TEARS OF UNFATHOMABLE SADNESS AVERTED












What we know:

Free Agency and Training Camps will begin December 9th.

The regular season will begin on December 25th and end on April 26th. The playoffs will commence on April 28th and a potential Game 7 would be June 26th.

Each team will play 48 conference games and 18 non-conference games.

All 30 teams will play games on three consecutive days on at least one occasion, but no more than three.

Back-to-back games in the playoffs will be possible in the second round.


What we don't know:

Who got fat? Who is this year's Shawn Kemp?

Will all the guys who signed overseas come back?

How will the proposed amnesty clause work? Can albatross contracts be partially dissolved?

How will the new deal restrict player movement? Will another Miami situation be made impossible?

Will the fans come back? Did they ever leave? Does anyone care if they never play before Christmas again?

11/28/2011 10:17:45 AM

I don't really care about the regular season. I am glad there will be playoffs this year especially coming off the great playoff drama from last year.

Durant for MVP and Ok City/Miami for the title. Miami in 7.

11/28/2011 10:21:51 AM

NBA regular season should be shorter anyways.

11/28/2011 10:24:37 AM

Definitely will be an interesting season with a lot of players overseas. Some teams will make the playoffs that normally would not make it.

11/28/2011 10:24:48 AM

are they keeping the same schedule, just with everything up until Dec. 25 chopped off?

11/28/2011 10:43:14 AM

What everyone but dweedle knows:

Free Agency and Training Camps will begin December 9th.

The regular season will begin on December 25th and end on April 26th. The playoffs will commence on April 28th and a potential Game 7 would be June 26th.

Each team will play 48 conference games and 18 non-conference games.

All 30 teams will play games on three consecutive days on at least one occasion, but no more than three.

Back-to-back games in the playoffs will be possible in the second round.

11/28/2011 10:45:41 AM

But why male models?

11/28/2011 10:49:23 AM

as a casual observer at best, who are the big names that went overseas and may not return?

11/28/2011 10:52:05 AM

Glad it's here and actually I like the shortened season. It's not like baseball or football where anyone cares about single season stat totals, all that matters is per game.


It should make the playoff races slightly more exciting. The only potential downside is the aforementioned Shawn Kemp effect.

I don't think many big names will be affected by foreign contracts, mostly backups that don't have exit clauses. If the league loses a Josh Childress or two it won't matter to the product at all.

11/28/2011 10:55:59 AM

http://espn.go.com/nba/bracket/_/year/2012

playoffs have already been decided

11/28/2011 11:01:15 AM

If the bobcats are a number one seed I'll shit my pants.

11/28/2011 11:16:36 AM

Further breakdown

Quote :

" Conference Games: 48 • Play 6 teams 4 times (2 home, 2 away) • Play 4 teams 3 times (2 home, 1 away) • Play 4 teams 3 times (1 home, 2 away) Non-Conference Games: 18 • Play 3 teams 2 times (1 home, 1 away) • Play 6 teams 1 time at home • Play 6 teams 1 time away Back to Back to Backs: All teams with at least 1; no more than 3 Playoff Back to Backs: Possible in second round "

11/28/2011 11:35:01 AM

Wooohooo, time to start shopping for courtside Jazz tix !!!!

(as a side note, who the fuck plays for the Jazz these days?)

11/28/2011 11:36:53 AM

^you can troll Sidney Lowe on their bench

hope the bobcats visit the wizards either late January or later

[Edited on November 28, 2011 at 11:38 AM. Reason : ]

11/28/2011 11:37:35 AM

Hahahah that's right, just remembered the Jazz hired him.

11/28/2011 11:43:57 AM

aww man...only 66 games for me to night give a shit about?

11/28/2011 11:56:51 AM

I will also night give a s@#$ about these games.

11/28/2011 12:02:14 PM

Then why are you here?

I don't care about hockey.

Guess how many posts I've made in that thread.

11/28/2011 12:07:44 PM

more than -1, less than 1?

11/28/2011 12:14:04 PM

I'm kind of amazed they managed to have a season this year. I really thought they would blow this one.

Well, I hoped because it might have led to better ratings for hockey (although not MUCH better).

So is a short season up for grabs like the NHL's short season was (when the Canes won)?

