Spurs could easily repeat.

[Connor B]

Cleveland (them team I believe to get to the finals) doesn't have the defense necessary to shut them down (Spurs spread the floor like crazy). Marion, as good as he was as a defender in years past, is getting pretty old so let's not at like that's a game changer -- helpful, but won't put them over the top. Love/Kyrie's defensive issues are well known on here, and after that you're left with Lebron who can be great when he isn't coasting but is still just one guy. For as good as Cleveland will be offensively, let's not forget what the Spurs did in the Finals -- they are just as potent.

I feel like everyone is writing them off again, I've heard a lot of "It will be OKC's year and Ibaka won't be injured". Earlier in the summer I was saying that OKC would have gotten to the finals had Ibaka been healthy for the first half of the series and based on OKC going 4-0 during the regular season. But I don't believe that anymore, I think the 2014 Spurs team was one of the all time great basketball teams and they will have literally the same team next year who will be very motivated to win again.

[poido123]

..

[T_L_P]

I think it's between us and OKC again (in the West).

Fortunately Pop has worked out a way to stop them: bring Ibaka out by playing Diaw/Bonner, have Green defend Durant (better man defender than Kawhi imo) and Kawhi guard Westbrook.

[poido123]

I think it's between us and OKC again.

Fortunately Pop has worked out a way to stop them: bring Ibaka out by playing Diaw/Bonner, have Green defend Durant (better man defender than Kawhi imo) and Kawhi guard Westbrook.


A lot depends on if Ibaka is hitting that J in high volume.

He destroyed San Antonio first time round doing exactly that.

I have no idea what Morrow will be like for this team...And Lamb will be playing heavy minutes, so his improvement is an unknown and second year Adams too.

[Orlando Magic]

I think it's between us and OKC again.

Fortunately Pop has worked out a way to stop them: bring Ibaka out by playing Diaw/Bonner, have Green defend Durant (better man defender than Kawhi imo) and Kawhi guard Westbrook.

He didn't come up with a way to stop them.

Ibaka plays those first two games and OKC wins that series brah.

OKC is a year older... and so is SAS both of which benefits... OKC.

Title games = OKC vs CHI or CLE

Winner = OKC or CHI

This is barring injuries which are for the most part unpredictable.

[G-train]

No one easily repeats.

[poido123]

No one easily repeats.


The West is again strong this year.

I think Golden State, Dallas and New Orleans could be more prominent this year too...

[T_L_P]

He didn't come up with a way to stop them.

Ibaka plays those first two games and OKC wins that series brah.

OKC is a year older... and so is SAS both of which benefits... OKC.

Title games = OKC vs CHI or CLE

Winner = OKC or CHI

This is barring injuries which are for the most part unpredictable.

Series was 2-2 with Ibaka in the lineup, even though our All-Star/All-NBAer missed half of a game.

We beat OKC by 28 at home with Ibaka in the lineup.

The odds don't stack up.

[Real14]

Might not be that easy. Last season Spurs were fortunate to win because of Lebron's cowardly antics in the finals.

[toxicxr6]

He didn't come up with a way to stop them.

Ibaka plays those first two games and OKC wins that series brah.

OKC is a year older... and so is SAS both of which benefits... OKC.

Title games = OKC vs CHI or CLE

Winner = OKC or CHI

This is barring injuries which are for the most part unpredictable.


I'm sorry but in no way does ibaka change the results in game 1 and 2... OKC got completely blown away... If I remember correctly the spurs won game 1 and 2 by an average of like 30 points ... Ibaka Makes OKC better sure.. But 30 points better?? GTFO you are dreaming

Game 6 if ibaka was healthy could have had a different result but if you are going to play the " ibaka was injured" card.. Then you have to consider that tony Parker hardly played In that game too.. And he didn't play in the crucial second half.. Parker was hurt that whole series.. So in terms of injury for game 6 it's pretty even...


In terms of winning again.. There are no guarantees but they absolutely have a shot.. Pretty much spurs/OKC/cavs at teir one
Chicago/clippers on teir 2

The rest I think don't have a realistic shot ...

I wouldn't say the spurs could "easily repeat" but they have a very good chance and probably their best ever chance

They have a bunch of players that are young and still improving.. Their chemistry is off the charts at both ends of the court.. Magnificent balance between young and experienced players ... With a refined playbook now.. Which might even get better this year..

