« Monday notes: Bobcats' Bell back Friday? | Main | Fatigue no excuse for Bobcats »
January 07, 2009
Celtics talks trash; Bobcats get win
Obviously, there was plenty to like about the Charlotte Bobcats Tuesday.
They played great defense in overtime (five straight stops). They were precise in the first half (one turnover). The rookie (D.J. Augustin) was the best player on the court in the extra five minutes.
But none of that would have mattered without something more basic:
The Bobcats didn’t take the Boston Celtics’ crap. In particular, they didn’t take Kevin Garnett’s crap.
All great teams are arrogant in one manner or another. When I was around the New England Patriots the year they beat the Panthers in the Super Bowl, they were subtle in their smugness. They seemed to be laughing at some joke no one else got.
The Celtics aren’t subtle. Garnett sure isn’t subtle.
He talks trash constantly and he’ll rattle you any way the refs allow (or simply miss). He elbowed Adam Morrison as Morrison walked from a team huddle to in-bound the ball.
I don’t mean one of those playful, little elbows, I mean a message that said, “I will rock your jaw when I really throw an elbow.’’
He gets away with it because, well, he’s Kevin Garnett.
But the Bobcats didn’t let him get away with it. They stood tough, and got just as chippy as the Celtics get. Juwan Howard committed the Bobcats’ first flagrant foul this season and Raymond Felton drew a technical for a brush-up with Glen Davis.
Felton said afterward he’d accept that technical anytime for the statement it made. I agree.
Sometimes you must remind people you won’t take their crap.
Posted by Observer staff on January 7, 2009 at 06:23 AM | Permalink
Comments
Kevin Garnett is a big bully. He is a dropout from High School that got rescued by going to Chicago (in Mauldin he was suspended for fighting and it got swept under the mat to hide it from the public - stupid Police Department.)
For the first 5 or so years in the league you could tell he didn't have a decent education. You could barely understand what he had to say. Now he is a great basketball player, but he is a very poor performing student that has little to no education. I would much prefer an NBA player to have at least a few if not his entire 4 years in college - but especially not be a high school drop out.
Posted by: No something in Mauldin, SC | Jan 7, 2009 7:17:46 AM
A fight KG had 13 years ago in a Maudlin, SC high school is completely irrelevant. I'm not a Celtics fan, as a matter of fact, I hate them almost as much as I hate the Cowboys and Patriots. But I am a KG fan. He is one of the bests players in NBA HISTORY and a great role model for the Association. There arent many people (Lebron James excluded)who come out of high school and can stand the public scutiny of a microphone being stuck down your throat every day. He has never been in any serious trouble and regardless of how he handled the media early in his career, he speaks intelligently and thought provoking now. Going to college doesnt necessarily educate you, ask George W. Not going, was the smartest thing KG could have done.
Posted by: FuriousStyles | Jan 7, 2009 7:58:37 AM
A fight KG had 13 years ago in a Maudlin, SC high school is completely irrelevant. I'm not a Celtics fan, as a matter of fact, I hate them almost as much as I hate the Cowboys and Patriots. But I am a KG fan. He is one of the bests players in NBA HISTORY and a great role model for the Association. There are'nt many people (Lebron James excluded)who come out of high school and can stand the public scutiny of a microphone being stuck down your throat every day. He has never been in any serious trouble and regardless of how he handled the media early in his career, he speaks intelligently and thought provoking now. Going to college doesnt necessarily educate you, ask George W. Not going, was the smartest thing KG could have done.
Posted by: FuriousStyles | Jan 7, 2009 8:09:26 AM
have to agree with furious styles.
that fight with kg really had to do more with the other guy than kg. it was very race related and instead of getting persecuted, garnett and his family moved him to chicago so he didn't have to deal with it. it's funny though after mauldin put him through that trouble, once he got to the nba, they retired his number.
typical thing to do to try to make money off someone they were trying to get out of the school.
anyway, something is different about garnett since he went to boston. he's become this player who picks on smaller players now. like lavar arrington used to do to punters at penn state. and he isnt' nearly as good as he used to be. that maybe because he was playing in minnesota and getting all the touches but i don't know. i'm glad the bobcats got them though, i've been waiting for a win like that. go cats!
