MoistVaj

With all due respect, Lebron is not going to Dallas. They are the 3rd most popular team in terms of reach and support in Texas and the only reason he plays in a small market now is because he's an Akron native. Not to mention that the Cavs have the rights to match any offer made to him and have the advantage over every other team in that they can offer him the extra year. 

The Lakers is a far more sensible shout however. That would be far more likely, but in all honesty if he leaves Cleveland again, it would be more likely to return to South Beach and play with Wade and the Heat again. Especially if Bosh has to retire. Still, like most American pundits, i don't see him walking away this year, not without winning a title which is looking less likely after last night (yikes, that was putrid from the Cavs). They'll auction off Kevin Love in the Summer, expect a bidding war between Boston and LA for his services. Unfortunately, as much as I like K Love, he doesn't fit in the team ball era we are currently in. Kyrie is young enough to drum it into him, although he really needs to start looking for the pass first.

The Sixers finally look like they might not be quite as much of a joke next season, looks like their getting Jeff Teague to run the point from the Hawks, with Nerlens Noel going the other way. Smart move from Philly, along with grabbing Simmons in the draft and the prospects of Okafor and the future suddenly looks a lot brighter. Throw in some experienced shooters and they could be back in business sooner rather than later.

They haven't got the cap space at the moment. Lebron mentioned he wanted to play at least one season with Melo, CP3 and Wade. I can't see it happening until most of them are playing for the vets minimum, so at least another 3 years or so. 

Let's get one thing clear, there is more chance of hell freezing over than Lebron James signing for the Dallas Mavericks. Far too small a market, no emotional ties to the team, playing in a packed Western Conference? Not happening, not in a million years. The Mavs couldn't even sign Deandre Jordan! Their stuck in mediocrity for the long forseeable, well at least until after Dirk is finished. 

in all honesty, the only way Lebron will leave this Summer is actually the opposite to what you've just said. If they win the title. He promised to bring a title to Cleveland. He's not going anywhere. 

Kevin Love on the other hand, will most likely be traded if the Cavs fail to win. He's been nothing more than a stat sheet padder. He's offered no defence and for large periods has done nothing more than be a spot up shooter. The Cavs can pay Channing Frye to do that for a lot loss dollar. Kyrie Irving is a little different in the fact that everyone knows he can't play defense, but on the other hand he's doing little for the actual team, bar pad his own stats again. 

This offseason will be quiet. Durant will stay at OKC, the Bulls are far more likely to trade Butler (he constantly undermines the coach) and Rose although will never reach the heights pre injury, he's still useful.

The main ones to look out for are Derozan (looks Lakers bound) Al Horford (would be a great pick up for any team), Hassan Whiteside (most likely stays at the Heat and gets PAID), Mike Conley (looks Knicks bound), Dwight Howard (who even wants him now? Rumours of a return to Orlando Magic) and Andre Drummond (looks locked to re-sign with Detroit)

I dunno, as I said earlier, a fully healthy Cavs this year might just bring a different result. Not to mention, the GSW have just had a full 7 game series which had to take a lot out of them. I think the Cavs will at least take it to 7.

Art, regarding your KD question, I think he'll renew with OKC, if they keep Russ next summer they'll still be in good shape for the future. One thing is for sure, if the NBA stopped CP3 going to the Lakers, they sure as hell aren't letting KD move to the Warriors.

Unfortunately not, until a new arena is sorted it's not likely either. Barack Obama unfortunately managed to pass some bills regarding tax relief regarding new arenas. if the same bill had managed to pass 18 months ago, the Sonics would have likely returned at the expense of the Kings or the Bucks. 

 

 I think the Cavs might implode along the way and the Raptors might shock everyone and be the team in the East

 

Seems like so far I'm right. Golden State also have imploded so far too, not sure why the wheels have fell off as Steph is back now from injury and in theory they should be playing to their usual high standard. Maybe the pressure has got to them. Anyway I won't be surprised now if we see the Raptors vs Thunder final and the Raptors become NBA champions. Seems like this year in sports is the year of the underdog. 

 

Or not .

Save for games 3 and 4 it was never in any doubt, the Cavs beat the fuck out of the Raptors. At times it was embarrassing, for a conference finals to be so one sided. As most of the US Papers said over the weekend, the Cavs winning put the rest of the Eastern Conference out of it's misery., this was a guarantee from day 1 of the season. This time, I think they might win the whole thing too. 

Looks like OKC have blown their chance to make the finals, massive shame too as I'd love to see KD win a chip. Still, a healthy Cavs against the Warriors should be mighty interesting, Lebron pushed them close on pretty much his own last year.

I genuinely always hope X-Pac is at an event doing photos in the ring, not because I would get one but because I think X-Pac is the greatest of all time at being rubbish.

 

 

The same X=Pac that was one of the best workers in the world circa 94-96?

I agree he probably outstayed his welcome but I don't think for one minute he could ever be considered rubbish.