The spurs were so good last year people are just assuming that this team has peaked already but they have been improving for 3 years now.. I wouldn't say they have peaked until I see a decline and that hasn't happened yet.. Thy may get better next season.. That's a possible and no one seems to acknowledge that

[SouBeachTalents]

Might not be that easy. Last season Spurs were fortunate to win because of Lebron's cowardly antics in the finals.

We haven't seen any Knick antics in the Finals in 15 years

[GetBuckets]

I think Golden State could make the run for it this year... Arguably they have the best Stating 5.... OKC will be strong and I never count the Spurs out... Those three are my top picks from the West.

[SpecialQue]

Might not be that easy. Last season Spurs were fortunate to win because of Lebron's cowardly antics in the finals.

Or maybe the Spurs were the better team? :confusedshrug:

[Milbuck]

I honestly think it's OKC's year. We can clown Durant for his playoffs and whatever, but he's arrived as an all-time great player, and he's still getting better..Westbrook is the most dominant point guard in the game and he's getting better as well..all Ibaka has to do is keep improving that midrange J, keep blocking shots, and obviously stay healthy. All three of these guys are around 25..which again, means they're likely to be even better this upcoming year. Plus they'll have the full season this time around to get into a groove, they don't have to deal with Westbrook starting the season, getting hurt and missing significant time, and then trying to fit his game back with the team..

Imo all they have to do to be championship favorites is the following:

1) Start Adams, and cut Perkins' minutes significantly. Adams in his rookie year was 10x the athlete, rebounder, offensive hustle player and defender Perk was. Another year of experience, and he's far and away the best option. Ibaka and Adams could be one of the best rebounding and defensive FC duos in the game.

2) Give Lamb, PJ3, and Roberson burn early in the season so they're confident and experienced by the end of the season.

3) Start Westbrook and let Jackson run the 2nd unit...but occasionally experiment with a staggered lineup with Reggie at the 1 with Westbrook at the 2..this should be their go-to lineup in the playoffs when they need a lot of firepower, when their offense is getting stagnant.

Their lineup should be..

Westbrook/Jackson/Telfair
Morrow/Lamb/Westbrook
Durant/Roberson/Lamb
Ibaka/PJ3/McGary
Adams/Collison/Perkins

That lineup, if healthy, should be the favorite to win it all.

[Warfan]

I honestly think it's OKC's year. We can clown Durant for his playoffs and whatever, but he's arrived as an all-time great player, and he's still getting better..Westbrook is the most dominant point guard in the game and he's getting better as well..all Ibaka has to do is keep improving that midrange J, keep blocking shots, and obviously stay healthy. All three of these guys are around 25..which again, means they're likely to be even better this upcoming year. Plus they'll have the full season this time around to get into a groove, they don't have to deal with Westbrook starting the season, getting hurt and missing significant time, and then trying to fit his game back with the team..

Imo all they have to do to be championship favorites is the following:

1) Start Adams, and cut Perkins' minutes significantly. Adams in his rookie year was 10x the athlete, rebounder, offensive hustle player and defender Perk was. Another year of experience, and he's far and away the best option. Ibaka and Adams could be one of the best rebounding and defensive FC duos in the game.

2) Give Lamb, PJ3, and Roberson burn early in the season so they're confident and experienced by the end of the season.

3) Start Westbrook and let Jackson run the 2nd unit...but occasionally experiment with a staggered lineup with Reggie at the 1 with Westbrook at the 2..this should be their go-to lineup in the playoffs when they need a lot of firepower, when their offense is getting stagnant.

Their lineup should be..

Westbrook/Jackson/Telfair
Morrow/Lamb/Westbrook
Durant/Roberson/Lamb
Ibaka/PJ3/McGary
Adams/Collison/Perkins

That lineup, if healthy, should be the favorite to win it all.

http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1104550/scottt.gif

[T_L_P]

I honestly think it's OKC's year. We can clown Durant for his playoffs and whatever, but he's arrived as an all-time great player, and he's still getting better..Westbrook is the most dominant point guard in the game and he's getting better as well..all Ibaka has to do is keep improving that midrange J, keep blocking shots, and obviously stay healthy. All three of these guys are around 25..which again, means they're likely to be even better this upcoming year. Plus they'll have the full season this time around to get into a groove, they don't have to deal with Westbrook starting the season, getting hurt and missing significant time, and then trying to fit his game back with the team..