Posted by: dougie | Jan 7, 2009 8:32:32 AM
How can Kevin Garnett be a High School dropout when he was drafted by the NBA straight out of highschool??? So you are saying that the NBA takes ppl that don't finish highschool...that my friend is hard to fathom.
Posted by: aholland210 | Jan 7, 2009 8:32:32 AM
Nothing wrong with Kevin Garnett; he's established a game persona that works very effectively. I was just impressed the Bobcats didn't back off as a result.
Posted by: Rick Bonnell | Jan 7, 2009 8:39:26 AM
Rick, while DJ stepped up in overtime, he was clearly not the best player on the floor (probably the worst) when he was ripped on back to back plays to end the 3Q and start the 4Q. Or when he was burned over and over again early in the 4th by Rondo such that we had to switch Felton back on him. I think DJ has a bright future in this league, but with his defensive liabilities, are you still so adamant about him over Lopez, despite the fact that Lopez is a true 7 footer who blocks shots, rebounds and has legit and improving post game? Just curious. Great win last night for the Bobcats, it will be interesting to see how they play against Cleveland w/ tired legs.
Posted by: Mason | Jan 7, 2009 8:53:04 AM
Mason...Rondo had 9 Turnovers, 6 assists and 16 points on less than 50% shooting from the field, hardly a stellar performance when you are passing to 3 All-Stars in KG, Pierce and Allen.
DJ did make two blunders on those steals earlier in the game and he's still playing on a sore ankle (which effects your lateral movement). But he was CLUTCH in making a free throws 12 out of 12...if Felton had done that, the game wouldn't have gone to OT. Felton missed 1 of 2 free throws in the last 30 seconds and a shot at the end of the game.
DJ was absolutely a great pick for this team with Brown as the coach, no question a better choice then Lopez (nothing against Lopez, but Brown expects more out of his PG then Felton can provide).
Posted by: BlockParty | Jan 7, 2009 9:08:21 AM
Mason:
See BlockParty.
Posted by: Rick Bonnell | Jan 7, 2009 9:21:45 AM
Mason come on man why so down on DJ? He is better than Felton already and sure he has his defensive liabilities but there are only a handful of PGs in the 'A' who dont...u dont exactly think of lock down D when u think of Tony Parker do you?
And just what is it about Lopez that has ppl so much more positive about his future than DJs? NJ has only won 4 more games than the Bobcats with better talent and Lopez shoots a terrible 45% for a C!
Im just sayin...lets take the win and build on it..we all know that our Cats have a problem with win streaks so maybe this was the one to get the fire started?? Maybe Im just too optimistic?? Either way I love how we always battle with the Celtics, LB will show them that the potential is there to play that hard every night.
Posted by: Bobcat Terry | Jan 7, 2009 9:30:53 AM
KG is one of the coolest people I ever met. KG and my wife went to mauldin together and I went to see him play the bobcats last year courtside when he recognized my wife in the crowd. Not only did he wave to her during the game, we actually met after the game and got pictures with him. Intimidation is part of the game and if you can't handle it that's your problem.
Posted by: mr.awesome51 | Jan 7, 2009 9:35:27 AM
I thought it was a great game and it says something about where this team is going. It looks like they are gaining confidence in their skills and their ability to rely on each other. They didn't back down from the Celtics. And I agree, I think that Boston has lost some of their swagger.
Posted by: bobkitty | Jan 7, 2009 9:38:39 AM
good post Bonnell
Posted by: Steve | Jan 7, 2009 9:44:33 AM
Augustin has a role in this league for sure -- quickness and a sweet jumper ensure that.
Felton, while not as quick or as good a shooter is much more suited to being a starting pg for a winning team. People forget that he came out even more touted than Augustin and for good reason. Larry Brown has been the perfect coach for him and the Bobcats are starting to realize the benefits.
So the question is whether Augustin in a Ben Gordon type role is better than Lopez for them. DJ's good play allowed them to trade Richardson and pick up Diaw and Bell. That freed up Gerald Wallace (and by extention Okafor) to be more of the kind of player that he's most successful at being. Hard to argue with the results on the floor since the trade.
