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  • jk41 3:13 am on November 29, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Chris Bosh, , , Miami Heat, , Rashard Lewis, Ray Allen   

    See no evil, Hear no evil… 

     

    Anyone there in South Beach??

    One of the surprising turns for me this season is just how little attention the Miami Heat are getting. Or maybe I just block them out in my head.

    But with all the big headlines: the Harden Trade, Lakers coaching kerfuffle, Clippers & Memphis laying down their intentions as contenders, Knicks not sucking, Wizards sucking terribly, Bobcats surprisingly not. Where is the chatter on the Miami Heat?

    I know it’s early but here are some stats and why I find it amazing that people aren’t talking more about their back-to-back hopes:

    • 10-3 overall, 6-0 at home and are currently on a 4 game winning streak. 1st is points per game, 1st in 3PT%, 1st in FG%, 4th in assists and 5th in points differential.
    • Lebron is averaging about 25-8-6-1-1, 53% FG (!), 44% 3PT. The only fault in his season is his FT% at 67%.
    • Ray Allen is at 12 points a game making 53% on 3’s. Rashard Lewis is averaging just over 7 points, 54% on 3’s.
    • Oh and they also have two guys called Wade and Bosh who are putting up their usual All-Star numbers with Wade slowing down a slightly as expected.

    So are the Heat really that impressive and equally impressive at flying under the radar at the moment? Or is it a case that the Knicks/Clippers/Memphis genuinely have a chance at unseating the defending champs? What are the other stories currently flying under the radar?

     

    • naturalbornanalysts 12:11 pm on November 29, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      The Heat really are that impressive, and surprising nobody, which equates to no headlines. If they were losing then there would be all kinds of talk. But everyone is playing at a reasonably high level, and they are just going about their business like everyone expected them to.

      I dont see ANY TEAM IN THE NBA challenging the Heat in a best of 7… I just dont.

      I still don’t think Memphis are getting their dues. Playing some great basketball, and have legitimate All-Star possibilities in 4 of 5 positions (yes I think Mike Conley is that good).

      Eastern Sleepers…
      Somebody talk about Philadelphia and dont mention Andrew Bynum. This strange assemblege is being lead by an incredibly underrated Jrue Holiday, who IS DEFINITELY playing at an all star level. They are sitting at 9-6, without arguably the best big man in the league….
      And what about Atlanta? Haven’t heard any headlines about this team. but their record (9-4) is one of the best in the East, and they are doing it after getting rid of their best scorer. Have to love the way these guys are playing…. especially our boy Teague… loves to dunk. (I don’t care if this was a charge)

      The only under the radar story in the West (other than the Spurs being 13-3 again) is that there is absolutely nothing in the west….2.5 games between 4th and 12th at the moment. And then Portland another half game behind.

    • jk41 8:54 am on November 30, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Miami unbeatable in 7 this season? What about OKC?

      1 year of growth from KD, Westbrook, Serge. Not sure what you get out of Kevin Martin but couldn’t be worse than Harden last year right? I still like OKC out of the West and even though the Lakers are sucking now, it seems like they would have the star power to combat the Heat but their depth and chemistry are a problem.

      Hawks have a nice little team when Josh Smith and Al Horford are on their game like they had against the Bobcats (still counts) with basically identical lines: 17-13-6-3-5 and 17-11-6-1-3 respectively. Strong games. Plus they surround those two with Korver, Lou Williams, Jeff Teague–they’re a nifty little team. But again, worry about their depth and Josh Smith being able to put it up every night.

      Spurs will be a sleeper as long as the Pop/Duncan era exists. It’s just their nature. Never happy:

      Take that David Aldridge. LOL.

    • naturalbornanalysts 1:06 am on December 3, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      But we aren’t talking about the same Miami team either remember. They have improved a lot on last year’s team. Norris Cole has the extra year. Battier is playing better. Mike Miller is Mike Miller. But Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis have come in and contributed. Watching the end of games now, when LBJ attacks and gets doubled or tripled, who does he kick it out to for the game winner? Only the best 3pt shooter in the history of the game (and he’s healthy). Its formidable.

      OKC are nice, but if you are worried about the Lakers depth, worry about OKC’s as well. While Collison is awesome off the bench, I’m not sure about Eric Maynor coming off surgery, and Jeremy Lamb and PJ3 arent getting minutes. Im not convinced OKC can beat the Heat unfortunately.

      Where do you think your bulls will be sitting by the time Rose gets back?

      • jk41 3:31 am on December 4, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        That’s true. I guess that gets back to my point that they’ve been sneakily dominating. Contradiction much?

        I think Kevin Martin could surprise. All he’s being asked to do is come off the bench and jack ’em up for some scoring. I like him as that energy scorer off the bench a bit better than Harden, even though Harden is the light years away better player.

        Right where I think they’ll be all season, which is .500. I’m tipping he comes back maybe a couple of weeks after the All-Star break in March. But til then…..go Kirk?

        Sigh….kill me….

        JK

  • jk41 2:18 am on November 20, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: David Lee, Dirk Nowitzki, Evan Turner, fantasy basketball, , , Pau Gasol, Roy Hibbert   

    NERD ALERT: Courtside Notes Fantasy Showdown! 

    Get out your laptops, your thick rim glasses, fire up your basketball-reference.com because this week we’re showcasing the fantasy showdown between Courtside Notes vs. Natural Born Analysts!

    So this is an actual fantasy league we do with our friends, and we just happen to be playing each other this week. We thought we’d let you look in on the battle and we’ll drop in comments throughout the week.

    For some background, we’re both doing very, very average this year. We currently sit 6th (Courtside Notes) and 7th (Natural Born Analysts) in a 10 deep league. Ouch! It’s a head-to-head Yahoo league measuring on the standard categories.

    Also to help you out, here are our teams as they stand as of the Monday 19th November games:

    Courtside Notes (Kuoka’s Team):

    • Kyrie Irving
    • Kobe Bryant
    • Evan Turner
    • Danilo Gallinari
    • David Lee
    • Joakim Noah
    • DeMarcus Cousins
    • DeAndre Jordan
    • Brandon Knight
    • Jeremy Lin
    • Nikoli Vucevic
    • AJ Price
    • Ray Allen
    • Samuel Dalembert

    Natural Born Analysts (Rubioballs):

    • Steve Nash
    • Paul George
    • Chris Paul
    • Gordon Hayward
    • Thaddeus Young
    • Al-Farouq Aminu
    • Pau Gasol
    • Roy Hibbert
    • Shawn Marion
    • Danny Green
    • Andrea Bargnani
    • Tristan Thompson
    • Marcus Thornton
    • Wes Matthews

    I’ve just realised I’ve forgotten to rotate my team for today. Great start…anyhow, take it away!

     

    • naturalbornanalysts 4:56 am on November 20, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Day 1 is over, and despite you not starting your team the scoreboard looks like this:

      Rubioballs had a nice turnout from Hibbert finally.. .after a shocking start with 20/12/4blk on .800 shooting
      Also CP3 wasnt bad with a 19/8 game, but thats kind of the expected standard… I wish this guy wouldnt coast so much during the regular season. I think he is overrated as the 3rd best fantasy guy. I know what GM’s feel like when they get trapped in the draft now…

      Kuoka’s Team ( I appreciate the grammatical correctness) had a beast of day from David Lee who is showing signs of his old self after a slow start. Put up 17/19 today in the OT win over DAL. Dano actually caught some form in the surprise Nuggs win over MEM… with a 25/5/3 and not shooting horribly.
      Your accidental bench didnt cost you too badly with Dalembert and Price not doing much at all.

      I have been trying to make some deals, but we have a bunch of dead fish in our league.. there is nobody in my list who isnt on the block.

      Also… Thanks to Houston for really sucking in the 4th and getting my multi over the line! Appreciate it James.

    • jk41 9:53 am on November 20, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Hibbert finally doing something! I thought he got paid, guest starred on Parks & Recreation and that was the end of it!

      CP3 is a tough one. I had him last year and he was good, but I think Love or Westbrook we go ahead of him these days.

      Yeah those guys on the bench didn’t really matter in the end. Although that might say more about having them in the first place!

      And hang on a minute, Kyrie is out for 4 weeks with a fractured left index finger!! Come on!

    • naturalbornanalysts 11:55 pm on November 20, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Glad to see you set your lineup today… although I have 4 players (no nash) vs 2 players but you have Kobe so that is like 2 players. I hate Kobe as much as you hate Lebron, but I have to admit he is absolutely killing it this year. I need a big game from Pau against that soft Brooklyn front line.

      Yeah that hurts with Kyrie out. I saw you added Boobie… hoping for a few streaky games?

      • jk41 8:34 am on November 21, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        The Black Mamba is ballin’ so far this year! His averages so far this year: 26.3/5.5/5.4/1.5 on 52.8% FG, 39.1% 3PT and 88.2% FT! He had about that today.

        Evan Turner is a funny one. He had 12-5-4 on 35%FG. I really thought he would break out a bit more this year, especially with Bynum out to start the year. Last playoffs vs. the Bulls he had some great games, I was expecting more of 18-8-5 with a couple of threes and a steal in there, is that asking too much??

        Yeah, I’m hoping for some streakiness from the Boob. Hopefully, he comes through, cos I need it!

        Pau had a great day today: 17-11-7 and a block. Good on the Spaniard!

