Monday, June 28th, 2010 at 9:00 am  |  115 responses

Houston Rockets After Chris Bosh, Joe Johnson?

by Marcel Mutoni / @marcel_mutoni

By now, everyone assumes that Chris Bosh’s days in Toronto are over. The free agent forward is believed to be choosing between Miami, New York and Chicago as potential new homes going into next season.

According to the Houston Chronicle, the Rockets are a dark horse candidate to land the 6-10 Bosh, who is a Texas native.

Houston will also reportedly try and acquire Joe Johnson:

Despite some foreboding signs, the Rockets do not consider themselves out of the free agency fight before they’ve thrown their first punch. Amid indications Toronto Raptors forward Chris Bosh will seek to join another top free agent on a team with cap space, a person with knowledge of the Rockets’ thinking said Houston is confident it will be in the running and is considering seeking another enticement.

The individual familiar with the Rockets’ thinking said Houston could attempt to give Bosh a chance to sign with an All-Star guard by making a run at Atlanta Hawks free agent Joe Johnson.

If the Rockets seek to land Johnson, a starter in the 2010 All-Star Game and a teammate of Bosh’s on the United States’ 2006 World Championships team, it would require a second sign-and-trade deal in addition to a deal for Bosh. That would likely have to involve guard Kevin Martin, and the Rockets are unsure if they would want to give up Martin to get Johnson.

Daryl Morey and the Rockets’ front-office certainly have their work cut out for them if they plan to pursue both Johnson and Bosh, and trading away Kevin Martin seems like a long shot.

Houston may not be able to offer Bosh the big stage he craves (as New York, Miami, or Chicago can), but it could conceivably give him a chance to be “a centerpiece” of sorts alongside Yao Ming.

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  • The Philosopher Posted: Jun.28 at 9:08 am
    It doesn’t natter what ANYONE does… again, until The King says so. My bad, SLAM.

  • RickyRude Posted: Jun.28 at 9:13 am
    You guys were quick to clear up that Lebron/Bosh to Chicago rumor, eh… still interesting news regardless.

  • Dacre Posted: Jun.28 at 9:14 am
    Basically anyone on the same team as Yao Ming is guaranteed an extra 200,000 all star votes whether you deserve them or not right T-Mac?

  • JoeMaMa Posted: Jun.28 at 9:17 am
    I think we all know that the only place where Bosh can be the centrepiece he so covets is Toronto. Not Cleveland, Miami, New York, or even Houston. So he’s either coming back or he’s going to have to play the role of second banana. Am I wrong in thinking that?
    Also….The Philosopher…man, you love LeBron. I mean, LOVE. And you’re proud of that. And well, good on you.

  • The Philosopher Posted: Jun.28 at 9:24 am
    @JoeMaMa: I love everybody, for I am a person of The People. I especially love NBA basketball. I love SLAM, for They’re the G.O.A.T.
    Shout out @letsmotor.
    Shout out @JoeMaMa.

  • The Philosopher Posted: Jun.28 at 9:29 am
    Besides, I believe that I am among the minority when it comes to acknowledging the otherworldly skill set that The King is in possession of.
    So, I just like to remind the masses of who is IN FACT… The King. And he is better than Kobe.

  • Atrain Posted: Jun.28 at 9:54 am
    How the f would Houston afford both these guys? Even if they S&T for Bosh how could the give JJ a max?

  • Jahi Posted: Jun.28 at 9:55 am
    I like Bosh with the Houston Rockets, after adding Patrick Patterson to the team. The Rockets have been competitive despite being undersized without Yao. The Rockets should make a strong push for Bosh, after having the best draft of any team last week.

  • jumpman3224 Posted: Jun.28 at 9:59 am
    I love this rumor, get Bosh and have him in the state of PFs with Duncan and Dirk. But how could they afford to keep Yao and pay Bosh/Johnson?

  • niQ Posted: Jun.28 at 10:35 am
    JJ or Kevin Martin? I think I would choose JJ even in my sleep.

  • SAB Posted: Jun.28 at 10:38 am
    lol@The Philosopher at 9:29. otherwise, i love reports that include sentences like “The individual familiar with the Rockets’ thinking said…” And Joe Johnson vs K-Mart… You’re taking JJ every time, right?!

  • dfrance Posted: Jun.28 at 11:23 am
    @ThePhilosopher I think the majority recognizes Lebrons otherworldly skillset, its the intangibles that have people not ready to put him above Kobe and thats killer instinct and titles. Lebron is trailing Kobe by a little bit( and by a little bit i mean a whole lot) in those categories.

