Simmons... ::sigh::
The guy just can't stop chugging that Blazer haterade. A couple of excerpts:
"We knew Miller was a bad fit when the Blazers signed him. It just didn't feel right. He's a moody loner; they had great chemistry last year. He needs the ball in his hands; so does Brandon Roy. He likes free-lancing; Nate McMillan is hands-on. But Portland felt obligated to spend their extra cap money, and nobody else was pursuing Miller, so what transpired was the equivalent of two single wedding guests going through the motions on the dance floor."
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"The "You Thought We'd Take Another Leap, But Instead We Went Backwards Because Expectations Were Too High, We Tinkered With Our Chemistry & Our Young Guys Tuned Out Their Coach" Team.
(Ladies and gentlemen, your 2009-10 Portland Trail Blazers!)"
28 days ago
BlazersOrBust
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He has us 11th in the west
Behind the Thunder, Rockets and Clippers.
Whatever. He’s hated the Blazers since the Celtics made the Roy trade (which he finally stopped defending last year). The Oden/Durant thing just made it worse.
Honestly, though, the Thunder? Am I missing something here?
by Hawthorne Wingo on Oct 23, 2009 10:26 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
yep:
Western Conference
1. San Antonio, 64-18
2. L.A. Lakers, 63-19
3. Utah, 51-31
4. New Orleans, 48-34
5. Dallas, 46-36
6. L.A. Clippers, 45-37
7. Houston, 44-38
8. Denver, 44-38
9. Phoenix, 43-39
10. Zombies, 42-40
11. Portland, 41-41
12. Golden State, 28-54
13. Memphis, 24-58
14. Minnesota, 22-60
15. Sacramento, 15-67
How did you guys win that?
"We scored enough points. We scored 107, they scored 105.
-Nate McMillan Postgame, 3/4/2009
by douglast on Oct 23, 2009 10:48 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
comment
1) there is NO way the West has two 63 win teams. Heck, no win there is two 60 win teams. That’s whack
2) Denver at 44 wins, Portland at 41? Both way too low. Too much talent on both teams
3) While I might buy the Clippers as playoff team, 6th is too high
4) I can see the Clips OR Rockets making the playoffs, but not both.
5) I predicted last Feb/Mar that the Thunder would make the 2010 playoffs, but I’m not so sure now. I definately like them to improve a lot this year, but I see 35~ wins as their ceiling. No way in heck do they finish above the Blazers, that’s just crazy.
6) Minny will win more than 22 games. Book it.
How did you guys win that?
"We scored enough points. We scored 107, they scored 105.
-Nate McMillan Postgame, 3/4/2009
by douglast on Oct 23, 2009 10:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
No way the Thunder sniff the playoffs
Simmons either doesn’t believe in plus/minus as a stat (even though it is the most basic stat in history) or doesn’t read truehoop. The emporer has no clothes. Durant may lead the league in scoring, but he has never helped his team and will not help his team enough next year to get them anywhere near playoff land.
As for Portland, Simmons may be right about the chemistry issues, but he’s wrong about the impact. Absent catastrophic injuries, the Blazers have too much talent to lose consistently to bad teams – meaning their “floor” is way over 41 games. I would view 50 wins as a mildly disappointing regular season, and it’s certainly possible the Blazers are in that neighborhood for the reasons Simmons mentions.
But clearly he didn’t watch Portland play enough last year. 41 wins? Good god.
Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.
by KP Corleone on Oct 23, 2009 3:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
great minds...
as I posted earlier:
I take no issue with his concerns about Andre and Nate, but I think he vastly overestimates their potential damage. Even if those concerns turn out to be all to true, I don’t see how they can drag us all the way down to 11th. There is just too much talent and character for the team to implode that much
How did you guys win that?
"We scored enough points. We scored 107, they scored 105.
-Nate McMillan Postgame, 3/4/2009
by douglast on Oct 23, 2009 3:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, he's just trolling
He hates Lakers fans. That’s why he has San Antonio with more wins. Best way to get hits is to piss off Lakers fans and Blazers fans.
by tominhawaii on Oct 23, 2009 2:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So true.
He has Phoenix up there because he’s good friends with Steve Nash.
I like Simmons though. He’s just having a good time, not taking the whole thing too seriously. He makes fun of himself quite a bit and a lot of times will flat out admit he was wrong. Funny guy.
by Nick Van Excellent on Oct 23, 2009 4:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Book signing
Simmons is coming to Portland (well, technically Beaverton) next month on his book tour. I think it would be awesome if as many people as possible showed up wearing Oden jerseys. I am seriously considering having him sign my son’s Oden jersey instead of his book. He didn’t mention Oden by name once in his huge NBA preview, I think he left him off on purpose, just to piss us off.
