NBA - Notícias e Comentários Gerais

[Kaz]

 

 

 

:prayer:

 

Lindíssimo. :heart:

[Bynum Lover]

Mesmo, muito, muito fixe, tanto os equipamentos como o pavilhão.

 

[ProkhoLov]

Fodassssse.... Que foto brutal!

 

[Stvnt]

Tanto investimento .. so espero que se qualifiquem para os POs .. sempre sao uma lufada de ar fresco

[Kaz]

Western Conference rankings

 

We've already evaluated the Eastern Conference based on the offseason moves to this point. Now let's assess the West.

 

The West has been remarkably quiet so far -- at least among the top clubs. Other than the Rockets (who have acquired Ron Artest from the Kings), no elite team has really made a big move yet. It will be interesting to see if a top contender with tradable assets such as the Lakers or Jazz makes a deal to try to bolster its chances now or whether it stands pat.

 

At any rate, here's how we see the conference at the moment:

 

1. Lakers: The defending conference champs have had a mixed summer, re-signing Sasha Vujacic but losing reserve forward Ronny Turiaf (via free agency to Warriors). Turiaf's departure could be a significant blow, as L.A.'s reserve corps played a big role in last season's run to the Finals. The Lakers also lost out in the Artest sweepstakes, meaning Lamar Odom might be back after all. That's not necessarily bad, but it puts more pressure on 20-year-old Andrew Bynum to be a force under the rim next season in his return from a knee injury. Even so, the Lakers still have Kobe Bryant and that's enough to merit keeping them at No. 1 -- at least for now.

 

2. Rockets: It's tempting to put them ahead of L.A., now that they have Artest to pair with Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming. If Artest behaves, and T-Mac/Yao stay healthy, the Rockets could be that good. Keep in mind, they did post a 22-game winning streak last season. They also signed free agent Brent Barry to bolster their bench (and replace Bobby Jackson, who went to Sacramento in the Artest deal). But until we see how the volatile Artest gets along with his new teammates, we'll slot them here.

 

3. Hornets: Another legitimate contender for the top spot, they added free-agent forward James Posey (last seen helping the Celtics to the NBA title) to a club that won 56 games a year ago and reached the conference semifinals. Along with Chris Paul, David West, Peja Stojakovic and Tyson Chandler, it should put New Orleans right back near the top of the standings again. But the Hornets are about to lose key reserve Jannero Pargo in free agency, and it remains to be seen how they will handle the pressure of raised expectations next season.

 

4. Jazz: Their biggest move (outside of selecting center Kostas Koufos in the first round of the draft) has been to acquire veteran point guard Brevin Knight in a trade with the Clippers. Knight should provide quality backup for Deron Williams, but it's not as if he's going to push Utah over the top in the West. Still, the Jazz have a lot of weapons with Williams, Carlos Boozer, Andrei Kirilenko, Mehmet Okur, et al., and they know how to run that Jerry Sloan system. Even if they don't make a major trade, they should be right back in the thick of things.

 

5. Spurs: Only a fool would count out a team with Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker (especially in an odd-numbered year), but there is certainly reason to think San Antonio might slip a bit in 2008-09 -- at least in the regular season. To their aging core the Spurs have added free-agent guard Roger Mason, who is coming off a nice year with the Wizards, and 2005 first-round pick Ian Mahinmi, who averaged 17.1 points and 8.2 rebounds in the D-League last season. They also re-signed Kurt Thomas, and are waiting to see about Michael Finley and Robert Horry, but it looks as if this San Antonio team will be pretty much the same as a season ago -- only a year older.

 

6. Mavericks: Mark Cuban's team has been surprisingly quiet, with the most buzz being generated by the trade rumors involving Josh Howard. Dallas did reacquire center DeSagana Diop (via free agency from the Nets) and took a flier on former Slam Dunk champion Gerald Green, who finished last season out of the league after the Rockets waived him in March. Of course, the Mavs' big change came on the bench after the season when Rick Carlisle was hired to replace Avery Johnson.

 

7. Trail Blazers: One of last season's big surprises, the Blazers didn't want to tinker too much with their roster. They added forward Ike Diogu and rookie guard Jerryd Bayless in a trade with the Pacers for Jarrett Jack, and signed Spanish guard Rudy Fernandez, but general manager Kevin Pritchard otherwise pretty much stood pat. With Greg Oden set to join Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland appears primed to build on its 41-win campaign and return to the playoffs for the first time in six years.