Parma were usually my team of choice in this game. As many have said, it's an incredible game. Parma were amazing on most of the CM's, this one was a little harder to start with as Buffon and Thuram had gone but they had a great core with Cannavaro, Frey, Micoud and Di Vaio. Bonnazoli usually ended up being one of the best strikers on the game too. Plus Martin Djetou had about 14 20's in his stats. But pace 3 if I remember rightly. Could have been Christanval though.

I hadn't played it in years but I had a whirl on it a few years ago, 442 diamond still works a treat, Justin Georcelin is still a machine and it's still an amazing game.

I remember being suspended from High School during year 10 and playing this all day for a fortnight. 

Griffin has already came out in the press the last week and said Kevin Love is absolutely not for trade. He may go in the Summer though. Realistically, as entertaining as the East has been this year, and let's not forget the Bulls have 2 wins already against the Cavs, it means nothing in the regular season. None of the teams in the East have shown anything to suggest they could beat the Cavs, there's too many mismatches all over the court for them to beat them in a series.

It will end up being a rematch of last seasons finals. Which is fine by me, a fully fit Cavs vs Warriors should be epic. Can't see anything other than a Warriors repeat. The only team I could see taking them in a series is the Thunder, and even then everything would have to be absolutely perfect for OKC to have a sniff.

Depends what J Smoove turns up for the Clippers. He can be as equally shit as he can fantastic, kinda like JR Smith. 

Agreed on the Spurs looking amazing after the moves they've made. Not so sure how they will cope with being the favourites though, they usually flourish going under the radar more.

Still think if the Cavs get a few more bench pieces, get rid of Haywood's contract and keep showing complete disregard for the luxury tax penalty, they'll win it this time. Let's be honest, regardless of what Draymond Green says or thinks, if Love and Irving were fit, the Cavs would be champs right now.

One thing I've been genuinely surprised about is the Hornets and how shit they've been. They seemingly made good moves in the Summer, Noah Vonleh will be a decent contributor in the league for years and Lance Stephenson is well.. Lance. He's had a horror show hasn't he? He's up on the trade block already. Not sure who you'd move for if you're Charlotte though. The most worrying thing for them is that they've lost a lot of games to other Eastern Conference sides. 

Agreed on the Cavs and Warriors for entertainment value, both great to watch. I refuse to watch the Mavs though, Mark Cuban is a fucking prick and I genuinely hate his team because of my hatred of him. Dirk is Dirk. I see them on NBA Tonight but I'd never go out of my way to watch one of their games.

I'm praying the Thunder make the Playoffs as it would leave an unfair representation of the West. Also, they'd be the greatest 8th seed of all time and I really wouldn't put it past them bumping the top seed out. Still, long way off, hoping for D Rose to stay healthy and for a Cavs Bulls Eastern final.

Pistons are a funny one. They have one of the best front courts in the entire league, but they don't seem to know what to do with them. Greg Monroe will leave at the end of the season, which is a damn shame for them because the guy is going to be a superstar for sure, I expect either the Knicks, Celtics or Lakers will make big plays for him. Pistons also made some good signings in Butler and Meeks (when healthy), my main problems with the Pistons are what the entire league has a problem with them for. Number 1 is J Smoove insisting on shooting 3's being such a huge part of his game. He can't shoot the 3 consistently so why bother? Added to the fact that he used to be a spectacular player inside the paint makes it all the more baffling. Their main problem is their saddled with Brandon Jennings as a point guard. I've vented over Jennings several times in the past year in this thread. I can play the point better than he can. His decision making is terrible and he shoots WAAAAAY too much. He doesn't get his team involved, he just a cancerous presence on the basketball court. He'd be fine as a microwave type player from the bench playing the two, but he's stupidly overpaid, a contract he doesn't have a hope in getting again in the future, one he got on the merit basically because he scored 50 odd points for the Bucks a couple of times. Easily in the bottom 5 worst starting points in the league. 

Jeez... There's no way I would pay that kinda money to watch the Knicks  . They have to be one of the worst teams in the entire organization. That is dedicated support! Aside from Melo and Hardaway JR, there's no one on that roster I'd pay to watch. Watching Amar'e these days is hard to swallow, father time is undefeated though. Still, next year, when the contracts come off the books, I'm certain you'll go back into the top 4 seeds in the East. Who do you want to see signed next Summer? A point guard is a must surely? Does Bargnani's contract end too?

The league is missing KD big time. I can't wait to see him back with Russ and watch the Thunder start mowing down teams again.

Ant Davis is the real deal, pretty much took on the Spurs single handed last night, with a bit of help from Jrue too to be fair.

The Heat were equally as bad when they started out their big 3 era, you don't have to worry though, the main problem with the Cavs is Kyrie Irving. He needs to learn when to take over and when to stand aside, Lebron has been too passive though. I would still be incredibly surprised if they weren't a top 3 seed in the weak as piss East. It's far too early to worry about them.

