Real Deal

I can't say Boston because I really do think the Lakers would've beaten them had they had a healthy Bynum and Ariza (Drew didn't log a single minute, Ariza was a gimp out there). I realize what they did against LeBron that year, and how they held Bryant as well...fantastic defensive team, potent offense...but I don't think anyone can argue against a 2000 Lakers team that won 67 games, ranked 1st defensively and 5th offensively, and won an NBA championship. Kobe missed 16 games. That Lakers team could've won 70, based on their record with a full roster (46-8, .852 win percentage) and even without Bryant and having everyone else healthy, they went 16-3 (.842), which is pretty scary. They had winning streaks of 19, 16, 11 and 7 games that season. Not to mention that team was the start of the dynasty and contained the duo that is arguably as good as Jordan and Scottie. It's no coincidence they went 15-1 in the playoffs the following season. Had they not walked in thinking they were going to shut Iverson and the Sixers down easily, they would've been the first team to go undefeated.

The fact is, you don't stick the ball in LeBron's hands and still decide to start Arroyo and play him 30 minutes. House or Chalmers needs that opportunity. Arroyo is only effective when he's handling the ball. The only problem with House is that his defense sucks, and you're basically going to lack defense at two very important positions that many of the stronger contenders show their teeth at (PG and center). Chalmers is a better defender, at least every now and then, but he's a wreck back on offense...yet hasn't had the opportunity to really become completely ignored on the offensive end (if that makes sense). When you bring in three all-star to superstar caliber players that all need the ball, you can't surround them with role players that need the ball. They say a stacked team needs more than one basketball. Not always true...but the Heat need to make sure their role players aren't the ones causing that problem. If anyone, it needs to be LeBron and Wade, the two most capable of making it work and leading the team.

My concern is that some (even guests) are clicking on their team at the top, reading what is in that team forum, then browsing away from the site. I think more interest would be "forced" by not having them, basically just by that person having to scroll over the other team forums, and the NBA discussion forums. If I ever get the team sites finished (skin + banners are first priority), I will link those images over to those, and make it more convenient to reach them. As of now, though, I'll more than likely continue to link them to the team forums...but I'm really not sure if I want to go that direction much longer just based on how ineffective it's been.

Dropping a lot of the header, mainly the navigation and such, changing it up a bit to look more professional. Colors will be red and black.

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20101109_DET@POR

You guys do realize how bad of shape Dampier is in, right? There's no point in trying to bring him back for a second workout. The idea isn't to bring in another six fouls, it's to acquire a legit starting center (if they aren't going to start Big Z, which should be happening right now).

Doesn't matter what ESPN says, I'm always right.

He was 2-20 before hitting those tonight.

He hit 15 threes?

Kobe has went to the rim 3-4 times in a row, no foul. What the hell...

I never understand this team when we play non-playoff teams. They won't run, won't jump for boards, won't contest shots, let guys like Telfair shoot wide open jumpers...and it's just stupid. I understand it's Minnesota, but Kevin Love WILL pull down 20 boards if you aren't going to play him like he's Rodman, and guys like Telfair WILL score the ball if you leave them open...they are pros for a reason.

Kobe's finally back in. Gasol needs to man up and keep Love off the glass. EDIT: And Odom.

They are just playing lazy. Seen it a thousand times. Sad.

Championship contenders, or playoff contenders?

Team navigation...you know, the 30 image blocks at the top of the board...do you use them, or do you just start scrolling once you arrive? If not, any idea what else could go in that space? Thanks for voting.

Haha...got him there.

Expected this to happen, but not this soon, haha.

In other words, I wasn't trying to compare the two. I was looking to see if you'd have anything to say about it without bringing up Bryant, but you didn't. Layman's terms, there are many things to say about Jordan in a positive light, but there are things I can dip into that show he wasn't invincible. However, it seems like, when I say anything in that manner, Bryant is brought up. Jordan's second dynasty Finals performances? Well, look at Kobe's! Wait, 35 other SGs shot 50% or better while Jordan played, and only 4-5 have with Kobe playing? No big deal, because Kobe never did to begin with! Jordan took 30+ FGA per series 3+ times in his career (probably more) to average those 40s, and Kobe never did? Well, Kobe could've! Role reversal, you'd see where I'm coming from.

Everyone else thinks it's a foul, also. I don't cloud my vision based on who I like and don't like. I call fouls on my own team when they happen. That was a foul on Wade, or else that shot was going in. Lucky for the Heat that Deron wasn't in there. They wouldn't have had a chance to even win it in that OT.

LOL, that was a foul. Jazz = awesome.

You're so smart!

Did you not read the line before that sentence? Weird, dude...lol.

Doing it all without Deron. Beautiful.

I never said Wilt was the best. I stated in this topic TWO TIMES (because you don't pay attention, which is why most want you gone from here) that Jordan was the GOAT, and that Kobe was the most skilled player. I said that, using your logic, or just simply using stats, Wilt trumps Jordan and everyone else. Read, or just don't bother replying, dude.

What I said had nothing to do with Kobe. I was wondering if you'd actually say something remotely negative about Jordan not shooting 50% or better in a post-season after 1991, but instead, you compare it to Kobe once again. I'm not surprised. Jordan is so perfect, lol. "Jordan didn't do THAT well in the last two or three Finals he played in..." "Yeah, but Kobe this, Kobe that..." Have you ever said anything bad about Jordan? Serious question.