 

8. Suns: Like the Mavs, these one-time top title contenders are hoping a new coach (Terry Porter) can find a way to incorporate a big-name star (Shaquille O'Neal) and earn some kind of payoff for last season's big midseason blockbuster trade. But also like the Mavs, the Suns haven't done much this summer to add pieces. Matt Barnes comes over from the Warriors to provide scoring off the bench, big man Robin Lopez was drafted to help add toughness and the Suns are working on signing second-round pick Goran Dragic of the Spanish league to back up Steve Nash. With a new coach, an aging Shaq and a slowing Nash, the Suns could be in for a fall.

 

9. Nuggets: After yet another first-round playoff ouster, it's no surprise that they might take steps to break it down and start over. GM Mark Warkentien seems to be paving the road for a big trade, perhaps next year. It's the only way to explain the giveaway trade of Marcus Camby to the Clippers while adding only role players Renaldo Balkman (trade with Knicks) and Chris (Birdman)Andersen (free agent). The Nuggets will still be competitive this season with Carmelo Anthony, Allen Iverson and Kenyon Martin, but they also might implode.

 

10. Clippers: No team has been more active in the offseason. Gone are leading scorers Elton Brand (Sixers) and Corey Maggette (Warriors). In their place are free-agent signees Baron Davis (formerly of the Warriors), Ricky Davis (Heat), Jason Williams (Heat) and Brian Skinner (Suns), as well as Camby. The Clippers probably still won't be good enough to make the playoffs, but they will be fun to watch.

 

11. Warriors: The sudden departure of Davis to the Clippers left them scrambling, and they settled for signing free agents Maggette and Turiaf. The good news is they also managed to re-sign Monta Ellis, Andris Biedrins and Kelenna Azubuike, while acquiring a decent point guard prospect in former Nets first-round pick Marcus Williams. Don Nelson still has firepower, but the loss of his catalyst Davis appears to be a fatal blow for Golden State's playoff hopes.

 

12. Kings: The loss of Artest signals they are (wisely) thinking of the future. Bobby Jackson might not be as talented as Artest, but he's a decent backup and a more stable presence in the locker room. President Geoff Petrie also re-signed point guard Beno Udrih, one of their few bright spots from a year ago. Along with Kevin Martin, Francisco Garcia, Spencer Hawes and John Salmons, in addition to 2008 first-round pick Jason Thompson, the Kings have put together a young nucleus that as it develops will get them back in the playoff race.

 

13. Timberwolves: Mike Miller (formerly of the Grizzlies) and rookie forward Kevin Love headline the big offseason changes. Beleaguered team vice president Kevin McHale also picked up a future No. 1 pick and cash, as well as reserves Rodney Carney and Calvin Booth, from the Sixers without having to give up any bodies in return. The Timberwolves still have a long way to go to get back to respectability, but the presence of the veteran Miller should join with rising star Al Jefferson to at least keep them moving in the right direction.

 

14. Oklahoma City: They made a huge offseason move, literally, shifting the entire franchise from Seattle to the Plains. On the personnel front, GM Sam Presti brought in veteran forwards Joe Smith and Desmond Mason (via a three-team trade with the Cavaliers and Bucks) for Luke Ridnour and Adrian Griffin. He also added two prospects in first-round picks Russell Westbrook and D.J. White. Smith and Mason (the latter of whom played collegiately at Oklahoma State) should provide some much-needed leadership to Kevin Durant and Co., but the franchise's debut season in OKC still won't feature a lot of Ws in the standings.

 

15. Grizzlies: They tried to appease fans still angry over last season's giveaway of Pau Gasol by signing ... Marc Gasol. Pau's 7-foot younger brother, who had been playing professionally in Spain, is actually a solid prospect who should be able to contribute right away. Memphis also obtained rookie guard O.J. Mayo on draft night (in the deal with the Timberwolves for Miller). With Gasol and Mayo joining Mike Conley and Rudy Gay, the Grizzlies have an exciting young core around which to build. But look for more growing pains in '08-09.

