PeterHilton

Those are all links to stories put out by Stern and the NBA in anticipation of a labor negotiation. I know that the economy and the decrease in TV revenue has hurt the NBA, but I'm not willing to believe that 90% of the teams are losing money. Every time this kind of stuff comes up all owners everywhere claim they're losing money. What would be your suggestion? Pro athletes making 40 K a year because owners claim that they can't afford any more? And again..who's responsibility is it that these players get paid what they do? The owners aren't children. If they were REALLY losing that much money then the salaries would've gone down organically years ago.

Listen, I'm not getting into a debate over NHL v NBA from a busines standpoint. The NHL is recovering, but they had fallen so far down the pecking order in terms of relevance on the landscape of American sports that they really had nowhere to go but up. They HAVE to have a hard cap because it was the only way to keep themselves financially viable. But as to the NBA salary cap: I don't care if it's 'funky' or if it has a bunch of loopholes because the underlying purposes of those loopholes is to allow teams to keep their own players (which is good for those teams) and to allow big market/wealthy teams to add talent even if they're already at the luxury tax threshhold (which is good for the league). So yeah..he has a point. But at the end of the day, there are plenty of teams (like Portland and OKC and San Antonio) that have put together good teams w/o signing mediocre players to bad contracts. Owners should sign a good GM and maybe they wouldn't have this kind of stuff to complain about.

Sounds to me like he completely contradicted his own point...first he's saying the system is broke then he blames the owners. Also..lol at anyone from the NHL telling people in the NBA how to run their business.

Meh The NBA allows deals like the one this past season where the Cavs dealt Ilgauskas to a another team, knowing he'd get bought out, just so they could re-sign him 3 weeks later. I doubt they're going to make any changes in these loop holes before the next CBA.

CQ beat me to it but..according to Simmons at espn.com: (Follow-up note: Apparently he's doing one last noble act, not filing his retirement papers right away so the Celtics can trade his cap figure for another player … which, ironically, gives him real value to teams looking to dump payroll and/or get under the tax. This reminds me of a dying Darth Vader being nice to Luke Skywalker at the end of "Return of the Jedi." I don't know where this is coming from, but thank you, Darth!)

Lotsa reports out there that Wallace has retired but has told the Cs he's gonna wait to file the paperwork, that way they can trade him to a team looking to get some cap relief and an expiring contract. And if I was a Celtics fans it would be MONTHS before I was over blowing a 13 point lead in the third quarter of Game 7 and losing an NBA title to the team I hate most.

This year's draft is gargage for the most part. There's maybe a dozen guys who are going to be solid, reliable members of a team's 9 man rotation...five or six of those will be starters..with only 2 0r 3 possible All Stars. It's a weak class. So I didn't care at all about last night. Wake me up when free agency begins.

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="GatorBait19" data-cite="GatorBait19" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="27836" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><p> </p><p> Every team right now has a player they run through. Magic he would be a big offensive key, but he would still remain a side kick/partner because Howard is King in Orlando.</p><p> </p><p> </p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> That's why a guy like Lebron is so attractive to play with for these guys. He's so unselfish.</p><p> </p><p> In crunch time, the Cavs ran a lot of pick n roll. And Lebron never hesitated to pass; unfortunately he was passing to Antawn Jamison and Anderson Varajao. If the big man on the other end of those passes is a guy like Bosh or Amare it's a huge difference.</p>

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="GatorBait19" data-cite="GatorBait19" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="27836" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I can agree with some of those points. I personally think Orlando would be a great fit for Bosh, not because I like Orlando. Howard and Bosh have teamed together before with the US basketball team, they would instantly become a inside threat. Magic to compete need another big man who can take pressure off of Howard.<p> </p><p> Also, Raptors might be a little scared by a deal that would involve Bynum. He is about to go under the knife.</p><p> </p><p> Big thing is will Bosh want to be someones sidekick? I don't think he will and in Orlando and LA (or anywhere with Lebron) that's what'd he be.</p><p> </p><p> Also, I personally believe the NBA offseason is one of the most thrilling in sports. So much can happen in just a moment.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I actually think that Orlando would be a good fit for Bosh AND they have a ton to give back.</p><p> </p><p> And if Bosh doesn't want to be a sidekick, he needs to have his head examined. Because he's not good enough to carry a team to a title.</p>

