Hoops - NBA/Basketball Talk

[brokenshoelace]

Well, Harden kicked Lebron in the balls so I wouldn't complain about the Cavs' dirty play. Lebron was kind of awful down the stretch after having a terrific game, and every now and then, he's going to have an abysmal free throw shooting night that ends up costing his team dearly, so this wasn't too surprising. Still 3-11 from the line is unacceptable.

LBJ is kind of soft to have a body type like he does.. No way Harden kicks, Kobe, MJ , Dr J or even Larry Bird like that. Those guys played street ball(even Larry Bird had to somewhere).

Totally disagree. LeBron's persona is much more hip-hopish and overtly thuggish than Jordan's ever was. Let's point out the obvious here - LeBron has tattoos and sports headbands regularly. Also, Jordan never made the kinds of controversial remarks or undertook the kind of grandstanding that LeBron did when he left Cleveland. For those reasons, LeBron can't afford to throw a punch or else he'll instantly be branded a punk and a thug. Do you want him to be perceived as a Kenyon Martin?

Wait, that's what makes someone soft or not? Being hip-hopish? Sheesh.

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

OKC-Bulls...last 4 secs, Bulls down by 1...Give the ball to Mirotic I say...he is hot today.

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

They give it to Moore and he drills a 3!

2.1 left, Bulls up by 2. Any doubt who will take the last shot for OKC?

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

Westbrook stepped out of bounds, game over. Good D by the Bulls there.

 

[the AntiPusher]

What a game.. I have been in Chitown for the past 10 days in this frigid weather but what a fantastic performance by the entire Bulls team especially Moore(9-10 FG) off the bench and Pau(his 41 double Double of the season. No way the idiots in the front office get rid of Coach Tibs. The Bulls fan will tar and feather Gar and Pax if they do so. Russell Westbrook was electrifying again. What a player.. This was one of the top ten games of the season(well, its probably the tenth game I saw :snicker)

 

[DarthFed]

Without Durant on the floor there is no such thing as too many shots for Westbrook. Now when you do have Durant on the floor it's a different story. As great as Westbrook is I still want the ball in Durants hands during crunch time as he has been the best scorer in the league for quite some time. Westbrook has obviously improved though, he is mostly taking better shots and he is filling up the stat sheet like crazy.

 

[DarthFed]

Well, Harden kicked Lebron in the balls so I wouldn't complain about the Cavs' dirty play. Lebron was kind of awful down the stretch after having a terrific game, and every now and then, he's going to have an abysmal free throw shooting night that ends up costing his team dearly, so this wasn't too surprising. Still 3-11 from the line is unacceptable.

LBJ is kind of soft to have a body type like he does.. No way Harden kicks, Kobe, MJ , Dr J or even Larry Bird like that. Those guys played street ball(even Larry Bird had to somewhere). If Harden played like that in the NBA finals a few years ago and "Jesus" hadn't came to LBJ rescue, LBJ may still have been a " king" in search of a ring.

This is akin to saying NFL linebackers and defensive linemen are soft because they don't (can't) light up the QB like they used to. Lebron is playing in a different NBA, one in which major retaliation will get a major suspension. That's not about being soft, it's just keeping your cool which has to be tough sometimes for him. A big part of the problem is the guy is an absolute tank and when he hits full speed a typical wrap-up isn't stopping an and-one. That's why there are tons of hard fouls on him.

 

[brokenshoelace]

Westbrook is the third best player in the league, and is currently playing at the highest level out of anyone.

But out of all the great players, especially ones with an alpha male personality, he's not that great in the clutch. Granted, with Durant out it's gotta be in his hands, but he had a terrible final minute or so against the Bulls. That airball was embarrassing, so yeah, I'll continue to "overrate" Durant, but I want the ball in KD's hands in these situations when he's on.

 

[the AntiPusher]

Westbrook is the third best player in the league, and is currently playing at the highest level out of anyone.

But out of all the great players, especially ones with an alpha male personality, he's not that great in the clutch. Granted, with Durant out it's gotta be in his hands, but he had a terrible final minute or so against the Bulls. That airball was embarrassing, so yeah, I'll continue to "overrate" Durant, but I want the ball in his hands in these situations when he's on.

"Westbrook is the third best player in the league"..sometimes I feel he should be higher,IMO..if the basketball court was a bar and I got into a fight, Westbrook is the 2nd player I would want to go to battle with behind Kobe in today's game.

 

[calitennis127]

LBJ is kind of soft to have a body type like he does.. No way Harden kicks, Kobe, MJ , Dr J or even Larry Bird like that. Those guys played street ball(even Larry Bird had to somewhere).