So it seems at this point, lucky or not, Augustin was a smart pickup for Jordan and Co.
Posted by: Watches | Jan 7, 2009 9:51:56 AM
question:
how many people feel that felton is on "display" for suitors? his extended minuets vs the defending champs is an example of this, his playing combo guard minuets is an example of this, jordans increased presence shows his attention to this matter. simple by low and sell high tatic. by featuring him now going into february's trade deadline, we appear to be attempting to sell high, being that he is of above average value as able to play 2 positions instead of just 1. I am a fan of felton, love his guts and professionalism. its rare that a player accepts different assignments for the team. most players would publicly reject these things and ask for a trade, making things contentious. this helps his value as well. all that said, i still fell the team is pushing him publicly to sell high. a package of felton, morrison and mohammad could be sent to OKC for vet C/PF joe smith, vet SF/SG desmond mason and vet PG earl watson. or to golden state with morrison, mohammad, and hollins for C/PF turiaf, SF crawford , SG belinelli, and PG williams.
Posted by: brendan | Jan 7, 2009 9:54:51 AM
I wish I could be a highschool dropout and make 200 Million. Wow. Not having a high school diploma really has hurt KG. I don't you say what you really mean (No something in Mauldin)
Posted by: Terri | Jan 7, 2009 10:06:06 AM
Honestly, I thought the Bobcats would blow the game in overtime. I thought they would start with two bad offensive possessions and disappear on defense. I was pleasantly surprised that the Cats played up to their potential. This was a great win. I hope they are able to defeat Cavs and their crab dribbling superstar.
Posted by: Token | Jan 7, 2009 10:09:32 AM
I could have sworn that DJ is still playing through an injury.
Posted by: Striktly | Jan 7, 2009 10:36:12 AM
I know KG, played ball with him. At Mauldin he made horrible grades and need a tutor. That is great he makes millions of dollars. I was just sharing my opinion.
At least when he talks trash you can't really understand him because he failed English...
And no he didn't move to Chicago taking the high road. He needed to leave because they were other issues that were taking place. Joe Broadus was the principal and covered it up at MHS and the Greenville County Superintendent because KG would be a great ball player.
Not hating, just saying. That's all.
Posted by: No something in Mauldin | Jan 7, 2009 10:43:02 AM
Watching MJ on the bench last night, he paid special attention to Felton. Especially after he missed the FT in the 4th. I dont think MJ will trade Felton unless its for another tarheel.
Posted by: mack | Jan 7, 2009 11:08:42 AM
KG always talked in Sota and he's talking in Boston. It's being brought up more now b/c he's on a winning team. People didn't pay as much attention to what he was doing when his team was struggling. Now that they are the champs and arguably best team in the league and he's probably the lead person on team, you notice all the little things. Nothing wrong with a little chatter on the court.
Posted by: Counte | Jan 7, 2009 11:13:12 AM
Mason (and Bonnell since you agreed with him)
Why the need to rip on felton in trying to defend DJ vs Lopez?
Ray scored 12 points in the last 8 minutes of the 4th which is the only reason this team was in OT, and he also spent a good bit of time guarding Rondo. He was 6-8 from the line (the one at the end of the 4th was certainly a huge miss) and the missed game winner was not by any means a shot you expect someone to make, which he had to take after Pierce pulled up over DJ (same effect as a wide open shot) and drained the J to tie it with 3 seconds left.
DJ got hot in OT and also was the recipient of fouls as we got a lead - his only FG made in OT was the sweet 3 that gave us the 2 possession lead and he was 1-7 before that. Heading into OT DJ had not played a very good game, and getting ripped on back to back plays at half court was really unexcusable (I think by Eddie House no less).
This was a team win, with everyone contributing (even AMMO) but to make a post that implies felton almost cost us the game in the 4th and DJ had to save it in OT is a joke.