      • naturalbornanalysts 11:23 pm on November 21, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Today sees full line ups… So a lot will be told today. Especially with Thanksgiving happening tomorrow in the USA and the sports landscape being dominated by football.

        Big Pau did have a very nice day, his assists will stay high this year lobbing the ball to Dwight all the time.

        And I agree… I drafted Turner in one of my other leagues hoping for a nice year from him. He rebounds well for a SG.. and I thought with their shuffling he would be one of the main options on the offensive end. But I think he is a bit of a victim of the very strange 76ers… one day they scorre 70 and the next they score 110… very strange.

        • jk41 3:26 am on November 22, 2012 Permalink

          Oh man…halfway through today and I think we can safely say this about my team this week:

        • naturalbornanalysts 10:38 pm on November 22, 2012 Permalink

          I love that… but hate that its against my boys haha.

          Yeah you are going to need some big days… although Paul George and Hibbert might revert back to what they were.

        • jk41 8:13 am on November 24, 2012 Permalink

          Scoreline

          Alright the score is starting to look a bit more respectable now. I’m remotely close in rebounds, assists, steals. Damn, Hibbert and his blowout 10 blocks!

          Let’s see how tomorrow pans out!

        • naturalbornanalysts 12:25 pm on November 25, 2012 Permalink

          One day to go and there is still a battle for FG%, Points, Rebounds, Assists. So while the score says 7-2 it is definitely closer than that.

          May the nerdiest blogger win!

        • jk41 1:25 pm on November 27, 2012 Permalink

          What a comeback! I called it over on the Thursday, but looks like my boys still had some fight in them.

          Shout out to Robin Lopez a.k.a Sideshow Bob for hitting a 17 foot jumper which sealed the deal for me on points. Although the fact that Robin Lopez is winning me a fantasy week probably says a lot about my team as a whole…

          Great battle though, we’ll have a post for the revenge leg later in the season.

          null

          JK

  • jk41 7:53 am on November 9, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Daryl Morey, Houston Rockets, , Jeremy Lin, LaMarcus Aldridge,   

    No Problems Here, Houston 

    The Rockets pulled the blockbuster trade of the season (?) right before its opening week and tipped their franchise hopes around.

    Enter Mr. James Harden. Who then proceeded to pour in a couple of stat stuffing games for good measure and show the world that he can be that superstar.

    So finally, Houston have their star. After an offseason of paying Jeremy Lin (with quiet murmurings against GM Daryl Morey) and Omer Asik (not so quiet murmurings), I’m of the opinion that the Houston Rockets are a star PF away from being a contender in the West.

    You’ve got Jeremy Lin: a young, rising star, who at the moment floats between a pass-first and scoring PG. Harden at the 2, who’s your star and crunch time guy. An excellent defender in Omer Asik who has potential to develop an opportunistic offensive game.

    Oh and their ages? 24, 23, 26.

    Which leaves the PF (and to a lesser extent SF) spot to fill with future year’s crop of free agents. Josh Smith is available after this season. How about a LaMarcus Aldridge returning to Texas?

    Who would you plug into Houston’s starting lineup to make them elite? And as an aside, was this Morey’s plan all along, or did he just get lucky?

     

    • naturalbornanalysts 10:40 pm on November 15, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Agreed that Houston pulled a move for the ages, picking up Harden and Lin in the off season.. arguably two of the most marketable stars (imagine if we combined them into a furious asian man with a mohawk and giant beard).
      Larmarcus is locked up for another couple of years, so they would have to trade for him which makes life a little tougher for Morey.
      I really think they do target a PF as they seem to have a nice series of young SF that can play the role. Im a massive fan of Parsons, and I think in a year or two Terrence Jones will be a significant contributor for that team.

      So i had a quick look at the possible Unrestricted Free Agent targets as far as Power Forwards:
      Josh Smith
      David West
      Paul Millsap
      Elton Brand
      Lamar Odom
      JJ Hickson
      Jason Maxiell
      Earl Clark

      Restricted:
      Boris Diaw
      Derrick Favours
      Carl Landry

      Houston’s obvious choices are Josh Smith and Paul Millsap, both can bring a lot to the table. My leaning is Millsap, because of the scoring and shot making ability. Although he is undersized. However is he worth a max deal? Or do you take a flyer at David West, who is a proven veteran for 2 years at maybe $7-10M a year until you can take a max offer to Aldridge and form your big three around Lin, Harden and Aldridge. With an athletic SF in Jones or a 3point all rounder in Parsons, and Asik plugging holes in the middle of the court?

      • jk41 7:09 am on November 19, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        For some reason I thought Paul Millsap was way older than Smith, but he’s actually the same age (27)! Just plays an old man game I suppose. I think Millsap being undersized could be okay given he has Asik behind him, and it hasn’t hurt his numbers too much as all the fantasy geeks know all too well. Although all that said, I’m not too happy giving him a max deal. He’s not a star, more a piece, which is the edge I’d give to Josh Smith.

        I don’t like West. He’s 32 and hasn’t looked the same since his better days with the Hornets before his knee injury. Waiting for Aldridge could be be risky as well, because a lot can happen in the time while you’re waiting, and before you know it you end up with Carlos Boozer instead of LeBron James (but I digress…).

        Of all the other names you have up there I’m not liking many of them over Smith. I think it’s time to put in the call to Mr. Morey.

        JK

        • naturalbornanalysts 10:47 pm on November 19, 2012 Permalink

          Just to play devil’s advocate…. what makes Josh Smith’s situation with two good players (Joe Johnson and Al Horford) in Atlanta, any different to having 1 1/2 stars in Harden and Lin? He still hasnt proven he can be that guy that tips a team over the edge? Are we trusting a max deal to him? What does he offer? We already have shot blocking and rebounding with Asik and Patterson. He is a horrible outside shooter, which seems to be both Lin and Hardens MO…drive kick…drive kick…

          Im not 100% convinced, but I dont have a better option.

        • jk41 2:48 am on November 20, 2012 Permalink

          I think Lin and Harden both being creators makes a pretty big difference. Not sure how many lobs JJ threw up to JSmoove, but I’m guessing it wasn’t all that many since he was too busy jacking up threes.

          He’s in his prime, 27. And they can let him go offensively in a faster paced system which you can run with Lin and Harden. You definitely already have shot blocking and boards with Asik and Patterson, but you can never have enough of that!

          His jumpshot sucks big time, but like we saw from your list, who else is out there? He just seems right for this team to really start getting them knocking on the door for top 4 of the West.

          So I think you have to roll the dice with him. You know you’re getting a guy who has the potential to shoot you out of a game, but also to win it by stuffing the stat sheet. Other option is to wait for other free agents (LaMarcus etc.) but you never know what might happen. Especially with Portland and big men!

        • naturalbornanalysts 11:56 pm on November 20, 2012 Permalink

          Ok you have convinced me. So we are calling Morey now?

          Oh and what happened to Kevin McHale? The rookies i think conspired to kidnap him so they could get some minutes.

        • jk41 8:38 am on November 21, 2012 Permalink

          Yeah, I’ll whatsapp him now, haha.

          I think it was just random cos they were getting blown out. Like Phil Jackson says: “You win with men“.

  • jk41 11:45 pm on October 28, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: headlines, , nba.com   

    What’s the good news? 

     

    The season is near! And off the back on the huge James Harden trade that took us by surprise 40 mins before our fantasy draft, let’s quick fire off some of the newspaper/nba.com headlines that are going to happen over the season. Nothing lengthy, just a date and headline, I’ll kick us off!

     

    • jk41 12:03 am on October 29, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      31st October, 2012: Bucks 0-0; Scott Skiles under fire
      5th November, 2012: Stephen Curry out indefinately with ankle injury
      25th December, 2012: DRose progressing well, targeting All-Star break
      26th December, 2012: Thibs: ‘We have more than enough to win’
      27th December, 2012: DRose suffers setback, targets playoffs
      28th December, 2012: Thibs: ‘We have more than enough to win’
      1st February, 2013: ‘Robin Lopez deserves West All-Star Center spot’ – Shaq

      • naturalbornanalysts 10:27 pm on November 15, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        My apologies for being tardy.

        November 30 – ESPN fire Mike Wilbon. Bill Simmons takes over Host of KIA Countdown
        December 15 – Wizards fire coach and entire team except Wall and Beal
        December 20 – Timberwolves get an early Christmas present with the return of Love
        January 21 – Boston trade Rondo
        February 13 – Rose announces return. Brings back Adrian Peterson like numbers.

        • jk41 7:00 am on November 19, 2012 Permalink

          November 10, 2012: Internet Blogger burns down hotel room after discovering NBA League Pass blacked out in China

          (Almost happened ;))

          JK

  • jk41 11:17 am on October 17, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Bill Russell, court vision, greatest, handle, hops, , Latrell Spreewell, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, , Ron Artest, Vernon Maxwell   

    The Sum of Perfect Parts 

    20121017-191258.jpg

    A nuclear bomb just hit the NBA. Body parts are everywhere. Aliens have just arrived (mean ones) and challenge Earth to a game of 1 on 1. Your mission is to assemble the best basketball player out of any of the spare parts left, to create the one perfect basketball player.

    So who’s…

    Head – basketball smarts/mind
    Eyes – court vision
    Mouth – leadership
    Arm – shooting stroke
    Torso – strength
    Hands – handle
    Thighs – vertical/hops
    Feet – speed/quickness

    from the current day NBA are you using to create the super NBA player? How about all time NBA players? What’s his temperament? Is he all team (Magic), quiet winner (Russell/Bird), maniacal competitor (Jordan), asshole (Kobe), a tad crazy (Vernon Maxwell/Spree/Artest)?