Imo all they have to do to be championship favorites is the following:

1) Start Adams, and cut Perkins' minutes significantly. Adams in his rookie year was 10x the athlete, rebounder, offensive hustle player and defender Perk was. Another year of experience, and he's far and away the best option. Ibaka and Adams could be one of the best rebounding and defensive FC duos in the game.

2) Give Lamb, PJ3, and Roberson burn early in the season so they're confident and experienced by the end of the season.

3) Start Westbrook and let Jackson run the 2nd unit...but occasionally experiment with a staggered lineup with Reggie at the 1 with Westbrook at the 2..this should be their go-to lineup in the playoffs when they need a lot of firepower, when their offense is getting stagnant.

Their lineup should be..

Westbrook/Jackson/Telfair
Morrow/Lamb/Westbrook
Durant/Roberson/Lamb
Ibaka/PJ3/McGary
Adams/Collison/Perkins

That lineup, if healthy, should be the favorite to win it all.

I hate Perk. Like most of OKC's lineup he's a goon...but half the reason Ibaka looks so good on D is because he has Perkins behind him. Adams is certainly not the better defender.

Agreed with your other points (on how they should go about trying to win). I personally think the Thunder's ship sailed when they traded Harden for peanuts. Relying on Brooks and two ISO stars is a tough sell for me. Their 4-12 is horrendous imo.

Hey, they'll probably prove me wrong.

[Sarcastic]

Not easy at all. Cavs are the favorites this year.

http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=352282

[SpecialQue]

http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1104550/scottt.gif

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1098168/spo.gif

[Nowitness]

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1098168/spo.gif

Managed to win b2b rings with the biggest finals choker in nba history as his best player.

Spo deserves goat talks.

[Real14]

We haven't seen any Knick antics in the Finals in 15 years
The knicks has nothing to do with this. Don't get mad at me because your leader once again played like a bitch last June.

[SouBeachTalents]

The knicks has nothing to do with this. Don't get mad at me because your leader once again played like a bitch last June.

Don't get mad at me because your leader has never played in June

[Milbuck]

I hate Perk. Like most of OKC's lineup he's a goon...but half the reason Ibaka looks so good on D is because he has Perkins behind him. Adams is certainly not the better defender.

Agreed with your other points (on how they should go about trying to win). I personally think the Thunder's ship sailed when they traded Harden for peanuts. Relying on Brooks and two ISO stars is a tough sell for me. Their 4-12 is horrendous imo.

Hey, they'll probably prove me wrong.
I'm not gonna spew the regular shit I do about Harden...but I don't think they screwed themselves that much.

Their 4-12 isn't horrendous, it's just young as hell aside from Perk and Collison. Jackson is a stud, Morrow is a sniper, Adams is a great hustle player to have next to Ibaka, Collison is still solid, and Lamb/PJ3 both just need a consistent role to develop.

They're clearly not the 2000 Blazers in terms of depth..but considering they have Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook on the team, they have more than enough depth to get it done.

[Real14]

Or maybe the Spurs were the better team? :confusedshrug:
I don't think so. I believe the heat were the better team but were led by the wrong man just like what transpired in June 2011.

[Milbuck]

I don't think so. I believe the heat were the better team but were led by the wrong man just like what transpired in June 2011.
I know you're not a Lebron guy...but the Spurs were stacked. GOAT-level system/coaching, and 2-deep with high-IQ, elite passing, disciplined players at pretty much every position. When they were on their game, the other team pretty much didn't stand a chance unless they had 2 superstar players going berserk.

Honestly the way they played in the finals, the only teams in the past 40 years I could see beating them in a series would be the 86 Celtics, 96 Bulls, and 01 Lakers. Games 3-5 of the finals was as close to perfect team basketball as I've ever seen.

[Real14]

Don't get mad at me because your leader has never played in June
Why so salty man? At least Melo didn't build a super stacked team that contained two other superstars aka olympic gold medal teammates just to win rings.

[Real14]

Managed to win b2b rings with the biggest finals choker in nba history as his best player.

Spo deserves goat talks.
Major help from Riley, Stern, and referees.

