NBA: 2011-2012 Season News and Discussion Thread
#921
#922
5:35 left. No Derrick Rose. No Rip. Deng is playing with one hand. CJ Watson is playing with one leg.
Yet...Chicago is winning. LeHeat are not blowing the Bulls out by at least 987126492148762198462432142 points.
I'm going to buy a lottery ticket now. And oh, go buy an iPad too. Since pigs are flying.
Yet...Chicago is winning. LeHeat are not blowing the Bulls out by at least 987126492148762198462432142 points.
I'm going to buy a lottery ticket now. And oh, go buy an iPad too. Since pigs are flying.
#924
tired. we played a back to back. i could go on and on but the fact that is the Bulls played harder and with John Lucas shooting his mind off what can you do. Hear was outrebounded and the bench scoring was a landslide. So we lost. no biggie. We still have 2 more meetings before the playoffs.
#931
Howard flipflops yet...again.
Is it that time of the month for him in the cycle or something?
Is it that time of the month for him in the cycle or something?
Orlando center Dwight Howard reversed course yet again early Thursday morning, telling RealGM.com that he would remain with the Magic next season.
The latest surprising statement came just hours before today's 3 p.m. ET trade deadline, though it means nothing unless Howard and his agent agree in writing to waive the early termination option on his contract. If that takes place, the Magic would likely opt against trading their franchise centerpiece and he would play out the final season of his deal (worth $19.5 million). According to the website, that's what Howard plans to do Thursday.
"Man, listen, you know my heart, my soul and everything I have is in Orlando," Howard told RealGM. "I just can't leave it behind.
"I have gotten some bad advice. I apologize for this circus I have caused to the fans of our city. They didn't deserve none of this. I'm sorry from the bottom of my heart. I will do whatever I can to make this right and do what I was put in Orlando to do."
A source who spoke with Howard after his interview with RealGM told SI.com that he reiterated the same message, saying he would return for next season and waive his early termination option. Yet as we learned on Wednesday, the words mean nothing unless Howard and his agent, Dan Fegan, sign the documents.
Sources close to the situation told SI.com earlier Wednesday that Howard was being pressured by his representatives to enter free agency. That influence was a point of frustration for the Magic, as Howard would routinely express a willingness to stay only to reverse course after consulting with his agency. Howard's current agent is not on the books for his current contract and would not be paid on his client unless there is a new deal.
The Dwight debacle had reached a new low late Wednesday, when Howard and Fegan informed Magic officials that he would not commit to returning next season just hours after he told them that he would.
It was a dramatic about-face that could not have been worse for Howard's already-battered image, setting the stage for a possible exit that would rival LeBron James' exodus from Cleveland when it comes to public relations disasters.
The Magic were being teased and tantalized by the indecisive Howard one final time, and it appeared the stance that they began the day with would back in play: without any assurances that he'll stay beyond this season, sources had said the team was prepared to trade him before the deadline. Yet if anything has proven true when it comes to the NBA's latest circus of the star, it's that certainties are hard to come by. Sources said Howard's refusal to commit in writing isn't necessarily an indication that he doesn't want to remain with the Magic, and the chance remains that they will, as Howard put it, "roll the dice" and keep him past Thursday.
According to sources, Howard told the Magic earlier in the day that he would be willing to waive the early termination option on his contract that allowed him to become a free agent this summer and play out the final year on his deal (worth $19.5 million). But the Magic told Howard that they would need a waiver of the early termination option in writing to be signed by both him and his agent and issued said documents to him, and then they waited as the afternoon wore on for the paperwork that never came. His change of heart came in a conference call that took place before Orlando played at San Antonio.
Before the latest development, sources made it clear the Magic were prepared to trade Howard before Thursday's deadline unless he gave a commitment beyond this season. Team officials took great exception to Howard's comments Tuesday night that the Magic needed to "roll the dice" on his future by not trading him, and -- as was first reported by ESPN.com -- the team appeared determined to do a deal unless he offered some assurances in the form of the final year of his deal.
"[The Magic] can't assume all the risk," one source said early Wednesday. "There's just no way the [Shaquille O'Neal] situation is going to happen all over again. That's the undercurrent here."
While anything could change in this debacle that has overshadowed the Magic's stellar season, sources had said owner Rich DeVos is resigned to the reality that he needs to get something in return for Howard if he won't offer a commitment. DeVos lost O'Neal to the Lakers when he was a free agent in 1996, but the frustration this time around is far greater because of the way in which the Magic have handled Howard.
The financial considerations that drove O'Neal away are a non-factor, as the Magic are prepared to give Howard a five-year, maximum contract. They have tried aggressively to surround him with talent in recent years, as well, and even given him some say in personnel moves. Yet no matter how much Howard wants to have it all -- to finish the season with his surging team while avoiding the gutting of rosters of teams he might wind up on via trade -- the Magic want the commitment that they might be close to getting.
Meanwhile, Nets general manager Billy King is well aware he could risk losing Howard this summer via free agency if he doesn't find a way to land him now. Sources also say the Lakers and even the Knicks are among the teams who have engaged with the Magic in recent days.
