The Official 2011-2012 NBA season thread

[Mumo X]

Thunder Got Now. If u aint the Heat, dont even think of winnin da chip

 

[Truerap]

why lebron so good.

 

[G.R.I.P. Money $$$]

damn chandler want a MAX...crazy..

 

[HustleThaDon]

Christmas Day games announced:

@ESPNSteinLine Marc Stein
RT @NBAPR: Dec. 25: 12pmET: BOS/NYK on TNT, 2:30pm: MIA/DAL on ABC, 5pm: CHI/LAL on ABC, 8pm: ORL/OKC on ESPN, 10:30pm: LAC/GSW on ESPN

 

[dalyricalbandit]

[size=+2]NBA releases five-game Christmas Day slate to open season [/size]

The NBA has announced the extra two games to open the 2011-12 season on Christmas Day, and the two will wrap up what will be a five-game holiday slate.

Two-time NBA scoring champion Kevin Durant will lead the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Orlando Magic, who will be dealing with a storyline all season about whether three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard will sign a contract extension in this, his last season before free agency. That is an 8 p.m. ET start on ESPN.

Following that will be the Los Angeles Clippers and 2010-11 rookie of the year and slam dunk champion Blake Griffin at the Golden State Warriors, who have a rookie head coach in former NBA guard and noted TV analyst Mark Jackson. That is a 10:30 p.m. ET start on ESPN.

The previously scheduled three games will remain on the slate to open the NBA's season of 66 games for each team.

To start the day at noon ET on TNT will be the Boston Celtics, featuring their All-Star foursome of Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo (subject of much trade talk) at the New York Knicks, who feature Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire.

That will be followed by a doubleheader on ABC.

First up at 2:30 p.m. ET will be a rematch of the NBA Finals, with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh leading the Miami Heat at the defending champion Dallas Mavericks, with Finals MVP Dirk Nowitzki. The Mavs will get their delayed raising of the banner and championship mementos from owner Mark Cuban.

The second half of the doubleheader at 5 p.m. ET will have NBA MVP Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls at the Los Angeles Lakers, as perennial All-Star Kobe Bryant makes a record-tying 13th Christmas Day appearance. But this time it will be for coach Mike Brown, who takes over the reins from Phil Jackson.

he full regular-season and TV schedules are expected to be released Tuesday.

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[5th Letter]

i think they should have had every team play on the 25th.

 

[dalyricalbandit]

Some Miami Heat players went back to work Thursday. Mike Miller wasn’t with them, thanks to yet another injury.

Such was an auspicious beginning for the reigning Eastern Conference champions.

Continuing a trend from last season, when he played in only half of Miami’s 82 regular-season games, Miller will miss about eight weeks while recovering from hernia surgery. Miller told The Associated Press that he had the procedure earlier this week, adding that he isn’t sure how the injury happened.

“It’s unreal with my luck right now,” Miller said. “When it rains it pours.”

So a day that was supposed to be tinged with optimism—the return of some Heat players to the team facility for the first time since the NBA lockout began July 1—came with a cloud of uncertainly. Miller missed the start of last season, his first with the Heat, after breaking his right thumb by getting tangled in LeBron James’ jersey during a preseason practice. He had shoulder problems during the year and needed offseason surgery on his left thumb.

Now comes this, amid widespread speculation that the Heat may consider using the new amnesty provision in the still-not-completed new collective bargaining agreement to jettison Miller and the approximate $4.35 million—that’s pro-rated for a 66-game schedule, the original total was $5.4 million—he would have made this season. He’s owed $18.2 million for the three seasons that follow this one as well.

“I know Mike. He’s a strong guy, he’s going to stay positive and he’s going to get back as soon as he can,” said Heat forward Udonis Haslem, who went to the University of Florida with Miller and considers him one of his very closest friends. “The key with Mike is, we’ve got to fight him not to get back too fast. He’s going to want to be out there. He’s going to want to play. He’s got to just pace himself and get healthy.”