Posted by: john | Jan 7, 2009 11:15:51 AM
Mason,
You dare to talk trash about DJ because he made 2TO with and injured ankle, late in the game against one of the top 3 defense in the NBA and the team who happens to be the defending champions. And then you tried to use that argument as an excuse to justified that Lopez would have been a better pick than DJ.
Is that really the best you can do. Lopez was not a need for the Bobcats, DJ was. Lopez is similar to Okafor but with a lot less scoring and rebounding skills. DJ is a great PG. As a matter fact, DJ and D. Rose are the closest thing to C. Paul or D. Williams that this leagu has. Lopez in 5 yrs will be a Mutombo (just a shot blocker).
Posted by: RobC | Jan 7, 2009 11:25:48 AM
I know KG well from his days in Minne. The image the NBA projects of Kevin today is completely unrelated to his persona. KG lives in a bubble and is a very private and sullen person. KG has been in a number of fights since first entering the league. Some consider it being due to his "passion" for the game. But it is much deeper than that. After Kevin entered the league, he went from being "da Kid" to being "da Franchise" for the Wolves. As he has aged (now in his 13th season), the money and the pressure he places on himself to perform has only intensified. Under such stress, a person's worse tendencies surface. For KG the "passion" has now turned to disrespect and poor sportsmanship.
Posted by: Captain America | Jan 7, 2009 11:29:06 AM
Kevin Garnett is no different in Boston then he was in Minnesota. He is just as fiery, just as intense. The only difference now is that he's an NBA Champion, and we all know everyone hates a winner. If KG was still toiling in South Canada on first round playoff losing teams he would be a competitor. A hard-nosed vet, a top 50 player of all time, who plays with his heart on his sleve. In Boston, now that he's winning, he's a bully, a trash-talker. But ask him, I bet you he'd tell you he'd trade a change in the perception of him to a negative one, for another NBA Championship. Because he's never changed, and winning is all he's ever cared about from the beginning.
Posted by: phill | Jan 7, 2009 11:34:08 AM
Yes KG is a "winner." This fact allows the Big Ticket to sell more tickets to Boston fans...I don't think that his success creates his perception of a bully- a trash talker- it is his actions...for they always speak louder than words...
Posted by: Jimbo | Jan 7, 2009 11:48:58 AM
Cap America,
That's a great perspective to the KG phenomenon. He's been hard to like, but he's always been a great player. Wouldn't it be interesting to know the media narrative that would have been told had the Celtics lost in the Finals last season?
While I don't think too many sports fans wanted a "Kobe Redemption" theme in the papers and online, the Celtics' poor sportsmanship was on full display when they struggled in that series against the Hawks. The NBA didn't really need a championship team drenched with that bullying style and sense of entitlement. The Association is building momentum after several years of dwindling fan interest, and a Champ like the Celtics (which wasn't built, but dealt for in the off-season) probably wasn't what Stern and Co. had in mind.
Then again, I'm not sure too many Boston fans care as long as they keep winning. The brown bags have been replaced with green hoodies these days.
Posted by: Bobcats Baseline | Jan 7, 2009 11:50:51 AM
Cap America,
That's a great perspective to the KG phenomenon. He's been hard to like, but he's always been a great player. Wouldn't it be interesting to know the media narrative that would have been told had the Celtics lost in the Finals last season?
While I don't think too many sports fans wanted a "Kobe Redemption" theme in the papers and online, the Celtics' poor sportsmanship was on full display when they struggled in that series against the Hawks. The NBA didn't really need a championship team drenched with that bullying style and sense of entitlement. The Association is building momentum after several years of dwindling fan interest, and a Champ like the Celtics (which wasn't built, but dealt for in the off-season) probably wasn't what Stern and Co. had in mind.
Then again, I'm not sure too many Boston fans care as long as they keep winning. The brown bags have been replaced with green hoodies these days.
