The utter failure of our educational system

So according to "sources" from different people Bosh will only go S&T. He doesnt want to go to Cleveland, and Toronto has said they are interested in anything Miami has to offer. Nobody wants Deng's contract, so unless Chicago offers Noah i dont think Toronto will want anything to do with Chicago either. I am hoping these are all pretty credible because this puts Houston in a pretty good position.

So according to "sources" from different people Bosh will only go S&T. He doesnt want to go to Cleveland, and Toronto has said they are interested in anything Miami has to offer. Nobody wants Deng's contract, so unless Chicago offers Noah i dont think Toronto will want anything to do with Chicago either. I am hoping these are all pretty credible because this puts Houston in a pretty good position.

Batman, I agree with your assessment. Colangelo is fishing with the Rockets deal. It may come down to the two first round picks.

I've been thinking about Battier, Ariza and Scola's value. Of the three I think Battier is the most enigmatic. On a team with 2 superstars he willingly comes off the bench to guard the opposition's best player (Manu Ginobili). In addition to all that's said in the 'no stat' NY times article, I think something that's not mentioned is the mindset Battier brings.

In a 1 point game one can say that the guy that scored on the buzzer beater is the star. But one can also argue that everything during the game counts. I think Battier is the guy who plays like every play counts. Even if his job is to block out. Blocking an opponent from getting a rebound is big if done over the course of a 100 possession game. Part of the genius of the system in Rockets is to reward this type of player -- when one would usually reward the guy who puts in the buzzer beater. They are trying to draft guys with some athleticism who may not be freakish stars. But when taught the fundamentals of the game and bring that lunch pail attitude night in and night out like Battier, you will be rewarded. Draft a guy with some talent, teach them to play hard and put their nose to the grinder, show them in Battier as someone who they can be and you get a group of 5 guys like that around 2 superstars....voila!

This year Rockets won two games against the GS warriors by 1 point. In the post-game write up it was said that Battier and Ariza had an argument about who was going to guard Monta Ellis. So Ariza guard him for 2 quarters and Monta had nothing to show for. Battier had him for the 3rd qtr and he ran off with 20 points. Guess what, 4th qtr Rockets had Ariza on him again and ends up winning by 1.

Battier brings that mindset -- I'm approaching every play, every match-up, no matter who I'm guarding, like it's game 7 of the Finals. Can't coach that. But, when there's a guy on the team who personifies that and you point your guys (Taylor, Hill, Patterson) to him then it becomes very clear. Winning basketball is about playing hard. There's 10 guys on the court and 5 match-ups at all times but only 1 ball. If you approach every play like you have the ball then good things will happen to you. It's the Kobe 'I'm going to beat you' mentality but in a different way. I'm going to chase you all night so in 4th qtr when it counts you're going to be a bit worn down.

People think NBA is about talent. But it still take the guys on the floor without the ball working hard to win.

Guys like Battier have no value to a team like the Raptors. That's why I think he will return to Houston after the S&T. He's in the deal to make the numbers work is all.

I'm wondering if Atlanta took Morey's smoke signal, panicked and jumped all over Joe Johnson.

LeBron's going to announce his decision to return to the Cavs in a one hour special Thursday night.

I think it's funny that raptors are willing to deal Bosh to a destination where he doesn't want to go (cavs).

Money, Top Dog, and Glory, it's good to know that these superstars struggle like the Greek gods of old. Not even these guys can have it all.

Rahat,

I think one interesting point by that tweet is that Toronto may condition a Bosh S&T with dumping Calderon's salary. In which case, the key thing isn't even getting assets, but dumping salary. I'm not sure how the trade exception works, but presumably in that case a team like Miami with a lot of cap-space would be ideally situated to take Calderon. In fact, given their empty roster, a resurgent Calderon with Wade & Bosh would be a really nice nucleus.

Steve,

While other teams may not have great assets, the viewpoint that Houston has these great assets is fairly homer-istic.

