I enjoyed watching the Heat lose last their opener to the Celtics last night.
(http://miami.eater.com/uploads/f813278508bb4395954a3641f1559c3e-getty-102526428ms016_miami_heat_i.jpg)
I enjoyed that as well!
though, i am a Celtics fan.
The Heat have a lot of work cut out for them this year. They will get better pretty quickly though
I hate the Heat even more than the Lakers. I loved last night's game too. BTW, I'm a diehard Raptors fan, so I have a special hatred for the Heat (not unlike the Heat hatred boiling over in Cleveland).
QuoteI hate the Heat even more than the Lakers. I loved last night's game too. BTW, I'm a diehard Raptors fan, so I have a special hatred for the Heat (not unlike the Heat hatred boiling over in Cleveland).
yep, this Lebron "I'm a rock star" move has actually elevated the Lakers into 2nd place of my most hated teams. Amazing how quickly I went from never, ever rooting for Kobe to the reality that I will be rooting for Kobe against the Heat.
QuoteI hate the Heat even more than the Lakers. I loved last night's game too. BTW, I'm a diehard Raptors fan, so I have a special hatred for the Heat (not unlike the Heat hatred boiling over in Cleveland).
It was strange to see Bosh without the dreads. I'm usually not a believer that a loss is a good thing, but for the Heat I think it was. They flipped the switch late in the game (as they should have), but it showed me how good they can and will be.
QuoteI hate the Heat even more than the Lakers. I loved last night's game too. BTW, I'm a diehard Raptors fan, so I have a special hatred for the Heat (not unlike the Heat hatred boiling over in Cleveland).
I can vouche for the Heat hatred boiling over in Cleveland!
Tracy, you are so right. I never thought I'd see the day I'd root for the C's or the Lakers EVER. Last night, I stood corrected! 8-)
Did anyone see that lame commercial LeFraud made as well??? This guy couldn't be more full of himself??? I really think the backlash he has recieved truly did catch him off guard. I'm sure he expected some from Cleveland fans, but he is pretty much enemy number 1 everywhere outside of Miami. Not that he wasn't very well liked already by everyone outside of Cleveland before 'the decision'...
QuoteIt was strange to see Bosh without the dreads. I'm usually not a believer that a loss is a good thing, but for the Heat I think it was. They flipped the switch late in the game (as they should have), but it showed me how good they can and will be.
I don't know if they flipped a switch. To me, it was like watching the Cavs play last season. Everyone standing around watching LeFraud do his thing. He got his 31 points but the other 2 of the big 3 or whatever they're calling themselves, did nothing.
I know they'll be good and I know they'll get better, but I just don't see them winning a championship. They may have 3 of the most talented players in the league, but to me, they aren't a 'TEAM'. The Celtics are a 'TEAM' as are the Lakers. The problem I see for the Heat is, there is still only one ball and I don't just don't see how these 3, who are so used to being THE MAN of their teams before, are going to adjust to taking a back seat night in and night out?
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I know they'll be good and I know they'll get better, but I just don't see them winning a championship. They may have 3 of the most talented players in the league, but to me, they aren't a 'TEAM'. The Celtics are a 'TEAM' as are the Lakers. The problem I see for the Heat is, there is still only one ball and I don't just don't see how these 3, who are so used to being THE MAN of their teams before, are going to adjust to taking a back seat night in and night out?
I knew you'd be happy about last night...I think we all were (outside of Miami) ;D
LBJ taking over is part of the plan. They didn't bring him in so he can dish the ball while they're losing. Up until the 4th quarter they all had an equal amount of shots.
The C's were the Big 3 (now Big 4?). Granted they were beginning the twilight of their career, but their egos were still involved. They came together as a team, why couldn't the Heat? I didn't think the C's could work, but they proved me wrong. So I'm not ruling out Miami. Most great teams have options. Very few teams win with just one cook in the kitchen. I'm not rooting for the Heat. Pretty much all I can hope for is that they don't come together. But that's the only thing. I think overall talent and desire to be the best trumps who's going to get the ball the most. But it's a long season.
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I think overall talent and desire to be the best trumps who's going to get the ball the most. But it's a long season.
This is where I question LBJ. I've been watching him since he came into the league and if there's one big difference between LBJ and MJ, it's that MJ was not afraid to take his team and put them on his back if it meant the difference between winning and losing. I have yet to see that same heart and desire with LBJ. As proved by his bullshit new commercial, LBJ seems more concerned about image than he does about winning championships. Just my opinion...
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I think overall talent and desire to be the best trumps who's going to get the ball the most. But it's a long season.
This is where I question LBJ. I've been watching him since he came into the league and if there's one big difference between LBJ and MJ, it's that MJ was not afraid to take his team and put them on his back if it meant the difference between winning and losing. I have yet to see that same heart and desire with LBJ. As proved by his bullshit new commercial, LBJ seems more concerned about image than he does about winning championships. Just my opinion...
When I said desire to be the best. I'm not talking individual accomplishments. I'm not talking about who's better MJ or LBJ. I'm talking about the team as a whole. No offense, but I think LBJ does care about winning championships, that's why he left Cleveland. Even though one in Cleveland would have been sweeter.
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I think overall talent and desire to be the best trumps who's going to get the ball the most. But it's a long season.