Haslem, Chris Bosh and Joel Anthony were among a handful of Heat players working out at the team’s arena Thursday for the first time since June, and Dexter Pittman sent word he would arrive later in the day. It was the first day players could return to team facilities since the NBA lockout began July 1. Free agents Juwan Howard and James Jones also worked out; both were with the Heat last season.

More players are likely over the next few days. James and Dwyane Wade are expected next week. Haslem and Bosh are both under contract and worked out in Heat gear; Jones, who says he isn’t sure where he will play this season, was not in team-stamped apparel.

The lockout is not over, but the NBA is allowing teams to open their doors again in anticipation of training camps starting Dec. 9. The regular season is expected to begin Dec. 25.

The NBA and its players struck a tentative deal on the framework of a new CBA last weekend.

It was the first sort-of official business for the Heat since they cleaned out lockers in the days after the NBA finals loss to Dallas. However, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra and team president Pat Riley were nowhere to be found on Thursday, forbidden from seeing the workouts.

“It was exciting. It’s like a breath of fresh air,” a noticeably more-muscular Bosh said of returning to the team facility. “It’s kind of like an exhale, finally getting to see everybody, `Hey, how are you doing?’ Getting to talk to everybody, not just to say hello and kind of be together with our teammates. Little things like putting on the gear and being in the locker room, it feels really good. I don’t take it for granted anymore. I feel good about it and I feel good to be here.”

Haslem said he’s no longer slowed by the ruptured foot ligament that ailed him last season, though he’s holding off on full-court work until camp begins.

“I missed being around here,” Haslem said. “I missed the atmosphere. I missed the work, everything about it.”

For now, he’s also missing someone—that being Miller.

“He’s been like a brother,” Haslem said. “It’s more than just a friendship. Going through the injuries together, if you can believe it, we got even closer. I know how hard he’s worked this summer. … He’s really put a lot of hard work in and really looking forward to this year. It’s really unfortunate.”

_______________

 

[G.R.I.P. Money $$$]

damn bosh been workin out, he aint takin that shit this year lol..

 

[Mvpbrodie93]

Bosh earned my respect with the playoffs last year

 

[stringer bell]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/sam_amick/12/02/free-agency/index.html

A visual comes to mind as it relates to the most unique of NBA free-agency periods that has unofficially begun. Picture a pool surrounded by the league's general managers and owners, all of them turning left and right to see what the other is doing while peering down at the water with a shared look of trepidation.

This is a pool party, after all, so someone will have to jump. But with big men Nene, Tyson Chandler and Marc Gasol waiting for them in the deep end and the talent level of free agents so shallow compared to last year's class led by LeBron James, no one is in the mood for a cannonball just yet.

According to sources, Nene, Chandler and Gasol all set their early asking prices in the neighborhood of maximum-contract territory, starting at $14.8 million for Gasol, $17.7 annually for Nene, and $20.7 million for Chandler. There is plenty of crossover in their respective lists of salary-cap-friendly suitors, with the Nets, Rockets and Warriors appearing to be the hungriest shoppers, and the Pacers and Trail Blazers strolling the big man aisles as well.

The Nuggets are hoping to hold onto Nene, but it remains to be seen at what price since he is an unrestricted free agent. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, have made it clear they intend to retain restricted free agent Gasol but are reportedly facing competition from the Pacers. And despite the Mavericks' obvious need to hold onto Chandler to keep their title-defense hopes alive, the 10-year veteran told ESPN.com this week that he plans on being with a new team once training camp begins.

The non-cap-friendly contenders are hoping to get involved as well, with the Heat and Mavs mulling their big man options.

