NBA discussion thread

true, but it may also mean a possible trade is being lined up.

He wouldn't be a first pick in the draft if all he could do was dunk.

Jus becausen he was the first pick means nothing. A lot of 1st picks in any draft do not always pan out. Oden has nothing to work with in Portland. I see them only wining maybe 30 games and get possibly another #1 pick.

Originally posted by DARKLORDCAEDUS
He wouldn't be a first pick in the draft if all he could do was dunk.

Jus becausen he was the first pick means nothing. A lot of 1st picks in any draft do not always pan out. Oden has nothing to work with in Portland. I see them only wining maybe 30 games and get possibly another #1 pick.

kwame? olowakandi?

they were no1's or close to werent they?

Originally posted by DARKLORDCAEDUS
Jus becausen he was the first pick means nothing. A lot of 1st picks in any draft do not always pan out. Oden has nothing to work with in Portland. I see them only wining maybe 30 games and get possibly another #1 pick.

Jeez you really seem to have it in for Oden, all the signs from the experts are pointing to him having a great career. He has all the tools to be an elite center and he has a coachable mentality and a strong work ethic. Some #1 picks dont work out but most do and i think Oden will be just fine.
As for him having nothing to work with, i dont see it that way. Portland has one of the most talented young rosters in the league, they just need to grow together and develop some chemistry. They have some quality defenders in Jack, Roy, Outlaw and Aldridge and now they have just got their defensive anchor in Oden. They maybe dont have as much offense as some in the league but i'd rather build my team around guys that can and want to play defense and with a little time can become solid scorers like the guys i listed above.

i think portland are gonna do fine. will them missing th eplayoffs be acceptable? or is that fine and part of the learning curve?

LOL @ experts.

We see just as much as them, if they are "experts" then so are we. 😆

Seeing is one thing, understanding what you are seeing and why is another.

Well I'm an expert. 😆

Can I put that on my job application?

So you are going after Mitch's job then, good luck with that.

Originally posted by RecSpecs110

Can you post a link? I can't seem to find it.

Its gone now. It was one of the main pictures on NBA.com.

Blazers will only win 30? They had that this year. You think he won't be an upgrade to what they already had? Many of the past #1 flops were drafted purely on potential. Oden shows the abilities to be good now and potential to be even better. I don't think anybody ever has looked as good as Oden coming into the draft and turned out to be a bust. A disappointment maybe, but still good.

Edit: Rashard Lewis is going to Orlando.

i think the blazers winning 30 this year wont be a bad thing. yes theres a lot of expectation, BUT its a team that has to gel and get used to one another. it may take a little time. making the playoffs in the west isn't easy.

"Rashard Lewis has given the Orlando Magic a verbal commitment to leave the Seattle SuperSonics and sign a max contract on July 11, according to NBA front-office sources."

good signing for the magic if it happens

I personally don't think he is worth a max contract but he will fit in well with Orlando.

I predict more in the 40 range for the Blazers. They were meshing well last year and there are only a few new Blazers. Most seem to be of similar personality so I expect them to mesh (except Francis who is expected not to play).

i hope so, pushing for a playoff spot would be a good thing, but i think its fair not to expect it.

francis to go where? think anywhere will pick him up?

There is talks of a buyout so Francis would be more appealing to teams with a new contract. I read a few days back the Clippers are interested.

Originally posted by vandalworks
"Rashard Lewis has given the Orlando Magic a verbal commitment to leave the Seattle SuperSonics and sign a max contract on July 11, according to NBA front-office sources."

good signing for the magic if it happens

I hope Lewis will have a god year, so DH can also have a good year.

A "god" year, huh? jk

he'll have a solid year at worse. scoring pressure taken off dwight may see him thrive.

No, at worse he could get injured or die, but I know what you mean.

well... that is a negative view.

but i see your point. another bobby phills, jason collier, or malik sealy we do not want.