That's my FIBA bracket, I'm probably 90% right on this one.
I still need to do those Eastern Conference predictions...
Sports Hustle
That's my FIBA bracket, I'm probably 90% right on this one.
I still need to do those Eastern Conference predictions...
NIGERIA LOSING?!
I don't think... oh wait, that's Germany there facing. Damn, never mind.
Also, interesting that you don't have WHO wins in the final. Nice.
And yeah, still waiting for those East Coast predictions. Also, Indiana got back Al Harrington!
Peace.
I don't think... oh wait, that's Germany there facing. Damn, never mind.
And yeah, still waiting for those East Coast predictions. Also, Indiana got back Al Harrington!
Peace.
| quote: |
| Originally posted by Nine XXVI NIGERIA LOSING?! I don't think... oh wait, that's Germany there facing. Damn, never mind.
Also, interesting that you don't have WHO wins in the final. Nice. And yeah, still waiting for those East Coast predictions. Also, Indiana got back Al Harrington! Peace. |
Look above the trophy
And yeah, Al Harrington back in Indiana will definitely factor into my predictions.
Edit: I actually had a chance to watch the Nigerian national team this summer. They came to town and played against the Mavs' summer league team. They almost won, but Maurice Ager smoked them at the end with 2 or 3 consecutive 3-pointers.
| quote: | ||
Originally posted by 088nd
Look above the trophy
And yeah, Al Harrington back in Indiana will definitely factor into my predictions. Edit: I actually had a chance to watch the Nigerian national team this summer. They came to town and played against the Mavs' summer league team. They almost won, but Maurice Ager smoked them at the end with 2 or 3 consecutive 3-pointers. |
Ah, yes. Nice. Also, don't sleep on Carmelo Anthony. Dude dropped 35 points for a USA record.
I know the Nigerian team ain't going anywhere, but I'm glad they got a couple of wins though.
Also, I find it kind of ironic that your national team (Germany) is playing my national team (Nigeria). What the hell are the odds to that?!
Other wise, not much other news in the pro basketball world. The Charlotte Bobcats got new blue jerseys (although they look kind of grey), Milwaukee traded Joe Smith to Denver for Ruben Patterson, Bobcats forward Lonny Baxtor got arrested by Secret Service agents, and just when you thought the Hawks couldn't get any stupider...
Peace.
Long awaited (by Nine) Eastern Conf. predictions:
1. Miami Heat: I'm still somewhat doubtful of this one. Even though they won the NBA Finals (which they didn't, it was Dallas' to lose, and the did), I'm still not convinced they'll be the best team in the Eastern Conference next year. Shaq, Zo, Walker, Payton, Posey are all a year older, and that's not a good thing for them. I might be delusional, but I can't see them repeating.
2.Chicago Bulls: This is my first 'surprise' pick. Come on, they added Big Ben to an already solid defense. This will be the best defensive team in the league next year, and since their players now have some playoff experience, I really think they can make it to the East finals. Especially since Kirk Hinrich is playing in some pressure games this summer. I wouldn't be surprised if they beat the Heat in 7. I know it's a bit early, but I'll stick with my prediction.
3. or 4. Detroit Pistons or Cleveland Cavaliers: I'm really undecided about this one. Cleveland and Detroit were pretty equal last year in the playoffs, and both have addressed some of their weaknesses. The Cavs drafted some backcourt players who might be able to help them in that area. Plus they still have the King. The Pistons were able to add some depth to a shallow roster, and maybe this year Flip will be willing to play some of the younger players on the squad. Nazr Mohammed and Flip Murray should help as well. My prediction: Detroit #3, Cleveland #4.
5. New Jeresy Nets: The Nets made some positive moves in the offseason this year. What they lacked in the playoffs this year was depth. A 6-man rotation really doesn't cut it in the semifinals. They drafted some guards to play behind Kidd, and the signing of Eddie House might be able to give VC some rest. Hopefully it all translates into wins.
More later.
1. Miami Heat: I'm still somewhat doubtful of this one. Even though they won the NBA Finals (which they didn't, it was Dallas' to lose, and the did), I'm still not convinced they'll be the best team in the Eastern Conference next year. Shaq, Zo, Walker, Payton, Posey are all a year older, and that's not a good thing for them. I might be delusional, but I can't see them repeating.
2.Chicago Bulls: This is my first 'surprise' pick. Come on, they added Big Ben to an already solid defense. This will be the best defensive team in the league next year, and since their players now have some playoff experience, I really think they can make it to the East finals. Especially since Kirk Hinrich is playing in some pressure games this summer. I wouldn't be surprised if they beat the Heat in 7. I know it's a bit early, but I'll stick with my prediction.
