Links: Your NBA…
Help us put the Fan in Fantastic…
Today marks the end of Week One of the ‘07-08 NBA season, and some strange statistics are upon us…
• Miami, Chicago, Washington and Golden State, four of the best teams in the NBA last season, are a combined 0-12.
• Allen Iverson leads the NBA in assists per game.
• Ben Gordon is averaging six times as many defensive rebounds per game as Ben Wallace.
• Steve Nash leads the League in turnovers per game.
• The Los Angeles Clippers are scoring more points per game than any team in the NBA.
• Acie Law is shooting 80 percent from the floor (and that’s playing 20 minutes a night).
• Ime Udoka is averaging 14 points per game — anyone know what team he plays for? (San Antonio.)
• Rip Hamilton has fouled out of every game he’s played in.
John Hollinger will read this post and then slap the side of his computer screen a few times. OK, so there’s not a great sample size to work with right now, but numbers are numbers and this is the NBA as it stands today. (Although, if Miami, Chicago, Washington and Golden State finish the season a combined 0-328, I’ll be mildly surprised.)
The opening of a new season is one of my favorite things about the NBA. Teams step up, players show off improvements, guys who were once forgotten (Brandon Bass, anyone?) force their way back into our consciousness.
Of course, it’s not all positive. I throw things at the TV when Mike Woodson makes a strange substitution. I can’t stand how some arenas go so over the top with all the pyrotechnics. I’d rather hear the TV announcers explain why Jeff Green missed a defensive rotation than do a sideline report on Kevin Durant’s problems getting comp tickets.
Basically, there’s good and bad. But what I’m curious about is, What are your thoughts about the NBA this season? What do you love, what do you not love? This is your League, isn’t it?
I’m leaving it kind of open-ended on purpose, just to see where this leads (and please try to stay on-topic, people).
Have at it…
56 Responses to “Links: Your NBA…”
Nov.6 at 5:15 pm
albie1kenobi says:
espn needs to fire their whole nba studio (and possibly the whole entire dept). even the mute button isn’t enough, just watching them makes me physically ill.
Nov.6 at 5:18 pm
Bryan says:
I do not love Stuart Scott and Steven A Smith.Hell Espn coverage in general , they talk about the most random stupid stuff on their broadcasts.I love JVG back in the commentators chair.I love Kevin Durant (so far) living up to expectations.I love that I got free Hawks tickets and they’re actually worth watching this year.I love the knicks are .500 haha.I just love basketball, football is good and baseball somewhat passes the time but basketball is the best there is.I can think of nothing I’d reather do than watch an NBA game.I’m sure I can think of more but I won’t bother.NBA basketball is the best thing I have in my life.
Nov.6 at 5:19 pm
Tarzan Cooper says:
now, i like hubie brown’s style, ok?
Nov.6 at 5:20 pm
Tarzan Cooper says:
i like the suns non-defense.
Nov.6 at 5:20 pm
jj says:
While almost everything can change… jerry sloan is still coaghing the jazz…
Nov.6 at 5:20 pm
jj says:
While almost everything can change… jerry sloan is still coaghing the jazz…
Nov.6 at 5:22 pm
white hot eboy says:
It’s so early, but I think that the new blood of the league (teams like New Orleans, Atlanta, Charlotte)has said “fu*k it, let’s just ball” and that lack of pressure is allowing them to play big-time games, establishing themselves for the rest of the season as not just being “easy outs”. It’s good for the league, and even better for their fans.
Nov.6 at 5:24 pm
its just alex says:
So far, I think the rookies are looking good and the ROY contest could be a lot closer than expected. Durant is the obvious choice, but Jeff Green looked impressive overall the other night against the Clippers. Thorton, at 23, is definitely one of the most NBA ready rookies. Loads of rookies are making solid contributions, something that always refreshes the game.
Nov.6 at 5:25 pm
chiqo says:
i hate david stern in general.