  • SAB Posted: Jun.28 at 11:58 am
    thanks for that groundbreaking analysis dfrance.

  • Jukai Posted: Jun.28 at 12:02 pm
    Can’t we just make a SLAM rule to ignore The Philosopher after the lies he made up in the Rubio thread?
    I don’t know if this is possible… but a Chris Bosh/Yao Ming tandem would be freaking awesome

  • Gerard Himself Posted: Jun.28 at 12:03 pm
    All the best to Houston. Can my Nets get Scola? Thank you.

  • chiqo Posted: Jun.28 at 12:19 pm
    never mind that this has zero chance of happening, did they honestly just say they aren’t sure they’d want to part with martin for joe johnson? gtfoh

  • The Philosopher Posted: Jun.28 at 12:23 pm
    @dfrance: Interesting points, maybe… but in ALL of reality, Kobe trails LeBron when it comes to WORLD WIDE CLOUT.

  • Eboy Posted: Jun.28 at 12:27 pm
    What really sucks is none of us will know anything concrete until July 8th…the 1st is like precum but the 8th is full-on orgasm for the teams these guys choose.

  • cp3fan Posted: Jun.28 at 12:29 pm
    This Philosopher guy is out of his mind with this King stuff. What is he the King of lol. He has two MVPs, but no championships with a 60 win team. Kobe is clearly still the King until he retires. Stephen A. Smith reported this morning that LeBron is headed to Miami with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. In such case, he will never be seen in the same light as Kobe and Michael regardless of how many rings he may get because he couldn’t do it in Cleveland. He had to go play with another alpha dog in Dwyane Wade. Kobe has two without another alpha dog. Michael won all of his without another superstar.

  • jumpman3224 Posted: Jun.28 at 12:33 pm
    @Philosopher: World Wide Clout? With LBJ entering free-agency there have been hundreds of stories about him in terms of marketing, esp globally. No matter which way you slice it Kobe and LBJ are 1 and 1A in the USA. In China, despite the nike/lbj museum, there are 3 Kobe fans for every one LBJ fan (according to a recent ESPN report). He needs to win championship(s) to really gain market share internationally.

  • jumpman3224 Posted: Jun.28 at 12:35 pm
    cosign @CP3fan. except that business about Pip not being a superstar. Alpha Dog, no. Superstar, heck yes.

  • The Philosopher Posted: Jun.28 at 12:35 pm
    @Jukai: Still miserable AND self loathing over there, huh? I would be too if I ever tried to convince somebody, ANYBODY, that Kobe Bryant is a better shooter than Larry Bird. A better SHOOTER than LARRY BIRD.
    I was pondering that EXCEEDINGLY ignorant comment you made with some people who REALLY know the game inside AND out…
    Anyways, there is nothing ON EARTH more ignorant than that. Period.

  • The Philosopher Posted: Jun.28 at 12:39 pm
    Jumpman: Good sh!t…
    @CP3fan: You had it going pretty good until your last sentence @12:29p.m. Damn.

  • Eboy Posted: Jun.28 at 12:40 pm
    I can’t really comprehend Jukai saying that….did he really?

  • The D Train Posted: Jun.28 at 12:41 pm
    All I know is that Lebron is definitely signing with Chicago. He is also definitely signing with Miami. He is also definitely signing with NJ. Bosh is 100% signing with Lebron in Miami. Bosh is also 100% signing with Lebron in Chicago. Unnamed league execs have told us this through various media outlets. Stephen A. Smith has told us this through ESPN. I could be way off base here, but last time I checked these cats could only sign with one team. Sadly, I fear the 8th won’t even be the end of it. What if Lebron waits until the end of July to decide? Or even mid-August? We might have him 100% sure-to-sign with 3/4 of the league by then.

  • The Philosopher Posted: Jun.28 at 12:45 pm
    jumpman3224: When I say clout I’m referencing to all the hoopla, so to speak. I mean, he has Bloomberg, Obama, Ohio USA politicos, people everywhere. That’s major, major, clout you know?
    This, all jokes aside on my part, I think is really bigger than basketball with LeBron. People are dancing in Kobe’s back yard in unison for this kid. Unbelievable.

  • jumpman3224 Posted: Jun.28 at 12:52 pm
    @Philosopher: fair enough. I was just pointing out that while LBJ has that here, he is no where close to Kobe on an international stage. Honestly all of LBJ’s hype is well deserved and well orchastrated (the hype devoted to this summer alone is unreal), but if he never becomes a champion then it is all for not and honestly if he pairs with Wade/Bosh to do that some people may feel its a bit tainted.

