Miami Heat Are By Far The Most Talented Team In the League

[IGOTGAME]

Let's forget about this Lakers and OKC stuff. Miami picked up Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis to space the floor for 3 top 15 players. 2 of those guys are top 5 players in the world. Plus, they have the best player in the world. They are better than LA and OK just based on talent alone. You can't beat a team with two dominant slashers like those guys surrounded by all time great shooters.

The only chance anyone in the NBA has would be a Lebron choke or injury to one of there key pieces. Otherwise they are the best.

[Sarcastic]

Josh Harrellson puts them over the top imho.

[DatAsh]

From a pure talent standpoint, LA has them beat with 4 top 20 players, a top perimeter defender, and a solid bench. But, we've yet to see how they'll mesh, so realistically the Heat should still be favorites.

[IGOTGAME]

From a pure talent standpoint, LA has them beat with 4 top 20 players, a top perimeter defender, and a solid bench. But, we've yet to see how they'll mesh, so realistically the Heat should still be favorites.


Idk, I think there is a certain advantage to always having the best player on the floor. Old Kobe can be shut down at times.

[pegasus]

They are ridiculously stacked, and their top-3 players are all in their primes or just gotten out of it (Wade).

As much as I hate Chalmers (flopping bitch!), he is a pretty decent PG for them, who can shoot the lights out. Their only seemingly weakness is at the center spot, which should not be a problem against any team other than the Lakers (Bynum and the Sixers? Give me a break!). And they have athleticism and youth over the Lakers, so they should be the favorites.

If Durant and Westbrook continue to improve, and with the fair officiating unlike the last year's finals, I can see them beating the Heat even though they got better over the summer with the additions of Allen and Lewis.

[Money 23]

I think the Lakers and Thunder have deeper, better stacked talent from top to bottom. But the Heat are very talented as well given their three best players and how relatively young they are ...

[IGOTGAME]

I think the Lakers and Thunder have deeper, better stacked talent from top to bottom. But the Heat are very talented as well given their three best players and how relatively young they are ...


Lakers still are very old, slow and unathletic. That is why the Josh smith trade made sense.

[Money 23]

Lakers still are very old, slow and unathletic. That is why the Josh smith trade made sense.
Pau is redundant w/ Howard anyway, but for all five positions I think LA is more stacked. Age issues aside.

[PJR]

Chalmers
Wade
James
Lewis
Bosh

Allen
Battier
Haslem

I'll take that 8 man rotation over any other out there.

[lakerspng]

Lebron is the best player in the league today, though he still has some isues closing games

Wade is not a top 5 player in the league anymore.

Bosh is solid, and fits really well alongside LeBron or Wade, but not both.

Ray Allen is still a great shooter.

Rashard Lewis is not very good anymore, even at spotting up outside.

Their center position is terrible.

Chalmers doesn't crack the top 15 point guards in the league.

They're solid, but top heavy with talent tat doesn't play well together.

OKC and the Lakers are both more complete teams.

OKC's virginity was popped this last year, if they make it back to the championship I expect a completely different performance. But, they have to make it past the Lakers.

The Lakers are built very very well. they have 2 issues, age and coaching. If they can stay healthy and not let the coach bungle their offensive flow, they should win the championship. Not only do they have more raw talent than Miami, but their parts simply complement each other very well. The cumulative effect, makes the whole greater than the sum of its parts. The exact opposite of Miami, whose parts are greater than their whole. If the Lakers get into a groove with each other, and really start clicking.... it over.

[All Net]

They are stacked and deserve to be favourites as the champions... But LA are also stacked same with OKC.I would say this laker team is far more balanced but this is why they play the games.

[Nash]

They have Lebron, thats what give them the edge over Lakers and OKC. But Lakers have 4 top 20 players and 2 of them are top 5 as well. Miami's problem is that they have absolutely NOTHING at the 5 position. They've totally neglected the most important position while the other teams have not.

[red1]

lakers are EASILY the more talented team

[Money 23]

They have Lebron, thats what give them the edge over Lakers and OKC. But Lakers have 4 top 20 players and 2 of them are top 5 as well. Miami's problem is that they have absolutely NOTHING at the 5 position. They've totally neglected the most important position while the other teams have not.
Hey pauk, who are you going to root for Nash's Lakers or LeBron's Heat?

I've never once seen you talk about Nash, yet always talking LeBron.

Interesting.

[BlackVVaves]

Only thing that is stopping Miami is some 3-2 zone, and post play. Other than that, can't really say with confidence they won't repeat.

[tpols]

They have Lebron, thats what give them the edge over Lakers and OKC. But Lakers have 4 top 20 players and 2 of them are top 5 as well. Miami's problem is that they have absolutely NOTHING at the 5 position. They've totally neglected the most important position while the other teams have not.
But they have a play style that makes it ok. All time great perimeter D plus all time great playmakers scorers and shooters plus a lethal fast break to compliment their defense.. They counter size with speed absolutely perfectly.

[NumberSix]

Jorts = automatic chip

[lilgodfather1]

The Lakers on paper would look to be a better team from 2-6, but the Heat's 1 is so much better than anyone on the Lakers it almost nullifies the difference.

[Money 23]

The Lakers on paper would look to be a better team from 2-6, but the Heat's 1 is so much better than anyone on the Lakers it almost nullifies the difference.
Yup. So it comes down to the will of that number 1 ...