Nov.6 at 5:29 pm
Homie says:
Loves: Kevin Durant, coaches’ mock turtleneck shirts, running and gunning, Amare’s fashion sense, the Raptors, the Celtics, the Clippers, Chris Kaman’s new ‘do, Deron Williams, Mike Conley, ball movement, Bill Walton, Lebron’s 45, 7 and 7, the Magic. Not Loves:
Jordan Farmar’s new do, 78-73 scores, turnovers aplenty, Stuart A. Smith, Lakers’ #24 (or, as my wife calls him, the Bastard), guys already griping about PT, Smush Parker (play him already, Pat!), Amare already sitting games out. I’m sure there’s more, just doesn’t come to mind right now…
Nov.6 at 5:35 pm
Bryan says:
I also love Phil Jacksons gangster “sit the f*ck down” to Mike D’Antoni.And The Lakers playing like f*ck Kobe let’s show him what we got.I love the Hawks beating the Mavs,the Knicks hanging with the Cavs.I love Ben Wallace sucking with his headband on.I love Stephen Jackson even if he isn’t on the court yet.I hate Tony Parker and Peja.
Nov.6 at 5:44 pm
Big L says:
I like the illustrators on TV. Showing a missed pick or the setting a good one, analyzing good cuts or movement without the ball, just the little things that help a team win or lose. I hate the gushing over player/team from announcers, player/team getting too many calls, players crying after every drive that they either get fouled or never commit a foul. Devean George was the worst person that I’ve ever seen at this. Kobe is getting pretty bad too. Love the degree of difficulty that these guys make look so easy. I can’t hit 10 jumpers in row and guys like Ray Allen and Arenas are hitting hundreds.
Nov.6 at 6:02 pm
Jack says:
The Knicks are .500
Nov.6 at 6:07 pm
Bryan says:
I think you posted this too late to get a huge response lang.
Nov.6 at 6:10 pm
jdubbs says:
Dislikes: the wiz and warriors, my 2 teams, are 0-6. WTF? Likes: Durant. Mcgrady. the Heat (and Shaq) starting off 0-3. Barkley, Ernie and the Jet. My new ‘50 inch flat screen and 42 speaker soundbox thing that hangs on the wall. DVRs so i can pause live games and skip through the commercials.
Nov.6 at 6:13 pm
Lew B. Money says:
how does Reggie Miller still have a job… in broadcasting? wtF?
Nov.6 at 6:43 pm
Ken says:
So many things to love about this/a new NBA season. I love that there’s hope in Boston again, and you can hear that hope in the stands. I love that Arenas makes blog entries because a fan yelled at him to do so. I love seeing somebody trying to beat the buzzer, feeling your breath catch involuntarily for a split second, and then that reflex fist pump when they make it (already happened a bunch this week). I love seeing which rooks make the transition best. I love getting used to seeing big players in new uniforms (Grant on the Suns!). I love seeing how theoretical pairings actually end up working (or not) in practice, like the Knicks frontcourt. I like rooting for my team, but I especially love rooting against other teams. I love watching the Lakers lose by two points, after Walton accidentally scored in his own basket earlier in that game. I love waking up and having something to read in the sports section of the newspaper. But more than anything, I love that fan’s hope in the back of my mind that says “this might be the year the Suns win it!”
Nov.6 at 7:03 pm
Kihwan says:
Hate the arena music while the game is going on. Just keeps getting worse and worse, year after year. What happened to being able to hear the basketball bounce and the squeaking of the shoes?
Nov.6 at 7:05 pm
Kihwan says:
I also loved watching the Lakers DESTROY the Suns in Phoenix, even if it was only the 2nd game of the season for both teams.
Nov.6 at 7:11 pm
jk_light says:
I don’t like (not to say hate) all the haters who are never satisfied if they don’t have someone to critizise. I love people just playin ball, Kobe’s unbelievable skills, Allen’s shooting form, Dirk’s game, Wade’s drives to the basket (but not the calls ge gets), Lebron’s power, Kidd and Nash’s kind of way to play, Boston’s new hope, Dallas winning the title, the possibility to watch highlites online and not this season: Vince Carter’s former posterizations, old highlight tapes from the Reign Man, nearly everything Jordan did, and Scottie did.
Nov.6 at 7:19 pm
Geenice says:
I hate the fact that the games on League Pass are not in HD. I will not be ordering this year. Standard Def Blows!
Nov.6 at 7:25 pm
Lawrence says:
I love how Dan Marleje could not pronounce Zydrunas Ilgauskas’ name to save his life for 48 straight minutes a few nights ago. Or the awkward silence that followed when Thunder Dan made the acute observation to his twin behind the mike that “we’re wearing the same ties but different colors…”. This is what I love.
Nov.6 at 7:40 pm
Donn says:
Good stuff everyone…but the craziest thing so far this season is the phenomenon called DUNLEAVY!!!!