Posted by: Bobcats Baseline | Jan 7, 2009 11:52:54 AM
Okafor has scoring abilities? I must have missed them. Lopez would have been a good compliment to Okafor. Unfortunately Larry Brown whines, and gets what he wants. So you drafted a point guard when you guys were already heavy in the backcourt. At the time of the draft, you guys had about 10 guys 6'8" or under, an out of shape, rehabilitating pf (May), a stiff (nazr) and Emeka Okafor. In no way can you tell me that DJ augustin was the better pick in that spot. You guys needed a big, and frankly still do. While Augustin is playing well no doubt, it just didn't make sense at all. if you draft lopez, you have a starting 5 of ray, j rich, g wallace, okefor and lopez. solid on both ends of the floor. instead you have a mix-matched roster and no defined rotation or roles.
Posted by: ap36 | Jan 7, 2009 12:03:11 PM
No Something in Mauldin,
That sure sounds like hate to me. I don't know how getting charged with lynching for that so-called "fight" he was in is getting rescued.
Swept under the rug...KG's arrest made statewide and national news...
Do you recall they arrested KG and wanted to put him in jail for an extended period over that little incident.
Since you were there, do you also recall that KG was barely even a participant in this little dust up?
Do you also recall that the fight was racially motivated and that Mauldin officials were clearly trying to send a message to all young black males by trying to destroy KG's life over a school yard scuffle.
How many kids you know get threatened with prosecution for a fight at school?
Sure KG wasn't the sharpest knife in the drawer but I would much rather him be using what intelligence he does have to bully opponents on the basketball court for millions than be yet another uneducated person living off the system or stealing from others.
Either you truly know NOTHING in Mauldin or you were/are jealous that your life didn't turn out like your former teammates...so which one is it?
Posted by: ArtVandelay | Jan 7, 2009 12:15:25 PM
I'm so glad we picked up Juwan instead of another young big who needs development. We needed an enforcer and now we've got Bell at the two when we need a clothesline and Howard at the four for some shoving in the post.
Posted by: Doom, MD | Jan 7, 2009 12:33:30 PM
Mr. Michael Thompson,
Hoping you will see this. I think that having employees/former employees posting on here and answering to complaining fans will appear to be a waste of time - people on here are pretty cemented in their anti-Bobcats feelings & comments may only lead to further beliefs the organization isn't well run because they spend time on Charlotte.com blogs. In addition, people can post as several different people and make it seem as though there are more people complaining than there actually are.
Second, you should REALLY improve the website. Player profiles haven't been updated, game stories are now only written by the AP, fan comments aren't posted, the videos have been cut down, and the blogging seems to be non-existent - what happened to there? As a fan, I'd like to go to the Bobcats website for info, but nothing seems to be updated until way after something has happened, or a new ticket deal is out.
Posted by: Website | Jan 7, 2009 1:42:17 PM
Mason,
Why even try to point out the bias against felton? No one wants him and if you do try to point out that while Augustin was great in OT, Felton helped get them there or the fact that Lopez has been consistently fantastic and would have absolutely filled in the PF spot that Diaw currently fills. Also ignore the similarities btw Felton's numbers, rep, and history with that of Billups's and see that judging him so soon is foolish.
Bonnell,
How can you possibly back up blockparty with that loose logic? Are you saying that a PG was really a greater need for this team at the time of the draft than PF? I know it seems to have worked out for the better since bcats got Diaw, but it's not like you could foresee that.
Why is that you prop up all the PG options this team has had, namely Knight and DJ, while ragging on Felton? It's embarrassing to see you praise other options when night in night out, despite what little the past coaches have done for him, he's still a better option at PG than Knight and DJ.
I think you've done a fantastic job since the last couple of weeks of last season, through the draft and this year in every regard, except coverage on Felton. Not saying you should kiss his @ss like you did Knight, but it just seems like you have an agenda. Sorry, it does.
Posted by: A Fan | Jan 7, 2009 1:53:21 PM
Mason,
Why even try to point out the bias against felton? No one wants him and if you do try to point out that while Augustin was great in OT, Felton helped get them there or the fact that Lopez has been consistently fantastic and would have absolutely filled in the PF spot that Diaw currently fills. Also ignore the similarities btw Felton's numbers, rep, and history with that of Billups's and see that judging him so soon is foolish.
Bonnell,
How can you possibly back up blockparty with that loose logic? Are you saying that a PG was really a greater need for this team at the time of the draft than PF? I know it seems to have worked out for the better since bcats got Diaw, but it's not like you could foresee that.