But, I think Simmons has a point about the Blazers falling apart this year. I don’t think it will happen, but there’s a 20% chance that Simmons is right. It’s more interesting to him if the Blazers fail, so that is what he wrote.
by unblindloyalty on Oct 23, 2009 10:40 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I was planning on doing the same when he comes to Seattle
But that would mean I’d have to buy his book. Not happening.
by xedubx on Oct 23, 2009 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
While I agree (and even root for) the idea
that the Blazers could actually take a step back this season (aka, the ‘07-’08 Bulls, though your Blazers has far more talent that would transcend any chemistry issues)…this is what gets me:
Simmons always hammers on his ‘chemistry’ and ‘karma’ mumbo-jumbo, which…whatever. But how can he not see the connection to the Aldridge extension? He’s basically advocating low-balling Aldridge and in turn him going to restricted free agency next summer. How would that NOT effect precious team chemistry? To me that would do far more damage than Miller’s sulkiness.
Ugh, it was like Simmons is basically telling us NOT to buy his book. Tough to get through 7 pages of his smarter-than-thou analysis, let alone 700.
(also, I do not understand OKC zombie love. They’re not being prudent about their team, they’re being CHEAP. That team will suck this year, and Simmons will still say they’re doing the right thing, because in his world you only pay the top 4 players in the league (plus Kevin Durant, apparently), and everyone else is a role player.)
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by your friendly BullsBlogger on Oct 23, 2009 10:52 AM PDT reply actions 4 recs
The Zombies
That’s the one that gets me, too. I think the Blazers are too low, but he took a stand a defended it, and while I don’t agree, his concerns about Andre and Nate are not totally irrational.
But how you look at OKC and see 42 wins is beyond me.
Simmons watches OKC games like other guys watch porn. He turns on the game to see Kevin Durant/Katie Morgan. It’s not relevant to him what’s going on in the rest of the movie. He gets what he came for, cleans up, puts away the baby oil, and turms off the TV. To him, criticizing the way the OKC team actually plays a basketball game is like criticizing the ensemble acting in Sorority Sluts 3.
by Hawthorne Wingo on Oct 23, 2009 11:30 AM PDT up reply actions 5 recs
I take no issue with his concerns about Andre and Nate, but I think he vastly overestimates their potential damage. Even if those concerns turn out to be all to true, I don’t see how they can drag us all the way down to 11th. There is just too much talent and character for the team to implode that much
How did you guys win that?
"We scored enough points. We scored 107, they scored 105.
-Nate McMillan Postgame, 3/4/2009
by douglast on Oct 23, 2009 12:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree.
The worst thing that happens is that on-court chemistry issues lead to a slow start before things finally work out and the talent takes over. I actually can see the Blazers slipping just a little bit in the regular season (like, say, 50-52 wins), but being much more dangerous come playoff time than they were last year.
Hit it. Yes he did. Ohhhh yeah.
by Badalona Baddie on Oct 23, 2009 12:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Completely agree
It seems inconsistent to me to say (1) Miller is an aloof loner who won’t mesh with the team’s personality; and (2) he’s going to destroy team chemistry. He’s the new kid. If he doesn’t fit in, it won’t destroy the other guys’ relationships…he’ll just be marginalized.
I can’t believe I’m even thinking about this soap opera crap.
by Hawthorne Wingo on Oct 23, 2009 1:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Love the analogy
Simmons is completely irrational about the Thunder. It doesn’t make any sense. How can you look at that roster, look at their performance last year, and realistically expect 42 wins? Bizarre.
Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.
by KP Corleone on Oct 23, 2009 3:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
someone needs to start a blog that details Simmons’ contradictions. well done and rec’d
13 wins is a huge step back. Andre Miller for Sergio Rodriguez and we lose thirteen more games? That’s nuts.
I really hope the games start streaming on Blazers.com soon.
If I had to term the present situation, it would have to be a series of unfortunate events.
by Cablinasian on Oct 23, 2009 12:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Plus Oden staying on the floor?
Roy getting more ’spect from refs?
C’mon Simmons… that is dumb.
M—
by Mortimer on Oct 23, 2009 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Please.
This doesnt even warrant that much attention. we know we arent finishing 41-41 by not losing anyone,..and the clippers arent gettng #6.
