There is no way possible I would take less money if I were Ariza. He hasn't got a huge pay day yet...he's not Kobe Bryant making $23 million a season. I'd take every penny I could get. Basketball careers don't last forever and he has to get it while he can...taking less would be crazy.

 

Agreed...strike while the iron is hot in Ariza's case.

Exactly right, which is why I said Ariza going to Portland would not be a bad move at all on his part. And to say that a team that played so well last year has NO CHANCE at winning the championship is absurd! Orlando finished 1 game better than Portland and made it to the championship. Portland WILL be in the hunt for the championship for many years to come.

 

:thumb:

 

They aren't on TV (basic packages) alot, so people really don't know. Blazers have the most potential of any team in the league when you look at the long run.

:thumb:

 

They aren't on TV (basic packages) alot, so people really don't know. Blazers have the most potential of any team in the league when you look at the long run.

 

Agreed...they have more young talent than anyone in the league

^^^

I can't wait until my boy Lamarcus Aldridge really starts to take off. I think he's going to be a consistent all-star.

:thumb:

 

They aren't on TV (basic packages) alot, so people really don't know. Blazers have the most potential of any team in the league when you look at the long run.

 

Right. And then when you say they are a very good team, people claim that YOU are the one who does not watch the NBA.

 

Right. And then when you say they are a very good team, people claim that YOU are the one who does not watch the NBA.

 

 

Ah, that's why I take most of what people say about the NBA with a grain of salt.:lol:

ESPN saying that Lebron talked with Ron Artest and the Cavs are pursuing him. That would give them a good defensive presence along with Shaq and another scorer.

ESPN saying that Lebron talked with Ron Artest and the Cavs are pursuing him. That would give them a good defensive presence along with Shaq and another scorer.

 

I agree!

ESPN saying that Lebron talked with Ron Artest and the Cavs are pursuing him. That would give them a good defensive presence along with Shaq and another scorer.

 

I think if Artest leaves for Cleveland, LA, or Boston or another contender he will make them the favorite. Atleast in my book. I couldn't imagine someone beating a team with Artest and either LeBron or Kobe in a 7 game series.

I think if Artest leaves for Cleveland, LA, or Boston or another contender he will make them the favorite. Atleast in my book. I couldn't imagine someone beating a team with Artest and either LeBron or Kobe in a 7 game series.

 

I agree, however, I dont see Artest going to LA. Cleveland would be a nice fit IMO

I agree, however, I dont see Artest going to LA. Cleveland would be a nice fit IMO

 

I hope he comes to Cleveland, but I think the Cavs are cursed.

I am not convinced that the Pistons made themselves any better with their signings. I would love to see Prince get out of there. They seem to be a sinking ship.

The thing about Ariza taking the same to go elsewhere is this...

 

In the Lakers offense, he's probably not going to be better than a 4th or 5th option on a talent-heavy team.

 

If he signs with a lesser team, where he'll get more opportunities to shine, he can possibly boost his earning power way more than what he'll be able to do in LA.

 

So, even though the money is the same in the present, looking at it long-term, I think he's setting himself up for a bigger payday with his next contract.

 

JMO

 

And, I certainly don't blame him. He's got a ring, so I'd try to make as much money as I could from here on.

 

I never thought LA would be able to keep Ariza and Odom...I was hoping they could.

I am not convinced that the Pistons made themselves any better with their signings. I would love to see Prince get out of there. They seem to be a sinking ship.

 

Whether they got better or not, Gordon and Villanueva don't blow me away as FA signings. They could have been big additions to a team needing one more piece, but I have my doubts about how good Detroit can be with them.

Whether they got better or not, Gordon and Villanueva don't blow me away as FA signings. They could have been big additions to a team needing one more piece, but I have my doubts about how good Detroit can be with them.

 

I'm not really sold out the Villanueva signing, but I think the Stuckey/Gordon back court could potentially be something pretty special.