Why is that you prop up all the PG options this team has had, namely Knight and DJ, while ragging on Felton? It's embarrassing to see you praise other options when night in night out, despite what little the past coaches have done for him, he's still a better option at PG than Knight and DJ.
I think you've done a fantastic job since the last couple of weeks of last season, through the draft and this year in every regard, except coverage on Felton. Not saying you should kiss his @ss like you did Knight, but it just seems like you have an agenda. Sorry, it does.
Posted by: A Fan | Jan 7, 2009 1:59:38 PM
Good win for the Cats!
Ok...i hate when boston bandwagoners have nothing better to do but come on other websites and talk about how great KG is or try to justify his crap. He may have been just as "firey" or "intense" in Sota, and Im sure off the court he is a decent person/family man/whatever, but that doesnt give anyone the right to act like this on the court:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5n5WNmzfOo&NR=1
Being on a championship team doesnt make it any more acceptable to act like a punk kid on the court. Trash talk is one thing, but this is way beyond talk and chatter, its just arrogant, in your face garbage. The fact is that KG doesnt pull this junk against bigger, taller, tougher players (think Rasheed Wallace), and to try to justify it with "passion" or intensity....look, Felton plays with passion, and when the time was right he stepped up to one of the biggest men on the court, showed he wasnt going to take any crap and in turn helped motivated his team...thats how you do it, take notes KG.
Ive been reading some of the other posts and I agree that DJ is by far the better pick than Lopez. Who cares about Lopez, fact is that the Cats needed both a big man and another point at the time of the draft. Given the talent we had, Lopez wasnt the right big man to fit this team, plain and simple. DJ is a very capable point guard who seems to have a lot of potential and has the best point guard teaching coach in the NBA...sounds like a formula for success to me.
Unfortunately I think this spells the end for Felton in a Bobcats uniform. I read a post above that talked about the cats buying low and selling high on felton...the 5th pick in the draft is not exactly buying low and given Felton has proven himself to be a solid playmaker and a very dedicated, passionate player makes it hard to say when his value is percieved as "high". But fact is that the Bobcats either keep him and pay him way too much for what will eventually be back up PG services, lose him for nothing in return as other teams will pursue him, or trade him this season and either clear cap room or bring in another solid player or 2. Out of all the options, it sounds like a trade may be coming soon, which sucks because Felton is a hell of a player, even with his sucky FG%.
Posted by: SF Bobcats | Jan 7, 2009 2:02:43 PM
Watches, Felton will NEVER be a starter on a good NBA team. That would require him to defer to his (theoretically) playoff-caliber teammates, and he'll never be able to overcome his desire to shoot and score the ball (despite being a 40% career shooter) enough to do that. Point guards being offenseive weapons is fine, but not when they CAN'T SHOOT!
brendan, Felton's minutes were hardly "extended." One of the reasons for his "great stats" is that he ALWAYS plays a ton of minutes. TJ Ford, for example, puts up nearly identical numbers with 80% of the PT.
john, you rip Felton's endgame performance because it's an act we've seen over and over again. Brick at the FT line with a chance to ice the game followed by a final possession where Felton doesn't even look at another Bobcat and jacks up a jumper that's way off the mark.
Rob, I agree that Augustin is the better fit for the Bobcats with Felton (hopefully) on his way out the door, but to say that Lopez will be a presence only in shotblocking is foolish. His offensive game (which was decent in the college ranks) is likely to improve, as is his rebounding. He probably won't be a nightly double-double threat a la Emeka, but he's probably capable of putting up 15 and 8 within a couple years, which are not only serviceable numbers for a starting C on a decent team, but probably boarderline All-Star numbers among centers in today's NBA.