    Go!

     

    • naturalbornanalysts 9:49 am on October 18, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Well my first job is to make him look good (sorry LeBron’s receding hairline) … so Im taking my boy Ricky Rubio’s hair and putting it on. Now that we have that sorted here is my CURRENT superstar:

      Head – Kobe… he would eat these Aliens for breakfast. You cant be friendly to these creatures coming to take over your Hardwood, so you have to go Arnie on them… bring in Kobe and his purple and gold bazooka.

      Eyes – Nash… Im certain that even at the tender age of 57 or whatever he is, he still has 20-20 vision, and Im giving him the nod over guys like CP3 and Rondo here.

      Mouth – Who do I want barking orders? You know it…. KG. I want him screaming and doing knuckle push ups to intimidate these scared little ET’s.

      Arms – KD… no doubt about it… he has the sweetest stroke I have seen on a court… the release is perfection.

      Torso – Dwight Howard…. guy is on Ox… if he would just post up and stop trying to be the most popular man in the world he would do damage that would have SHAQ rolling in his grave.

      Hands – Rondo… this guys hands are huge… he does things with the ball you could only dream of doing in the backyard, except he is in front of however many million at the NBA Finals (can we add kahoonas too? because he would take out this category as well).

      Thighs – LeBron (Sorry Blake) … Im taking the tree trunks here… even when cramping.

      Feet- Rose Pre Injury… the ability to move laterally while barely letting his feet touch the court always amazed me and I think would be an ideal match up for the Alien’s teleporting abilities (yeah im pretty sure they could teleport.)

      So having said that…. This is what my alien destroying machine looks like… kind of like an alien.

      Ball is in your court.

      • jk41 1:43 am on October 19, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Alright if we’re gonna start with hair, I might go with the James Harden mohawk (beard optional). Although I’d love a Dr. J afro also!

        Head – Really can’t go past Kobe here…he’s shown how mentally tough he can be and has been over the years…through all the ups and downs he’s been smart about it (staying in LA, never ceding the alpha dog status etc.)

        Eyes – J-Kidd …I could’ve gone ol’ Steve here too. Kidd fits the same bill–even at 57 you can always get some Horace Grant goggles to correct your vision.

        Mouth – CP3…when you watch him on the court, he never shuts up! Talking to his teammates, his coach, the refs…just non-stop! And he’s got the Clips on a leash from Day 1 of showing up..

        Arms – RayRay…he’s getting old, but its just so beautiful. Jesus was meant to just hoist the rock all day.

        Torso – Lebron…I think pound for pound and for his size, he’s just too much for everybody. I agree on Dwight though, he’s overall biggest and strongest.

        Hands – DRose…love his crossover, its a combination of his speed as well, but he has great hands..

        Thighs – Gerald Green…Random, but he can get up there! And I just love this clip:

        Feet – Russell Westbrook…When he takes off down the court its an absolute blur, and he’s got this combination of quickness and fast that just makes him look even more quicker and faster!

        And if we’re including Kahoonas too I’m going with Kobe Bean Bryant. Since Jordan, I would say he’s hit the most game winners / go ahead baskets. Didn’t look it up but it just seems right.

        And just quickly with my All-Timers:

        Head – MJ (killer)
        Mouth – Gary Payton (trash talk)
        Arms – Bird
        Torso – Malone / Barkley
        Hands – Magic
        Thighs – Dr. J / MJ
        Feet – AI (practice?)

        Who you got All-Time?

    • naturalbornanalysts 12:07 pm on October 21, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Good one… I originally had Jesus Shuttlesworth but then scrubbed him for the Durantula.

      All time:
      Head – MJ agreed.
      Mouth – REGGIE… I want to be choke signing all of the Alien supporters.
      Arms – Im going really random here… Earl the Pearl Monroe… just watched the Black Magic documentary and its in my head. The guy never missed.

      Torso – Wilt… he was a bull… worked out with Arnie… enough said.
      Hands – Yeah I have to give it to Magic here to… the way he moved the ball was incredible
      Thighs – DR J as well… revolutionised getting to the rim.
      Feet – This one is tough… AI is a good pick. Nate Archibald? Nah stick with AI

      • jk41 12:13 am on October 24, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Well it’s good to know that we can always stitch together body parts of past and present players to……well, it’d be just a big mess really!

        Enough on this topic!

        JK

  • jk41 2:02 pm on October 8, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , preseason game   

    LIVE BLOG: Bulls @ Timberwolves – 13th October, 2012 

    Everyone loves a live blog! At least Brandon and Carlos do.

    And so will we for the preseason game between our rival teams here at Courtside Notes.

    Follow our Twitter (@CourtsideNotes) and we’ll shout out the link for you to follow our live comment-ary in the comments section. All you have to do is keep refreshing as we go, easy!

    If it works, we’ll do it more this season. If not, blame the Internet.

    See you on Saturday/Sunday!

     

    • jk41 11:57 pm on October 13, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Wow, too early this side of the world. Kirilenko out for the Wolves and Deng and Hamilton out for the Bulls. Looking forward to an ugly preseason game.

    • naturalbornanalysts 12:00 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      T minus 5 minutes.

      What are you looking forward to about this game, considering there is no Deng or Hamilton for your boys and no Kirilenko for mine.

      Personally Im looking forward to watching Shved and Roy… and Chase Budinger… he has been really nice in the previous two games and seems that he is the perfect fit for Adleman’s system.

      PS sign up for fantasy already!

    • jk41 12:03 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Um…I’m looking forward to getting used to ugly ball from the Bulls! They also have some work to do from the bench to get some chemistry going. It’s been rough.

      I’m interested in seeing Roy and Budinger. Yeah Chase has been a decent pickup. White Men Can Jump!

      Haha yeah I’ll get on that!

      Scoreline?

      • naturalbornanalysts 12:06 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Wolves 83- Bulls 78
        You?

        Low scoring… lots of turnovers.
        You know what else Im excited about? In a matter of months we could be sitting a few rows back (or courtside) in that building watching those two teams. Cant wait!

    • jk41 12:09 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      That sounds about right I might gived the Wolves more edge without any Deng or Hamilton there to score. Wolves 88-Bulls 72.

      I was just thinking that too! Nice shot of the Target Centre in the intro’s. Maybe we can run a live blog from our smartphones?? lol

      • naturalbornanalysts 12:11 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        No Love either… that changes things…
        I think some blogging and photos from courtside will be a very nice addition.

        Big Pek is going to be beasting again this year… he has lost weight and worked on his shot!

    • jk41 12:12 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Typical Boozer start. Foul. Travel.

      • naturalbornanalysts 12:13 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Hahaha Typical.
        Marco might be a good pick up for you guys. I think he is going to be better than Korver… and cheaper.

    • jk41 12:13 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Belinelli! Gotta get used to spelling that name! haha

      • naturalbornanalysts 12:14 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Noah… ugliest shot in the NBA? I think so
        Good block by Dante…

        We arent shooting well and our passing is terrible.. we were right about it being pretty ugly.

    • jk41 12:15 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      I like the Ridnour v HInrich matchup. Can you have a more whiter, reliable PG matchup?!

      Boozer with another foul. Hey, he’s in playoff form already!

    • jk41 12:18 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Roy looks fine to me. He’ll be more of a shooter now, but it’s not like he can’t shoot!

      • naturalbornanalysts 12:20 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Roy can still shoot and he is just damn smart…. never makes the wrong decision. And Im surprised to hear that DC had six blocks last night.

        Yep that white PG matchup is like we have time travelled back to the 70’s.

        Do you think Noah and Boozer can stay healthy this year if they have to shoulder more load? Is it time for Taj to get starters minutes or would you prefer him coming off the bench?

    • jk41 12:23 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      I think they’re both question marks in terms of health, although were pretty durable last year. Taj will get more minutes because he will back up at C and PF with Asik gone.

      Although if Taj plays too well, he’s gonna price himself out of the cheapskate Bulls.

    • jk41 12:23 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Jimmy Butler!

      • naturalbornanalysts 12:25 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Haha I was waiting for you there.. Very nice. He has hops.
        Forgot you have Nazr… good veteran presence.

        And yeah Taj will price himself out if he hasnt already. You have to think if Asik did he already has.
        He a FA in the summer?

        I just jinxed Roy

    • jk41 12:28 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      He’s restricted FA this year, but someone out there is going to offer him a backloaded, ridiculous contract that we won’t match. Hopefully they can lock him up before that.

      Pek looks like he’s in good form.

      Where’s Derrick Williams at?

    • jk41 12:31 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Marco Jaric! Familiar face for you guys!

    • jk41 12:34 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Haha Nate’s going to give Thibs fits this year!

      • naturalbornanalysts 12:36 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Yeah our other 4 is alright haha.

        Does Williams remind you of our good Doctor friend? or is it just me?
        He needs to get to the rack this year bad. If he shoots threes he wont play much, thats Chase’s job.

        Yeah Nate seems like the complete anti Thibs guy.

        Shved just needs to calm down… he is a good player.

    • jk41 12:38 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      HAHA yea somewhat like our Doctor friend! Shved reminds me of Colin Farrell.