This is where I question LBJ. I've been watching him since he came into the league and if there's one big difference between LBJ and MJ, it's that MJ was not afraid to take his team and put them on his back if it meant the difference between winning and losing. I have yet to see that same heart and desire with LBJ. As proved by his bullshit new commercial, LBJ seems more concerned about image than he does about winning championships. Just my opinion...
When I said desire to be the best. I'm not talking individual accomplishments. I'm not talking about who's better MJ or LBJ. I'm talking about the team as a whole. No offense, but I think LBJ does care about winning championships, that's why he left Cleveland. Even though one in Cleveland would have been sweeter.
F Lebron!
We will win a championship before the Miami Heat. You heard it here (second).
Kidding. pfffffffffttttttttt....
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I think overall talent and desire to be the best trumps who's going to get the ball the most. But it's a long season.
This is where I question LBJ. I've been watching him since he came into the league and if there's one big difference between LBJ and MJ, it's that MJ was not afraid to take his team and put them on his back if it meant the difference between winning and losing. I have yet to see that same heart and desire with LBJ. As proved by his bullshit new commercial, LBJ seems more concerned about image than he does about winning championships. Just my opinion...
When I said desire to be the best. I'm not talking individual accomplishments. I'm not talking about who's better MJ or LBJ. I'm talking about the team as a whole. No offense, but I think LBJ does care about winning championships, that's why he left Cleveland. Even though one in Cleveland would have been sweeter.
I guess what I should have said was that LBJ would rather take the easy way to possibly winning a championship than proving that he is good enough to do it on his own. I still say he is more about his image. IMO, winning MVP's mean more to him than winning championships.
I've also been hearing some interesting tidbits that LBJ isn't getting the pampered treatment from Pat Riley and the Heat that he was getting from Dan Gilbert and the Cavs. When LBJ was with the Cavs, his posse was given permission to travel with the team and were given tix to games and such. With the Heat... not so much! ;D Riley has put his foot down and won't allow LBJ's posse to travel with the team like they did in Cleveland!
Also, I had heard that after the Heat's final pre-season game which was in New Orleans, LBJ had gone to the Asst. GM and asked if it would be OK if the team leave the following morning so he could have a chance to hang with his buddy Chris Paul and party it up on Bourbon St. Something the Cavs would have probably caved to and allowed but Pat Riley got word of the request and basically told LBJ his ass needs to be on the plane leaving that night! ;D
These are some reasons why I don't feel LBJ has the mindset of being a TRUE champion. Pat Riley is a champion and knows what it takes to be a champion and maybe he can get through to LBJ on what it takes to be a champion. Or maybe, LBJ will just throw a fit because he's not getting his way. It will be interesting to see how this relationship plays out because, trust me, LBJ is not used to NOT getting his way. Something he better get used to quick in working with Pat Riley because Riley won't take his shit! 8-)
Even though he wasn't my country's leader, I know that there's really only one LBJ, and LeBron James ain't it.
I'm with everybody else with regards to LeFraud. I didn't see the comercial but I have seen that chalk throw thing so many times I want to gag. I was hoping they would go 0-82.
On another note, my Thunder are now 1-0. Durant had 30, and they limited the Bulls to roughly 10 points in the 4th quarter.
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On another note, my Thunder are now 1-0. Durant had 30, and they limited the Bulls to roughly 10 points in the 4th quarter.
I'm going to need your boy Durant to lead my fantasy basketball team. That's right Dylan, I took Durant.
Here's one of what will probably be many spoofs on LeFrauds new Nike commercial:
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksR2M0afC5c[/media]
I tried watching the Heat-Magic game last week and realized that I just cant watch the NBA until the playoffs..,.Even if a team has 3 players like that going against Dwight Howard, still boring as hell.
Ken Jeong has easily been the best part of the NBA this year. Freaky like my lady pyramid!! Slim Chin in the house.
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9EiHz3XzpM&feature=channel[/media]
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJLmiU9y8_g&feature=channel[/media]
I think Im going to watch the Lebron return to Cleveland game tomorrow night...for about 15 minutes.
What a chokejob the Heat have been so far ;D
Please Cleveland don't disappoint me...
Yes. Come on Cleveland. Rock. I would be going to this game if I had more vacation days.
I would LOVE to see the biggest baddest mofo in Cleveland run onto the court and closeline that greedy pole smoker.
I'll be watching. At least the beginning of the game anyways!
I just hope that the fans don't do anything to embarrass Cleveland and make LeFraud come out looking like the victim!
I'm also interested to see if he does his little powder routine and how that will be recieved?!
The Cavs had a slogan a couple of years ago that was, "Rise Up" and that fits perfectly for what this Cavalier team has to do tonight! I would love to see Varejao or JJ Hickson knock Queen James on her ass a few times as well.
Bosh is hated in Toronto almost as much as Bron Bron is in Cleveland. Bosh has been spouting off nonsense about playing in Canada didn't matter because he wasn't on TV enough in the US (even though he was a 5-time all-star, key member of the 2008 US national team and face of the Raptors franchise instead of a Heat "lapdog") and that he couldn't get certain sports cable packages (when if fact he could); he just didn't know where or who to call. He's coming off shallower and a bigger phony than we'd ever imagined.
