Best FA news I've heard in a while - a Western Conference team

[heyvik]

Why does everyone want the stars to either go to Miami, Chicago or NY. Why not a Western Conference team OTHER than the Fakers? Why not strenghten a team that can actually beat the Lakers in a 7 game series?

[2short]

Does that mean we finally get Battier?

[Who]

Why does everyone want the stars to either go to Miami, Chicago or NY. Why not a Western Conference team OTHER than the Fakers? Why not strenghten a team that can actually beat the Lakers in a 7 game series?

The Blazers are the team to beat in the Western Conference next season.

[heyvik]

Why does everyone want the stars to either go to Miami, Chicago or NY. Why not a Western Conference team OTHER than the Fakers? Why not strenghten a team that can actually beat the Lakers in a 7 game series?

The Blazers are the team to beat in the Western Conference next season.

why is that?

[Who]

Why does everyone want the stars to either go to Miami, Chicago or NY. Why not a Western Conference team OTHER than the Fakers? Why not strenghten a team that can actually beat the Lakers in a 7 game series?

The Blazers are the team to beat in the Western Conference next season.

why is that?

The Lakers offense can be stopped by two separate defensive strengths (1) post defense (2) Kobe-stoppers. The Lakers are reliant on one-on-one offense either through the low post or through isolation plays for Kobe Bryant. When you take that away, when you limit that, you tear apart their offense.

The Blazers have the size and interior defense to limit the Lakers big men in Greg Oden, Joel Przybilla, LaMarcus Aldridge and Marcus Camby + have two of the very best Kobe-stoppers in the NBA in Martell Webster and Nicolas Batum. The result is an ineffective Lakers offense.

On the other end of the floor, Portland's offense is simply more versatile. They have better shooters (Batum, Webster, Fernandez), their superior athleticism leads to better transition play (similar to OKC in the first round but not to as high a degree), and have more movement off the ball in a halfcourt offense (better cutters).

The only negative here for Portland is Andre Miller (who really should be traded) but the Blazers should be able to overcome that.

Portland are the team that should be favoured in a matchup against the Lakers in the playoffs. They also should be favoured against every other team in the Western playoff picture. They are the team to beat.

[PosImpos]

Why does everyone want the stars to either go to Miami, Chicago or NY. Why not a Western Conference team OTHER than the Fakers? Why not strenghten a team that can actually beat the Lakers in a 7 game series?

The Blazers are the team to beat in the Western Conference next season.

Of course, you could have said the same thing about the Blazers at the end of last season.  So much depends on health when it comes to the Blazers.


I would love to see the Rockets get Bosh.  Bosh + Yao could make the most dangerous frontcourt combo in the league.

[Who]

Why does everyone want the stars to either go to Miami, Chicago or NY. Why not a Western Conference team OTHER than the Fakers? Why not strenghten a team that can actually beat the Lakers in a 7 game series?

The Blazers are the team to beat in the Western Conference next season.

Of course, you could have said the same thing about the Blazers at the end of last season.  So much depends on health when it comes to the Blazers.

Last season, I said that Portland were the second best team in the West and the team most capable of knocking off the Lakers ... but that LA was still the best team and should win that matchup.

Two reasons for change -- (1) LA's decline offensively [transition play, ball movement in the halfcourt] (2) A couple of Portland's players have shown good improvement [Webster, Batum, Oden]

[PosImpos]

Why does everyone want the stars to either go to Miami, Chicago or NY. Why not a Western Conference team OTHER than the Fakers? Why not strenghten a team that can actually beat the Lakers in a 7 game series?

The Blazers are the team to beat in the Western Conference next season.

Of course, you could have said the same thing about the Blazers at the end of last season.  So much depends on health when it comes to the Blazers.

Last season, I said that Portland were the second best team in the West and the team most capable of knocking off the Lakers ... but that LA was still the best team and should win that matchup.

Two reasons for change -- (1) LA's decline offensively [transition play, ball movement in the halfcourt] (2) A couple of Portland's players have shown good improvement [Webster, Batum, Oden]

...and that's all good and well, but who's to say they'll be healthy next season?  Roy still has lingering durability concerns, Oden hasn't had a full season yet, Przbylla got set back in his rehab, Camby is in his late 30's, and Miller isn't young, either.

Depending on who they acquire this summer, I actually think the Thunder could be near the top of the West next year.  Another year or two after that and they'll be in the Finals.

