Who's coming out the East?

[picnroll]

Teams are pretty well set. Maybe a small addition here or there like Damon Jones back to the Heat. Who do you think will be coming out of the East?

[TwoHandJam]

Gotta go with the Motor City until another team proves otherwise. Getting to the finals two years running and going 7 games in that second year can't be underestimated.

[picnroll]

I'm going with Detroit. I think the addition of Dale Davis significantly hurts the Pacers and helps the Pistons. They still didn't address their outside shooting though. Second chice Pacers but not impressed with the overall team IQ.

[Big Pimp_21]

watch out for Cleveland this year. The Bulls might suprise some people too

[timvp]

Detroit will roll.

[E20]

Detroit.

[Spurminator]

I'm inclined to think Detroit, but getting to the Finals three times in a row is a rare feat. Something tells me that they will face an insurmountable obstacle this time around... Injury, chemistry erosion... If you eliminate those from the picture I'd say Detroit, but I have a bad feeling.

I'm rooting for them though.

[TOP-CHERRY]

Indy.

[Horry For 3!]

You spelt Indiana wrong....

[boutons]

The Spurs should have no doubt who would have won the Title if DET would have had Finals' HCA.

EVERY game counts. No "lose a game to teach a lesson", Pop.

The Spurs' playoff-experienced, deepened bench should not allow the starters to fuck around and lose to lottery teams.

[timvp]

I'm inclined to think Detroit, but getting to the Finals three times in a row is a rare feat. Something tells me that they will face an insurmountable obstacle this time around... Injury, chemistry erosion... If you eliminate those from the picture I'd say Detroit, but I have a bad feeling.

I'm rooting for them though.

Their biggest obstacle will be Flip. They'd have to carry him to the Finals.

[Manu20]

Detroit Pistons

[Sense]

Indy.

[Manu'sMagicalLeftHand]

The Bulls, Nocioni will average a triple double

Either the Pistons or the Pacers.

[Trainwreck2100]

I'll go with Indy, Flip is no LB, and until I see how he coaches, I can't choose them

[MiNuS]

Pistons

I hate to say that but everyone on this board felt the rath of that defense.It was smothering.Game 5 was pivitol with Horry's clutch play.
Only thing that is questionable is whether the team will be consistantly good without Larry Brown.

[FreshPrince22]

This is why I like this forum. The poster are intelligent and don't buy into the hype :fro
________
DIGITAL VOLCANO VAPORIZER FOR UNDER 200.00 (http://vaporshop.com/)

[ShoogarBear]

By "coming out", do you mean who is the gayest team in the East?

Miami.

[jermaine7fan]

Detroit lost Larry Brown and added the coach who did the least with what talent he had last year in the NBA.

Miami is going to have a hard time putting their parts together to make a smooth running machine. (And Shaq will be injured or beaten down come playoff time again)

Indiana was the third best team in the East last year with two gimpy starters and an all-star sitting at home. We also added two of the top skilled rookies in the NBA... in Granger and Jasikevicius. Mark my words... we will be the ones coming out of the East. Beyond that I make no promises.

I believe the NBA champions will be the Spurs or Pacers.

[hussker]

Det-RIOT Pissed-ons

[1Parker1]

I'm gonna go with Miami. Detroit will have a hard time adjusting to Flip...I recall that Detroit struggled for a bit last season when Brown initally left for his surgery. Indiana...I think people are overemphasizing the impact Artest will have on a "resurged" Indiana team. Losing Reggie Miller will be most noticeable to Indy during tight close games as will his leadership.

Miami.......you can't go wrong with a half healthy Shaq and a fully healthy Dwayne Wade. The rest of those additions may or may not mesh well, however, same could be said for the Spurs. Miami has the best talent and potential.

[picnroll]

It will be interesting to see how Flip performs with the Pistons. Everybody is bagging on him but he was about to take the Pups past the Lakers in '04 until alien threw a wheel.

[1Parker1]

That's true. Because, I still believe that as far as talent goes (on both ends of the floor) Detroit has arguably the best starting 5 in the NBA. However, I think now we will get to see just how much of an impact Brown really had on the team's success.

[Dex]

I like the Raptors' chances this year. :lol

[Reggie Miller]

It will be an all-ABA Final:

Spurs v. Pacers

[phyzik]

Im rooting for a Miami-Spurs matchup in the finals, simply for the chance to prove how stupid ESPN really is.

Im not saying Spurs would win 100% but it would be oh so sweet to break Shaq again.

[AFE7FATMAN]

The pacers, Artest/Byrd have somethng to prove.
:flipoff Heat

[xcoriate]

I seriously don't know. Probably Miami or Detroit.

But each has there problems, Miami meshing and detroits coaching.

[DieMrBond]

I went with Detroit, only because you have to respect the defending (eastern conference) champions... the starting 5 is still one of the best, if not the best group in the league. Its the bench and the inexperienced flip saunders (i know, hes not inexperienced per se, but he is inexperienced in anything past the first round basically) that would cause me to think otherwise. I dont seriously think Miami will contend past the semis (unless of course wade goes ballistic and turns it up to 11). The only other real contender for the conference is indiana... BUT someone has to prove that Detroit wont win it first and i dont think indiana will

[The Artest Factor]

The Pacers.
Tinsley, one of the most well-rounded PG's in the league
Jackson, a near 20 per game scorer
Artest, best offense/defense perimeter player in the league
O'Neal, 20/10/2 MVP candidate
Foster, rebounding machine with great defense

And then a bench with Jasikevicius, Granger, Fred Jones, Scot Pollard, David Harrison, Anthony Johnson, Jonathan Bender, Austin Croshere, etc.