  • RV Posted: Jun.28 at 12:59 pm
    It’s not MArtin vs joe johnson…it’s how each fits on the team vs how the other fits…that’s why its a hard decision. Martin’s very efficient and works better in Adelman’s system, not to mention he’s a better shooter, which is necessary to have around yao and possibly bosh. there’s also the 6 millon difference there would be in salary…much better for Houston to get bosh, keep martin, and use that 6 mill difference elsewhere.

  • RV Posted: Jun.28 at 1:00 pm
    Also, houston is going after Lebron as well. Bosh has always been the first choice, but Houston check on everything, so they’ll be inquiring about lebron, bosh, johnson, amar’e, etc. They’ve got just as many assets as anyone could ask for in a sign and trade.

  • Jake Posted: Jun.28 at 1:02 pm
    Unless LeBron gets LOTS of help it isn’t going to make any difference signing him in terms of championships.Has no one noticed that he hasn’t won a ring yet by himself and this will be his 8th year in the league?Dude isn’t going to magically bring a ring to any team he goes to.Go ahead and give him a max deal,have fun losing in the second round for the next 5 years while hearing him talk about how great his stats are.

  • The Philosopher Posted: Jun.28 at 1:11 pm
    @jumpman3224: That museum you mentioned @12:33p.m. was interesting. We know that it’s all NIKE at the end of the day, but why not put a Kobe museum? I mean, Kobe is supposed to be “IT”, you know?

  • cp3fan Posted: Jun.28 at 1:14 pm
    Superstars are alpha dogs. Name one superstar who wasn’t the best player on his team hands down. People toss around the superstar title too much. LeBron will be on a team where if people stopped getting caught up in the King James thing and how athletic he is, they could find time to see that Dwyane Wade may be just as good as he is.

  • RV Posted: Jun.28 at 1:22 pm
    Jake, you missed the part i mentioned about the rockets have “assets”….Morey stockpiled them for a reason….they can realistically get Lebron through a sign and trade revolving around battier and jeffries expirings (about 14 mill) and then include hill or patterson, Budinger and Ny’s 1st round pick in 2011 and 2012. OBviously that package can be tweaked, but the point is they can afford to give cleveland some talent back, so they dont get completely hosed AND still keep key guys, allowing them to field a lineup of Brooks/Martin/Lebron/Scola/Yao. The backs up would be scrubus either (Lowry, Ariza, hayes, hill or patterson)

  • RV Posted: Jun.28 at 1:25 pm
    Edit** the back ups WOULD NOT be scrubs**

  • Enigmatic Posted: Jun.28 at 1:47 pm
    LOL @ cp3fan. So I guess Scottie Pippen, Elgin Baylor, Kareem, John Stockton, Bob Cousy, Kevin McHale, David Robinson and a whole sh*tload of other hall-of-famers weren’t superstars because they weren’t always “the best player on his team hands down.”

  • cp3fan Posted: Jun.28 at 1:51 pm
    Laugh all you want. The truth is just the truth, whether people accept it or not. Superstars don’t go to play with other superstars. They get it done with possibly one or two other all-star players and a bunch of role players.

  • The Philosopher Posted: Jun.28 at 1:51 pm
    ^^ I wanted to go there, but…^^^

  • The Philosopher Posted: Jun.28 at 1:53 pm
    So, none of those guys Enigmatic named are Hall of Famers?

  • Gerard Himself Posted: Jun.28 at 2:11 pm
    CP3: sorry, but Pippen was truly a superstar. Even MJ himself would say that.

  • rainman10 Posted: Jun.28 at 2:41 pm
    I don’t know how big of a stage Chris Bosh thinks he deserves, but Houston is like the 4th largest city in the U.S.

  • Enigmatic Posted: Jun.28 at 2:42 pm
    People forget the Bulls won 55 games in ’94 without Jordan, with Pippen as their sole “almost” superstar. When Jordan came back from his (first) retirement in ’95, he was telling anyone who would listen that Pippen was now the best player on the Bulls. Most people just took that as MJ bigging up his sidekick. But then when Pippen was out at the start of the 97-98 season, the Bulls started at 8-7, barely playing .500 ball. Pippen came back and they ended up winning 62 games that year. I am in NO WAY saying Pippen was better than Jordan, I think MJ’s the GOAT, but Pippen was a superstar. For REAL, for real.

  • flash Posted: Jun.28 at 2:45 pm
    Pippen is a superstar. how about kobe and shaq back in 2000 they were both superstars werent they? or payton and kemp in 95?