Well, that didn't go as well as I had expected?! :P
Highlight of last nights game was when the crowd started chanting, "Akron hates you!" ;D
I think the thing the bothered me more than anything was how the Cavs players didn't seem to make things difficult for LeBron. I mean, he bailed on them just as much as he bailed on us fans, but you sure wouldn't have known it last night?!
Well, now that that's over with, I'm pretty much done with the NBA for the rest of the season...
QuoteBosh is hated in Toronto almost as much as Bron Bron is in Cleveland. Bosh has been spouting off nonsense about playing in Canada didn't matter because he wasn't on TV enough in the US (even though he was a 5-time all-star, key member of the 2008 US national team and face of the Raptors franchise instead of a Heat "lapdog") and that he couldn't get certain sports cable packages (when if fact he could); he just didn't know where or who to call. He's coming off shallower and a bigger phony than we'd ever imagined.
Yeah, I'm interested to see what Toronto does. I was watching Heatley's return to Ottawa last night, and what a great way to prep myself for LeBron. I thought Ottawa was way louder than Cleveland, but that could be the mic setup or whatever. I was expecting crazier things from Cleveland. Where were the planned chants?...I thought that was a great idea! The Akron hates you chant was good, but that was as creative as they got. Not sure what I was expecting, but I was letdown. Since I'm not a fan of the Cavs, I didn't really care about the actual score. I actually thought the drinking and the beatdown would have brought out the ugly. Maybe it's better it didn't.
Beer, I forgot to listen to Cleveland radio today. How are the people taking it? Are most people done with the NBA too? I love how they cheered Ilgauskas. ;D
QuoteQuoteBosh is hated in Toronto almost as much as Bron Bron is in Cleveland. Bosh has been spouting off nonsense about playing in Canada didn't matter because he wasn't on TV enough in the US (even though he was a 5-time all-star, key member of the 2008 US national team and face of the Raptors franchise instead of a Heat "lapdog") and that he couldn't get certain sports cable packages (when if fact he could); he just didn't know where or who to call. He's coming off shallower and a bigger phony than we'd ever imagined.
Yeah, I'm interested to see what Toronto does. I was watching Heatley's return to Ottawa last night, and what a great way to prep myself for LeBron. I thought Ottawa was way louder than Cleveland, but that could be the mic setup or whatever. I was expecting crazier things from Cleveland. Where were the planned chants?...I thought that was a great idea! The Akron hates you chant was good, but that was as creative as they got. Not sure what I was expecting, but I was letdown. Since I'm not a fan of the Cavs, I didn't really care about the actual score. I actually thought the drinking and the beatdown would have brought out the ugly. Maybe it's better it didn't.
Beer, I forgot to listen to Cleveland radio today. How are the people taking it? Are most people done with the NBA too? I love how they cheered Ilgauskas. ;D
The front page of the Toronto Star's sports section had a great picture of LeBron's back, with his arms outstretched and facing the fans; almost all were wearing scowls.
The Ottawa fans were awesome last night. They were absolutely angry and wanted blood. The hatred for Heatley is comparable to LeBron's in Cleveland. I can't wait for Bosh's return to Tranna. Wince Carter is arguably still public enemy #1, but Bosh may have displaced him.
QuoteBeer, I forgot to listen to Cleveland radio today. How are the people taking it? Are most people done with the NBA too? I love how they cheered Ilgauskas. ;D
I think most people are closing the book on it. They got closure on Thursday night and that is kind of the common theme for now. As for most people being done with the NBA, I'm kind of sensing that as well. The Q will continue to be close to full this year because so many people already had season tix due to their hope that LeFraud would've been back. I wouldn't count on seeing the Q anywhere near capacity next year unless Gilbert goes out and brings in some nice free agents this offseason.
As for my own opinion of the NBA, I haven't really been a fan of NBA basketball for a while now. LeFraud gave me a reason to watch every now and again and especially during the playoffs. But now that he's gone and especially considering the slippery slope the NBA is taking wrt players basically colluding together as to which big-market team they wish to play for together, it makes it even more unwatchable IMO. I've always been a basketball purist. I don't even like the direction we are seeing DI college basketball trend with programs like UK filling their rosters with one and done players every year?!
I will stick to watching hoops in what I consider to be it's purest form. My hometown (Woosteer, OH) is home to the 2nd winningest basketball program of any division (College of Wooster). They are NCAA DIII and their players don't play for scholarships, but for the love of the game. And they are pretty damn good as they are currently the 4th ranked team in DIII basketaball. They play basketball the way it was meant to be played! I'll take watching a bunch of high quality non-scholarship athletes over the prima donnas that make up major college basketball or the NBA any day of the week! 8-)
Hey iLikeBeer, I wouldn't single out UK for stocking their rosters with one-and-done players. This is a trend that afflicts most big Division 1 programs.
I'm a pretty big basketball and diehard Raptors fan, but I prefer NCAA; I'm a long suffering Orangeman supporter. It's frustrating being a Raptors fan and watching franchise player after franchise player leave after 5-7 years; and many US-born free agents say they don't want to play in Toronto mainly because we don't get ESPN, which is ridiculous. And on an aside, the everyday ESPN broadcasts that I've seen are almost unwatchable (not including basketball, football game days). It feels like I'm watching CNN of sports.
