NBA Roundtable: Week 1
In the first edition of ISN’s NBA roundtable, the staff answers five questions AND 1.
1. On opening night, Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard showed that there is no love lost between them. Who’s side do you have?
Photo Credit: Chris Carlson – Associated Press
Coldiron: Kobe. Dwight is the drama queen of the NBA. I have been sick of him for 3 years now. I am happy he is on the Rockets with James Harden. They deserve each other. As for Kobe- 5 rings bit^^.
DiSturco: Dwight Howard has been a big baby ever since he left Orlando. Did you expect something different than this? Kobe all the way
Cordova: Is neither an option? And why are we still talking about this? The Dwight Howard/Lakers thing was a failed experiment. We need to move on. I mean, do you see me talking about that time I mixed the wrong chemicals and melted my desk in AP chemistry? Of course not, because that set me back a lot of gas money at 17! The bottom line is that these are professionals that really didn’t play as poorly together as the media has made it seem, yet here we are talking about their split like its another failed Britney Spears marriage. They’re both excellent ballplayers that played together for a year. As of now Dwight’s in the better situation, but neither is all that close to winning anything at this point. Let’s move on and talk about some relevant stories!
Hargis: Kobe Bryant and I say this as a fan of the NBA and Kobe. Kobe was the one that got elbowed hard and instead of flopping he got mad. Howard did what was expected of him, he acted soft.
Shaw: Kobe. The Lakers currently have a depleted roster and some of the blame is due to Dwight Howard leaving them so there’s nothing wrong with the old guy venting a little bit, especially since they currently don’t have a win yet.
Bernard: I have Kobe’s side all the way. He can be very demanding, but while teammates, Dwight didn’t give the Lakers his all. Kobe has the right to be mad with Dwight running away, but with how the Lakers’ future looks, can you blame him for it?
2. Young point guard Signings! Kemba Walker signed a new contract extension for four-years, $48 million, while Ricky Rubio got four-years for $56 million. Which floor general would you rather have for the next four years?
Photo Credit: Kent Smith – Getty Images
Coldiron: I’d take Kemba, even if the salaries were switched. I have no confidence in Rubio whatsoever. Last year Rubio had THE WORST shooting season in history for someone who played as many minutes as he did. He is an amazing passer, but I’m not sure you can win with someone who shoots as bad as Rubio. Meanwhile, Kemba looks like Mr. Clutch. I’d take him as my point guard or sixth man any day.
DiSturco: For me, it’s an obvious answer. Kemba Walker. Rubio is a team-player, don’t get me wrong. If I want a player who can pass the ball and be a traditional point guard, then I’d go Rubio. But Kemba has it all: tenacity, speed, athleticism, explosiveness, the whole package!
Cordova: This one is a lot easier than you’d think. I generally want my point guard on the court for the entire season. Is that too much to ask? Based on that simple credential, it’s Kemba all the way. Of course, I can argue this farther even if you think that by the grace of Naismith, Ricky Rubio will become a reliable player. Kemba has that undefinable “it” factor. He’s always had it and that’s something you can’t teach. That’s what I want in my point guard and whether Rubio has more flash or even more potential is irrelevant. Kemba is a warrior and I’d take him on my team any day.
Hargis: This is a touch question. Kemba is becoming a solid leader while Rubio is a perfect young floor genreal. If you want a true point guard go with Rubio but Kemba is explosive.
Shaw: Since Ricky Rubio can’t hit the broad side of a barn (career field goal percentage is 36) I’m going with Kemba here. Kemba has a cheaper deal and will give the most value as well. The Charlotte Horners will make the playoffs for the second straight year and Kemba is a big piece of that. Rubio had Kevin Love on his team and they still couldn’t at least get the 8th seed so there’s that.
Bernard: I would rather have Kemba Walker on my team for the next four years. For me, it’s all about that jumpshot. Even though Walker doesn’t have the shot, it is certainly better than Rubio. Kemba can pass the ball too!
3. On the other hand, Kawhi Leonard did not meet the deadline for an extension with the Spurs. He will head into the next offseason as a restricted free-agent. Is this a big deal?
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Coldiron:Not a big deal. He will be a restricted free-agent after the season, at which point the Spurs will pony up and show him the money.
DiSturco: Not a big deal. This happens all the time. Leonard will be in San Antonio for a long time.
Cordova: I’m kind of used to this situation as a Yankee fan. People freak out that the Yankees never lock up anybody as it’s simply “not their policy” and yes, for once that bit them in the metaphorical touchas as they lost Robbie Cano last offseason. That said, the Spurs are every bit as successful a franchise as the Yankees over the past 15 years and I wouldn’t doubt the way they do business. Keep in mind they have three aging superstars still on payroll, and until they are off, it’s likely difficult to have salary cap flexibility. I just wonder how long they’re going to go. My guess is that Manu Ginobili will keep playing as long as his hairline allows him to do so. On that note, I’d like to wish a happy retirement to Manu Ginobili……….kidding! But seriously, the Spurs will be just fine and if they want Leonard back, he’ll be back.
