If he was drafted, would he be subject to the rookie scale, or is that just for 1st-round picks?

The can sign him using any cap space they have, or midlevel exception. Since he was a 2nd rounder, he is not subject to a salary scale.

Looks like the Pistons hired the Hawks timekeeping staff tonight.

How can they just make a judgement call like that? To me, if the clock doesn't start you reset the clock and run the play again. That seems crazy.

Also mostly irrelevant really. One play in a 48-minute game that happened at the end of the third quarter is much ado about nothing.

When it came down to the last minute and the pistons were ahead by 3, i think it matters. At least a little bit.

No more than any other missed or made shot throughout the game, any other missed call, any other turnover etc.

Point is, there are so many opportunities for the game to change one way or the other, it's silly to elevate this one sequence and say that's a major reason why a team wins or loses.

OK, so, for the 7th time this postseason I'll say it again; I was wrong about the Hornets.

You are not the only one.

Chris Paul for MVP? Is it too late? If things work out, this western conference finals matchup is going to be epic.

In the Detroit/Orlando game, first off that's kind of a dumb rule that they can only look at TV replays if it's at the end of the half or game, but that wasn't even the worst call. The one that pissed me off was the dead-ball foul with like 1 minute left. Any contact happened on the far side of the court and the ref in the corner clearly watched the player stumble all the way across the court without going for his whistle. As soon as the player finally fell, immediately blows it for a foul. Either call it a foul or don't. Waiting for the player to fall is bullshit, and it leads to players diving in the long-term.

Lol. Next time.

A good example of the kind of defense LeBron will be up against all night. :D

How many points will he need to average this series for the Cavs to have a chance? 40?

celtics up by 10 after a quarter, and pierce only played the first couple minutes (2 early fouls). Rondo and Garnett are playing great 2-man ball and having their way with the Cavs.

Cool... ;) I have actually watched some playoff basketball and surprisingly haven't regretted it.

It's a funny thing that guys seem to start sucking as soon as they become Cavs. I mean, Wally Z, the only thing he's been able to do in the NBA well is shoot the ball. He becomes a Cav? Shot goes away. Joe Smith had been having a great season for the Bulls. Becomes a Cav? Nothing.

they must just get caught up in "lebron watching"

WTF is up with Allen & Pierce still not having scored and Lebron being < 10 pts this is a weird game

The NBA: Where 24% shooting happens.

Lucky the Cavs have shot 16 FTs, because 24% shooting aint going to get you too far.

ugly half by both team - with the exception of KG + rondo no one seems to be in form

cavs have managed to cut the C's lead down by 6pts, but they were going against a bunch of the reserves for what seemed (to me) of the majority of the quarter

How the fuck are the Celtics going to win when Paul Pierce and Ray Allen combine for FOUR fucking points?

LeBron once again misses a big end of game layup. I think he was fouled both times, but he still has to make those shots either way.

How the fuck did the Cavs not lose by 30 with LeBron going 2-18 for 12 points?

I think pretty simply b/c Pierce and Allen were a combined 2-18 with only 4 points.

The NBA must love these Cavs-anyone playoff series, where every game is a low percentage shooting snore-fest.

Kenny Smith's suit just broke my television.

The Hawks games were infinitely more entertaining.

I don't like Paul Pierce. He annoyed me again tonight - when he had 2 points at the half or whatever it was, you KNEW he was going to take a bunch of bad shots in the 3rd quarter, charge into everyone, and get the team in a bigger hole.

What a weird game.

http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sp...ge_tab_newstab

Atlanta Hawks general manager Billy Knight has resigned after six years with the organization, effective July 1.

Knight resigned Tuesday night after a late afternoon meeting with Hawks part owner and NBA Governor Michael Gearon Jr.

"The time has come for me to take a break and fully evaluate my future plans," Knight said in a statement released by the organization Wednesday morning. "I am tremendously pleased with what we were able to accomplish this season in reaching the postseason, as the Hawks' return to the playoffs energized the city and our franchise.

"My passion for the franchise has never wavered, but I feel I'm leaving the organization in much better shape than it was in when I took over. I also appreciate the jobs done by Mike (Woodson), his staff and the players during this season. They are most deserving of the praise and accolades they earned during a tough, seven-game series against the Eastern Conference's top team entering the playoffs, and I wish them and the Spirit organization the very best in the future."