  • Str8in It Out Posted: Jun.28 at 2:59 pm
    @cp3fan: Sounds like u need to expand your vocab. Superstar is not synonymous with Alpha Dog. They are two different words and concepts. NBA history is full of stars & superstars who got paid and were the best player on their teams. But they don’t win. And, no, you are not telling the truth. Pippen was a superstar. Evidenced by THE FACT that he led the Bulls to the ECF in MJ’s absence alongside Toni Kukoc who was just a star. Sounds like you have some DVD’s to rent and lots of books to read on the subject before you try spewing “truth”.

  • The Nupe Posted: Jun.28 at 3:04 pm
    All superstars/stars need at least one other to win a ring. The bulls without either Pippen or Jordan were still a playoff team. With both of them they were a championship team. The Cavs with Lebron are a playoff team, but without another star they would never be a championship team. Kobe now has Gasol/Bynum/Artest and Odom all of whom can be considered stars in their own right. But Kobe couldn’t win it without them. Lebron has gone through the same thing that AI went through in Philly. If he goes somewhere elset to play with another superstar/star I don’t see that as a negative to him or his legacy, just a realization that the team doesn’t have what it takes to put two or more stars together. Jordan was ‘lucky’ that pippen came along, Kobe got that same luck with Pau. I don’t blame any of the ‘star/superstar’ free agents for wanting to go elsewhere and play with another when their teams don’t come through for them and to me, doesn’t take away from their ‘legacy’. Wasn’t Babe Ruth was traded to the Yankees? That didn’t seem to hurt his legacy (where he won championships with other stars).

  • Str8in It Out Posted: Jun.28 at 3:04 pm
    Funny how history has played down Pippen. He played in MJ’s direct shadow and the casual fan has no idea of his true value. I wonder how Bron Bron will fare chasing after MJ’s legacy in the man’s own backyard no less. If Pippen can’t even get a lowly “he’s a superstar” nod from the masses (which he doesn’t) what’s gonna happen when LeBron falls short in Chitown no less. Don’t downplay MJ’s shadow…I’d like to read a decent write up on the subject.

  • Teddy-the-Bear Posted: Jun.28 at 3:40 pm
    Wow, I’m liking this Bosh move more and more.. Although I still really like Scola. Maybe the Rockets will trade Scola for Bosh?
    Also, Joe Johnson on the Rockets would be sweet too, but Martin is pretty good and I was hoping my other team, the Knicks, could land him to save from total embarrassment.

  • Yesse Posted: Jun.28 at 3:50 pm
    This could be awesome.

  • Tarzan Cooper Posted: Jun.28 at 4:00 pm
    It should be thee universal slamonline rule to ignore philosopher, for he is the biggest turdburglar of all eternity

  • RV Posted: Jun.28 at 4:13 pm
    http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/7084568.html

  • The Philosopher Posted: Jun.28 at 4:18 pm
    Shout out @Tarzan Cooper!

  • Teddy-the-Bear Posted: Jun.28 at 4:33 pm
    LMFAO @ Tarzan Cooper…… No offense, Philo.

  • The Philosopher Posted: Jun.28 at 4:50 pm
    Nah, Teddy… Tarzan Cooper is funny as hell!! LOL!!

  • Allenp Posted: Jun.28 at 4:57 pm
    The fact that cats don’t think Pip was a superstar, the fact that anybody believes that in the world, is pretty effing sad.
    Two sides to the ball folks. Yeah, Pip wasn’t on Jordan’s level on the offensive end, but he was Jordan’s superior as a defender, and his equal in nearly every other area except clutchness and toughness.
    It was Mike’s team, but Pippen was the navigator. And a Top 50 player because of it.

  • The D Train Posted: Jun.28 at 6:32 pm
    Allenp: How right you are, sir! Scottie was so unique. He had all of Tracy McGrady’s tools, except he was highly motivated to actually use all of them. Dude shut down Magic in the finals…or at least them putting Scottie on Earvin totally changed that series. He could guard 3 positions better than anyone in the game, and was a monster in transition and cutting to the whole. He even became pretty reliable as a shooter, but his bread was still buttered on the defensive end. Him and MJ running amok on D was crazy ridiculous (I remember reading that assistant coach John Bach referred to them as “a couple of snarling dobermans” on defense). Defensive-wise, it’d be like Kobe and Lebron playing an entire season together and deciding to clamp down on the opponents every night out. Some cats don’t remember, or honor how tremendously superstar’ish Pippen was, but rest assured there are plenty of us out there who give Scottie the credit he deserves.

