NBA Playoffs

[ghst187]

Lol, funny that ref that came out and talked about point shaving and fixing games went away as fast as a story can die. Yet here we are again ironically, with the NBAs marketing dream scenario....hard to imagine a rockets-Celtics finals matchup when another Lebron vs Curry/Durant would be so enticing. Although Celtics warriors would pit coasts against coasts and the celts have tradition on their side. The only team that doesn’t fit for the NBA profitability maximized is Houston, so book that. Man I hope I’m wrong but sometimes the NBA is as predictable as the WWE.

Just sayin....

 

[Super_Kazuya]

He is a player with the ability the be a league MVP. However, he doesnt have the mentality to be that guy and win championships. On a championship, he should be down the pecking order. When we won our last chip, Garnett and Allen averaged 18 and 17 points a game that year. IMO thats where Harden needs to be

As the main star on a team, the Conference Finals is about as far as he is ever going. And its not a question of ability or skill. In terms of that, him deferring would seem perposterous. Its a choice he is going to have to make in the near future if wants championships or personal accolades.

lol, what? There was no “main” star on that Celtics team. The Big 3 were all about the same level of diminished 2nd tier star who each played their part to perfection. Ray Allen would have had a stroke trying to lead the league in scoring or assists, both of which Harden has done. If you can find two players who are better or even as good as James Harden and somehow get them on the Rockets, than by all means make him your “3rd Star”. And good luck with that.
As far as the “mentality” thing, it always makes me chuckle because I always think back to people saying Dirk would never win a title because he was a soft jump shooting Euro. It’s true right up until it isn’t, just like most statements that aren’t based on reality.

 

[darthseinfeld]

lol, what? There was no “main” star on that Celtics team. The Big 3 were all about the same level of diminished 2nd tier star who each played their part to perfection. Ray Allen would have had a stroke trying to lead the league in scoring or assists, both of which Harden has done. If you can find two players who are better or even as good as James Harden and somehow get them on the Rockets, than by all means make him your “3rd Star”. And good luck with that.
As far as the “mentality” thing, it always makes me chuckle because I always think back to people saying Dirk would never win a title because he was a soft jump shooting Euro. It’s true right up until it isn’t, just like most statements that aren’t based on reality.

All three of them were at the tail end of there prime at 32, 31 and 30 when they won in 2009. Allen and Peirce weren't at the overall level of Harden, but Garnett sure was.

Harden has great stats and great offensive skill. But he is a terrible defender, and doesnt have the discipline to throw a team on his back and win crucial playoff series as a lead man. You get Lebron in Houston, with Paul returning then he has a chance.

People as Dirk, people were wrong about him. Ive seen in some losing battles with Duncan and he went toe to toe. With Dirk people misplaced losing a series with " soft". Harden is soft as baby ****

 

[65fastback2plus2]

14% from 3
Just keep launching Houston....
Refs had nothing to do with this series

Smoking crack if you think giving GS 22 points in game 7 "had nothing to do" with the series.

 

[DasTex]

Smoking crack if you think giving GS 22 points in game 7 "had nothing to do" with the series.

My gosh, you could the same video for GS. I don't like either team, but hearing Rocket fans put this game on the refs when they set a NBA record for jaking up missed 3's is a joke.

Houston went ice cold and yet kept doing the same over and over.

 

[jterrell]

If I'm LeBron I talk to Pop and make an agreement to end up together.
Pop would extend LBJ's career by 2-3 years with the extra rest in season.

And that'd be my largest concern after having around me to win it all.

BOS has a tremendous future but these are also treacherous waters for Ainge.
Hes come up Aces at every test but this will be tougher.
I might trade Kyrie TBH.
The kids are so, so good and you might not be the next team next couple years regardless of what you do.
But you could almost certify that you'll be very very good for a decade plus and have cap room to keep everyone.

 

[jterrell]

Had Harden made the shots that Curry made Rockets would've won.
It really is that simple.
The 3rd quarter made the difference as Curry made insane shots while Harden tossed up bricks looking for foul calls that didn't come.
Curry made shots though contact then flexed his skinny arms. As a neutral observer it was hilarious but telling.

HOU has a terrible coach. Dude is dumb as dirt. As he has no actual offense. It's AAU ball.
You can't employ a short rotation and expect to hit 3's in a 7 game series.
Rockets had no legs and kept tossing up empty bricks.

HOU imho becomes the top destination for LBJ.
Replace Capela with LBJ and get a new coach in place with at least a few sets and they will be World Champs.

 

[CalPolyTechnique]

The Rockets were held under 100 pts only eight times this season. Golden State held them below 100 five times in this series.

 

[Tabascocat]

Had Harden made the shots that Curry made Rockets would've won.
It really is that simple.
The 3rd quarter made the difference as Curry made insane shots while Harden tossed up bricks looking for foul calls that didn't come.
Curry made shots though contact then flexed his skinny arms. As a neutral observer it was hilarious but telling.

HOU has a terrible coach. Dude is dumb as dirt. As he has no actual offense. It's AAU ball.
You can't employ a short rotation and expect to hit 3's in a 7 game series.
Rockets had no legs and kept tossing up empty bricks.

HOU imho becomes the top destination for LBJ.
Replace Capela with LBJ and get a new coach in place with at least a few sets and they will be World Champs.