Posted by: Michael Procton | Jan 7, 2009 2:13:13 PM
Some of you guys are ridiculous. RobC just said that Lopez was not a need and DJ was. At the beginning of the season we only had one big guy who was capable of being a REAL contributor at either the 4 or 5 spot, that was Okafor. Even if they are both natural centers, if you've only got one solid big on the team another will help you. On the other hand, Felton is a legit starting PG so drafting a PG in the lotto wasn't a need. I do think it will probably pay off in the long run as DJ is very talented offensively. When you consider that we could have gotten Chalmers at 20, who has played well as a starter in Miami, I'd still say Lopez would have been a solid choice. In the long term DJ should be a great pick, but he wasn't a true need that would improve us right away, as is evident by the fact that our record may not improve at all from last season. Another good big man certainly could have helped us get a few more wins. The gap between Chalmers and DJ is much smaller than the gigantic gap between Lopez and Ajinca.
Comparing DJ to CP3 and Deron Williams is absolutely silly. Offensively I can see a comparison Chris Paul with less playmaking ability, but seriously, DJ can be a downright awful defender some nights and less than mediocre on most nights. Deron and CP3 have the size and strength necessary to defend at a high level. Steve Nash with less playmaking ability may be a better comparison.
I don't think it's fair to say DJ is already better than Felton, and definitely not fair to say he had a bigger impact on last night's game. DJ is a better shooter and scorer than Felton, but thats it right now. Defensively it's not even remotely close. DJ gets burned by his man on nearly every play by nearly every guy he guards whereas Felton has really stepped up this year and has even had success guarding SGs. Both have their liabilities. Felton is a terrible shooter. If he could shoot he'd be an elite PG. DJ is a terrible defender. If he could defend he'd be an elite PG.
Posted by: Eddie | Jan 7, 2009 2:17:39 PM
Didn't I say in my post that I thought DJ had a great future in the league? I also didn't argue that he had a great over-time, I just merly pointed out that Rondo went off against him to start the fourth and we had to put Felton on him to shut him down. I then brought up my question to Rick, are you still positive that DJ is going to be a better pro than Lopez, to which, Rick has yet to respond.
RobC, how is Lopez similar to Okafor? I mean, I guess they are both tall. Okafor is a much better rebounder and defender (though slightly undersized) and has an average at best post game. Lopez is a good shot blocker but not nearly the defender and has already a better offensive game as a rookie.
Posted by: Mason | Jan 7, 2009 3:15:15 PM
My mother's best friend's babysitter knew Garnett's third cousin twice removed from a bakery class that they took together in Wisconsin, and she said that Garnett is a great player, a fierce competitor and one of the best personalities in the NBA. His trash talk psyches up him and his teammates even if it doesn't bother his opponents--it's just what he does to keep himself into the game.
Great win, and very clutch OT performance for Augustin. In my draft war room this year, I would have picked B. Lopez, but Augustin looks better than Lopex so far. The only problem is, I would have taken Mario Chalmers with the next pick to fill the need at guard. Lopez is getting 10.1 pts, 8 reb, and 1.9 blk per game and Chalmers is getting 10 pts, 4.6 ast, and 1.9 stl per game. So Augustin is getting 12.6 pts, 4.3 ast, and .6 stl per game, but by waiting until later in the draft to get a big man, the Bobcats ended up with a beanpole (Ajinca) who is averaging 2.4 pts, .9 reb, and .3 blk.
The point is, when you make a trade to get another 1st round pick, you need to make sure you get two solid contributors, not one solid player plus a project. Just ask the Panthers how two great 1st round picks can transform a team. In the NBA, big men are always at a premium, so it's always dangerous to try to find one late in a draft.
Posted by: Deuce | Jan 7, 2009 3:31:42 PM
Oh boy! Way to be, Skipper Beck. You were so disappointed we couldn't be a part of J-Rich's DUI that you got yourself wrote up on prostitution charges. The NBA: where $400 for an hour happens.
Posted by: Michael Procton | Jan 7, 2009 4:07:34 PM
Eddie, there is no way to paint Chris Paul as a quality overall defender. He gets a lot of steals by gambling in the passing lane, but he gets burned one-on-one regularly.
Deuce, the Bobcats screwed up big time with that #20 pick, but I will say in their defense they had a plan. They wanted Hibbert with that pick, a guy viewed as somebody who was at or near his potential and could come in and contribute immediately. Everybody and their mother knew that he was going to Indiana, but, unfortunately the talent (haha) in the front office missed that.