Rip City Baby...People have no idea what is coming.
Follow my twitter www.twitter.com/PDXBlazersFTW, @PDXBlazersFTW. Lots of random Blazer Posts from links I find around the blogosphere.
by lanepete on Oct 23, 2009 10:52 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Why is everyone sweating this guy?
He’s about the only person in the entire sports media arena that thinks that the Blazers will be worse. The collective concensus, from just about every analyst or person who has half a brain, is that we’ll be a top 4 team. Why people even care that this one moron thinks they wont even make the playoffs is beyond me.
"Ain't nothin' in this world for free."
by Arby on Oct 23, 2009 10:54 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I should clarify
Top 4 in the Western Conference*
"Ain't nothin' in this world for free."
by Arby on Oct 23, 2009 10:55 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He’s just trying to be a contrarian.
Whatever, Simmons is my favorite but plenty of people don’t like/don’t care about the blazers.
by 50backflips on Oct 23, 2009 12:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Simmonds is a horrible predictor of the future
so I put no weight behind his words about the Blazers.
But this was funny as hell
14. Andrew Bynum
I am 65 percent certain that this exact conversation happened within the last four weeks.
(Kobe enters Phil Jackson’s office. Brian Shaw is sitting to Phil’s right.)
Phil: Kobe, thanks for stopping by.
Kobe: No problem. I got 5 minutes. Artest is taking me to Hollywood Boulevard, he wants to introduce me to the guys dressed up like Superman and Batman. He thinks they’re the actual superheroes. I haven’t had the heart to tell him that they’re homeless guys.
Phil: Well, don’t tell him differently. Let him think that.
Kobe: I will.
Phil: Look, I really want to get Bynum more involved in our offense in November and December. It’s a good thing, Kobe. Just trust me. We run everything through him for 42 minutes. You take over for the last six.
Kobe: C’mon, we did this last year. Then he got hurt, I took over and our team took off. Why go through the charade again?
Phil: Because you’re still two titles behind MJ?
Kobe: That’s your big motivational move with me now, huh?
Phil: Hey, he told me himself — “Tell Kobe to call me when he gets to six.”
Kobe (eyes narrowing): He said that?
Phil: Yup. He said he can’t even take you seriously until you win two more.
Kobe: Really?
Phil: Yup. That’s why we need Bynum right now. The Pechonkamappadosa tribe has a phrase for this called, “Kakaboomaka.” It means, ‘To share the credit without giving up credit with those who matter.’ I just want to build his confidence up and save your legs. We put a ton of miles on those babies these last two years. 208 games. This is good for you.
Kobe: Lemme think about.
(Kobe leaves. Phil turns to Shaw.)
Phil: This is too easy.
Ben II Blazersedge.com || New to Blazers' Edge?
by usmcr3049 on Oct 23, 2009 10:56 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
BIll Simmons - funny but not the best sports mind/writer out there
Don’t get too riled up about this – anyone who has read Simmons knows that he is more of a comentator and funny guy than an actual sports mind. In other words, he’s more “writer”, than “sports-writer”. He makes ridiculous claims and predictions all the time because his columns and other work aren’t based on actual sprots credibility, its about getting a rise out of people and stirring the pot.
I appreciate douglast putting up his Western Conference projections because it just illustrates that point even more. Just some ombersavtions on some obvious flaws in his rankings:
1) He has San Antonio winning 64 games…..they should be good, but so is the rest of the West, and veteran teams like the Spurs usually cruise for a portion of the season and then turn it up as the playoffs approach, and thats if Timmy D can stay healthy. 58 wins…maybe, but 64 is just way too nuts
2) He doesn’t just rank Portland 11th, which is pretty ridiculous in its own right, but that spot only puts us ahead of the 4 teams he predicts to win less than 30 games….in other words, after the 4 worst teams in the conference…Portland is next? yeah ok
3) NO WAY THE THUNDER win more games than Portland…who is their center again?
4) Houston and the Clippers winning more games than Denver and Portland….yeah ok
So just let him hate….we know how good the Blazers will be, and I hope Oden has a great season just so he can eat his words.
by rip_city_swagger on Oct 23, 2009 11:11 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
My issue with him that's growing by the article
is that he acts more and more like he actually believes he’s GM caliber. That’s annoying. But maybe he’s just getting better at the ‘schtick’
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by your friendly BullsBlogger on Oct 23, 2009 12:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He might be on the basketball ops side, mostly scouting (and that is doubtful). What he fails to see completely is that GMs need to negotiate boring details with agents and their peers all the time and keep good relations with them, and on some teams also manage the business side like how to get all the people in the seats.
by Norsktroll on Oct 23, 2009 12:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Simmons as GM is in theory sort of like communism...