[RRR3]

The knicks has nothing to do with this. Don't get mad at me because your leader once again played like a bitch last June.
LeBrons 2014 finals is better than any playoff series Melo ever had.

[Real14]

I know you're not a Lebron guy...but the Spurs were stacked. GOAT-level system/coaching, and 2-deep with high-IQ, elite passing, disciplined players at pretty much every position. When they were on their game, the other team pretty much didn't stand a chance unless they had 2 superstar players going berserk.

Honestly the way they played in the finals, the only teams in the past 40 years I could see beating them in a series would be the 86 Celtics, 96 Bulls, and 01 Lakers. Games 3-5 of the finals was as close to perfect team basketball as I've ever seen.
I agree that the Spurs are a great team with a great system but major blame has to go to Lebron. You just have to admit that. He gaved up on his team.

[Real14]

LeBrons 2014 finals is better than any playoff series Melo ever had.
Don't make me bring up Lebron's 2011 finals 4th quarter stats up man.

[SouBeachTalents]

Don't make me bring up Lebron's 2011 finals 4th quarter stats up man.

I would NEVER defend LeBron's 2011 Finals performance, but why don't you bring up Melo's Final stats instead

[RRR3]

Don't make me bring up Lebron's 2011 finals 4th quarter stats up man.
Go ahead bring them up. They're still better than Melos fourth quarter stats in the finals.

[Real14]

Go ahead bring them up. They're still better than Melos fourth quarter stats in the finals.
Even 2004 and 2005 chauncey billups had better fourth quarter finals stats than 2011 lebron and that's sad.

[RRR3]

Even 2004 and 2005 chauncey billups had better stats than 2011 lebron and that's sad.
Even 2011 LeBron had better stats than Melos career.

[SouBeachTalents]

Even 2004 and 2005 chauncey billups had better fourth quarter finals stats than 2011 lebron and that's sad.

He had better stats than Melo in 4th quarter of the Finals too

[Real14]

Even 2011 LeBron had better stats than Melos career.
You buggin now.

[Real14]

He had better stats than Melo in 4th quarter of the Finals too
Melo had better postseason stats than lebron in 04 and 05 tho.

[RRR3]

You buggin now.
No, 2011 LeBron is still a significantly better player than Melo ever was or ever will be.

[RRR3]

Melo had better postseason stats than lebron in 04 and 05 tho.
Yeah he had a legendary 1-16 game in the playoffs. GOAT

[Cocaine80s]

I see it like this

Thunder>Spurs
Spurs>Cavs
Cavs>Thunder



If the spurs make the finals the cavs are screwed imo. If its an OKC vs CLE final then it will be a lot closer with the Cavs being the slight favorite

[Real14]

Yeah he had a legendary 1-16 game in the playoffs. GOAT
Lebron had super stacked teams and played in the easy east his whole career.

[navy]

Lebron had super stacked teams and played in the easy east his whole career.
Melo cant even make the playoffs in the easy east .

[SouBeachTalents]

Lebron had super stacked teams and played in the easy east his whole career.

The same conference Melo's won ONE series in 4 seasons in?

[RRR3]

Lebron had super stacked teams and played in the easy east his whole career.
Melos playoff career in the east is hardly anything to brag about. And Lebron played most of his career without much offensive help (cavs years), and guess what? He still put up far superior playoff numbers

[Real14]

Melo cant even make the playoffs in the easy east .
But Why Lebron missed playoffs in easy east twice while Melo only missed it once?

[Cocaine80s]

But Why Lebron missed playoffs in easy east twice while Melo only missed it once?
Melo missed it in one of the all time weakest eastern conference season


seriously, the east last year was ****ing terrible

[RRR3]

But Why Lebron missed playoffs in easy east twice while Melo only missed it once?
Because he's played in the east longer

[navy]

But Why Lebron missed playoffs in easy east twice while Melo only missed it once?
Cause he played for the Cavs as a rookie and sophmore.

[Real14]

The same conference Melo's won ONE series in 4 seasons in?
2011- injuries in playoffs
2012- injuries in playoffs
2013- injuries and suspension in playoffs
2014- injuries, felton and woodson.

[Real14]

Melo missed it in one of the all time weakest eastern conference season


seriously, the east last year was ****ing terrible
Who was our coach? Plus we had injuries.

