Post: #2351

Not a bad deal for Cleveland.

https://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources--c...57392.html

Cleveland has agreement to acquire Kevin Love, including contract commitment

The Minnesota Timberwolves have reached an agreement in principle to send All-Star forward Kevin Love to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett and a protected 2015 first-round draft pick, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

Cleveland is making the deal with Minnesota with a firm agreement Love will opt out of his contract in 2015 and re-sign with the Cavaliers on a five-year, $120 million-plus contract extension, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

The deal cannot be finalized until Aug. 23, because Wiggins, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft, cannot be traded until one month after the signing of his rookie contract. The two teams have agreed to the deal, but neither would have recourse if the other decided to pull out of the arrangement before it can be formally completed this month. No third team is involved in the Cavaliers-Timberwolves trade agreement

Post: #2352

I would have kept Wiggins. Now LeBron is the only good defender on their starting line-up. I think Asik would have been great on this team.

Post: #2353

(08-07-2014 09:24 AM)ddjembe mutombo Wrote:  I would have kept Wiggins. Now LeBron is the only good defender on their starting line-up. I think Asik would have been great on this team.

It was Wiggins or Love. Obviously Lebron feels Love gives him a better chance of achieving his goals.

Post: #2354

Yea I like this Cavs team if that truly happens. Lack of defense will be a huge problem, will make their games interesting. Their new coach has a huge reputation so we will see what he can do to get them to play D. I assumebplaying with Lebron you do not want to be seen slacking.

Whatever happens, amazing 2K team.

Post: #2355

I wish there's a cool Asian American in the league. I don't like J Lin's corny ass representing my people.

Post: #2356

Harden: I'm The Best All-Around Player In The NBA

Quote:During a promotional event, James Harden declared himself the best all-around player in the NBA.

"I'm the best all-around basketball player in the NBA," said Harden.

While Harden has become one of the NBA's best scorers and was an All-NBA First Team selection in 2014, he has received criticism for his lack of commitment on defense.

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/234...In-The-NBA

Just a reminder, here's the best all-around player in the league on D...

Post: #2357

delete

Post: #2358

(08-20-2014 01:49 PM)Cunnilinguist Wrote:  Not sure if this belongs here, but I didnt want to start a new thread over a simple question:

How did you guys improve your shooting skills? I've been playing bball on and off for a while and my shooting is abysmal. I'll be lucky if I get 20% of my shots in. Is it just practice and practice?

Practice shooting from close range. Don't shoot outside of the paint for a while. Shoot free throws. Shoot a few hundred shots from two feet away. Check your mechanics and follow through. Visualize the ball going right over the front of the rim.

Figure out the spots you're shooting the most accurate from and stick to those spots when playing pickup. Try getting a little bank shot from ten feet out on both sides.

Make yourself hit 7 out of 10 free throws before leaving the court.

Do the dirty work (rebound, D-up, hustle, set screens, hit teammates with good passes) to improve your overall hoop karma and you're bound to get some of those bounces on your shots during games.

Ray Allen said he just shoots a bunch of free throws when his shot feels off.

If you have any size, you might want to try working on a baby hook or other inside moves. Try the Mikan Drill.

You might not be meant to be a jump shooter, but that doesn't mean you can't play to your strengths and find a couple reliable spots to hit from while doing a lot of other things. If you can rebound, play D, find the open man, hustle and hit your layups from both sides I'm gonna want you on my team every time.

Post: #2359

^Awesome advice, thanks dude. I've spent too much time shooting 3's as I thought that was the best way but I couldnt be more wrong apparently. I will definitely start focusing on free throws, close shots.

Post: #2360

Post: #2361

Dat static hold tho...

I love Nate. Great player and inspiration for us shorter cats.

Post: #2362

(08-20-2014 04:04 AM)jariel Wrote:  Harden: I'm The Best All-Around Player In The NBA

Quote:During a promotional event, James Harden declared himself the best all-around player in the NBA.

"I'm the best all-around basketball player in the NBA," said Harden.

While Harden has become one of the NBA's best scorers and was an All-NBA First Team selection in 2014, he has received criticism for his lack of commitment on defense.

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/234...In-The-NBA

Just a reminder, here's the best all-around player in the league on D...

He is so terrible on D, I never expect him to even put a hand up anymore. He is like that dude you played with growing up in school that is an excellent shooter, usually a ball hog, and never played a lick of defense. That cat always made the team without effort making anyone else that had strong D literally have to call his grand momma to beg Jesus for favor overnight just to get a spot on the team.

I personally cannot stand players like that, but it Morey's fault the team has no defense anyway.

Post: #2363

I like Nate's game too

Wasn't sure about his size coming out Washington

But he has proven to be a spark plug and a decent/really good player everywhere he's been

He's vocal (good quality), has some leadership qualities and can play 2nd/3rd fiddle if need be (see Bulls 2012-13)

Post: #2364

Cavs-Minny-Philly trade will be official tommorrow...man Irving-LJ and KL and going to be real fun to watch this season!!...Wiggins and Lavine are gonna be a scary duo as well in about 3-4 years as well as Parker and the GREEK freak!

Post: #2365

Cunnilingiust:

I've always started about 6 inches out from the side of the rim. One handed shots only to work on form. A shot made doesn't count but a shot made that does not touch anything but net. You now get the proper form (form is 99% of the battle) how it feels, the angle of the shot, and now you see what it looks like to have the perfect shot and make (all net)

Once this is accomplished you can incorporate your mom shooting hand but continue to hold form and get all net. Obviously as you imcrease the distance those 'all net' frequencies will decrease. That's okay as the angle of your shot and form should still be true.

