[Chi159]

[img]smilies/lol.gif[/img] It’s nice to see you back, dcismyfav!

As for your proposed lineup for next year, that would be an awfully weak bench for L.A. Don't you think? In fact, I don’t think it would be much better than the one they had this past season. If the injury-prone likes of Pippen or Ratliff went down for an extended stretch (a good bet), I wouldn’t feel comfortable with any of those guys in the starting lineup. Hey, I like the sound of that! [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] If they trade for Ratliff, Lakers fans better hope they can lure better quality free agents to their team.

Shaolin- You seriously want to see your Raptors take a chance on Pavel Podkolzine? While he’s got a lot of upside and talent, the guy is unproven and incredibly raw. Would Raptor fans be willing to wait a few years for Pavel to develop? Somehow, I seriously doubt that. This team has performed well below expectations the past few years. With Grunwald promising a better product next season, I will be surprised to see him draft the biggest project of the draft. Btw, I hear that Kevin O’Neill is about to become your next coach. Good luck! To say that he’s intense and demanding would be an understatement. I don’t have much positive to say about his days at Northwestern (I unfortunately witnessed his “coaching” techniques there), but you can count on him stressing team defense and kicking Vinsanity‘s butt into gear.

Other rumors:
[*]Toronto Raptors trade Antonio Davis to Dallas for Raef LaFrentz and Evan Eschmeyer (this deal would reunite Esch with his old coach-- Kevin O’Neill). This rumor comes from Sam Smith, so take it with a HUGE grain of salt.
[*]Chicago Bulls trade Jay Williams and the No. 7 pick to Denver for the No. 3 pick, which presumably would be Carmelo Anthony. This rumor has been around for a while now. I don’t see it happening, but it makes for an interesting scenario.

[ 06-16-2003: Message edited Chi159 ]

[Shaolin]

Originally posted by dcismyfav: <STRONG>With that in mind, Lakers' roster could be :- PG: Jason Gardner SG: Kobe Bryant C: Shaquille O'Neal SF: Scottie Pippen PF: Theo Ratliff Bench: Jannero Pargo Brian Shaw (re-sign) Rick Fox Stanislav Medvedenko Dan Gadzuric (FA center from Milwaukee who played for UCLA) Travis Best (FA PG from Miami) Devean George How about that for an imagination ? [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]</STRONG>

First of all, welcome back! Nice to see that you still have plenty of Laker love. There's not much of that flowing since you left.

I don't know about your proposed team though. Do you really think Phil would have a rookie playing the point? I think the Lakers should focus on getting a better supporting cast for Shaq and Kobe. If the Lakers want to win, they'll need to shell out some money for some "real" players. I'd do something like this:

STARTERS:
PG Earl Boykins (free agent)
SG Kobe Bryant
SF Devean George
PF Tyronne Hill (free agent)
C Shaq O'Neal

BENCH:
Jon Barry (free agent)
Rick Fox
Raja Bell (free agent)
Slav Medvedenko
Kareem Rush
Mark Madsen (re-sign)

Screw the luxury tax! [img]smilies/lol.gif[/img]

Originally posted by Chi159: <STRONG>Shaolin- You seriously want to see your Raptors take a chance on Pavel Podkolzine? While he’s got a lot of upside and talent, the guy is unproven and incredibly raw. Would Raptor fans be willing to wait a few years for Pavel to develop? Somehow, I seriously doubt that.</STRONG>

Well, there aren't too many options out there. The other two big men the Raptors could draft are Chris Bosh and Chris Kaman. Bosh needs to put on some more weight and I've heard that Kaman has been performing bad in workouts. They could also go after point guard TJ Ford, but this year's draft seems to be deep at PG, so the Raps could always get one in the 2nd round.

[ 06-17-2003: Message edited Shaolin ]

[Carmelo Anthony]

Taking a close look

Anthony, Nuggets form bond at Pepsi Center

By Clay Latimer, Rocky Mountain News
June 17, 2003

After more than a decade in the NBA's deepest pits, the Denver Nuggets know the name of the lottery game.

So they were prepared for Carmelo Anthony's visit Monday morning.