Totally disagree. LeBron's persona is much more hip-hopish and overtly thuggish than Jordan's ever was. Let's point out the obvious here - LeBron has tattoos and sports headbands regularly. Also, Jordan never made the kinds of controversial remarks or undertook the kind of grandstanding that LeBron did when he left Cleveland. For those reasons, LeBron can't afford to throw a punch or else he'll instantly be branded a punk and a thug. Do you want him to be perceived as a Kenyon Martin?

Wait, that's what makes someone soft or not? Being hip-hopish? Sheesh.

Actually, you're right. An NBA or NFL player who is tatted up is no more likely to be tough than a Canadian tennis player.

Raonic is just as tough as Kam Chancellor or Kenyon Martin.

 

[calitennis127]

Well, Harden kicked Lebron in the balls so I wouldn't complain about the Cavs' dirty play. Lebron was kind of awful down the stretch after having a terrific game, and every now and then, he's going to have an abysmal free throw shooting night that ends up costing his team dearly, so this wasn't too surprising. Still 3-11 from the line is unacceptable.

LBJ is kind of soft to have a body type like he does.. No way Harden kicks, Kobe, MJ , Dr J or even Larry Bird like that. Those guys played street ball(even Larry Bird had to somewhere). If Harden played like that in the NBA finals a few years ago and "Jesus" hadn't came to LBJ rescue, LBJ may still have been a " king" in search of a ring.

This is akin to saying NFL linebackers and defensive linemen are soft because they don't (can't) light up the QB like they used to. Lebron is playing in a different NBA, one in which major retaliation will get a major suspension. That's not about being soft, it's just keeping your cool which has to be tough sometimes for him.

This is exactly right, Darth, and if LeBron was to act out and it resulted in a Malice-at-the-Palace type situation where everyone was throwing blows, then how would it look for LeBron's image that he was suspended 11 games? It would give his critics endless ammunition.

I can't really blame Broken for not knowing this, but AP should: look at how Iverson was lambasted for his self-presentation or how bad the publicity for the NBA was after Artest, Stephen Jackson, and Jermaine O'Neal did what they did in 2004.

 

[the AntiPusher]

LBJ is kind of soft to have a body type like he does.. No way Harden kicks, Kobe, MJ , Dr J or even Larry Bird like that. Those guys played street ball(even Larry Bird had to somewhere). If Harden played like that in the NBA finals a few years ago and "Jesus" hadn't came to LBJ rescue, LBJ may still have been a " king" in search of a ring.

This is akin to saying NFL linebackers and defensive linemen are soft because they don't (can't) light up the QB like they used to. Lebron is playing in a different NBA, one in which major retaliation will get a major suspension. That's not about being soft, it's just keeping your cool which has to be tough sometimes for him.

This is exactly right, Darth, and if LeBron was to act out and it resulted in a Malice-at-the-Palace type situation where everyone was throwing blows, then how would it look for LeBron's image that he was suspended 11 games? It would give his critics endless ammunition.

I can't really blame Broken for not knowing this, but AP should: look at how Iverson was lambasted for his self-presentation or how bad the publicity for the NBA was after Artest, Stephen Jackson, and Jermaine O'Neal did what they did in 2004.

I not concerned with blame or whatever about this and I never said LeBron should have stomped that fool Harden but the beard man wouldn't have kicked Garnett, Kobe DWest of Indy or Westbrook. LBj is a freight train on the court but he is perceived as being a bit soft. I think Oakley and others have said this, research it Cali

 

[brokenshoelace]

Totally disagree. LeBron's persona is much more hip-hopish and overtly thuggish than Jordan's ever was. Let's point out the obvious here - LeBron has tattoos and sports headbands regularly. Also, Jordan never made the kinds of controversial remarks or undertook the kind of grandstanding that LeBron did when he left Cleveland. For those reasons, LeBron can't afford to throw a punch or else he'll instantly be branded a punk and a thug. Do you want him to be perceived as a Kenyon Martin?

Wait, that's what makes someone soft or not? Being hip-hopish? Sheesh.

Actually, you're right. An NBA or NFL player who is tatted up is no more likely to be tough than a Canadian tennis player.

Raonic is just as tough as Kam Chancellor or Kenyon Martin.

There are times of the year where you start sounding dumb on purpose. That's my only explanation. Who the hell said anything about a tennis player? You brought up Lebron (who I don't think is soft at all, and this is just a Skip Bayless narrative that people started echoing) and somehow implied that he's probably tougher than Jordan because he's more hip-hopish.

I swear you're the most single-minded person I've ever seen. Tattoo's? Great athlete? Urban individualism? Yay!

