USA - Greece - Open Thread
by Steve Perrin on Aug 25, 2010 12:18 AM PDT
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I'm not sure how many people we're going to have on a Wednesday morning at 9 AM for an international friendly, but I have to say I'm just excited to watch a game without having to worry about how it's impacting Eric Gordon's chances of making the team. When he was in the game, I was on pins and needles hoping he played well, dreading any turnover or missed shot. When he was on the bench, I worried that it was a sign that he was not making the cut. Today, I can just watch basketball. What a relief.
This Greece team, despite an absence of household names to NBA fans, is one of the top teams in the world, and a real contender in this tournament. In contrast to many of the other teams, they also have pretty much all of their horses at this tournament, with the notable exception of Theo Papaloukas. But the still have Diamantidis and former Rocket Spanoulis at the guards, making up one of the better backcourts in the tournament. And of course their bigs are pretty good too, with Bourousis and near-Clipper Sofoklis Schortsanitis. They also have one of the more skilled wing players in international ball in Printezis, whose game looks suspicously ready for the NBA.
In 2006 Team USA lost to Greece when their defensive pressure was unable to force the veteran Greek guards into turnovers, and the game became a half court affair. In the half court, Greece's pick and roll exposed the US time and again, while Team USA struggled to execute their own half court sets. It was a recipe for disaster then, and it remains one now. This being a friendly, I doubt that Greece will go to a steady diet of pick and roll, but I could be wrong.
Team Hellas has been killing people in the pre-tournament warmups (almost literally, and Sofo ever caught up to Krstic in the brawl that ended their last game). That game against Serbia was close, but they also have big wins over Russia, Croatia, Germany and Canada (123-49 in that one, youch). And the crowd in Athens will be MUCH more hostile than the one in Madrid. Another great test for Team USA.
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I will be watching
although I don’t expect either team to play all out. With that said it will still be a good test of team USA’s chemistry and makeup.
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
ch?
anyone know if its gonna be on ESPN or NBATV or we have to use ESPN3?
Yeah, it's on ESPN
"look, you can find any coach you want, bring him in here and run the situation. But I don't think they are going to do as good a job as I do." -Mike Dunleavy Sr.
by CLiPPz WeRD 12 on Aug 25, 2010 1:11 AM PDT up reply actions
ESPN at 9 am
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
In unrelated news...
ESPN insider says Baron is reportedly 45lbs overweight (up to 260 lbs). What the crap??
by BayAreaClipper on Aug 25, 2010 3:24 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
Yeah that is BS
Jared Dudley who is working out with Baron says that he isn’t anywhere close to that weight. Dudley says he is much more like 225, which is pretty close to what BD has weighed his whole career.
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
Ok phew
Frickin rumor mill…
by BayAreaClipper on Aug 25, 2010 8:56 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
What was that crap yesterday, then? Was Broussard simply lying? Is it some joke that most of us didn’t get the punch line?
by Michael White on Aug 25, 2010 9:16 AM PDT up reply actions
I think he just needed to write something about the clippers and couldn't think of anything
but it is just another sign of ESPN bias.
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
Probably just a random rumor
and it is something Baron would do. Wouldn’t be the first time a professional athlete got paid and then rested on his laurels (and fat butt). I had heard from a friend who saw him with his own eyes and said Baron looked as fit as ever. If anyone remembers Baron from his younger days he was even fatter. He put on a lot more definition recently even though he no longer can jump like chubby Baron.
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on Aug 25, 2010 5:18 PM PDT up reply actions
Anybody have an over/under on posts in this thread calling the Clippers racist or stupid for not signing MBFGC?
I’m gonna go with 10
Racism may or may not have been a factor
But you have to take a hard look at basketball xenophobia don’t you?
Coaches don't matter. - Bill Simmons, The Book of Basketball
Why? Every time a European player is passed up for a position, we should take a hard look at basketball xenophobia? Seems to me that Europeans in the NBA is pretty accepted so I don’t see why the conclusion of, “Clippers coach didn’t think Sofo was good enough” isn’t the default position.
by Michael White on Aug 25, 2010 9:15 AM PDT up reply actions
Not every time
But every time the coach makes a decision that results in a player being blocked from trying out even though that player was brought over specifically to try out.
Coaches don't matter. - Bill Simmons, The Book of Basketball
Yeah I was looking forward to seeing summer Shaq : (
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
EJ in, gets some respect from the broadcasters
although they have been pouring the love on EJ the whole tourney which is nice.
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
EJ is playing SF which is interesting
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
steal and finishes a jumper with contact nice!!
