<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">It didn't take a basketball savant to realize that Antoine Walker and Antawn Jamison were just passing through. The unspoken hope was that one or the other would yield a center on his way out of town. If not, what was the point? Make that two points. That's what the Mavericks chose to pursue ? two point guards ? for two power forwards. To be fair, there was more involved. Dallas got an explosive shooting guard in Jerry Stackhouse to play behind an explosive shooting guard in Michael Finley. The team did pick up two forwards in Christian Laettner and Alan Henderson, but the most valuable attribute of both players is that their contracts expire at the end of the 2004-05 season. </div> Well the only thing I can say on this is make a trade including Stackhouse and who ever, or Finley and whoever and trade them to a team which lacks a SG who is overflowed at the Center posistion. But to me the only teams I feel that the Mavs are threated by are the Spurs, Kings and the Timberwolves.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting dee still ballin:</div><div class="quote_post">Well the only thing I can say on this is make a trade including Stackhouse and who ever, or Finley and whoever and trade them to a team which lacks a SG who is overflowed at the Center posistion.</div> There's not many team's out there who have an established center, no shooting guard, and are willing to trade their established center for a shooting guard. Shooting guards are one of the most abundant positions in the NBA, and the Center position is by far the most scarce. A mediocre Center in today's NBA is treated like the league's best Centers were treated a decade or so ago. Just look at Mehmet Okur backing up his whole career and proving absolutely nothing then heading out to Utah in free agency for 50 million dollars. In fact, there's not <u>one</u> team in the league that I can think of with a shooting guard problem and decent, expendable Centers. If the Mavericks want a Center, they should go after Eric Dampier, Stromile Swift, or Keon Clark in free agency. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">But to me the only teams I feel that the Mavs are threated by are the Spurs, Kings and the Timberwolves.</div> I think that's a very biased perspective. The Mavericks should be threatened by the Spurs, Kings, Timberwolves, Nuggets, Grizzlies, Jazz, Rockets, Lakers, and Trail Blazers. In fact, most people I know would say that most or all of those teams will finish better than the Mavericks next season. In my opinion, the Mavericks only have a shot at the playoffs next season as a 7 or 8 seed.
Isiah Thomas attempted to squash the rumor that he would trade Stephon Marbury to the Raptors for Vince Carter. It's not going to happen. However, there is the Carter-for-Peja Stojakovic rumor. It wouldn't be as clear-cut as that, but the Raptors are shopping Carter and Stojakovic says he wants out of Sacramento. The Toronto Star reports that because Stojakovic will earn only $7 million this upcoming season, a trade would have to involve a third team, which could be Dallas. http://cbs.sportsline.com/nba/story/NBA_SC-RUMOR What about this move?? Finley going to Canada Peja going to the Big D Vince going to SACWAMENTO.(as the govener would say)
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting samoan-maverick:</div><div class="quote_post"> What about this move?? Finley going to Canada Peja going to the Big D Vince going to SACWAMENTO.(as the govener would say)</div> Are you kidding me? The Mavericks are absolutely raping the Raptors in this trade. Last year Stojakovic was one of the top 3 or 4 players in the NBA, and Michael Finley wasn't even an All-Star. If it was as simple as your three-way trade you just thought up, then they could just do Stojakovic for Carter straight up. If I'm not mistaken (don't get mad at me if I am), the problem lies in the amount of money Carter makes compared to Stojakovic. I'm pretty sure Carter makes a lot more than seven million dollars.
