He's played well no doubt. But Leopards don't change their stripes. Talent alone can only take you so far. Carter has shown nothing over his previous what 9 or 10 years in the league that lead me to believe he can lead this team anywhere.

Looking at this from a Toronto vs NJ perspective only though. I can see him getting up enough to beat the Raptors. The Booo's from the Toronto fans alone will be enough to drive him. And yes, this is the most exciting series of the first round. I can't wait to start yelling at my TV.

 

I think he's a below average shooter in general (at least that used to be what was said) but he always seems to make big shots.

 

jason kidd is not a good shooter. he's improved over his career, especially during the past 5 years as he's gotten older and lost some of his speed.

but he's one of those players that seems to shoot better from 3's than inside the 3point line. and he does have a knack at making the big baskets. but if i was a nets fan, i'd rather see vince carter take the last shot...and that's scary.

 

i've shared my thoughts on vince carter in one of the older threads.

but based on athleticism, talent, and skills, vince carter has the makeup to be one of the top 5/10 players in the league. but he's done nothing to show the work ethic, motivation, and leadership to prove that. it's a shame because i've been a big fan of his since his unc days. i always thought that if he had 5% of the work ethic that kobe bryant has, then he'd a be remarkable player.

some players want to be the alpha dog. some are born to be the alpha dog. vince carter is neither.

 

I guess, but i think he can carry the Nets over the Raps.

Now how about the Rockets and the Jazz

 

you know, i'm actually a little concerned of the jazz. any jerry sloan coached team is going to give trouble in the playoffs. but i still like our chances. i think it won't be a cruise, but we'll win in 6.

as long as mcgrady doesn't make anymore "it feels good to be in the second round" comments.

 

We waited years for that work ethic, motivation and leadership to arrive up here in TO and nothing. You can't imagine how frustrating that is. The year the Raps made a playoff run was his best year. He hit several game winning shots and drove the basket every chance he got. But I'm thinking that had alot to do with Charles Oakley. Word was he rode Vince hard. He was gone after that year and Vince hasn't been the same since.

 

Im really surprised with what the Rockets have done this season. I think with Yao in the post and McGrady playing how he has been the last few games, they'd be good. I do think the Jazz will give them trouble. I think the Okur/Yao matchup is going to be interesting. Okur can shoot the 3 ball, and is not that great in the post, the opposite of Yao. I cant wait for this weekend.

 

lol, when did he say that?

Houston may have had 60 wins if they were in the East.

 

totally agree. i don't want to say he's the most overrated player in the league. but he's the most frustrating player because he can be that good if he wanted to be.

after that series against philly, i really thought he was going to cross that line from superstar to immortal. he was that impressive. but i don't want to spend too much time on this topic because i did a lot of that in the old thread.

but yea, i can't imagine what toronto fans thought when he said he tanked the season. but it's good to see how things really worked out for toronto.

 

on the Bulls needing the win over the Nets.

But, I think Chicago played Miami well during the course of the year...let's see! And now is when we'll really see if all that $$$ given to Ben Wallace is worth it because he was brought in to neutralize Shaq.

 

this was a few seasons ago when the rockets were playing dallas and had a lead in the series. they just needed one more win to advance.

so mcgrady says "it feels good to finally make it to the second round."

next thing you know, dallas wins the next two games and advances.

 

I remember that now.

 

Oh snap! I remember that foot-in-the-mouth line from him!

 

I don't see who else would take the last shot other than carter.

 

This is going to be a good match but I got my money on Houston.

 

I totally agree with you. I do remember reading your point of view. I wish he wasn't so lazy...

 

are you guys still hating on V. Carter? If so this is going to be a fun match to watch.

 

Detailed schedules/playoff info just out at NBA.com

 

I'm excited.

 

Yea me too, I wish they would kick it off this friday night instead of making me wait until saturday.

 

The Booo's for Vince in the regular season were severe. I can only imagine how bad it will be for the playoffs.

Can't believe game 1 is 12:30 Saturday. Its going to be nice out, last thing I want is to be stuck inside watching the game. Oh well.

 

Big time. He's boo'd at every touch of the ball up here. Its going to be loud at the Air Canada Center.

 

Ya. In my case I wont have access to a TV Sat night so i'm glad its at 12:30. Plus its early enough that it you can go out afterwards.

 

pressure is on..

 

Nice, this is going to be a hell of match. I want to see how well Carter is going to pull this one out.

 

^ Really...? Sure, the sidestory of Vince's messy divorce with the Raptors is there...but, I think the marquee matchup from the East is going to be between Chicago (personal bias aside) and Miami...

 

But the drama from the Raps - Nets series will be great. At least the first 2 games.

 

true...who's gonna contain carter though?

 

I think it will probably be the most fun to watch of the Eastern first round.

 

Anthony Parker and Mo Pete.

Parker is one hell of a defender. But truth is carter will likely get his 25 per game. The Raps will have to focus on making sure no one else steps up.

Who's going to contain Bosh? I don't think the Nets have a big man quick enough to stay with him. Can Kidd keep up with TJ Ford? Bargnani has been knocking down alot of 3's in the second half.

 

+1 on the marquee matchup being chicago and miami.

but the carter vs. toronto is fun for drama's sake.

and vince will get his 25ppg, but toronto just needs to make him work for it. if he has to take 25 shots per game to get 25 points, then i'd live with that. and mo-pete's a pretty good defender. he and parker will make him work.

 

So, what are you fearless predictions...?

Western Conference
Mavericks vs. Warriors
Suns vs. Lakers
Spurs vs. Nuggets
Jazz vs. Rockets

Eastern Conference
Bulls vs. Heat
Raptors vs. Nets
Cavaliers vs. Wizards
Pistons vs. Magic

 

My picks:

Western Conference:
- Mavericks in 5
- Suns in 5
- Spurs in 6
- Rockets in 6

Eastern Conference:
- Bulls in 7
- Raptors in 6
- Cavaliers in 5
- Pistons in 5

 

From this morning on page 2.

 

^ Gee, thanks dom. Pick against both our home teams.

 

just for that

miami in 5

 

Flame suit on...

 

the Hate-on for Carter has already begun.

On a Basketball forum.. a lot of fans have begun thinking of chants + things to say to Carter (and the Nets) during the game.

I don't think the Raps fans will ever get over Vince, cuz we're stubborn that way.

-my fav so far is the "Wifebeater" chants for JKidd

 

You're a fuckn idiot