      20-19 first quarter…and I really don’t give a crap. Is this what preseason feels like?

      • naturalbornanalysts 12:39 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Im worried this is what you might feel like all year with no Rose.

        Yeah Im more interested in the WAGS haha.

        • jk41 12:41 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink

          It might be a serious condition. I feel like management threw in the towel and aren’t expecting anything this year.

          You guys loaded up like crazy in comparison

      • naturalbornanalysts 12:44 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        I agree. I feel like the Bulls decided to write this season off and reload for next year. I wouldnt be surprised if you completely unloaded… Get rid of Deng, Boozer, Noah… im expecting big trades this season.

    • jk41 12:42 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Nazr is playing way too well and hard for a vet. Although he’s probably going to play 10 mins a game in the reg season so I suppose it’s ok.

      • naturalbornanalysts 12:46 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        He is solid… you know what you will get.
        What was that tech for? kidding me?!
        Who wears 77? Complete Space Cadet haha.

        • jk41 12:47 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink

          Yeah I have no idea.

          Oh yeah, that’s him….*sigh*

    • jk41 12:46 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Nice battle of the midgets. Nate v JJ

    • naturalbornanalysts 12:51 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Wow… KLOVE purchased 500 tickets to the Lynx game for fans… He is a pretty good bloke.

      • jk41 12:52 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        They’re in the WNBA finals! Nice…i wonder how healthy that league is?

        • naturalbornanalysts 12:53 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink

          Yeah they are going for back to back. At least something good is happening in the Twin cities. Not sure to be honest. Bill Simmons thinks its a good ideas to follow the league for a season and you would make a fortune betting on it! He could be onto something. haha.

    • naturalbornanalysts 12:55 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Just saw there.. Roy is just missing that last piece of explosion. That layup used to be a gimme.

      Butler has impressed me for you guys. I didnt realise how big and athletic he is.

      • jk41 12:58 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Yeah, he used to be such a great penetrator. But still good for a spot up guy with flashes of driving.

        Butler is going to have a bigger role. Basically take over the Brewer spot. His shot is about the same as Brew, possibly worse :S

        • naturalbornanalysts 12:59 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink

          Yeah Brewer was an underrated player but he was already at his ceiling. Butlers ceiling looks to be two-storey in comparison.

    • jk41 12:56 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      I see your boy Teague ready to check in!

      • naturalbornanalysts 12:57 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        JJ! nice move little man! Needs to stay healthy.

        Teague is nice… Still think Lamb would have been nicer, but for the future… I think Marcus will be better than Jeff

        • jk41 12:59 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink

          He’s struggled so far in the Summer League and preseason. He is 19 though, and we’ve got time…..

        • naturalbornanalysts 1:01 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink

          Yeah typical one and doner…. So much still to learn.
          But watching him at KY last year, he improved dramatically from the start of the season compared to the tournament. A lot less turnovers and better shooting.

      • naturalbornanalysts 1:03 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        They are tight on travels so far this pre season.

        • jk41 1:04 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink

          That one was pretty obvious, but yeah they’ve been quick

    • jk41 1:04 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      What’s Cunningham’s story?

    • jk41 1:06 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Booz with 0-1-0-0-1, 2 TOs, 3 fouls. Excellent.

      • naturalbornanalysts 1:09 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        DC acquired for Interior Defense… he showed some nice things for Memphis last year with lots of hustle. We sent Wayne Ellington over to Memphis because the addition of Roy, AK and Chase meant that we really had no spot for him which was a shame, because he was one of our most consistent last season.

        Boozer just doing the usual. Problem is… who would want him? You need to package him and Deng, and then Noah and a couple of young pieces…

        Who is on your wish list if you made a move this season?

        • jk41 1:12 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink

          But that’s ok because Ellignton wasn’t going to go much further than that.

          I don’t mind keeping Noah if we can get a scoring 4 to go with him.

          We need a scoring wing type as well.

          We need a lot. Haha.

      • naturalbornanalysts 1:11 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Who is Andre Emmit?

        • jk41 1:13 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink

          He’s one of those dudes who’s always on our Summer League roster, camp invites, 10-day contracts etc.

          Might be from Chi or played with Illinois maybe.

    • jk41 1:13 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Was that a charge??

      • naturalbornanalysts 1:15 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Yeah that was pretty obvious wasnt it? He was playing him straight up and down and Butler just turned and dropped the shoulder into his chest. He didnt make a move to go around Shved, just straight through him. And it wouldn’t take much to knock Shved over haha. Weighs about 55 kg soaking wet.

        Williams needs to finish those moves to the ring.

      • naturalbornanalysts 1:16 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Boozer!!! haha
        4 in the first half.

        • jk41 1:17 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink

          He’s really an idiot.

    • naturalbornanalysts 1:19 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Half time.
      Minn 13 TO – Bulls 12 TO

      Minn 27% FG – Bulls 38% FG

      Minn 63% FT – Bulls 64% FT

      = UGLY

    • jk41 1:31 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      I have a feeling this is how the Bulls season will go:

      Every game – Grind, grind, grind…

      a) WIN = ‘Phew, got away with one there’
      b) LOSE = ‘Eh, at least we were close’

      Record = 41-41, first/second round exit..

      • naturalbornanalysts 1:37 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Agreed.. Except if Rose comes back around all star and you can make a strong run into the playoffs… might be able to push hard into the ECF

    • jk41 1:38 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Haha They play the Godfather theme music for Pek? Why??

      • naturalbornanalysts 1:40 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Look at the guy… thats why… haha.
        He looks like an Eastern European Mobster.

        At least there has been a little more rhythm to the start of the second half.

      • naturalbornanalysts 1:43 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Surprised that Teague has barely played. Does Thibs generally hate rookies a la George Karl?

        • jk41 1:44 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink

          Yeah, totally. Jimmy didn’t get much of a run early on.

          He hasn’t shown that much either. Plus Hinrich and Nate are there.

        • naturalbornanalysts 1:45 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink

          Butler corner shot…jeez.

        • jk41 1:46 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink

          Quintessential out of my ass kind of shot.

          I enjoy those too. Haha

    • jk41 1:44 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Hinrich has been good since he’s been back. Hopefully Thibs rides him hard and Deng might play less than 47 mpg this year.

      • naturalbornanalysts 1:47 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Kirk is solid PG if you dont ask him to do too much.
        But Thibs loves to ride guys into the ground. I think that’s the biggest flaw in his style of coaching… he relies on 1-6 really heavily, and 7-11 barely play.

      • jk41 1:49 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Yeah, in a way he’s TOO intense. There’s always ‘more than enough to win’, gotta play the underdog card dude!

    • naturalbornanalysts 1:52 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      I can already guess Adelman’s summary of Derrick Williams game tonight.

      SHOT TOO MANY 3’s. Needs to assert his authority and get to the ring.

      His stocks will drop this year unless there are injuries

      • naturalbornanalysts 1:53 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Ridnour is no Rubio thats for sure haha

      • jk41 1:53 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        I think Willams is in trouble this year. He doesn’t look like he has a position. And the team makeup makes it worse.

        Would you deal him this year?

        • naturalbornanalysts 1:57 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink

          We would need to get some compensation. He is a number 2 after all. And he can obviously play, he is just in the wrong spot.
          If we were able to package him with Ridnour and something for Harden I would do it in an instant…
          Re: this article
          http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/8486795/the-harden-dilemma

        • jk41 1:59 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink

          That was a good article. The Bulls have never paid the luxury since the Jordan days. Yet are one of the most profitable teams. Too bad, we’re not good enough to have a story written about it.

        • naturalbornanalysts 2:02 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink

          Yeah it was. I really dont see OKC paying over the luxury either… So I dont know what they do. Give it another go this year, but then they need to make the tough decision and I think they made it with Ibaka.

          I dont have an issue with teams not paying luxury, but the bulls just dont want to pay ANYBODY! probably a lot to do with your owner having interests outside of the NBA.

        • jk41 2:05 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink

          It’s so frustrating as a fan. Cos it makes you feel half hearted about your team and chances.

          That’s what I liked about the Wolves’ moves this offseason. Intentionally going out to make the team better and get to the next level.

      • naturalbornanalysts 2:07 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Yeah I will be honest… the early moves of AK and Chase I was thinking oh god what are we doing? Then the Olympics changed my mind about AK, and Chase’s play this pre season has been great, so I have been a lot more confident. We really had our hand forced by KLOVE though. We will lose him if we dont have some good players around him

    • jk41 2:02 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Love’s having a great time on the sidelines! I’d love to be a ball kid.

      • naturalbornanalysts 2:04 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Love used to be a ball kid too didnt he?
        He seems like a likeable guy.

        Also.. somebody get me a GIF of that awesome Pek stumble haha

      • jk41 2:06 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Oh really? For which team?

        Haha Noah’s killer crossover, gets them every time.

    • jk41 2:07 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      So if you could do over the 2011 Draft, are you still taking Williams? Assuming Kyrie is off the board already.

      • naturalbornanalysts 2:10 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        GIMME SOME SHVED! Nice move. and 3… I love this kid.

        At the time yes… Williams was the clear number 2 with what he did at Arizona.

        Looking back… I really like Klay Thompson, but can you take him at number 2?
        and there is a lot of love for Jonas Valančiūnas.