I'm not mad, but Vince is waaaaaaaay overated. Michael Finley is a very good player and he would work great with Bosh. Finley is a veteran leader and probably the best gaurd that you'll get back for Vince. Isaiah said he's not doing Marbury for Vince, Sacramento isnt crazy enough to add more to that vince and peja deal. Especially with Vince being liable for injuries. Peja is just as overated. He is a regular season player, but when it counts he was the one missing the wide open 3's.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting samoan-maverick:</div><div class="quote_post">I'm not mad, but Vince is waaaaaaaay overated. Michael Finley is a very good player and he would work great with Bosh. Finley is a veteran leader and probably the best gaurd that you'll get back for Vince. Isaiah said he's not doing Marbury for Vince, Sacramento isnt crazy enough to add more to that vince and peja deal. Especially with Vince being liable for injuries.</div> Overrated? Vince may have seen his fair share of injuries, but he doesn't deserve the criticism he gets. He's not garbage. This year he was 7th in the NBA in points per game. Look at these averages over the last few years - 1999 - 18 ppg, 6 rpg, 3 apg 2000 - 26 ppg, 6 rpg, 4 apg 2001 - 28 ppg, 6 rpg, 4 apg 2002 - 25 ppg, 5 rpg, 4 apg 2003 - 21 ppg, 4 rpg, 3 apg 2004 - 23 ppg, 5 rpg, 5 apg Those are beyond All-Star stats right there. Once you consider these stats which are better than Finley's, you also have to consider their ages. Vince is about four years younger than Finley, which is a lot in the NBA. You also have to look at what Vince does for ticket sales. Let's face it, Vince puts fans in the seats. If you bring Vince to your franchise, you're going to see a dramatic increase in ticket sales. I do not see the Raptors taking anything less than a Stojakovic-like player. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Peja is just as overated. He is a regular season player, but when it counts he was the one missing the wide open 3's.</div> That's one of the most bogus statements I have ever read. He's one of the NBA's best shooters and was also second in the league in scoring. Unlike McGrady and Iverson, he can score a whole lot and shoot a decent field goal percentage. He's great at just about everything. To call him a "regular season player" is a mistake too. If you want to call 17 ppg and 7 rpg in the playoffs bad, then you have too high of standards. Peja underachieved, but he was still above average. You also have to look outside of this year's playoffs. You act like these were the first playoffs Peja had ever been. If you would have looked back a year to 2003, you would have seen that Peja averaged 23 ppg, 7rpg, and shot 48% from the field in the playoffs that year. There's not 5 players in the NBA who I'd take over Peja Stojakovic.
If i was Cuban, i would get rid of Stackhouse immediately. IMO his best days are behind him. Trade him for a decent big man, or a good power forward and make him play the 5. At this point, I might be better than what we have at center.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Voodoo Child:</div><div class="quote_post"> There's not 5 players in the NBA who I'd take over Peja Stojakovic.</div> Kobe Shaq Kevin Garnett Tim Duncan Jason Kidd Jermaine O Neal Paul Pierce Yao Ming Tracy McGrady Allen Iverson Pau Gasol Carmelo Anthony LeBron James Dwyane Wade Vince Carter Dirk Nowitzki Chris Webber(when hes 100% healthy) Elton Brand Amare Stoudemire Shawn Marion Mike Redd Ray Allen Lamar Odom if he stays out of trouble. Ben Wallace(more valuble to a team with his out standing defense) I think I said enough. And the List just keeps on going. BTW: This list isn't in any order. Peja is the most overrated player ever who is currently in the NBA. If I was PEja I would stay with the Kings. Their offense allows Peja to get free looks. Any where else and Peja would get killed. Lets look at Pejas playoof stats where it really counts shall we? Peja Play offs PPG-17.5 ASP-1.5 RPG-7.00 BPG- .25 SGP- 1.83 FG%- .384 FT%- .897 3 PT%- .315 By looking at these I wouldn't even say hes a all star. Theres at least 25 players in th NBA more deserving than him. By loooking at these stats the only impressive thing I say is Free THrow percentage. Terrible FG%. Hes a typical Choker, Webber is better no matter what any one says.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting WhiteManCanJump:</div><div class="quote_post">If i was Cuban, i would get rid of Stackhouse immediately. IMO his best days are behind him. Trade him for a decent big man, or a good power forward and make him play the 5. At this point, I might be better than what we have at center.