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I'm a pretty big basketball and diehard Raptors fan, but I prefer NCAA; I'm a long suffering Orangeman supporter.
Im not sure "long suffering" and "Orangemen fan" should be in the same sentence. You have 1 of the most winningest coaches in NCAA history and you won a championship like 7 years ago.
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I'm a pretty big basketball and diehard Raptors fan, but I prefer NCAA; I'm a long suffering Orangeman supporter.
Im not sure "long suffering" and "Orangemen fan" should be in the same sentence. You have 1 of the most winningest coaches in NCAA history and you won a championship like 7 years ago.
True, but that team was just too good to lose that year. With their star-studded talent over the decades, Syracuse should have won many championships, but they always seemed to underachieve. I can tell you, always bet on the 'Cuse to bow out early in the March Madness and Big East tournaments. I think Boeheim isn't that good of a coach, regardless of his winning percentage. Talk to other longtime Syracuse fans and they'll more than likely echo my sentiments.
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I'm a pretty big basketball and diehard Raptors fan, but I prefer NCAA; I'm a long suffering Orangeman supporter.
Im not sure "long suffering" and "Orangemen fan" should be in the same sentence. You have 1 of the most winningest coaches in NCAA history and you won a championship like 7 years ago.
True, but that team was just too good to lose that year. With their star-studded talent over the decades, Syracuse should have won many championships, but they always seemed to underachieve. I can tell you, always bet on the 'Cuse to bow out early in the March Madness and Big East tournaments. I think Boeheim isn't that good of a coach, regardless of his winning percentage. Talk to other longtime Syracuse fans and they'll more than likely echo my sentiments.
I agree with most of that, they shouldve been in more Final Fours. That team was pretty sick, but Melo was only a freshman. You dont see too many teams whose star is a frosh end up winning it all. Just look at Florida over OSU (Oden) in 07, Kansas over Memphis (Rose) in 08. What makes it even more impressive was that Kansas team that Cuse beat was stacked - Hinrich, Collison, Wayne Simien, Keith Langford, Aaron Miles
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I'm a pretty big basketball and diehard Raptors fan, but I prefer NCAA; I'm a long suffering Orangeman supporter.
Im not sure "long suffering" and "Orangemen fan" should be in the same sentence. You have 1 of the most winningest coaches in NCAA history and you won a championship like 7 years ago.
True, but that team was just too good to lose that year. With their star-studded talent over the decades, Syracuse should have won many championships, but they always seemed to underachieve. I can tell you, always bet on the 'Cuse to bow out early in the March Madness and Big East tournaments. I think Boeheim isn't that good of a coach, regardless of his winning percentage. Talk to other longtime Syracuse fans and they'll more than likely echo my sentiments.
I agree with most of that, they shouldve been in more Final Fours. That team was pretty sick, but Melo was only a freshman. You dont see too many teams whose star is a frosh end up winning it all. Just look at Florida over OSU (Oden) in 07, Kansas over Memphis (Rose) in 08. What makes it even more impressive was that Kansas team that Cuse beat was stacked - Hinrich, Collison, Wayne Simien, Keith Langford, Aaron Miles
I think Warrick gets somewhat overshadowed on that Syracuse team, especially his awesome defense. The 2002-03 Orange had a pretty deep bench and good role players.
Warrick was a force in college, great all around. Im surprised he didnt turn out to be a bigtime bench player in the pros. McNamera was also damn good even as a frosh. Looking at their roster, I remember Duany, Edelin, and Pace being solid.
Melo still was that team's star and leader though.
QuoteWarrick was a force in college, great all around. Im surprised he didnt turn out to be a bigtime bench player in the pros. McNamera was also damn good even as a frosh. Looking at their roster, I remember Duany, Edelin, and Pace being solid.
Melo still was that team's star and leader though.
After playing in Europe and in the DL, Johnny Mac is now an assistant to Boeheim. Hakim is a key bench player and occassional starter with the Suns (he had an uneven career with Memphis). He's already had some big games this season, although it helps getting passes from a good old Canadian boy :)
QuoteHey iLikeBeer, I wouldn't single out UK for stocking their rosters with one-and-done players. This is a trend that afflicts most big Division 1 programs.
I wasn't trying to single UK out. I was merely using them as an example of a growing trend that I don't like in major college hoops. Personally, I think forcing these phenoms to do their one year of pennance for a college team before turning pro actually hurts NCAA basketball more than if these players could just go pro straight from HS?!
QuoteQuoteHey iLikeBeer, I wouldn't single out UK for stocking their rosters with one-and-done players. This is a trend that afflicts most big Division 1 programs.
I wasn't trying to single UK out. I was merely using them as an example of a growing trend that I don't like in major college hoops. Personally, I think forcing these phenoms to do their one year of pennance for a college team before turning pro actually hurts NCAA basketball more than if these players could just go pro straight from HS?!
I agree, but it helps the NBA/teams by not drafting a HS bust, as well as HS players finding out how good they really are after 1 yr in college.
QuoteQuoteQuoteHey iLikeBeer, I wouldn't single out UK for stocking their rosters with one-and-done players. This is a trend that afflicts most big Division 1 programs.