Howard has told close friends that he doesn't want to play for the Lakers, but deals have been discussed between the two teams with the shared hope that he would change his stance.
While Golden State's trade for Milwaukee center Andrew Bogut on Tuesday took the Warriors out of the running for Howard in what would have been a "rental" situation, Houston remains willing to trade for Howard without any assurances that he will re-sign.
Chicago has been hopeful that Howard would agree to sign with the Bulls long-term, but a deal on that front remains unlikely unless that changes. As a result, the Magic have to engage in trade talks and will do so until the paperwork is filed.
The latest surprising statement came just hours before today's 3 p.m. ET trade deadline, though it means nothing unless Howard and his agent agree in writing to waive the early termination option on his contract. If that takes place, the Magic would likely opt against trading their franchise centerpiece and he would play out the final season of his deal (worth $19.5 million). According to the website, that's what Howard plans to do Thursday.
"Man, listen, you know my heart, my soul and everything I have is in Orlando," Howard told RealGM. "I just can't leave it behind.
"I have gotten some bad advice. I apologize for this circus I have caused to the fans of our city. They didn't deserve none of this. I'm sorry from the bottom of my heart. I will do whatever I can to make this right and do what I was put in Orlando to do."
A source who spoke with Howard after his interview with RealGM told SI.com that he reiterated the same message, saying he would return for next season and waive his early termination option. Yet as we learned on Wednesday, the words mean nothing unless Howard and his agent, Dan Fegan, sign the documents.
Sources close to the situation told SI.com earlier Wednesday that Howard was being pressured by his representatives to enter free agency. That influence was a point of frustration for the Magic, as Howard would routinely express a willingness to stay only to reverse course after consulting with his agency. Howard's current agent is not on the books for his current contract and would not be paid on his client unless there is a new deal.
The Dwight debacle had reached a new low late Wednesday, when Howard and Fegan informed Magic officials that he would not commit to returning next season just hours after he told them that he would.
It was a dramatic about-face that could not have been worse for Howard's already-battered image, setting the stage for a possible exit that would rival LeBron James' exodus from Cleveland when it comes to public relations disasters.
The Magic were being teased and tantalized by the indecisive Howard one final time, and it appeared the stance that they began the day with would back in play: without any assurances that he'll stay beyond this season, sources had said the team was prepared to trade him before the deadline. Yet if anything has proven true when it comes to the NBA's latest circus of the star, it's that certainties are hard to come by. Sources said Howard's refusal to commit in writing isn't necessarily an indication that he doesn't want to remain with the Magic, and the chance remains that they will, as Howard put it, "roll the dice" and keep him past Thursday.
According to sources, Howard told the Magic earlier in the day that he would be willing to waive the early termination option on his contract that allowed him to become a free agent this summer and play out the final year on his deal (worth $19.5 million). But the Magic told Howard that they would need a waiver of the early termination option in writing to be signed by both him and his agent and issued said documents to him, and then they waited as the afternoon wore on for the paperwork that never came. His change of heart came in a conference call that took place before Orlando played at San Antonio.
Before the latest development, sources made it clear the Magic were prepared to trade Howard before Thursday's deadline unless he gave a commitment beyond this season. Team officials took great exception to Howard's comments Tuesday night that the Magic needed to "roll the dice" on his future by not trading him, and -- as was first reported by ESPN.com -- the team appeared determined to do a deal unless he offered some assurances in the form of the final year of his deal.
"[The Magic] can't assume all the risk," one source said early Wednesday. "There's just no way the [Shaquille O'Neal] situation is going to happen all over again. That's the undercurrent here."
While anything could change in this debacle that has overshadowed the Magic's stellar season, sources had said owner Rich DeVos is resigned to the reality that he needs to get something in return for Howard if he won't offer a commitment. DeVos lost O'Neal to the Lakers when he was a free agent in 1996, but the frustration this time around is far greater because of the way in which the Magic have handled Howard.
The financial considerations that drove O'Neal away are a non-factor, as the Magic are prepared to give Howard a five-year, maximum contract. They have tried aggressively to surround him with talent in recent years, as well, and even given him some say in personnel moves. Yet no matter how much Howard wants to have it all -- to finish the season with his surging team while avoiding the gutting of rosters of teams he might wind up on via trade -- the Magic want the commitment that they might be close to getting.
Meanwhile, Nets general manager Billy King is well aware he could risk losing Howard this summer via free agency if he doesn't find a way to land him now. Sources also say the Lakers and even the Knicks are among the teams who have engaged with the Magic in recent days.
Howard has told close friends that he doesn't want to play for the Lakers, but deals have been discussed between the two teams with the shared hope that he would change his stance.
While Golden State's trade for Milwaukee center Andrew Bogut on Tuesday took the Warriors out of the running for Howard in what would have been a "rental" situation, Houston remains willing to trade for Howard without any assurances that he will re-sign.