  • Teddy-the-Bear Posted: Jun.28 at 6:42 pm
    Allenp: I’mma ask you ONCE more–what is the address of your friggin’ blog? I’ve been asking for like 2 years now and I’m not sure if you’ve ever answered me. Geez, man.

  • The Philosopher Posted: Jun.28 at 6:46 pm
    Scottie Pippen is the greatest small forward of all time.

  • J Posted: Jun.28 at 6:46 pm
    I just puked when i read MJ did it with no superstar beside him.. And superstars dont play with other superstars? What? thats not even worth argumenting.. Anyway bosh in houston is great and kinda an insurance with yao’s health problems.. But that would mean it involves Scola + a few players for s &t.. that would be team FIBA in toronto..

  • Enigmatic Posted: Jun.28 at 6:54 pm
    Shoutout to The Philosopher

  • The Philosopher Posted: Jun.28 at 6:59 pm
    What’s going on, Enigmatic?
    I have much respect AND admiration for you, soldier.

  • J Posted: Jun.28 at 7:16 pm
    Pip not a superstar? and superstars dont play with other superstar? that’s boneheaded numb seriously.. Wtf

  • J Posted: Jun.28 at 7:18 pm
    Philosopher, Larry Bird is a small forward..

  • Enigmatic Posted: Jun.28 at 7:20 pm
    @The Philosopher – I’m a Marine, actually. But thanks, homie! I appreciate it. Stay up, fam, and uhh…long live the King?

  • Enigmatic Posted: Jun.28 at 7:22 pm
    @J – Not sure who’s better, Bird or Pip, but I do know Larry Bird could never do what Pip did on the defensive end. NEVER.

  • Enigmatic Posted: Jun.28 at 7:23 pm
    Kinda funny, judging by the comments you might never guess this is an article about Chris Bosh, Joe Johnson and the Rockets. Bosh would look dope in Houston, BTW.

  • J Posted: Jun.28 at 7:23 pm
    Bosh in houston sounds good and an insurance to yao’s health. by s&t it would take scola+ a few playes.

  • J Posted: Jun.28 at 7:34 pm
    Enigmatic.. yeah same as pip cant do what bird did in the offense.. not bashing pip he is a superstar, legit,. but bird was imo better, a better scorer, shooter, rebounder, clutch. im not sure in playmaking, maybe that’s pippen’s edge.. i like pippen more than larry,. pip is top 30 all time or top 20 arguably, but bird will mostly/always be top 10, top 5 arguably..

  • Enigmatic Posted: Jun.28 at 7:50 pm
    J – Fair enough. Interestingly, if you put Bird and Pippen together in one player, he’d be the ultimate player, wouldn’t he? Some might say that player is LeBron but uhhh, I’d beg to differ.

  • Dwayne Daniels Posted: Jun.28 at 8:17 pm
    If Lebron James is the king,then why do he need to leave his throne in Cleveland to win a championship.
    Magig,Bird,Jordan,Duncan,Kobe,Wade,Pierce,just to name a few,,WON the ring with the ORIGINAL TEAM.
    So,Why would the King,need to leave his team to win?To leave CTOWN,and go team up with another elite player,WADE,IS NOT IMPRESSIVE,GO WHERE the challenge is toughest,,N.Y. hasnt won a championship since,1973,if he win one ring in N.Y. He would be the
    Greatest thing since JESUS,AND I aint talking about SHuttlesworth,IF he goes to CHITOWN,HE will always fall short,Because he wont win six,and he sure wont win 6 in a row.AND btw, Pippen indeed was a superstar,and MJ. as great as he was, wouldnt have won thoise w/o PIP.There were games, when Pip was the best player on the floor, but all people talked about was MJ. PIP WOULD HAVE 24PTS,8REBS,6ASST,3STLS,2BLKS.AND MJ WOULD HAVE 33POINTS,AND STILL ALL THE PRESS.

  • Dwayne Daniels Posted: Jun.28 at 8:21 pm
    Hey j, You are rt. about Bird and Pip, BIRD WAS BETTER, but on Defense,it wasnt close, Pip was way better on defense.

  • The Philosopher Posted: Jun.28 at 8:35 pm
    See, Bird was different. I usually place him at the 4, because of the rebounds, but he was still a 3. So my bad, Pippen would be 2nd all time for SFs.

  • The Philosopher Posted: Jun.28 at 8:41 pm
    @Enigmatic: That ‘long live the king’ thing is just to merely stir up debate and try to get a laugh, but some cats seem to take it all serious, and what not.
    We all know that no man is really a king of anything if the subject were broken down. But for the fun of it, yeah, LeBron… LONG… LIVE… THE KING. Stay up, homie.
    Shout out to The Marines!!!