11/28/2011 12:44:01 PM

are you asking whether every team is eligible to win the NBA title?

yes

11/28/2011 1:23:01 PM

Sort of, I guess I'm asking if the shortened season will give any particular team that would normally fail late in the season a chance to do well before their normal collapse.

[Edited on November 28, 2011 at 1:50 PM. Reason : .]

11/28/2011 1:50:17 PM

So glad the NBA is back. Just reiterating what many have already said in that a 66-game season sounds preferable to an 82-game season. Too bad it's a compressed time frame.

11/28/2011 1:52:01 PM

A smaller sample size will give lesser teams a chance to contend, simply because the law of averages won't have as much of a chance to assert itself. Once we get the playoffs, however, I expect the usual suspects to be there in the end.

11/28/2011 1:57:13 PM

Quote :

"So is a short season up for grabs like the NHL's short season was (when the Canes won)?"

the two aren't analogous seeing how the NHL came back with new rules that the Hurricanes were set up perfectly to take advantage of

11/28/2011 2:01:30 PM

These are the cats currently locked up abroad without opt-out clauses

Quote :

"Wilson Chandler (R), Nuggets (Zhejiang Guangsha, China); J.R. Smith, Nuggets (Zhejiang Lions, China); Aaron Brooks (R), Suns (Guangdong S. Tigers, China); Kenyon Martin, Nuggets (Xinjiang Flying Tigers, China); Nenad Krstic, Celtics (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Chris Douglas-Roberts (R), Bucks (Virtus Bologna, Italy); Sasha Vujacic, Nets (Anadolu Efes, Turkey); Josh Powell, Hawks (Liaoning Panpan, China); David Andersen, Hornets (Montepaschi Siena, Italy); Hilton Armstrong, Hawks (ASVEL Villeurbanne, France); Brian Scalabrine, Bulls (Benetton Treviso, Italy); Darius Songaila, Sixers (Galatasaray, Turkey); Jon Diebler, Blazers (Panionios, Greece); Joey Dorsey, Raptors (Baskonia, Spain); Dan Gadzuric, Nets (Jiangsu, China); Sonny Weems, Raptors (Zalgiris Kaunas, Lithuania); Pooh Jeter, Kings (Joventut Badalona, Spain); Chris Quinn, Spurs (Khimki Moscow, Russia); Mustafa Shakur, Wizards (Novipiu Casale, Italy); Von Wafer, Celtics (Cremona, Italy); Mario West, Nets (Tezenis Verona, Italy); Garrett Temple, Bobcats (Novipiu Casale, Italy) "

The League just won't feel the same without them

11/28/2011 2:29:31 PM

^ LOL the Nuggets are pissed. They've lost a lot of depth. Also I wonder if Josh Powell is even starting in China?

11/28/2011 2:34:35 PM

goddamnit scalabrine

11/28/2011 2:38:30 PM

will MJ give me a refund on that garrett temple jersey I bought

11/28/2011 2:46:57 PM

this should be epic

okc over heat in 7

11/28/2011 3:42:04 PM

We have two records up for grabs this season

72-(-6) is a difficult yet real possibility for the Miami Heat.

9-57 is a real possibility for the Washington Wizards.


We know the Heat have the stars, but the supporting cast is super old and they need to be really efficient to get them over the hump. Injuries could also play a significant role.


The Wizards already looked horrible and now that John Wall has confirmed he isn't ready for the NBA they look like they are going to make a real push for a single digit win season. You have to wonder why they didn't take a sure thing...

11/28/2011 4:12:49 PM

Yeah they should have gone with the sure thing like Evan Turner or Ekpe Udoh



Wall will be fine. He can't shoot, but as Rondo, Russell and Rose have proven, great point guards don't have to.

11/28/2011 4:22:29 PM

Don't mind me, I'm just parroting face's stupidity from last season.

11/28/2011 5:45:51 PM

Quote :

""So is a short season up for grabs like the NHL's short season was (when the Canes won)?""

Year Canes won was a full season. Wasn't reduced as the resolution came in July before the season started. Now the NHL did lose a season in 2004-2005, but the year the 'Canes won it was a full season. Probably the biggest help outside of the strict rules enforcing open play to the Hurricanes winning the cup was the few albatross contracts, they were able to play with the new system a lot better than other teams. So maybe this will help out a few in the NBA, but I don't know.

