2010-2011 NBA SEASON THREAD

Assuming Dirk's finger on his non-shooting hand doesn't bother him, I'll go with the Mavs pulling a minor upset, something like 96-94. Kidd, Terry, Barea, and Peja will each hit two 3's to help support Dirk. Either Chandler or Haywood will give a hard foul that causes a good ole fashioned playoff scuffle.

 

Thought I saw someone say it was "Un-American" to cheer for Lebron but maybe it was another thread. He's never really been in any trouble with the law. He's turned out better than probably 90% of the American population if they went through the same upbringing (i.e. being called the 'king' since he was 15 yrs old). He's shown some humility this year, admitting he honestly didn't think he would be able to get past the Celtics if he had stayed in Cleveland.

He, along with Wade & Bosh, helped bring the USA back to international dominance. As far as I recall, they (he) represented our country well. His decision announcement created a $2 million donation to charity. He simply wanted to work elsewhere and had the opportunity to play with his friends.

I also don't agree that he doesn't work hard at his game. His outside shot and free throws have improved immensely over his career. He plays his heart out on defense. While he's not my favorite player, he's one of my favorite to watch.

 

I said it's Un-American. I don't think Lebron is a bad person. And I do think he's the best player in the league.

He's still way too cocky despite what Nike and ESPN will put out to make you think otherwise. He had that first incident where he got dunked on and had the Nike team take away the videos of it. The time when he wouldn't give the little kid his warm up pants and shirt and instead threw it on the ground, possibly to make the kid "kneel" to "King" James when he had to pick them up. And of course the decision show was the absolute most cocky thing anyone in the NBA has ever done.

The thing is, he would probably be the most loved player in the league if he stuck with Cleveland, and now he is the most hated player in the league. I think that's why people are starting to really like Dirk a lot. He's been through a lot of hard times in Dallas and resigned with them rather than leaving and is having success. I think that's why most people are indifferent about Carmelo, because he only went to the Knicks because that's his hometown and he wanted to play there. He also left Denver in really good shape since they get players and trade picks. Lebron left Cleveland with nothing.

 

Eh, is the dude a grade A d-bag, of course he is but un-American is a bit of a stretch.

He was a free agent and made a decision that he thought was best for him. I can't fault the guy for doing that. I do fault him for the "way" he did it but damn if he doesn't figure out a way to make this hard to accept as well. His willingness to donate (the whole decision thing) was nice for the charity yet IMO way overblown. Why does it take 2 hrs of broadcast time to wait for him to say "I'm going to Miami". If any of you watched this I hope you have since gotten rid of the box of idiot flakes that were stashed in your pantry. They are not good for you.

The D-bag has since admitted that he handled that situation all wrong and for that I have to give him credit. Maybe he is learning and in time I will like him but for now he is a D bag. Boy got some game, but still a D bag.

 

Believe

 

I watched the game at a restaurant/bar called (Big) Woodrow's last night in Houston with friends. It's an LSU/Saints hangout and I was also there for the Bluegrass Miracle. I recall being so frustrated with that Kentucky game that I may have left before the miracle if my tab had been closed out quicker (everyone closing out at same time).

It was an almost identical scenario last night. When the Heat went on their 13-0 run to push it to 15, we asked to be closed out. By the time we got our checks, the Mavs had already cut it to 6 so we knew not to leave yet. Half of the upstairs section had already left by then but the remaining patrons were whooping it up quite a bit. I don't usually cheer that loud in restaurants/bars during games but had to let out a few when Dirk hit shot after shot after shot in the clutch.

 

Yeah, I think Dirk staying in Dallas along with all of the criticism he's taken over the years makes people like him more. It's had that effect on me.

I'm guessing part of the reason he left Cleveland was to distance himself from all of his crazy friends & family. Rumors of his mom & his teammate hooking up (assuming factual?). Friends always asking for tickets. Dan Gilbert showed his lack of class in the aftermath. Having the weight of the entire franchise on your shoulders. Everyone comparing you to Jordan/Kobe and saying you aren't in the same class until you win multiple rings.

Also assuming the 2 hr ESPN Decision was that long to make more money. Lebron may not have had any say in the format.