Nov.6 at 7:52 pm
Michael NZ says:
Good: Jeff Van Gundy back, Grant Hill (still!), Mike Breen, ATL’s new unis, NBA.com’s Listen Live while I sit here at work in New Zealand, uh, slamonline’s outrageous output, Antoine Walker in Minnesota makes me smile, the D’Antoni V Jackson thing. Dislikes: Dallas, ESPN halftime ’show’, Anderson Varejo, endless arena music, trade demands, Heat without Wade. Hates with a passion: Stu Scott. Please go away forever.
Nov.6 at 7:57 pm
Paniscus says:
I would love to see a ROY race between teammates (Durant and Green). I love being back out on the West coast and being able to see games w/out missing work the next day. (Sorry to my friends back in the City)
Nov.6 at 8:01 pm
BETCATS says:
the bobcats are at 1.000
Nov.6 at 8:09 pm
matt the jazz fan says:
love that ak’s still in town
hate that he won’t be in three months’ time and that it won’t be in exchange for kobe (not to utah at least) love that the nba’s back. love durant. hate that the spurs are still winning. hate making judgements after 1/20th of the season.
Nov.6 at 8:13 pm
steve says:
Don’t like that people in New York were clapping for Isiah. Don’t like that Danny Ainge is being touted as GM of the Year.
Do like listening to the hilarity that ensues every time Kevin Garnett opens his mouth, and the Three’s Company interviews he does with Pierce and Allen.
Nov.6 at 8:17 pm
RiseKing says:
1) I wish that Earl Watson wasn’t the same exact player he was as a freshman @ UCLA, that PJ Carlisimo didn’t have a crush on him, and that he wasn’t a Sonic. 2) I love that Mr. Durant is as good as advertised. 3) I love Seattle fans came out in droves opening night, it was momentarily like the mid 90’s @ the Key. 4) I love Sam Presti’s youth movement and vision. 5) I hate Clay Bennett, and 6) I hope I have a hometown team in 12 months.
Nov.6 at 8:26 pm
colt 45 says:
this sould be the most interesting season for Orlando, Boston, Toronto, Memphis and phonex. For Orlando this should be a good year for them because the aqquired Rashard Lewis for his crazy skills, this wiill put alot of wait off of dwight howard shoulder because he will have had finally someone to pass too. Also this will be Jameer Nelson’s turn to shine. For Boston they are playing very well together if they could get more assits they will be first in the east! For Toronto it’s going to be the toughest year for them because they have Boston and Charlette in there division. But I saw them play Boston and they gave Boston a run for there money. For Memphis they are a young team with alot of potential pau Gasol, Rudy Gay, and Mike Conley Jr. will have to lead this team to 8th seed in the playoffs. For phonix they need to replace him for someone who is big strong and a strong blocker and rebounder to contain Tim Duncan because Sanantonio is the phonix suns only compotion in the west. All in all this should either be the most exciting season or the worst season.
Nov.6 at 9:53 pm
Slick Nick Da Ruler says:
Love: TNT’s crew (EJ healthy enough for us to enjoy), Boston fans cheering, Antoine’s missing shimmy, Tracy as the Rockets’ first option, Kobe never dogging it, Durant playing so smooth, Deron making Stock proud, Gil’s boldness, Kenyon jumping.
Nov.6 at 10:02 pm
bootlace says:
There are 1000 reasons to love this game this season, here are a couple of mine: 1)Kobe’s thin line between ‘legend’ and ‘brat’ 2)The Jackson vs D’Antoni beef 3)Miami being on a 16 game losing streak 4)Arenas Meltdown 5)Celtics!
Nov.6 at 10:18 pm
Permaculture says:
Michael NZ: thanks for the tip on audio from NBA.com–I didn’t know about that and I’m listening right now (at work!)
Nov.6 at 10:53 pm
Robbi says:
I love the fact that the so-called “zero tolerance” rule imposed last year hasn’t really destroyed the L so much. I was scared of that this time last year…
Nov.6 at 10:59 pm
Adrian Zapata says:
I agree with Geenice, all the league pass games should be in HD. I hate living in a small west texas town after moving away from San Antonio. WHy do they have Dallas Mav games local here but not Spurs? - Anyways, i also hate how anyone can jock Gilbert Arenas
Nov.6 at 11:44 pm
Cloud S.Y Louis says:
David stern SUCKS…ANYWAY
Nov.6 at 11:57 pm
JpT says:
im loving the bulls and heat are both 0-3. im a heat fan. but seeing the bulls 0-3 eases some pain. btw. to all of us bball fans… show some love for Agent Zero. http://2007.weblogawards.org/polls/best-celebrity-blogger-1.php cant let this Will something win.