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[dalyricalbandit]

damn bosh been workin out, he aint takin that shit this year lol..

lol about time he worked out

 

[dalyricalbandit]

Westbrook > Rose

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[dalyricalbandit]

[size=+4]NBA Free Agency: Lakers express interest in signing J.J. Barea[/size]

With NBA free agency right around the corner and the Los Angeles Lakers given the green light to talk to free agents starting Mon. Dec. 5, things will start to get very interesting in Lakerland with new head coach Mike Brown and GM Mitch Kupchak looking for ways to improve the team moving forward.

There has been one position that has really troubled the Lakers over the past few years and in desperate of an upgrade. Derek Fisher has been great at times for the Lakers as he has hit some big shots in this team’s history and won five NBA titles as a result, but at 37-years-old he just can’t keep up with the quick point guards in today’s game.

With that being said, Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak will be actively looking at point guard options in free agency and possible through trades in order to improve the position. Rookie point guard Darius Morris and Steve Blake will compete for the starting role along with the aging Derek Fisher, but the Lakers will probably end up bring in someone to fill the void.

One option that the Lakers have recently considered is signing J.J. Barea of the Dallas Mavericks. With Barea torching the Lakers in the playoffs last season, the Puerto Rican point guard has become a hot commodity on the NBA free agent market and a player that would be a nice fit in Los Angeles.

Reportedly, J.J. Barea is the Dallas Mavericks to lose. The up-and-coming point guard has said that he would love to re-sign with the Mavs, but will consider all options. So far, the New York Knicks, Sacramento Kings and the Los Angeles Lakers have contacted Barea’s agent Dan Fegan with interest in signing him.

After getting a taste of what it's like to win an NBA title, Jose Juan Barea will chose one of two options. One, sign with a title contender like the Dallas Mavericks. Two, look for the big payday and sign with a team with a lot of cap room. It could go either way in my opinion, but the best bet would be Barea re-signing with the Mavs.

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[dalyricalbandit]

[size=+4]Free-agent buzz: Heat lead chase for Battier[/size]

Once NBA teams can speak with free agents beginning Monday, Miami Heat president Pat Riley has his franchise in strong position to sell Shane Battier on signing to play with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

Battier has been a primary target in free agency for the Heat, and sources say the pitch of Riley, coach Erik Spoelstra and key Heat players could ultimately confirm Battier’s strong feelings about chasing a championship in Miami.

Riley and Spoelstra see Battier as a strong defender with an ability to hit the open shots that’ll come his way playing with James, Wade and Chris Bosh. Battier has been a proven playoff performer, and possesses the professionalism and maturity to navigate within the harsh glare of the Heat’s existence.

Battier, 33, is still studying the marketplace, and how his personal scenario could change as different teams use the amnesty clause to create salary-cap space. Nevertheless, Miami currently stands as the most compelling option for him.

Teams aren’t allowed to enter into formal agreements with free agents until Friday, but the NBA sent a memo on Saturday telling team officials they can talk to players starting on Monday morning. Teams have been able to negotiate with player agents since Thursday, but currently can’t come to terms on deals.

Many had expected the Oklahoma City Thunder to aggressively pursue Battier, but that hasn’t happened. While Kevin Durant publicly campaigned for Battier on Twitter in the offseason, Thunder officials haven’t been engaged in the recruitment. With Battier in his advancing years, there are natural questions about his slippage as an elite perimeter defender, especially over a multiyear deal.

Battier would account for a portion – or all – of Miami’s midlevel exception. Depending on the Heat’s maneuvering above or below the luxury-tax threshold, he could be eligible for up to a four-year, $20 million contract or a three-year, $9.4 million deal under the terms of the new collective bargaining agreement.

Miami has had strong interest in free-agent center Samuel Dalembert, but sources said it’s doubtful he would accept a midlevel exception at the expense of more lucrative offers available elsewhere. The Heat could use a portion of the midlevel to lure free-agent center Kwame Brown, who is strongly considering Miami. The Charlotte Bobcats are also pushing to hold onto Brown.