I wasn't trying to single UK out. I was merely using them as an example of a growing trend that I don't like in major college hoops. Personally, I think forcing these phenoms to do their one year of pennance for a college team before turning pro actually hurts NCAA basketball more than if these players could just go pro straight from HS?!
I agree, but it helps the NBA/teams by not drafting a HS bust, as well as HS players finding out how good they really are after 1 yr in college.
I think you know my feelings regarding the Association. The NBA can go to hell for all I care, so I don't give a damn if this BS rule helps the Associaton or not... :P ;) 8-)
I dont care about the NBA either, just pointing what their rationale likely is
agree with ilikebeer to a good extent. i'm a UGA fan, and we have a solid veteran team this year...but it just ain't fair that kentucky can bring in an entirely new cast of freshmen this year & prob take home the SEC East.
at least college football keeps the kids around for a couple years...no one recruiting class can have that immediate of impact right away (also the nature of the game though)
Quoteagree with ilikebeer to a good extent. i'm a UGA fan, and we have a solid veteran team this year...but it just ain't fair that kentucky can bring in an entirely new cast of freshmen this year & prob take home the SEC East.
at least college football keeps the kids around for a couple years...no one recruiting class can have that immediate of impact right away (also the nature of the game though)
Which is why its not even feasible in the NFL, an 18yr old 99% of the time would get slaughtered. Adrian Peterson is about the only guy I could think of who was so ahead of the curve his freshman yr that he arguably couldve gone straight to the pros.
The best of best in HS for basketball can go straight to the pros, although that doesnt necessarily mean the best player annually. Some years have more talent than others. It hurts college basketball, but hey, plenty of players have shown theyre ready for the NBA at that point. I just saw today that NBA players sent a new petition or something along those lines to lower the age requirement.
QuoteQuoteagree with ilikebeer to a good extent. i'm a UGA fan, and we have a solid veteran team this year...but it just ain't fair that kentucky can bring in an entirely new cast of freshmen this year & prob take home the SEC East.
at least college football keeps the kids around for a couple years...no one recruiting class can have that immediate of impact right away (also the nature of the game though)
Which is why its not even feasible in the NFL, an 18yr old 99% of the time would get slaughtered. Adrian Peterson is about the only guy I could think of who was so ahead of the curve his freshman yr that he arguably couldve gone straight to the pros.
The best of best in HS for basketball can go straight to the pros, although that doesnt necessarily mean the best player annually. Some years have more talent than others. It hurts college basketball, but hey, plenty of players have shown theyre ready for the NBA at that point. I just saw today that NBA players sent a new petition or something along those lines to lower the age requirement.
Jumping straight to the NBA and NFL are real gambles for high schoolers since these leagues have no minor leagues to fall back on, although the elite players in the CFL (not a minor league, just a distinctly different and far less lucrative) make a decent living. The NBA-DL is a joke. I believe players make $20-25 grand. We are seeing a lot more 18-year-old NHL rookies (18 is the youngest draft eligible age), but most make an impact at 20-23; the AHL is a good league, but you wouldn't want to try to retire earning a 2-way contract for 10 years. MLB has the best minors and it's a good thing since it's nearly impossible to make the Bigs right out of high school.
QuoteQuoteQuoteagree with ilikebeer to a good extent. i'm a UGA fan, and we have a solid veteran team this year...but it just ain't fair that kentucky can bring in an entirely new cast of freshmen this year & prob take home the SEC East.
at least college football keeps the kids around for a couple years...no one recruiting class can have that immediate of impact right away (also the nature of the game though)
Which is why its not even feasible in the NFL, an 18yr old 99% of the time would get slaughtered. Adrian Peterson is about the only guy I could think of who was so ahead of the curve his freshman yr that he arguably couldve gone straight to the pros.
The best of best in HS for basketball can go straight to the pros, although that doesnt necessarily mean the best player annually. Some years have more talent than others. It hurts college basketball, but hey, plenty of players have shown theyre ready for the NBA at that point. I just saw today that NBA players sent a new petition or something along those lines to lower the age requirement.
Jumping straight to the NBA and NFL are real gambles for high schoolers since these leagues have no minor leagues to fall back on, although the elite players in the CFL (not a minor league, just a distinctly different and far less lucrative) make a decent living. The NBA-DL is a joke. I believe players make $20-25 grand. We are seeing a lot more 18-year-old NHL rookies (18 is the youngest draft eligible age), but most make an impact at 20-23; the AHL is a good league, but you wouldn't want to try to retire earning a 2-way contract for 10 years. MLB has the best minors and it's a good thing since it's nearly impossible to make the Bigs right out of high school.
Hey Cap. I gotta disagree with you on the physicality argument. That has just been bantered about as justification for the NFL rule but essentially what is going on is collusion between the NCAA and the NFL and NBA. If you ask me, both the NBA and NFL have a monopoly on a unique sector of employment and implement these rules for the mutual benefit of the NCAA and the two professional leagues. Unlike hockey, soccer and baseball, NCAA basketball and football are multi-billion dollar industries. By keeping these rules, the NCAA makes it's money while the professional leagues have a natural developmental league that they do not have to fund because both would be net losses.