The Hawks ended a nine-year playoff drought this season and pushed the Boston Celtics to a Game 7 in a first round playoff series that ended Sunday.

Knight, 55, built the Hawks from the ground up, having spent his first season with the organization as the director of basketball operations before taking over as general manager.

The Hawks' best season under Knight came this year with a 37-45 regular season record and that first round playoff exit.

We respect the decision Billy has made to resign and we are grateful and appreciative of the job he has done," Gearon said in a statement released by the team.

"Billy has built a team of athletic, high character players who have enormous potential. Under his leadership, the Hawks were not only the youngest team in this year's playoffs, but have also proven to be the most exciting team Atlanta has seen since the Dominique (Wilkins) era of the 80's. We look forward to building on Billy's success as we continue our efforts to emerge as one of the NBA's elite franchises for a long time to come."

that cavs/c's game was like watching two monkeys hump a football

I'll add my translation...

Atlanta Hawks general manager Billy Knight has resigned after six years with the organization, effective July 1. Thank you God.

Knight resigned Tuesday night after a late afternoon meeting with Hawks part owner and NBA Governor Michael Gearon Jr.

"The time has come for me to take a break and fully evaluate my future plans," Knight said in a statement released by the organization Wednesday morning. "I am tremendously pleased with what we were able to accomplish this season in reaching the postseason, as the Hawks' return to the playoffs energized the city and our franchise.

"My passion for the franchise has never wavered, but I feel I'm leaving the organization in much better shape than it was in when I took over. I also appreciate the jobs done by Mike (Woodson), his staff and the players during this season. They are most deserving of the praise and accolades they earned during a tough, seven-game series against the Eastern Conference's top team entering the playoffs, and I wish them and the Spirit organization the very best in the future." I tried to fire Mike but the owners wouldn't let me. My ego is bruised.

The Hawks ended a nine-year playoff drought this season and pushed the Boston Celtics to a Game 7 in a first round playoff series that ended Sunday. The east sucks.

Knight, 55, built the Hawks from the ground up, having spent his first season with the organization as the director of basketball operations before taking over as general manager.

The Hawks' best season under Knight came this year with a 37-45 regular season record and that first round playoff exit. This is fucking terrible.

We respect the decision Billy has made to resign and we are grateful and appreciative of the job he has done," Gearon said in a statement released by the team.

"Billy has built a team of athletic, high character players who have enormous potential. Under his leadership, the Hawks were not only the youngest team in this year's playoffs, but have also proven to be the most exciting team Atlanta has seen since the Dominique (Wilkins) era of the 80's. We look forward to building on Billy's success as we continue our efforts to emerge as one of the NBA's elite franchises for a long time to come." Billy passed on drafting Chris Paul because he was too short. We waited two years to ensure that, yes, it was as dumb as it sounded at the time. Hopefully our new GM will avoid doing something as monumentally stupid.

:D

It's not even funny. Reportedly we're weighing up an offer for former Sixers GM Billy King. He's not in Isiah's class, but is unsurpassed in handing out obscene extensions to role players. Jon Konkak would be proud.

LeBron 3-13 in the first half, the Cavs with SEVEN 2nd Quarter points with 1:00 to play.

Well, at least I get to catch the first Cavs game at home live on the weekend. LeBron figures to blow-up.

I'm really glad I'm not watching this game. 5-20 so far for LeBron.

I think lebron has to do a little better at home, but I don't expect him to magically bust out. I think the C's defense just has him bottled up

LeBron needs to learn how to fight through this because right now he has taken a few steps back in my mind. He needs to develop a damn shot else the blueprint on him is out.

doesn't help him that the other threats on his team are big Z and Wally Sczerbiak (who has to be wheeled out onto the court in a damn wheelchair practically).

The C's have no defense for Z, that is true. And he has been hot. But Sczerbiak is a bum, so it's basically 2-man basketball with lebron being doubled and force to shoot (poor) jumpshots.

While some of that is true to a point I still believe LeBron needs to nutt up and play through this, because his demeanor on the court is one of defeat. Did he not watch film? He has taken a few steps back in my opinion because someone with his size and strenght should still be able to get to the basket.