</div> Why get rid of Stackhouse? You probably won't get equal value in return. Howcome players who have one little injury or one little playoff slump are so underrated? Look at Stackhouse's stats over the last five years - 2000 - 30 ppg, 4 rpg, 5 apg (All-Star) 2001 - 22 ppg, 4 rpg, 5 apg (All-Star) 2002 - 22 ppg, 4 rpg, 5 apg 2003 - 22 ppg, 4 rpg, 5 apg 2004 - 14 ppg, 4 rpg, 4 apg (Injured) Stackhouse only played a little over 20 games last year and still put up those great stats. He's also still only 29 years old. The last healthy season that Stackhouse played, he averaged 22/4/5. I don't see how you can't want that on your team next season. Even if he only puts up 14/4/4 like he did this year while he was injured, that's still a major positive contribution. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Kobe Shaq Kevin Garnett Tim Duncan Jason Kidd Jermaine O Neal Paul Pierce Yao Ming Tracy McGrady Allen Iverson Pau Gasol Carmelo Anthony LeBron James Dwyane Wade Vince Carter Dirk Nowitzki Chris Webber(when hes 100% healthy) Elton Brand Amare Stoudemire Shawn Marion Mike Redd Ray Allen Lamar Odom if he stays out of trouble. Ben Wallace(more valuble to a team with his out standing defense) I think I said enough. And the List just keeps on going. BTW: This list isn't in any order.</div> Amare Stoudamire is better than Peja Stojakovic? Lamar Odom is better than Peja Stojakovic? Dwyane Wade is better than Peja Stojakovic? I scanned over that list and almost died with laughter. I don't think you're being very open-minded about this. You're the only person I know who would not put Peja in the top 5 or 10. What do you base all this on? My top 5 goes like this - 1)Kevin Garnett (tie) 1)Tim Duncan (tie) 3)Shaquille O'Neal 4)Kobe Bryant 5)Peja Stojakovic The only player I can see you making an arguement for is Jason Kidd, and I'm probably the biggest Jason Kidd fan on this message board. The reason I didn't list him over Peja was because he was injured for 15% of the games this year, is aging, and just had knee surgeory. Meanwhile, Peja is coming up on his prime. If you compare the seasons they had this year anyway, I'd have to say Peja had a better season. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Peja is the most overrated player ever who is currently in the NBA. If I was PEja I would stay with the Kings. Their offense allows Peja to get free looks. Any where else and Peja would get killed.</div> What the hell are you talking about? What are you basing any of this on? Peja has the skills to make it in any offense on any team. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Y Lets look at Pejas playoof stats where it really counts shall we? Peja Play offs PPG-17.5 ASP-1.5 RPG-7.00 BPG- .25 SGP- 1.83 FG%- .384 FT%- .897 3 PT%- .315 By looking at these I wouldn't even say hes a all star. Theres at least 25 players in th NBA more deserving than him. By loooking at these stats the only impressive thing I say is Free THrow percentage. Terrible FG%. Hes a typical Choker, Webber is better no matter what any one says.</div> This is the most biased crap I have ever read. Is that what you base all this on? Did you read my earlier post? This is ONE bad playoff that Peja had. In the playoffs in 2003, Peja averaged 23 ppg, 7rpg, and shot 48% from the field. You can't form opinions of players soley based on their 2004 playoff performances. If things were that simple, then I'd be calling Rip Hamilton one of the NBA's 5 best players and not Peja.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Voodoo Child:</div><div class="quote_post">Why get rid of Stackhouse? You probably won't get equal value in return. Howcome players who have one little injury or one little playoff slump are so underrated? Look at Stackhouse's stats over the last five years - 2000 - 30 ppg, 4 rpg, 5 apg (All-Star) 2001 - 22 ppg, 4 rpg, 5 apg (All-Star) 2002 - 22 ppg, 4 rpg, 5 apg 2003 - 22 ppg, 4 rpg, 5 apg 2004 - 14 ppg, 4 rpg, 4 apg (Injured) Stackhouse only played a little over 20 games last year and still put up those great stats. He's also still only 29 years old. The last healthy season that Stackhouse played, he averaged 22/4/5. I don't see how you can't want that on your team next season. Even if he only puts up 14/4/4 like he did this year while he was injured, that's still a major positive contribution. Amare Stoudamire is better than Peja Stojakovic? Lamar Odom is better than Peja Stojakovic? Dwyane Wade is better than Peja Stojakovic? I scanned over that list and almost died with laughter. I don't think you're being very open-minded about this. You're the only person I know who would not put Peja in the top 5 or 10. What do you base all this on? My top 5 goes like this - 1)Kevin Garnett (tie) 1)Tim Duncan (tie) 3)Shaquille O'Neal 4)Kobe Bryant 5)Peja Stojakovic The only player I can see you making an arguement for is Jason