  • Dwayne Daniels Posted: Jun.28 at 8:45 pm
    Im just saying He should take a true challenge or stay and try to win a ring there, of course he is not a king?

  • giogolo Posted: Jun.28 at 8:52 pm
    Scottie was the hybrid for all new-age small forwards coming to town after him. Before and After him,name a small forward that won 6 championships,included in Dream Team,won gold twice..? won defensive player of the year(insert #)all-NBA Defensive,First,2ndteams. I don’t like to do a lot of look-up but I’m pretty much sure wathcing them that Im right on. ALL THIS while averaging below 20PPG.
    Because the concept of superstar small forward by some people is screwed that most small forwards that they call superstars who came before and after him we’re more scorers like Dr.J,Drexler,Mcgrady to name a few. Only Grant Hill before his injury ever came close to the extaordinary hybrid that Scottie was. Also him and MJ we’re more like Doberdogs than doberman. = )

  • giogolo Posted: Jun.28 at 8:57 pm
    Bron as an athelete is a bit superior to Scottie..not that way though..but all-around skillwise. Scottie KILLED it. all those who said scottie wasn’t a superstar and 2nd to Bird. Till the can win 72 wins. I’M not talking to you. Let’s see if Lebron with d-wade and Bosh can do that. THey’re all superior atheletes combinde compared to MJ,scottie and rodman was. Although arguably.

  • Dwayne Daniels Posted: Jun.28 at 9:00 pm
    Since the topic of small forward of the scottie and larry bird era, dont forget about big game JAMES.

  • J Posted: Jun.28 at 9:24 pm
    Giogolo, as far as i know that 72 wins was won by a team, not by a single or couple of players so i cant understand the argument.. And about skills i dont know, is playmaking not a skill? Ball handling? And imo lebron is a better playmaker and ballhandler than pip.. And scoring too, and i dont think its because of pure athleticism. Im pretty sure there’s a lot of skill there. But lets cut it i dont want to compare them at this point.. Im more focused on lebron winning a championship.. Haha, as if i can do anything regarding that..

  • The Philosopher Posted: Jun.28 at 9:43 pm
    Guys like LeBron, Pippen and even Bird can’t be tagged as position players. There were many guys who were just pure basketball players, I think. I personally like to think of LeBron as a point guard sometimes.

  • Ronald Posted: Jun.28 at 10:00 pm
    @Phil: But Phil, you just called Pip the greatest SF of all time.

  • Hursty Posted: Jun.28 at 10:19 pm
    Bosh would look nice in red…

  • The Philosopher Posted: Jun.28 at 10:34 pm
    @Ronald: Yeah I did. I did. I really don’t consider Bird a pure small forward, though. I view Scottie as a pure 3. Now, if I put Bird at the 4, then yes, Scottie is my all time 3 as of right now for historical purposes. But if I HAVE to put Bird at the 3, then I’d have to go with Bird over Pippen as my all time 3.
    My bad if I sound contradicting.

  • Enigmatic Posted: Jun.28 at 10:36 pm
    Pippen was the ultimate point forward. Though LeBron could take that title by the time his career is up. Dwayne Daniels brought up James Worthy, yo that’s a great and criminally overlooked SF too. Oh, and how about Dr. J? In this day and age every promising swingman is labeled “the next Michael Jordan” but when MJ first came into the league, he was being hailed as “the next Julius Erving”.

  • Dwayne Daniels Posted: Jun.28 at 10:47 pm
    Enigmatic is rt. julius Errrvinng!!! As great as some of the fowards were b4 him, it was Julius who made us pay attention to the small forward and also pay more attn. to nick names,, because the THE DOCTOR!!! Was making House Calls!!!!

  • The Philosopher Posted: Jun.28 at 10:51 pm
    James Worthy was… great. Really great.

  • The Philosopher Posted: Jun.28 at 10:52 pm
    Co – sign Dwayne Daniels.

  • e Posted: Jun.28 at 10:58 pm
    the new new jersey nets
    1.devin harris
    2.Joe Johnson
    3. Lebron James
    4.Favors
    5.Brook Lopez

  • Dwayne Daniels Posted: Jun.28 at 11:02 pm
    hey Enigmatic,and whats up the Philosopher? I know you guys saw what Bernard King was doing back in the day!!!

  • Dwayne Daniels Posted: Jun.28 at 11:04 pm
    This is like basket ball heaven, you guys, are cool!!

  • Dwayne Daniels Posted: Jun.28 at 11:05 pm
    This is Basketball heaven, you guys are COOL!!