"They have his name on the locker already," one of Anthony's agents, Bill Duffy, said shortly after touring the Pepsi Center. "That's a strong indication."

Nuggets general manager Kiki Vandeweghe again refused to say the club definitely will take the Syracuse University star with the third pick in the June 26 draft.

Vandeweghe still plans to bring in a handful of players, including Pavel Podkolzine, a 7-foot-5, 303-pound Russian center who left scouts slack-jawed during an NBA pre-draft camp last week.

But after watching Anthony in a 30- minute workout, during which the smooth small forward did a 21st-century impression of former Nuggets stalwart Alex English, the handwriting appeared to be on the, well, locker.

"He came in and shot the ball really well," Vandeweghe said. "He's got a great base, great legs and a great touch and feel - kind of like Alex English."

In fact, asked what it would take to make the Nuggets pass on Anthony, Vandeweghe said: "I haven't seen it yet."

In an era of specialists, Anthony is comfortable playing every position, as he demonstrated in an 81-78 win against Kansas in the NCAA title game. In the first half of that game, Anthony went inside, scoring as a power forward and center, then moved outside, making jumpers as a small forward and shooting guard. With the game on the line in the final minutes, Anthony moved to the top of the key to run the Orangemen's offense, a 6-foot-8 freshman point guard.

"I tell you what, we need him, we really do," Nuggets coach Jeff Bzdelik said. "We need a player who can create plays, who can score in a variety of ways, who can run the floor, who can put it on the floor, take it to the basket to create a shot for himself or for someone else. He's proven. We've all seen what he can do."

Although he bricked several three-point shots near the end of his workout Monday, Anthony didn't seem worried about adjusting to the NBA trey.

"Don't get fooled by what I did," he said. "The altitude got to me a little bit.

"My confidence is really high right now. I'm confident enough to know that I can come in and play at this level. (The Final Four) had a lot to do with my confidence. It went up another notch after the Final Four and winning the national championship."

In the past two weeks, Anthony has traveled to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago and Portland, Ore. Today, he's scheduled to join his Syracuse teammates for a White House visit with President Bush, and on June 25, he and his mother will appear on the ABC network's Good Morning America.

Anthony recently signed an endorsement deal with Nike. And on June 23, Ohio high school superstar LeBron James,

Serbia-Montenegro's Darko Milicic and Anthony - the Big Three of the 2003 Draft - will participate in a joint photo shoot for Gentleman's Quarterly magazine.

For a franchise in need of an identity and star quality, Anthony could be the answer.

"I'm prepared for that," Anthony said, "but I (have to) make sure that's what they want me to do first before I come in and just try to take over."

Lottery picks typically praise every team and town they visit during the pre-draft buildup. For example, in Toronto, Podkolzine said he idolized Raptors star Vince Carter; in New York, he said his hero was Knicks guard Allan Houston.

A couple of weeks ago, however, Anthony said he would rather play for the Detroit Pistons than the Nuggets. But that was before the Pistons said they would draft Milicic and then canceled Anthony's workout.

"At first everyone said: 'Denver is this, Denver is that - a bad city, a bad team, a bad place to go,' " Anthony said. "But I guess they were saying it because they were either Detroit fans or Cleveland fans.

"Now that I'm here, I'm starting to see for myself what kind of city it is, what kind of program it is. The more I'm starting to learn about it, the better the feeling I'm starting to get.

"Actually, I'm in a better situation in Denver than in Detroit. If I went to Detroit, I'd be splitting minutes with Tayshaun Price, playing 15 or 18 (minutes) a game. If I come here, I'll play significant minutes."

James is a prodigy and pop-culture sensation who will sell out areas, and Milicic is a 7-footer who, it's said, can handle the ball, shoot the trey and run the floor. But many NBA insiders believe Anthony has the game, personality and leadership skills to become the best No. 3 pick since Michael Jordan.

Maybe that's why Anthony was invited to Vandeweghe's home for dinner Sunday night, along with Bzdelik, Nuggets owner Stan Kroenke and their families.

"I'm getting the sense this is where I'm going to be," Anthony said. "I don't see any reason they won't draft me."