Kidd, and I'm probably the biggest Jason Kidd fan on this message board. The reason I didn't list him over Peja was because he was injured for 15% of the games this year, is aging, and just had knee surgeory. Meanwhile, Peja is coming up on his prime. If you compare the seasons they had this year anyway, I'd have to say Peja had a better season. What the hell are you talking about? What are you basing any of this on? Peja has the skills to make it in any offense on any team. This is the most biased crap I have ever read. Is that what you base all this on? Did you read my earlier post? This is ONE bad playoff that Peja had. In the playoffs in 2003, Peja averaged 23 ppg, 7rpg, and shot 48% from the field. You can't form opinions of players soley based on their 2004 playoff performances. If things were that simple, then I'd be calling Rip Hamilton one of the NBA's 5 best players and not Peja.</div> Nice argument but I have something to say about the Stack thing...he still has some things left in him but he is a cancer..he takes way too many shots and doesnt play D. The best thing about him is that he can get to teh FT line..he needs to improve his shot selection if he wants to stay with one team for the rest of his career.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Voodoo Child:</div><div class="quote_post"> I think that's a very biased perspective. The Mavericks should be threatened by the Spurs, Kings, Timberwolves, Nuggets, Grizzlies, Jazz, Rockets, Lakers, and Trail Blazers. In fact, most people I know would say that most or all of those teams will finish better than the Mavericks next season. In my opinion, the Mavericks only have a shot at the playoffs next season as a 7 or 8 seed.</div> I really dont feel any threat from Potland because they traded 2 of their franchise players (Sheed and Bonzi), and missed the playoffs but yet when they had them they took the Mavs to the limit. Lakers well whats left of them, I mean I know Kobe can do well with them but without Shaq I dont think they will be above the #3 seed. Nuggets. They are raw but they are still young, I know the addition of Kmart adds more depth to the team, but how will him and Melo couteract? Jazz. I dont even know what to say on them, Boozer may help them into the playoffs but thats about it. Rockets. Now they might be a force to reckon with, Tmac and Yao might just be the Next Shaq and Kobe, but we dont know how they will couter act. Yeah I know some times I can be biased but IMO this is the way I think the seeding will be next season Wolves Spurs Kings Mavs Rockets Nuggets Grizzlies Trail Blazers .. but thats just my thoughts
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Kobe 8 Ball:</div><div class="quote_post">Nice argument but I have something to say about the Stack thing...he still has some things left in him but he is a cancer..he takes way too many shots and doesnt play D. The best thing about him is that he can get to teh FT line..he needs to improve his shot selection if he wants to stay with one team for the rest of his career.</div> I don't think it's fair to call him a cancer. Afterall, were the Wizards a prominant team before he came? Sure, he plays weak defense and shoots too much, but so does just every other Maverick. I'm not saying it's acceptable for him to play weak defense and shoot too much, but he's not going to hurt the Mavericks with that anymore than Walker did last year. I think he may even be an upgrade on Walker. He's still a valuable asset in my opinion. I hope he starts over Daniels and Howard this year. It would be a joke if he didn't. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I really dont feel any threat from Potland because they traded 2 of their franchise players (Sheed and Bonzi), and missed the playoffs but yet when they had them they took the Mavs to the limit.</div> The Blazers traded away their two franchise players, but they got compensation. Zach Randolph has developed into a player that will most likely surpass what Wallace did with the team in his last year with them if he already hasn't. Bonzi Wells was a great player, but he's not anywhere near as good as former All-Star Shareef Abdur-Rahim. As a Blazer, Abdur-Rahim hasn't had the best career, but next year things should change. If they don't, you can expect Portland to trade him away for someone just as good anyway. There's already rumors of Abdur-Rahim and fillers for Vince Carter. Then you have to look at how the Blazers added Darius Miles. Overall, the Blazers have improved over these last six months more than just about any other team in their division. Last year the Blazers weren't a complete dissaster like everyone thinks they were. They finished with a 50% win-loss record. I fully expect them to have a better season than the Mavericks this season. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Lakers well whats left of them, I mean I know Kobe can do well with them but without Shaq I dont think they will be above the #3 seed.</div> They didn't just throw away Shaq. They got Lamar Odom who is playing in the Olympics in return as well as Caron Butler. A team of Bryant, Odom, Butler, Divac, Mihm, and B.Grant is not a bad team at all. I don't expect them to get a top 3 seed, but I don't expect the Mavericks to either. The Lakers will be shooting for a 7 or 8 seed just like the Mavericks. If I were the Mavericks I would be very worried about them. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Nuggets. They are raw but they are still young, I know the addition of Kmart adds more depth to the team, but how will him and Melo couteract? </div> I'm not sure how Martin and Anthony will do together, but if things work out for the better then Denver could have the best frontcourt in the West. I know a lot of people who are predicting that the Nuggets will get a top three seed. Anthony was one of the top twenty-five or so players in the NBA this season, and it was his rookie year. He's also playing overseas this summer, so he's probably learning a lot from all the skilled coaches and veterans. Most people expect him to come back for his Sophomore season and do a lot better than he did in his amazing rookie season. This team has the potential to be the #2 or #3 seed. The Mavericks should definitely be worried. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Jazz. I dont even know what to say on them, Boozer may help them into the playoffs but thats about it.</div> The Jazz always surprise people. Last year most people thought they'd be on the bottom of the league, but they almost made the playoffs. They only got better this offseason, so I only see better things in their future. Anyway, the point is that most teams in the West got a lot better this offseason while the Mavericks only appeared to get worse. ESPN recently ranked the Mavericks' offseason as the worst offseason in the NBA. They lost Nash, Walker, Jamison, and Fortson. Their compensation? Harris, Terry, Stackhouse, and Booth. That's not the kind of offseason I would have been hoping for if I were a Mavericks fan. That's far from the Shaq-Nowitzki-Finley frontcourt a lot of people dreamed about.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Voodoo Child:</div><div class="quote_post">I don't think it's fair to call him a cancer. Afterall, were the Wizards a prominant team before he came? Sure, he plays weak defense and shoots too much, but so does just every other Maverick. I'm not saying it's acceptable for him to play weak defense and shoot too much, but he's not going to hurt the Mavericks with that anymore than Walker did last year. I think he may even be an upgrade on Walker. He's still a valuable asset in my opinion. I hope he starts over Daniels and Howard this year. It would be a joke if he didn't.</div> I seriously think that Stackhouse could fill in for Finley and we wouldn't miss a beat. Both can light it up and neither plays a lick of defense. Finley is the worst defensive player left on this team, now that the only three guys worse than him have left (Nash, Jamison, Walker (in that order), Dirk is now only the second worst defender on the team). But why do you say start Stack over Daniels, No Way Dude! Daniels damn near led the NBA in scoring while shooting 49% after he was added to the starting lineup late in the season. Daniels just might become the best player on this team in time, he's that good. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> Anyway, the point is that most teams in the West got a lot better this offseason while the Mavericks only appeared to get worse. ESPN recently ranked the Mavericks' offseason as the worst offseason in the NBA. They lost Nash, Walker, Jamison, and Fortson. Their compensation? Harris, Terry, Stackhouse, and Booth. That's not the kind of offseason I would have been hoping for if I were a Mavericks fan. That's far from the Shaq-Nowitzki-Finley frontcourt a lot of people dreamed about.</div> I say when you look at it from that perspective, yes, so far, the mavs have had the worst offseason. We can blame Mitch Kupckeck for being a fool, or Nash's agent, or Mark Cuban, but it doesn't do any good. I think this analysis doesn't take into account the next year and the years beyond. The Mavs are definitely younger, potentially better defensively, and certainly much better positioned to make another move in the future. This team will hopefully look a lot different by the time the season starts. Terry/Harris Daniels/Howard Finley/Stackhouse Dirk/Najera Booth/Bradley Tell me another team whose five backups at each spot are even close???