If you guys haven't read the case and have some legal curiosity, check out the Clarett v. NFL case which you can find now on Google scholar. Essentially, the federal district court found the NFL to be a monopoly and declared that Clarett be made eligible after 2 years. The federal appellate court overturned this ruling on the basis of what is called the non-statutory labor exemption. Basically, for policy reasons, the courts have ruled that we should favor labor law over antitrust law. Therefore, the appellate court held that Clarett had no standing to challenge the NFL rule because it was collectively bargained between the league and the players union, neither of which Clarett was a party to thus rendering any decision as to whether the NFL has a monopoly or not moot. Fun stuff right? ;D
Personally I think it's a joke more for the exploitation of collegiate athletes with no other avenue to be compensated for their unique skill sets.
I think I must be alone in the fact that I think the NBA should raise the college requirement (ie 2-3 years in college or for an overseas team). Sure, there is a small number of excellent players who can transition straight from HS to the NBA. But I must emphasize a small number. My view is not based on personal talent, but experience working on a team. Working with coaches. Working under pressure.
I am a Blazer fan and we just sent Babbitt to the D-League so he can get some experience. And he was drafted after 2 years in college....
Waste of time and money, IMO. He should have stayed at Nevada for another year, honed his skills as a team player while getting minutes and then entered the draft.
Dante Cunningham, on the other hand, completed 4 years at Villanova and was ready for the NBA at the get-go.
Just my opinion of course.
QuoteI think I must be alone in the fact that I think the NBA should raise the college requirement (ie 2-3 years in college or for an overseas team). Sure, there is a small number of excellent players who can transition straight from HS to the NBA. But I must emphasize a small number. My view is not based on personal talent, but experience working on a team. Working with coaches. Working under pressure.
I am a Blazer fan and we just sent Babbitt to the D-League so he can get some experience. And he was drafted after 2 years in college....
Waste of time and money, IMO. He should have stayed at Nevada for another year, honed his skills as a team player while getting minutes and then entered the draft.
Dante Cunningham, on the other hand, completed 4 years at Villanova and was ready for the NBA at the get-go.
Just my opinion of course.
I don't think you are alone at all Wiz. I just think the rule is completely bogus and racist but I think most would agree with you. If it is going to be such a detriment to a team to reach for a youngster, they shouldn't do it. If you are banking on upside, be prepared to accept the risk as well. At least some American kids are starting to go to Europe after high school or for some before they finish. I say more power to 'em. Get paid for something you are good at and don't be used by the bullshit NCAA system of labor exploitation.
Quote Get paid for something you are good at and don't be used by the bullshit NCAA system of labor exploitation.
I agree with you. Let them get paid.
As a Wolves fan I'm for drafting outta high school. If KG wasn't able to be drafted, the Wolves would've left town a decade ago. And that means no Kevin Love in MN. And Kevin Love is fucking sick. Another 20/20 game for him last night. The Wolves are horrible, but they're fun to watch this year.
QuoteQuote Get paid for something you are good at and don't be used by the bullshit NCAA system of labor exploitation.
I agree with you. Let them get paid.
As a Wolves fan I'm for drafting outta high school. If KG wasn't able to be drafted, the Wolves would've left town a decade ago. And that means no Kevin Love in MN. And Kevin Love is fucking sick. Another 20/20 game for him last night. The Wolves are horrible, but they're fun to watch this year.
The NCAA system is all about exploitation, so pay the players. Then again, isn't offering scholorships a form of getting paid. College ain't cheap, even JC or community college. Post-seconday school in Canada doesn't provide sports scholorships, so some of our elite b-ball, football and hockey players head south looking for a free ride. The thing I don't like is only a small fraction of college players will ever make it to the next level; and some to many that don't make it often don't graduate.
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I just think the rule is completely bogus and racist but I think most would agree with you.
How so? I get bogus, but racist?
I think 18 year olds are babies and tend to lean towards self-centered behavior. Especially the Lebrons of the world who have always been a star, even in high school. I am all about the team, not just the star.
QuoteQuoteQuote Get paid for something you are good at and don't be used by the bullshit NCAA system of labor exploitation.
I agree with you. Let them get paid.
As a Wolves fan I'm for drafting outta high school. If KG wasn't able to be drafted, the Wolves would've left town a decade ago. And that means no Kevin Love in MN. And Kevin Love is fucking sick. Another 20/20 game for him last night. The Wolves are horrible, but they're fun to watch this year.
The NCAA system is all about exploitation, so pay the players. Then again, isn't offering scholorships a form of getting paid. College ain't cheap, even JC or community college. Post-seconday school in Canada doesn't provide sports scholorships, so some of our elite b-ball, football and hockey players head south looking for a free ride. The thing I don't like is only a small fraction of college players will ever make it to the next level; and some to many that don't make it often don't graduate.
Therein lies the problem Jaimoe. The scholarship system is socialist in nature and in no way compensates athletes proportionally to their value. Additionally, they work at least 25 hours at week on their respective sports year around while not being allowed to work for pay or receive any money from anyone that is not one of their relatives. As we all know, many of these kids are poor as fuck. Shoot, I paid my way through college but at least I was able to work for spending money.
How much to you think the rest of the Auburn athletic program coffers will benefit from Cam Newton?