I was taught that if your able to get pass the first defender then you should be able to make the layup or get fouled. I am watching the game with a bunch of other basketball guys and all of them are saying he is a bitch, and I agree with them. He is better then what he showed and not to take anything away from the Celtics who as expected stepped their games up but the reason LeBron isn't playing better is because of LeBron.

no doubt he needs to nutt up and play through it, that's what great players do. But if you watch, it seems that he was having a very difficult time getting past the first defender because of the help defense and the cushion they were giving him (note that I probably am less basketball-knowledgable than you and your buddies, just saying what it seemed like)

I haven't seen the game, but if the Celtics are playing him like they played Joe Johnson, it's not quite so easy - you get around the first defender and then you have 3 other guys sagging in on you. It's also what San Antonio did to him last year in the finals.

I watched him countless times just give up the pass even before the double team arrived. If he tried I am sure he will be able to draw fouls and eventually put a few defenders in foul trouble. It has been my experience that once you have passed the first defender the rest should not matter.

He should be making layups and baby jumpers all game or making passes to teammates headed toward the basket. Either that or drawing fouls.

Just my opinion.

So then really fast guys that can get past their man at will should be indefensible, right?

Also, what is your experience at NBA basketball?

I have zero experience with NBA basketball and other then my experience coaching and playing I guess I am talking out my ass.

Excellent, we have found common ground! :D

Ergh... No. If it were Micheal Jordan, Kobe, Larry Bird or any number of great players they would have found a way to make the Celtics pay. So what is your experience with the NBA other then sitting on your ass and watching. I am going to guess none.

Heh, any time that tried that against Bird would have paid dearly, because McHale would have 40+ points. Same with Gasol or Pippen. Unfortunately, LeBron does not have anyone nearly as good as those guys.

Good defensive teams are more than capable of stopping a player from a layup/foul in most situations where they beat the first man -- it will usually lead to an open shot for someone else, but that beating the first guy theory is far too simplistic.

The supporting cast is an issue with LeBron, and his outside shot also isn't as good as those other players. All of these things have their effect. When he makes his outside shot he's unstoppable, but he's not consistent enough with it to defeat a team that is willing to give it to him all the time and force others to make shots, when he doesn't have many guys on his team that can do that or put pressure on the defense on their own.

I meant killer instinct. But you have a valid point which makes last season's run to the finals so odd. How did he do it last season but not this season?

I enjoy watching LeBron play and think he is one of the most dominate players in the game today. That being said his attitude tonight was deplorable for someone who is suppose to be a superstar. His body language was of someone who flat out quit in my opinion. He does not have that never say died attitude like Micheal Jordan, Larry Bird, or Kobe in my opinion. Each of those guys and many others when given daylight would have taken advantage of it.

It is simple. Beat the first guy and force the defense to either stay at home and let you have an easy layup or shot. Or they can provide help defense and the person who is open should be making his way toward the basket. Utah with Stockon and Malone were known for this... The problem I saw with LeBron was he would make his move with the intention of passing and not attacking the basketball.

Except that if the defense fears your drive more than your shot and commits to giving you a cushion, you aren't going to consistently get past that first guy. Also, against good teams a perimeter player will rotate into the lane to cover the help defender, so what is open is a pass back outside(watch any SA-PHO game from the last few years for examples).

As far as Stockton-Malone ... their most common result was an open shot for Malone of the type that LeBron is missing against Boston.


They have someone different personnell this year, first of all(their rebounding and perimeter defense are both down as a result). Secondly, they played nobody as good as Boston in getting to the finals last year. Thirdly, against the Pistons he was making his jumper somewhat more often than he is now(espescially of course in Game Five). Fourthly, Gibson was providing outside shooting.

At the risk of being an absolute jerk, it's "dominant," not "dominate." Dominate is a verb.

That being said...even terrible NBA players can hit open shots. If LeBron is beating one guy and having 2-3 sag on him, that leaves only 1 or 2 defenders not paying attention to LeBron - and he's still taking the majority of the shots on the team (24 tonight, with 2nd best only 12 shots taken). He needs to pass the ball more if they're so focused on him, crappy supporting cast be damned.

The Spurs are annoying.. That's all I got.

Well, you're not being a jerk, but rather taking ultra-small forcepts and plucking a piece of plankton out of an ocean full of them.

As far as LeBron goes...dude needs to get out of Cleveland. It reeks of Maravich or Archie Manning status. He needs to play out this contract, and then go play for Brooklyn Nets, who by that time will have Devin Harris, no Vince Carter, and possibly a few awesome draft picks.