And the icing on the cake is having the most decorated coach in the NBA running the sidelines. If Rick Carlisle can get a starting lineup of Anthony Johnson/Fred Jones/James Jones/Marcus Haislip, Britton Johnsen to 46 wins and game 6 of round 2 vs the defending champs, just imagine what he can do with the team listed earlier. Wowzers.

[velik_m]

Im rooting for a Miami-Spurs matchup in the finals, simply for the chance to prove how stupid ESPN really is.

Im not saying Spurs would win 100% but it would be oh so sweet to break Shaq again.


:lol I'm with you.

But i voted detroit, because they haven't lost any of their starting 5 and the bench can only get better.

[THE X-FACTOR]

Detroit, they have the same core (the starters plus McDyess) coming back next season, they added Dale Davis and Mo Evans to shore up the little defensive weakness they even had. Flip will better utilize Milicic and Arroyo. Carlos Delfino was having a good rookie season until he got hurt, you know he has to be decent for a coach like LB (hates young and foreign players) to play him 15 plus minutes per game as a rookie. The Pacers weak points of Jammal Tinsley (injury prone), Anthony Johnson (can't handle ball pressure), and Bender (injury prone and low basketball IQ) will hurt them in the end. The Heat will suffer defensively come the playoffs.

[The Artest Factor]

Detroit, they have the same core (the starters plus McDyess) coming back next season, they added Dale Davis and Mo Evans to shore up the little defensive weakness they even had. Flip will better utilize Milicic and Arroyo. Carlos Delfino was having a good rookie season until he got hurt, you know he has to be decent for a coach like LB (hates young and foreign players) to play him 15 plus minutes per game as a rookie. The Pacers weak points of Jammal Tinsley (injury prone), Anthony Johnson (can't handle ball pressure), and Bender (injury prone and low basketball IQ) will hurt them in the end. The Heat will suffer defensively come the playoffs.
Sorry man, but the pistons have been big time overachievers the past 4 years because of great coaching from Carlisle and Brown. When you go from two Hall of Fame-worthy coaches to Mr. Mediocrity Flip Saunders....well...you'll see :lol

[Mark in Austin]

:lol Hall of Fame worthy implies that they've won something.

Carlisle is a good coach... I'd say top five in the league. But he was fired froim his last job and hasn't won shit with the Pacers.

Call me when he has a ring or has long term success like Jerry Sloan.

The only Hall of Fame coaches in the league right now are Jackson, Brown, and Riley. Pop and Rudy T are borderline. Carlisle is closer to Eric Musselmann than he is to the Hall of Fame.

[The Artest Factor]

Rick Carlisle has been the best coach in the NBA over the past 4 years. Anyone who says otherwise is a complete nutcase and hater.
When you lead a team that starts Chucky Atkins, Jerry Stackhouse, Michael Curry, Ben Wallace, and Cliff Robinson to 50 wins and the 2nd round of the playoffs, you know you're great.

[Mark in Austin]

When you lead a team that starts Chucky Atkins, Jerry Stackhouse, Michael Curry, Ben Wallace, and Cliff Robinson to 50 wins and the 2nd round of the playoffs, you know you're great.
1. So great the team fires your ass to bring in a... Hall of Fame coach.
2. There's a difference between being great and being a HOF level coach.
3. Scoreboard. Where are the rings over the past four years as the "best coach in the NBA?
4. A poster named "The Artest Factor" calling somebody else a nutcase? :lol effing classic.

[Useruser666]

I think Detroit will come out unless Indy chokes them to death. :lol

[THE X-FACTOR]

Sorry man, but the pistons have been big time overachievers the past 4 years because of great coaching from Carlisle and Brown. When you go from two Hall of Fame-worthy coaches to Mr. Mediocrity Flip Saunders....well...you'll see :lol

Sorry man if you are calling Ben (DPOY) and Rasheed Wallace, Prince, Billups, and Hamilton overachievers and not great players you are the complete nutcase and hater. The Pistons starting 5 had a 61.61 rating in the postseason, even better then the Spurs who had a 57.85. In the regular season they were also #1 with a 101.03 (again the Spurs were 2nd with a 98.08 rating) Every Pistons starter (except for underachiever Rasheed Wallace - 13th this backup Antonio McDyess 21th) was in the top 8 at their position in the NBA. The only thing that kept the Pistons from winning 60 games was the fact they had no bench (Smush Parker, Horace Jenkins, Anthony Goldwire, Darvin Ham, Ronald Dupree, an injured Carlos Delfino -missed 50 games) and that Gar Heard coached the team for 17 games. Again when Carlisle comes close to winning a ECF come back and argue with me. All the Pistons need is a coach that knows how to utilize the players they have, the only HOF coach in the NBA right now is Pop.
.