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting SunshineRain:</div><div class="quote_post">I But why do you say start Stack over Daniels, No Way Dude! Daniels damn near led the NBA in scoring while shooting 49% after he was added to the starting lineup late in the season. Daniels just might become the best player on this team in time, he's that good.</div> You start Stackhouse, because Stackhouse is a proven player and Daniels isn't. Don't get me wrong, I was very impressed with Daniels. However, the fact of the matter is that Stackhouse is like an 8-year veteran who averaged 30 ppg not too long ago. He's the established player. You never start the young kid over the experienced vet. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I say when you look at it from that perspective, yes, so far, the mavs have had the worst offseason. We can blame Mitch Kupckeck for being a fool, or Nash's agent, or Mark Cuban, but it doesn't do any good. I think this analysis doesn't take into account the next year and the years beyond. The Mavs are definitely younger, potentially better defensively, and certainly much better positioned to make another move in the future. This team will hopefully look a lot different by the time the season starts.</div> They are young and have a decent future, but the point is that there are younger teams out there with better futures. The Grizzlies and Nuggets are both more loaded right now and are also younger, just to name a few. Any team that starts Booth at Center is not going to make it very far. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Tell me another team whose five backups at each spot are even close???</div> The Memphis Grizzlies have a better bench. A deep team is nice, but unless you fully utilize the depth in a ten man rotation like Hubie Brown does in Memphis then it's not as big of a factor.
Stackhouse said he would come off the bench if it meant winning. Even if he does start, I believe Daniels will take the job from him mid-season.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Voodoo Child:</div><div class="quote_post"> Amare Stoudamire is better than Peja Stojakovic? Lamar Odom is better than Peja Stojakovic? Dwyane Wade is better than Peja Stojakovic? I scanned over that list and almost died with laughter. I don't think you're being very open-minded about this. You're the only person I know who would not put Peja in the top 5 or 10. What do you base all this on? My top 5 goes like this - 1)Kevin Garnett (tie) 1)Tim Duncan (tie) 3)Shaquille O'Neal 4)Kobe Bryant 5)Peja Stojakovic The only player I can see you making an arguement for is Jason Kidd, and I'm probably the biggest Jason Kidd fan on this message board. The reason I didn't list him over Peja was because he was injured for 15% of the games this year, is aging, and just had knee surgeory. Meanwhile, Peja is coming up on his prime. If you compare the seasons they had this year anyway, I'd have to say Peja had a better season. </div> Peja a top 5 player in the NBA is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard on this site so far. Peja isn't even the best player on his team. Chirs Webber is better than Peja. Peja is a top 30 player in the league IMO. Amare Stoudemire is better than Peja. Who would you honestly choose Amare or Peja to have on your team? IF you say PEja you are just a biased fan boy. Lamar Odom is arguable, but I think hes still better. Dwyane Wades future is MUCH better than Peja. Now Dwyane Wade has the potential to become a top 5 player in the futture. Peja just doesnt. I am basing it on value to a team. How can you even consider having Peja over Dwyane Wade? Maybe if you ever watched him y'd know. Peja can not creat e his own shots if his life depended on it. As for Jason Kidd HAHAHAH. An NBA pure point guard with the ability to make all teammates not better han Peja. Also as you said PEja had crappy playoffs this year. You then say his last year play offs were sooo great. Then you turn around and say J-Kidd isn't better than Peja because he had an injury this season. Make up your mind already! Jeez. Jason Kidd had an injury this season. Pejas play offs sucked this season. Their overall career so far is what really counts. Kidd is also on my list of top 50 players ever. Peja is far from it. You also seem to like mentioning the season a lot. The season is only intended for the seeds. Peja allowed his team to get a high seed. But then what did he do with that seed? Take his team to a 2nd play off exit. J-Kidd has led his team far and good this year. He was only stopped by the Pistons(who won the champinoship) and brang it to a 7 game series farther than any other team has taken the Pistons including the Lakers. Just my 2 cents