[Who]

Depending on who they acquire this summer, I actually think the Thunder could be near the top of the West next year.  Another year or two after that and they'll be in the Finals.

If Oklahoma make a big move, then they're definitely in the mix.

They are one piece away from being a Championship caliber side.

[Chris]

Why does everyone want the stars to either go to Miami, Chicago or NY. Why not a Western Conference team OTHER than the Fakers? Why not strenghten a team that can actually beat the Lakers in a 7 game series?

The Blazers are the team to beat in the Western Conference next season.

why is that?

The Lakers offense can be stopped by two separate defensive strengths (1) post defense (2) Kobe-stoppers. The Lakers are reliant on one-on-one offense either through the low post or through isolation plays for Kobe Bryant. When you take that away, when you limit that, you tear apart their offense.

The Blazers have the size and interior defense to limit the Lakers big men in Greg Oden, Joel Przybilla, LaMarcus Aldridge and Marcus Camby + have two of the very best Kobe-stoppers in the NBA in Martell Webster and Nicolas Batum. The result is an ineffective Lakers offense.

On the other end of the floor, Portland's offense is simply more versatile. They have better shooters (Batum, Webster, Fernandez), their superior athleticism leads to better transition play (similar to OKC in the first round but not to as high a degree), and have more movement off the ball in a halfcourt offense (better cutters).

The only negative here for Portland is Andre Miller (who really should be traded) but the Blazers should be able to overcome that.

Portland are the team that should be favoured in a matchup against the Lakers in the playoffs. They also should be favoured against every other team in the Western playoff picture. They are the team to beat.

On paper, I agree (well, maybe not agree, but I don't think its worth arguing at this point...you at least have a good argument for them as the favorites).  But I want to see Portland stay somewhere close to healthy for a season before making any proclamations about them being the favorite.  All three of their centers are huge injury risks, as is Roy and Webster.  I also want to see how the chemistry works when everyone is healthy.  That team has a lot of repeated talent.  They got the most out of them, since they have been undermanned all season, but if they actually stay healthy enough to be a contender, I think there could be a lot of complaining and in-fighting, when talented players get their minutes cut.  They definitely do have a ton of talent, that matches up well with the Lakers though.

I also think there will be a ton of movement this offseason, which could completely change the landscape.

[Who]

I think the beauty of Chris Bosh on the Rockets depends on Luis Scola being on the team. To be able to change from a grind it out team (Yao + Scola/Bosh) to a speed lineup (Bosh + Scola) as their second unit.

It is difficult enough to matchup against one of those lineups (grind it out + speed) but it is extremely tough to be able to matchup with both at a high level.

In the speed lineup, Houston would be an excellent transition team (like they were this season) + they would be able to spread out the floor and allow Aaron Brooks and Kevin Martin more time and space to create off the dribble. That lineup would be extremely difficult to defend against.

[indeedproceed]

I think the bigger issue is that Toronto is going to try to unload not only Bosh but also Turkoglu in the deal, and that will be a bitter pill to swallow for Morey.

[Chris]

I think the beauty of Chris Bosh on the Rockets depends on Luis Scola being on the team. To be able to change from a grind it out team (Yao + Scola/Bosh) to a speed lineup (Bosh + Scola) as their second unit.

It is difficult enough to matchup against one of those lineups (grind it out + speed) but it is extremely tough to be able to matchup with both at a high level.

In the speed lineup, Houston would be an excellent transition team (like they were this season) + they would be able to spread out the floor and allow Aaron Brooks and Kevin Martin more time and space to create off the dribble. That lineup would be extremely difficult to defend against.

I agree that Scola is a difference maker, but if he is the price to get Bosh, then I think you have to do it.

But if they can instead trade Ariza or Battier plus Jeffries, and some young guys/picks (Hill, Lowry, Buddinger), then it is a no brainer.  

Scola is not irreplacable though.

[Chris]

I think the bigger issue is that Toronto is going to try to unload not only Bosh but also Turkoglu in the deal, and that will be a bitter pill to swallow for Morey.

Oh, they'll try, but I don't think they will have that much leverage.  If no other team is willing to take that deal, that Bosh wants to sign with, I think Toronto would then have to look at what the Rockets are offering.

[Who]

I think the bigger issue is that Toronto is going to try to unload not only Bosh but also Turkoglu in the deal, and that will be a bitter pill to swallow for Morey.

I don't think Morey will accept Turkoglu's contract.

Morey should consider taking back Jose Calderon though.