Ariza isn't exactly something Toronto would desperately want. He's going to be owed a lot of money over the next 4 years and while its not a horrible contract, its not terribly attractive.

Battier is ok, but bad match for a rebuilding, young team. He's not cheap either. So if anything Battier isn't exactly a great asset.

Scola would be a pretty good asset. But it depends on how much money he wants, and if he wants to play in Toronto. He probably would, Toronto is a great city, and Scola probably appreciate the international aspect of Toronto. But does Toronto really want to pay Scola for 4 years say 30 million? It's not like its a bargain for a fairly crafty decent but nothing special and with little really upside potential 4.

I doubt the Rockets are willing to part with Brooks. Brooks would probably be a good asset, at least if they get to get rid of Calderon, but I don't see this really happening.

Right now it sounds like Bosh is the center which the big 3 revolves around. Rockets offer a good deal for all around. Everyone can offer their own future picks, which stands to be late first round once a team in the East gets Bosh. Only rockets can offer the Knicks option.

Cleveland is a no-go for Bosh. That leaves Miami, Chicago and NJ. Wade wants to be with Bosh but so does LeBron. Bosh likes Chicago but S&T while Wade likes Miami so he doesn't have to get a pay cut. Secretly there's got to be a rivalry now between Wade and LeBron. Wherever they go (Wade or LeBron) would have to take a pay cut if they want to be with Bosh. But no one wants a pay cut. This FA season, time to get paid. A stalemate of sorts, until Bosh works out all the scenarios for himself and come to the obvious conclusion.

This all has happened before and will happen again. Take money or take a cut for championship like you're a little boy picking teams on the playground. I just hope the bad feelings won't run too deep once everyone follows the money.

You think if Morey was willing to take Joe Johnson with (Mad)Max contract to get Bosh, that he might offer one of the other guys(Wade or Lebron) another S&T?

And if he doesn't is it because he can't use them or these guys haven't asked?

What's Morey hiding up his sleeve? We got K-Mart presumably he's better than Wade? What about Lebron? What would he do on the Rocket team?

There's one interesting thing Miami owns: Toronto's own 2011 #1 (acquired in the Jermaine O'Neal trade). Heats own picks are likely high but Toronto's will probably be well into the lottery and would free the eam to tank next season.

Who says no-
Beasley for Thabeet and Lakers 2011 First?

BTW,
Summer League roster out and 5 bigs,2 SFs and about a hundred guards(actually 6).No vet retreads,all youngsters w/3PGs.
Brief interview w/Taylor after practice where he said Adelman wants him to work on his team skills(playmaking?) and running the break. Also said he's worked w/staff on retooling his shot and is very comfortable w/his new shot and his 3pt shot.
Patterson very matter of fact in stating he wants to be a great NBA player.

Rahat... Did you see where Colanglo isn't just focus on the trade exception? Toronto needs/wants assets. Although Chalmers plus picks are assets, clearly Toronto wants players that can contribute for today and the future.

I still think Houston has a chance but in the end, IMO I think Bosh goes with Wade. I could be wrong and I'm hope I'm wrong. But seriously... the media is just as bad as watching Days of our Lives... I mean I love Ric and all but now he's starting to just throw crap out there just like his counterparts. I can't wait for this to be over soon.

At least there's a few things we know:
1. Houston has the best assets to offer.
2. Toronto doesn't want Beasley.
3. Chicago stands a chance to be left out in the cold.
4. Bosh does want to be sidekick.
5. Bosh wants to play along side a Center
6. Although Houston has the best assets, nothing else matters unless Bosh wants to come to Houston. He already knows Houston will give him the max and the extra year on the deal.

AP,
Possibly.

Batman, I agree with your assessment. Colangelo is fishing with the Rockets deal. It may come down to the two first round picks.

I've been thinking about Battier, Ariza and Scola's value. Of the three I think Battier is the most enigmatic. On a team with 2 superstars he willingly comes off the bench to guard the opposition's best player (Manu Ginobili). In addition to all that's said in the 'no stat' NY times article, I think something that's not mentioned is the mindset Battier brings.