[lakerspng]

The Lakers on paper would look to be a better team from 2-6, but the Heat's 1 is so much better than anyone on the Lakers it almost nullifies the difference.

wow, when did Lebron reach such a pedestal? He's better than anyone else in the league but not by that much. Even last year he was outplayed in several games, including by kobe in their matchup at Staples when they got their butt handed to them.

[IGOTGAME]

wow, when did Lebron reach such a pedestal? He's better than anyone else in the league but not by that much. Even last year he was outplayed in several games, including by kobe in their matchup at Staples when they got their butt handed to them.

nah, Lebron is a good deal better than everyone else right now unless he chokes. He has a propensity to get nervous so that is always a possibility. But if plays up to his skill level than the Heat should win.

Oh, and the Eastern Conference is horrible. Heat only have to play one real series in the Finals. Western Conference teams are gonna have to go through battles. I mean OKC, LAL, Memphis, LAC, Spurs.....thats 5 teams more dangerous than the second best team in the East.

[Money 23]

nah, Lebron is a good deal better than everyone else right now unless he chokes. He has a propensity to get nervous so that is always a possibility. But if plays up to his skill level than the Heat should win.
This is truth.

[Da_Realist]

Size, size, size. The Lakers are the wrong type of team for the Heat. IF (big, bold, capital letters) the Lakers can figure out how to best use everyone, they will win.

I think Dwight Howard is a clown but the Lakers winning culture (not to mention, Kobe's will) may push him to take the game more seriously. If he can work within the fabric of the team on offense and spend most of his focus on defense/rebounding...I don't think the Heat can match up. The Thunder are basically a jump shooting team that's either too slow (Perkins) or too thin (Ibaka) to bang with Howard down low.

Now you got Kobe and Artest out on the perimeter knowing they got somebody back there to clean up any mistakes. Now Gasol can let Howard bang the other team's enforcer. Everything shifts now. What's Garnett gonna do? He can't try to punk Gasol with Howard demanding his attention. Gasol can just sit at the elbow and knock down jump shots all game.

The Lakers keep winning titles because they keep restocking talented big guys. It's become a perimeter league, but the Lakers could take us back to the old days. They're going to force everyone else to get their weight up.

If this team reaches it's potential, wow. Howard wants to prove he's a winner. Kobe wants to prove he's still a winner. I'd be surprised if they didn't beat OKC and at least make the Finals. They should've beaten them last year.

[guy]

Ummm, Miami might be the most talented team, but they aren't BY FAR that, and the only reason they might be better is cause of Lebron. Thats a ridiculous thing to say.

[lilgodfather1]

wow, when did Lebron reach such a pedestal? He's better than anyone else in the league but not by that much. Even last year he was outplayed in several games, including by kobe in their matchup at Staples when they got their butt handed to them.
The gap is quite substantial at this point now that Kobe has slowed down a little. Three years ago the gap wasn't that big, two years ago it wasn't huge, but now it is pretty big. LeBron is more often than not the best player on the floor over the 82 (or 66...) game regular season, and might be bested 5 times during that span.

Basically as said I think it comes down to how much he wants to win, and if he plays like 2012 LeBron I don't think anyone has a chance against the Heat. If they get 2011 Wade then call it a series after game 1.

[rmt]

Question is who would defend LAL's frontline if they meet in the finals - Bosh and Anthony aren't going to cut it against DH and Pau.

BUT, and it's a big BUT, LA has to get past OKC first. They haven't addressed the problems against OKC - lack of speed and perimeter defense (guarding Durant/Westbrooke/Harden) while OKC still have Obaka and Perkins for DH and Pau. Match-ups are b***h, aren't they?

[Money 23]

Basically as said I think it comes down to how much he wants to win, and if he plays like 2012 LeBron I don't think anyone has a chance against the Heat. If they get 2011 Wade then call it a series after game 1.
It's not that simple, either.

2012 Wade's reduced numbers wasn't him just playing with injuries. Or the dumb ISH asinine assumptions of him "rapidly declining." Wade willingly gave the alpha status to LeBron for the greater good of the team, at his own statistics / game's expense.

Every team needs a hierarchy. In 2011 they were averaging roughly the same numbers, and they tried taking turns and it also damaged LeBron mentally ... being he was never used to at times not being "the guy" that everyone relied on. It hurt his confidence and visibly shook his game.

Wade was good in 2012, yea he had some bad games / series but so do alot of players. He wasn't an after thought. He produced well enough for them to win.

If he gets back to 2011 health, then yes ... that would help a great deal. But that doesn't need to be reflected in statistics.

I think the addition of Ray Allen covers the holes in Wade's game. You now have a guy you can pair with LeBron who doesn't need the ball in his hands, like Bron to do his thing. He can move off screens, catch and shoot, hit spot up jumpers.

You could even bring Wade off the bench as the most dynamic fire power, feasting on opposing team's second string defenders.

And in the process allows them both to play their natural games. Ball dominant, do everything players, who need their rhythm and ego stroked.

Plus, with a lineup of Chalmers, Allen, Battier, Bosh ... you space the floor so much for LeBron or Wade that one of those guys is the ultimate penetrator.

The reason LeBron had such difficulty penetrating in 2011 and still at times in 2012, is that when Wade and Bron are on the floor together, teams pack the paint and ask them to shoot jumpers. Surround either guy with shooters, and they can organically do what they do best on the floor.

[chips93]

people talking about rashard lewis? what is he gonna do that james jones couldnt do last year? and he never got on the court

[lilgodfather1]

Question is who would defend LAL's frontline if they meet in the finals - Bosh and Anthony aren't going to cut it against DH and Pau.