Next up is feet placement and landing. Both are critical to your success. Obviously your feet must be set when shooting to have correct form. One foot can't be forward or too far apart. When I'm coming off a screen, in a perfect world my feet are set (little less than shoulder width apart) and feet are aligned and pointing at the hoop. Knees are already slightly bent so all I have to do is jump and release the shot. I'm jumping straight up and landing in the same spot. Balance is key.

Pulling up off the dribble well the same thing applies. You should already be in your attack stance. Knees bent and butt lowered so you're ready to explode towards the hoop, pass, or take a jump shot. If you're beginning your shot with stiff legs then you will most likely start to bend your knees to get your legs underneath you to take your shot. That's 1-2 seconds lost vs already with your knees bent and in your attack stance. That's the difference between getting your shot off comfortable vs having your shot bothered and you messing up your form to get the shot off so it doesn't get blocked.

We talk about weekend warriors when it comes to pickup about how guys only go out on weekends and expect to pick up. They fail miserably because of lack of preparation, desperation due to lack of opportunities..which all lead to lack of confidence. Same thing applies to shooting basketball. Those who don't put in daily work won't see the success when it counts. If you've worked on your form and footing then it becomes natural. You're able to trust your body and mind when there's a person in front of you.

Anyways..form and repetition are key.

That's my 2 cents

Post: #2366

Its O ficial

Post: #2367

(08-20-2014 02:18 PM)Cunnilinguist Wrote:  ^Awesome advice, thanks dude. I've spent too much time shooting 3's as I thought that was the best way but I couldnt be more wrong apparently. I will definitely start focusing on free throws, close shots.

Work on set shots about five to ten feet from the basket. Don't jump, just use your knees to get that extra oomph of a jumper. Remember to be on the balls of your feet. Try to get to the point where you are consistent doing it one handed (your weak hand is only for balance when actually shooting anyway). It helps to set your phone up and record a video of you shooting every now and then. This will help you critique your form. Once you master that, then you can back up to 15-18 ft jumpers. Don't work on 3's until you are confident from mid range.

Also, make sure your elbow and feet are lined up properly. NBA shooters like Klay Thompson have youtube videos about this.

When you do get to jump shots, make sure you are jumping straight up and down with a straight back.

(08-22-2014 03:23 PM)TravelerKai Wrote:  He is so terrible on D, I never expect him to even put a hand up anymore. He is like that dude you played with growing up in school that is an excellent shooter, usually a ball hog, and never played a lick of defense. That cat always made the team without effort making anyone else that had strong D literally have to call his grand momma to beg Jesus for favor overnight just to get a spot on the team.

Don't forget that these guys are always yelling "C'mon guys! D-up!!!" after every opponent basket. There are a couple that I regularly play with at my gym. They aren't always terrible man defenders, but they will definitely foul the shit out of you if you get by them. Where they suck the most is defensive rotations. They are always ball hogs.

Post: #2368

The NBA inked a new deal with ESPN/TURNER TV for 24 billion. At about 3 billion a year this will surely make the younger nba players are very happy

Post: #2369

(10-06-2014 03:35 PM)Mentavious Wrote:  The NBA inked a new deal with ESPN/TURNER TV for 24 billion. At about 3 billion a year this will surely make the younger nba players are very happy

I wonder how much the league minimum will go up? This definitely means that a handful of teams are carrying the rest of the league's dead and defunct teams. A max contract will definitely be alot more than 20 mill a year.

Post: #2370

(10-06-2014 05:06 PM)TravelerKai Wrote:  

(10-06-2014 03:35 PM)Mentavious Wrote:  The NBA inked a new deal with ESPN/TURNER TV for 24 billion. At about 3 billion a year this will surely make the younger nba players are very happy

I wonder how much the league minimum will go up? This definitely means that a handful of teams are carrying the rest of the league's dead and defunct teams. A max contract will definitely be alot more than 20 mill a year.

The TV revenues are expected to double when this goes into effect, so basically every team except the Nets is going to have their losses covered even after a split with the players. When you combine that with the crazy valuations that teams are getting these days, one would think that the owners are going to have to give up a little at the bargaining table for the next time around since their argument from the last time was that they weren't making money. That definitely won't fly with the players for the next CBA so expect some very bitter talks again, since professional team owners aren't exactly known for their ability to compromise.

The irony of of owners like Dany Gilbert taking the hardline on issues like the luxury tax though, is that he turned around built a super team with Kyrie, KLove, and LeBron a few months after.

Post: #2371

Post: #2372

^

That shooting chart looks like it's from last year, where KD played about half the season without Wesbtrook.

Now Westbrook is back and healthy, and OKC signed Morrow who is a knockdown 3pt shooter and will attract some attention whenever playing with KD and Russ. Jackson also is an improving 3pt shooter and when he plays with the starters will attract some attention.

Meaning KD will get even better looks this year, meaning watch for him to get back into the 50/40/90 club

Post: #2373

Early breakout players? Like guys ready to make the jump to all star level talent?

Post: #2374

Ibaka is always on the All Star cusp, now that Love is in the East that helps him a little. Watch out for his 3pt shot, which went from nonexistant to high 30s on low attempts. If he could start hitting a few more threes while leading the league in blks...

Post: #2375

Will Kobe prove doubters wrong?!