[Cocaine80s]

Who was our coach? Plus we had injuries.
Mike Woodson took you guys to the playoffs 2 years in a row

[rlsmooth775]

Who was our coach? Plus we had injuries.

Carmelo is the most overrated player of all time bro no one even come close in all honesty

[SouBeachTalents]

2011- injuries in playoffs
2012- injuries in playoffs
2013- injuries and suspension in playoffs
2014- injuries, felton and woodson.

So it's never Melo's fault huh? Anytime they lose, apparently it's solely due to injuries or somebody else. Meanwhile, whenever LeBron loses, it's ALL his fault, especially in this years Finals when his teammates played so well

[Real14]

Damn there's sum salty ass people at this time of night. 5 against 1 all because I truthfully stated that Lebron is a coward:oldlol:.

[navy]

Damn there's salty ass people at this time at night. 4 against 1 all because I truthfully stated that Lebron is a coward:oldlol:.
Still better than Carmelo. :cheers:

[Real14]

Because he's played in the east longer
Melo played most of his career in the west tho. Lebron would be scared to play in the west.

[RRR3]

Your favorite player is worse than a coward. Ouch.

[SouBeachTalents]

Your favorite player is worse than a coward. Ouch.

:roll:

[Real14]

Cause he played for the Cavs as a rookie and sophmore.
So. Melo played in the tough west as a rookie and sophmore. Lebron had it easy.

[TheMarkMadsen]

Durant needs to make the finals if OKC is healthy simple as that

[Real14]

Carmelo is the most overrated player of all time bro no one even come close in all honesty
Multiple all star, mvp of 2003 syracuse college basketball, led a west team to the west finals and 2013 scoring champ is the most overrated? Okay.

[RRR3]

Durant needs to make the finals if OKC is healthy simple as that
No he doesn't. If he plays well but is let down by his team you can't fault him.

[Real14]

So it's never Melo's fault huh? Anytime they lose, apparently it's solely due to injuries or somebody else. Meanwhile, whenever LeBron loses, it's ALL his fault, especially in this years Finals when his teammates played so well
Most of the time Melo gets injured especially when hibbert phucks up his shoulder in 2013 . Lebron never gets injured and last year when he cramped blaiming it on the ac and wind up quitting on his team was a bitch move.

[RRR3]

LeBron being a bitch still shat on Melos playoff career :oldlol:
Melo is the wrong player to try to back if you're hating on LeBron. Remove LBJs heat years and he still shits on Melos entire life.

[Real14]

Your favorite player is worse than a coward. Ouch.
Your favorite player needs super stacked teams to win, quits on his team when the tough gets going and lies with a straight face every damn time."Not 6, Not 7." "I will enter the dunk contest next year." "Nobody should wear number 23 anymore." Too much to say bro.

[RRR3]

Your favorite player needs super stacked teams to win, quits on his team when the tough gets going and lies with a straight face every damn time."Not 6, Not 7." "I will enter the dunk contest next year." "Nobody should wear number 23 anymore." Too much to say bro.
Tmac is my favorite player. LeBron is 2nd.

[Real14]

Tmac is my favorite player. LeBron is 2nd.
Damn, I think you just ethered yourself. Good day my friend.

[ProfessorMurder]

If the Spurs are healthy they'll win again... And I'll be incredibly happy again.

[NuggetsFan]

Probably the safest bet once you factor everything in like experience, chemistry, depth etc.

[joe]

This thread is exactly what is wrong with this forum. It starts as an interesting basketball discussion and turns into little kids arguing about Lebron Vs Melo. Even if that had any relevance to the topic, which it doesn't, your argument consists of one liners with no substance.

[Real14]

This thread is exactly what is wrong with this forum. It starts as an interesting basketball discussion and turns into little kids arguing about Lebron Vs Melo. Even if that had any relevance to the topic, which it doesn't, your argument consists of one liners with no substance.
Yea its something else that I didn't even mention the knicks or melo but they started with me all because I told the truth about lebron. 5 posters against 1.

[All Net]

They are favourites as the champions.. They are one of about 5 who can win.

[BoutPractice]

Yeah.

I don't see OKC as a huge threat, honestly. Unless they've somehow come up with an offense in the offseason. Same with the Rockets. They've both got a ceiling... just like Dallas probably has a ceiling due to their defense.