2008 lebron is settling. 2007 lebron had a chip on his shoulder. The cavs will never do anything till they get another legit player. If that day ever happens, they will probably win 3-4 titles in 5 years.

When I said we have common ground, I meant in relation to you talking out of your ass (as anything I say in here would be coming out of my ass too).

That said, I still think you're wrong.

Man the Cavs suck. When you have Wally World and Delonte West starting for you, you got problems.

Ok then. Thank you for playing.

One of the reasons I find the NBA hard to watch at times is that so many teams, when they are down by, say, 12 points in the 3rd quarter, just visibly give up. Even in the playoffs.

I was having a conversation with a firend and we were talking about the elite players in the NBA right now. The subject of the three best NBA players came up and I picked Kobe, Lebron, and Chris Paul. He argued that Duncan and Garnett and even Wade still belong ont he same tier. Was wondering everyones thought on that subject

They're still top tier, but those 3 would probably be 4-6 behind the guys you listed.

I think Duncan and Kobe are the top tier with LeBron, Paul, Garnett, and Wade just behind them. Howard belongs in that conversation as well.

I think in years past, I would agree, but Manu carried that team this year, not Duncan. He's obviously a valuable piece to their success, but I think he's starting to drop at this point. I'm not saying he isn't a surefire HAOF, I think that he's probably not quite the same player he was before. I think that he's in the next tier still

I think it would be Kobe, Chris Paul, LeBron (despite my berating his performance last night) I think Wade was there but has fallen to the tier just underneath those three.

Tier 1 : Paul, Kobe, LeBron
Tier 2 : Wade, Howard, Duncan, Garnett, McGrady(Barely)

Just my two cents.

I totally disagree with this, but it is a popular sentiment this year. There is still a HUGE difference between the impact Duncan and Manu have on the games. For the last four years, Duncan's minutes have been down from what they were prior to that in the regular season, but his numbers this year(34.0 mpg, 19.3 ppg, 11.3 rpg, 2.8 apg, 2.0 bpg) are right in line with what he's done over that four-year period. His FG% is down from an outstanding year last year but is about what it was the two years previous and his FT% has not been higher than this year's 73% except in 99-00 and 01-02.

As for Manu, he missed twice as many games as Duncan did(8 to 4). He scored more than Duncan this season but when you add in all the other things that Tim does -- he's the basis for the Spurs team on both ends of the floor far more often than Manu is -- it really isn't even close.

I'd put Kobe, LeBron, and, Duncan in the top tier with Garnett, Howard, and Paul close behind them. Everybody else you could throw in there(Wade, McGrady, etc.) has issues. If Paul keeps playing like he has he'll move up to the top, ditto for Howard and KG if he comes through in the playoffs this year.

Not going to argue with the premise of your argument as I think Duncan is one of the best of all time. I thinkt he real catalyst of the Spurs is still Duncan and he's also made a great career out of ducking the better post player of the opposing team.

Kobe and LeBron on a tier of their own.

I'm not sold on Paul yet. Let's see how teams prepare for him next season.

What the hell is Jon Barry smoking? How the hell can you say that this game is more important for the Celtics than the Cavs?

Chris Paul is having a great playoffs.

This Ben Wallace free throw shooting was funny when he wasn't on my team

This team seems to play pretty well when Delonte West dominates the ball. The LeBron "pound it into the ground for 15 seconds and jack an offbalanced J" offense is pretty easy to defend.

It's sorta hard to get used to Cleveland having a PG who can not only knock down open jump shots, but ALSO attack the basket! It's always been one or the other... or neither.

Hell of a game. Kobe's back was hurting in the second half and he shouldn't have been shooting as much because Gasol and Odom were tearing it up. On the flip side, Lakers couldnt stop Deron Williams

This home court advantage thing sort of means something huh?

I really hope someone else just saw LeBron's dunk.. That was the perfect exclamation point.

The NBA should just save us all some time and credit all remaining home teams with the victory for the rest of the playoffs!

Congratulations to the LA Lakers, winners over the Boston Celtics 4-2!

Yeah, that was sick.

I don't think either of these teams will beat Detroit, if it weren't for Dallas last year I'd say the Celtics are the worst 66+ win team in league history.

Wouldn't that be Boston 4, LA 3?

I thought I heard the Celtics would have homecourt throughout the playoffs?