11/28/2011 5:46:06 PM

Quote :

"Pooh Jeter"

really?

11/28/2011 6:07:20 PM

my stupidity won a shit load of money last year. I correctly identified that the Wizards were fucking terrible and they had an over/under of 34.5 wins. They could have lengthened the season by 20 games and I still probably would have won.

Also, I told you the Heat wouldn't win 72 games after Miller was injured that took it out of play. Everyone knew they had to stay healthy. Then they got a killer injury to Haslem which completely tanked them too. Re-read the thread, my preseason picks made a lot of money. If Elton Brand hadn't had a career resurgence out of nowhere, it would have made a lot more.

11/28/2011 10:44:39 PM

Quote :

"I correctly identified that the Wizards were fucking terrible and they had an over/under of 34.5 wins."

has to be the most impressive prediction I've ever encountered on here

11/28/2011 10:46:25 PM

NBA regular season should be around 65 games anyway. I think this will help the more veteran teams, older legs will be fresher come playoffs. This kills teams like New Orleans who have... 6 guys under contract, fuck.

Regular season should have some more intensity, but I expect the cream to rise come playoff time. Also, nobody actually thinks those overseas guys are going to abide by their contracts do they?

11/28/2011 10:50:26 PM

11/28/2011 11:57:51 PM

^^^ I hope you aren't being sarcastic. Anytime you can beat Vegas by 11.5 games then that is an elite prediction, period.

You beat that one and I'll fed ex you an autographed picture of Randy Jackson.

I even gave you guys the info in advance and didnt see anyone else take it so dont try to play dumb now.

[Edited on November 29, 2011 at 12:34 AM. Reason : a]

11/29/2011 12:32:49 AM

the real question is:

i know its going to be difficult, but is it a real possibility for the heat this year??

11/29/2011 12:42:15 AM

It's a little early to tell how good the Heat will be because we don't know who they will be able to add through free agency.

I had them at 62-65 wins last season and they won 58 games because of the Haslem injury.

Haslem was awful when he came back in the playoffs and he's aging so it remains to be seen if he'll be able to contribute much this year.

The free agency crop overall is weak but there are actually a lot of quality big men that could help them emerge as the definitive favorites.

1) Nene, highly unlikely. He'll probably get the max or close to it from someone looking for an elite big man. The Nuggets are loaded but this would be a huge blow if they lose him. He could vault a pretender into the contender mix or take a non-playoff team into the playoffs.

2) Tyson Chandler, highly unlikely. he'll command somewhere near the max too. Either of these guys would need to be an elaborate sign and trade or something. My guess is Dallas re-signs him but they are paying a lot for Haywood to be a backup center so they may move one of them or not re-sign Chandler. Doesn't seem like a Cuban move though to breakup a contender to save $.

3) Deandre Jordan, highly unlikely. He's going to command big dollars as a young emerging star. I'm guessing the Clips empty the wallet to retain him, but you never know with them.

4) Marc Gasol, highly unlikely. I can't imagine the Grizz choose not to sign him for close to the max. He had an amazing playoffs and gives the Grizz a loaded frontcourt. They've got to be kicking themselves for wasting so much money on Rudy Gay last offseason when everyone knew he was overrated.

5) Sam Dalembert, possibility. Dalembert has always been chronically underrated as he can still be an elite rebounder/shot blocker. He was stuck on a bad Sacramento team (what the hell happened to Tyreke Evans?) so they decided to give all his minutes to Cousins once they knew they were out of playoff contention. Dalembert would be a HUGE pickup for Miami as he'd be an instant upgrade over Joel Anthony who was a big liability for them in the playoffs. He'd probably take a midlevel exception to play there too since no one is going to offer significantly more than that for him.

6) Jeff Foster, possibility. Another chronically underrated guy. Miami needs rebounding and doesn't care if a guy can't score and he solves that need instantly. If Foster wants to compete for a championship after a decade of losing in Indiana this would be a great opportunity for him.

7) Kurt Thomas, possibility. Kurt Thomas proved he still has some gas in the tank last year in Chicago. He offers slightly less than these other guys and can't play heavy minutes but he is also the type of guy who'd be willing to sign for the minimum to win a title. Would be a nice addition.