In a 1 point game one can say that the guy that scored on the buzzer beater is the star. But one can also argue that everything during the game counts. I think Battier is the guy who plays like every play counts. Even if his job is to block out. Blocking an opponent from getting a rebound is big if done over the course of a 100 possession game. Part of the genius of the system in Rockets is to reward this type of player -- when one would usually reward the guy who puts in the buzzer beater. They are trying to draft guys with some athleticism who may not be freakish stars. But when taught the fundamentals of the game and bring that lunch pail attitude night in and night out like Battier, you will be rewarded. Draft a guy with some talent, teach them to play hard and put their nose to the grinder, show them in Battier as someone who they can be and you get a group of 5 guys like that around 2 superstars....voila!

This year Rockets won two games against the GS warriors by 1 point. In the post-game write up it was said that Battier and Ariza had an argument about who was going to guard Monta Ellis. So Ariza guard him for 2 quarters and Monta had nothing to show for. Battier had him for the 3rd qtr and he ran off with 20 points. Guess what, 4th qtr Rockets had Ariza on him again and ends up winning by 1.

Battier brings that mindset -- I'm approaching every play, every match-up, no matter who I'm guarding, like it's game 7 of the Finals. Can't coach that. But, when there's a guy on the team who personifies that and you point your guys (Taylor, Hill, Patterson) to him then it becomes very clear. Winning basketball is about playing hard. There's 10 guys on the court and 5 match-ups at all times but only 1 ball. If you approach every play like you have the ball then good things will happen to you. It's the Kobe 'I'm going to beat you' mentality but in a different way. I'm going to chase you all night so in 4th qtr when it counts you're going to be a bit worn down.

People think NBA is about talent. But it still take the guys on the floor without the ball working hard to win.

Guys like Battier have no value to a team like the Raptors. That's why I think he will return to Houston after the S&T. He's in the deal to make the numbers work is all.

Rahat,
We still would have the best package though right?
Couldn't Toronto say that we only deal with Houston?

JB,
Yeah, that's what it basically boils down to.

The Heat can give up all the last remaining assets it has and land Bosh, or sign Boozer/Lee outright and keep their picks.

Some would say that the latter should be the preferrable route but I disagree. Those assets are so marginal that I don't think they make up for the difference of talent b/t Bosh and Boozer, not to mention their respective ages/health. The Heat will have their MLE next year and can purchase draft picks if need-be. I would build around Bosh.

Hahaha yes!

Here's an equation for you: Bosh - (the next best PF) = X, where X is the # of draft picks Miami would give up to acquire Bosh.

I'm wondering if Atlanta took Morey's smoke signal, panicked and jumped all over Joe Johnson.

LeBron's going to announce his decision to return to the Cavs in a one hour special Thursday night.

I think it's funny that raptors are willing to deal Bosh to a destination where he doesn't want to go (cavs).

Money, Top Dog, and Glory, it's good to know that these superstars struggle like the Greek gods of old. Not even these guys can have it all.

Rahat,

I think one interesting point by that tweet is that Toronto may condition a Bosh S&T with dumping Calderon's salary. In which case, the key thing isn't even getting assets, but dumping salary. I'm not sure how the trade exception works, but presumably in that case a team like Miami with a lot of cap-space would be ideally situated to take Calderon. In fact, given their empty roster, a resurgent Calderon with Wade & Bosh would be a really nice nucleus.

Steve,

While other teams may not have great assets, the viewpoint that Houston has these great assets is fairly homer-istic.

Ariza isn't exactly something Toronto would desperately want. He's going to be owed a lot of money over the next 4 years and while its not a horrible contract, its not terribly attractive.

Battier is ok, but bad match for a rebuilding, young team. He's not cheap either. So if anything Battier isn't exactly a great asset.