        The only consideration I would have is Kanter. Having him and Big Pek would be a nice Centre combo. I think Kanter will be a good player… he is just stuck behind a lot of players in Utah

        • jk41 2:17 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink

          Yeah don’t think taking Klay at 2 would’ve made anyone happy at the time. It was a pretty crappy draft when you look back on it.

          Kanter is hilarious:

        • naturalbornanalysts 2:21 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink

          even better… he thinks he is the undertaker from WWE haha
          Why didnt we take this guy?! come on!

    • jk41 2:11 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      This is the new look bench mob for the Bulls on the floor right now: Nazr, Taj, Butler, Belinelli, Nate.

      Bench Sob as one of the beat writers coined.

      • naturalbornanalysts 2:16 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        At least you have some nice scoring with Marco and Nate. Some athleticism with Butler. And some Defensive hustle with Taj… its not the best but not the worst. You could be the Bobcats.

        Amudson really just needs to do his job and stop trying to take the ball to the rim. Play D, rebound, and put-backs is your game sir.

    • jk41 2:18 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Nice pass Shved.

      • naturalbornanalysts 2:19 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Kid can play… no doubt
        As long as he is fits in with the Minnesota lifestyle.
        Do you think Spaniards and Russians get along? haha.

        • jk41 2:22 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink

          Haha I guess so.

          Better than the Croations and Serbians back in the day. Once Brothers still one of my fave 30 for 30s.

        • naturalbornanalysts 2:23 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink

          Shved has range!

          Yeah it is a really good one. Have you seen any of the new ones?
          I am trying to get a hold of them but cant find them anywhere.

          I love what Taj does. You guys are going to have to pay him for sure.

    • jk41 2:23 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      You guys are pulling away now.

    • jk41 2:26 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      That was your typical Butler jumper.

    • jk41 2:28 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      LOU!!!

    • jk41 2:34 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      My Bulls score prediction is looking healthy.

    • naturalbornanalysts 2:39 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Well over all that worked out ok… Looking forward to the next Live Blog!

    • jk41 2:39 am on October 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      This was good. We’ll have to do it again some time!

  • jk41 7:08 am on October 1, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , Point Guards, Shooting Guards   

    Best Little Men 

     

    Our League Passes have been purchased so the season is not too far away! Which is good news because when the leading stories out there are teams making key signings of 12th men, you know you’re running low on things to talk about.

    So let’s adjust our macro focus of the last few posts and go micro: going into this upcoming season, which team has the best PG/SG combination in the NBA?

    PG ideally PG by listed position/size (so no Lebrons). SG can be a tweener (SG/SF) as long as you can justify a replacement SF that makes sense in the lineup.

    So let’s hear the best, and while we’re at it the worst too!

     

     

    • naturalbornanalysts 1:39 pm on October 3, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Purchased and the countdown is on!

      This is tough… really tough…
      Im going to start in the West and throw out some combos…

      LAL- Nash/Bryant…on paper this is one of the most intimidating backcourts ever. Obviously age is going to come into play, but you have to think that these two could finally get Nash that ring.

      OKC- Westbrook/(Sefolosha) Harden …obviously for this we will ignore the fact that Harden doesnt start, considering he plays most of the game anyway. Young and explosive… but Im not as high on Westbrook as most, because I dont feel his decision making is where you want it for a point guard, and his outside shooting isnt great. His explosiveness and athleticism is his biggest strength, but is also the most vulnerable aspect of his game. Harden, I was massive on all of last season, and still think he can be a top 5 player in the league in the future, but last years finals certainly threw up some questions.

      LAC – CP3/Billups … wow do I love Mr. Billups… so much in fact that I would be willing to name my first born son Chauncey… hell my first born daughter too. Underrated player and leader… I hope he can come back from the achilles injury. Obviously CP3 is a great, great PG, but he frustrates me when he just fades to the background in games. He could take over just about any game he wants.

      GSW- Curry/Thompson…This is a big if… but IF Steph Curry stayes healthy, and Klay Thompson continues to improve the way he did last year, this could be an incredibly dynamic backcourt duo… The Warriors are taking big risks with guys who are injury prone, but have drafted well the last two years, and could definitely make an 8vs1 playoff push again that got the Doctor so excited all those years ago!

      MIN- Rubio/Roy… Ahhh my beloved wolves… so many questions, so many white Euros. All season ticket holders should have honorary Eurozone Passports. But I digress… Much like your bulls, a lot of the teams success will ride on the return of the injured PG, and you only had to look at the slide, post Rubio to see how much of an impact he had on the Wolves. If he can come back and play at the level he was, and IF (more IF’s in there than the Warriors) Roy can get back to even 70% of what he was, we might have one of the canniest and most cerebrial back courts in the league.

      Ok now to the East.

      MIA- I want to say Wade and Ray, but I doubt that will be the starting Combo. So insert Chalmers and you lose a bit in my eyes, and they certainly dont become the best backcourt duo.

      Boston- Rondo/Bradley… I love Rondo, and think he could become the best all around PG in the game, but I cant see this combo being that influential, especially with Bradley coming back from a dodgy shoulder.

      CHI- Rose/ Hamilton… I think Rip has past his used by date as a starter, and you could see more and more of Rose Hinrich when Rose is back and healthy. You are more of an expert on all things Bulls so I will leave this one to you.

      BROOKLYN- Williams/Johnson… well if money means success then HOV should remove some of his jewellery in anticipation. In my eyes, if these two can find a balance and chemistry, they WILL BE THE BEST IN THE LEAGUE! There is no question in my mind. Williams gets a fresh start without having to move cities, and JJ doesnt have to be the man… he can go back to his PHO days of just playing off the ball and shooting. My big question… what happens to Marshon Brooks, who was a hell of a rookie.

      NYK- Kidd/Felton… You know what you are getting with Kidd, and Felton played some of the best ball of his career in Orange and Blue.. but who is the SG? Or do they move Felton to the bench and the Shump plays SG… they have a lot of figuring out to do… also …POP QUIZ.. without looking it up… how big is Steve Novak?

      I know I left out the Spurs/Pacers/Wizards (Who could have a great backcourt this season), Philly etc…

      but my top five would be:

      1. LAL
      2. BKN
      3. OKC
      4. LAC
      5. MIA

      GO!

    • jk41 3:26 pm on October 3, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Definitely tough! Even as I was writing that intro and thought about it, I only had the Nets (D-Will/JJ) and Lakers (Nash/Kobe) which stuck in my mind.

      Here are my thoughts on the ones you mentioned:

      WEST

      LAL – I definitely think they’re the best. They need to stay healthy and essentially pace themselves for playoffs so I wouldn’t be surprised if they started slow. But the amount of hardware between these guys is amazing, and I like the fact that they’re a true point and shooting guard.

      OKC – I actually think Westbrook is more a SG. He’s a big time slasher that gets to the rim, but has questionable judgement. I think there’s definite questions on Harden after the Finals last year, which is a shame because he was so great all season. These two are definite great players even if they don’t meet the conventional PG/SG, Starter/Bench mix that we were looking for.

      LAC – Love both these guys, but I’m not so sure Chauncey can bounce back after such a serious injury at his age. You’d love to see CP3 play with a devastating scorer so you could just sit back and admire the vision and smarts. A scorer like Kobe? Oh wait…

      GSW – I think too soon for these guys and I haven’t liked how fragile Curry has been.

      MIN – So much faith in Mr. Roy! Let’s face it, if he were on the Bulls I’d be thinking the same. But it might be two too many injured knees to be called the best this season, maybe next though.

      EAST

      MIA – I was actually impressed with Chalmers in the Finals. He had some big games. From memory I don’t think he’s a big assist guy, so he seems a bit more combo guard. You’d love him to develop more smarts and vision and ‘see’ the court better.

      BOS – Again, injury comes into play here. Bradley was great before he got hurt, but now we must wait. I’m not sure they would have enough scoring in them either, if we were to for example pit all these duos against each other in 2-on-2 games. (Actually, I’ll scribble this down to use in a post somewhere this season!)

      CHI – Did someone say injured? Not just the guy who tore his ACL, but the other guy who after four games into the season missed 4 games…then 8, then 13, and then 14 and it was only a 66 game season! So no given the fact that if Rip does get injured early this season our backcourt is Hinrich and Nat Robinson? (Officially scared of the train wreck that will be).

      BKN – I’m handing these guys my mantle of best backcourt in the league. D-Will: motivated, excited is scary and just as good if not better than CP3. JJ has the pressure off and can rain those 3’s with free reign. And on the defensive end, they both hold their own. Brooklyn in da house!

      NYK – An old guy and a guy who always looks chubby? Nah, not for me. As for Novak I’m gonna say 6’8 cos I remember watching him play some 3 last year….(googling)…..shit 6’10! He’s almost Ryan Anderson like!

      So here’s my rankings, not too dissimilar:

      1. BKN
      2. LAL
      3. OKC
      4. SAS (see below)
      5. LAC

      OTHERS

      So I’m going to throw a couple others at you…let me know if they interest you in any way….

      PHI – Jrue and Evan Turner. As much as I didn’t like them, they gave us fits in the first round last year. Jrue definitely sees the court well I think, and Turner is your slashing, almost Manu like slasher being creative in there.

      MIL – Bit of Jennings/Monta? Definitely quick and exciting, but probably too small on the defensive end.