[looktotheskies]

All the Pistons need is a coach that knows how to utilize the players they have, the only HOF coach in the NBA right now is Pop.
.
Phil Jackson, Larry Brown, and Jerry Sloan are all HOF coaches.

[jochhejaam]

Detroit will roll.


^^^Truly one of the great basketball minds of our time. :tu

[jermaine7fan]

I think Detroit will come out unless Indy chokes them to death. :lolBen Wallace is the choker.

[polandprzem]

Indy will beat the Pistons in East finals

[jermaine7fan]

Indy will beat the Pistons in East finalsThank you for saying... It feels good for my team to be getting some love here today :lol I think the Spurs will beat the Rockets in West finals... but that is more of a given

[romsey31]

There are certain things you guys need to remember. Carlisle went to the ECF the year before with Detroit and DID NOT have Sheed. Sheed was the reason Detroit won the Championship in 2004, not Larry. That being said I think if Carlisle was there last year they would have won it also. I also think if Carlisle was still with Detroit they would've had a better shot at repeating, Brown's selfishness is one of the reasons the Pistons lost to the Spurs, he was concentrating on everything EXCEPT what he was getting Paid to do.

I think that Indiana will come out of the east. Thats my opinion. Who is the best team in the east? Detroit and will be until they lose in the playoffs. Flip is a terrible coach if you ask me. I honestly doesnt think he's gonna last too long in Detroit. Indiana added what they needed to get past Detroit. A pure shooter. Indy has struggled TERRIBLY from the arc in the last few years. Adding Granger and Saraunas should really help this problem.

BTW for the first time in atleast 3 years, Indystar has just reported that the ENTIRE Pacer team is healthy. I wont be happy until they can still say this in June

[THE X-FACTOR]

I think that Indiana will come out of the east. Thats my opinion.

I wouldn't think a Pacers homer would say the Pistons are going to win the east, I thought it was going to be down to 3 teams Indiana, Miami, and Detroit but when you really look at things just the couple upgrades the Pistons made in getting Evans and Davis will keep them better then the Heat. I feel it comes down to this, which team will get the most out of bench.

Pacers - Detroit

PF Jonathan Bender - Antonio McDyess
F Austin Croshere - Darko Milicic toss up
F Danny Granger - Carlos Delfino toss up
C David Harrison - Dale Davis toss up
PG Sarunas Jasikevicius - Carlos Arroyo toss up
PG Anthony Johnson - Lindsey Hunter offense/defense
SG Fred Jones - Maurice Evans tie
F Scot Pollard - Jason Maxiell toss up

The only clear cut winner I see is McDyess over Bender. Milicic, Delfino, Granger, Jasikevicius, Harrison, and Maxiell haven't had enough if any playing time to determine how good they will be this upcoming season. Dale Davis (on the Pacers last year) and Arroyo have been a starters, Jones and Evans are a tie. It's really too early to tell. If Granger & Jasikevicius on Indiana or Delfino & Milicic on Detroit don't live up to their hype or "potential" this season then that team will come in second.

[NZHayden]

i voted for other, charlotte are going to cause an upset.
just kidding, the bulls might cause a few upsets but i wanna see how sauranus and the pacers do

[SoupIsGood]

It could be any of the three, I think they've all got roughly equal chances.

But since I'm a Pacer fan, I'm obviously inclined to choose Detroit here.

[JamStone]

Sorry man, but the pistons have been big time overachievers the past 4 years because of great coaching from Carlisle and Brown. When you go from two Hall of Fame-worthy coaches to Mr. Mediocrity Flip Saunders....well...you'll see :lol


The way I see it, better to be overachievers than underachievers. But, that's just me. I can see some people who would rather be the odds-on favorite, but what happens when they don't live up to expectations? Excuses and conspiracy theories. I'd just rather be the overachiever.


Anyway, back on topic ...

I think on paper, Indiana has the best team in the East. On paper, Miami probably has the most talent. I KNOW Detroit has the experience and mental toughness. Barring injury and suspension, I could see any three of those teams making it to the NBA finals. But, obviously being born and raised in Detroit, I will support my home team and go with them.

I think the a team that could play spoiler in the East is the Washington Wizards. I think they got better defensively with Caron Butler and Antonio Daniels (Larry Hughes is a great man defender, but takes a lot of gambles and is not the team defender Daniels is). And, I wouldn't be surprised if they shocked some teams in the playoffs.

[The Artest Factor]

I wouldn't think a Pacers homer would say the Pistons are going to win the east, I thought it was going to be down to 3 teams Indiana, Miami, and Detroit but when you really look at things just the couple upgrades the Pistons made in getting Evans and Davis will keep them better then the Heat. I feel it comes down to this, which team will get the most out of bench.

Pacers - Detroit

PF Jonathan Bender - Antonio McDyess
F Austin Croshere - Darko Milicic toss up
F Danny Granger - Carlos Delfino toss up
C David Harrison - Dale Davis toss up
PG Sarunas Jasikevicius - Carlos Arroyo toss up
PG Anthony Johnson - Lindsey Hunter offense/defense
SG Fred Jones - Maurice Evans tie
F Scot Pollard - Jason Maxiell toss up

The only clear cut winner I see is McDyess over Bender. Milicic, Delfino, Granger, Jasikevicius, Harrison, and Maxiell haven't had enough if any playing time to determine how good they will be this upcoming season. Dale Davis (on the Pacers last year) and Arroyo have been a starters, Jones and Evans are a tie. It's really too early to tell. If Granger & Jasikevicius on Indiana or Delfino & Milicic on Detroit don't live up to their hype or "potential" this season then that team will come in second.