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="GatorBait19" data-cite="GatorBait19" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="27836" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Bosh is a 20/10 guy who plays defends other PF well. At 6'10 and Gasol 7'0 they would make a very talented twin towers. There is no doubt this would make the Lakers better and a reason is simple, Bynum is often injured Center who can still develop into something. Bosh on the other hand is already a proven player who will give you 70 games a year of 20/10 rebounds.<p> </p><p> I do agree that for the Raptors a trade to the Lakers wouldn't benefit them. Bosh could leave for another team and the Raptors would get nothing. A trade with the Lakers would at least net you Bynum and maybe get rid of Hedo. There are much better offers I am sure for Bosh, but in the end it's up to him where he goes. Raptors are the ones who have to play ball if they want anything.</p><p> </p><p> Look at the Magic last year, they traded Hedo for what... an 8 million dollar trade exempt. Got nothing in return for the man for the year, but that 8 million dollars could help them out this year when trading for something else.</p><p> </p><p> Raptors tried a quick fix to win so they could interest Bosh in staying. It didn't work and now they have to find a way to at least get something in return for their best player.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I suppose the Raptors would get what they could out of the deal, but I still don't see how Bosh makes them (LA) better. </p><p> </p><p> I don't care about his stats because in LA he'd be the second or third option most nights. I don't care that he defends other PFs well because Pau defends PFs and they'd need Bosh to defend C's most night. </p><p> </p><p> Bosh is a great guy but this is one of those fantasy league deals that looks good on paper but doesn't make sense once they guys are on the floor together. HAving two big men who are so similar creates issues ( Minny with Jefferson and Love for instance). </p><p> </p><p> Bynum is a perfect fit because he's a banger and a defender with nice touch around the basket who contributes even if he's not scoring. I don't see Bosh in the same mold. </p><p> </p><p> The Lakers need a starting PG and to blow up that bench. Do that. WHy go get a long, talented, offensive-minded PF when you already have one of those?</p>

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="GatorBait19" data-cite="GatorBait19" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="27836" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>no problem <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p> </p><p> <strong>I as much as I think the Lakers will be contenders for Bosh this year</strong>. I also believe the Magic and the talent they stocked up will be contenders to make big trades.</p><p> </p><p> </p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><p> Y'know...I've never understood this rumor.</p><p> </p><p> First off, from Toronto's standpoint, what do they get out of it? The only desirable commodity the Lakers would trade would be Bynum. So if they trade Bosh and Hedo (dumping his contract would be a must) they get back what? Bynum, Luke Walton, and Sasha? A hodgepodge of late round picks? Based on your example alone there's going to so many better offers out there.</p><p> </p><p> Secondly, the reason Pau is so effective is because he has a legit center to play next to who can handle all the 'heavy lifting' of defending the biggest player, interior rebounding, blocking shots at the rim. Just look at the recent series with the Celtics and how much more effective Pau was this year as opposed to 08 when Bynum wasn't around. </p><p> </p><p> Bosh is a great player, but he's very similar to Pau. Why would the Lakers trade for someone to do a lot of things Pau does so well already?</p>

<p>Just My Opinion</p><p> </p><p> Sorry. My blackberry corrected that to MONTH</p>

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Jaysin" data-cite="Jaysin" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I'm not a Sheamus supporter, but he's a heel, why does he need clean wins?<p> </p><p> </p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I think big bruising monster heel types work best if they look legitimately dangerous through beating people cleanly. Even if they cheat, it shouldn't be the "sneaky, devious" cheat. </p><p> </p><p> Just MONTH but a monster heel has to seem dangerous or else why have that look?</p>

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="The Celt" data-cite="The Celt" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Sheamus' booking isn't that bad; Won the WWE Championship after less than 3 months on RAW, Has never, even been pinned by John Cena on television or PPV and he's the monster who took out the legendary game, Triple H before public boasting his ass off about it. <p> </p><p> I think it's that his character pretty much doesn't pick a fight he can't win, say like against the nexus, seeing as how you can't beat 7 on 1.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> The first title win and subsequent reign was a joke. He didn't look like a legit until his feud with Trips. </p><p> </p><p> Honestly, other than Trips, I can't recall the last clean win he's had over a big name main eventer.</p>

Just to clarify, was your friend saying Wade is top 10 all time? Beyond that, I think you kind of have to win at least ONE title to even be mentioned in that company. That particular list skews a bit too much to players in recent eras for my taste (no West, Oscar, Wilt etc) but if Lebron wins a title, wins a few more MVPs, and continues his statistical dominance itd be hard to argue Gotta win one though.

I like Sheamus as a character and I actually like his mic work I really really don't like how he's been booked. If he's a monster heel, why does he spend so much of his time sneak attacking and winning off of flukes? Why did he run from Kane last week? Basically, i guess its more of an issue with the E's policy of making it's heels look weak no matter what, but I'd be a much bigger fan of Sheamus if he was booked to match his look.

I have no idea what you're talking about.