BUT, and it's a big BUT, LA has to get past OKC first. They haven't addressed the problems against OKC - lack of speed and perimeter defense (guarding Durant/Westbrooke/Harden) while OKC still have Obaka and Perkins for DH and Pau. Match-ups are b***h, aren't they?
I don't think you have to defender Dwight as much as you think you do. Wow that was a weird sentence to say, but I hope you get what I mean.

With Dwight Bosh is going to play C, meaning Dwight is going to get his points, but on the Heat's offensive possessions Dwight Howard has to guard Bosh all the way out to the three point line making the best part of Dwight's game all but useless (defense) against the slashing LeBron, and Wade.

IMO you let Dwight go off on Bosh, but on the other end LeBron, and Wade have a green light to go ham to the bucket.

[swi7ch]

Lakers would still beat them in a series.

[swi7ch]

Chalmers
Wade
James
Lewis
Bosh

Allen
Battier
Haslem

I'll take that 8 man rotation over any other out there.
Why is Lewis on your starting 5? He has been irrelevant since he stopped taking PEDs! :lol I'd rather put James Jones in there (and LBJ at the 4). At least he can also take charges consistently unlike Lewis.

[Indian guy]

Typical b!tch post by a scared Kobe kid. LA features the league's best front line in at least 25 years and the most talented foursome in GOD knows how long, yet the size-challenged Heat are more talented than them? The team whose only definitely edge in the starting lineup is at 1 freaking position (SF)? GTFOH with your garbage. Nobody's buying it. Can't believe the fear of GOD LeBron still puts into Kobe fans. They'll commit suicide if Miami beats LA in the Finals.

[IGOTGAME]

people talking about rashard lewis? what is he gonna do that james jones couldnt do last year? and he never got on the court
Hit shots from power forward position.

[Money 23]

yet the size-challenged Heat are more talented than them?
Size and talent are two different things, no?

PG edge goes to LA
SG is a wash
SF edge goes to MIA
PF is a wash
C edge goes to LA

They definitely have the edge in terms of positional talent.


believe the fear of GOD LeBron still puts into Kobe fans.
This however is true.

[lilgodfather1]

Why is Lewis on your starting 5? He has been irrelevant since he stopped taking PEDs! :lol I'd rather put James Jones in there (and LBJ at the 4). At least he can also take charges consistently unlike Lewis.
You just had to bring up Lewis's roid use didn't you! I will never be able to forgive the NBA for that. The Cavaliers likely win their first NBA title, and Cleveland's first in forever (54?) if it wasn't for the juicing Lewis not being suspended during the playoffs like he should have been. ****

[chips93]

Hit shots from power forward position.

but if hes the pf, then presumably lebron is the small forward right? then why not just have james jones be the small forward and lebron the 4? its not like the positions really matter

lewis cant guard 4s anyway. hes not really an upgrade.



a line-up of chalmers-wade-bron-lewis-bosh, is no different than chalmers-wade-jones-bron-bosh

[IGOTGAME]

Typical b!tch post by a scared Kobe kid. LA features the league's best front line in at least 25 years and the most talented foursome in GOD knows how long, yet the size-challenged Heat are more talented than them? The team whose only definitely edge in the starting lineup is at 1 freaking position (SF)? GTFOH with your garbage. Nobody's buying it. Can't believe the fear of GOD LeBron still puts into Kobe fans. They'll commit suicide if Miami beats LA in the Finals.
Who is gonna space the floor. How will they match Miam in speed and athletism. Are the lakers gonna rely on Paid jumper for spacing? Also they have no one who can slash and finish at the rim. This team is def flawed.

If they trade Gasol for Smith it would a different story.

[Money 23]

If they trade Gasol for Smith it would a different story.
I think this is a very necessary move to compete with OKC and Miami.

Gives you speed, athleticism, length, youth, and defense. It counteracts the old age of the back court and SF position.

While also removing the redundancy of Gasol and Howard both on the low block.

[brandonislegend]

Who is gonna space the floor. How will they match Miam in speed and athletism. Are the lakers gonna rely on Paid jumper for spacing? Also they have no one who can slash and finish at the rim. This team is def flawed.

If they trade Gasol for Smith it would a different story.

What? They have gasol and Dwight to slash to the rim, they led the league on alley oops last year and they didn't have Dwight or Nash. What are you talking about lol.

They are going to be a pick and roll team why would they trade gasol an automatic mid range shooter and best big man passer in league for josh smith who can't shoot at all? You think that would open things up?

[Money 23]

What? They have gasol and Dwight to slash to the rim, they led the league on alley oops last year and they didn't have Dwight or Nash. What are you talking about lol.

They are going to be a pick and roll team why would they trade gasol an automatic mid range shooter and best big man passer in league for josh smith who can't shoot at all? You think that would open things up?
You clearly don't know ball.

Gasol doesn't slash. D12 rolls to the rim.

Josh Smith would slash, run the floor, and open the game up for Nash's dynamic passing abilities, and space out the floor for Kobe ISOs. While also providing extra help defense at the rim with his amazing athletic ability.

[brandonislegend]

I think this is a very necessary move to compete with OKC and Miami.

Gives you speed, athleticism, length, youth, and defense. It counteracts the old age of the back court and SF position.

While also removing the redundancy of Gasol and Howard both on the low block.
Gasol is a better shooter x100 then josh smith, you want to clear space in the low block by trading for someone who can't shoot? Huh

[brandonislegend]

You clearly don't know ball.

