The OFFICIAL 2009-2010 NBA season thread!

[Fiyero]

The Hawks scored 146 in regulation tonight, the most in 16 years. They shot 59% and had 15 offensive boards, 9 players in double figures. I wonder if it will have much affect of the NBA's version of the BCS rankings.

[MarkGrace]

Nets are on the board! A few more and they'll catch NYC.

Also, I really hope there's truth to this Harrington for Thomas deal. I would love for the Knicks to deal their best player.

[MarkGrace]

Damn. Just noticed the Knicks won.

[FN Phat]

Nets are on the board! A few more and they'll catch NYC.

Also, I really hope there's truth to this Harrington for Thomas deal. I would love for the Knicks to deal their best player.

Do you think that the Nets are playing for the chance at 1st draft pick? Do you think picking John Wall in the draft could bring the likes of LBJ, Dwade, and Bosh to Jersey?

[MarkGrace]

I think there are several teams that will be playing to get Wall. You take him, Harris and Lopez, and you're back in serious business if you can add a guy like Bron or Bosh.

[MarkGrace]

First time I've seen this in a boxscore: DNP DEATH IN FAMILY

[JohnnyLingo]

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2009/12/tim-donaghy-60-minutes-talks-referee-nba-fbi.html

In case you missed it, disgraced ex-NBA referee Tim Donaghy told his story on 60 Minutes last night and it's definitely worth watching.

Donaghy discusses how he never attempted to fix any of the games he officiated in (a claim supported by investigations by the FBI and the NBA) and that he was successful betting on games simply because he knew which players other referees liked and disliked.

Donaghy also claims the NBA showed preferential treatment to Kobe Bryant after the Lakers complained about missed calls.

Here's the full interview in two parts (unfortunately, it's interrupted by commercials):

[JohnnyLingo]

[YOUTUBE]AP4qxxI0dro[/YOUTUBE]

[Donuthole]

Most egregious non-Lebron James traveling no-call i've seen this season.

Last play of the video. 4 steps for Jefferson.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=291216009

EDIT: Not sure why it's not giving me an option to automatically embed the video.

[HuskyFreeNorthwest]

Dear LeBron,

As you make your decision on where to play next season, let me ask you this:

How did it feel to get booted from the playoffs by Orlando last spring? Good?

If you decide to hold out for the maximum money you can possibly get, you will experience that feeling a lot more frequently than you should.

Take a pay cut. Offer to play for $7 million a year, if the team that signs you also signs Bosh and Wade at reduced rates. Say this team is Oklahoma City. That gives you a starting five of:

PG: Wade
SG: Durant
SF: LeBron
PF: Bosh

And for the center position, pick up someone like Marcus Camby or Amare, who can opt out of his 2010 contract if he chooses.

I will never understand why no NBA star has never done this. If winning is truly everything, then stop going after the dollar signs and make this happen. I guarantee you'll win at least six championships, maybe more if you can run this strategy multiple times over your career.

Think about it.

Love,

JohnnyLingo

One of the backpage columns recently, either SI or ESPN Mag, had a guy suggesting that LBJ should accept league minimum for his next contract. He could surround himself with 3-4 good players and make more on endorsements winning multiple titles in a row.

[falafel]

Most egregious non-Lebron James traveling no-call i've seen this season.

Last play of the video. 4 steps for Jefferson.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=291216009

EDIT: Not sure why it's not giving me an option to automatically embed the video.

that might have been 5 steps! He covered more than half the court with one bounce.

[cougjunkie]

that might have been 5 steps! He covered more than half the court with one bounce.

Thats awesome I loved how he took 3 steps and then gathered himself with a 4/5th step.

My favorite is still Dan Majerle:

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4D9Z1wAwQtM"]YouTube- Worst Travel Ever! (Dan Majerle)[/ame]

[HuskyFreeNorthwest]

Carl Landry loses 5 teeth, 2 are embedded in Dirk's elbow. Merry Christmas.
[YOUTUBE]XkWWlFzONew[/YOUTUBE]

[MarkGrace]

Did anyone catch CP3's 30/19/9 last night? Damn.

[BoylenOver]

This is my NBA post quota for 2009, but Chicago blew a 35-point lead to Sacramento at home. Crazy stuff.