OTRBasketball.com OTRBasketball NBA Discussion Forums http://www.otrbasketball.com/forums/index.php Fri, 12 Mar 2010 02:02:09 +0000 30 Jho and Wiz Show Mutal Interest In New Deal http://www.otrbasketball.com/forums/topic/10003-jho-and-wiz-show-mutal-interest-in-new-deal/
According to two sources with knowledge of the Wizards' thinking, the team is considering re-signing Howard, albeit a price less than his option when he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

The sources were encouraged with Howard, who brought a positive attitude and enthusiasm to a locker room in desperate need of a jolt.

Howard said he would like to return to Washington next season, citing the Wizards' two first-round picks and significant cap room this summer.

"I feel like I'm in a good place right here in Washington if they give me a shot. Great city, fans support. Another top-notch organization. Can't beat it. And I'm close to home," said Howard, a North Carolina native. The Wizards "gave me a fresh start. Being able to come to an organization that's great, leaving another great one where I learned a lot. I'm hoping that I can still teach people what I learned there."

Read more: http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/65293/20100311/wizards_howard_show_mutual_interest_for_new_deal/#ixzz0hvKpaavc]]> Fri, 12 Mar 2010 02:02:09 +0000 http://www.otrbasketball.com/forums/topic/10003-jho-and-wiz-show-mutal-interest-in-new-deal/ Bosh and Jack diss Sacramento http://www.otrbasketball.com/forums/topic/10002-bosh-and-jack-diss-sacramento/ Quote

One Sacramento fan was loud and persistent enough to draw reactions from Chris Bosh and Jarett Jack during Toronto's 113-90 loss to the Kings on Wednesday.

The fan yelled at Bosh, after a first-quarter timeout, to ask if he might sign with Sacramento.

"Hell no!" said Bosh in a disgusted reply.

The same fan continued his inquires into the third quarter, which eventually elicited a reply from Jack.

"Ain’t nobody coming here," Jack said. "Nobody even knows it’s in California."

Read more: http://basketball.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/65285/20100311/bosh_jack_stave_off_sacramento_fans_recruitment/#ixzz0hvFm2ZJj


http://basketball.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/65285/20100311/bosh_jack_stave_off_sacramento_fans_recruitment/]]> Fri, 12 Mar 2010 01:42:21 +0000 http://www.otrbasketball.com/forums/topic/10002-bosh-and-jack-diss-sacramento/ WOW!!! Lebron Suspended for STEROID USE!!!! Sucks for Cleveland! http://www.otrbasketball.com/forums/topic/10001-wow-lebron-suspended-for-steroid-use-sucks-for-cleveland/
Lebron, a member of the Indians Dominican Summer League team, was signed in January. His contract was voided at no cost to the Indians.

Three other minor leaguers tested positive: Mets pitcher Melvin Colon and Yankees catcher Josue Rodriguez and pitcher Israel Tolentino. They were suspended for 50 games.

Boldenone is a steroid used on horses. It's a favorite of body builders as they prepare for competition. It is also banned by MLB.

All four suspensions will be effective at the start of the 2010 Dominican Summer League season in May.]]> Fri, 12 Mar 2010 01:40:13 +0000 http://www.otrbasketball.com/forums/topic/10001-wow-lebron-suspended-for-steroid-use-sucks-for-cleveland/ Arenas Will Wear No. 6 In 10-11 http://www.otrbasketball.com/forums/topic/10000-arenas-will-wear-no-6-in-10-11/ Quote

Gilbert Arenas has requested and filed paperwork to change his number to six next season.

Arenas was born and also suspended on January 6.

Read more: http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/65292/20100311/arenas_will_wear_no_6_in_10_11/#ixzz0hv2cGn9v]]> Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:49:57 +0000 http://www.otrbasketball.com/forums/topic/10000-arenas-will-wear-no-6-in-10-11/ <![CDATA[NBA's Fab Five: Shooting Guards]]> http://www.otrbasketball.com/forums/topic/9999-nbas-fab-five-shooting-guards/

Since the great Michael Jordan represented the number 23 on his Chicago Bulls jersey, the shooting guard position has arguably been the most exciting spot on the floor in the NBA. Also known as two-guards, these players can do anything from shooting mid-range jumpers and slashing to the rim, to running the offense and making their teammates noticeably better on the court. Today, the typical shooting guard is ball-dominant, although you do tend to run into those who are excellent playing without the ball in their hands, such as Detroit’s Richard Hamilton and Boston’s Ray Allen. Two-guards love a good screen, and the elite players welcome the defensive attention, not only to draw defenders away from their opponents, but to increase the chances of drawing a foul as well.

The following five shooting guards are all-stars, franchise players, and most of the time, the key component to their teams’ success in both the regular season and the playoffs.

1. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers (27.8 PPG on .459 FG, 5.3 RPG, 4.8 APG)

Bryant is the complete NBA player and, without a doubt, the best overall player to grace the game since Jordan. This season, despite injuries to three fingers on his shooting hand, an ankle, and back spasms, Kobe is leading the Lakers to a possible third-consecutive trip to the NBA Finals, holding on to the second best record in the NBA. A top three candidate for the 2010 MVP award, Bryant has hit six game-winning shots this season, is a pest on defense, and is averaging over 27 points for the seventh time in his 14-year career. Topping this list may not be enough for Kobe Bryant; many will state that he is still the best player in the NBA.

2. Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat (26.4 PPG on .465 FG, 4.7 RPG, 6.6 APG)

The Heat may be clinging to that final spot in the weaker Eastern Conference, but Wade is the most consistent player on the team, and his contributions on offense and defense do not go unnoticed. It’s a known fact that numerous teams will be gunning for Wade this summer, as he headlines a free agent class packed with superstars and all-stars, and there is nobody more deserving of a max contract than he is. Nicknamed Flash by his teammates, his ability to get to the rim is unmatched by most players in the league, and even though his numbers are somewhat down from last year’s, he is still one of the most effective and dangerous guards in the East.

3. Brandon Roy, Portland Trail Blazers (21.9 PPG on .472 FG, 4.5 RPG, 4.8 APG)

Roy is a versatile combo guard that can play three spots on the floor, and his ability to create for his teammates has been beneficial to Portland’s success this season. Considering the amount of times he does handle the basketball, his turnovers are low (2.2 per game). Unfortunately, like Wade, most of his numbers have taken a hit due to injuries, but not enough to effect the Blazers in a negative manner. The most intriguing part of Roy’s game is not his offensive game, but his defense. Roy has had plenty of success defending elite scorers in the league, including Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade, both of which you will find ahead of him, but his overall body of work sits him at third in the rankings.

4. Joe Johnson, Atlanta Hawks (21.5 PPG on .458 FG, 4.7 RPG, 4.7 APG)

Similar numbers, but less defense–that’s why Joe Johnson sits below Brandon Roy on the Fab Five list. There are similarities between the two. Both can run the point for their respective teams, both can shoot the rock, and neither shy away from contact on the drive, but Johnson’s defensive game isn’t as polished. Fortunately, his Hawks are the superior team, and with all due respect to Josh Smith and Jamal Crawford, Johnson is the clear-cut leader and the player sitting in the driver’s seat in Atlanta. Similar to Roy, Johnson turns the ball over just twice per game, just below his career average and 1.3 less than his career high, which also occurred as a Hawk.

5. Stephen Jackson, Charlotte Bobcats (20.7 PPG on .427 FG, 5.0 RPG, 3.8 APG)

He may not score as much as Monta Ellis, or shoot 45 percent from the floor, but Stephen Jackson is a top defensive player at the two-guard position. The Bobcats are 29-25 with him in the lineup, 3-6 to start the season without him. The record may not sway many fans’ decisions until they glance at Charlotte’s struggles last season: 35-47 in the standings, ninth in opponents’ points per game. This season, Charlotte is a top three defensive team in the NBA, ranked first in opponents’ points per game, holding those teams to under 45 percent shooting. Jackson not only leads the team in steals, but also in points, providing relief for Gerald Wallace at both ends of the hardwood.

That Other Five (in no particular order):

Monta Ellis, Golden State Warriors (25.7 PPG on .453 FG, 4.2 RPG, 5.3 APG)

Tyreke Evans, Sacramento Kings (20.3 PPG on .462 FG, 5.0 RPG, 5.5 APG)

O.J. Mayo, Memphis Grizzlies (17.5 PPG on .456 FG, 3.8 RPG, 3.1 APG)

Jamal Crawford, Atlanta Hawks (17.3 PPG on .446 FG, 2.6 RPG, 2.9 APG)

Ray Allen, Boston Celtics (16.2 PPG on .467 FG, 3.4 RPG, 2.6 APG)


http://bleacherreport.com/articles/361172-nbas-fab-five-shooting-guards]]> Thu, 11 Mar 2010 23:17:59 +0000 http://www.otrbasketball.com/forums/topic/9999-nbas-fab-five-shooting-guards/ <![CDATA[Barkley "Kobe not in MJ class"]]> http://www.otrbasketball.com/forums/topic/9996-barkley-kobe-not-in-mj-class/ Quote

Barkley had interesting comments on Kobe Bryant's penchant for last-second shots. He said that some of Kobe Bryant's game-winners are lucky. What are you going to do when he hits a 20-foot fade-away jumper? Barkley said that the Raptors played good defense against Bryant earlier this week but he hit the game-winner any way.