Both look good on paper, but are/would be disasters in practice.
Hit it. Yes he did. Ohhhh yeah.
by Badalona Baddie on Oct 23, 2009 12:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
what does make his case
is that there isn’t really many qualified GMs as it is, unless the only qualification is ‘played in the NBA’. That tide does seem to be changing though.
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by your friendly BullsBlogger on Oct 23, 2009 12:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I look forward to the Rockets falling flat on their face
not that I have anything against the Rockets or their fans, but because the Cult of Morey has to be squashed.
Adelman is already nervous about Ariza’s ability to expand his game. They do not have a center, period (I’ve watched David Anderson and he ain’t, and Adelman has already said that Chuck Hayes will start). I think it could be much worse than anyone realizes
"its tough to play with one eye, unless you're a pirate." Delonte West
"una canasta a Pau en la cara" Rudy
by Honka Playboy on Oct 23, 2009 2:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
They took the Lakers to seven without Yao
Yao got hurt early in that series and they STILL took the Lakers to seven. They are years ahead of the rest of the league in their statistical analysis. Morey is no joke, and Chuck Hayes starts for a reason – nobody (including Oden) scores on him in the post.
Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.
by KP Corleone on Oct 23, 2009 3:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gasol lit somebody up in Game 7 and I think Game 4
and some of it must have been Hayes. Game 6 of that series is one that sticks in my mind as an example of a team, here LA, not showing up.
I don’t love the statistical analysis maybe as much as some people. The Ariza signing confuses me unless a deep reading of statistics shows different statistics than I’ve seen.
"its tough to play with one eye, unless you're a pirate." Delonte West
"una canasta a Pau en la cara" Rudy
by Honka Playboy on Oct 23, 2009 10:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Darly Morey is the most intelligent GM in the NBA today, bar none.
Stupid people have stupid ideas.
by AK1984 on Oct 23, 2009 9:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Back that up
I see a team with 6 power forwards, not including the powderpuff forward Anderson that might be posing as a center for purposes of height.
I will not be surprised if the team crashes this year. If it does well I’ll credit Adelman’s coaching first.
This is mostly spite for Morey. His team got to the 2nd round last year and played LA well. I don’t see why that makes Morey something special. He knew the team’s weaknesses and did not address them. Maybe he’ll still dump McGrady’s contract before the deadline. That is one way out. He was quoted as saying interest in McGrady was hot n heavy before the draft. It will be interesting to see whether he pulls the trigger and makes a necessary move
"its tough to play with one eye, unless you're a pirate." Delonte West
"una canasta a Pau en la cara" Rudy
by Honka Playboy on Oct 23, 2009 11:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he says that...
… to emphasize the fact that many NBA GM’s (read: David Kahn) suck. It’s becoming his go to reference to the disgraceful state of many NBA rosters.
There’s no way he’s ever hired as an NBA GM. Period.
by DC Blazer on Oct 23, 2009 1:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Love it
I’d call him stupid, but I’ll be buying his book next week. So I’m the a-hole.
He puts too much weight into Andre Miller pouting and some cockamamie idea that the Blazers will revolt from Nate. Does he not realize that Brandon Roy would never let that happen?
by robrun2 on Oct 23, 2009 11:19 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Lol...
Lol….
Come on Blazers fans: you can’t be mad about my 41-41 pick. Gotta take 2-3 chances with picks or why even do them? BTW I will be vindicated.
http://twitter.com/sportsguy33/statuses/5102419316
Rip City Baby...People have no idea what is coming.
Follow my twitter www.twitter.com/PDXBlazersFTW, @PDXBlazersFTW. Lots of random Blazer Posts from links I find around the blogosphere.
by lanepete on Oct 23, 2009 11:45 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
The great thing about Bill Simmons
is that on the off chance he’s right, he’ll come back and reference his predictions ad naseum… but if he’s wrong, you’ll never hear about it.
"Ain't nothin' in this world for free."
by Arby on Oct 23, 2009 11:58 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
for instance
he predicted that Matt Forte would be the best Fantasy Football RB this year and should have gone #1 overall, anyone that plays knows how poorly that prediction has worked out for him
by SalemORguy on Oct 23, 2009 2:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Man if we had drafted Blair
We’d be CHAMPIONS this year.
No good rebounding no defense back up PF playing 12 minutes a night, no playoffs. It’s science.
