is attractive, sure it's a big city with shiny lights and tons of people, but wouldn't the idea of playing with a guy like Kevin Durant be almost equally as enticing, at least in terms of actually winning a championship? Kevin Durant is WAY better than any second option that any team has at this point, and with the money the Thunder have to spend, what makes this impossible? And wouldn't the idea of turning the freaking Oklahoma City Thunder, of all teams, into a powerhouse as well be something to look at? I could definitely see basketball becoming huge in a place like Oklahoma City if they ever get a real contender. And it's a brand new market, putting out an awesome team now could plant a great foundation for the future of the Thunder. I mean, one of these guys could basically help to build a legacy from the ground up. With as many great basketball players that there have been, it's pretty damn hard to cement yourself as one of the best. Winners in New York and Los Angeles aren't rare. But even Jordan had the fact that he was playing in a place that wasn't particularly known for great sports success.

[PittsburghSucks]

Come on home Big Z, we missed you!!!

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4945097

Updated: February 25, 2010, 9:59 AM ET

Report: Ilgauskas, Wizards agreeEmail Print Comments 14Share retweet 15 ESPN.com news services

The Washington Wizards and center Zydrunas Ilgauskas have reached an agreement on a contract buyout, The Washington Post reported, citing a person with knowledge of the situation.

The move would clear the way for Ilgauskas to eventually return to the Cavaliers, once certain conditions are met, or to join another team immediately.

ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher reported that Ilgauskas, who was part of a three-team trade that sent Antawn Jamison to the Cavs from Washington, already has flown back to Cleveland.

Ilgauskas' agent, Herb Rudoy, said he was "very close" to an agreement with the Wizards and expected to have it finished on Thursday, according to the Post.

If a buyout is reached with the Wizards, Ilgauskas would be placed on waivers. No team is under the salary cap enough to absorb his $11.5 million salary this season, so he would become a free agent eligible to join any team for a pro-rated share of the veteran's minimum.

Under NBA rules, Ilgauskas would have to wait 30 days to rejoin the Cavaliers, the only team he has played for in 12 NBA seasons. But he would be free to join any other team immediately and is expected to draw interest from Dallas, Denver, Atlanta and Utah.

"I expect him to decide by the end of the weekend," Rudoy said in a text message to the Post.

An NBA official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Associated Press on Monday that the league had not threatened to stop Ilgauskas from returning to the Cavs, saying it would only step in if there were proof of an agreement before the trade was made.

Last season, Antonio McDyess went back to Detroit after the Pistons dealt him to Denver along with Chauncey Billups for Allen Iverson, and players such as Brent Barry (San Antonio) and Gary Payton (Boston) also have returned to clubs that dealt them in recent seasons.

[HedleyLamarr]

Last season, Antonio McDyess went back to Detroit after the Pistons dealt him to Denver along with Chauncey Billups for Allen Iverson, and players such as Brent Barry (San Antonio) and Gary Payton (Boston) also have returned to clubs that dealt them in recent seasons.

Yeah, Payton was a Hawk for maybe 24 hours....

The NBA has the craziest rules when it comes to player movement and acquisitions.

[The_Admiral]

I know the idea of playing in New York is attractive, sure it's a big city with shiny lights and tons of people, but wouldn't the idea of playing with a guy like Kevin Durant be almost equally as enticing, at least in terms of actually winning a championship?

No, not really. Kevin Durant will be out of Oklahoma City before he's joined by a legitimate free agent. Players generally don't think like fans. "Building a basketball market from the ground up" isn't their concern, that's the concern of general managers and marketing directors and stuff.

[FamousAtticus]

Last season, Antonio McDyess went back to Detroit after the Pistons dealt him to Denver along with Chauncey Billups for Allen Iverson, and players such as Brent Barry (San Antonio) and Gary Payton (Boston) also have returned to clubs that dealt them in recent seasons.

Yeah, Payton was a Hawk for maybe 24 hours....

The NBA has the craziest rules when it comes to player movement and acquisitions.

Indeed they do. I think that waived players in the same situation as Big Z should not be allowed to play in the Playoffs, that's fine if they want to finish out the season on their former squad but they should not be playoff eligible, unless they are claimed off the waiver wire from a team that wasn't the one they just previoulsy played for.

For example: If Big Z returns to Cleveland(which is looking likely) he should NOT be able to play in the Playoffs. Now if he is picked up by Denver or Dallas(or any other team that he previoulsy did not play for in the current season) then he should be fine for the remainder of the season and playoffs.

It is nearly impossible for the NBA to find out if Cleveland and Washington had a fixed agreement prior to their trade, but c'mon...