Nov.7 at 2:00 am
SMK says:
I love Wizznutzz, now that the L is in session they might post more than once a month. Love Eddie House on fire, love that at least 1 of the BJTT is good for 25 points a night, still hate Brian Scalabrine but the ginger menace is an easy target.
Nov.7 at 3:10 am
Russ Bengtson says:
I hate loving the Bulls.
Nov.7 at 3:54 am
Doc says:
I hate how it’s so difficult to watch NBA games when you live anywhere else than in the US of A.
Nov.7 at 4:11 am
Tariq says:
Someone already mentioned it, but Stuart Scott is “hella bananas, gully” . Ain’t no tellin when he might drop 60 bars on ya, son.
Nov.7 at 4:12 am
Tariq says:
Amen to that, Doc.
Nov.7 at 6:24 am
Tariq says:
I hate expansion, which results in watered-down squads, which means great players are wasted on mediocre teams.
Nov.7 at 9:11 am
Ryan Jones says:
I do not love that the NBA season starts in late October, as opposed to early January, when I will be ready for it to start.
Nov.7 at 10:08 am
Jared says:
I love that college basketball is starting, I also love that the Atlanta Hawks are one of maybe 4 teams in the L that play defense…i hope they can go somewhere, good hustle
Nov.7 at 12:26 pm
Cub Buenning says:
Well put, Ryan.
I live in a football city with a great hockey team; this all after the baseball team makes it to the World Series!?!? I am far from concerned with the Nuggets 2-2 start. They’ve played the equivalent of 3 quarters of a football game.
Nov.7 at 12:29 pm
Cub Buenning says:
Oh yeah, i love the thought of the NCAA tourney and playing hookie on that Thursday and Friday.
Nov.7 at 12:54 pm
Chris O says:
Loving Des Mason as a low-post, drop stepping, jump hook shooting warrior who doesn’t miss…loving the potential of the Bucks and I’m surprisingly loving Delfino and Jason Kapono right now.
Nov.7 at 12:55 pm
Chris O says:
hating Reggie Miller. No new reason, but the old hate sits pat.
Nov.7 at 2:14 pm
Allenp says:
I love that George Karl is still effing up teams and being hailed as a great coach. I love that Dwight Howard now has legitimate post moves. I love the possibility of Isiah proving everyone wrong. I love Deron Williams’ game. I love San Antonio’s ability to go uptemp or slow it down.
Nov.7 at 5:21 pm
Michael NZ says:
Nothing but hate for TIMEOUTS. Endless timeouts.
Nov.7 at 6:52 pm
ciolkstar says:
I love the Spurs sustained dominance. (Although I understand I’d hate it if I was from anywhere else)I love Lebron establishing himself as a winner, not just an amazing talent.I love KG in green and playing like a beast. I love Al Horford finally getting more prop than Noah. I love that Golden Satae will get some nationally televised burn this year, and will probably ball on who ever they play. I love Nellie making Mavs fans cringe in fear, and I LOVE Stephen Jackson’s new tatt (and captaincy) I hate Kobe. Which means I hate Lakers, if he leaves I might even start to like them (which I cannot allow to happen)I hate Gerald Green getting NO BURN in Minnesota? (Is Randy Whitman retarded? Free Gerald Green?) And I hate that my job doesn’t directly involve watching/analyzing/writing about NBA basketball…hint hint
Nov.7 at 8:57 pm
dave says:
I hate not being able to watch the Bobcats anywhere. If you don’t live in Charlotte or Greensboro you don’t see them.
Nov.7 at 11:03 pm
Myung says:
i love… going to sold out hawks games. we’re 2-0 so far at home vs. these two decent teams. suns. mavs. philips arena. where “going to the playoffs this season” happens.
Nov.7 at 11:37 pm
Myung says:
i love booing boris diaw. i love getting a win over a team who gets our unprotected draft pick in ‘08.
Nov.12 at 12:28 am
Illmatic says:
I love the fact that wade is almost ready to come back. I love, the new rooks comeing in this season, i love al horford, I love finding out satistics for players. I hate, when the damn ref dont allow the players for acutally playing and calling silly fouls. I hate Steven A Smith. I just hate him.