Morty
by Mortimer on Oct 23, 2009 1:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
not drafting Blair was still a huge mistake
backup PF is still the biggest weakness in our rotation and he would have filled it perfectly.
by jksnake99 on Oct 23, 2009 2:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It could be a huge mistake
BUT using it in any relation to us losing 13 more games is silly. He’s a backup who can’t defend anyone and is a great rebounder. He will be good at what he does as long as he can do it. He isn’t THAT big a deal.
M—
by Mortimer on Oct 23, 2009 2:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
As long as he is healthy I bet he'll be more effective than who we got
But still… back up PF. 12 minutes. Not gonna hurt us that much, even if he’s wonderful for his role.
—M
by Mortimer on Oct 23, 2009 2:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
13 games is huge. To project that kind of dropoff is absolutely nuts.
However, replacing 12 minutes/game of Outlaw/Juwon with Blair could easily give us ~2-3 more wins like Norsk suggests. Our suckiness at backup PF is going to cost a couple games this year, just like last year. It could even cost us a key playoff game.
by jksnake99 on Oct 23, 2009 2:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
unless we trade Outlaw for a Kurt Thomas type. He is probably a better net player than Blair at this point with the jump shot and defense.
I really hope the games start streaming on Blazers.com soon.
If I had to term the present situation, it would have to be a series of unfortunate events.
by Cablinasian on Oct 23, 2009 2:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, there are ways to address this. Blair is not the only answer, he just would have been a great use of a 2nd round pick.
by jksnake99 on Oct 23, 2009 2:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just object to the
“Blair is the end all, be all, we’re screwed without him” belief. NOT that you’re doing that, of course.
M00—
by Mortimer on Oct 23, 2009 2:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ditto
I agree with what Morty is saying too, but man, I remain baffled by all the teams that passed on Blair that late. It was doubly painful for me watching Cleveland pass on him, as well, for a point guard from the Congo who may someday be good enough to play in the ACB.
Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.
by KP Corleone on Oct 23, 2009 3:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cleveland's dumbass selection of Christian Eneyga came out of left field.
Stupid people have stupid ideas.
by AK1984 on Oct 23, 2009 10:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ugh...
Moron.
Chuck Norris' tears cure cancer. Too bad he has never cried.
by FiveOhThree-RipCity!! on Oct 23, 2009 12:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm a big Simmons fan
but I think he’s totally wrong with his predictions.
He just tweeted:
How could I have a Portland grudge when A.) Breaks of Game is my fav book; B.) I demanded Port. for my book tour; + C.) I love Walton?
by shighkin on Oct 23, 2009 12:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Walton?
"its tough to play with one eye, unless you're a pirate." Delonte West
"una canasta a Pau en la cara" Rudy
by Honka Playboy on Oct 23, 2009 1:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He doesn't have a Portland grudge.
He just likes to pick on us. Frankly, it’s probably because he knows we have very vocal fans. Who better to rile up?
by DC Blazer on Oct 23, 2009 1:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's at the ESPN Zone here on Sunday DCB
I’m going to visit
"its tough to play with one eye, unless you're a pirate." Delonte West
"una canasta a Pau en la cara" Rudy
by Honka Playboy on Oct 23, 2009 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
wow
I didn’t think he was that down on the Blazers— knew he was down on Oden and loved Durant, but wow 41 wins.
by jksnake99 on Oct 23, 2009 12:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm not as high on our chances as some, but I would give this roster a fighting chance to get to 41 if either Roy or LaMarcus go out for 3 months with injury
by Norsktroll on Oct 23, 2009 12:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep, would probably still get there...
An injury to LMA would be even more devastating than an injury to Roy, unless the Blazers were able to pull a trade, because the Blazers basically don’t even have a back up PF unless Juwan can REALLY resurrect his game. Right now, Howard looks to be a reach as a back up PF and a huge reach if he ever had to start. Meanwhile, Travis is about as equipped to start in the NBA at power forward as Steve Blake.
Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.
by KP Corleone on Oct 23, 2009 3:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He goes against his own logic, too.
He has hammered on the point, again and again and again, that the Clips will never do ANYTHING good with Mike Dunleavy as their coach/GM. Well, I’d call playing way over their heads and grabbing the #6 seed “good.” So which is it, Bill?
He did, at least, make the sure the total win-loss differential for his picks equaled zero. I’ve seen other predictions that didn’t bother with that.
Hit it. Yes he did. Ohhhh yeah.
by Badalona Baddie on Oct 23, 2009 12:35 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
BTW, I'm not a Simmons hater.