Gasol doesn't slash. D12 rolls to the rim.

Josh Howard would slash, run the floor, and open the game up for Nash's dynamic passing abilities, and space out the floor for Kobe ISOs.

How would having 2 bigs that can't shoot create space? I played d1 and now coach at a high school and dont understand your logic at all. If you traded for josh smith he would be standing on the three point line and whoever was guarding him would sag off to double every time cause everyone knows he can't shoot.

And yes I clearly don't know ball don't even though I've played at a ranked high school and d1 and now coach varsity at a high school

[brandonislegend]

Do you even watch the Lakers play, gasol plays at the free throw line high post his mid range is cash and he is the best passing big man in league. I dont know anything about basketball coming from some random on a basketball forum gotta love America

[brandonislegend]

You still don't get it. Gasol is a center. He's not a true PF. He plays on the low block. So does Dwight Howard. Thus they negate each other's games, and take up space for the other to operate.

At the same time these two centers being on the floor in the same space, allows defenders to clog the lanes. Thus defenders on the perimeter can play Kobe or Nash inside their comfort zones, contesting their jumpers, being as open driving lanes have vanished because of the lane congestion due to the two massive big men occupying similar space.

Smith is a good enough shooter from the typical PF spots (high block, elbow extended) that he can open up room for Nash, Kobe, and Howard. He can move without the ball and be the benefactor of many easy alley oops.

As I was saying, you clearly don't understand the game.

:oldlol:

On offense you want spacing and perpetual motion to break down a defense.

All your arguments are helping my case. Haha good enough shooter from mid range even though gasol has a better one and gasol played high post all year last year what's going to change? other than he has the best center in the league and the best passing pg in the league?

[Money 23]

How would having 2 bigs that can't shoot create space? I played d1 and now coach at a high school and dont understand your logic at all.
Somehow I doubt this ... need proof. Which D1 college and what's your name.

What is the high school you coach at now? Don't lie ...


Gasol is a better shooter x100 then josh smith, you want to clear space in the low block by trading for someone who can't shoot? Huh
You still don't get it. Gasol is a center. He's not a true PF. He plays on the low block. So does Dwight Howard. Thus they negate each other's games, and take up space for the other to operate.

At the same time these two centers being on the floor in the same space, allows defenders to clog the lanes. Thus defenders on the perimeter can play Kobe or Nash inside their comfort zones, contesting their jumpers, being as open driving lanes have vanished because of the lane congestion due to the two massive big men occupying similar space.

Smith is a good enough shooter from the typical PF spots (high block, elbow extended) that he can open up room for Nash, Kobe, and Howard. He can move without the ball and be the benefactor of many easy alley oops.

As I was saying, you clearly don't understand the game.

:oldlol:

On offense you want spacing and perpetual motion to break down a defense.

[CavaliersFTW]

Hey pauk, who are you going to root for Nash's Lakers or LeBron's Heat?

I've never once seen you talk about Nash, yet always talking LeBron.

Interesting.
Caught using another sockpuppet :lol

[MiamiThrice]

I knew the OP of this topic would be a Kobe stan before I even clicked it.

The only reason the Heat would be "the most talented team" is because they have LeBron James who is so much better than anyone else in the ****ing league it's incredible.

Also LA will not mesh as well together as everyone thinks. LA has the potential to be the greatest team ever if Kobe Bryant embraces a third option role scoring 18 PPG with decent efficiency, but Kobe will want to be the hero of this team and ruin the flow of the team. Truth be told there are 3 guys on that team who I'd want to have the ball over Kobe if I'm Mike Brown.

[Rnbizzle]

Do you even watch the Lakers play, gasol plays at the free throw line high post his mid range is cash and he is the best passing big man in league. I dont know anything about basketball coming from some random on a basketball forum gotta love America
You are absolutely right, the last thing the Lakers want to do now is get rid of Gasol, he'll help Dwight tremendously, and personally I think Nash/Gasol will work wonderfully as well because they both have great basketball IQ.

[Money 23]

All your arguments are helping my case. Haha good enough shooter from mid range even though gasol has a better one and gasol played high post all year last year what's going to change? other than he has the best center in the league and the best passing pg in the league?
Gasol did not play "HIGH POST" all last year. Please.

And Smith's abilities to SLASH (you said Gasol does, I've never seen him slash) ... his movement off the ball, and not congesting area where D12 would operate would be very beneficial.

[IGOTGAME]

How would having 2 bigs that can't shoot create space? I played d1 and now coach at a high school and dont understand your logic at all. If you traded for josh smith he would be standing on the three point line and whoever was guarding him would sag off to double every time cause everyone knows he can't shoot.

And yes I clearly don't know ball don't even though I've played at a ranked high school and d1 and now coach varsity at a high school
I played ball too. I didn't say trade gasol to open the floor. I said trade him. You trade him for his athletism and youth. You improve your pick and roll defense and you add a finished for Nash.

Plus, Gasol is rapidly aging.

[brandonislegend]

He's played power foward his whole career how is he a center?

[Rnbizzle]

Gasol did not play "HIGH POST" all last year. Please.

And Smith's abilities to SLASH (you said Gasol does, I've never seen him slash) ... his movement off the ball, and not congesting area where D12 would operate would be very beneficial.
Can't take you serious anymore after reading this. You must not have watched the Lakers at all since Bynum has become a serious factor.