PF Jonathan Bender - Antonio McDyess - No debating this. McDyess, despite his shaky knees, was a very solid backup whereas Benders entire NBA career has been injuries.

F Austin Croshere - Darko Milicic - What's overlooked in all the fuss over Croshere's contract is that he's actually a solid player. Solid offense and rebounding, and a good "change of pace" power forward off the bench. Darko, with all due respect, has been arguably the worst player in the NBA the past 2 years, and untill proven otherwise, you have to give this to AC.

F Danny Granger - Carlos Delfino - Granger is amazing. I don't care what anyone says about Bogut, the best player in NCAA basketball last year was Danny Granger. The guy simply does it all. Only 1 player in NCAA averaged 18/9/3/2 steals - Granger. Only one player in NCAA averaged 18/9/3/2 blocks - Granger. 18/9/3/2 blocks 2 steals - Wow! His body and his smoothness is almost identical to Tracy McGrady.
Check out the Granger highlight video here. (http://golobos.collegesports.com/sports/m-baskbl/nm-m-baskbl-body.html) Carlos Delfino on the other hand looks like he's on his way out of the NBA. I know Pistons fans hyped him up relentlessy last season, but he was such a huge disappoint. Not only did he not have the game, but he had a piss poor attitude.

C David Harrison - Dale Davis - Davis gets the nod for now, however if Harrison improved on his very impressive rookie play, he'll not only get the nod, he could be starting before the All-Star break. 2nd in the NBA in FG% and 8th in blocks per minute as the 29th pick in the draft. Looks like the next great draft steal, I.M.O.

PG Sarunas Jasikevicius - Carlos Arroyo - Saras was the best player in Europe, period. He's got such a great reputation, and from everything I've seen he backs it up. I just got done watching the clip of Saras single handedly beating team USA in the Olympics las year. Lith was down by 4 with 3 minutes to go, and Saras goes on a tear, scoring the final 12 points in the game for Litj in under 3 minutes, as USA watches on in horror knowing they cant stop him. Simply breathtaking. Arroyo had one solid year in Utah, but ever since then he's been El Averago with a questionable attitude. Noone reasonable can honestly take Arroyo over Saras.

PG Anthony Johnson - Lindsey Hunter - I was close to going with push here, but then I looked things over. Johnsons not only a better scorer and distributor, but he's also about equal on defense. Anthony Johnson recieiver votes for the NBA All-Defense team this year, Lindsay Hunter did not. So your offense/defense claim is inaccurate. Overall Johnson is a better player, plain and simple.

SG Fred Jones - Maurice Evans - Fred Jones was fantastic for the Pacers last year. While our top guys were out, Fred Jones tepped up and became a leader for our team. He's also a really productive player, scoring in double figures in less than 29 minutes a game, not to mention he's a very respectable defender because of his combonation of speed, strength, athleticism, and long arms. Maurice Evans was an ok backup for Sacramento, but Fred Jones is atleast 2 notches above him on the NBA ladder.

F Scot Pollard - Jason Maxiell - You gotta go with the underrated Pollard. He's not much of a scorer, but the man can rebound and defend like a madman. Maxiell has a nice attitude on the court, but he's so undersized he really has no shot in the NBA. He's basically a smaller Reggie Evans, and thats not good news for Pistons fans.

[td4mvp21]

IMO......
Wallace>Foster
R. Wallace<<J. Oneal
Prince<Artest
Rip Hamilton=Stephen Jackson
Billips>>Tinsley

With that said, I think its a toss-uo between these two. I say Detroit until someone beats them.

[romsey31]

I wouldn't think a Pacers homer would say the Pistons are going to win the east, I thought it was going to be down to 3 teams Indiana, Miami, and Detroit but when you really look at things just the couple upgrades the Pistons made in getting Evans and Davis will keep them better then the Heat. I feel it comes down to this, which team will get the most out of bench.

Pacers - Detroit

PF Jonathan Bender - Antonio McDyess
F Austin Croshere - Darko Milicic toss up
F Danny Granger - Carlos Delfino toss up
C David Harrison - Dale Davis toss up
PG Sarunas Jasikevicius - Carlos Arroyo toss up
PG Anthony Johnson - Lindsey Hunter offense/defense
SG Fred Jones - Maurice Evans tie
F Scot Pollard - Jason Maxiell toss up

The only clear cut winner I see is McDyess over Bender. Milicic, Delfino, Granger, Jasikevicius, Harrison, and Maxiell haven't had enough if any playing time to determine how good they will be this upcoming season. Dale Davis (on the Pacers last year) and Arroyo have been a starters, Jones and Evans are a tie. It's really too early to tell. If Granger & Jasikevicius on Indiana or Delfino & Milicic on Detroit don't live up to their hype or "potential" this season then that team will come in second.


Because I think the Pacers are gonna win the East, I'm a Pacer Homer. Well I guess ESPN and FOXSPORTS are also homers.