8) Aaron Gray, low probability. Gray has been a bit of a surprise and it's impossible to know what NOH will do with their dire financial situation. He's probably not a good fit in Miami though

9) Kwame Brown, possibility. Actually played pretty well the last two seasons and can still contribute. Would be a chance for him to erase some of the notoriety he has for being a huge bust, but he might be more content playing for a forgettable team instead.

10) Pryzibilla, low probability. This one is kinda subjective. He's been hurt and the injuries have sapped his productivity when he's played recently but he's only a few years removed from being a really good player. Some upside potential if they wanted to take a flyer.

[Edited on November 29, 2011 at 2:00 AM. Reason : a]

11/29/2011 1:58:40 AM

11/29/2011 5:13:08 AM

I reviewed the list of free agents and the media said its not a good free agent crop but it's really got a ton of depth just lacks headline star power to get attention.

Consider this post a random addition of guys that I think could help teams. Note I'm leaving off the guys with more flash than substance that will get overpaid and not really produce any value for their teams (like JR Smith, Jamal Crawford, Caron Butler, Stuckey etc) and players who have some name recognition that might get some $ even though they suck (Jeff Green,Spencer Hawes, kenyon martin, carl landry, nick young etc)

I missed Shelden Williams (not really a Center) but he could offer some help as a defensive big. Not sure what kind of money he will command but he's underrated around the league after a strong showing last year.

Also Greg Oden didnt make that list even though he could get a big deal somewhere. Really don't see him having to settle for a midlevel exception though.

Reggie Evans could be a big addition for someone as he was having a monster year before his injury.

Jonas Jerebko should command big dollars from someone as he's well known as a good player around the league but not by most fans. Doubt Miami could get him for the MLE.

Kris Humphries is well known now as a reality star but what most people don't know is that he is becoming a top notch PF and could get a big deal from someone.

Josh Mcroberts had a good year and might come cheap to someone.

Joey Dorsey is one of my favorite super sleepers if someone has playing time for him.

Someone needs to take a shot on Brandan Wright he still has potential and is a nice cheap addition.

Tmac had a nice year last year and could provide value if he signs cheaply.


Chuck Hayes and Reggie Williams provide value. If Dunleavy is healthy he could be a huge steal for someone if he regains form.

Shannon Brown is becoming startable almost, great backup SG.

Mbah Moute will get someones attention if milwaukee doesnt offer him much

Derrick Brown all upside, cant beleive the bobcats let him get away.

Grant Hill, career resurgence still going. Needs to find a contender.

Sonny Weems is talented, could get paid.

Kirilenko is back to being an elite player when healthy, will be interesting to see how much he gets offered. he's a steal for $7m but not for max money.

11/29/2011 6:33:15 AM

The Celtics are pumped about this season. KG, PP, and RA usually get hurt right before the playoffs start because of ware and tear at their age. Now they can still be good to go come time to make it count!

11/29/2011 7:46:45 AM

Man, just 16 days between the start of free agency and the beginning of the season. Gonna be a whirlwind of movement in that time period!

11/29/2011 8:16:34 AM

nets supposedly offering brook lopez and two first rounders for dwight howard and hedo turkoglu's awful contract.

Obviously, this deal sucks horribly from a basketball standpoint for the Magic but they are a small market team with a huge payroll so who knows they may bite.

They tried to put a contending team around Dwight but they missed their window and now they're stuck with garbage.

Lopez regressed horribly last season, so they'd be crazy to not find a better offer than this for arguably the best player in the NBA.

Nets would be looking awfully good with an emerging Kris Humphries and recently added Deron Williams.

11/30/2011 4:55:05 AM

I love that China isn't letting players out of their contracts just because the NBA is going to have a season.

11/30/2011 7:15:56 AM

http://espn.go.com/nba/bracket/_/year/2012

This is hilarious.

Bobcats over the Spurs in 5, write it down.

Actually, more like OKC over Knicks, in 6.

[Edited on November 30, 2011 at 1:50 PM. Reason : face already posted about D Howard, but I ignore his posts so I missed it initially.]

11/30/2011 1:49:01 PM

set em up

12/4/2011 12:35:50 PM