[Money 23]

I played ball too. I didn't say trade gasol to open the floor. I said trade him. You trade him for his athletism and youth. You improve your pick and roll defense and you add a finished for Nash.

Plus, Gasol is rapidly aging.
I said this as well.

Oh, and still waiting for this clown to say what D1 school "he played for" ... and what HS he now catches.

Most of us who know the game have played at a high level. Most I can say is I played practice squad for a D1 college program. Never made the roster, but I can ball and know the game. I played a current NBA baller every other day. Named Wilson Chandler.

Now, brandonislegend ... credentials of where you played

:oldlol:

If they exist.

[brandonislegend]

long beach state and I coach at Wilson high school

[Money 23]

He's played power foward his whole career how is he a center?
He's as much of a "PF" as Tim Duncan. In name only, low block play is for centers. Dude is 7' and plays in the deep post. He's not a power forward.


Can't take you serious anymore after reading this. You must not have watched the Lakers at all since Bynum has become a serious factor.
That's fine, I never took you serious to begin with.

:oldlol:

[brandonislegend]

Gasol did not play "HIGH POST" all last year. Please.

And Smith's abilities to SLASH (you said Gasol does, I've never seen him slash) ... his movement off the ball, and not congesting area where D12 would operate would be very beneficial.
:roll: :roll: :roll:

[Rnbizzle]

He's as much of a "PF" as Tim Duncan. In name only, low block play is for centers. Dude is 7' and plays in the deep post. He's not a power forward.


That's fine, I never took you serious to begin with.

:oldlol:
Your arguments are blowing my mind. :lebronamazed:

[brandonislegend]

His arguments are helping my case, I've never argued with someone that is arguing against them self haha.

[Money 23]

long beach state and I coach at Wilson high school
Brandon Nevens?

:oldlol:

You barely played D1 ball man. A whopping 2 ppg for A season?

[Legends66NBA7]

He's played power foward his whole career how is he a center?

No he didn't. What about the stretch in 2008 when Bynum was out ? Or the other stretchs when Bynum was out with an injury ? Gasol was damn good in the center position, when called upon.

He can definitely be considered a center or a PF/C.

[brandonislegend]

Brandon Nevens?

:oldlol:

You barely played D1 ball man. A whopping 2 ppg for A season?

I had open heart surgery and almost lost my life they said I would never play again but I worked and made it back to the court. Sad when someone that probably wouldn't even make it on a YMCA team is arguing against someone with actual credentials you can google my situation.

[brandonislegend]

No he didn't. What about the stretch in 2008 when Bynum was out ? Or the other stretchs when Bynum was out with an injury ? Gasol was damn good in the center position, when called upon.

He can definitely be considered a center or a PF/C.
When someone is forced into a position because of injuries that's their natural position?

[ILLsmak]

The Heat need a center. Unless they get some crazy calls, Bosh is going to get raped. They never faced any good bigs.

Bron can't play PF against Gasol unless they call Gasol for fouls on every LeBron drive.

-Smak

[Legends66NBA7]

When someone is forced into a position because of injuries that's their natural position?

Never said anything about natural, I said he could be considered a PF/C.

If anything is natural, it's about more of his height, similar to Duncan.

[RRR3]

The Heat need a center. Unless they get some crazy calls, Bosh is going to get raped. They never faced any good bigs.

Bron can't play PF against Gasol unless they call Gasol for fouls on every LeBron drive.

-Smak
God damn it I told you to stop signing your ****ing posts, we can read your goddamn username, we KNOW IT'S YOU :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

[IGOTGAME]

I had open heart surgery and almost lost my life they said I would never play again but I worked and made it back to the court. Sad when someone that probably wouldn't even make it on a YMCA team is arguing against someone with actual credentials you can google my situation.
Just to be fair,

Since you pulled that card, you did play for a team known to be lacking in fundamentals. In all honesty I'd prob value the opinion of guys from D3 Franklin and Marshall before Long beach state guys on average. Not saying I don't respect your opinion tho. You seem to know your stuff but long beach does have that rep.

For the next 3 years why would a Pau for Smith trade be bad?

[Rnbizzle]

God damn it I told you to stop signing your ****ing posts, we can read your goddamn username, we KNOW IT'S YOU :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:
That sh*t drives me nuts.

[brandonislegend]

Our coach is the man that made Gonzaga what it is today he is a fundamental cosch maybe the cosch before him I never played for him though. Ever since Monson came over we have had games on ESPN and got more publicity he's a great coach.

[Money 23]

I had open heart surgery and almost lost my life they said I would never play again but I worked and made it back to the court. Sad when someone that probably wouldn't even make it on a YMCA team is arguing against someone with actual credentials you can google my situation.
I wish I would lose my life if I was claiming to be a serious hooper ...

But I was playing for LONG BEACH STATE and was only putting up 2 ppg.

:oldlol:

My dudes on the DePaul practice squad are probably on the level as you guys.

[IGOTGAME]

I wish I would lose my life if I claiming to be a serious hooper ...

But I was playing for LONG BEACH STATE and was only putting up 2 ppg.

:oldlol:

My dudes on the DePaul practice squad are probably on the level as you guys.
You are being absurd. You didn't dress for games. You can't claim that.

[Money 23]

You are being absurd. You didn't dress for games. You can't claim that.
Cause I knew I had no legit future in the game. I could've went to some small school and got burn, but I focused on education. It was just fun for me by that point.

Brandon doesn't have a future in the game either. Coach a local HS, maybe if he's really, really lucky and if he gets his bad ticker straight, play overseas.