Posted by: Michael Procton | Jan 7, 2009 4:12:44 PM
Bonnell, what are the chances that the Bobcats look into signing Shaun Livingston?
I know he had a horrible knee injury (against the Bobcats), but he has potential as a 6-7 PG on offense and defense.
Posted by: Yeah? | Jan 7, 2009 5:20:45 PM
If those Watson/Collison to the Bobcats rumors had any legitimacy, they may just pick up a little more steam. The team just picked up another PG, Chucky Atkins.
Posted by: Michael Procton | Jan 7, 2009 5:30:24 PM
john-
If our rookie point guard's two turnovers in the third quarter were unacceptable, then what were our experienced 4th year point guard's two turnovers with under 3 minutes left in the game? We were down one point in each case - they really could have hurt us. Ray hit more shots than I've ever seen him at the end of the game...it was a very rare sight. I'm thrilled about the win, but his decision-making was no better. A few of those shots don't go in, and it's a completely different story (the same one we're usually talking about).
Unfortunately, since he shot somehow shot over 50% last night, that means we get at least 5 games now where he's just miserable but continues throwing them up.
Posted by: c | Jan 7, 2009 6:12:54 PM
Most people thought Barkley was an a-hole during his NBA career til he went into broadcasting. Its just physical sports: boxing, football, hockey, basketball, european soccer/futball, etc...Now when a sports star that is in Golf, tennis, racing, table tennis, bowling, baseball, or whatever starts jabbering their jaw and starts fights that might be interesting. So KG fought someone in high school big deal who hasnt. Basketball just happens to be a sport that you constantly badger your opponent that is within 2-3 feet of you 40 or more minutes a game. Its a strategy that works for some and may motivate opponents if the opponent handles it well. Bobcats done well. I will miss Felton if we trade or cant resign him. He is no Chris Paul but he is tough as he can play a lot of minutes and play injured. He would fight Shaq if he had to as well. Although Steve Smith of the Panthers might be able to take him.
Posted by: tarpanthercats | Jan 7, 2009 6:26:39 PM
So does this mean we are in the playoffs this year?
Posted by: kim | Jan 7, 2009 7:13:16 PM
I think it's cute how the Bobcats actually think that they are a tough NBA franchise. They are a joke. They are like everyone's little brother. They beat a few teams here and there just because the other team doesn't respect the Bobcats enough to get hyped up for them. They walked around last night like they were a dynasty. I guess the Bobcats will see the Celtics in the playoffs. Oh wait - they will never make the playoffs. Jokes.....
Posted by: The QC | Jan 7, 2009 7:29:52 PM
Why did my comment get deleted?
Posted by: The QC | Jan 7, 2009 8:04:44 PM
Nevermind
Posted by: The QC | Jan 7, 2009 8:05:26 PM
So, does this mean we are in the playoffs THIS year?
Posted by: mary | Jan 7, 2009 10:44:51 PM
my comment was deleted to. i just asked if this meant we were in the playoffs.
Posted by: mary | Jan 7, 2009 10:46:01 PM
LOL. Some of you guys are complete clowns, which is why I don't waste my time posting here to often. To knock Felton is ridiculous. That kid brought it on both ends of the court every second of that game. DJ is going to be a great player in this league, but when the game's on the line, the team turns to Felton. That fourth quarter performance was one of the best I have ever seen from a bobcat. Clutch shot after clutch shot. People want to hang on the fact that he missed one free throw and missed the game winner. We probably would have lost by double digits had it not been for Felton. The way he went at Big "cry baby" Davis sent the message.
Posted by: throughthefire | Jan 7, 2009 11:01:22 PM
Here are the basics, how many playoff games has DJ played in? How many seasons with a winning record has he played in? Bigger question, who the hell is he? The Celtics are a far better team with a practice squad better then the bobcats. DJ needs to shut his mouth and get over 10 wins before he starts jaw jacking. He is fighting with the Thunder right now for worst team in existence.
Posted by: Tommy | Jan 18, 2009 7:52:41 PM
Post a comment
Advertisements