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="GatorBait19" data-cite="GatorBait19" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="27836" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Wow, well first Remi isn't as bad as you or Lazor. Remi at least tries to understand someones reasoning.<p> </p><p> Second, you and Lazor (espically you) have this freakin god complex where you think your word is everything and that's it.</p><p> </p><p> Third, besides and agruement with you, Lazor, and Remi (even Remi and I don't get like this) please show me where I complete just attack someone because I don't agree with their view?</p><p> </p><p> I mean serious Peter, get over yourself. You didn't even start a single sports, wrestling, or MMA thread on this forum and barely talked in a sports thread. All of a sudden you announce you're getting married and then lay out who runs the threads?????????? Why, are you special? Are you a mod? Does anyone give a crap?</p><p> </p><p> I just find it funny that you say that everyone is entitled to their own opinion ha, you're a riot Peter. The moment something is said or someone says something you don't understand, they're an instant idiot.</p><p> </p><p> I remember when CQ and I were talking about players who were max type players (<strong>TO US</strong>). We already stated that players who weren't would still get their money because GM's are dumb. We didn't care if people agree with us or not. Then he comes Peter on his glowing white horse two tell us we are idiots. Then you go to say what we have already agreed upon and stated.</p><p> </p><p> So Peter..... <strong><em><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:18px;">SHUT UP</span></span></em></strong></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> The boards worked just fine without the "official" threads for years. The fact that you started any kind of thread here doesn't really mean anything, tbh. </p><p> When the sports calendar changes those threads disappear and re-appear. Unless Adam or a mod creates and/or pins them no one is actually obligated to stay in those threads. </p><p> </p><p> I've posted here forever basically, so when I made my thread about who was in charge of what, it was totally a joke. And the people I was speaking to knew it was. </p><p> </p><p> And I said you were "retarded." I didn't realize you would take it so personally. 'Retarded' being one of those words that I use without thinking it's actually an insult, like "lame" or "high." CQ didn't and we had a totally calm exchange. </p><p> </p><p> Honestly, this seems like you are taking these things far far too seriously. </p><p> </p><p> Re-read this thread:</p><p> </p><p> You listed your top guys. A couple of people challenged your list. You lost your sh*t. </p><p> </p><p> That's not a conversation. </p><p> </p><p> I'm sorry you feel so attacked but the way you express your opinions can be illogical and (because you've said you don't care about diction or grammar) a little confusing. </p><p> </p><p> Take that for what it's worth. But before you started posting here regularly we discussed sports a lot and we rarely had these kinds of flame wars.</p>

<p>I'm honored to be thrown in with guys like lazorbeak and Remi</p><p> </p><p> Gator, you've sucked the life out of every sports related thread on these boards. I kind of hope they all get closed just so you have less of a forum to speak in</p><p> </p><p> Everyone is entitled to their opinions. But whenever someone challenges or disagrees with your it turns into something like the last few pages. </p><p> </p><p> EVERY. TIME.</p><p> </p><p> EDIT: That being said, the Bulls aren't a terrible team. And Rose IS an incredible talent but he's nowhere near the 4th best player in the league. If Lebron goes to Chicago they aren't much more of a title contender than Cleveland is right now.</p>

That was a GREAT game. Both teams played their asses off, it was physical without being dirty, the officials swallowed their whistles when it mattered, and the defense was spectacular. Throw in the fact that the last 7 minutes or so were incredibly tight and tense and both teams started hitting huge shots towards the end...well I'm not sure what else you could want..

Ron Artest just gave a post game interview: he gave out a shot to his hood, thanked his psychiatrist, and then gave the date his next rap single drops. I want to have another son so I can name him Pau Bean Ron-Ron Zuniga

This. Comradebot said it wonderfully.

At this point you're being a little ridiculous. 1) from a legal standpoint, the licensing is very different from MMA and the WWE. Right now, they can promote in several states where MMA is illegal/unlicensed specifically because they admit they are fixed 2) They're a publicly traded company. Even if they presented themelves as legit on-screen, it'd be public record that their matches were a work. 3) Screw the leaks. Don't you think that people like Dana White and the media that cover MMA would be falling all over themselves to take a giant dump all over anything the WWE would do? They'd be a laughingstock. Again...WTF is the point? Anyone who would be attracted to more "realism" would eventually be more interested in MMA because it's..y'know... REAL. It's a really, really dumb and pointless idea. You'd instantly alienate the people you're trying to attract while simultaneously driving away the people who (quite successfully) support your product because they enjoy the campiness. There's literally zero reason to believe that a more realistic product would be any better or more entertaining or more profitable. The only reason you've given that the WWE should be more realistic is that you think older fans are embarassed to admit they watch based on the fact that you don't see many people walking around wearing their t-shirts.(???) So based on that premise, the WWE should throw out a product model that has made them wildly successful for 30 + years???? Awful.

i don't honestly get what you're saying. Re-create kayfabe so that the WWE will grow in popularity with older fans? What makes you think that would be more profitable than what they draw now? You still haven't taken into account other companies who ARE legit and how they'd be competing directly with the the WWE. Their presentation would seem even more phony because of how close they're trying to be to what the legit companies would do. Why would i watch fake fighting with semi-realistic characters and large personalities when I can watch REAL fighting with REAl characters and big personalities? Your whole premise turns the E into a copycat poser league with no real reason to believe you'd be any more popular than what they do now. I just don't buy it. Sorry.

I guess. But again...do you REALLY think kayfabe is possible in today's day and age? With the advent of internet reporting and the popularity of REAL combat sports companies like UFC? Kayfabe is a pipe dream.