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
I know in the NBA that would have been an and one
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
for any team but a Clipper player ;)
by dulciusXasperis on Aug 25, 2010 9:18 AM PDT up reply actions
If that was anyother player that would be a highlight on ESPN
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
Gordon for 3 yes!
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
3 plays 3 turnovers for team USA
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
EJ's confidence looks super high!
Hopefully that translates well for us next season!
"look, you can find any coach you want, bring him in here and run the situation. But I don't think they are going to do as good a job as I do." -Mike Dunleavy Sr.
Love comes in and immedietly gets a rebound and then scores
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
edit
immediately
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
That was a bad fast break by USA but good steal by EJ
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
That was a bad fast break by USA but good steal by EJ
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
WTH putback jam by EJ is that even possible!
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
Gordon has 2 rebounds what planet is this!
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
Great first quarter by EJ
even rebounded the ball a couple times
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
Anyone else out there?
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
I am not sure do you have a box score?
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
Rose is looking good
he has made a couple outside shots. I am not missing Rondo.
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
he played SF with Curry and Westbrook as the guards for a little while
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
lol
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
I thought he just wasn't playing becasue it is an exhibition
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
Gordon looked great in his time on the floor.
3 or 4 steals along with 7 points. He could have had a couple of assists, but his teammates blew those easy opportunities.
I’d love for him to win one of those player of the game trophies.
Don't forget he even had a putback dunk that must be his first since coming to the NBA
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
I think Rose is going to get the trophy
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
lol
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
Didn't look like it on that 3 attempt lol
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
lol
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
Team USA is getting hammered on the offensive glass
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
here comes EJ
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
EJ is playing SF again
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
I think Love is playing center
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
Now that I don't have to worry about EJ getting cut I can appreciate Westbrook
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
LOL EJ standing next to a center
while Westbrook’s at the line.
nice lol
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
Love draws a charge
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
Greece crowd has been pretty mild so far other then the guy who threw TP at the start of the game
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
Greece is over the foul limit
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
EJ at the line
1 of 2
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
another steal by EJ but he is fouled before he can make a play
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
EJ for more FT's
makes them both
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
okay thought it might have been tipped in
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
He made both of those?
I don’t think so
Pain Don't Hurt
that is alot of steals
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
half time USA leads by 10
good half for EJ
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
lol Shaq vs Barkley at golf
they should have called up Tyreke Evans.
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
Shaq vs Evans street racing?
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
by bestclipfan on Aug 25, 2010 10:01 AM PDT up reply actions
I love that new got milk commercial
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
EJ second in scoring for team USA
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
I love gordon outscoring Durant...
Should Eric be the starting SF now then? :)
ahhh Rose came up gimpy not good
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
wow nice move by Durant
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
Iggy should stop shooting 3's
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
Clippers could've had 3 players on the team
Griffin hadn’t got hurt and Kaman hadn’t played for Germany. I’m excited for next season!
by MannyA on Aug 25, 2010 10:18 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
As much as it would have been nice to have Kaman now
he did play in the Olympics. He’d probably be replaced on Team USA the next 2 years so good for him.
EJ back in
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
EJ for 3 yes!
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
EJ is playing the 2 right now
funny thing is he probably logged more minutes at the 3 then the 2
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
It's almost like Granger is shooting to prove his worth on the team
and not making them
It's crazy that he's an allstar in the NBA
and a benchwarmer in FIBA
Granger is one of the most overrated players
Which is crazy because is overrated but without being widely celebrated.
Its like he is this secretly good guy that everyone has decided is secretly great…when they remember him at all.
Coaches don't matter. - Bill Simmons, The Book of Basketball
Overrated
How so? He plays a style that isn’t conducive to him playing off the ball, but I don’t think he’s overrated as far as being the star of the Indiana Pacers. He’s a phenomenal talent and he’s got very high basketball IQ.
I’m curious though, statistically did you find evidence that he’s overrated? His PER seems right on target for a well-above-average player.
by BayAreaClipper on Aug 25, 2010 11:04 AM PDT up reply actions
Overrated would be based on my perception that some fans seem to hold him in very high regard
When really he is a player that is about average. Average isn’t bad, but it isn’t a guy you need to go out and get or that you should want to build the franchise around.
I can safely assume that he is held in high regard because he 1) scores above 20ppg 2) without falling into the disfavor being labelled a volume guy.
Both of those perceptions are correct and even last season when his percentages were down, they still weren’t awful.
Like EJ, its a possessions problem. For a guy who spends a little over half of his time at PF, 5.5 rebounds per 36 is atrocious.