As for the graduation rate, it just proves the nature of the exploitation. A majority of these kids wouldn't even have graduated from a crappy public high school, let alone considered college were it not for this athletic talent assembly line. An they for sure aren't gonna graduate legitimately. I had the fortune of reading some of Illinois football players' academic papers. Yeah :-/
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I just think the rule is completely bogus and racist but I think most would agree with you.
How so? I get bogus, but racist?
I think 18 year olds are babies and tend to lean towards self-centered behavior. Especially the Lebrons of the world who have always been a star, even in high school. I am all about the team, not just the star.
It's the result, not the intent here. All I'm saying is that the NCAA has an illegitimate monopoly on intercollegiate athletics for profit while helping to deny certain athletes of their actual market earning power through collusion with the NBA in this case. While I don't disagree that an extended rule would benefit the NBA, in no other employment sector is one denied the ability to competently work when you have reached majority age except for certain professions that require certification because of the effect you can have on other individuals.
EDIT: My apologies for coming off like a dick here Wiz. ;D It's just a topic that grinds my gears. [smiley=beer.gif]
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I just think the rule is completely bogus and racist but I think most would agree with you.
How so? I get bogus, but racist?
I think 18 year olds are babies and tend to lean towards self-centered behavior. Especially the Lebrons of the world who have always been a star, even in high school. I am all about the team, not just the star.
It's the result, not the intent here. All I'm saying is that the NCAA has an illegitimate monopoly on intercollegiate athletics for profit while helping to deny certain athletes of their actual market earning power through collusion with the NBA in this case. While I don't disagree that an extended rule would benefit the NBA, in no other employment sector is one denied the ability to competently work when you have reached majority age except for certain professions that require certification because of the effect you can have on other individuals.
EDIT: My apologies for coming off like a dick here Wiz. ;D It's just a topic that grinds my gears. [smiley=beer.gif]
Maybe "certification" is the way we should view what's going on -- the effects on impressionable youth by the actions of immature athletes in the public eye is not negligible.
It may be unintentionally racist, but I wonder if the same would situation would be true if white guys could jump.
/tongue planted firmly in cheek
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuote
I just think the rule is completely bogus and racist but I think most would agree with you.
How so? I get bogus, but racist?
I think 18 year olds are babies and tend to lean towards self-centered behavior. Especially the Lebrons of the world who have always been a star, even in high school. I am all about the team, not just the star.
It's the result, not the intent here. All I'm saying is that the NCAA has an illegitimate monopoly on intercollegiate athletics for profit while helping to deny certain athletes of their actual market earning power through collusion with the NBA in this case. While I don't disagree that an extended rule would benefit the NBA, in no other employment sector is one denied the ability to competently work when you have reached majority age except for certain professions that require certification because of the effect you can have on other individuals.
EDIT: My apologies for coming off like a dick here Wiz. ;D It's just a topic that grinds my gears. [smiley=beer.gif]
Maybe "certification" is the way we should view what's going on -- the effects on impressionable youth by the actions of immature athletes in the public eye is not negligible.
It may be unintentionally racist, but I wonder if the same would situation would be true if white guys could jump.
/tongue planted firmly in cheek
Well we better start certifying Hollywood actors, TV stars and rock stars too.
Imagine if music school competition was the rage so guitarists couldn't sign a record deal until they were 21. ;D Tongue planted firmer in cheek
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I just think the rule is completely bogus and racist but I think most would agree with you.
How so? I get bogus, but racist?
I think 18 year olds are babies and tend to lean towards self-centered behavior. Especially the Lebrons of the world who have always been a star, even in high school. I am all about the team, not just the star.
It's the result, not the intent here. All I'm saying is that the NCAA has an illegitimate monopoly on intercollegiate athletics for profit while helping to deny certain athletes of their actual market earning power through collusion with the NBA in this case. While I don't disagree that an extended rule would benefit the NBA, in no other employment sector is one denied the ability to competently work when you have reached majority age except for certain professions that require certification because of the effect you can have on other individuals.
EDIT: My apologies for coming off like a dick here Wiz. ;D It's just a topic that grinds my gears. [smiley=beer.gif]
Maybe "certification" is the way we should view what's going on -- the effects on impressionable youth by the actions of immature athletes in the public eye is not negligible.
It may be unintentionally racist, but I wonder if the same would situation would be true if white guys could jump.
/tongue planted firmly in cheek
Well we better start certifying Hollywood actors, TV stars and rock stars too.
Imagine if music school competition was the rage so guitarists couldn't sign a record deal until they were 21. ;D Tongue planted firmer in cheek
I'm with you, man! Think of the benefits to society if the likes of Lindsay Lohan or Justin Beiber had been held up for years in certification procedures, only to fail utterly by the time they had come of age! Children's parts in any professional dramatic endeavor would have to be played by adults when no certified candidates could be found! ;)
Okay, enough -- what am I doing in an NBA thread anyway? I hate the NBA!
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I just think the rule is completely bogus and racist but I think most would agree with you.
How so? I get bogus, but racist?
I think 18 year olds are babies and tend to lean towards self-centered behavior. Especially the Lebrons of the world who have always been a star, even in high school. I am all about the team, not just the star.