He's no legend, though.

:oldlol:

[RRR3]

I wish I would lose my life if I was claiming to be a serious hooper ...

But I was playing for LONG BEACH STATE and was only putting up 2 ppg.

:oldlol:

My dudes on the DePaul practice squad are probably on the level as you guys.
Fair amount of NBA players who wen to long beach, though
http://www.basketball-reference.com/friv/colleges.cgi?college=longbeach

[brandonislegend]

I wish I would lose my life if I was claiming to be a serious hooper ...

But I was playing for LONG BEACH STATE and was only putting up 2 ppg.

:oldlol:

My dudes on the DePaul practice squad are probably on the level as you guys.

Okay? I played in Costa Rica last summer and got paid now im getting paid to coach and I played with LeBron in Drew league and all the nba players that play in it, I am so jealous of you. You are my idol on an internet forum arguing against yourself.

[IGOTGAME]

Cause I knew I had no legit future in the game. I could've went to some small school and got burn, but I focused on education. It was just fun for me by that point.

Brandon doesn't have a future in the game either. Coach a local HS, maybe if he's really, really lucky and if he gets his bad ticker straight, play overseas.

He's no legend, though.

:oldlol:
Then why not go to good LAC and pay for free plus get good education. Sounds better than playing practice squad. Schools like NYU, Emory, Haverford, Swarthmore, John Hopkins, Williams, W&L and middle bury are looking for borderline D1 kids who can read every year. Its hard enough convincing kids of this these days. Everyone thinks there a lot better than they are. Smartest kid I know left small D1 and transferred into Hopkins through the ball coach.

[Money 23]

Fair amount of NBA players who wen to long beach, though
http://www.basketball-reference.com/friv/colleges.cgi?college=longbeach
Nothing special, though

http://www.basketball-reference.com/friv/colleges.cgi?college=depaul

[brandonislegend]

Nothing special, though

http://www.basketball-reference.com/friv/colleges.cgi?college=depaul

You didn't even play there why are you posting this?

[RRR3]

Nothing special, though

http://www.basketball-reference.com/friv/colleges.cgi?college=depaul
You don't play at depaul, though?

[Money 23]

You don't play at depaul, though?
No I didn't make the roster but I balled against the likes of Wilson Chandler, Sammy Meijia, Andre Brown everyday ... all better than the likes out of Long Beach State.

[brandonislegend]

No I didn't make the roster but I balled against the likes of Wilson Chandler, Sammy Meijia, Andre Brown everyday ... all better than the likes out of Long Beach State.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VI5Nw22V-ds

[IGOTGAME]

No I didn't make the roster but I balled against the likes of Wilson Chandler, Sammy Meijia, Andre Brown everyday ... all better than the likes out of Long Beach State.
This is just getting absurd.

[Bigsmoke]

Why is Pat so lazy to bring in a center?

[ILLsmak]

Why is Pat so lazy to bring in a center?

Makes you wonder if he wants to challenge the Jordan "win without a C" thing.

-Smak

[RRR3]

Makes you wonder if he wants to challenge the Jordan "win without a C" thing.

-Smak
STOP IT STOP IT STOP IT STOP IT WE ****ING KNOW ITS YOU WRITING THE GOD DAMN MOTHER****ING POSTS! STOP ****ING SIGNING THEM ITS DRIVING US ALL INSANE:banghead:

[BlueandGold]

Let's compare:

Wade - top25 all time player, first-ballot HOF
Lebron - top15 all time player, first-ballot
Allen - top50 all time player, first-ballot
Bosh - perennial all-star
Rasheed - multiple all-star selections

Lakers:

Bryant - top10 all time player, first ballot
Dwight - possible top50 all time player
Nash - top50 all time player, possible first ballot
Gasol - perennial all-star
Jamison - multiple all-star selections

looks pretty close but it seems like Miami has it by a sliver.

[crisoner]

You got to give the nod to the Heat. They have been in battles together for two years and added depth. Plus they are the champs. Got to respect the champs until somebody dethrones them.

[swi7ch]

Why is Pat so lazy to bring in a center?
Did you watch the last game of the Finals? No team even with the any center in any era will beat that game 5 MIA Heat team if their shooters are making shots.

Also, MJ repeatedly beat Pat Riley's team (featuring Ewing and then later with Mourning) with a 3-headed center combo (Longley+Wennington+somebody else) so there's that too.

[BlackVVaves]

Question is who would defend LAL's frontline if they meet in the finals - Bosh and Anthony aren't going to cut it against DH and Pau.

BUT, and it's a big BUT, LA has to get past OKC first. They haven't addressed the problems against OKC - lack of speed and perimeter defense (guarding Durant/Westbrooke/Harden) while OKC still have Obaka and Perkins for DH and Pau. Match-ups are b***h, aren't they?

Actually, the Lakers addressed their biggest weakness against OKC, and against the other top teams in the West (Spurs, Clippers) - pick and roll defense.

That is truly the biggest difference that will be felt when comparing to Bynum's stint as a Laker, on both ends. Bynum was one of the worst "rollers" in the league in terms of centers involved in pick and roll on offense. Conversely, Dwight Howard is the best roller in the league (also should note Nash was the best point guard in terms of profiency in pick and roll last year).

On defense, Dwight is the best big in regards to pick and roll coverage. His quickness and long arms allow him to show on the perimeter, and sprint back to the basket to affect, if not swat, the opposing player's shot.

