atlien

I agree that Cassell is more realistic of a comparison than Billups. But, I must say, Maynor passes the eye test for me in a way Law never did. Even when Law was owning in college, he never jumped out at me as an elite NBA prospect. Maynor does.

Right now, I'd be THRILLED with Blair, Maynor, Aldrich or Curry. Blair probably will be gone tho. Maynor reminds me of Billups. 6 foot 3, can stroke the 3ball, takes care of the basketball and plays good D. I think he will be a very good player in the NBA and a good fit as a pg for us. Aldrich may not come out this year, but if he does and he is available, that would be a great pick. I watch a lot of Kansas basketball, and dude is in the right position 90% of the time (which is why he does so well on the boards and blocks). Curry will probably be gone, but he'd also be great next to Joe. Can't give him ANY room.

You really underrate Chris Bosh.

That was a great read. I STILL think Horford will hit 18 and 12 one day, albeit in the right situation. We need 1) a new coach and 2) a change in culture. #1 hopefully would lead to #2.

That kid Blair is gonna be good in the NBA. I def would take him over Hansborough.

This guy actually delves into the Hawks a bit deeper than most: http://dimemag.com/2009/02/switching-screens-is-for-wusses/ Thoughts?

I was at this game, and thats basically all that needs to be said. Portland has an ideal owner/city/fanbase/arena/bench/GM/chemistry/etc. Basically THE model NBA team.

I too am wondering why my fantasy team isnt getting more love. I mean, once Jason Terry comes back, things are gonna get real ugly for the rest of the league.

I missed this too! Can someone post a video of it, if such a video exists?

Gotta give something to get something.

I dont think yall have much basis for saying that Smoove will be "better" than Bosh. Now or ever. No knock on Smoove, Bosh is just a "more elite" player. I actually think Bosh greatly improves our rebounding AND our interior defense (because Bosh gives us more size). But the 2nd point is obviously debatable. With Joe and Bosh, you have an inside-out combo that has championship-contender potential.

http://dimemag.com/2009/02/chris-bosh-says...ign-in-toronto/ Smoove and a 1st? We gotta get in on these talks. Elite big men do not become available often. Whats yalls trade ideas?

Roy is quickly becoming one of the best players in the league. This season he has been a more-consistent version of JJ.

This thread just keeps getting better. LOL. Keep it coming yall.

I LOLd. Well done.

Heres to hoping Dimintroff sets the foundation for an elite defense this offseason!

From everything Ive read, its pretty much a foregone conclusion that the Knicks cant match what Lee will get in the FA market AND have enough cap space to get Lebron. I think theyd have to get out of an awful contract such as James or Curry to be able to do it. And no team is gonna help them with that. On the same token, I bet any David Lee trade proposal right now involves one of those bad contracts coming back on the receiving end.

To reiterate, my point with these 2 trades is that everyone in the league knows these guys can be had at a discount because their respective teams dont want to lose them to RFA for nothing (NY cant risk 2010 with a Lee contract and Charlotte really cant commit any money to Felton). So, maybe we can get that discount. Both play positions of need.

Lee would be such a great 6th man to come in and spell Smoove or Horf. His energy is amazing.

Both are very likely to be moved by the deadline (good players, but both teams dont want to deal with their RFAs, because they wouldnt want to match a decent deal... Charlotte has Augustin and NY has 2010). So, how can we get them? They both provide needed depth at a key position. Would we give up a 1st to get either of them? For example, I could see Acie + a 1st working for Felton. Zaza + a 1st for Lee.

I agree with you in the case of Melo. Durant is a different case. I honestly think he will be a top 10 player for 7-8 years. As a 20-year-old in his sophmore season, his numbers are: 24.5 and 6.5 on 47% shooting, 42% from 3p. How good will he be in 2-3 years when he starts peaking?? Thats the type of guy that can win you a championship.

Thats my stance too. JJ is a Tier 2 star IMO. So really, the only thing that will might make us better is something like... JJ and Marvin for Durant or Melo. Basically a 2-for-1 that nets us someone who has true superstar potential. (btw, Id do the Durant one but not the Melo one).

True. My perspective is that it would be difficult to get a trade for JJ that makes us better (because who are we going to get... Melo? Durant? Roy?). The only major trade I see working in our benefit is to try to turn Smoove or Horford into an All-Star low post presence to play along side JJ. But yeah, Hotlanta... lets see some JJ trades!

I tried to think of a couple. But honestly, it´s much easier coming up with a trade involving Smoove or Horford for a low-post presence to pair with JJ (Bosh, Amare, etc.). If we are gonna make a trade, Id rather get someone next to JJ... not get rid of JJ.

We´re not getting equal value in either of those trades.