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">My top 5 goes like this - 1)Kevin Garnett (tie) 1)Tim Duncan (tie) 3)Shaquille O'Neal 4)Kobe Bryant 5)Peja Stojakovic</div> Peja isnt even the best European 1)Dirk 2)AK47 3)Gasol 4)Ginobili 5)Peja Maybe top5 Euro? <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Peja a top 5 player in the NBA is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard on this site so far. Peja isn't even the best player on his team. Chirs Webber is better than Peja. Peja is a top 30 player in the league IMO.</div> I'd even choose Bibby over Peja, at least he hits his clutch shots instead of throwing up AAAAAAAAAAAAIR BAAAAAAAALLS
As for Peja, I'm a little biased, but I hate him. Sure he's a great shooter, I won't deny that. But he does nothing else, and gets almost all his points simply because he's on the best passing team in the league. Top 5 in the league? Not even close. Top 2 shooters (with Allen), nowhere near Top 5 players. But there's no way Ginobili's as good as him. And on the topic of the Mavs, I went to a Summer League vs. Chinese National team game, and it showed me the Mavs actually have defenders this year. Harris was great man on man, the C from Congo (I can't think of his name right now) was getting some steals and had a good post game (but then, it doesn't take much for a center to impress a Mavs fan), and of course, the best perimeter defender on the team (maybe the best in the west) Josh Howard. Voodoo Child is right that Stackhouse wouldn't hurt the lineup, but he definitely wouldn't help. If Daniels works(ed) on his passing this offseason, he'll be one of the best players on team, and he's, I think, the only Mav that even shows a hint of clutch performance (only reason the Mavs-Kings games were close last playoffs). On to the bad - we traded 3 of our 4 best rebounders in Fortson, Walker, and Jamison and got a backup C, 3 Gs (none as good as Nash), and two weak Fs. Unless the Congo C shows some rebounding ability, we'll have to rely on nothing but Dirk, which is not a good thing. Unless Finley develops back into an Allstar, I really doubt the Mavs will make the playoffs. As has been stated, just about every team in the West got better, the Mavs didn't. I don't know the divisions well enough yet to pick the top 3 teams, but my playoff picture in the West is this. -San Antonio -Sacramento -Minnesotta -Houston -Denver -Portland -Memphis -Lakers (Kobe will make sure they make the playoffs)
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">the only Mav that even shows a hint of clutch performance </div> I'm gonna have to disagree, Dirk doesnt get the chance to show that he's clutch because of Finley and Nellie. He will be able to take the mavs to the playoffs, I'll put some benjamins on that. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Top 2 shooters (with Allen), nowhere near Top 5 players. But there's no way Ginobili's as good as him.</div> Have you seen Ginobili play??? He can't shoot as good as Peja but he can defend, pass, and what makes him better (IMO) than Peja is his ability to create his own shot. Peja is gonna be struggling now that he doesnt have Vlade to give him the ball all the time, but not taking anything away from Bibby. 1. Spurs 2. Wolves 3. Rockets 4. Nuggets 5. Kings 6. Grizz 7. Dallas 8. Lakers
peja cant create his own shot. if you want peja to perform at his best, he needs a good passing team. sacramento is perfect. bibby and webber are great passers, and christie aint half bad. brad miller is probably their worst passer, and even he isnt too shabby. peja gets a lot of pick and rolls. wut actually happens is: 1. bibby w/ the ball 2. someone sets a pick near the 3pt line 3. peja utilizes the pick 4. bibby passes to peja 5. peja shoots. if he goes to a team like the Raptors, hes pretty much screwed. the only good passers on the team is jalen rose, and maybe alvin williams. carter is an ok passer, but he will be gone if raps get peja. Dallas wont need peja. they need inside help, not another shooter/scorer. besides, dallas doesnt have that many good passers, and even less now that walker and nash r gone. plus, dallas is run n gun. peja cant run. peja needs set plays which get him open. i guarantee that if peja goes to a team w/o a certain amount of skill in the passing department, his FG% will suffer.
