Comments on: Fast Break Thoughts

By: lei

lei — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:10:01 +0000

Late to the party, but I just had to answer your question. Long time reader, fairly few comments. Found it in the middle of the Smush-Kwame era. Since then, I’ve never checked any other sports site for Laker news. Cheered every time Warren was the first to reply before a game. Also cheered every time the girls would reply (Emma, lakergirl and Mimsy). I always thought you, Reed and Darius were the smartest and most level-headed Laker fans. Oh, and cheers to the globetrotters to win the Amazing Race!

By: Alex H

Alex H — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:11:55 +0000

Kurt, I first run into FBG 4 years ago. Another lurker friend recommended it for the analytical thinking. Visited once, got hooked ever since. I still visit 5 days a week, but rarely post. Love the blog and the community. Good time to say Thanks!

By: luubi

luubi — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:38:22 +0000

I found this blog through a link from alt.sports.basketball.nba.la-lakers newsgroup. I hardly read that group any more, due to all the political flame wars.

By: alex v.

alex v. — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 02:50:13 +0000

I’d add to what j.d. said the widespread rumor that the Hornets aren’t listening to Byron Scott much any more. I’m not sure I’d go so far as to say they’ve quit on him, as some have, but they certainly aren’t doing much as a team. The fact that Scott is in the last year of his coaching contract (with no extension in place) doesn’t help the situation.

By: j.d. Hastings

j.d. Hastings — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:25:02 +0000

133- The demise of the Hornets started with them losing Pargo. He and Antonio Daniels used to make up their bench. Not a great bench, but one that could occasionally come in and make a difference. They lost those guys and replaced them with Posey, who could have been great as a guy who gave them Robert Horry type limited minutes and clutch playmaking.

But last season both Peja and Tyson Chandler declined precipitously. And they had ZERO front court depth to start with.

Meanwhile, David West is solid, but he’s not a game changer. He knocks down shots and pulls boards fairly well. He can’t defend your best frontcourt player or singlehandedly foul guys out of the game.

Their 2 guard spot has always been terrible. This year they swapped out Chandler for Okafor who is also solid, but doesn’t give them what Chandler did 2 years ago.

So as a team they are Chris Paul, David West and Okafor. On any given night Peja, Bobby or Gevin Brown could get hot, but you don’t have to game plan for it.

That’s just not a good team. And Chris Paul isn’t 2005-2006 Kobe who can more or less go it alone with a glue guy like Odom and will a team to the playoffs. He depends on others to hit the shots he creates for them, even if he’s hitting for an obscene % this season. And the more load they place on his tiny shoulders the more I worry about him breaking down.

By: Burgundy

Burgundy — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:11:25 +0000

Oy vey. That’s “too many holes” not “two many holes.” That’s what happens when you post before checking what you wrote…

By: Burgundy

Burgundy — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:10:26 +0000

RE: 137

Everyone seems so ready to crown Portland as the next great team, and while I think they’ll be really good for many years to come (as in, always making the playoffs in that 3 to 6 seed range), I don’t think they’re #1 good. There are two many holes.

Then again, they seem to have the Laker’s number…

By: Snoopy2006

Snoopy2006 — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:46:49 +0000

“Also, the Celts suck.”

You are welcomed here with open arms.

By: MS

MS — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:38:31 +0000

Also, I feel compelled to add my voice to the chorus of “I was referred to FB&G through Truehoop on espn.com during the Summer of Discontent.” Got hooked, partially because Kurt (a not so subtle tip of my cap to you) does an excellent job of moderating the comments. The insight in these comments is half the reason I come here. All of your thoughtful analysis helps me understand the game and the team, and I like participating in an online community where people actively exchange ideas in a respectful and clear manner. FB&G, no joke, gives me hope for what online collaboration should and can be. Also, the Celts suck.

By: Kurt

Kurt — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:43:37 +0000

MS, the Lakers were third (behind Portland and Orlando). Chad Ford had wanted the Lakers a little lower, but Hollinger was higher on the team. But by 2013, this Lakers team will essentially be the Celtics now — good if they can stay healthy, but at that age it will be harder.