Real Deal

Westbrook is a POS.

For sure, but I'm surprised that Deng, Noah, Boozer, Gibson, Nate Rob and Hamilton couldn't overcome the Hornets' big three, lol.

The Raiders need to keep pushing. If we win today, we tie with SD for second in the AFC West...and if the football gods decide to help Cincinnati against Denver, we're tied with those two for first (which is crazy). Any chance the Falcons suffer their first loss? My girl's brother keeps preaching it, but I don't know if Dallas is consistent enough to land a big win like that. Romo needs to throw 40 passes to Witten tonight.

Starting at PF, and not having to share the ball with Amare or Lin...that's pretty much what drives his play, I'm sure. He probably feels like he's back in Denver, as the biggest (and the only major) threat on the court.

I hope you're not trying to say that Romney's ability to run a state is going to be replicated when it comes to running an entire country, because that's typically what I've been hearing as his biggest argument to date (aside from Obama promised things would be better in four years). I think the biggest mistakes being made are people wanting it all to change hands simply to get a man out of office. I truly think Republicans would elect a random city's mayor, as long as he was a Republican AND if it meant running Obama out of office, and this is me seriously speaking on the subject at hand. What needs to be said is that Obama did not fulfill his promise to lower the national debt OR to significantly lower unemployment, but the steps he took should have. He is going in the right direction. There are just other factors (whether it's on him, on Congress, or even due to outside factors, such as the instability of the Middle East) that are manipulating all of it. I'm not doing much of anything different than I did in 2005, when I started OTR...but because of many other things around us, this site is pretty inactive compared to where it was. There are new sites that appealed to others just by being new, by offering staff positions, or by spamming...and there's Twitter, tearing us apart. Some of our members, in the past, have made this place less enjoyable to post at. Maybe it was on me because I decided not to boot them, to give them second chances, but the source is established, regardless. Is it all on me though? Sure, because it's my site. Would a change in ownership make a difference? Probably not, unless they blew a ton of money that I don't have, affiliating with major news outlets and such...but then, we wouldn't be OTR. It's ridiculous to compare a website to a country, of course, but that's not what I did. The idea is to show similarities in how much can be manipulated by the actions of others, intentional or not, and how things that may have seemed to be a quick resolution can be the complete opposite. Talk is cheap. Here's the real question: what proof is there that Romney would have done anything from 2009-2012? If you consider what he's proposing, and the things he has proposed in the past...we would be in a world of hurt, and probably in WW3. Anything that suggests otherwise? I'm trying to imagine a four-year term with Romney that wouldn't land us in the next World War, especially if we gave him what Obama has had in these four years. It shouldn't be about overthrowing the current, it should be about improving where we are at today. Ignoring Obama altogether, I don't see anything that makes me think Romney would make rational, consistent, and responsible decisions in the White House...not just as a leader of this country, but as a global leader, because it's no longer the 20th century, and instead of us looking down on all other countries, we have to hope they can look up to us for doing the right things.

Right now, not knowing how to run this offense, we may actually be a better team with Blake starting for us (since he's a better defender than Nash, and he'll actually go spot up and shoot threes). That's not saying Blake > Nash, though, and we also need Nash in there so we can learn this offense, if we're sticking to it.

L.A. Lakers: Kobe Bryant Chicago Bulls: Derrick Rose Philadelphia 76ers: Evan Turner Toronto Raptors: DeMar DeRozan New York Knicks: Jason Kidd Orlando Magic: JJ Redick Brooklyn Nets: MarShon Brooks Minnesota T’Wolves: Brandon Roy Boston Celtics: Rajon Rondo Golden State Warriors: Brandon Rush Houston Rockets: Marcus Morris L.A. Clippers: Grant Hill Miami Heat: Mario Chalmers Phoenix Suns: Markieff Morris Atlanta Hawks: Kyle Korver Charlotte Bobcats: Kemba Walker Cleveland Cavs: Kyrie Irving Denver Nuggets: Andre Iguodala San Antonio Spurs: Tim Duncan Oklahoma City Thunder: Kevin Durant Dallas Mavs: OJ Mayo Indiana Pacers: Paul George Portland Trail Blazers: Damian Lillard Washington Wizards: Emeka Okafor Sacramento Kings: Thomas Robinson Utah Jazz: Paul Millsap Memphis Grizzlies: Josh Selby Milwaukee Bucks: Monta Ellis Detroit Pistons: Jason Maxiell New Orleans Hornets: Xavier Henry

Sacramento needs to trade Cousins. He's an idiot. Hard to see a big man like him shooting 9-27, after shooting 5-13 against the Wolves with just four rebounds, shooting 50% against Chicago BUT having seven turnovers...there's always something he's doing horribly wrong.

Mayo with a big game, dropped 30...and opposite of what he did in his opener, Kemba was held to only 10 points. Gerald Henderson left during the third with a foot sprain, which is kinda big for Charlotte because they don't want to start Ben Gordon, and Sessions is their productive player off the bench.

