"You Gotta Love It Baby" Official Jazz thread

[MarkGrace]

Odd crowd tonight. I'm not sure if it was because of the Sunday game or just the changing dynamic of SLC, but I swear half the people in the arena looked like they could be cast as extras on Breaking Bad. Tons of tats, earrings, and generally shady looking people. Was that too judgmental? Oh well.

Stayed after for a while to buy some stuff, and by the time we left the place had completely emptied out. I was more scared walking two blocks to my car than I ever have been at night in Seattle. Something about how barren those streets are is just spooky.

[MarkGrace]

Carmelo got into Birdman's face on the bench can't imagine what that locker-room is like at halftime

I was just watching the replay of the game and saw that. Not sure what Melo was saying as his back was face the camera, but Bird definitely dropped some profanities and was telling Melo that guys were wide open all over the floor.

[BoylenOver]

This is chock full of win (via Sports By Brooks):



the same dude, earlier in the season (I guess):

[youtube]SrOxN3Wx6jg[/youtube]

[BigFatMeanie]

I admit it. I like Carmelo -- seems like a good guy. I liked him in college and he is about the only guy on the Nuggets that I like (maybe Lawson and Afflalo are OK, too).

Anybody know how I can donate to the Carmelo Fans of Utah commercial?

Buy Air Jordans.

[Blueintheface]

I'm shocked that the Nuggetts haven't officially been deemed "America's team" at this point. I mean, they've got all the components in place. They attract the casual fan through their connection with fans. They embrace the team concept by sharing the ball and encouraging their teammates. They out-work their more talented opponents by diving on the floor for loose balls. And let's not forget the moral compass which guides them. Overall I'd say it's David Stern that is holding them back at this point.

[happyone]

Fes sure had some ugly free throw attempts last night. He made Shaq look skilled

[MarkGrace]

Fes sure had some ugly free throw attempts last night. He made Shaq look skilled

Couldn't believe he knocked down the biggest two. I was praying for one right there.

[MarkGrace]

Deron in game two became the first player since Oscar Robertson to drop +30/+13 in a playoff road game.

Deron in game three was one point off becoming the first player since Jordan to get +25/+10 in the first three games of a playoff series.

Deron in game four joins Oscar Robertson, Tim Hardaway and Magic Johnson as the only players to get +20/+10 in the first four games of a playoff series.

Deron has the most +20/+10 games of any player in the league over the last five years in the playoffs (next two are Nash and Bron).

He's good.

[happyone]

Deron in game two became the first player since Oscar Robertson to drop +30/+13 in a playoff road game.

Deron in game three was one point off becoming the first player since Jordan to get +25/+10 in the first three games of a playoff series.

Deron in game four joins Oscar Robertson, Tim Hardaway and Magic Johnson as the only players to get +20/+10 in the first four games of a playoff series.

Deron has the most +20/+10 games of any player in the league over the last five years in the playoffs (next two are Nash and Bron).

He's good.

The commentators on tbs/espn ( I don't remember who said it, but it was on both stations ) was saying he is the best point guard in the NBA right now.

I am slightly surprised they are even in it right now, let alone up 3-1, with both Memo and Andre out. Williams had been unblievable.

[Surfah]

Deron in game two became the first player since Oscar Robertson to drop +30/+13 in a playoff road game.

Deron in game three was one point off becoming the first player since Jordan to get +25/+10 in the first three games of a playoff series.

Deron in game four joins Oscar Robertson, Tim Hardaway and Magic Johnson as the only players to get +20/+10 in the first four games of a playoff series.

Deron has the most +20/+10 games of any player in the league over the last five years in the playoffs (next two are Nash and Bron).

He's good.

I would trade Kobe for Deron.

[scottie]

I would trade Kobe for Deron.

I'm sensing sarcasm, but if not, please elaborate.

[Surfah]

I'm sensing sarcasm, but if not, please elaborate.

No sarcasm. I love DWill. I think a team with Deron, Pau, LO, Artest, and Bynum is good enough to compete for a title. Deron has a lot of years left and Kobe's best are behind him. I love Kobe. But I am loyal to my team. If trading Kobe today meant continued championship runs tomorrow, I'd be all for it.

[falafel]

No sarcasm. I love DWill. I think a team with Deron, Pau, LO, Artest, and Bynum is good enough to compete for a title. Deron has a lot of years left and Kobe's best are behind him. I love Kobe. But I am loyal to my team. If trading Kobe today meant continued championship runs tomorrow, I'd be all for it.

Would you mind covering the salary discrepancy between the two players? TIA.

[MarkGrace]

CRO – Tomic on verge of stardom ahead of Turkey

MADRID (2010 FIBA World Championship) – There is plenty to be excited about for those who call themselves fans of Croatian basketball.

A new man is in charge of the national team, with Josep Vrankovic having been appointed coach following the resignation of Jasmin Repesa after EuroBasket 2009.

And the country is almost certain to have a new star in the low post in the shape of 7ft 2in Ante Tomic.

The 23-year-old has looked like the real deal ever since his move to Real Madrid from long-time club KK Zagreb three months ago.

There were some who wondered if he would be able to adapt to life in Spain, and the extremely physical ACB.

"It's hard because this is the first time I have left home and my country,” Tomic admitted.

"I have been here three months and so far, things have gone well.”

Tomic has been so effective in the ACB – arguably Europe’s top league - that he’s been shortlisted for the coveted ACB Revelation of the Year award.

After finding his feet in the early weeks, the center has become one of Madrid’s biggest offensive threats.

In 11 ACB games, Tomic has averaged 11 points.

He was influential in the Euroleague as well, pouring in 22 points in Madrid’s quarter-final Game 2 win over Barcelona and 23 in the Game 3 defeat.

“It's a great satisfaction and an honor,” Tomic said.

“I am very happy to be on this shortlist.”

Comparisons with greats

Tomic has been so prolific since his arrival from KK Zagreb that he’s been likened in Spain to their national team star, 2006 FIBA World Championship MVP Pau Gasol.

It’s not a comparison that he welcomes.

“I don't like that because he is a great player, probably the best in Europe,” Tomic said. “I only hope that one day they can compare me to him, but not yet."

Croatia have had some true greats like Drazen Petrovic and Toni Kukoc.

Tomic could eventually be one too, if he continues to work under Madrid boss Ettore Messina, one of the best coaches in the world.

Selected by the Utah Jazz with the 44th pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, Tomic is under contract with Real Madrid for three years.

When he’ll be ready for the NBA remains to be seen.

Everyone expects Tomic to make his debut for Croatia's senior team at the FIBA World Championship this August in Turkey, where they will go up against the United States, Slovenia, Brazil, Iran and Tunisia in Group B.

"It has been a great year for me,” Tomic said.

“I have played well with Zagreb and I arrived to a great team like Madrid.

“I now hope to play each time better and prove to everyone that I am a worthy player for Real Madrid."
http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fc/new...p?newsid=39608

[Blueintheface]

Selected by the Utah Jazz with the 44th pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, Tomic is under contract with Real Madrid for three years.

When he’ll be ready for the NBA remains to be seen.

Good, maybe Boom-Bitches will take his Greek game to Greece.