Chicago has been hopeful that Howard would agree to sign with the Bulls long-term, but a deal on that front remains unlikely unless that changes. As a result, the Magic have to engage in trade talks and will do so until the paperwork is filed.
#932
You were crapping your pants when James jones hit back to back 3's though. Either way bulls won. Series is tied. to me this doesn't solve anything. Probably just matters who gets home court advantage
#933
So, believe it or not (and snarking aside), the win was super shocking.
But, I do agree on your point though, the regular season tilts don't mean anything. Everyone knows the true battle will be when (or if) they meet in the playoffs.
#935
But you saw when the ref made a crappy call when the replay showed that Kyle korver did touch the ball last when it went out of bounds and none of the heats hands were even near the ball.
#936
AND, he also helped your team out when he passed the ball directly to LeBron who sent it to LeWade for the easy LeLayup.
#937
All this flip flopping by Howard should be a big "red flag" to the Magic that Howard is indecisive and anything he tells you now might change in the very near future. It's up to the Magic to conduct business as business and if they don't trade Howard anything negative that comes from keeping him will be on them not Howard because the Magic had signs and didn't pay attention.
#940
#945
#948
Now, serious though here: If I were the LeHeat...and if I were serious in putting together a truly godly team, I would trade LeBron to the Magic for Dwight.
Straight up.
Why? LeWade and LeBron pretty much do the same thing. They have no true center and given the current make-up of the team, they compensate by doing that nutty over-rotating thing...which I suppose could work but is IMO, flawed.
Thoughts?
Straight up.
Why? LeWade and LeBron pretty much do the same thing. They have no true center and given the current make-up of the team, they compensate by doing that nutty over-rotating thing...which I suppose could work but is IMO, flawed.
Thoughts?
#950
Now, serious though here: If I were the LeHeat...and if I were serious in putting together a truly godly team, I would trade LeBron to the Magic for Dwight.
Straight up.
Why? LeWade and LeBron pretty much do the same thing. They have no true center and given the current make-up of the team, they compensate by doing that nutty over-rotating thing...which I suppose could work but is IMO, flawed.
Thoughts?
Straight up.
Why? LeWade and LeBron pretty much do the same thing. They have no true center and given the current make-up of the team, they compensate by doing that nutty over-rotating thing...which I suppose could work but is IMO, flawed.
Thoughts?
#951
I can't believe Fisher got traded. He's been one of my favorite Lakers players for years & has such a huge 3-point baskets.
BTW, am I correct in assuming Jackson just went from the Bucks to the Warriors now to the Spurs in a day?
BTW, am I correct in assuming Jackson just went from the Bucks to the Warriors now to the Spurs in a day?
#952
Camby gets dealt to Rockets for Johnny Flynn and Thabeet, and 3 team deal with Nene and Brian Cook going to the Wiz, Clips get Nick Young, and Nuggets get Javale McGee and Ronny Turiaf
#954
I hate to see Fisher go but who knows maybe he'll be back, I don't know much about Jordan Hill so we will have to see. I'm glad we finally got rid of "Fluke Walton" and I'm glad we got Sessions.
#955
Now, serious though here: If I were the LeHeat...and if I were serious in putting together a truly godly team, I would trade LeBron to the Magic for Dwight.
Straight up.
Why? LeWade and LeBron pretty much do the same thing. They have no true center and given the current make-up of the team, they compensate by doing that nutty over-rotating thing...which I suppose could work but is IMO, flawed.
Thoughts?
Straight up.
Why? LeWade and LeBron pretty much do the same thing. They have no true center and given the current make-up of the team, they compensate by doing that nutty over-rotating thing...which I suppose could work but is IMO, flawed.
Thoughts?
#956
i don't see Walton being the league much longer, only reason why he was still there because of his dad.
#957
choke artist or not, if he said he wanted to go to your team, you would take him in a second.
#958
Are you sipping on the gas fumes again? Lebron play almost every position for the team other than center. Of course we do need a center but when your bulls won 6 championships they didn't have a superstar center. Bill Cartwright and luc longley. We just need a rebounder to help bosh. I like Joel Anthony but probably to come off the bench. Eddy curry supposedly to help that but he's useless
And why are you comparing the Bulls team to the LeHeat? Are YOU nuts? Sorry, dude...but, as talented as LeBron, LeWade, LeMiniMe (no, he's not) are, they are NOT MJ, Pippen, et al.
So, I think Howard in a Miami uniform makes sense.
#959
#960
Nope...I'm not being my usual loony-bin here. I'm serious.
And why are you comparing the Bulls team to the LeHeat? Are YOU nuts? Sorry, dude...but, as talented as LeBron, LeWade, LeMiniMe (no, he's not) are, they are NOT MJ, Pippen, et al.
So, I think Howard in a Miami uniform makes sense.
And why are you comparing the Bulls team to the LeHeat? Are YOU nuts? Sorry, dude...but, as talented as LeBron, LeWade, LeMiniMe (no, he's not) are, they are NOT MJ, Pippen, et al.
So, I think Howard in a Miami uniform makes sense.
Me personally, i think we can do without Howard.,