Okay...Greivis Vasquez, Robin Lopez, and Jason Smith beat the Bulls. Really?

Harden fell back down to Earth a bit there. I was wondering when it would happen. Portland does have a couple of decent defenders to stick on him, or help out on him, though. Asik rebounds the ball like Kevin Love, lol. Dude is always on the glass. Morris and Aldrich sweating a bit! KU baby!

Wow, JUST missed it. Ugh.

I'm still honestly trying to figure out why Republicans expected everything to be done in four years, yet...they are clapping for Romney when he says he has plans lasting 10 years (which is more than two terms), such as his two plans to create 12 million jobs (which is inaccurate) and cutting the deficit. I mean, it's a serious question for me. Doesn't make sense.

I wish I knew how to fix that, guys. It has to be some sort of a bug with this particular version of the board, and something too large for me to pinpoint, because I was digging through the coding yesterday and saw nothing. I think the only resolution will be a major upgrade, but that asks for a new skin...and even if I want to keep what we have, it's still a re-design. I'll probably go that route, but it'll take me a bit. Sorry guys.

He's had that problem for a while, but he just doesn't want to be there anymore, probably now more than ever since the Hawks didn't land his friend Dwight. I wouldn't be shocked if he was dealt by February.

Ah. So I expect Miami not to blow any other good teams out this year, right? I don't know why they would, unless it's Boston. Speaking of Boston, ask Garnett and Pierce how important their regular season was in 2010, when they didn't land HCA over LA. Boston was an elite team. To say that elite teams don't care...well, that's pretty foolish. Ah. Yeah, I watch my games in my living room, in my house. How do you watch the games here? Hey guys, all of you in these gameday topics...Flash is sorry you don't have lives, and decide to post during games. What is wrong with you people? http://www.discusshoops.com/forums/topic/31638-boston-at-miami/page__view__findpost__p__364659 (SRV) http://www.discusshoops.com/forums/topic/31638-boston-at-miami/page__view__findpost__p__364664 (Blasco) http://www.discusshoops.com/forums/topic/31638-boston-at-miami/page__view__findpost__p__364684 (Simba) http://www.discusshoops.com/forums/topic/31638-boston-at-miami/page__view__findpost__p__364685 (Shaliq) http://www.discusshoops.com/forums/topic/31638-boston-at-miami/page__view__findpost__p__364689 (DunkinDerozan) http://www.discusshoops.com/forums/topic/31650-oklahoma-city-at-san-antonio/page__view__findpost__p__365047 (ChosenOne) http://www.discusshoops.com/forums/topic/31651-indiana-at-charlotte/page__view__findpost__p__365154 (Lkr) http://www.discusshoops.com/forums/topic/31654-houston-at-atlanta/page__view__findpost__p__365160 (htownborn) http://www.discusshoops.com/forums/topic/31654-houston-at-atlanta/page__view__findpost__p__365169 (YugoRocketsFan) http://www.discusshoops.com/forums/topic/31654-houston-at-atlanta/page__view__findpost__p__365199 (Sun Tzu) http://www.discusshoops.com/forums/topic/31656-miami-at-new-york/page__view__findpost__p__365165 (Check my Stats) http://www.discusshoops.com/forums/topic/31656-miami-at-new-york/page__view__findpost__p__365164 (fish7718) http://www.discusshoops.com/forums/topic/31656-miami-at-new-york/page__view__findpost__p__365173 (The Next Knick) http://www.discusshoops.com/forums/topic/31656-miami-at-new-york/page__view__findpost__p__365222 (iMan) http://www.discusshoops.com/forums/topic/31661-la-clippers-at-la-lakers/page__view__findpost__p__365255 (kingfish) http://www.discusshoops.com/forums/topic/31661-la-clippers-at-la-lakers/page__view__findpost__p__365262 (AboveLegit) http://www.discusshoops.com/forums/topic/31640-indiana-at-toronto/page__view__findpost__p__364888 (Built Ford Tough) http://www.discusshoops.com/forums/topic/31639-dallas-at-la-lakers/page__view__findpost__p__364740 (Force) http://www.discusshoops.com/forums/topic/31639-dallas-at-la-lakers/page__view__findpost__p__364752 (ballorama) http://www.discusshoops.com/forums/topic/31639-dallas-at-la-lakers/page__view__findpost__p__364768 (Lemon) http://www.discusshoops.com/forums/topic/31639-dallas-at-la-lakers/page__view__findpost__p__364772 (TheHutch) http://www.discusshoops.com/forums/topic/29312-gm3-oklahoma-city-at-miami/page__view__findpost__p__335804 (you) http://www.discusshoops.com/forums/topic/29312-gm3-oklahoma-city-at-miami/page__view__findpost__p__335824 (you) http://www.discusshoops.com/forums/topic/29312-gm3-oklahoma-city-at-miami/page__view__findpost__p__335832 (you) http://www.discusshoops.com/forums/topic/29312-gm3-oklahoma-city-at-miami/page__view__findpost__p__335833 (you) http://www.discusshoops.com/forums/topic/29312-gm3-oklahoma-city-at-miami/page__view__findpost__p__335854 (you) Shut up, dude.