The NBA needs to look at this rule and adjust the rulling on these kind of situations, just my 2 cents.

[infrared41]

I'm all for Z returning to The Cavs but I agree that the rule that allows it is about as stupid as it gets. Also, does anyone really believe that this deal wasn't pre-arranged?

[PittsburghSucks]

Suddenly the Cavs & the C's can't beat each other in their own barns!!!

[TFoA]

Bill Simmons thinks that this article is a piece of crap. Seriously.

It's absolutely laughable when you read these columns about how Dwight is not an "alpha dog." Good grief, this guy is the biggest, baddest alpha dog since Cujo. He dominates the pack and the paint like very few have in the history of the sport.

He currently is the NBA leader in rebounding and blocked shots and will likely finish this season as the first player in league history to lead the league in both categories more than once. Let me repeat that: The first player in NBA HISTORY TO LEAD THE LEAGUE IN BLOCKED SHOTS AND REBOUNDING MORE THAN ONCE!

....

As you might expect, Van Gundy is sick and tired of hearing and reading the criticism about Howard smiling too much while other stars in the league are portrayed as relentless and ferocious competitors.

" Kevin Garnett has been in this league forever and he's won six playoff series in his career," Van Gundy said a few days ago. "Dwight's won four and he's [24] years old. That's a pretty good comparison. Why is Kevin Garnett a great winner and Dwight Howard's not? I don't get it.

"And if you're just going to go by titles, Kevin Garnett's got one, and Dwight's got as many as LeBron's got. But LeBron's a great winner and Dwight [isn't]? I don't get it."

The only explanation is sightlessness.

Yeah, an argument like this makes NO sense at all. Dwight Howard SMILES TOO MUCH so therefore he's not a winner...even though he's won more than LeBron has at this point BUT WHO GIVES A DAMN ABOUT THAT?! WE DON'T WANNA SEE ANY TEETH DURING BASKETBALL OR ELSE YOU ARE A LOSER DAMMIT! (Unless you are using said teeth to give off a ferocious growl (while on all fours) towards a 3rd stringer on the floor during a blowout. THEN AND ONLY THEN is showing teeth acceptable.)

[infrared41]

Bill Simmons thinks that this article is a piece of crap. Seriously.

It's absolutely laughable when you read these columns about how Dwight is not an "alpha dog." Good grief, this guy is the biggest, baddest alpha dog since Cujo. He dominates the pack and the paint like very few have in the history of the sport.

He currently is the NBA leader in rebounding and blocked shots and will likely finish this season as the first player in league history to lead the league in both categories more than once. Let me repeat that: The first player in NBA HISTORY TO LEAD THE LEAGUE IN BLOCKED SHOTS AND REBOUNDING MORE THAN ONCE!

....

As you might expect, Van Gundy is sick and tired of hearing and reading the criticism about Howard smiling too much while other stars in the league are portrayed as relentless and ferocious competitors.

" Kevin Garnett has been in this league forever and he's won six playoff series in his career," Van Gundy said a few days ago. "Dwight's won four and he's [24] years old. That's a pretty good comparison. Why is Kevin Garnett a great winner and Dwight Howard's not? I don't get it.

"And if you're just going to go by titles, Kevin Garnett's got one, and Dwight's got as many as LeBron's got. But LeBron's a great winner and Dwight [isn't]? I don't get it."

The only explanation is sightlessness.

Yeah, an argument like this makes NO sense at all. Dwight Howard SMILES TOO MUCH so therefore he's not a winner...even though he's won more than LeBron has at this point BUT WHO GIVES A DAMN ABOUT THAT?! WE DON'T WANNA SEE ANY TEETH DURING BASKETBALL OR ELSE YOU ARE A LOSER DAMMIT! (Unless you are using said teeth to give off a ferocious growl (while on all fours) towards a 3rd stringer on the floor during a blowout. THEN AND ONLY THEN is showing teeth acceptable.)

I'll just add that the The Cleveland Cavaliers traded for Shaq specifically to match-up against Howard in the playoffs. They're paying 20 million bucks to a guy they clearly don't need for an 82 game season. Shaq's in Cleveland to do one thing and one thing only; match-up against Dwight Howard. Call me crazy but that seems like a ridiculous amount of money to spend just to try to shut down "an alpha dog player with a sidekick's mindset" don't you think? Apparently Cavs management and the guys that have actually played against Howard see him a little differently than do the media "experts" like Bill Simmons.

All I know is that as a Cavs fan it wouldn't break my heart if The Cavs didn't have to face Dwight Howard...well...ever.