# NBA: December 2008. **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [December 3, 2008, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nba-december-2008/475454 "2008-12-03T04:00:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Hi\_Neighbor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hi_neighbor/32/494_2.png) [@Hi\_Neighbor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hi_Neighbor)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2008, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nba-december-2008/475454/21 "2008-12-11T19:46:54Z")
Raja Bell and Diaw get traded for Jason Richardson. Suns better or worse off? ---
**Author:** ![Jimmy\_Chitwood](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f475e1/32.png) [@Jimmy\_Chitwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jimmy_Chitwood)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2008, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nba-december-2008/475454/22 "2008-12-11T20:31:23Z")
Better in one sense, worse in a couple of others, and on balance almost certainly worse, but totally screwed either way, with or without the trade. ---
**Author:** ![gonzomax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e8c25b/32.png) [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2008, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nba-december-2008/475454/23 "2008-12-11T20:45:32Z")
> [@MOIDALIZE](#): > > I think the fast start they had with AI gave people the wrong impression. This was nothing more than a salary dump to clear cap room. It’s not like Billups couldn’t have continued to play at a high level, look what he’s doing for the Nuggets. I read a stat somewhere that the Pistons are something like 0-5 on Sundays, which leads me to believe that Iverson’s biggest impact has been on the team’s Saturday night plans. Whats going to happen with Iverson at the end of the year? Will somebody pay him a ton to destroy the team concept again? ---
**Author:** ![Lamar\_Mundane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/85f322/32.png) [@Lamar\_Mundane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamar_Mundane)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2008, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nba-december-2008/475454/24 "2008-12-11T20:53:41Z")
> [@gonzomax](#): > > Whats going to happen with Iverson at the end of the year? Will somebody pay him a ton to destroy the team concept again? Iverson was a model citizen during his time in Denver. The problem is he is a scorer in a point guard’s body. He should go to a team that needs a primary scorer and not one where he is expected to distribute. That isn’t his game and never was. Carmelo Anthony and Iverson averaged 45 points between them last year, but the team averaged only 18.5 assists per game. This year Billups and Anthony average 40, but the team has 22.9 assists per game. See the reulting W/L record. ---
**Author:** ![Invisible\_Chimp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/f05b48/32.png) [@Invisible\_Chimp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Invisible_Chimp)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2008, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nba-december-2008/475454/25 "2008-12-12T17:54:13Z")
I usually go see one Blazers game a year. Last year, I saw the Blazers beat the evil Lakers. It was great. This year, I am going to see tonight’s(12/12) game against the other LA team, the Clippers. I can’t complain though, as they’re free tickets, to me at least. ---
**Author:** ![dalej42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2008, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nba-december-2008/475454/26 "2008-12-13T20:36:04Z")
[Another coach fired](http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3766766). Maurice Cheeks is out. I haven’t seen too much of the 76ers this year, but most of their losses are coming against good teams. Losses to Cleveland twice, New Jersey, and the Lakers aren’t exactly embarassing. Now, if they lose against the Wizards… I’m going to watch Sacramento tonight. That could be the next coaching change although I’m hoping tonight is a good whipping of the pathetic show that is the New York Knicks. ---
**Author:** ![dalej42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2008, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nba-december-2008/475454/27 "2008-12-13T20:39:29Z")
> [@Hi\_Neighbor](#): > > Raja Bell and Diaw get traded for Jason Richardson. Suns better or worse off? The Suns are better off. Last night’s game was great. Suns started off like the same old Suns from this year and Richardson missed his first few attempts. Then, the Suns actually looked like they showed up. In the second quarter they came back and held on to edge the Magic. A very nice win and the next game is winnable against the Knicks on Monday night. Then, they’ve got Portland and Denver so this is a chance for the Suns to keep the Lakers from running away with the West. ---
**Author:** ![dalej42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2008, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nba-december-2008/475454/28 "2008-12-14T15:59:57Z")
The Sacramento Kings are absolutely pathetic. Last night was the worst effort I’ve seen out of an NBA team this year. I expect Theus to be fired today. From the Sacramento Bee: The Kings not only struggled to hit their own attempts, shooting 36 percent (9 for 25) from the field, but they settled for the perimeter jumpers instead of driving the lane. The Kings were even hesitant close to the Knicks’ rim as they finished the first quarter with a franchise-low three rebounds, while watching New York grab 17 rebounds. ---
**Author:** ![DigitalC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ebca7d/32.png) [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2008, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nba-december-2008/475454/29 "2008-12-14T16:16:20Z")
Why does everyone discount the magic? They just beat Portland and Utah at home (utah with Dwight howard missing the first game of his career) and lost to phoenix by 1 point on a freak defensive break down at the end of the game, also without Dwight for the second half and yet it seems like nobody considers them one of the top teams in the league. ---
**Author:** ![dalej42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2008, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nba-december-2008/475454/30 "2008-12-14T18:58:31Z")
I’m not going to discount the Magic at all. I’d say they are the 3rd best team in the East after Boston and Cleveland. I think they don’t get the same level of attention because they don’t have a Garnett or Lebron. ---