[Shaolin]

brim: It seems the Nuggets are wining and dining Melo real hard. Here's something interesting I read in the Denver Post:

A more likely scenario: The Nuggets keep the pick, draft Anthony and sign Andre Miller and Gilbert Arenas, giving them one of the best backcourts in the league. ... It's never a good idea in this body, but I'm going to go out on a limb here. A starting lineup of Miller at the point and Arenas at two guard, with Anthony, Juwan Howard and Nene Hilario up front doesn't lose 65 games, as the Nuggets did last season. Not only that, they might offer up entertainment, a commodity the Nuggets haven't provided for the better part of a decade...

What are those writers up in Denver smoking? [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] [img]smilies/lol.gif[/img] If the Nuggets ever got a team like that, I'd shave my head bald and run through downtown Toronto naked. [img]smilies/lol.gif[/img]

-The Sam Smith rumors Kathie mentioned:

Teams drafting below the Nuggets are interested in trading. That's where West, long-daring trader, comes in. Memphis has the No. 13 pick in the first round, and West is trying to move up, apparently because he likes French guard Mickael Pietrus. Bulls general manager John Paxson, who has the seventh pick, goes to see Pietrus this week. One Memphis possibility being talked about is a switch with the Miami Heat, which holds the No. 5 pick. Pat Riley doesn't want a rookie, and there is a long-discussed deal coming up again for 2001 No. 2 overall pick Stromile Swift, a shot-blocking power forward. But there's also been talk around the league the Grizzlies might be willing to part with Pau Gasol in a larger package. Sources say Portland is trying to put together a package in which Gasol goes there or to Minnesota, if a third team gets involved, with perhaps a change of scenery for Rasheed Wallace or Zach Randolph. Although the teams have yet to talk directly, there's another possibility that could throw the Dallas Mavericks right into the championship mix in the West. The Mavs and Karl Malone have long had some mutual interest, though Dallas is hesitant because of Malone's age and the fact that his main role is that of a scorer. Dallas needs a tough, role-playing power forward, and the perfect choice may be Toronto's Antonio Davis. The Raptors reportedly would love to be rid of the aging and often cranky Davis, who questioned living in Toronto, even before the SARS scare. The Raptors have the No. 4 overall pick and want a big man. But they aren't impressed with the crop, especially with questions growing about Central Michigan's Chris Kaman—scouts wonder if he could be as disappointing as Chris Mihm—and the inexperience of 7-5 Russian Pavel Podkolzine. The ideal fit may be Dallas' 6-foot-11-inch Raef LaFrentz. He doesn't work well in the Mavericks' frenzied, open attack. But he is a good shooter who should be more effective in the East's half-court game. Plus, he can help spread the court and create more room for Vince Carter, assuming Carter again cares to attack the basket. Dallas would have to throw in another player, perhaps Evan Eschmeyer, and cash. The Kings also are looking for a big man, a young one to eventually replace Vlade Divac. So they could become an ideal trading partner with the Bulls. Hello, Hedo Turkoglu? One of the project big men, like Kaman or 7-5 Podkolzine, will be available when the Bulls pick at No. 7. Though Turkoglu isn't the ideal small forward, especially on defense, he's a good-shooting veteran who could contribute immediately. If the Bulls cannot find a better deal, he's a likely fall-back position. Much speculation has centered on Latrell Sprewell, whom the Knicks long have tried to deal. But one of the reasons Van Gundy supposedly walked out on the Knicks two years ago was that Sprewell told him off and tuned him out. The Rockets have several big men they would like to deal, including Kelvin Cato and Maurice Taylor. It's likely Van Gundy will try to get Allan Houston and the Knicks could be enticed, especially with questions about Antonio McDyess. It could happen if the Rockets included Eddie Griffin, who played one year at Seton Hall in South Orange, N. J.

Other rumors:

Garnett looms as missing gem (KG to the Nets?)

THE SAN ANTONIO KIDD?

Payton will consider Warriors

[Carmelo Anthony]

You know what? A starting lineup like that in Denver wouldn't suprise me because Denver has tons of money to spend this off season. They can get the free agents, they just have to convice them to come here.