[ABDENOUR POWER]

PF Jonathan Bender - Antonio McDyess - No debating this. McDyess, despite his shaky knees, was a very solid backup whereas Benders entire NBA career has been injuries.

F Austin Croshere - Darko Milicic - What's overlooked in all the fuss over Croshere's contract is that he's actually a solid player. Solid offense and rebounding, and a good "change of pace" power forward off the bench. Darko, with all due respect, has been arguably the worst player in the NBA the past 2 years, and untill proven otherwise, you have to give this to AC.

F Danny Granger - Carlos Delfino - Granger is amazing. I don't care what anyone says about Bogut, the best player in NCAA basketball last year was Danny Granger. The guy simply does it all. Only 1 player in NCAA averaged 18/9/3/2 steals - Granger. Only one player in NCAA averaged 18/9/3/2 blocks - Granger. 18/9/3/2 blocks 2 steals - Wow! His body and his smoothness is almost identical to Tracy McGrady.
Check out the Granger highlight video here. (http://golobos.collegesports.com/sports/m-baskbl/nm-m-baskbl-body.html) Carlos Delfino on the other hand looks like he's on his way out of the NBA. I know Pistons fans hyped him up relentlessy last season, but he was such a huge disappoint. Not only did he not have the game, but he had a piss poor attitude.

C David Harrison - Dale Davis - Davis gets the nod for now, however if Harrison improved on his very impressive rookie play, he'll not only get the nod, he could be starting before the All-Star break. 2nd in the NBA in FG% and 8th in blocks per minute as the 29th pick in the draft. Looks like the next great draft steal, I.M.O.

PG Sarunas Jasikevicius - Carlos Arroyo - Saras was the best player in Europe, period. He's got such a great reputation, and from everything I've seen he backs it up. I just got done watching the clip of Saras single handedly beating team USA in the Olympics las year. Lith was down by 4 with 3 minutes to go, and Saras goes on a tear, scoring the final 12 points in the game for Litj in under 3 minutes, as USA watches on in horror knowing they cant stop him. Simply breathtaking. Arroyo had one solid year in Utah, but ever since then he's been El Averago with a questionable attitude. Noone reasonable can honestly take Arroyo over Saras.

PG Anthony Johnson - Lindsey Hunter - I was close to going with push here, but then I looked things over. Johnsons not only a better scorer and distributor, but he's also about equal on defense. Anthony Johnson recieiver votes for the NBA All-Defense team this year, Lindsay Hunter did not. So your offense/defense claim is inaccurate. Overall Johnson is a better player, plain and simple.

SG Fred Jones - Maurice Evans - Fred Jones was fantastic for the Pacers last year. While our top guys were out, Fred Jones tepped up and became a leader for our team. He's also a really productive player, scoring in double figures in less than 29 minutes a game, not to mention he's a very respectable defender because of his combonation of speed, strength, athleticism, and long arms. Maurice Evans was an ok backup for Sacramento, but Fred Jones is atleast 2 notches above him on the NBA ladder.

F Scot Pollard - Jason Maxiell - You gotta go with the underrated Pollard. He's not much of a scorer, but the man can rebound and defend like a madman. Maxiell has a nice attitude on the court, but he's so undersized he really has no shot in the NBA. He's basically a smaller Reggie Evans, and thats not good news for Pistons fans.


IMO...

•McDyess > Bender
•Milicic < Croshere, but that could easily change.
•Granger = Delfino. Delfino was doing great until he got injured and LB broke his confidence. Now that Brown is gone, he could perform well.
•Davis > Harrison
•Jaskikevicoius = Arroyo. It remains to be seen if Jasikevicius can make the move to the NBA.
•Hunter = Johnson. I really don't think that Johnson's defense is anywhere near as good as Hunter's. Nor is Hunters offense anywhere near as good as Johnson's.
•Jones = Evans

[JamStone]

Antonio McDyess v. David Harrison ... those will likely be the two first big men off the bench. I'd give the edge to McDyess.

Carlos Arroyo v. Saras Jasikevicius ... I'd give the edge to Saras, but I'd like to see Saras defend on the NBA level as well. Offensively, he is supposed to be great, but we'll see how the rest of his game adapts to NBA size, skill, and speed. While Arroyo might not be as good as Saras skill-wise, he has at least proven he has the leadership and toughness to at least earn a starting point guard role in the NBA, which alone says something about him that Saras has yet to claim. But, I won't deny that Saras is better if he lives up to the reputation he has built in Europe. Edge Saras.

Fred Jones v. Maurice Evans ... I don't have a problem giving the edge to Freddie, but I wouldn't say he's "at least two notches above him" because both are certified back-up players. And, being a 6-foot-2 shooting guard also poses disadvantages to Freddie, regardless of his exceptional athletic ability. When Evans was afforded the opportunities of playing time last year, he played fairly well. And, as a back-up role player, he should be fine. He is not far behind in terms of athletic ability to Fred Jones, plus his size and strength will allow him to play some small forward. But, for now, Fred Jones would be ahead in this match up.