Scola would be a pretty good asset. But it depends on how much money he wants, and if he wants to play in Toronto. He probably would, Toronto is a great city, and Scola probably appreciate the international aspect of Toronto. But does Toronto really want to pay Scola for 4 years say 30 million? It's not like its a bargain for a fairly crafty decent but nothing special and with little really upside potential 4.

I doubt the Rockets are willing to part with Brooks. Brooks would probably be a good asset, at least if they get to get rid of Calderon, but I don't see this really happening.

Right now it sounds like Bosh is the center which the big 3 revolves around. Rockets offer a good deal for all around. Everyone can offer their own future picks, which stands to be late first round once a team in the East gets Bosh. Only rockets can offer the Knicks option.

Cleveland is a no-go for Bosh. That leaves Miami, Chicago and NJ. Wade wants to be with Bosh but so does LeBron. Bosh likes Chicago but S&T while Wade likes Miami so he doesn't have to get a pay cut. Secretly there's got to be a rivalry now between Wade and LeBron. Wherever they go (Wade or LeBron) would have to take a pay cut if they want to be with Bosh. But no one wants a pay cut. This FA season, time to get paid. A stalemate of sorts, until Bosh works out all the scenarios for himself and come to the obvious conclusion.

This all has happened before and will happen again. Take money or take a cut for championship like you're a little boy picking teams on the playground. I just hope the bad feelings won't run too deep once everyone follows the money.

You think if Morey was willing to take Joe Johnson with (Mad)Max contract to get Bosh, that he might offer one of the other guys(Wade or Lebron) another S&T?

And if he doesn't is it because he can't use them or these guys haven't asked?

What's Morey hiding up his sleeve? We got K-Mart presumably he's better than Wade? What about Lebron? What would he do on the Rocket team?

There's one interesting thing Miami owns: Toronto's own 2011 #1 (acquired in the Jermaine O'Neal trade). Heats own picks are likely high but Toronto's will probably be well into the lottery and would free the eam to tank next season.

Who says no-
Beasley for Thabeet and Lakers 2011 First?

BTW,
Summer League roster out and 5 bigs,2 SFs and about a hundred guards(actually 6).No vet retreads,all youngsters w/3PGs.
Brief interview w/Taylor after practice where he said Adelman wants him to work on his team skills(playmaking?) and running the break. Also said he's worked w/staff on retooling his shot and is very comfortable w/his new shot and his 3pt shot.
Patterson very matter of fact in stating he wants to be a great NBA player.

Rahat... Did you see where Colanglo isn't just focus on the trade exception? Toronto needs/wants assets. Although Chalmers plus picks are assets, clearly Toronto wants players that can contribute for today and the future.

I still think Houston has a chance but in the end, IMO I think Bosh goes with Wade. I could be wrong and I'm hope I'm wrong. But seriously... the media is just as bad as watching Days of our Lives... I mean I love Ric and all but now he's starting to just throw crap out there just like his counterparts. I can't wait for this to be over soon.

At least there's a few things we know:
1. Houston has the best assets to offer.
2. Toronto doesn't want Beasley.
3. Chicago stands a chance to be left out in the cold.
4. Bosh does want to be sidekick.
5. Bosh wants to play along side a Center
6. Although Houston has the best assets, nothing else matters unless Bosh wants to come to Houston. He already knows Houston will give him the max and the extra year on the deal.

AP,
Possibly.

Rahat,
We still would have the best package though right?
Couldn't Toronto say that we only deal with Houston?

JB,
Yeah, that's what it basically boils down to.

The Heat can give up all the last remaining assets it has and land Bosh, or sign Boozer/Lee outright and keep their picks.

Some would say that the latter should be the preferrable route but I disagree. Those assets are so marginal that I don't think they make up for the difference of talent b/t Bosh and Boozer, not to mention their respective ages/health. The Heat will have their MLE next year and can purchase draft picks if need-be. I would build around Bosh.

Hahaha yes!

Here's an equation for you: Bosh - (the next best PF) = X, where X is the # of draft picks Miami would give up to acquire Bosh.