The Kings have been decent so far! The main thing for them is Boogie Cousins is playing some serious basketball, hopefully he doesn't regress back to being a clown. They'll do amazingly well to get into the playoffs this year though, they're probably 2 players short of a playoff berth.

The only thing that has been disappointing so far this year is the injury bug is back, and it's torn the Thunder apart. I've never seen an injury list like it. Make no doubt, they'll end up in the playoffs, but they could well be the best ever 8th seed at this rate. 

My copy of 2K15 arrived today and I've had a few games tonight, it's utterly incredible. The graphics have somehow been improved from last years effort, at times it does look like a real tv broadcast. The biggest improvement I've noticed so far is that the passing is a lot smoother and you can really zip the ball around to work space on the perimeter. 

Sewelly, the NBA website would be perfect for your needs then, or the gametime app. They both have 3-4 minute highlights of every game, every day, complete with box scores and anything notable really.

The Celtics have got no chance of being consistent this year. Rondo is out for 3 months with a broken hand. The rest of the roster are pretty awful with the exception of Sullinger and the rookies. Avery Bradley is the luckiest guy in the NBA. Why the Celtics are paying him that contract I'll never know. Wait until next year, like Danny Ainge is. Plenty of players coming up on Free Agency next summer. LaMarcus Aldridge included. 

I watched this break at tea time. Unreal stuff. Wish Chuck was with them but little steps!

On a side note, there's no way the Cavs aren't making it out of the East. Unbelievable roster. 

I watched Tremors on Blu Ray last night as I couldn't sleep in this ridiculous heat. I hadn't watched it for years but it's still as great as ever. I'd forgotten how annoying that lad with the basketball is though. I was begging for him to be brutally murdered by the end. Kevin Bacon is as great as ever in it too, just a really fun film. I've never seen the other ones, I've had a quick glance on Wiki at them though and it seems I've made the right decision in avoiding them.

I admire Bosh for a bit of loyalty there, looked cut and dry he would return home to Houston. Obviously Wade is also staying, throw in Deng perhaps and the Heat are still on course for at least the Eastern Semifinals. The main worry there is that unless Bosh starts going into the post more, I don't really see anyone on that roster who can take control of the game by the scruff of the neck. For me, the Cavs, Pacers and potentially the Bulls are better in the East as of right now. Heat fans, quick question. Why is Udonis Haslem being brought back? Is he a glue guy or something? He's been there his entire career and his numbers are really painfully average at best.

Some other trade news. Pau Gasol is about to finalise a deal with the Bulls. (WTF) I don't get this move, it's rather odd, considering he's really not too much of a step up from Boozer at this stage of his career and he doesn't really defend.

Melo has re-signed with the Knicks (Say goodbye to any chance of winning a ring, should have jumped to the Bulls at first opportunity) which is interesting for Knicks and not so much the rest of the league. Lamar Odom was released last night as well, although oddly the Knicks signed Cole Aldrich to a deal.

Vince Carter has gone to the Grizzlies, which is a great 6th man pick up for them, and finally adds some outside shooting for them.

Anthony Morrow who was a serious target for the Heat before Lebron left, has joined the Thunder for 3 years. A nice little pick up there indeed, he can heat up quick given the playing time.

No more news on Kevin Love other than the Cavs are apparently now offering Dion Waiters, Anthony Bennett and 2 future first round picks. Apparently Andrew Wiggins has been told by Cavs officials he won't be traded. I expect Love to eventually end up with the Cavs too.

Today is the day for signing contracts. Miami Heat will sign the 3 biggest free agents out there. LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade

Lebron has just signed for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He's going home! Unreal stuff, proper hollywood style story. Have you got your Cavs jersey on order?! Chris Bosh has also accepted a max contract from Houston Rockets, leaving Miami in a complete state. I've got to be honest, it's very sweet to see.

Delivery price is reasonable, I think most of mine have turned up within 2 weeks, the only one I can remember taking longer was a throwback Shawn Kemp jersey which took a month but that was due to stock issues.

Alright lads, posted this is off topic questions but might have better luck in here!

 

Has anyone ordered off the official NBA or NFL shops? There is a sale going and when the dollars convert into pounds it works out like 20 quid or so for a jersey. Does anyone know if they smash you on delivery or through customs?

I've never had a problem with custom charges with the NBA shop and I own over 100 jerseys. You should be fine.

Haha. You've got to be telling yourself that over and over to actually believe that. Obviously for a start Melo is bigger than all those except 'Bron who is on his way out, then Bosh will sign the max contract with the Rockets and you'll be left with a broken down D-Wade. Poor Miami

Yeah they would still need to clear more cap space, I think I read either Waiters or Thompson too, bit risky because then you're going to be asking Ray Allen to play big minutes which I'm not sure he's capable of anymore, but I'm sure he could give a solid 15-20 minutes a night. Interestingly James Jones and Mike Miller are now in talks with the Cavs, two of Lebron's favourite guys according to Grantland. Cleveland could end up with 1/4 of the 2012 Heat squad plus some top young players. Madness.