Danny Granger v. Carlos Delfino ... I wouldn't give either player an advantage until at least 20 games into the season. Danny Granger may have had exceptional college numbers, but you also have to remember what college conference he was in, his teammates, and his competition. Aside from Utah, what other really strong teams did New Mexico face? How far again did New Mexico make it in the NCAA tournament? Plus, his numbers are bloated somewhat because Granger even played some point guard in college because his teammates were not at his level. He defended centers sometimes. His numbers are that much better because his teammates were not that good, as well as his competition. I guarantee you Granger does not get anywhere near those numbers playing for a big ten, acc, or sec school. And, if you're going to look at Granger's last year in college, look at Delfino's last year in Euro league, where he was a leader of a team that went to the championship game, where he posted very good numbers. Granger may very well be the better player, but let him prove it on the NBA stage first. No advantage.

Dale Davis v. Scot Pollard ... GIve it to Dale Davis. Scot doesn't even play unless it's garbage time or there are several injuries in the frontcourt.

Lindsey Hunter v. Anthony Johnson ... are you really going to argue over which team has the better third string point guard? Anyway, I thought the Pacers were going to keep Eddie Gill as the number 3 PG. Lindsey Hunter is older, but has had the better career. AJ had better numbers last year, because he was the primary back up point guard and got more minutes. AJ is not a bad defensive player, but Allen Iverson has been quoted as saying Lindsey Hunter is the toughest defender he's faced. But, anyway, again, who cares about the third string quarterback?

Darko Milicic v. Austin Croshere ... Croshere is not a bad back-up PF. He's not a good back-up PF either. But, he is certainly better than Darko at this stage.

Jason Maxiell v. Jonathan Bender ... like the third string PG, who cares who wins this matchup? Neither will see meaningful minutes. And, if either does, that means someone important on their team is hurt bad, and that means that team is in trouble.


HAVING WRITTEN ALL THAT ... It's still a team game. A team might win more individual matchups at positions and still not be the better team.

Indiana looks very strong on paper. And, I suspect they will have a very good year. But, I don't automatically hand them victories just because they look better on paper. It will be an interesting match up if Detroit and Indiana meet in the playoffs. And, either team could win.

[ChumpDumper]

Johnsons not only a better scorer and distributor, but he's also about equal on defense.Hunter caused Beno to cease to exist in the Finals.

Advantage: Hunter.

[romsey31]

Antonio McDyess v. David Harrison ... those will likely be the two first big men off the bench. I'd give the edge to McDyess.

Carlos Arroyo v. Saras Jasikevicius ... I'd give the edge to Saras, but I'd like to see Saras defend on the NBA level as well. Offensively, he is supposed to be great, but we'll see how the rest of his game adapts to NBA size, skill, and speed. While Arroyo might not be as good as Saras skill-wise, he has at least proven he has the leadership and toughness to at least earn a starting point guard role in the NBA, which alone says something about him that Saras has yet to claim. But, I won't deny that Saras is better if he lives up to the reputation he has built in Europe. Edge Saras.

Fred Jones v. Maurice Evans ... I don't have a problem giving the edge to Freddie, but I wouldn't say he's "at least two notches above him" because both are certified back-up players. And, being a 6-foot-2 shooting guard also poses disadvantages to Freddie, regardless of his exceptional athletic ability. When Evans was afforded the opportunities of playing time last year, he played fairly well. And, as a back-up role player, he should be fine. He is not far behind in terms of athletic ability to Fred Jones, plus his size and strength will allow him to play some small forward. But, for now, Fred Jones would be ahead in this match up.

Danny Granger v. Carlos Delfino ... I wouldn't give either player an advantage until at least 20 games into the season. Danny Granger may have had exceptional college numbers, but you also have to remember what college conference he was in, his teammates, and his competition. Aside from Utah, what other really strong teams did New Mexico face? How far again did New Mexico make it in the NCAA tournament? Plus, his numbers are bloated somewhat because Granger even played some point guard in college because his teammates were not at his level. He defended centers sometimes. His numbers are that much better because his teammates were not that good, as well as his competition. I guarantee you Granger does not get anywhere near those numbers playing for a big ten, acc, or sec school. And, if you're going to look at Granger's last year in college, look at Delfino's last year in Euro league, where he was a leader of a team that went to the championship game, where he posted very good numbers. Granger may very well be the better player, but let him prove it on the NBA stage first. No advantage.

Dale Davis v. Scot Pollard ... GIve it to Dale Davis. Scot doesn't even play unless it's garbage time or there are several injuries in the frontcourt.

Lindsey Hunter v. Anthony Johnson ... are you really going to argue over which team has the better third string point guard? Anyway, I thought the Pacers were going to keep Eddie Gill as the number 3 PG. Lindsey Hunter is older, but has had the better career. AJ had better numbers last year, because he was the primary back up point guard and got more minutes. AJ is not a bad defensive player, but Allen Iverson has been quoted as saying Lindsey Hunter is the toughest defender he's faced. But, anyway, again, who cares about the third string quarterback?

Darko Milicic v. Austin Croshere ... Croshere is not a bad back-up PF. He's not a good back-up PF either. But, he is certainly better than Darko at this stage.

Jason Maxiell v. Jonathan Bender ... like the third string PG, who cares who wins this matchup? Neither will see meaningful minutes. And, if either does, that means someone important on their team is hurt bad, and that means that team is in trouble.


HAVING WRITTEN ALL THAT ... It's still a team game. A team might win more individual matchups at positions and still not be the better team.