[NZStreetBaller]

I honestly think it's OKC's year. We can clown Durant for his playoffs and whatever, but he's arrived as an all-time great player, and he's still getting better..Westbrook is the most dominant point guard in the game and he's getting better as well..all Ibaka has to do is keep improving that midrange J, keep blocking shots, and obviously stay healthy. All three of these guys are around 25..which again, means they're likely to be even better this upcoming year. Plus they'll have the full season this time around to get into a groove, they don't have to deal with Westbrook starting the season, getting hurt and missing significant time, and then trying to fit his game back with the team..

Imo all they have to do to be championship favorites is the following:

1) Start Adams, and cut Perkins' minutes significantly. Adams in his rookie year was 10x the athlete, rebounder, offensive hustle player and defender Perk was. Another year of experience, and he's far and away the best option. Ibaka and Adams could be one of the best rebounding and defensive FC duos in the game.

2) Give Lamb, PJ3, and Roberson burn early in the season so they're confident and experienced by the end of the season.

3) Start Westbrook and let Jackson run the 2nd unit...but occasionally experiment with a staggered lineup with Reggie at the 1 with Westbrook at the 2..this should be their go-to lineup in the playoffs when they need a lot of firepower, when their offense is getting stagnant.

Their lineup should be..

Westbrook/Jackson/Telfair
Morrow/Lamb/Westbrook
Durant/Roberson/Lamb
Ibaka/PJ3/McGary
Adams/Collison/Perkins

That lineup, if healthy, should be the favorite to win it all.

best thing ive heard about OKC :applause:

[BoutPractice]

I agree that increasing his minutes should bring a real improvement for OKC as a whole, though Adams is still young and mistake prone, which counts for something in the playoffs.

[poido123]

I honestly think it's OKC's year. We can clown Durant for his playoffs and whatever, but he's arrived as an all-time great player, and he's still getting better..Westbrook is the most dominant point guard in the game and he's getting better as well..all Ibaka has to do is keep improving that midrange J, keep blocking shots, and obviously stay healthy. All three of these guys are around 25..which again, means they're likely to be even better this upcoming year. Plus they'll have the full season this time around to get into a groove, they don't have to deal with Westbrook starting the season, getting hurt and missing significant time, and then trying to fit his game back with the team..

Imo all they have to do to be championship favorites is the following:

1) Start Adams, and cut Perkins' minutes significantly. Adams in his rookie year was 10x the athlete, rebounder, offensive hustle player and defender Perk was. Another year of experience, and he's far and away the best option. Ibaka and Adams could be one of the best rebounding and defensive FC duos in the game.

2) Give Lamb, PJ3, and Roberson burn early in the season so they're confident and experienced by the end of the season.

3) Start Westbrook and let Jackson run the 2nd unit...but occasionally experiment with a staggered lineup with Reggie at the 1 with Westbrook at the 2..this should be their go-to lineup in the playoffs when they need a lot of firepower, when their offense is getting stagnant.

Their lineup should be..

Westbrook/Jackson/Telfair
Morrow/Lamb/Westbrook
Durant/Roberson/Lamb
Ibaka/PJ3/McGary
Adams/Collison/Perkins

That lineup, if healthy, should be the favorite to win it all.



Pretty solid post milbuck :applause:

I have OKC/Warriors neck and neck this year.

[Paul George 24]

only refs can beat the spurs :rockon:

[Lebron23]

Easily?? I don't think so. Duncan and Ginobili will be 39 and 38 yrs.old at the start of the playoffs.

[Paul George 24]

Easily?? I don't think so. Duncan and Ginobili will be 39 and 38 yrs.old at the start of the playoffs.

they will beat the cavs easily :lol
they cavs has no defence at all

[Lebron23]

they will beat the cavs easily :lol
they cavs has no defence at all


Defense is all about effort. Love and Irving might improve defensively. Spurs core are getting older.

[Nuff Said]

Your favorite player needs super stacked teams to win, quits on his team when the tough gets going and lies with a straight face every damn time."Not 6, Not 7." "I will enter the dunk contest next year." "Nobody should wear number 23 anymore." Too much to say bro.

Considering melo has yet to win, shouldn't the same be said for him?

[Lebron23]

Considering melo has yet to win, shouldn't the same be said for him?