Hargis: It’s the Spurs and they are known for keeping their star players for less than they are worth. I expect a close to max deal for Kawhi next year with the Spurs. Do not be shocked if he turns down a max deal elsewhere.
Shaw: On any other team it would be but this is the Spurs they always have a plan. It seems like the Spurs organization is always 5 steps ahead of the curve and Kawhi seems very content with the organization as well. The Spurs have been able to convince recent free agents (The Big 3, Danny Green, Patty Mills, Boris Diaw) to stay so I don’t believe there will be a problem with Leonard.
Bernard: No, this is not a big deal. He is going to remain a Spur. The Spurs are great for retaining their players and keeping a familiar team around for years at a time.
4. OKC is now without Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Where does OKC go from here?
Photo Credit: Ezra Shaw – Getty Images
Coldiron: To the bathroom to throw up maybe?
DiSturco: The Thunder are going to struggle…But this is the time for players like Perry Jones, Jeremy Lamb, and other young players to step up and grow. When Westbrook and Durant return, they’ll be the same, dominant Oklahoma City team they were last year. For now, it’s Ibaka time in OKC!
Cordova: I don’t know where OKC goes, but I know where Russell Westbrook is going to go……..Barney’s New York. Seriously, is there a more stylish dude in the NBA? If only his leadership matched his fashion sense. Injuries happen though and any great team has to fight through them. The Thunder merely need to stay above water while their stars get healthy. I’m not sure the guys they have will ever bring a championship to Oklahoma City, but they will certainly put up a fight with a healthy roster. They say you have to be in it to win it, so if I’m OKC, I fight hard with my stars out so that come playoff time, I’m in it.
Hargis: They continue to play and let their young player develop. They will lose some games put when Durant and Westbrook are back they could be the deadliest low seed in NBA history.
Shaw: Let Perry Jones develop, in his last two games he has a combined 55 points, keep letting that kid shoot. The Oklahoma City Thunder is a prideful organization, their players will play hard and grind out some wins but it’s up to Jones, Serge Ibaka, and Reggie Jackson to carry the team temporarily. The Thunder rarely ever make acquisitions anyways so I see them riding this out for the next month or so.
Bernard: Where OKC doesn’t go is .500. They are going to have all sorts of trouble with Reggie Jackson and Jeremy Lamb also out. Although they are going fight and scrap and pickup a few wins against lesser teams.
5. What has stood out the most to you in the opening couple of days of the NBA season?
Photo Credit: Gregory Shamus – Getty Images
Coldiron: The Knicks ran the triangle in each of their first two games for about 2 minutes before abandoning it. Meanwhile, Golden State is actually running the triangle. With the shooters and roster they have, if they can come up with any semblance of an offensive scheme they will reach another level.
DiSturco: It seems as though Miami does not need LeBron James in their formula for success. They are 2-0, about to be 3-0 if their lead holds up tonight against Toronto.
Cordova: Well, I heard something about LeBron coming home. There was something to that right? Seriously though, what you’re seeing is parody. Bron’s boys get beat by the Knicks, who got pummeled by the Bulls, the latter or whom ruined the transitive property of sports by losing in OT to the Cavs. It’s still early so I don’t think it’s right to speculate, but can we talk about the biggest reunion that nobody is talking about? Dude, Uncle Drew and Uncle Wes are back together!
Hargis: The top rookies in the NBA have not impressed me yet, but thats okay. With the exception of Randle they will all continue to learn and show off their talent.
Shaw: So many injuries. The season hasn’t even gotten out of the first week and it seems like teams are already banged up. Out of the Thunder’s 15, seven are out. The Bulls’ Gibson and Rose’s ankles are hurt. Julius Randle is out for the season. Brook Lopez, Bradley Beal, David West, David Lee, and Victor Oladipo haven’t played any games yet. I think you get my point here, the NBA is much better when the better players are able to play.
Bernard: How many people that are doubting LeBron James stands out. We saw LeBron play one bad game, and everyone lost it. I think we all just need to step back and take a look at how consistent LeBron has been and realize that one game means nothing.
AND-1: Who is your picks for NBA Finals and champion?
Photo Credit: Ronald Martinez – Getty Images
Coldiron: I have the Spurs over the Cavs in the Finals.
DiSturco: Like Mr. Cordova, I will pass on this one.
Cordova: As for the bonus question, it’s one I hate to answer. I’m not one for predictions, especially when I have a horse in the race. I’m going to submit this without an answer and see if this is an acceptable cop out. Give me something more fun and less pressurized to speculate about!
Hargis: Spurs will dominate the West as always and then abuse a tired Bulls team after a showdown with the Cavs. Spurs over the Bulls in 5.
Shaw: Hate to say it but currently I have the Spurs and the Bulls in the Finals. We are all tired of the Spurs but no team in the west seems to as good as them. Barring any setbacks from Derrick Rose’s knees I believe their upgraded roster will have what it takes to take home the championship.
Bernard: Finals: Bulls vs. Clippers…Champion: Bulls in six