 

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writ...ings/index.html

 

Eastern Conference rankings

 

With the NBA in full summer mode, it's a good time to take a look at how teams stack up right now. First up is a snapshot of the Eastern Conference, followed by the West later this week.

 

It's extremely difficult to get a read on the East, especially the bottom half. Nearly every team that finished out of the playoffs last season looks improved, with no obvious doormats. The battle for the No. 8 spot could be very tight among a handful of teams.

 

Here's a look at how we see it at the moment, with the caveat that the view could change between now and the start of training camp in October:

 

1. Celtics: The loss of veteran forward James Posey (via free agency to the Hornets) could hurt, especially come playoff time, but for now Boston has to be considered the East favorite again. General manager Danny Ainge re-signed key reserves Eddie House and Tony Allen, and Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen should be even better with another year together (assuming they're not too worn out from last season's long playoff run). The bottom line is that the defending champs didn't make any significant moves ... but they didn't need to.

 

2. Cavaliers: Even before Wednesday's acquisition of Mo Williams (via a trade with the Bucks), they would rank here simply because of LeBron James. He showed last year in the playoffs that he's good enough almost by himself to take the Celtics to seven games. Williams, acquired in a three-way deal that sent Joe Smith to Oklahoma City, should be a significant upgrade at the point. Plus, the Cavs are one of the NBA's toughest defensive teams under Mike Brown, and their core lineup -- shuffled by a major deal at last season's trade deadline - was starting to gel at the end of last season.

 

3. Magic: It's easy to forget that these guys won 52 games last year and won their first playoff series in 12 years. With Dwight Howard coming into his own, big man Tony Battie back after missing all of last season with a shoulder injury and coach Stan Van Gundy having another training camp to implement his system, the Magic should be even better next season. Orlando could miss part-time starter Maurice Evans, who signed with the Hawks, but the addition of free-agent signee Mickael Pietrus (formerly of the Warriors) should help strengthen its perimeter defense.

 

4. 76ers: They made perhaps the biggest splash in free agency, persuading Elton Brand to bolt the Clippers for a new life in Philadelphia. The two-time All-Star power forward gives them the low-post scorer they desperately needed. They also re-signed Louis Williams and added Kareem Rush to shore up their backcourt depth. Assuming they bring back Andre Iguodala, who reportedly is nearing a new deal to stay, the Sixers should take another big step in their dramatic rise.

 

5. Wizards: Their big moves have been to re-sign Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison. With Caron Butler already in the fold, it gives Washington a scoring trio that few other teams can match. If Arenas is healthy and ready to earn his huge paycheck, the Wizards should get back to being the team that had one of the best records in the East two years ago before injuries derailed their season. Keep in mind, Brendan Haywood has his best season a year ago, and backup center Etan Thomas is expected back after sitting out the entire season with a heart condition. The loss of guard Roger Mason (Spurs), however, leaves them a bit thin on their bench.

 

6. Pistons: Logic says they should be ranked higher, since they suffered no significant losses (other than coach Flip Saunders) from a team that won 59 games last season. But even president Joe Dumars seemed to think this present group had run its course at the end of last season and needed some new blood. Kwame Brown isn't likely to light a fire under anybody. And how will all those Pistons vets react to hearing their names in trade talks all summer? Unless Dumars has something else up his sleeve, the Pistons just seem like a team headed for a decline.

 

7. Raptors: GM Bryan Colangelo made perhaps the most underrated move of the offseason, acquiring five-time All-Star Jermaine O'Neal from the Pacers for T.J. Ford and Rasho Nesterovic. If O'Neal is recovered from his knee problems, he should join with Chris Bosh to give the Raptors one of the best frontcourts in the East. Colangelo also re-signed Jose Calderon and brought in Croatian star Roko Ukic to replace Ford as backup point guard. The Raptors still need Andrea Bargnani to live up to his billing as a No. 1 overall pick, but Toronto definitely will be a team to watch next season.

 

8. Pacers: Last year they finished just one game out of the playoffs -- even with O'Neal sidelined for most of the season. Ford, if he stays healthy, is an upgrade at the point over Jamaal Tinsley. The Pacers also added a quality combo guard in Jarrett Jack and a reliable true center in the 7-foot Nesterovic, who averaged 12.4 points and 6.1 rebounds in the second half of last season. With Danny Granger, Mike Dunleavy and Troy Murphy, the pieces are there for coach Jim O'Brien to run his type of fast-breaking, three-point-shooting system.