[Chi159]

Originally posted by brim: <STRONG> They can get the free agents, they just have to convice them to come here.</STRONG>

That's not an easy thing to do. No offense to the city of Denver and its fine people, but it's not exactly considered an ideal destination for NBA players. It lacks the basketball tradition and locale to draw interest from top-flight NBA players. I would be VERY surprised to see an elite player sign with the Nuggets in the next few years. Maybe someone like Gilbert Arenas or Corey Maggette, but that's about it. Otherwise, the only way the McNuggets will be able to put that $ to good use is if they develop their young talent (Skita, Hilario, Melo?) into great players.

GP to Oakland? I would LOVE to see that happen. I'm not a Warriors fan, but I enjoyed the days of Run DMC. Golden State has some nice young talent in JRich, Arenas, Murphy, and Dunleavy. The addition of Payton might not put them over the top, but it's definitely a start. However, for some reason, I'm expecting him to sign with the Lakers. God, I hope not!

[Jordan23]

Not sure where to post this at, so I hope it's okay to post here since it's NBA related.


Like we didn't know this already...
One big brick: Spurs-Nets ratings lowest ever


Guess wearing those Jordans all season long, didn't help get Kobe on that Jordan Jumpman Brand! [img]smilies/lol.gif[/img]
Bryant will wear the Nike, not Jordan, brand


First thing I'd do is fire George Karl, but that's just me! [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]
Talks heat up between Jordan, Bucks


<A HREF="http://espn.go.com/nba/news/2003/0618/1570162.html" TARGET=_blank>His "The Life" episode airs Tuesday
</A>

[ 06-19-2003: Message edited Pat ]

[NikNak]

Originally posted by Pat: <STRONG>Guess wearing those Jordans all season long, didn't help get Kobe on that Jordan Jumpman Brand! [img]smilies/lol.gif[/img] </STRONG>

[img]smilies/lol.gif[/img] Bwahaha!

Btw, it's okay for you to post this information here. No problem. The last thread had reached its limit and the NBA is officially in the off-season anyway, so that's what this thread is for. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

[Chi159]

Podkolzine Pulls Name Out of Draft

Wow! I’m kind of surprised by this news. Pavel was sure to be picked in the upper half of this year’s draft. I can’t see his stock going any higher than it is right now. At least he realized that he’s a HUGE project, and that’s exactly how NBA teams view him. This news is going to shake up the draft lottery. Well, now Shaolin is not going to get his guy. [img]smilies/frown.gif[/img] That might not end up being such a bad thing for the Raptors in the long run. Pavel had way too many question marks surrounding him. The same goes for Chris Bosh. However, I think he’s Toronto’s pick at No. 4 barring a trade down.

Other news:

The latest trade rumor involves a sign-and-trade deal involving Jason Kidd going to Sacramento for Mike Bibby and Hedo Turkoglu. There’s no way I see this happening. Kidd either re-signs with the Nets or becomes a Spur this summer.

[Carmelo Anthony]

Originally posted by Chi159: <STRONG> That's not an easy thing to do. No offense to the city of Denver and its fine people, but it's not exactly considered an ideal destination for NBA players. It lacks the basketball tradition and locale to draw interest from top-flight NBA players. I would be VERY surprised to see an elite player sign with the Nuggets in the next few years. Maybe someone like Gilbert Arenas or Corey Maggette, but that's about it. Otherwise, the only way the McNuggets will be able to put that $ to good use is if they develop their young talent (Skita, Hilario, Melo?) into great players. GP to Oakland? I would LOVE to see that happen. I'm not a Warriors fan, but I enjoyed the days of Run DMC. Golden State has some nice young talent in JRich, Arenas, Murphy, and Dunleavy. The addition of Payton might not put them over the top, but it's definitely a start. However, for some reason, I'm expecting him to sign with the Lakers. God, I hope not!</STRONG>

I guess i'll be the only one here ever defending the Nuggets. But you watch they'll prove everyone wrong and be back in the winning side again. It'll be the 70's/80's/early 90's all over again, when they were in the playoffs every year. Call me crazy, call me stupid, I don't care. [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

[Shaolin]

Originally posted by Chi159: <STRONG>Well, now Shaolin is not going to get his guy. [img]smilies/frown.gif[/img] That might not end up being such a bad thing for the Raptors in the long run. Pavel had way too many question marks surrounding him. The same goes for Chris Bosh. However, I think he’s Toronto’s pick at No. 4 barring a trade down.</STRONG>

Damn! I don't know what the Raps are going to do now. I have a feeling they might trade the pick to shake things up a bit. If they don't trade the pick, Bosh is probably their man.