Miami doesn't give a damn about the regular season, even though they ran through Boston in the first game? They tore the Celtics up, even to the point where Rondo just grabbed at Wade's shoulders to stop them from getting to the rim for the 1,000th time. Sit back and think about your last comment for a minute. Do you actually think my reply to this topic was because of the Lakers? If I was pissed off about the Lakers, I would have already commented on the Knicks beating Miami to a pulp. I just read what you put, something you seem to ALWAYS type, and it struck me as annoying. The Clippers are the best team in LA right now? That's true. Good for them, lol...you could argue they were last season, too. This is kind of like me telling you that you're pissed about Kobe and Harden being the two best two-guards in the NBA right now, lol...is that what made you come in here and post what you did? Come on now. You commented early in the topic, then didn't show your face the rest of the way. Then POOF, you're gone. Didn't mention that the Heat were going to not give a shit tonight, or that they don't care about the regular season in general...but had they won, oh damn...what a difference that would make. I don't have to tell you any of that, though...everyone has you figured out, dude, lol.

It depends on a lot of things. 1) Am I contending right now? If I'm contending, I'm going to keep him around and push for a championship. Why? Winning cures all. However, this is in regard to someone like Kevin Durant, Dwight Howard, or Carmelo Anthony, not James Harden...which leads into the second question: 2) Is he a superstar, a franchise player, all-star, or just a star? I define all four differently. Kevin Durant is a superstar. Andrew Bynum is a franchise player (subtract the injuries, he's a guy you can build a team around...not necessarily a contender, but a playoff team). Russell Westbrook is an all-star...definitely not a superstar, not a franchise player...but he's good enough to be considered a championship-level second scoring option. James Harden was just a star, in the role he had with OKC...borderline all-star. So, I'm not going to be THAT nervous trading a borderline all-star, especially when I have a superstar and an all-star sitting ahead of him on the roster. However, a big factor that can't be ignored: 3) How much potential does he have? Harden's potential, to be an all-star or beyond, is what would matter the most. You saw shades of it every now and then, and you got this idea that he was definitely a future all-star player. That's when you sit back and start to pick apart his game: he's an efficient scorer, a willing passer and good facilitator, and he's an energy guy that can play bigger minutes than what he was served in OKC. --------- If it's Harden we're talking about, I probably would have pulled the trigger if it meant landing a promising rookie and a pure scorer...so the trade isn't THAT bad for the Thunder (but I don't like Kevin Martin, so I'm only just trying to make sense of it). The only problem (like I mentioned) is that they are missing out on a facilitator that can actually draw defensive attention, and Martin is nowhere near the defender Harden is. Otherwise, a lot of factors come into play. If you have a gut feeling the guy is heading out the door, maybe it's best to deal him before he complains...to get the best trade possible, and to have your team set by November. The longer you keep him around, the closer you get to February, and it's possible he loses value as each week passes (unless he's playing out of his mind).

Nope, just didn't feel like winning these first three games. The regular season means nothing to us.

I'll go ahead and talk about the game, even though I wasn't going to. I'm glad the Knicks beat that Miami ass, especially in MSG, in response to Hurricane Sandy. That was awesome. The best part was Novak launching bombs from downtown, the Heat losing sight of their assignments, and LeBron not being able to contain Melo (which is not a surprise). This came without Shump and Amare, which was even better...and props to the Knicks for locking up D-Wade in that second half, holding him to just two points total without Shump out there. J-Kidd also gets a round of applause, although all of that was expected of him...he knows how to annoy the Heat on the defensive end. I did get a little nervous, when Miami started pushing as hard as they could to get back into the game, even closed the gap a little...but then, New York stuck with the three, continued to play defense (even Melo!), and they held on and won by 20. Already knew it was over, though, when they were up 30-15...you could just feel it tonight. They weren't going to lose.

Nobody says all of that more than you have. Miami never shows up when they lose, it's always on them. I'll go ahead and stop right there.

How bad did it look? Did they actually show it on TV? EDIT: Just saw it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGVzG1NTH9w Sucks. That's my guy.

There were 11 players in this game with double-digit scoring numbers, lol. Who would've thought? Gortat with that 16/16, though...and that defense on Monroe...he was the big reason why Phoenix managed to come back and win this game.

Glad I didn't bother flipping the channel for this one. No Love or Rubio, and the four guys I'd be interested in watching aside from those two (curious as to how they will play...Evans, Roy, Williams and Budinger) shot 13-52. Best players in the game? Thomas and Barea. Yikes.

Iguodala is struggling to fit in. I get the feeling he has no idea what Karl wants him to do in the offense...to facilitate, score, spot up, penetrate...and he just looks lost out there for now. I expect it will all come together in due time, though. Meanwhile, I love how both McGee and Faried forgot how incredible they were against the Lakers in the playoffs. Can't even recognize them out there.