Westbrook and KD killed LA last year in the pick and roll. Either Bynum would stay back to avoid getting burned on the perimeter, resulting in a wide open jump shot, OR he'd come out, and get outrun while the basket was left unguarded.

With Dwight, OKC (and Miami) lose the default advantage of their initial offensive set in the pick and roll. You're talking about taking away a team's most favored and most effective play, while strengthening another team's most glaring weakness.

Not to say teams won't be able to use pick and roll at all against LA. Just saying that Dwight's addition and Bynum's subtractions go well beyond points scored and rebounds collected.

One last thing. Outside of Dwight, there's no better interior defender in terms of man-to-man post play than Perkins. However there is also only a handful of bigs worse than Perkins in pick and roll defense (like Bynum). Thus, Perkins spent most of his time on the bench against teams that predominantly and effectively execute pick and roll. And, as I said before, Nash is the most proficient player in the league in pick and roll plays (I'm typing on my phone, but if you hit google you'll find the data that backs that as I've read it numerous times) and Dwight is the best roller (same applies here).

Which means, more likely than not, Howard will spend most of the game being guarded by a weaker Ibaka, or else Perkins will become victimized in yet another playoff series by constant pick and roll action.

Such is another reason why statistics don't illustrate the full dimensions of a basketball game. Bynum and Dwight may be similiar in production, but they couldn't be more different in terms of actual play.

With that being said, my prognosis is still the same: Miami is still the team to beat. It would take excellent gameplanning by LA or OKC to beat the Heat.

[TheBigVeto]

Let's forget about this Lakers and OKC stuff. Miami picked up Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis to space the floor for 3 top 15 players. 2 of those guys are top 5 players in the world. Plus, they have the best player in the world. They are better than LA and OK just based on talent alone. You can't beat a team with two dominant slashers like those guys surrounded by all time great shooters.

The only chance anyone in the NBA has would be a Lebron choke or injury to one of there key pieces. Otherwise they are the best.

:biggums:

Lakers also have David Stern, most talented 6th man ever.

[brandonislegend]

:biggums:

Lakers also have David Stern, most talented 6th man ever.

Yeah since he didn't veto a trade for Chris Paul or anything

[chips93]

STOP IT STOP IT STOP IT STOP IT WE ****ING KNOW ITS YOU WRITING THE GOD DAMN MOTHER****ING POSTS! STOP ****ING SIGNING THEM ITS DRIVING US ALL INSANE:banghead:


this

we need to have some sort of intervention for illsmak

-chips93

[TheBigVeto]

Yeah since he didn't veto a trade for Chris Paul or anything

That was smoke and mirror.

[upside24]

STOP IT STOP IT STOP IT STOP IT WE ****ING KNOW ITS YOU WRITING THE GOD DAMN MOTHER****ING POSTS! STOP ****ING SIGNING THEM ITS DRIVING US ALL INSANE:banghead:
:lol

[swi7ch]

STOP IT STOP IT STOP IT STOP IT WE ****ING KNOW ITS YOU WRITING THE GOD DAMN MOTHER****ING POSTS! STOP ****ING SIGNING THEM ITS DRIVING US ALL INSANE:banghead:
I agree, it's fukkin stupid.


-swi7ch

[chazzy]

:biggums:

Lakers also have David Stern, most talented 6th man ever.
TheBigVeto


One last thing. Outside of Dwight, there's no better interior defender in terms of man-to-man post play than Perkins. However there is also only a handful of bigs worse than Perkins in pick and roll defense (like Bynum). Thus, Perkins spent most of his time on the bench against teams that predominantly and effectively execute pick and roll. And, as I said before, Nash is the most proficient player in the league in pick and roll plays (I'm typing on my phone, but if you hit google you'll find the data that backs that as I've read it numerous times) and Dwight is the best roller (same applies here).
Exactly. Dwight won't have to isolate on the low block against Perkins the way he did in Orlando and LA should exploit that pick and roll weakness with Nash running the show.

[CavaliersFTW]

STOP IT STOP IT STOP IT STOP IT WE ****ING KNOW ITS YOU WRITING THE GOD DAMN MOTHER****ING POSTS! STOP ****ING SIGNING THEM ITS DRIVING US ALL INSANE:banghead:
This.

-CavaliersFTW

[LBJFTW]

:lol @ the "By far" part.

[swag2011]

I dont' get this "they have the best player" thing. Like seriously, is that supposed to be a huge edge.

Didn't Heat have the best player in 2011?
Didn't Lakers have the best player in 2008?
Didn't Lakers have the best 2 players in 2004?

Seriously, that really doesn't mean sh*t.

And what do Kobe fans have to be threatened by Lebron for? Kobe's already a consensus top 10 player of all time by former basketball players, GMs, coaches, other players, and the general nba fanbase. Only morons think otherwise. Kobe's already sealed in the top 10, whereas that's where Lebron is still trying to get. Kobe's aiming for MJ (not gunna get there), Magic, Kareem etc, Lebron still trying to get in the top 10, so please chill with all that threatened talk.

[CarlosBoozer]

Super talented team but they still need a decent center to become unstoppable and beat the lakers IF they ever meet in the finals.


-Booze

[RaininTwos]

Only thing that is stopping Miami is some 3-2 zone, and post play. Other than that, can't really say with confidence they won't repeat.
Beating the Heat by playing zone isn't going to work 4 times against them anymore.

[BlackVVaves]

Beating the Heat by playing zone isn't going to work 4 times against them anymore.