**Author:** ![DigitalC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ebca7d/32.png) [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2008, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nba-december-2008/475454/31 "2008-12-14T19:51:09Z")
> [@dalej42](#): > > I’m not going to discount the Magic at all. I’d say they are the 3rd best team in the East after Boston and Cleveland. I think they don’t get the same level of attention because they don’t have a Garnett or Lebron. Howard is miles ahead of Garnett at this point. ---
**Author:** ![Quercus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/7ab992/32.png) [@Quercus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quercus)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2008, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nba-december-2008/475454/32 "2008-12-15T15:15:04Z")
> [@Lamar\_Mundane](#): > > Iverson was a model citizen during his time in Denver. The problem is he is a scorer in a point guard’s body. He should go to a team that needs a primary scorer and not one where he is expected to distribute. But is there any team that needs a driving guard who can’t distribute? I mean, I’m no expert, but wouldn’t a team that already has a good passing point guard want a good outside shooting guard as the best complement? But that is your point, I guess: he’s got amazing skills, but they’re not the combined set of skills that are needed in the NBA right now. Kind of like a great option QB in the NFL. ---
**Author:** ![dalej42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2008, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nba-december-2008/475454/33 "2008-12-16T03:13:06Z")
Kings did fire Theus as well they should. I knew the Kings weren’t going anywhere this year. But, they’ve been beyond horrible this year. Sacramento should be able to beat Minnesota tonight. Utah needs to get Boozer back. I didn’t get to see the game, but it looks like Utah played Boston fairly tough. Boston, Cleveland, Orlando, and Atlanta might actually make me spend more time following the East. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![dalej42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2008, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nba-december-2008/475454/34 "2008-12-17T03:33:28Z")
A nice win for the Clippers against the OKC Durants. The Clippers had 22 from Eric Gordon, 19 from Baron Davis, and 22 from Zach Randolph. While you’re not going to break out the champagne by beating OKC, at least you’re beating the teams you need to beat on the road. Tonight’s NBA TV game is the Lakers/Knicks. Since it is a 10:30 start on the East Coast, I’d have to guess it wasn’t Knicks fans voting for this game to be shown on NBA TV. Too bad Denver/Houston or Portland/Sacramento wasn’t voted in. I already know the Lakers are great and the Knicks suck. It would be nice to let some of the other teams get featured. ---
**Author:** ![DigitalC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ebca7d/32.png) [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2008, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nba-december-2008/475454/35 "2008-12-17T14:20:22Z")
> [@dalej42](#): > > Tonight’s NBA TV game is the Lakers/Knicks. Since it is a 10:30 start on the East Coast, I’d have to guess it wasn’t Knicks fans voting for this game to be shown on NBA TV. Too bad Denver/Houston or Portland/Sacramento wasn’t voted in. I already know the Lakers are great and the Knicks suck. It would be nice to let some of the other teams get featured. Well that turned out to be a pretty decent game after all. ---
**Author:** ![Invisible\_Chimp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/f05b48/32.png) [@Invisible\_Chimp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Invisible_Chimp)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2008, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nba-december-2008/475454/36 "2008-12-17T21:35:39Z")
> [@dalej42](#): > > The Sacramento Kings are absolutely pathetic. Last night was the worst effort I’ve seen out of an NBA team this year. I expect Theus to be fired today. Firing Theus didn’t work. They fired him and still got whupped by Portland last night. Amazing what good a little rest did for the Blazers. They looked exhausted during the end of the Clipper game and no one except Roy could make a shot; even Blake, who is very good foul shooter missed 4/5 free throws in the fourth. ---
**Author:** ![dalej42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2008, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nba-december-2008/475454/37 "2008-12-18T03:50:39Z")
The Hawks gave the Celtics everything they could handle tonight. The Celtics are on an amazing run, yet I still don’t think they’re going to run away with the East. Boston will come down to Earth and the Magic, Hawks, and Cavs will give them a nice challenge. I don’t get to see too many Eastern games, but at least this makes them worth turning into. I’ll tune in to see the Hawks again. Joe Johnson looks amazing. ---
**Author:** ![DigitalC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ebca7d/32.png) [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2008, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nba-december-2008/475454/38 "2008-12-18T16:58:54Z")
> [@dalej42](#): > > Joe Johnson looks amazing. While he played a great game and practically carried the hawks the last few minutes missing that free throw is just unforgivable. That game should have gone to overtime. ---
**Author:** ![satoridt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/6a8cbe/32.png) [@satoridt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/satoridt)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2008, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nba-december-2008/475454/39 "2008-12-18T21:19:43Z")
Go Timberwolves! 11 losses in a row!! anybody know the record for consecutive losses? ---
**Author:** ![Invisible\_Chimp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/f05b48/32.png) [@Invisible\_Chimp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Invisible_Chimp)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2008, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nba-december-2008/475454/40 "2008-12-18T23:47:05Z")
Interestingly, on John Hollinger’s computerized[Power Rankings](http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/powerranking) on ESPN-dot-com, Sacramento is the worst team in the NBA, below Minnesota and OKC. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nba-december-2008/475454.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nba-december-2008/475454.md?page=3)