[Chi159]

I think Pavel is nuts. The fact that he is viewed as a young project with great potential was actually working in his favor! Not only will he possibly have to contend with a 20-year-old age limit next year (that would prevent him from entering the draft), but he also has a newfound endocrine problem and is at great risk for ankle/foot injuries in the future. If he does not play well next year in Italy, or suffers a big injury, he’s screwed. Add to the fact that Euro leagues bury young players on the bench no matter how good they are (Darko is a prime example), and this decision makes very little sense. His decision has “Chris Marcus” written ALL over it.

This news definitely sucks for the Raptors because it vastly decreases their trade leverage. I could have seen the likes of Portland trading Sheed for the No. 4 pick and some mixture of filler. That’s not gonna happen now. Pavel’s decision also puts the Bulls in a bad place. That is, if they have their heart set on Dwyane Wade. He and Chris Kaman probably benefit the most from Pavel dropping out.

Scott- Okay, you’re crazy. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] I like your optimistic attitude, though. Denver was a great ABA haven back in the day. It would be nice to see the McNugget magic happen again. If it happens, I just think it's going to be a byproduct of the draft, not free agency.

[Carmelo Anthony]

Originally posted by Chi159: <STRONG>I think Pavel is nuts. The fact that he is viewed as a young project with great potential was actually working in his favor! Not only will he possibly have to contend with a 20-year-old age limit next year (that would prevent him from entering the draft), but he also has a newfound endocrine problem and is at great risk for ankle/foot injuries in the future. If he does not play well next year in Italy, or suffers a big injury, he’s screwed. Add to the fact that Euro leagues bury young players on the bench no matter how good they are (Darko is a prime example), and this decision makes very little sense. His decision has “Chris Marcus” written ALL over it. This news definitely sucks for the Raptors because it vastly decreases their trade leverage. I could have seen the likes of Portland trading Sheed for the No. 4 pick and some mixture of filler. That’s not gonna happen now. Pavel’s decision also puts the Bulls in a bad place. That is, if they have their heart set on Dwyane Wade. He and Chris Kaman probably benefit the most from Pavel dropping out. Scott- Okay, you’re crazy. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] I like your optimistic attitude, though. Denver was a great ABA haven back in the day. It would be nice to see the McNugget magic happen again. If it happens, I just think it's going to be a byproduct of the draft, not free agency.</STRONG>

Just don't mind me, I'll back the Nuggets win or lose. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] But I think they'll be good again and sooner then later.

[Shaolin]

The following article reports:

Media outlets in Toronto were reporting yesterday that the Toronto Raptors may be trying to trade their first-round pick (No. 4 overall) and forward Antonio Davis to the Dallas Mavericks for forward Raef LaFrentz and Dallas' first-round pick (No. 29 overall).

Reports say the Raptors would then get Carl English with the 24th pick. HELL NO! I'd keep the 4th pick and trade A.D. for Raef straight up. The trade makes sense for Dallas since they have too many shooters and not enough defence. And Raef could open things up for Toronto and create more room for Vince Carter to work.

Man, this draft is going to be an interesting one.

[Chi159]

Interesting.

I’ve heard about that proposed trade before.

I’m not a fan of Antonio Davis, but Raef LaFrentz? He’s just as soft as Vinsanity. I’m not sure he would be a good fit inside for the Raptors. He’s definitely not made for Dallas’ offense. I’m sure they would be glad to get rid of him. But, you’re right, LaFrentz would be able to open up the lane for Carter due to his outside shooting. Of course, that’s assuming Vince doesn’t settle for jumpers all the time, which has become his calling card.