D'Antoni is horrible, you can't play just 6 or 7 guys in series after series. The players lost their legs in the last few games and that is on the coach.

Harden is a poser, even if he was tired, and will never "lead" a team to a championship. The Rockets just aren't deep enough and it showed. They also need to go to layup school

I hate their style, the iso game. Harden is either hot or can't hit the ocean from the beach. He has many mental lapses turning the ball over or throwing up stupid shots.

This is just not a well-built team and needs re-tooling, especially a few more decent role players.

I would unload Harden while his stock is high and try to fleece a team.

 

[jterrell]

D'Antoni is horrible, you can't play just 6 or 7 guys in series after series. The players lost their legs in the last few games and that is on the coach.

Harden is a poser, even if he was tired, and will never "lead" a team to a championship. The Rockets just aren't deep enough and it showed. They also need to go to layup school

I hate their style, the iso game. Harden is either hot or can't hit the ocean from the beach. He has many mental lapses turning the ball over or throwing up stupid shots.

This is just not a well-built team and needs re-tooling, especially a few more decent role players.

I would unload Harden while his stock is high and try to fleece a team.

You can not simply refuse the basic high percentage 2 point plays.
Guys like Dirk, Duncan, Kobe and Karl Malone and yes Michael Jordan feasted on them for Hall of Fame careers.
It's much easier to defend a team that only wants to play at the 3 point line or rim. Chase off 3 point line and meet at rim.
KD was able to simply shoot easy 15 footers for 2 without missing while HOU was still tossing up bad 3s.

GSW is a flaed team that can't rebound with the line up they played but HOU couldn't even exploit that because they'd just jack another bad 3 far too often.

 

[Manwiththeplan]

If I'm LeBron I talk to Pop and make an agreement to end up together.

For no other reason, it will be worth it to see all the Spurs fans here suddenly change their opinion of him.

 

[jterrell]

For no other reason, it will be worth it to see all the Spurs fans here suddenly change their opinion of him.

Not sure it'd be with Spurs.
SAS might need a fresh go with someone other than Pop who may wanna move away after his wife's passing.
Spurs keep Kawhi and get something significant for Pop. Or unload both Pop and Kawhi but have the best young guys around.
Say Sixers for Simmons/high 1stR/filler kids of choice for Kawhi/old vet/Pop.
Pop and LBJ ride off into sunset together which is probably deserving for the best coach and player of our times.
A 3-4 year run of Titles would make each the undisputed best of all time.

It could totally shuffle the NBA deck too.

OR what about Knicks? LBJ and Pop go there. Porz and a bad contract to SAS for Murray/Pop/pop chosen filler as LBJ signs.

OR HOU???? SAS would need plenty of love to trade Pop inside Texas but Pop should get what he wants.
Capela is a FA to be. Renounce him which hurts but Sign LBJ....
But HOU could trade Eric Gordon to SAS for Patty Mills and Brandon Paul. Add a 1R and a 2ndR pick as sweeteners for SAS which allow Pop to sign as HOU Coach.
You get rid of fraud "make it rain" D'Antoni and likely win every year til those 2 guys walk away.

 

[Manwiththeplan]

Lol, Lebron isn't going to the Knicks, no interest what so ever on his part. And I wouldn't trade Porzingas for Pop and filler

 

[phildadon86]

Lol, Lebron isn't going to the Knicks, no interest what so ever on his part. And I wouldn't trade Porzingas for Pop and filler

Lebron is going to stay in the east. Just my opinion his dominance in the east will make him want to stay

 

[darthseinfeld]

Houston has the ability to sign Lebron I believe. They have to be creative and I know they have renounce Cappella and dump Gordon just to start. But thats beenna rumor. LBJ, Paul, Harden is the most compelling " Big 3" we have seen since FA IMO

 

[Manwiththeplan]

Lebron is going to stay in the east. Just my opinion his dominance in the east will make him want to stay

Then probably Philly

 

[phildadon86]

Then probably Philly

That team becomes very scary if that happens

 

[Ranched]

Lebron is going to stay in the east. Just my opinion his dominance in the east will make him want to stay

Agree. That said, I hope the rumors become reality & he comes to Philly. Another young team that could learn from the best.

 

[darthseinfeld]

Philadelphia would have to reshape a bit IMO. Lebron and Simmons dont really go together, but that could also be a blessing for Simmons in that it forces him to alter and expand his game. They would have to sell Fultz most likely. I dont think Lebron is going to have much interest in a kid that was getting DNPCD's the whole second round. And they will likely be selling low. Would he a real boon for them if they convince Reddick to come back onna cheap deal. He would be leathal playing with Lebron. However I dont think that team is guarenteed to beat Boston next year either. I think the Rockets are a very real possibility. They have to do cap gymnastics and let go of players they dont want to (Capella and Gordon), but Lebron, Paul and Harden could be overwhelming of all are on the same page. That team wouldnt have an issue finding quality talent on minimums to fill out the roster

 

[Elusive6thRing]

Houston has the ability to sign Lebron I believe. They have to be creative and I know they have renounce Cappella and dump Gordon just to start. But thats beenna rumor. LBJ, Paul, Harden is the most compelling " Big 3" we have seen since FA IMO

From what I heard for Houston to sign Lebron they would have to lose Paul, Capela and Ariza.