      DAL – Collison and OJ Mayo. I think they can show something this year. Both had their years in the league, fresh start, neither expected to carry the load, but have shown they can carry when needed (Collison in NOH with CP3 out, Mayo at the Grizz with Rudy Gay out)

      SAS – No love for Parker and Manu? Could argue they are All-Stars at both positions while MIA are only at one, and TP had a great year last year.

      CLE – Kyrie and Dion Waiters I guess. Never seen any of Waiters, but I do like Kyrie. Hopefully that hand is all good for the season’s start.

      NOH – And even younger, Mr. Austin Rivers and Eric Gordon. Tempting! Maybe next year…or the year after…

      • naturalbornanalysts 12:26 pm on October 4, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        We did have a similar list… and I think a lot of people are expecting big things out of Brooklyn… they have three max guys after all dont they?

        Your others:

        PHI- I think Evan Turner is finally starting to get the hang of this NBA thing right? He started to look pretty good last season, and I think a solid off season under his belt he could be set for big things… Im sure Philly certainly think he can replace the production they got out of Iggy.

        MIL- Shouldnt have left these two off…nobody else touches the ball in Wisconsin, but these two could rack up the points playing small ball.. who needs to play D when you can have 40 each?

        DAL- I dont think Collison is starter quality… he is perfect for that energy off the bench type…and Mayo is still an enigma… Im not sold on Cubans plan…

        SAS- I know I left them off and I know I shouldnt have…. poor form… Parker and Manu are like an older more wiley version of Westbrook and Harden…. I have almost as much love for Manu as I do for Chauncey. Do they make another move with the cap space they have from TD taking a 50% cut or whatever it was!?

        CLE- Kyrie and who? haha nah Dion Im playing son… Kyrie will be top 3 PG in 2 seasons…I guess we have to wait and see what Dion does.

        NOH- Not a fan of either of these guys to be honest… I dont like Gordon much at all… and Rivers… seems arrogant… Hopefully they prove me wrong, because the way the Saints are playing this season they need a little pick me up in that city…

        Can I throw one more out that Im sort of excited to see????

        WAS- Wall and Beal… This could be a really nice backcourt… great defense from both and some fantastic passing. Wall wont need to shoulder scoring… which he is not good at… he is a poor mans Rondo.. let him create plays with his vision… not ask him to score 20 a night and he will be a great PG…. or maybe im just a Kentucky flamer?!

      • jk41 5:47 am on October 5, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Yeah, Wall seems like one of those guys who will have a break out this year. His injury is a setback though which is unfortunate. How can you deny someone like this though:

        With the rookies it’s going to be tough to pick this year because it was a pretty deep draft and a few gambles here and there. So I think we might need to put Wall and Beal into the future bucket.

        Either way, our top 5 lists are pretty juicy already, we’ll need to circle these on the calendar when they go head to head!

        JK

  • Natural Born Analysts NBA Podcast 9:51 am on September 13, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Hall of Fame, LeBronRant,   

    Hall of Fame Class 2012 

     

    Earlier in the week we saw the introduction of the 2012 Hall of Fame Class… the inductees were:
    Lidia Alexeeva
    All American Red Heads
    Don Barksdale
    Mel Daniels
    Phil Knight
    Katrina McClain
    Reggie Miller
    Don Nelson
    Hank Nichols
    Ralph Sampson
    Chet Walker
    Jamaal Wilkes

    I had to look up at least half.

    Are there too many each year? Did anyone of note miss out?

    Good speeches? Bad ones?

    And who do we have to look forward to next class?

     

     

    • jk41 8:04 am on September 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      This years class seems like a lot, and I’m in the same boat with not knowing who half of them are.

      I’m ok with Reggie, Don Nelson and Chet Walker.

      Ralph Sampson had a good college career, but never set the NBA on fire. All American Red Heads for historical significance, fair enough. Jamaal Wilkes seems like stretch. And what’s with a Nike exec up there? No Bernard King, but a dude who made his money off all these NBA players?

      I liked Reggie’s speech–although I did think it was a bit of a Cheryl Miller love fest–but it’s his moment so whatever. Don Nelson’s was pretty good too, seems like a chill dude living in Hawaii. There seemed like there were a lot of LeBron shout outs for some reason. Didn’t Dirk go through just as much pain of not winning a championship and also not acting like a jerk about it and sticking with the Mavs? So what’s the big deal? (we might need a tag for my #LeBronRants!)

      As for next year’s class, I’ll probably focus on guys I know even though there are probably plenty of deserving old timers like Orlando Woolridge, Bernard King, Spencer Haywood etc. Here are a few of my picks:

      Gary Payton – The Glove. Multiple all-stars, DPOYs, was 1a if not 1 on those Sonics teams, got a ring late in his career.

      (Wow, looking through the list: http://www.basketball-reference.com/friv/hof.cgi, it’s kind of hard!)

      Maybe Christian Laettner for his college career? Ron Harper – 5 rings as PG on those Bulls/Lakers teams? Mitch Richmond – great scorer, late championship? I don’t know, I’m not too sold.

      You have any other ideas??

      • naturalbornanalysts 9:21 am on September 23, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        I watched the red carpet interviews and it seemed that just about everyone was huge on Jamaal ‘Silk’ Wilkes… which surprised me because I didnt know a lot about him.

        There is always a lot of love between the Millers. Great that they are both in now!

        Haha, I agree that we might need a LeBron hate thread for you. I agree that Dirk should get more love than he does though. Future 1st Ballot HOF?

        Agree with GP. Definitely think guys like Bernard King should be straight in. Spencer and Orlando possibly. Paul Silas? Doc? Tom Chambers? Hornacek?

        Christian Laettner I would pass on. Possibly Ron Harper…
        Mitch will be eventually but not right away. Its harder than I thought.

      • jk41 3:13 am on September 24, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Yep, I think Dirk is a definite for 1st Ballot:

        1 ring
        Finals MVP
        ’07 Regular Season MVP
        11 (!) time All-Star
        4-time NBA First Team
        ….2010 Shooting Stars Champ lol!

        I think the reason it could be hard is because like some people have said, we’ve only now entered this great new golden age of stars. Post-Jordan it was kind of a lull of ‘next-Jordans’ who never quite made it and the Lakers and Spurs dominating over the next decade with their locked in Hall of Famers (Shaq, Kobe, Duncan).

        Now, it seems like the star power is a bit more spread out throughout the league and with the competition a bit more even? Or is that a result of a lot of young great players coming up but having not yet proved themselves into greatness? E.g. We know players like KD, Rose, Love, Westbrook are great, but they haven’t had enough time to prove they are consistent at that level.

        Who are your early picks for HOF? Top 5 guys off the top of your head who when they become eligible are first ballot? (Can be active players if you want) I got:

        1. Shaq
        2. Kobe
        3. Duncan
        4. AI
        5. LBJ

        • naturalbornanalysts 12:07 pm on September 26, 2012 Permalink

          Wow I didnt know that Dirk was an 11 time MVP.
          Yeah it is true that with the two great Western Powers (besides a brief Detroit interlude) there wasnt a lot of star power. I guess that the number one thing that defines star power is success. There is the current older crop of guys like the ones mentioned above (and undoubtedly they are some of the greatest of all time; Garnett, Kobe, Duncan, Nash, Allen etc), who are at the end of their careers, and the new breed of seemingly more humble who still need to finish the race before we can elevate them to greatness. Its like a 72 Hole golf championship…. you dont declare the winner after the front 9.. you need to see the final putt.

          Im going to break it into the top 5 older generation active players and the top 5 younger players who I think will be locks.

          Older:
          1. Kobe
          2. Duncan
          3. Garnett
          4. Dirk
          5. Kidd

          Billups/Nash/Manu/Allen/Gasol (All get in easily)

          Younger:
          1. LBJ
          2. Wade
          3. Dwight
          4. KD
          5. Rondo

          (CP3/Rose/D-Will/Carmelo/Love are all up for debate)

          I can see why it would be difficult and I would like to know the criteria for entry.

          In other news…. Does OKC keep Harden? Surely they cant resign him without shuffling the deck a little. Will he sign the extension or just run to Free Agency next summer?

        • jk41 1:11 pm on September 30, 2012 Permalink

          Rondo’s an interesting one. I think he’s someone you can definitely see greatness in him right now, but still yet to leave his legacy. Definitely like him for the aloofness, jerk superstar kind of factor!

          I think you can afford to ship Harden and get a scoring 4, someone like Gasol/Aldridge would be nice next to Ibaka. You’ve probably got enough on the perimeter with KD and Westbrook which I suppose is a lot of the reason he’s coming off the bench.

          The season is not far now!

  • jk41 2:33 am on September 5, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Amnesty, , ,   

    The Dream for YOUR Team 

     

    So as we’re deeply entrenched in the slow NBA news days that is early September (prime example), it gives plenty of time for anxious hoping and dreaming about our teams fortunes for the next season but also beyond.

    Everyone has the ideal vision for their own team to get them to the promised land, whether its trades to pull, upcoming draft prospects u’d love to have, amnestying the dog of the team, waiting for guys to grow…so put on your fantasy hat and tell me what’s the dream for your team and when do you get to the championship? What does your roster look like? Who’s the leader? Who’s the coach?

    Be liberal with your dreams, because without them you’re sitting at .500!