3. or 4. Detroit Pistons or Cleveland Cavaliers: I'm really undecided about this one. Cleveland and Detroit were pretty equal last year in the playoffs, and both have addressed some of their weaknesses. The Cavs drafted some backcourt players who might be able to help them in that area. Plus they still have the King. The Pistons were able to add some depth to a shallow roster, and maybe this year Flip will be willing to play some of the younger players on the squad. Nazr Mohammed and Flip Murray should help as well. My prediction: Detroit #3, Cleveland #4.
5. New Jeresy Nets: The Nets made some positive moves in the offseason this year. What they lacked in the playoffs this year was depth. A 6-man rotation really doesn't cut it in the semifinals. They drafted some guards to play behind Kidd, and the signing of Eddie House might be able to give VC some rest. Hopefully it all translates into wins.
More later.
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| Originally posted by Nine XXVI 088nd, you better change your user title to "7-1" because USA lost to Greece. Damn it all, I'm just shocked they lost. Peace. |
Same here. It's almost the same kind of depression I got into after Game 3 of the Finals. Not as bad, though.
We'll get the gold in '08, though. I'm pretty sure of it.
That's funny because I got depressed when Detroit defeated Indiana in the Eastern Conf. Finals back in 2004. Since I'm the only guy up here who can't stand the Pistons with a vengeance.
Here's something from SLAMonline.com about USA's downfall.
Also, you didn't change it.
Peace.
Here's something from SLAMonline.com about USA's downfall.
Also, you didn't change it.
Peace.
I won't change it
Also, this guy commenting on that SLAM article makes a good point
Also, this guy commenting on that SLAM article makes a good point
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| There’s a chance USA might have lost even with Kobe and Amare. The real reason why USA keeps losing is the enormous rule differences between FIBA and NBA. FIBA’s rules are much more like NCAA, where jacking up 3’s all day is given more importance than being able to drive to the basket. Since my home country is not represented in this tournament, I’m not even really rooting for anyone (including Team USA), but I would like to see how Greece would do against USA if they played by NBA rules. My guess is they would lose by 50. I seem to remember the whole world hanging off Sarunas Jasikevicius’ jock strap after the 2004 Olympics, saying what a great NBA player he’s going to become. So how did he do last year? 7.3 ppg in 20 mpg, not enough to bump Anthony Johnson from the starting lineup. I’m guessing a similar sort of thing is coming for Theodoros Papaloukas — Chad Ford and NBA GMs going “OMFG OMFG HE DROPPED 12 DIMES WE BETTER SIGN HIM ROFL” and then realizing that he’s good for about 5 points and 2 dimes per game in the NBA. The fact is, as long as Team USA has to compete by FIBA rules, you might as well stack the team with all the Maceo Bastons and Trajan Langdons you can find, because chances are since they have more experience playing overseas successfully they will know how to win. One more thing — make no mistake, the best players in the world are still mostly American (excluding Dirk, Ginobili, etc.) But the best players don’t win in FIBA, the best shooters and passers do. Athleticism is rewarded by NBA rules; it is penalized by FIBA rules. If you don’t think Zalgiris Kaunas or Maccabi Tel Aviv would sign Lebron James to a max contract you are insane. But on the flipside, do Jasikevicius and Papaloukas deserve any more than the $3-$4 million they get paid now in the NBA? Probably not. If the USA really wants to prove its dominance, David Stern and company should create their own international tournament by NBA rules and invite all these other teams to play in it and see what happens. |
Speaking of Gasol, apparently he's out for 4 months. Sucks for the Grizzlies.
And I really think USC was supposed to get the 3-peat last year. I think when Texas won the 2006 Rose Bowl, a rift in space/time occured, so that every team I pick to win a major game loses. That being said, the Oakland A's will win the AL West. So Texas just lost to Ohio St. tonight. I'm kind of glad I couldn't get tickets now. It was pretty humiliating to watch.
And football starts tomorrow. Meaning I get to watch the Cowboys again
And I really think USC was supposed to get the 3-peat last year. I think when Texas won the 2006 Rose Bowl, a rift in space/time occured, so that every team I pick to win a major game loses. That being said, the Oakland A's will win the AL West. So Texas just lost to Ohio St. tonight. I'm kind of glad I couldn't get tickets now. It was pretty humiliating to watch.
And football starts tomorrow. Meaning I get to watch the Cowboys again
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| Originally posted by Nine XXVI Kobe Bryant's new jersey. I don't like it. Also, the NFL season is underway. So anybody here keeping up with that at all? And the MLB season is finishin' up. That reminds me, last week at the mall, my friend and I met Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez (pitcher for the Detroit Tigers).
Terrell Owens is out for four weeks. Too bad, because he needs to get shot. EDIT: And Grant Hill makin' a comeback again... AGAIN?! Peace. |
Sweet. Pudge is a legend around Texas
There's still some chance Detroit won't make the playoffs though. Hopefully that's not the case.And Owens should be only out for 2 weeks, meaning he should be back by the next game. But if he's not there for the Titans-Cowboys game, it really won't matter.