I quite enjoy his writing. But he won’t admit that his persistent need to be proven right influences these kinds of articles, and he often develops serious tunnel vision as a result. When Oden becomes frontrunner for MIP, Simmons will be the last to acknowledge it.
Hit it. Yes he did. Ohhhh yeah.
by Badalona Baddie on Oct 23, 2009 12:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He always makes some good - and funny - points. But then all too often draws totally the wrong conclusions from them.
That’s why he makes bad trade suggestions that would lead teams into a Free Darkness period, off predictions about how the league or teams will develop, and has weird ideas of which players are the really good ones often forgetting totally about defense (not even accounting for his blinders regarding the Celtics, though he seems to have realized Garnett is on the wrong side of his peak). His entertainment dream team at the moment would probably look something like this:
PG: Rajon Rondo, Derrick Rose, Ricky Rubio
SG: Dwyane Wade, Ray Allen, Eric Gordon
SF: Kevin Durant, Paul Pierce
PF: Tim Duncan, Anthony Randolph, Paul Millsap
C: Dwight Howard, David Lee, Shaquille O’Neal
Coach: Stan Van Gundy, Chemistry Assistant Doc Rivers
GM: Daryl Morey
by Norsktroll on Oct 23, 2009 12:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
That's a sicknasty lineup.
Chuck Norris' tears cure cancer. Too bad he has never cried.
by FiveOhThree-RipCity!! on Oct 23, 2009 2:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good call on Lee
Considering BS has him as a top 5 rebounder in the NBA
by dprodigy19 on Oct 23, 2009 6:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here was my "take-away" from that article
I get Portland’s thinking: It wanted to turn that cap space into an asset. And I get Miller’s thinking: He wanted to get paid and hoped things would work out. But now we’re here. Incredibly,Portland plans on bringing Miller off the bench. He’s already miserable. (And available, by the way. Make Kevin Pritchard an offer. Seriously, call him right now.)
So maybe we have it all wrong, maybe it will be a lopsided trade with Miller and Outlaw headling out of town at the deadline? Crazy? All it would take is for a key PG on a contender to get injured for the season in the next few months. KP could write his own ticket
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Oct 23, 2009 12:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I think we have all established the truth that BS pulled all of this out of his butt
Why would his trade rumor be any different?
by tominhawaii on Oct 23, 2009 2:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Apparently he has a book signing this weekend in DC
I’ll pay him a visit.
"its tough to play with one eye, unless you're a pirate." Delonte West
"una canasta a Pau en la cara" Rudy
by Honka Playboy on Oct 23, 2009 1:22 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Bill Simmons reacts on Twitter
Portland fans are cracking me up. Reacted to 41-41 like my wife reacts when I take too long to react to “Do you like this dress on me?”
Also: How could I have a Portland grudge when A.) Breaks of Game is my fav book; B.) I demanded Port. for my book tour; + C.) I love Walton?
by Norsktroll on Oct 23, 2009 1:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Simmons' take...
he feels we’ll only win 41 games for the following reasons:
He’s never been a LaMarcus guy.
He’s never been an Oden guy… to the point that he dogs him regularly.
He’s doesn’t know the real Brandon Roy yet.
He ignores the good chemistry role players we have (Blake, Przy, Batum, Outlaw).
He read two Jason Quick articles (he reads Quick) about Miller and his preseason malaise.
He doesn’t care for any team from the Northwest and NEVER watches them.
He knows there’s a rabid online Blazer presence and chooses to antagonize the collective “it”.
He reads a few too many A.Woj articles and has probably let that sway his opinion on the Blazers Suits (KP).
I bolded that he never watches them because I’m convinced that if he gave took in 10 games a year he’d sing a completely different tune.
This squad will fare better come the Post Season than they did last year.
An offensive rebound in paragraph form. -Mr. Golliver
by you'vegottomakeyourfreethrows on Oct 23, 2009 1:31 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
also on his twitter
“Gotta take 2-3 chances with picks or why even do them?”
When I read his column my honest reaction was I just rolled my eyes and figured he was doing it to get a reaction from us Blazer fans. If he said we’d win around 54 wins we’d barely mention it. You shouldn’t pick a team to do bad in the hopes they will so you can say “I knew it!” If you genuinely looked at the roster and situation and think they’ll win 41 games that’s fine, but picking them because you made your picks and realized you didn’t have anything that sticks out is just sloppy. I’m a big Simmons fan and usually defend him on here because a lot of times I think he isn’t a hater. He’s said he likes Roy and Rudy and last year they were one of his favorite teams to watch. Take it from somebody who has read all his non-baseball stuff for years, when he hates a team you know it, like how he full on hates the L*kers. However, this time he was just trying to provoke a reaction (and succeeded).