It's the result, not the intent here. All I'm saying is that the NCAA has an illegitimate monopoly on intercollegiate athletics for profit while helping to deny certain athletes of their actual market earning power through collusion with the NBA in this case. While I don't disagree that an extended rule would benefit the NBA, in no other employment sector is one denied the ability to competently work when you have reached majority age except for certain professions that require certification because of the effect you can have on other individuals.
EDIT: My apologies for coming off like a dick here Wiz. ;D It's just a topic that grinds my gears. [smiley=beer.gif]
Maybe "certification" is the way we should view what's going on -- the effects on impressionable youth by the actions of immature athletes in the public eye is not negligible.
It may be unintentionally racist, but I wonder if the same would situation would be true if white guys could jump.
/tongue planted firmly in cheek
Well we better start certifying Hollywood actors, TV stars and rock stars too.
Imagine if music school competition was the rage so guitarists couldn't sign a record deal until they were 21. ;D Tongue planted firmer in cheek
I'm with you, man! Think of the benefits to society if the likes of [highlight]Lindsay Lohan or Justin Beiber[/highlight] had been held up for years in certification procedures, only to fail utterly by the time they had come of age! Children's parts in any professional dramatic endeavor would have to be played by adults when no certified candidates could be found! ;)
Okay, enough -- what am I doing in an NBA thread anyway? I hate the NBA!
I have no idea who they are. Clearly I'm not as impressionable an adult as you. ;)
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I'm with you, man! Think of the benefits to society if the likes of [highlight]Lindsay Lohan or Justin Beiber[/highlight] had been held up for years in certification procedures, only to fail utterly by the time they had come of age! Children's parts in any professional dramatic endeavor would have to be played by adults when no certified candidates could be found! ;)
Okay, enough -- what am I doing in an NBA thread anyway? I hate the NBA!
I have no idea who they are. Clearly I'm not as impressionable an adult as you. ;)
Ahem...ummm, I recall hearing those names somewhere...may have been some loud youngster visiting the nursing home.
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Hey Cap. I gotta disagree with you on the physicality argument. That has just been bantered about as justification for the NFL rule but essentially what is going on is collusion between the NCAA and the NFL and NBA. If you ask me, both the NBA and NFL have a monopoly on a unique sector of employment and implement these rules for the mutual benefit of the NCAA and the two professional leagues. Unlike hockey, soccer and baseball, NCAA basketball and football are multi-billion dollar industries. By keeping these rules, the NCAA makes it's money while the professional leagues have a natural developmental league that they do not have to fund because both would be net losses.
I can def see that being the case for football, but Im not so sure NCAA basketball is making more $$$ because of the 1 and done rule. Hell, everyone here says they hate the rule. I guess that doesnt necessarily equate to watching college hoops less, less interest in the sport, etc for every individual, although it does in my case.
....but I still standby the physicality argument to a degree, although your line of reasoning involves money and everyone knows thats always #1.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/LeBron-James-bashes-Trent-Dilfer-on-Twitter?urn=nfl-293762
Talk about timing miscues. This might be worse than Brandon Marshall calling out Sterling Sharpe a couple months ago. Love the Marshall vs Sharpe chart as well ;D
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Brandon-Marshall-meet-Sterling-Sharpe?urn=nfl-274064
Quotehttp://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/LeBron-James-bashes-Trent-Dilfer-on-Twitter?urn=nfl-293762
Talk about timing miscues. This might be worse than Brandon Marshall calling out Sterling Sharpe a couple months ago. Love the Marshall vs Sharpe chart as well ;D
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Brandon-Marshall-meet-Sterling-Sharpe?urn=nfl-274064
I don't think this is worse than Brandon Marshall. Yeah, Dilfer won a superbowl, but he's always brought up as a shitty QB to win a superbowl. Maybe average is a better word than shitty. Sharpe was legit.
QuoteQuotehttp://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/LeBron-James-bashes-Trent-Dilfer-on-Twitter?urn=nfl-293762
Talk about timing miscues. This might be worse than Brandon Marshall calling out Sterling Sharpe a couple months ago. Love the Marshall vs Sharpe chart as well ;D
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Brandon-Marshall-meet-Sterling-Sharpe?urn=nfl-274064
I don't think this is worse than Brandon Marshall. Yeah, Dilfer won a superbowl, but he's always brought up as a shitty QB to win a superbowl. Maybe average is a better word than shitty. Sharpe was legit.
Whats funny though is the Heat are struggling, and Lebron still hasnt knocked the dirt off The Decision backlash, and he comes out and says something like this. I think its worse than Marshall though because all Marshall said was 'what did Sharpe ever do?' whereas Lebron makes the leap to saying you shouldnt be able to analyze an athlete unless you are better than said athlete. Pretty absurd.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&page=PERDiem-101224 (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&page=PERDiem-101224)
This was a pretty cool article/project I just read on ranking the best Trio's in the NBA since 1980. BH how good was his equation?
Quote from: Tracy 3000 on Oct 27, 2010, 10:33 AM
I enjoyed watching the Heat lose last their opener to the Celtics last night.
(http://miami.eater.com/uploads/f813278508bb4395954a3641f1559c3e-getty-102526428ms016_miami_heat_i.jpg)
And I enjoyed watching the Heat lose the title to the Mavericks tonight! :)
I feel like Im traveling the globe watching the NBA draft :D