Barkley said that Bryant isn't in the conversation with Michael Jordan as the greatest ever. Barkley said that the Lakers "play with no sense of urgency" and only won the title because they had more talent then everyone else. Barkley said that Bryant's Lakers wouldn't have a chance against the great Bulls teams.


http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/danpatrick/blog/101521/index.html?eref=sihp]]> Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:01:46 +0000 http://www.otrbasketball.com/forums/topic/9996-barkley-kobe-not-in-mj-class/ <![CDATA[How good would this year's team be WITH Yao?]]> http://www.otrbasketball.com/forums/topic/9995-how-good-would-this-years-team-be-with-yao/ PF: Luis Scola
SF: Trevor Ariza
SG: Kevin Martin
PG: Aaron Brooks

Bench: Chase Budinger, Shane Battier, Jordan Hill, Kyle Lowry and others.

How good would this team be this year? Would we be contenders? Second round and out? Or not even good enough to get out of the first round?

IMO we could be 3rd or 4th in the West and give one of the Lakers or Mavericks a tough series like we did last year. We definitely improved this year but so has the rest of the west and I'm not sure if we have enough to get us over the hump.]]> Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:13:08 +0000 http://www.otrbasketball.com/forums/topic/9995-how-good-would-this-years-team-be-with-yao/ Dorell Wright Arrested for DUI in Miami Beach http://www.otrbasketball.com/forums/topic/9994-dorell-wright-arrested-for-dui-in-miami-beach/

Quote

Miami Heat forward Dorell Wright was arrested early Thursday morning by Miami Beach police and charged with driving under the influence.

According to an arrest affidavit, an officer stopped Wright about 3:37 a.m. at 12th Street and Alton Road after spotting him speeding in his white, two-door Bentley.

The officer wrote that Wright, 24, had red eyes, slurred speech and smelled of alcohol.

Wright could not find his proof of insurance, knew he was driving on a suspended license and refused to submit to a sobriety test, according to the affidavit.


Miami Herald


]]> Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:12:27 +0000 http://www.otrbasketball.com/forums/topic/9994-dorell-wright-arrested-for-dui-in-miami-beach/ Fear the Mavericks? http://www.otrbasketball.com/forums/topic/9989-fear-the-mavericks/
Dallas has choked in the playoffs in recent memory because they haven't had a defensive-minded big that isn't a liability on offense. Brendan Haywood fills that hole, and he's a much better defender than DeSagana Diop, Erick Dampier, or any center they've had in the last decade or two.

The Mavericks can play fast, they can play a half court game, they have four players who can drop 15-20+ on any given night (Dirk, Terry, Butler and Kidd). They have defensive players (Kidd, Marion, Haywood, Stevenson). They are currently on a win streak that probably won't stop until they snag the top seed in the West (just take a look at their remaining schedule).

Dallas shoots a higher percentage than we do, a higher 3PT percentage, the only team above 80% free throw shooting, second in assists, third in steals, and they are beating us in all of those (and probably more, too lazy and worried to check).

If we beat Dallas, it'll be because of our defense, nothing more...and to tell you the truth, their strength at the PF and the PG positions are where our weaknesses lie in our defense.

If you say you aren't worried, you better open your eyes to a Dallas Mavericks team that is quite possibly the most complete team we've ever seen out of Dallas.]]> Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:33:19 +0000 http://www.otrbasketball.com/forums/topic/9989-fear-the-mavericks/ Fear the Deer http://www.otrbasketball.com/forums/topic/9986-fear-the-deer/ Quote

The Mavericks might be the hottest team in the NBA, but the Bucks might be the scariest -- especially for the elite teams in the Eastern Conference. Since dealing for scorer John Salmons at the deadline, Milwaukee has won 10 of its 11 games, with the last two coming against the Cavaliers and the Celtics.

With their recent surge, the Bucks find themselves in the top 10 this week. As for everyone else? Read on to see where your favorites landed in this edition of our rankings.

1. Mavericks (44-21) | Prev.: 1
2. Magic (45-20) | Prev.: 3
3. Cavaliers (50-15) | Prev.: 4
4. Lakers (47-18) | Prev.: 2
5. Jazz (41-22) | Prev.: 10
6. Suns (40-25) | Prev.: 5
7. Nuggets (42-21) | Prev.: 6
8. Thunder (38-24) | Prev.: 7
9. Bucks (34-29) | Prev.: 13
10. Celtics (40-22) | Prev.: 9


FanHouse -- Click Link for Full Rankings and Analysis]]> Thu, 11 Mar 2010 01:52:31 +0000 http://www.otrbasketball.com/forums/topic/9986-fear-the-deer/