  • The Philosopher Posted: Jun.28 at 11:06 pm
    @Dwayne Daniels: True indeed, man. True indeed. Another great small forward. Very underrated.

  • The Philosopher Posted: Jun.28 at 11:09 pm
    Co-sign Dwayne Daniels again. If you don’t already know, SLAM is the Greatest of All Times. And you’re right, many cool commenters up here, including yourself.

  • Dwayne Daniels Posted: Jun.28 at 11:10 pm
    THAT would be a good line up, but he lbj always wear the yankee hat so I think if he goes that route it would be to the knicks,Spike Lee, j. seinfeld,NY CELEBS,AND THE MAD SQ GARDEN WOULD BE ELECTRIC.

  • RV Posted: Jun.28 at 11:13 pm
    Rockets on their way to recruit Joe Johnson as we speak…

  • The Seed Posted: Jun.28 at 11:19 pm
    Pippen is one of the all time greats. Pippen doesn’t get enough credit for him playing point forward, running the triangle offense, being the court leader and guarding the best player on the opposing team from point guard to power foward. Pippen was a beast to me. Pippen always had all around numbers, but MJ would have 30 points or more and get all the shine. Pippen 1994 Bulls team was one call away from playing in the Finals. Pippen led Blazers team was up 15 points in the 4th qtr against the Lakers, but couldn’t seal the deal to play in the NBA finals. Think about it Pippen could have had two rings without MJ. I would take Pippen over Bird, Dr. J and other small forward. Pippen is DAT DUDE-BOOK IT!!

  • The Seed Posted: Jun.28 at 11:30 pm
    Chris Bosh would be a fool to go to Rockets, he should go to Bulls or Heat, or get traded to Lakers for Bynum to give Raptors something back. Rockets are going no where in west, even if they get Joe Johnson too.

  • Ronald Posted: Jun.28 at 11:33 pm
    The Rockets are up and coming. They have a great team. A good system. A true big guy in Yao. A PG that pushes the ball constantly. They have way more talent than the Bulls. And the Heat have only 2 players on their roster right now.

  • J Posted: Jun.28 at 11:47 pm
    i dont know, i wont down play pip’s greatness for sure.. but mj had great assisst rebounds steals too aside from 30′s a night, its not all scoring, he guarded the best players (SG’s and PG’s) too, its not like pip did the rest, i would take pip too over bird dr. j or worthy, because the guy i would build around is MJ.

  • Dwayne Daniels Posted: Jun.28 at 11:48 pm
    SEED WHATS UP, you dont trade Bynum for bush because Gasol and Bosh arent Centers, and they dont want to play center long term. they both fit the triangle, true. but which one guards, yao, in a 7game series?
    Dont give up on Drew, he will be fine, remember, all or most of the big men get hurt, Yao, perkins,amare. remember when g.s.warriors gave up on rob parrish to early and they sent rings to the celtics.

  • J Posted: Jun.28 at 11:56 pm
    Yao(divac although a whole lot better) bosh(great all star pf-webber) ariza(defensive skills- christie) brooks(a borderline all star pg- bibby).. Adelman.. SACTO! Lol just playin’

  • The Philosopher Posted: Jun.29 at 12:03 am
    The only real knock I have about Scottie as opposed to Bird is, Scottie would make mental mistakes in crucial moments that Bird would never make.
    Bird was more clutch.

  • Dwayne Daniels Posted: Jun.29 at 12:20 am
    The PHILOSOPHER IS RT. AAAGAIN!Bird wass more CLUTCH,BIG TIME!

  • giogolo Posted: Jun.29 at 12:30 am
    @J and Philo
    Yeah, I might rank Bird over Pippen if they played each other at thier peaks but only because as u said philo,BIrd was almost always clutch offense and defense wise. Only I sure thing that if they went head to head as I said earlier,Bird would have a different view of the basket throught the game if Pippen was guarding him. Vice-versa at SF both had different roles to their respective teams so Bird would have a tought time trying to catch Pippen all over the court bcoz Pip was an all around man. PLus i think Pip would have a slight advantage posting Bird up everytime. He was that good.
    @J, yes ur ryt it was a team that had 72 wins and Pip was a big factor in it. they were a duo plus a Rodman which was just as the same as Bird was with MChale and Parish earlier. And don’t say the bulls didn’t had competition coz they pretty much climb they’re way to the top when they we’re younger and Bird and Magic teams though a bit older was still their in their primes just as MJ and scottie was when they won their 2nd 3 peat. SO i guess that pretty much ends the story. Scottie,was head to head with bird as the all-time SF. Dr.J to me was more forward/guard or at SG if not for his almost unmatched athelticsm at his size during his erathats why he was considered more of a SF by many. Much like Lebron now. Lebron now is lucky coz he has things to take reference to pattern or build his game but I’m still wondering why after 7 years in the league he still hasn’t developed as solid perimeter game? huh,anyone?