Yeah because we could'nt beat Detroit last year either.:rolleyes:

OK, same diff. :P

Yeah, that was a great dunk. I don't know what I was thinking the other day. I guess I was thinking his jump shooting is too poor, but he clearly belongs in the tier with Kobe and Duncan. This will be amazing if he pulls off this series against the Celtics.

C's fucking gave this game away in the 4th quarter - they went away from Garnett in the block and settled for contested crap-shots and lost control of the game.

I thought LeBron played the way I felt he should be playing beat that first guy and dish it to the guys attacking the basket, 13 assists shows me that if they continue running this on the Celtics they will beat them 4-2.

they gotta win a game in boston first

If they play the way they did tonight they will win in 6.

Detroit has really stepped it up since their slow start against Philadelphia, they were really impressive beating Orlando in game four without Billups. They'll likely have plenty of rest as I don't expect my Magic to get a win tomorrow night and just feel they're not going to be denied this season after being upset by Miami and Cleveland in the conference finals these past few years.

I don't think so.

Of course you don't think so.

As for Detroit versus Cleveland(should they get pass the Celtics) if LeBron takes it to the stratosphere then I don't think Detroit can beat them. However if LeBron plays like his normal self I think Detroit beats them in 6.

I really expect nothing out of the Cavs this year, but getting back into this series has pleasantly suprised me. I didn't get to see tonights game, but I've heard that Brown is finally starting to make some adjustments.

I think it's very possible Detroit could beat us if we can get past the Celtics, I'm just sick of everyone saying "can't beat Detroit". We did last year and we took them to 7 games the year before that.

By the way according to that logic, we're not gonna beat the Celtics either because a couple people said so.

And we could'nt beat the Wizards because a couple people said so. (Actually it was probaly just that fat one.)

It was a great 4 quarter game, no 24 points in 1 quarter followed up by 9 or whatever it was in game 2.

So Cleveland wins two games at home and everyone gives up on the Celtics, the best team in the league. The Cavs have to win one in Boston before I write the Celtics off. In three of the series, the team with home court advantage has lost 2 straight but they're all still in control until they lose a game at home. I hope all 3 series go the full 7 games.

The Cavs will have to win the next game in Boston before I write the Celtics off, but I'd like to see the Celtics win at least one game on the road SOMEWHERE if they are to be considered a legit threat. Two losses at both Cleveland and Atlanta looks pretty bad.

Fixed

Writing them off is not the same as saying they are in trouble. All three of the teams that have lost two straight are in trouble to some degree or another, and not just because they lost two straight on the road. Boston's shown that they still don't have much of an offensive identity and Doc Rivers can't stop tinkering with the rotation patterns for no apparent reason. That plus not having won a game on the road yet makes you wonder if they can beat Cleveland, because if they keep playing this way all it takes is LeBron shooting well either Game 5 or Game 7 in Boston.

The Lakers are probably fine IF Kobe's back is fine, but there's a lot of doubt about that and they are struggling with the Jazz on the boards. Meanwhile New Orleans is probably in the most trouble, as they don't appear to have a good answer for the Spurs putting Bowen on Stojakovic, David West has shown some composure issues, and Duncan appears to be back to full health, none of which are good for them no matter how flat-out awesome Chris Paul plays.

Boils down to the fact that a team that wins the first two games of the series is generally able to steal one on the road and close it out relatively quickly. The fact that none of them have been able to do that(excluding Detroit) is a cause for concern in all three cases by itself.

Oh, and Boston having the best regular-season record absolutely does not mean they are the best team in the NBA. It's pretty hard to argue that they've looked like the best team, or even looked like a team ready to win a title, based on their playoff performance thus far.

Just to put my money where my mouth is, I see Cleveland and Detroit in the East, San Antonio and LA in the West. I think David Stern's worst nightmare is the most likely scenario: San Antonio and Detroit with possible depression counseling required for ABC programming executives.

The C's should just drop out now. What a joke they are. And Doc Rivers has to be one of the worst coaches in the league. Find me someone with a lower basketball IQ. I don't think you can.

When the Cavs backups manhandle Garnett and he can't score one on one at all it's time to pack it in. And Paul Pierce should either be moved or retire after the season. His game is deteriorating faster than a speeding bullet.

George IS getting upset.

This is a massive condemnation of Doc Rivers - that he is getting outcoached by Brown. No, not Larry Brown. Mike Brown. Wow.

I think this is worse than anything that Simmons has said about Doc up to this point in time.