Who's still here? Lets talk some hoops. I'm getting sick of reading all that other bullshit.

I was just thinking yesterday that the East has three teams for sure that are capable of winning the NBA Finals this year(Miami, Chicago, Indiana), and probably a 4th(Brooklyn). After that the quality falls off quite a bit, but at the top the West isn't better than the East anymore. Obviously they are still way deeper. I can't remember the last time I considered the number of contenders on both sides equal, but it seems to be the case this year. If say about 3-4 teams in each conference have a legit shot right now.

Yeah I would say the following teams have a shot at winning the title this year if things break totally right for them: Heat, Bulls, Pacers, Nets, Spurs, Thunder, (probably the Rockets and Clippers). Either way it should be a fun NBA season. Loved watching the Lakers bench light up lob city last night. It is amazing how much more enjoyable the Lakers are without Kobe and Dwight.

Ummmm. I hope the Heat dont three peat.


That's all I got.

I agree with both of you, except on the Pacers and Nets. I don't think the Pacers have enough to trade shots with the Thunder and Spurs. The Nets are confusing with Kidd as HC and them having to figure out how to distribute shots between Lopez, Pierce, Williams, and Johnson.

I'm not really worried about Kidd as HC or about Brooklyn. I think Miami, Indy, Brooklyn, and Chicago are all potential 60 win teams.

I'm not really worried about Kidd as HC or about Brooklyn. I think Miami, Indy, Brooklyn, and Chicago are all potential 60 win teams.

Loved watching the Lakers bench light up lob city last night. It is amazing how much more enjoyable the Lakers are without Kobe and Dwight.

There is NOTHING enjoyable about watching Jordan Farmar and Nick Young.

I am more worried about Brooklyn from a getting old all at once and breaking down perspective. I think Kidd will probably be OK. It will be interesting to see Garnett and Pierce interact with Deron Williams once he starts making questionable Deron Williams plays.

Rondo > Deron

well, I'd like to disagree with that but it's up to Deron to prove he's better.

I can't see Pierce lasting the season.

well, I'd like to disagree with that but it's up to Deron to prove he's better.

I can't see Pierce lasting the season.

Rick has made that say argument before. We'll find out if you guys are correct shortly. I think Rondo's going to be great when he gets back. He's the only guy in the league besides LeBron capable of putting up a 17-17-17 stat line in a game.

Same old Clippers. I'm inclined to think they're not legitimate contenders still.

Sure, once in awhile he'll put up a crazy line like that, but in terms of best PGs or whatever, I don't see how he ranks any higher than something like eight. The lack of an offensive game makes him a sort of high-middle class PG, IMO. Assuming good health, I'd take the following over him if I were starting a team:

Rose
Paul
Williams
Westbrook
Wall
Parker (the only concern here is age)
K. Walker
Lillard

I may be missing some.

Are you serious with Kemba Walker?

I'd rather have him than Williams, Wall, Walker, and Lillard(new Damon Stoudamire) from that list.

Are you serious with Kemba Walker?

I'd rather have him than Williams, Wall, Walker, and Lillard(new Damon Stoudamire) from that list.

I'm intrigued with Walker, though I may be too stat-centric here. I edited my post to include K. Irving.

Over Wall? Are you not buying into the hype that says, should he get his head straight, he could be a 10 time + all star, All NBA, etc., type of guy?

I don't know how you could hate Rondo's shot and not have the same concerns about Wall

Over Wall? Are you not buying into the hype that says, should he get his head straight, he could be a 10 time + all star, All NBA, etc., type of guy?