  • The Philosopher Posted: Jun.29 at 1:02 am
    Many of the greats’ perimeter offensive game was suspect or streaky. They made up the difference with other parts of their skill set(s).

  • Enigmatic Posted: Jun.29 at 1:09 am
    This beer’s for you, all-time great Small Forwards of the NBA…umm…what was this post about again?

  • Jukai Posted: Jun.29 at 1:26 am
    ahhaha, is the Larry Bird/Kobe thing really going to be the way for the Philosopher to deflect the fact that he made up stories about Brandon Jennings outplaying Ricky Rubio in private workouts even after being constantly corrected? Classic!
    He even managed to change this into a Lebron/Kobe debate… a news section about Chris Bosh.
    Wow.

  • J Posted: Jun.29 at 1:29 am
    Lebron is lucky he has players before him to pattern his game.. So as kobe, kg, dwade, hell even mj magic bird you and me.. The fact that pip and larry didnt play 1 on 1 cant say that pip was better, hell i could say that pip would have the toughest time scoring on bird. Cause bird was not so-so on D as many thinks he is. he’s TOUGH, he can play with physicality. He’s competitive and have the mindset that allows him to. It could also be argued that Pip will have the toughest time guarding one of the greatest offensive player ever in bird. Bird can create space, shoot anywhere, score while guarded heavily. not a shabby post player too.. Bird’s mentality gives a huge advantage. And bird lived his whole career with him being the defense’s primary target. I think that turned pretty well..

  • The Philosopher Posted: Jun.29 at 2:37 am
    To The Masses:
    I just want to take the time out to acknowledge the commenter Jukai, for he is in DESPERATE need of attention.
    In my humblest opinion, Jukai seems to be afflicted not only with self loathing, he also seems to suffer with profound misery.
    But his biggest problem friends, I think, is that Jukai has a mild (SERIOUS) case of the inferiority complex. He EVEN calls himself a “well known Kobe basher”. I mean, “WELL KNOWN”. So, Jukai, I will personally acknowledge you. You do in fact, exist.
    One more thing, brother Jukai:
    In the words of the great Marcellus Wallace, (many know) “Pride only hurts, it never helps.” Even in your case.

  • JE Posted: Jun.29 at 2:54 am
    JUST thought of this. If LeBron signs with Miami
    like Stephen A. Smith is reporting, the cool nickname for the
    DWade-LeBron tandem should be “the 3-6 Mafia”. Because Wade is #3 and
    LeBron is #6. Get it? Do you get it?

  • JoeMaMa Posted: Jun.29 at 3:26 am
    I’d just like to take this time to say that I’m partially responsible for starting this LeBron business on this particular thread. I’m sorry/proud.

  • Teddy-the-Bear Posted: Jun.29 at 4:22 am
    I too am proud of you, Joe. And you are forgiven.

  • Teddy-the-Bear Posted: Jun.29 at 4:26 am
    Enigmatic, the post was about this:
    “Lewiswentupwiththelefthand–KING! WITH A SENSATIONAL REBOUND!”
    Ping ping ping, baseline turnaround like Bernard King!

  • Teddy-the-Bear Posted: Jun.29 at 4:28 am
    JE: If only they both played for the Nets.. Just kidding.

  • The Philosopher Posted: Jun.29 at 9:26 am
    Those three together = 70 games won?

  • Allenp Posted: Jun.29 at 10:55 am
    Teddy
    ravingblacklunatic.blogspot.com

  • Allenp Posted: Jun.29 at 11:01 am
    People say Bird was tough on defense.
    I disagree. He tried at times, but he was way, WAY more concerned with offense. It wasn’t even close.

  • redrowdy0 Posted: Jun.30 at 1:54 am
    the rockets will do great with the team that we have next year. we added patterson to our line up who is 6’9 240lbs. he fixes our size in the paint problem. brooks, k mart, patterson, scola, and yao on the floor is a good 5. if we can get bosh in our starting 5 with the team we have now we will be a championship team in 2 years. brooks is an all star in a few years, k mart will do his job at 2 guard..no need for johnson..scola is good for 15 and 10 a game, if yao stays healthy and we get bosh then we have the size in the paint and the speed and shooters at the guard. we do not need johnson

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