Indiana looks very strong on paper. And, I suspect they will have a very good year. But, I don't automatically hand them victories just because they look better on paper. It will be an interesting match up if Detroit and Indiana meet in the playoffs. And, either team could win.



I really like your analysis. I'm gonna give the edge to Detroit right now because they seem to have a menal toughness over Indiana, and the fact that they are currently the Eastern Champs. I think That Indy can defeat Detroit though, but we'll just have to wait and see.

[THE X-FACTOR]

Hunter caused Beno to cease to exist in the Finals.

Advantage: Hunter.


Hunter also came into the game everytime AJ stepped on the court in the Pacers series and AJ had trouble even bringing the ball over half court.

Everyone had good points on their bench breakdowns except for "The Artest Factor".

p.s. ESPN and FOXSPORTS also picked Miami to win the east last year and they were wrong, if you want to base your season off of that go ahead. :king

[SoupIsGood]

Hunter also came into the game everytime AJ stepped on the court in the Pacers series and AJ had trouble even bringing the ball over half court.





He did but that's not any different than how he normally plays. :pctoss

[romsey31]

Hunter also came into the game everytime AJ stepped on the court in the Pacers series and AJ had trouble even bringing the ball over half court.

Everyone had good points on their bench breakdowns except for "The Artest Factor".

p.s. ESPN and FOXSPORTS also picked Miami to win the east last year and they were wrong, if you want to base your season off of that go ahead. :king


No I wont base my season off that, I'll just base it off whatever you say oh mighty one.

[The Artest Factor]

Hunter also came into the game everytime AJ stepped on the court in the Pacers series and AJ had trouble even bringing the ball over half court.

Everyone had good points on their bench breakdowns except for "The Artest Factor".

p.s. ESPN and FOXSPORTS also picked Miami to win the east last year and they were wrong, if you want to base your season off of that go ahead. :king
Miami had the series all but won before Wades injury. I'm starting to think the Pistons purposely injure other teams star players. I seem to recall Ben Wallace "accidentally" hyperextending Jermaine O'Neals knee in the 2004 ECF.

[picnroll]

Wade injured himself on a crossover dribble. How did Detroit do that? In fact it was Jermaine who kneed Shaq in the thigh. Maybe that was deliberate to help the Pacers getg past Miami should they meet. Dumbass.

[ABDENOUR POWER]

:owned

[THE X-FACTOR]

I love how when certain people keep talking they just dig themselves deeper into the holes they've already dug and end up agreeing with me. :king

[ABDENOUR POWER]

Hey X, you're from the pistons boards, right? Our boards don't even compare to these ones....

[Pistons < Spurs]

Hey X, you're from the pistons boards, right? Our boards don't even compare to these ones....




Soooooooooooo True.

[ABDENOUR POWER]

Whats your name over there? I recognize your sig but can't remember your name....

[THE X-FACTOR]

Hey X, you're from the pistons boards, right? Our boards don't even compare to these ones....


Everyone here isn't a homer or a hater, at our board we either have those who hate players like Milicic, Prince, and Delfino or won't admit when someone has a bad game or playoffs. People here seem to have a better overall basketball IQ. I don't see many "Rip is so cute" or "trade Darko" type topics started here. They will even admit when another team or player is decent.

[timvp]

Hunter caused Beno to cease to exist in the Finals.

Advantage: Hunter.

True.

Best defensive point guards in the NBA...

1) Hunter
2) Billups
.
.
.
.
195) Nash

[1Parker1]

People here seem to have a better overall basketball IQ. I don't see many "Rip is so cute" or "trade Darko" type topics started here.


Who the hell think Rip Hamilton is cute?!...Now Darko.... :angel :lol

[z0sa]

I'm gonna go with Miami. Detroit will have a hard time adjusting to Flip...I recall that Detroit struggled for a bit last season when Brown initally left for his surgery. Indiana...I think people are overemphasizing the impact Artest will have on a "resurged" Indiana team. Losing Reggie Miller will be most noticeable to Indy during tight close games as will his leadership.

Miami.......you can't go wrong with a half healthy Shaq and a fully healthy Dwayne Wade. The rest of those additions may or may not mesh well, however, same could be said for the Spurs. Miami has the best talent and potential.

First of all, I really, really respect Artest's game... he's formerly defensive player of the year, and yet he can put up big offensive numbers. I think his impact will be the greatest of all upon Indiana next year, and I'm almost basing my entire opinion that Indy will make it out of the east on him. With the new rookies, I think they're definitely redeemed title contenders. Let's not even count Jermaine O'Neal, who last year was plagued by injury and never really got it going.

Also, Miami added a starter in JWill; we added no starters... and Antoine Walker knows only ballhogging as does JWill. So when does Shaq and Wade get into picture?

[dunkman]

I think that Indiana had Pistons number, and that was before Brown got fired. Only Artest crazyness or a smart Dumars trade can change that.

Indiana shouldn't allow Dale Davis to sign with the Pistons, and if they dont sign Cambell, they will have many problems guarding Shaq.

And the Heat made a mistake changing so many playes in the off season. They may have chemistry issues.

I would chose the Pacers to win this year, but the other teams... the Heat, the Pistons and even the Nets have good chances too.

[Chris]

True.