For more than a year, Miami’s star players have pushed for Battier to join them in free agency. Battier spent last season with the Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies. He played a significant role in the Grizzlies’ run to the Western Conference semifinals, and has publicly and privately said that he’s determined to sign with a title contender at this stage in his career.

..................

 

[dalyricalbandit]

[size=+4]Caron Butler and the Bulls[/size]

Starting early Monday morning, teams can finally begin meeting with free agents en route to placing a whole slew of players onto new teams in what promises to be one of the most insane free agency periods of all time.

The Chicago Bulls will reportedly start their own slew of discussions with former Dallas Maverick Caron Butler, who incidentally has been working out in Chicago. The interest from Butler’s side has been pretty well publicized over the course of the last week, capped by Butler saying, “I hope I don’t have to leave,” but Chicago Tribune columnist K.C. Johnson’s report that the Bulls could potentially share that interest means this is a match that just might work.

Obviously, what the Bulls need more than anything is help at the shooting guard position, and Butler is technically a small forward, but that doesn’t mean he would be a poor option for Chicago to spend its full $5 million MLE. Butler has played some shooting guard in the past, and at the very least he’d be a guy that could help share the scoring load with Derrick Rose. Luol Deng was a 40+ mpg player at the three last year, so having a veteran to either spell him or supplement him wouldn’t be a horrible thing. Of course, the idea would probably be to have both guys on the floor together more often than not, and rookie Jimmy Butler can help out with that rotation, as well.

Caron only played in 29 games last season because of injuries, but the 15 ppg he scored in that time is exactly the sort of thing Chicago needs. Butler is actually a 16.6 ppg career scorer, but injuries will always be a concern with him. He normally misses between 8 and 15 games per season (he’s never played all 82, or even 80, for that matter), but the Bulls are deep enough to weather that.

Keep in mind, too, that Butler won’t be the only player Chicago interviews over the course of the coming week. They have reportedly reached out to Jamal Crawford’s camp already, and like everyone else with money to spend, they’re interested in Denver restricted free agent Arron Afflalo, as well. Jason Richardson, perhaps the best all-around veteran shooting guard in the free agency pool, should get a phone call, too.

The Bulls only have that $5 million MLE to offer, which means Crawford and Richardson may pass for bigger paychecks somewhere else, and it would be a shock if Denver didn’t match any offer sheet for Afflalo. That means someone like Butler, who still is just 29 years old and has some serious playoff experience, might be Chicago’s best hope for offensive help. It’s not the upgrade at shooting guard most (okay, all) Bulls fans were hoping for, but he could potentially make a huge difference on a team that needs another scorer.

Would Butler be enough to push Chicago over the championship hump? Perhaps not, and if that’s what the Bulls decide, they’ll have to go in a different direction that does.

The San Antonio Spurs and L.A. Clippers also have serious interest in Butler, though the Spurs wouldn’t sign him unless they first used their amnesty provision on Richard Jefferson. The HEAT, Nets, Pistons, and Bucks are reportedly also hoping to interview Butler, as well.

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[D.D.S.]

.........................

fuck dat lil nigga.

[video=youtube;ZBfvmJIxwPQ]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBfvmJIxwPQ[/video]

 

[t_m_a_c_f_a_n73088]

Tyson Chandler is out his got damn mind if he thinks his injury prone ass deserves a max contract plus he's not a great offensive player. One year on a good team and a ship doesn't change THAT much....

 

[Datdude87]

fuck dat lil nigga.

[video=youtube;ZBfvmJIxwPQ]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBfvmJIxwPQ[/video]

call me crazy but i think bynum did that out of retaliation to what jj did to blake.

 

[D.D.S.]

call me crazy but i think bynum did that out of retaliation to what jj did to blake.

ayo, what the pistons lookin like this yr? monroe had sum good moments last yr.

 

[Datdude87]

ayo, what the pistons lookin like this yr? monroe had sum good moments last yr.

we aint gon b shit, no joke. hell i dont even kno what the starting line up would b on opening night smh lol.