Burnnnnnn

[OldSchoolBBall]

Very old core. They could do it, and they'll be one of the top 3 favorites to win it, but it's not gonna be easy.

[choppermagic]

No disrespect to the Spurs, but this core and coaching hasn't been able to pull off a back-to-back win yet. It takes luck and a particular mentality to be able to run that marathon twice in a row.

And as others have said, the West is still strong as heck. It wont be easy for sure. It's too bad the Spurs aren't in the East. Then the Finals might be more of a close match up and Lebron wont get an easy ride back on default.

[Wally450]

They are definitely the favorites to win it all. How many years now have the Spurs been too old? The past 5-6 years? All they've been doing is proving us wrong. If the Spurs can get through the grueling West in the playoffs, they'll beat whatever team comes out of the East. Cavs, Bulls, whoever.

But eventually calling them too old is going to come into effect, its just when is it actually going to happen.

[Demitri98]

Everyone is a year older now.

Who does that benefit? OKC. If the team stays healthy this year and Lamb doesn't suck ass, they are going to the Finals. Durant + Westbrook with a healthy Ibaka to deal with is just too much.

[Paul George 24]

Defense is all about effort. Love and Irving might improve defensively. Spurs core are getting older.

the spurs is not just only rely on gdp anymore :banana:

and leonard,green,millis will only getting better and better

poor defence will never changed.......

[Uncle Drew]

They'll easily repeat.

[Paul George 24]

Everyone is a year older now.

Who does that benefit? OKC. If the team stays healthy this year and Lamb doesn't suck ass, they are going to the Finals. Durant + Westbrook with a healthy Ibaka to deal with is just too much.

u seems forgot they got 3 refs aROUND them :lol
without 3 refs,spurs will beat okc,no doubt

[Paul George 24]

No disrespect to the Spurs, but this core and coaching hasn't been able to pull off a back-to-back win yet. It takes luck and a particular mentality to be able to run that marathon twice in a row.

And as others have said, the West is still strong as heck. It wont be easy for sure. It's too bad the Spurs aren't in the East. Then the Finals might be more of a close match up and Lebron wont get an easy ride back on default.
luck :roll:

they are back to back in finals
okc will not been in west. con finals,if they without the refs give them some speical treatment

[Real14]

Considering melo has yet to win, shouldn't the same be said for him?
No.

[Nuff Said]

No.
But he hasn't won with semi-decent rosters. I'm not understanding. Does he need more help or nah?

[Real14]

But he hasn't won with semi-decent rosters. I'm not understanding. Does he need more help or nah?
Not really, maybe a couple of healthy role players that can shoot, that's all. The last 4 years, the knicks were plagued with countless injuries. Even Melo himself was injured a few times. Melo couldn't catch a break these last 4years.

[Nuff Said]

Not really, maybe a couple of healthy role players that can shoot, that's all. The last 4 years, the knicks were plagued with countless injuries. Even Melo himself was injured a few times. Melo couldn't catch a break these last 4years.
You didn't have that excuse in 2013 when Knicks were second place and poised to make a title run. Now it's a whole different story?

[Real14]

You didn't have that excuse in 2013 when Knicks were second place and poised to make a title run. Now it's a whole different story?

That same year we had injures man including Anthony, Chandler and J.r smith's playoff suspension. Not to mention the ref treatment the pacers had, especially at the free throw line.

[robert_shaww]

only refs can beat the spurs :rockon:

this

(2004 vs Lakers, 2006 vs Mavs and 2012 vs OKC, refs did it)

[JT123]

Not really, maybe a couple of healthy role players that can shoot, that's all. The last 4 years, the knicks were plagued with countless injuries. Even Melo himself was injured a few times. Melo couldn't catch a break these last 4years.
If a team is constantly suffering injuries this means they aren't doing enough to stay in proper basketball shape, and that is a reflection on leadership. Players don't care about preventing injury when a fat ass like Melo is who they have to look up to. :oldlol:

[Paul George 24]

this

(2004 vs Lakers, 2006 vs Mavs and 2012 vs OKC, refs did it)

yes.......refs did it :applause: specially 2012 okc 's game 6 :banghead:

[Timmy D for MVP]

It all comes down to health. A healthy Spurs team has the legs to go the distance again. But in the West you have to face obstacle after obstacle.

I favor any WC team over the East this year. Escape the West in tact and they have to be favorites.