Best defensive point guards in the NBA...

1) Hunter
2) Billups
.
.
.
.
195) Nash

1.)Iverson
2.)Lebron
3.)Brevin Knight
4.)Billups
.
.
.
8.)Hunter

5-7 could be Marbury, Kidd, or Wade in any order.

[timvp]

1.)Iverson
2.)Lebron
3.)Brevin Knight4.)Billups
.
.
.
8.)Hunter

5-7 could be Marbury, Kidd, or Wade in any order.


Uh ... LeBron, Knight, Marbury and Kidd are some of the worst defenders in the league.

Sorry.

[SoupIsGood]

Kidd is a very good defender.

[Chris]

Uh ... LeBron, Knight, Marbury and Kidd are some of the worst defenders in the league.

Sorry.

Iverson and James both lead the league in steals and are both great at rebounding. Billups is a decent defender but definitely not top ten material or even 2 for that matter. I was being generous putting him at 4 now that I think about it. Hunter is a good defender but not the best in the game. They looked great in the finals but overall they are outclassed.

[timvp]

Kidd is a very good defender.

He used to be a very good defender. After he hurt his knee, every speed guard in the league blew by him.

[timvp]

Iverson and James both lead the league in steals and are both great at rebounding. Billups is a decent defender but definitely not top ten material or even 2 for that matter. I was being generous putting him at 4 now that I think about it. Hunter is a good defender but not the best in the game. They looked great in the finals but overall they are outclassed.

Alright bro, I'll let others give you their opinions on you putting LeBron as the second best defender on point guards.

:spin

[SoupIsGood]

He used to be a very good defender. After he hurt his knee, every speed guard in the league blew by him.

Maybe, but I don't think it knocked him down to one of the worst in the league.

[SoupIsGood]

Why is LeBron even on that list? He defends swingmen, and not even all that well.

[Duff McCartney]

I think that Indiana had Pistons number, and that was before Brown got fired.

You gotta be kidding me, I don't think Indiana ever had Detroits number. But that ECF from 04 was simply beautiful. I loved watching it. Especially that amazing block by Tayshaun at the end of Game 3 was it?

Beautiful.

[jochhejaam]

1.)Iverson
2.)Lebron
3.)Brevin Knight
4.)Billups
.
.
.
8.)Hunter

5-7 could be Marbury, Kidd, or Wade in any order.


You must have missed Tayshaun shake Lebron out of his jockstrap and go in for a power dunk. Lebron's a great athlete but he needs work at the defensive end.

LeBron needs to do more than score
Story Tools: Print Email XML
Charley Rosen / Special to FOXSports.com
Posted: 166 days ago

In his last outing, LeBron James tallied a whopping 56 points against Toronto! Unfortunately, his gargantuan effort had two unfortunate results — the loss of the game and the loss of Paul Silas' job.

LeBron James can score, that's understood. But it won't be as easy for him to do so when the playoffs roll around. (Ron Schwane / Associated Press)
For sure, James is a colossal talent capable of overloading a scoreboard in any given game. However, one side-effect of his monopolization of the shot-chart against the Raptors was that his backcourt mate, Eric Snow, and all of the Cavs' five substitutes combined for only eight shots and zero points in sixty total minutes of burn. The point being that such lopsided, unilateral offensive displays, always produce headlines and highlights while rarely producing victories.

That's because winning basketball can only be played five-on-five; and because there are two baskets on every court — one to be attacked and one to be defended. So, if at the end of the Toronto game, LeBron was visibly peeved at his team's lack of defense, he's advised to discover the primary culprit in the nearest mirror.

[yeahone]

Gotta go with the Motor City until another team proves otherwise. Getting to the finals two years running and going 7 games in that second year can't be underestimated.


well i agee with you on the motor city,,,since they have larry brown they would now want t oprove to the rest of the league that the can do with out his services.i think that the determing factor for detroit would be wether the new coach flip saunders can carry the mall the way to the brink of the promise land,,,becaue we all know that the spurs would win this year agin.

[yeahone]

You must have missed Tayshaun shake Lebron out of his jockstrap and go in for a power dunk. Lebron's a great athlete but he needs work at the defensive end.

LeBron needs to do more than score
Story Tools: Print Email XML
Charley Rosen / Special to FOXSports.com
Posted: 166 days ago

In his last outing, LeBron James tallied a whopping 56 points against Toronto! Unfortunately, his gargantuan effort had two unfortunate results — the loss of the game and the loss of Paul Silas' job.

LeBron James can score, that's understood. But it won't be as easy for him to do so when the playoffs roll around. (Ron Schwane / Associated Press)
For sure, James is a colossal talent capable of overloading a scoreboard in any given game. However, one side-effect of his monopolization of the shot-chart against the Raptors was that his backcourt mate, Eric Snow, and all of the Cavs' five substitutes combined for only eight shots and zero points in sixty total minutes of burn. The point being that such lopsided, unilateral offensive displays, always produce headlines and highlights while rarely producing victories.

That's because winning basketball can only be played five-on-five; and because there are two baskets on every court — one to be attacked and one to be defended. So, if at the end of the Toronto game, LeBron was visibly peeved at his team's lack of defense, he's advised to discover the primary culprit in the nearest mirror.


:rolleyes