BuzzerBeater Forums

Well... firstly, it's a bit disappointing this appears to be headed into acrimonious waters. Was enjoying it.
However, I can assure you there's no malevolence in where I'm standing...

So anyway:
Does Kareem need anyone in his corner?

Dude... I never said I wanted you to dislike him. I don't think I even said I dislike him. I just explained why a) I'm not a huge fan, and b) I didn't think he should be in the all star game. I'll respect your decision to go the other way, and I'll offer no provisos on that.

I'm sure there are players you dislike... for whatever reason.
And c'mon man? Dime-store psycho-analysis of my fandom? Where did I state that I didn't like/enjoy the flash/glory of the NBA? I did say that I don't like it when players put themselves before the game (don't like it when Kobe does it, and I'm a Lakers fan! Example: the 7 assists in the first quarter against Houston...), and I *believe* Kevin Love does that on a nightly basis.
And why do you think that's predominant?

I will tell you that I think Love has - generally - a good head on his shoulders. I enjoyed it when he went up against LeBron in the press on the issue of contraction. And I guess I enjoy his honesty.
I just don't like the way he single-mindedly chases rebounds... when it means that he might miss a rotation on defense.
I also recognise that I am definitely in the minority on this stance.

Not sure what you mean by dime-store psycho analysis. NBA is a game a flash, stats, ego, and finally competition. That is how I and many I talk to feel about it. I was only saying that for anyone to expect otherwise is a pipe dream. NBA players get paid almost exlusively based on stats with rare exception. So to expect any player to lower his stats for the good of the team doesnt seem like a good bet. For someone who stated they dont like players who put themselves first, the NBA seems a strange place to worship. Not psycho analyzing you, and I feel you stating this is just an arguement strategy. Are we trying to win a debate or discussing basketball?

So, if stats and flash shouldnt get you in the all-star game, what criteria would you suggest? All team oriented players?

I agree that it sucks when some players put their personal achievements ahead of the team's. I also concede that Love is probably doing whatever he can to pad his stats. I would like to state why I think in Love's case this isnt such a bad thing. I welcome rebuttal :)

1. Turning a 10 win team into a 20 win team isnt much incentive to play the way you suggest (and I agree) he should. Not saying this makes it ok, just throwing it in the mix.

2. No one in Minnesota is buying tickets to see Felton or expecting a win. Really only one reason right now to go see the TWolves.

3. Basketball teams have such few players on their roster and most top lottery picks go right in the lineup. Getting a shot at the first pick, and adding a potential starter to a team with Love allready in place can turn that team around. Especially if they add a FA to Love, Felton, and a #1 pick. It sounds like a poor sportsmanship approach, perhaps it is, but I bet the GM is thinking the same thing.

As a fellow Laker fan I am betting you think this next statement is blasphemous, but here goes.....If the TWolves offered a trade straight up Love for Bynum (your piuck for AS starter) I would jump at that trade in a hot second.

Last edited by buzzerbeatme at 2/3/2011 3:17:03 PM

NBA players get paid almost exlusively based on stats with rare exception. So to expect any player to lower his stats for the good of the team doesnt seem like a good bet.

If any of have read the work of Sport Economist David Berri, he runs a bunch of numbers and essentially concludes that NBA players get paid mostly based on how many points they score and from a financial sense it makes more sense for him to take more "bad" shots than pass the ball to a teammate for a higher percentage shot.

I am going to check that out. Anyplace particular I should look? link perhaps?

I have seen footage of alot of old laker games. My dad and grandad have all this old video saved. I love to watch Magic on a fast break with a clear and unblocked path to the hoop dish off with the no look for the assist. It was actually a lower % play to dish off but the next day in the papers where magic got 12 assists you think 'now there is a team player'.

Berri's good.
You can read his stuff at his blog (http://dberri.wordpress.com/)

So now that the teams are all set, who do you think will win? I'm not sure there is a good way to tell considering how the games go. In my memories it's usually some guy who barely made the AS who wants to step up and prove he belongs who decides it. The big names play some, dunk a few, and laugh alot.

Last edited by buzzerbeatme at 2/5/2011 5:09:12 PM

Unfortunately... you're spot on. That's definitely the way it usually travels.
However... I get the feeling that LBJ/Wade/Bosh AND the Celtics will feel that they have something to prove. And I don't think Kobe EVER plays it light. Blake Griffin will be going nuts out there. And I think that Durant/Melo both have their own motivation to play well too. And Kevin Love... of course.

I get the feeling that there could be some real acrimony in this game... and that's a great thing for basketball fans.

Agreed. If I had to pick a winner, I guess I would go with the East. Mostly because the Celtics and Heat have several players, so they are used to working together.

Last edited by buzzerbeatme at 2/5/2011 7:29:14 PM