The NBA Thread

[JON IN PHL]

Watching the Knicks try to put up a fight against the Heat in Game 3.

Carmelo Anthony is capable of great offensive production, but he just isn't that good. Another low percentage night.

I'm starting to to think that you can not build a team around him. That much iso just doesn't fly in the NBA and he doesn't seem very interested in tailoring his game in any way to 4 other guys.

Too bad, because he is truly a great talent. If only you could win a ring shooting tons of super long 2's. Melo would have one for every finger.

[Greggulator]

These Knicks without Melo have one other guy (Tyson Chandler) who could start on the Heat. And that includes Amar'e who has been terrible. A lot of that might have to do with Melo's arrival but I think more of it has to do with his inability to play any sort of defense, a loss of his athleticism and a sour attitude when things aren't going his way. He wasn't good even when Melo was injured. I just think he's shot at this point. It's a shame because when he's healthy and feeling it he's a total force of nature.

But, yes -- Melo's great but his Denver resume is kinda iffy. He had one big run in 2009 but aside from that the Nuggets no-showed every playoff team he was on. And he had a pretty decent group of teammates with him. And the Nuggets would smoke the Knicks in a playoff series.

I think the Knicks should amnesty Amar'e. That would be best for all parties. They have two excellent players to build around in Melo and Chandler. They have the biggest wildcard in NBA history with Jeremy Lin. All bets are off with him -- he could be All-NBA or he could be a total bust. Might as well roll the dice.

[Greggulator]

I also have dubbed Memphis as "America's Team in the best possible version of America". I love that they're a team of ill-fitting cast-offs that could combust at any point but have this total Bruce Springsteen "working class heroes" vibe about them. The only dude on that team who was a "world handed to him on an oyster since he played AAU ball in 3rd grade" is Rudy Gay, and even he took a lot of knocks in college for not bringing it consistently. Everyone has a crazy chip on their shoulder and I love it. Stephen Jackson really belongs on Memphis.

I love how good they've become despite some awful draft whiffs. We can only dream what they'd be like if they didn't draft Hasheem Thabeet over James Harden/Reke Evans/Brandon Jennings. Those guys would RULE on this team since they're total misfits.

[JON IN PHL]

Grit and Grind. Memphis is tons of fun to watch. OJ Mayo is so angry. He could easily be a henchman in another life.

Man, the West has some exciting teams. I sure wish the Clips had a few more healthy pieces to go with CP3 because I would love more than one round of playoffs out of him.

I'm starting to wonder if anyone can beat the Spurs. Parker has become almost unguardable and they have so much outside shooting. If Duncan can keep his legs moving for a few more weeks I would not be surprised to see them with another ring. Really hoping for a San Antone vs. OKC conference final.

Last thing about Melo. I know the Knicks stink and have no shot against Miami, but it just seems too easy for the Heat to make Melo a non-factor. He's shooting 34% in the series. I guess I'm just bummed because when he is on, he is incredible to watch.

[Greggulator]

I love OJ Mayo, too. That dude was just born in controversy -- playing ultra-competitive hoops starting in 7th grade, bouncing between like eight high schools, selling out arenas while a teenager, going to one of the most corrupt athletic programs in the country to "brand" himself when he was 18, fighting refs, getting USC's season vacated, etc.

I'd be pissed as hell if I was him, too. He has essentially been a professional basketball player since the age of 12.

[Dennis]

after watching tonight's games, allow me three words, please: james fucking harden.

[Mr. Spacely]

That Mavs/OKC series might be one of my favorite 4-game sweeps. Really interesting, fun games.

In other news, I'm currently praying that Andrew Bynum wakes up in time for tonight's game. Oh, Lakers. Never change. You buncha high-maintenance, arrogant, jerk-butts.

[Mr. Spacely]

I can barely concentrate thanks to this latest Lakers meltdown. Jesus. What a mess. Time to listen to some S&W. Oh, and work. I should probably be working.

[fonpr]

I should probably be working.

Only if you want to eat.

If not, you're free.

[Mr. Spacely]

Oh, you. Always with the logic.

[Gilly]

I have a feeling that the Lakers are going to win game 7 with Artest back, but it would be nice to be wrong there. I'm rooting for Philly, I really hope they can pull the upset over Boston. They don't have a chance against Miami or Indiana but they can beat Boston. I'm pulling for Memphis, OKC, 76ers and Pacers with an OKC/Pacers finals. It's probably going to be Spurs, OKC, Boston, Miami with a Spurs/Miami final. If I was betting $20 to win a nice amount, I'd take the Pacers to win it all.

[Greggulator]

The Grizzlies tonight had Hadid Haddadi and Gil Arenas on the court at the same time. That is why I love them.

I don't think I have ever soured on a team like I have the Clippers. Who didn't love it when CP3 ended up on that team and the birth of Lob City? Now they're just non-stop floppers and cry every single whistle. But what really stinks is that, just when they're at their most irritating, there will be something like Blake diving for a loose ball against three other dudes and then passing it to Deandre or CP3 doing some more 4th quarter heroics. I want that team! I don't want the team where Blake acts like he got shot from a rifle when Earl Boykins handchecks him.

[Dennis]

Spot on analysis, Greggulator.

[dave from knoxville]

The Grizzlies tonight had Hadid Haddadi and Gil Arenas on the court at the same time. That is why I love them.

I don't think I have ever soured on a team like I have the Clippers. Who didn't love it when CP3 ended up on that team and the birth of Lob City? Now they're just non-stop floppers and cry every single whistle. But what really stinks is that, just when they're at their most irritating, there will be something like Blake diving for a loose ball against three other dudes and then passing it to Deandre or CP3 doing some more 4th quarter heroics. I want that team! I don't want the team where Blake acts like he got shot from a rifle when Earl Boykins handchecks him.

That was fun to watch, but how was it not a travel? I am asking this sincerely.

[buffcoat]

The Grizzlies tonight had Hadid Haddadi and Gil Arenas on the court at the same time. That is why I love them.

I don't think I have ever soured on a team like I have the Clippers. Who didn't love it when CP3 ended up on that team and the birth of Lob City? Now they're just non-stop floppers and cry every single whistle. But what really stinks is that, just when they're at their most irritating, there will be something like Blake diving for a loose ball against three other dudes and then passing it to Deandre or CP3 doing some more 4th quarter heroics. I want that team! I don't want the team where Blake acts like he got shot from a rifle when Earl Boykins handchecks him.

That was fun to watch, but how was it not a travel? I am asking this sincerely.

You're thinking college basketball.