In general Simmons tends to overstate things to make his point. On one of his podcasts one of his friends called him out on how he says everything is “best and worst ever.” I’m sure if you made him do a “gun to his head” bet he’d pick the Blazers to win in the 50s. Also, he picked the Thunder, Clips and Rockets to finish better than most people. Those extra wins have to come from somewhere.
As for us signing Miller just because we had the cap space, I completely agree with that. I was more for him than Hedo just because it wasn’t for as long and as much per year, but I didn’t think he was any better of a fit. We needed a point guard he can make 3s, play off the ball and play defense (basically Blake with D). Considering Miller isn’t a clear cut starter and all the stories about how he’s fitting in, I don’t think Simmons was off on this.
Your confusing thesis has captured my attention. Tell me more.
by terryisntbald on Oct 23, 2009 1:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Your confusing thesis has captured my attention. Tell me more."
Chuck Norris' tears cure cancer. Too bad he has never cried.
by FiveOhThree-RipCity!! on Oct 23, 2009 2:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm pretty sure he does watch the Blazers
Say what you will about him, but he definitely watches a ton of NBA games.
by jksnake99 on Oct 23, 2009 2:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
y’know how you always talk about using stats because of confirmation bias? That is Simmons’ problem. He looks at everything through his lens.
He watches games but doesn’t watch them to know more. He watches to be right.
I really hope the games start streaming on Blazers.com soon.
If I had to term the present situation, it would have to be a series of unfortunate events.
by Cablinasian on Oct 23, 2009 2:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
True, but
every year he lists which teams are “must see” for him when the come to play his adopted hometown Clippers, and the Blazers are never on this list. This year it is "Anyway, the Celtics, Spurs, LeBrons, Kobes, Wades, Roses, CP3s, Nashes, Durants and Randolphs were my nine “I can’t miss those teams under any circumstances this season” teams."
by SalemORguy on Oct 23, 2009 2:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the Blazers *were* on his list last year.
by jksnake99 on Oct 23, 2009 2:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He means he can't miss those teams live
I get the impression that he watches a ton of basketball, but doesn’t DVR games other than the Celtics or maybe Zombies/Clips or other random games of interest. But he certainly doesn’t watch Portland every night. He might catch a few minutes here and there flipping back and forth between 10 other games, but he doesn’t come anywhere close to watching them all.
Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.
by KP Corleone on Oct 23, 2009 3:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't believe that
I think Simmons has a lot of games on, probably even at once, but no way in heck he watches as many games as he lets on.
I doubt he skips Celtics games, he goes to Clippers games, and he watches the NFL, 80’s movies on TV, and every new release that comes out. He is married, and has two kids. There is not enough time in the day to watch much more.
by tominhawaii on Oct 23, 2009 2:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol
sportsguy33 Who wants to help design a “41-41” Blazers shirt for the Portland stop of my book tour? Can we fit a drawing of Andre Miller sulking on it?
by ericande on Oct 23, 2009 2:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
sites estimate that the drop from the first pick to twentieth pick in a draft is about 15% in value.
I really hope the games start streaming on Blazers.com soon.
If I had to term the present situation, it would have to be a series of unfortunate events.
by Cablinasian on Oct 23, 2009 2:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I pretty much stopped reading his columns awhile ago.
The only interesting NBA column he writes is the draft diary mostly because the entire thing is speculative fun. The all-star weekend is pretty good too.
His analysis and prognostication is the bottom pole of all ESPN writers. That tells you all you need to know.
"I'm at the thingamajig talking the yakety-yak" - Kenny Smith
by blzrfan on Oct 23, 2009 2:30 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
nah, he's still better than Chris Sheridan and Jamelle Hill
by jksnake99 on Oct 23, 2009 2:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And Ric "Derrick Rose is gonna be MVP this year" Bucher
by Norsktroll on Oct 23, 2009 2:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who was the last 2nd year player to even win MVP?
by Mortimer on Oct 23, 2009 2:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wes Unseld won it as a rookie in 68-69 at age 23 and is the youngest ever. Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain as a Sophomore. Kareem and McAdoo needed three years.
by Norsktroll on Oct 23, 2009 3:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd put Derrick Rose up with those guys
So maybe Bucher is right :-(
M—
by Mortimer on Oct 23, 2009 3:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good stuff
Rose fits comfortably into the Wilt/Kareem/Russell group. He’s clearly destined to be the finest player ever (or at least the finest player ever to get completely outplayed by Steve Blake at the Rose Garden).
by Hawthorne Wingo on Oct 23, 2009 3:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I still say he's probably the worst because he's terrible at every sport.