 

9. Hawks: After snapping an NBA-long eight-year playoff drought and taking the Celtics to seven games in the first round, they looked to be on the rise last spring. But the loss of Josh Childress (via free agency to Greece) and the drawn-out negotiations with restricted free agent Josh Smith (who signed an offer sheet with Memphis, only to have it matched by the Hawks) have raised concerns about chemistry heading into next season. At least Evans, who comes over from the Magic, will help take some of the sting out of Childress' departure.

 

10. Bobcats: On paper, they didn't do anything significant to warrant much optimism. But the Bobcats have talent in the likes of Emeka Okafor (whom they re-signed this summer), Jason Richardson, Gerald Wallace and Raymond Felton, as well as decent role players in Nazr Mohammed and Matt Carroll. The difference this year will be coach Larry Brown, who despite his debacle in New York has a proven track record of turning things around in a hurry. If Adam Morrison and Sean May can come back from their injuries as well, Charlotte could be much improved.

 

11. Heat: Don't be fooled by their 15-win debacle of a year ago. They should be much better now that Dwyane Wade is fully healthy. Along with Shawn Marion, Udonis Haslem and No. 2 overall pick Michael Beasley, Miami has the pieces to at least get back in the playoff hunt. The addition of James Jones gives the Heat a much-needed outside shooter and adds some depth. But until they get a point guard (Jason Williams left to sign with the Clippers), the Heat won't be serious contenders.

 

12. Bucks: New GM John Hammond has made two big trades already, acquiring Richard Jefferson from the Nets (for Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons) and Luke Ridnour from Oklahoma City (for Williams and Desmond Mason). Jefferson, along with new coach Scott Skiles, should help improve a woeful Bucks defense. Ridnour has potential as a distributor, and he comes with a better contract, but he's not much of a defender and he's not a scorer like Williams. With Jefferson, Michael Redd, Andrew Bogut and Charlie Villanueva, Milwaukee apparently felt it already had enough firepower. The trick will be just how fast Skiles can implement his system, and whether there is enough bulk in the frontcourt.

 

13. Bulls: After adding the No. 1 overall pick in Derrick Rose and re-signing Luol Deng to a six-year, $71 million deal, many Bulls fans are optimistic. But with a new coach (Vinny Del Negro) and a new point guard (Rose), it could take time. Meanwhile, restricted free agent Ben Gordon remains in limbo. Even if Gordon stays, GM John Paxson needs to do something to clear up a crowded backcourt that also includes Kirk Hinrich, Larry Hughes and Thabo Sefalosha. Throw in the fact that Drew Gooden is its only real low-post threat, and Chicago just has too many question marks right now.

 

14. Nets: They have been one of the more active teams, acquiring Yi and Simmons and signing free agents Jarvis Hayes, Eduardo Najera and Keyon Dooling, but it seems president Rod Thorn was maneuvering as much for the future as he was for this season. The loss of centers Nenad Krstic (Europe) and DeSagana Diop (Mavericks) puts pressure on youngsters Josh Boone and Brook Lopez to develop in the middle. Vince Carter and Devin Harris are going to have to put up monster seasons for New Jersey to contend for a playoff spot.

 

15. Knicks: Hiring Mike D'Antoni constitutes their biggest offseason move. He should provide an immediate boost to a locker room sorely in need of a new face. But the Knicks have been limited to minor changes in personnel, adding Chris Duhon (formerly of the Bulls) and first-round pick Danilo Gallinari. New president Donnie Walsh might not be done yet (Stephon Marbury could be traded or waived), but it looks as if it will take at least another year to clean house and get D'Antoni the right players to fit his system.