Playing a zone with three defenders spread along the perimeter, while the most impactful defender in the league for the last 5 years mans the paint with a 7 footer at his side...isn't going to work?

Truth is, I don't know if it'll work. But, you don't know if it won't work either. The difference is, it's worked for the duration of the "Heatles" era when applied consistently with a supreme interior defender, so me saying it could work leaves less to be proved.

[PJR]

A zone hasn't been an effective strategy against the Heat since they did away with 'conventional' lineps and started playing Bosh at Center. :confusedshrug:

And one could infer it most certainly won't work next year since Miami essentially added the greatest floor spacer in NBA history(Ray Allen), and another well accomplished 6'10'' shooter in Lewis.

[KOBE143]

yup they're the most talented but will still lose to Lakers in the finals or even to Bulls with healthy DRose..

[HEAT111]

You got to give the nod to the Heat. They have been in battles together for two years and added depth. Plus they are the champs. Got to respect the champs until somebody dethrones them.


mmmmm...I'd rather have a conclusion once the era ends instead of dethroning.

[BlackVVaves]

A zone hasn't been an effective strategy against the Heat since they did away with 'conventional' lineps and started playing Bosh at Center. :confusedshrug:

And one could infer it most certainly won't work next year since Miami essentially added the greatest floor spacer in NBA history(Ray Allen), and another well accomplished 6'10'' shooter in Lewis.

Actually, that isn't true at all.

Miami still struggled against the zone throughout the season. When a defensively competent team utilized a zone-based defensive scheme against them in the playoffs, the series went 7 games. Yes, it could be attributed to Bosh's absence, but the truth is Miami struggled against the Boston zone up until Bron went bonkers. In the Finals, Scott Brooks refused to apply the zone, opting to play man-to-man defense predominantly like an idiot. The result? Basket drives, resulting in slow rotations and defense collapse, which in turn leads to wide open 3s.

Wide open 3s, which Miami spent most of the regular season and playoffs missing. Then, all of a sudden, Miami's role players started actually hitting the 3s at a clip that made teams suffer from trying to collapse around Bron and Wade's penetrations.

Ray Allen definitely will spread the floor more than any other shooter could, as he is the best 3 point shooter of all time. And, I did say that only a perfectly executed game plan will dethrone Miami, so it's not as if I'm stating they are doomed to fail. However, playing a 3-2 zone (not 2-3 zone) and zones disguised as man defense will funnel those outside shooters to the basket, where Dwight will be waiting. A committed game plan as such, a Top 5-10 defender at his position in Artest, the best defender in the league in Dwight, and some 3 point misses from Miami could lead to a different champion in June.

[Round Mound]

Get Real...Everyone That is Not a Laker or Kob Fan Knows...That They Have the Most Talented and Experienced Team in the League.

If They Don`t Win...It Will Be Like :wtf:

[BlackVVaves]

If the Lakers even make it to the Finals.

[lakerspng]

Size and talent are two different things, no?

PG edge goes to LA
SG is a wash
SF edge goes to MIA
PF is a wash
C edge goes to LA

They definitely have the edge in terms of positional talent.


This however is true.

you've got to be kidding me

[OG LeeTSkeeT]

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_makbnqYGB71rvf9cto1_500.jpg

[Whoah10115]

Size, size, size. The Lakers are the wrong type of team for the Heat. IF (big, bold, capital letters) the Lakers can figure out how to best use everyone, they will win.

I think Dwight Howard is a clown but the Lakers winning culture (not to mention, Kobe's will) may push him to take the game more seriously. If he can work within the fabric of the team on offense and spend most of his focus on defense/rebounding...I don't think the Heat can match up. The Thunder are basically a jump shooting team that's either too slow (Perkins) or too thin (Ibaka) to bang with Howard down low.

Now you got Kobe and Artest out on the perimeter knowing they got somebody back there to clean up any mistakes. Now Gasol can let Howard bang the other team's enforcer. Everything shifts now. What's Garnett gonna do? He can't try to punk Gasol with Howard demanding his attention. Gasol can just sit at the elbow and knock down jump shots all game.

The Lakers keep winning titles because they keep restocking talented big guys. It's become a perimeter league, but the Lakers could take us back to the old days. They're going to force everyone else to get their weight up.

If this team reaches it's potential, wow. Howard wants to prove he's a winner. Kobe wants to prove he's still a winner. I'd be surprised if they didn't beat OKC and at least make the Finals. They should've beaten them last year.



Mostly a good post, but the Gasol thing doesn't make sense. Sitting at the elbow and taking jumpers was exactly his problem last year.


The halfcourt should go thru him and he has to be on the floor when Nash takes his breaks.

[ripthekik]

most talented but no heart. Only wade has the heart of a champion. everyone else are mostly ring chasers who resort to teaming up as the only way to win.

[funnystuff]

most talented but no heart. Only wade has the heart of a champion. everyone else are mostly ring chasers who resort to teaming up as the only way to win.
Game 6 @ Boston. Wut

[Legends66NBA7]

you've got to be kidding me

As in ?...

[Da_Realist]

Mostly a good post, but the Gasol thing doesn't make sense. Sitting at the elbow and taking jumpers was exactly his problem last year.


The halfcourt should go thru him and he has to be on the floor when Nash takes his breaks.

No, I meant in a different sense. Pau would rather not have to bang to get his points. If the Lakers have a tough matchup inside, Pau has the luxury of taking it outside and allowing Howard to wear down the other team inside. Pau can pick his spots more freely now.