     

     

    • naturalbornanalysts 11:09 pm on September 6, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      As an avid wolves fan, I think everyone can guess (in a similar manner to you with DROSE), that Im hoping beyond hope that Rubio comes back from the knee injury and remains the player he was before Kobe kicked him (Kobe is such a dog! haha). The one positive is that he isnt a player who relies on athletic ability. He relies on IQ and seeing the floor well… I think he has been practising his alleys from a wheelchair.
      My immediate hope is that we bring back Anthony Tolliver, as I think he is a valuable piece of the puzzle…rebounds well, hustles, shoots the three, and from all reports is a good locker guy. Unfortunately I dont think its high on our agenda.
      We need Kirilenko and Shved to bring their olympic form to the NBA and Roy returns to some of his old form. As you can see there are a lot of “ifs” here. But to me having this starting 5 would push us towards a top 4 seed in the West

      PG Rubio
      SG Roy
      SF Kirilenko
      PF Love
      C Pekovic

      Bench: Shved, Williams, Budinger, Ridnour, Barea,

      There is a lot of potential there. So I think that the biggest “dream” I have is that these young guys mature into the potential they are showing. That Williams figures out a role. That Roy returns and plays at a high level. That the Russians play a successful Euro-style ball for us. That Love doesnt get worn out and keeps playing at an All star level. That rubio returns healthy.

      The only trades I can see working out for us would be moving Barea and Ridnour , or Williams for some early picks or a solid young big that can develop behind the big Pek.

      So what are your hopes for Chicago? They seem to have gone into rebuilding mode only a season after topping the East, and being a dominant force. Does it show too much reliance on one guy? Coaching being to one dimensional? Owner caring more about the MLB?

    • jk41 6:15 am on September 7, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      I think I’m going to be a lot more fantastical with my answer here because I think the Bulls are now in rebuild mode and looking to 2014-15 and beyond to start competing again. So because there’s a lot more scope for weird stuff to happen between now and then with the injuries, tightass owner, draft pick luck etc. I might as well put myself in a happy place! So here goes…

      Facts
      1. DRose will not be back until after the All Star break next year.
      2. Boozer is not the PF we move ahead with.
      3. Thibs is a keeper.
      4. Rip, Luol, Hinrich are off the books after 2013-14 and Boozer has 1 year remaining in the 2014-15 season.
      5. We have the 2016 Bobcats’ pick unprotected, and they’re not going anywhere below a top 8 pick by then.

      So where do I see it going?

      Next year is a wash. I really don’t care what happens record-wise as long as they don’t try to bring back Rose too quickly and sign up Thibs and Taj. A shitty enough record for a mid first round draft pick would be helpful too.

      2014-15 is the year I would re-tool the roster for, so the work has to be done in the 2013-14 offseason, and here’s what I’d do:

      1. Amnesty Boozer. It just hasn’t happened for him in Chi-town. He is what he is in terms of being a 16-8 kind of guy, with terrible defense. But the PF next to Noah has to be a 20+ scorer to make up for Noah’s lack of offense generation. You only have one amnesty to use and he’s the only one worth using it on.

      2. Trade/dump expiring contracts of Rip and Hinrich (~10mil) for a decent shooting guard, who can create their own shot or shoot the 3 or both. Quick scan of the 2013 free agent list (bit pointless because guys get resigned, traded, but whatever) and I like: Tyreke Evans, OJ Mayo, Klay Thompson, Evan Turner. So let’s say the Kings give up on Tyreke Evans, and you can get him for the mid-level, with some actual successful free agent courting.

      3. Bring in Nikola Mirotic from Real Madrid, a rising star in Europe. He’s your typical European 4 (6’10) but shoots the 3, and seems pretty athletic from youtube videos. I think he comes in at around a mid-level salary of 5mil not the rookie salary.

      4. Trade Luol or let him go to free agency and then you have 14mil in salary. In addition to Boozer’s amnesty you have around 25mil, if that’s how it works?? (might need your help here!). Let’s say you have 15mil to chase for a free agent or in trade. We still have the Bobcats’ pick which is unprotected in 2016, so could prove pretty useful. So in fantasy land we package Luol, plus pieces and the pick for then man we should have had all along…..LaMarcus Aldridge! (stay with me here!)

      So ready to lineup for the 2014-15 season is:

      PG Rose (18mil)
      SG Evans (5mil mid-level)
      SF Mirotic (5mil)
      PF Aldridge (15mil)
      C Noah (13mil)

      Bench: Taj (8mil), Jimmy Butler (2mil), Marquis Teague (1mil), ~pick 20 in the 2013 draft SG/SF (850k), vet min C/PF (1mil), vet min SG/SF (1mil).

      Coach: Thibs

      Total salary around 61 mil so around 3 mil over which will keep Reinsdorf happy (the exceptions don’t count right?).

      And I know half my bench don’t have names but that’s really how much I think we need to re-tool and blow things up!

      So is Adelman your coach of the future for you guys?

      Bit of a tangent, but what about the logo and unis? You like to stick with them?

      • naturalbornanalysts 9:43 pm on September 9, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Nice. I like it, but youre two biggest problems would be trying to pry Aldridge from Portland… just dont see them letting him go. And there is no way Tyreke only gets paid the mid level. Someone will throw money at him… he is getting at least 10 mill a season. You have backloaded all your contracts which always makes things a little more difficult when trying to unload guys, but the bonus is that once you unload Deng’s 14.3M and Boozer’s 15.3M you have 28.6M, so you could still chase REKE if you want.
        That bobcats pick is very nice, even as a trade chip, I think there would be a lot of takers.
        What if you could package that with an expiring boozer for a young stud like Monroe (and some other junk?) I guess it depends a lot on the strength of the draft and if you think you can draft immediate help.
        Anyway, we both agree Chi-town is in need of a shake up.

        Im happy with the wolves logo and uniforms. We changed them a lot over the last 5-10 years so I would like to just see us stay put. Have any teams had major overhauls this season?

        I saw the Knicks have “new” ones, which I think are a joke. Either go Retro or try something new.

        NEW:

        OLD:

        • jk41 3:40 pm on September 11, 2012 Permalink

          Maybe something like an OJ Mayo instead of Reke if it doesn’t work out in Dallas….someone, anyone who can create their own shot!

          I reckon the classic teams like the Lakers, Bulls, C’s, Knicks should always carry their original uniforms. Not a big fan of advertising going on uniforms either but almost every sporting league around the world does it.

          I guess we can clearly tell that the T’Wolves look in better shape in the short term future at least. I definitely needed a lot more imagination and a couple more years to even assemble a team to compete again. Let alone chemistry, injuries etc.

          Although luck can always fall your way so you never know. Sometimes, you only need 1.7%.

  • Natural Born Analysts NBA Podcast 4:22 am on August 25, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , Superstar Team   

    The Era of the Super-Team 

     

    So much talk lately has been focussed on the creation of super teams, and guys teaming up to win championships. There are negatives and positives to both sides of the argument. And there is now a push at the college level to see superstar recruiting classes the likes of which saw Kentucky only lose 2 games all season, and saw 5 of the class drafted (and it could be happening again ).

    So what are the positives? Sacrificing to win? Playing team basketball to get the best result?

    What are the negatives? Diluting competition across the league?

    Is it any different to what we have seen in the past with Kobe/Shaq or Clyde/Hakeem/Barkley or the Boston Big 3?

    Or the “organic” ones like Manu/Parker/Duncan or Durant/Westbrook/Harden?

     

     

    • jk41 10:46 am on August 25, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Wait, wasn’t there a lockout last season to stamp out this super team shit!? Seems like a lifetime ago and I truly hope there’s never another one. I think we both stared down the barrel of a lost season and were ready to pull the trigger ourselves! Love of the game…

      On first thought, I would be the most opposed to the super team, given my own Bulls are a one star team which now look like they won’t be in true contention for a few more seasons, having lost in 2011 conference finals to the doucheiest super team Miami.

      But one point that I’ve read more about lately is how Magic/Bird saved the league in the 80s. Stars drive this league. As do rivalries. And those Laker and Celtics teams were absolutely stacked with All-Stars! I think people love seeing these “super teams” go head-to-head because it inevitably means the ascension of one great over the other. People love seeing who is the greatest. Although today’s “super teams” are more blatant in their creation, the same factor drives the popularity of the league. People want to know if Lebron is going to be greater than Kobe. The fact they have all star supporting casts merely makes it all the more entertaining. Who doesn’t want to see a Lakers-Heat Finals Game 7 triple overtime game next season??

      Then what about the small market teams? Indiana, Milwaukee, Memphis and co.? Well I think the “organic” model *must* be adopted by them in the face of their own economic constraints. There is no way other way for them in this era. And many of them swing and miss. But it’s not like it doesn’t work, see: Spurs (4 titles), Mavs (breaking through in 2011), OKC (making the finals last year).

      The way I see it, the super team is healthy for the league in terms of maintaining the popularity of the NBA, producing enticing rivalries and matchups, and doesn’t negate the small market teams from rising if they make their management makes the right personnel decisions.

      I guess my question to you is: is there a bias towards the romance of team basketball, and guys not ‘taking the easy way out’ by teaming up? Like Sir Charles said, “MJ would never have teamed up just to chase rings and make it easier”.

      • naturalbornanalysts 9:49 pm on August 26, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Being a fan of a one man team is often beautifully frustrating as you know, especially in this day and age where one man alone, just cant seem to get it done. I struggled heavily as KG tried to carry us all those years in MN, and ironically it wasnt until he did join forces with the elder statesmen in Boston was he able to accomplish the one piece missing. Yet i didnt at all begrudge KG for leaving for Boston, nor did I feel like Ray Allen had turned his back on Seattle to do the same thing. It was three loyal guys who had not been able to get it done with those franchises, teaming up, sacrificing, and in appearance at least, doing it the right way.