 

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writ...ings/index.html

[#24]

14... enfim, nada que nao esperasse... It's our time to go FOR THE DRAFT :lol:

 

para alem dos habituais tenho os meus olhos postos nos Clippers, 76ers, Rockets e claro Blazers para atacar 2008/2009

[ProkhoLov]

Pelo menos estamos a frente dos dreds :grin:

[Nuk]

Norte-americanos elegem Kobe como MVP da seleção

Astro é o mais votado de enquete realizada por site de esportes

 

Com a seleção masculina norte-americana de basquete voltando de Pequim com o título das Olimpíadas, um site dos EUA, especializado em notícias de esportes, fez uma enquete perguntando ao internauta quem foi o MVP da “campanha de redenção” estadunidense. O escolhido é o ala-armador Kobe Bryant, astro do Los Angeles Lakers.

 

Um dos motivos para a escolha do torcedor deve ser o fato de que, nos jogos olímpicos, Kobe ter tido seu melhor momento exatamente na final do campeonato: Ele foi o cestinha da equipe no último quarto da partida derradeira contra a Espanha, quando fez uma seqüência de vários pontos, ajudando os EUA a manter vantagem sobre os europeus.

 

Um detalhe curioso da pesquisa é que, além de Kobe Bryant (60% dos votos), apenas Lebron James (40% dos votos) é opção válida. Dwayne Wade, do Miami Heat, que também fez excelente participação durante as Olimpíadas, foi descartado pela enquete.

 

____________________________________

 

LOOOOOL

[#24]

Pelo menos estamos a frente dos dreds :grin:

 

:lol:

 

-----

realmente também não concordo com essa votação... do que vi, foi claramente o Lebron ou o Wade.

[Bynum Lover]

Dwayne Wade, do Miami Heat foi descartado pela enquete.

 

:badgrin:. Kobe único :prayer:.

 

[Gavazzo]

Norte-americanos elegem Kobe como MVP da seleção

Astro é o mais votado de enquete realizada por site de esportes

 

Com a seleção masculina norte-americana de basquete voltando de Pequim com o título das Olimpíadas, um site dos EUA, especializado em notícias de esportes, fez uma enquete perguntando ao internauta quem foi o MVP da “campanha de redenção” estadunidense. O escolhido é o ala-armador Kobe Bryant, astro do Los Angeles Lakers.

 

Um dos motivos para a escolha do torcedor deve ser o fato de que, nos jogos olímpicos, Kobe ter tido seu melhor momento exatamente na final do campeonato: Ele foi o cestinha da equipe no último quarto da partida derradeira contra a Espanha, quando fez uma seqüência de vários pontos, ajudando os EUA a manter vantagem sobre os europeus.

 

Um detalhe curioso da pesquisa é que, além de Kobe Bryant (60% dos votos), apenas Lebron James (40% dos votos) é opção válida. Dwayne Wade, do Miami Heat, que também fez excelente participação durante as Olimpíadas, foi descartado pela enquete.

 

____________________________________

 

LOOOOOL

LOL, que gente mais ridicula.

 

:badgrin:. Kobe único :prayer:.

LOL

 

Pavilhao e jerseys dos Hornets :prayer:

[Bynum Lover]

LOL

:mrgreen:

 

Ainda estou a pensar como é que não levam o Zo... Sinceramente :cadeirada:

[Osnofa]

Kobe lovers únicos :prayer:.

 

[Nuk]

Eu acho que mesmo que o Kobe nao tivesse jogado sequer um minuto teria ganho o prémio.

[ze_miguel]

Em Cleveland entrou o Mo Williams e saíram Joe Smith e Darren Brown?

[NIkeL]

Não, foi o Damon Jones em vez do Devin (e não Darren) Brown.

[ProkhoLov]

28 de Outubro comeca a festa :)

 

Cleveland @ Boston

[Kaz]

 

Oklahoma City Thunder

 

 

Oficial.

[Victarion]

Essa equipa é suposto substituir qual, btw?

[Gavazzo]

Seattle SuperSonics.

[arv]

Oklahoma City Thunder? Wtf, fica nojento.

[Victarion]

Acho que o City fica a mais. E Thunders ficaria melhor.

 

Wow, os Sonics já não duravam à muito? Porque acabaram?

[Kendrick Lmao]

eles não acabaram, simplesmente mudaram pa uma cidade onde devem ter mais lucro

 

belos fdps

[arv]

eles não acabaram, simplesmente mudaram pa uma cidade onde devem ter mais lucro

 

belos fdps

 

btw dallas não queria mudar de cidade também?

[Kendrick Lmao]

não ouvi nada disso

espero bem q não

fds