 

[brokenshoelace]

LBJ is kind of soft to have a body type like he does.. No way Harden kicks, Kobe, MJ , Dr J or even Larry Bird like that. Those guys played street ball(even Larry Bird had to somewhere). If Harden played like that in the NBA finals a few years ago and "Jesus" hadn't came to LBJ rescue, LBJ may still have been a " king" in search of a ring.

This is akin to saying NFL linebackers and defensive linemen are soft because they don't (can't) light up the QB like they used to. Lebron is playing in a different NBA, one in which major retaliation will get a major suspension. That's not about being soft, it's just keeping your cool which has to be tough sometimes for him.

This is exactly right, Darth, and if LeBron was to act out and it resulted in a Malice-at-the-Palace type situation where everyone was throwing blows, then how would it look for LeBron's image that he was suspended 11 games? It would give his critics endless ammunition.

I can't really blame Broken for not knowing this, but AP should: look at how Iverson was lambasted for his self-presentation or how bad the publicity for the NBA was after Artest, Stephen Jackson, and Jermaine O'Neal did what they did in 2004.

What the hell is wrong with you? I don't know this? When did I ever imply Lebron was soft? Jesus, someone else makes a claim and somehow I'm the ignorant one.

God you're obnoxious sometimes.

 

[brokenshoelace]

By the way, Iverson is my favorite player in the post-Jordan era, but I don't blame Cali for not knowing that because once again he just makes assumption that he treats as facts (the same way he made an assumption about my religion) like an idiot.

 

[the AntiPusher]

This is akin to saying NFL linebackers and defensive linemen are soft because they don't (can't) light up the QB like they used to. Lebron is playing in a different NBA, one in which major retaliation will get a major suspension. That's not about being soft, it's just keeping your cool which has to be tough sometimes for him.

This is exactly right, Darth, and if LeBron was to act out and it resulted in a Malice-at-the-Palace type situation where everyone was throwing blows, then how would it look for LeBron's image that he was suspended 11 games? It would give his critics endless ammunition.

I can't really blame Broken for not knowing this, but AP should: look at how Iverson was lambasted for his self-presentation or how bad the publicity for the NBA was after Artest, Stephen Jackson, and Jermaine O'Neal did what they did in 2004.

What the hell is wrong with you? I don't know this? When did I ever imply Lebron was soft? Jesus, someone else makes a claim and somehow I'm the ignorant one.

God you're obnoxious sometimes.

Wait let me get this straight.. Commentators, current and ex players have all made this claim in regards to Lebron but just because some Lebron can fly down the court like a runaway train but let some weasel like Harden kick him in the man private parts and I named the current players who wouldn't allow harden to get away with this But ..I am the Ignorant one. Seriously, dude

 

[brokenshoelace]

This is exactly right, Darth, and if LeBron was to act out and it resulted in a Malice-at-the-Palace type situation where everyone was throwing blows, then how would it look for LeBron's image that he was suspended 11 games? It would give his critics endless ammunition.

I can't really blame Broken for not knowing this, but AP should: look at how Iverson was lambasted for his self-presentation or how bad the publicity for the NBA was after Artest, Stephen Jackson, and Jermaine O'Neal did what they did in 2004.

What the hell is wrong with you? I don't know this? When did I ever imply Lebron was soft? Jesus, someone else makes a claim and somehow I'm the ignorant one.

God you're obnoxious sometimes.

Wait let me get this straight.. Commentators, current and ex players have all made this claim in regards to Lebron but just because some Lebron can fly down the court like a runaway train but let some weasel like Harden kick him in the man private parts and I named the current players who wouldn't allow harden to get away with this But ..I am the Ignorant one. Seriously, dude

I never said you were ignorant. Cali said "I'm not surprised Broken doesn't know this" thus clearly implying that I'm ignorant, and I'm reminding him that I wasn't the one who made the original claim. I'm not calling you ignorant.

I do however, disagree with you. No offense but you do bring up the "ex players said so and so" a lot, as if it's gospel, both in tennis and basketball. Some ex players have also said Lebron is better than Jordan, that doesn't mean they're right.

Like, how is Lebron soft? What exactly about him that is soft? This isn't the 90's anymore. If he had retaliated against Harden he would have been in trouble with the NBA, with sponsors, etc... I'm no Lebron fan but I don't see why he's soft at all.

 

[the AntiPusher]

What the hell is wrong with you? I don't know this? When did I ever imply Lebron was soft? Jesus, someone else makes a claim and somehow I'm the ignorant one.

God you're obnoxious sometimes.