NBA, NFL, MLB? He’s wrong most of the time.
"I'm at the thingamajig talking the yakety-yak" - Kenny Smith
by blzrfan on Oct 23, 2009 3:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
hey, did you see that Blazers.com will be streaming to Seattle anywhere? I contacted the Blazers and that’s the message I got.
I really hope the games start streaming on Blazers.com soon.
If I had to term the present situation, it would have to be a series of unfortunate events.
by Cablinasian on Oct 23, 2009 2:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
they won’t stream to anywhere in Seattle, I didn’t mean to say that. I meant, “did you see this anywhere?”
I really hope the games start streaming on Blazers.com soon.
If I had to term the present situation, it would have to be a series of unfortunate events.
by Cablinasian on Oct 23, 2009 2:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I haven't heard anything on stream status.
"I'm at the thingamajig talking the yakety-yak" - Kenny Smith
by blzrfan on Oct 23, 2009 3:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Most of Seattle will be eligible for streaming via Blazers.com. If you want to specifically check your zip code, email me and I’ll give you the number for the person inside the organization that was able to give me an answer.
I really hope the games start streaming on Blazers.com soon.
If I had to term the present situation, it would have to be a series of unfortunate events.
by Cablinasian on Oct 23, 2009 5:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
There is no sportswriter I hate more than him.
Roy, Aldridge, Oden, Rudy, Batum, Outlaw, Webster, Bayless, Blake, Miller, Joel... Holy crap!
by axel360 on Oct 23, 2009 2:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Collin Cowherd is so much worse.
Simmons is just joking around and having a good time. He tries hard to piss off Laker fans (Because they suck) and Blazer fans (Because we are sensitive).
It’s a pretty great gimmick really. Just say mean stuff about the two teams who’s fans who patrol the internet the most.
by Nick Van Excellent on Oct 23, 2009 4:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Everyone should want to take the deal he just offered on Twitter
If we finish below .500 we have to rock this background but if we finish above 53.5 then he’s gonna use an Oden dunk for his over the course of the 2010 playoffs. He has almost 1 million followers – would be so very satisfying.
by MadBlaze on Oct 23, 2009 4:39 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Lol, this gets better.......
OK, Blazers fans, let’s make a wager. O/U is 53.5. If Blazers go over, I’ll change my Twitter background to an Oden dunk for 2010 playoffs. But if the Blazers finish 41-41 or worse, then Blazers fans change their Twitter background for 2010 Playoffs to this: http://bit.ly/3kBj97
Rip City Baby...People have no idea what is coming.
Follow my twitter www.twitter.com/PDXBlazersFTW, @PDXBlazersFTW. Lots of random Blazer Posts from links I find around the blogosphere.
by lanepete on Oct 23, 2009 4:43 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
http://twitter.com/sportsguy33
Rip City Baby...People have no idea what is coming.
Follow my twitter www.twitter.com/PDXBlazersFTW, @PDXBlazersFTW. Lots of random Blazer Posts from links I find around the blogosphere.
by lanepete on Oct 23, 2009 4:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
what happens...
What happens if their win total is somewhere between 41 and 53? We’ll never hear about this again, because neither side will really be wrong. If you’re going to be so bold about this, then make the bet that you’ll make that your background Oden if we win 42 games. When he’s actually putting his money (or background picture) where his mouth is, he’s betting that we’ll win 52 or less. And if he had put 52 wins in his column, it wouldn’t have provoked a reaction. When push came to shove he thinks we’ll win 52.
Your confusing thesis has captured my attention. Tell me more.
by terryisntbald on Oct 23, 2009 5:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Earlier I commented that I thought he genuinely didn’t think we’d win 41 and if he did a “gun to his head” bet he would’ve said in the 50s. I feel completely validated now.
Your confusing thesis has captured my attention. Tell me more.
by terryisntbald on Oct 23, 2009 5:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, I don't think he actually believes we'll win 41
I think he legitimately believes the Blazers will take a step back and that Miller is a bad fit. The 41 win prediction was just to annoy Blazer fans.
by jksnake99 on Oct 23, 2009 5:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
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