[WoolyGoat]

why don't you start us off, Bird.

[Anhil8tor]

what does ITT mean?

[WoolyGoat]

in this thread

i've seen it used elsewhere, thought I might give it a go.


stay on topic!

[BIRD33]

If only the NBA was 16 games like the NFL.Its a weak eastern conference plain and simple.The Celts have no chance at winning the whole thing.None.Zip.Zero.

[WoolyGoat]

what odds would you give them? 100 to 1? 1,000,000 to 1?

[BIRD33]

25-1

I think detroit is a better team.The Celts are just going to be happy to be deep in the playoffs and won't know how to finish.KG is the only real superstar on your team.I remember both Pierce and Allen coming into Philly and choking during the playoffs.I almost see a little internal turmoil developing when KG figures out that he's saddled with two of the most overrated "superstars" in the NBA.You heard it hear first.

[WoolyGoat]

25-1

I think detroit is a better team.The Celts are just going to be happy to be deep in the playoffs and won't know how to finish.KG is the only real superstar on your team.I remember both Pierce and Allen coming into Philly and choking during the playoffs.I almost see a little internal turmoil developing when KG figures out that he's saddled with two of the most overrated "superstars" in the NBA.You heard it hear first.

I think the main difference is that, this year, those three guys don't have to individually be THE guy on their team. The individual burdens are lessened because there are three great players, as opposed to just one.

Their biggest fault in the playoffs is going to be Rondo. He's still a year or two away from being really good...unfortunately I think the team's window is smaller than that.

[BIRD33]

I think the main difference is that, this year, those three guys don't have to individually be THE guy on their team. The individual burdens are lessened because there are three great players, as opposed to just one.

Their biggest fault in the playoffs is going to be Rondo. He's still a year or two away from being really good...unfortunately I think the team's window is smaller than that.

Keep telling yourself that but a wide open jumper is a wide open jumper and I've seen Pierce and Allen miss them in clutch spots during the primes of their career and having two other good players on the floor doesnt change anything.The Celts are a good team not a great team and overall besides KG are average on defense.Doc is not a good coach and probably will get fired after this years disappointment.You are right to think they only have a two year window.This whole situation reminds me of when Barkley joined Clyde and Akeem with the Rockets.A bunch of big names that get people excited without enough real talent to win anything.

[WoolyGoat]

Pierce came up huge in the 2002 playoffs, carried them all the way to the conference finals with Antoine Walker and Kenny Anderson as his best two teammates. I'll freely admit he was awful in the series against Indy a few seasons back, but this just hasn't been a good team since '02. No idea about Allen's playoff experience.

I know a jump shot is a jump shot, but sometimes it's easier to make that shot w/o the weight of the entire team on your shoulders. Neither Pierce, Allen, nor Garnett has to shoulder that entire weight. That could make a big difference.

Of course, I don't think they'll win it all, but I'm not going to dismiss the chance. I think they're good for 56 (+-2) wins this season, but the first big west coast trip (or Texas trip) will do a lot to sway me in either direction.

[BIRD33]

Pierce came up huge in the 2002 playoffs, carried them all the way to the conference finals with Antoine Walker and Kenny Anderson as his best two teammates. I'll freely admit he was awful in the series against Indy a few seasons back, but this just hasn't been a good team since '02. No idea about Allen's playoff experience.

I know a jump shot is a jump shot, but sometimes it's easier to make that shot w/o the weight of the entire team on your shoulders. Neither Pierce, Allen, nor Garnett has to shoulder that entire weight. That could make a big difference.

Of course, I don't think they'll win it all, but I'm not going to dismiss the chance. I think they're good for 56 (+-2) wins this season, but the first big west coast trip (or Texas trip) will do a lot to sway me in either direction.

If you need a good teammate to make a wide open jumper in a big game you shouldnt be paid like a superstar.

[WoolyGoat]

where were these wide open jumpers, anyway? Pierce has been doubled teamed in crunch time for almost his whole career, because opposing teams loved watching Antoine chuck the ball around. Pretty sure Garnett's been doubled most of the time too. Who are they going to double now?

[quint]

Boston looks good early.
It is a long season, we'll see.

[BIRD33]

where were these wide open jumpers, anyway? Pierce has been doubled teamed in crunch time for almost his whole career, because opposing teams loved watching Antoine chuck the ball around. Pretty sure Garnett's been doubled most of the time too. Who are they going to double now?

The finals run for the sixers I was at the playoff game where Allen missed a wide open 20 footer to win.Keep in mind that was 8 years ago.I'm sure he's just as good now as he was then.You know why toine always jacked up shots?Cause Pierce wasnt getting it done.

Who do you double?Garnett, thats it.You have totally overestimated Pierce and Allen.Look at how detroit matches up against them, pretty good.I don't blame you for being excited but don't try to convince me this combination of players is something it isnt because they can rely on each other now.This aint stand by me, its a basketball team.

[WoolyGoat]

The finals run for the sixers I was at the playoff game where Allen missed a wide open 20 footer to win.Keep in mind that was 8 years ago.I'm sure he's just as good now as he was then.You know why toine always jacked up shots?Cause Pierce wasnt getting it done.

Who do you double?Garnett, thats it.You have totally overestimated Pierce and Allen.Look at how detroit matches up against them, pretty good.I don't blame you for being excited but don't try to convince me this combination of players is something it isnt because they can rely on each other now.This aint stand by me, its a basketball team.

I think we all know this isn't why 'toine was jacking up shots. He gets the ball and he shoots it, that's just what he does.

All I'm saying is that they're contenders. Certainly not favorites and quite possibly underdogs in the conference finals and definitely nba finals, but they're still contenders. The 01-02 team went to the conference finals and this year's team is MUCH much better.

[Vitamin E]

25-1

I think detroit is a better team.The Celts are just going to be happy to be deep in the playoffs and won't know how to finish.KG is the only real superstar on your team.I remember both Pierce and Allen coming into Philly and choking during the playoffs.I almost see a little internal turmoil developing when KG figures out that he's saddled with two of the most overrated "superstars" in the NBA.You heard it hear first.

:ph43rVitE I agree with Bird.

[Anhil8tor]

:ph43rVitE I agree with Bird.

blasphemy!

[WoolyGoat]

updated odds?

[Anhil8tor]

To win the 2007/08 NBA Championship
Closing Date: Jan 11, 2008 20:05 GMT -4
All bets are action regardless of team relocation or name changes.
Option Win Odds
Boston Celtics 11/4
San Antonio Spurs 3/1
Phoenix Suns 9/2
Dallas Mavericks 11/2
Detroit Pistons 15/2
Los Angeles Lakers 16/1
Orlando Magic 18/1
Denver Nuggets 20/1
Houston Rockets 20/1
Cleveland Cavaliers 25/1
Utah Jazz 25/1
New Orleans Hornets 40/1
Portland Trail Blazers 40/1
Chicago Bulls 45/1
Golden State Warriors 45/1
Toronto Raptors 45/1
Miami Heat 55/1
New Jersey Nets 60/1
Atlanta Hawks 70/1
Washington Wizards 80/1
Indiana Pacers 100/1
Milwaukee Bucks 150/1
Los Angeles Clippers 200/1
New York Knicks 200/1
Charlotte Bobcats 300/1
Philadelphia 76ers 300/1
Sacramento Kings 300/1
Memphis Grizzlies 400/1
Seattle SuperSonics 400/1
Minnesota Timberwolves 500/1

[leeman]

The Suns will take it...

[quint]

The Suns will take it...

Leeman comes up strong!

Good call