Wait let me get this straight.. Commentators, current and ex players have all made this claim in regards to Lebron but just because some Lebron can fly down the court like a runaway train but let some weasel like Harden kick him in the man private parts and I named the current players who wouldn't allow harden to get away with this But ..I am the Ignorant one. Seriously, dude

I never said you were ignorant. Cali said "I'm not surprised Broken doesn't know this" thus clearly implying that I'm ignorant, and I'm reminding him that I wasn't the one who made the original claim. I'm not calling you ignorant.

I do however, disagree with you. No offense but you do bring up the "ex players said so and so" a lot, as if it's gospel, both in tennis and basketball. Some ex players have also said Lebron is better than Jordan, that doesn't mean they're right.

Like, how is Lebron soft? What exactly about him that is soft? This isn't the 90's anymore. If he had retaliated against Harden he would have been in trouble with the NBA, with sponsors, etc... I'm no Lebron fan but I don't see why he's soft at all.

BS, no worries about the ignorant comment..

All.. You don't have to have a malady to respond to someone kicking you in the man private parts. Harden deserves a extremely hard foul. As for bringing up ex players a lot.. the reason is to show it just not a the current players who make these statement but players that played previously.

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/21709581/michael-jordan-says-lebron-would-not-be-as-successful-in-his-era

http://ftw.usatoday.com/2013/06/dennis-rodman-michael-jordan-lebron-james

 

[DarthFed]

Wait let me get this straight.. Commentators, current and ex players have all made this claim in regards to Lebron but just because some Lebron can fly down the court like a runaway train but let some weasel like Harden kick him in the man private parts and I named the current players who wouldn't allow harden to get away with this But ..I am the Ignorant one. Seriously, dude

I never said you were ignorant. Cali said "I'm not surprised Broken doesn't know this" thus clearly implying that I'm ignorant, and I'm reminding him that I wasn't the one who made the original claim. I'm not calling you ignorant.

I do however, disagree with you. No offense but you do bring up the "ex players said so and so" a lot, as if it's gospel, both in tennis and basketball. Some ex players have also said Lebron is better than Jordan, that doesn't mean they're right.

Like, how is Lebron soft? What exactly about him that is soft? This isn't the 90's anymore. If he had retaliated against Harden he would have been in trouble with the NBA, with sponsors, etc... I'm no Lebron fan but I don't see why he's soft at all.

BS, no worries about the ignorant comment..

All.. You don't have to have a malady to respond to someone kicking you in the man private parts. Harden deserves a extremely hard foul. As for bringing up ex players a lot.. the reason is to show it just not a the current players who make these statement but players that played previously.

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/21709581/michael-jordan-says-lebron-would-not-be-as-successful-in-his-era

http://ftw.usatoday.com/2013/06/dennis-rodman-michael-jordan-lebron-james

They are saying the game today is softer and there is no question. But that's due to how strict the NBA has become. And can we really take Rodman seriously when he says Lebron would be an average player in the 80's and 90's. The only thing average about Lebron in terms of bball skills are his free throws and outside shooting.

 

[brokenshoelace]

Wait let me get this straight.. Commentators, current and ex players have all made this claim in regards to Lebron but just because some Lebron can fly down the court like a runaway train but let some weasel like Harden kick him in the man private parts and I named the current players who wouldn't allow harden to get away with this But ..I am the Ignorant one. Seriously, dude

I never said you were ignorant. Cali said "I'm not surprised Broken doesn't know this" thus clearly implying that I'm ignorant, and I'm reminding him that I wasn't the one who made the original claim. I'm not calling you ignorant.

I do however, disagree with you. No offense but you do bring up the "ex players said so and so" a lot, as if it's gospel, both in tennis and basketball. Some ex players have also said Lebron is better than Jordan, that doesn't mean they're right.

Like, how is Lebron soft? What exactly about him that is soft? This isn't the 90's anymore. If he had retaliated against Harden he would have been in trouble with the NBA, with sponsors, etc... I'm no Lebron fan but I don't see why he's soft at all.

BS, no worries about the ignorant comment..

All.. You don't have to have a malady to respond to someone kicking you in the man private parts. Harden deserves a extremely hard foul. As for bringing up ex players a lot.. the reason is to show it just not a the current players who make these statement but players that played previously.

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/21709581/michael-jordan-says-lebron-would-not-be-as-successful-in-his-era

http://ftw.usatoday.com/2013/06/dennis-rodman-michael-jordan-lebron-james

The game in general is much softer nowadays. I miss the 90's, trust me. And even though I was too young/not born, I've watched enough tape of 80's NBA to appreciate how physical the game.

But things have changed. Lebron is a product of this era. The NBA on the whole, is just way too strict (too much so, to be honest).