        You’re correct about those star matchups making the league what it is, both past and present. You only need to look at this years series between OKC and Miami to see all kinds of TV ratings records being broken. People want to love and want to hate. In my case I wanted LeBron to fail again. And I wanted the young, mother-kissing, Durant to shine under the biggest spotlight of all.
        Its human nature to pick sides in a battle.

        Im sure to most basketball purists, the “organic” way is the only way it should be done, and the idea of big time players seeking each other out to join forces and dominate seems fraudulent somehow. However, as I mentioned, it has been happening pretty much since the invention of basketball, so I do think there is a irrelevant bias towards the romantic notion of letting the chips fall where they may, and may the best “natural” team win. Ultimately, I dont think there is anything wrong with the teaming up of stars, done legally (and without sportscenter shows), as it often means sacrifice, and teamwork (Wade giving up alpha dog status and Bosh shooting less).

        Do you have a problem with the Gary Paytons and the Karl Malones who move to win rings in the final year or two of their careers, when they dont contribute and are being carried, creaking knees and all over the finish line?

        Lets put together a top 10 super teams list- see how many are manufactured and how many are organic… throw out some nominations?

        • jk41 3:57 am on August 28, 2012 Permalink

          I don’t have a problem with the old guys chasing rings, especially if they’ve done their time and tried it out on their own. Plus, they don’t specifically get remembered for having a ring, which is the difference between being the guy and chasing at the end of your career, people do remember you differently. The difference between, KG, Ray, GP, Malone, is that they tried it on their own for so long and used up their PRIME trying to be the guy, whereas Lebron shirked the responsibility in his prime. Plus, he made a douchebag of himself with the “The Decision”. I really believe if he didn’t go on that whole song and dance recruiting tour, do the tv show and the ridiculous parade in Miami, they probably would’ve beaten Dallas without all the pressure they put on themselves. But that’s history!

          My nominations:

          84-85 Lakers: Magic, Kareem, Worthy, Byron Scott, McAdoo, Michael Cooper
          (Do we call this manufactured? They made the trades which lucked them into Magic and Worthy, but didn’t necessarily “buy” them)

          85-86 Celtics: Bird, McHale, Parish, Dennis Johnson, Bill Walton, Danny Ainge
          (Same question as above with manufactured vs. organic)

          02-03 Spurs: Duncan, Parker, Robinson, Manu, Steve Smith (pretty underrated player), Steve Kerr, Bruce Bowen, Stephen Jackson
          (We’d call this organic, bottoming out while Robinson was injured and picking up Duncan)

          07-08 Celtics: KG, PP, Ray, Rondo, Perkins, Tony Allen, Big Baby, Scalabrine (haha)
          (Manufactured)

          Who you got?

        • naturalbornanalysts 10:22 pm on August 29, 2012 Permalink

          The 85-86 celtics we will run with organic, even though they pulled turned Joe Barry Carroll into Parish and McHale in 1980 somehow…

          OK so I will go even older to start :

          1964-65 Boston Celtics 62 – 18 (Organic)
          Led by Bill Russell, Sam Jones, John Havlicek (first round pick), Tom Sanders and Tom Heinsohn
          Thats 4 guys in the pyramid… and probably the most expensive team to collect in terms of my collection (still waiting on Russell, Jones and Heinsohn!).

          1966-67 Philadelphia 76ers 68 – 13 (Manufactured)
          Wilt Chamberlain, Hal Greer, Chet Walker and Billy Cunningham.
          Finally ended the Boston streak… but undoubtedly manufactured… with the 76ers doing a Lakers before the Lakers did a Lakers to the 76ers (got that? good!).
          Wilt Chamberlain, who was traded from the San Francisco Warriors to the Sixers for Connie Dierking, Paul Neumann, Lee Shaffer….who?!

          1999-2001 Lakers
          The 3 peat team… I dont know what this is… they drafted fisher and kobe…. but traded for shaq… so its kind of like Yao Ming… sure, if the two of the tallest people you know have a baby… then they will have a tall baby… but you still need to teach it to shoot. This could then lead onto the Odom and Butler trade for Oneal that lead Miami to a championship…

          Just as a side note…. anything prior to 1994 is pretty much all research based…haha

        • jk41 5:04 am on August 30, 2012 Permalink

          Ok so we have 7 teams:

          84-85 Lakers (organic)
          85-86 Celtics (organic)
          02-03 Spurs (organic)
          07-08 Celtics (manufactured)
          64-65 Celtics (organic)
          66-67 76ers (manufactured)
          99-01 Lakers

          I’m gonna throw another three in to make it a nice round 10, so I’ll say:

          95-96 Bulls: Can’t leave out a 72-10 team right? or an team with MJ!! (organic)
          82-83 76ers: Moses, Dr. J, Mo Cheeks, Andrew Toney (organic)
          11-12 Heat: Essentially sparked this debate so we gotta have them (Manufactured)

          I’ll let you take first stab at ranking these 😉

        • naturalbornanalysts 9:26 pm on September 2, 2012 Permalink

          95-96 Bulls (organic)
          64-65 Celtics (organic)
          84-85 Lakers (organic)
          85-86 Celtics (organic)
          99-01 Lakers (Manufactured)
          66-67 76ers (manufactured)
          11-12 Heat: (Manufactured)
          02-03 Spurs (organic)
          07-08 Celtics (manufactured)
          82-83 76ers: (organic)

          I dont think I have any justification for this other than gut feel

        • jk41 3:18 am on September 3, 2012 Permalink

          I think you have the Heat a bit too high right? When I look at these lists, I usually think matchup wise and try to contextualise them by the form they had in that year.

          Example 1: 11-12 Heat vs. 82-83 76ers

          • Dr. J could athletically matchup with LBJ
          • Moses was a beast and would kill Bosh
          • No idea on how good defensively Cheeks was, but he is 5th all time in steals, so you’d think he could check Wade.

          > So I reckon the Sixers beat the Heat

          Example 2: 11-12 Heat vs. 07-08 Celtics

          • KG kills Bosh, especially in that first year with the C’s he was on a mission
          • Pierce on LBJ, though the 11-12 version of LBJ would win out
          • Ray on Wade, bit of a wash
          • Perk plus a not quite there Rondo for the C’s as well

          > I’ve got to take that C’s team over the Heat

          The Spurs I can live with the Heat over them, although the team chemistry and coaching and TD can always give you an argument the other way. I’m pretty happy with the rest though, and I’m probably just re-shuffling the bottom cos I’m a Heat hater!

          95-96 Bulls (organic)
          64-65 Celtics (organic)
          84-85 Lakers (organic)
          85-86 Celtics (organic)
          99-01 Lakers (Manufactured)
          66-67 76ers (manufactured)
          82-83 76ers (organic)
          07-08 Celtics (manufactured)
          11-12 Heat (Manufactured)
          02-03 Spurs (organic)

          So it seems like the Organics win out, and I also think there’s something to say for teams that build and use chemistry vs. teams that buy. I suppose its more the feeling that while both styles of teams can win, the Organics have a better chance at building a dynasty than the Manufactured do?

        • naturalbornanalysts 9:44 pm on September 3, 2012 Permalink

          Its always difficult to argue these past vs present points, but I think the Heat are indeed better than that 82-83 76ers team, and better than the Spurs, however I think I was wrong with the Celtics being below the Spurs, but that was based more on the notion of the Spurs having won multiple titles and WCF within that window.

          Example 1: 11-12 Heat vs. 82-83 76ers

          Dr. J could athletically matchup with LBJ – I think that LBJ would dominate Dr J… the athletic ability would possibly balance out, but the power and defensive ability of Lebron would show out, and the outside shooting of LBJ is better the Julius.
          Moses was a beast and would kill Bosh- Agreed.
          No idea on how good defensively Cheeks was, but he is 5th all time in steals, so you’d think he could check Wade- Possibly, but you could argue that the top two guys in that category (Stockton and Kidd) wouldn’t be able to check Wade. Mo was 6’1″ compared to Wades 6’4″ and while some the stats would balance out more due to Mo coming into his prime compared with Wade on the decline, I still think Wade would have the edge over a young Mo.

          Example 2: 11-12 Heat vs. 07-08 Celtics

          KG kills Bosh, especially in that first year with the C’s he was on a mission- Agreed…Bosh coming off an injury is no match for the 07-08 KG
          Pierce on LBJ, though the 11-12 version of LBJ would win out… undoubtedly the 11-12 LBJ version wins out.
          Ray on Wade, bit of a wash… yeah it is… hard to compare these two… kind of cancel each other out on what they give each team..
          Perk plus a not quite there Rondo for the C’s as well – vs a balling Chalmers (have to admit he had a pretty nice finals) and a suddenly hot Battier.

          Think the C’s would get this one though.
          we might be having this debate again with the 11-12 vs12-13 Heat with the additions of Ray and Lewis…urgh

          So Organic seems to win out most of the time… seems to set up for better dynasties… possibly because there is a more natural heirachy that forms, which was evident in Miami, with the Wade and LBJ ‘you shoot… no you shoot’ year before they realised its LBJ’s team and everyone else should enjoy the ride.

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