Coaches don't matter. - Bill Simmons, The Book of Basketball
You have a strange definition of average...
How can someone be average and also be the leading scorer on their team and have a PER per 48 that’s well above average, at both SF and PF positions? I guess the “possessions problem” statement confuses me.
If I’m not mistaken, Granger was the guy that consistently raised his ppg average very significantly each season. Something like 5ppg per season for 3 straight seasons? Personally, I think he’s much better on the defensive end than a guy like Carmelo Anthony, and he has a very solid game built on both inside play and outside shooting. I’d absolutely consider giving him a max contract considering his age, proven ability to improve and learn, and talent for the game, especially when guys like Boozer, Amare, and Joe Johnson get them. I suppose he’s not someone who you would build a franchise around (yet), but he could certainly be the Pippen to someone else’s Jordan. And that, to me, is nothing close to average.
I suppose it’s a matter of perception though, and you’re absolutely entitled to yours. I guess if you consider Granger average, then your assessment of EJ makes a lot more sense. Who are you comparing him to, both above and below, when you consider him average?
by BayAreaClipper on Aug 25, 2010 12:57 PM PDT up reply actions
I’m sure John R will address the PPG issue, but I had to take exception to this logic:
I’d absolutely consider giving him a max contract considering his age, proven ability to improve and learn, and talent for the game, especially when guys like Boozer, Amare, and Joe Johnson get them. I suppose he’s not someone who you would build a franchise around (yet), but he could certainly be the Pippen to someone else’s Jordan.
For one thing, you don’t advocate signing somebody to a max deal by pointing out that stupid team x gave overrated player y a max deal. That doesn’t explain how it helps the Clippers. Second, maybe its just me, but I would only consider giving a guy a max deal if he is the type of guy you build a franchise around. You can’t be making it rain on guys who will be the Robin to somebody else’s Batman.
by Michael White on Aug 25, 2010 1:03 PM PDT up reply actions
Maybe I should rephrase
I suppose my point is that he’s an extremely complete player. Much more complete on both ends than three guys that got max contracts. Whether you believe they deserved these contracts is your opinion (and I never said whether I felt they deserved them or not), but the fact remains that 3 of a handful of max contracts given this summer were to players that I think are less well-rounded than Danny Granger.
And besides Pippen was not merely a Robin-esque sidekick, he was extremely effective and allowed Jordan to be who he was. Mo Williams is a “Robin,” not a “Pippen.” To me, a “Pippen” player is someone who is part of a “Big-Two” or “Big-Three”. Do you really think there’s only room for one max contract per team? Tell that to the Miami Heat (yes I’m aware they’re slightly less than max).
by BayAreaClipper on Aug 25, 2010 1:27 PM PDT up reply actions
He is only complete if you only consider scoring
And even then he is only very good and far short of elite.
Coaches don't matter. - Bill Simmons, The Book of Basketball
Is that you Isiah Thomas?
He is only guilty of making the same mistakes you are making here.
Coaches don't matter. - Bill Simmons, The Book of Basketball
Wow, what did I do to deserve that?
That wasn’t very nice. I’m pretty new here, but if you’re going to make passive-aggressive, rude comments, then I may be done here.
by BayAreaClipper on Aug 25, 2010 2:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Trust me they don't care :-(
I hope you stay, but there are a few members that really could careless. Some make you think it is their job to set you straight.
Interesting that team USA has completely abandoned...
any notion that Gordon should handle the ball.
Another 3 by EJ
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
See Chauncey shake his head after that one?
“Who is this Eric Gordon guy?” He’s pretty good.
Love is an offensive rebounding machine
He seems perfect for the international game. I hope they give him plenty of PT.
Gordon hits the trey and celebrates by
kicking the ball into Gay’s chest soccer style
Bingo EJ
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
that would be awesome
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
by bestclipfan on Aug 25, 2010 10:50 AM PDT up reply actions
which is why I said he should make the team
I don’t think the team is missing Rondo at all.
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
by bestclipfan on Aug 25, 2010 10:50 AM PDT up reply actions
he actually has 5
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
by bestclipfan on Aug 25, 2010 10:53 AM PDT up reply actions
Ahhhh Rose gets player of the game
come on!
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
I don't think EJ minds he just a man going to work every day
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
whatever, awesome game for Gordon, I couldn't be happier
and i can’t wait for the season to start now
it was awesome enjoying the game that much more
knowing Gordon is on the team. It let him play freely too which is awesome.
Carmello wants to go to Houston?
Good to see that. I want to see Gordon and Blake grow together and watch Al Farouq become a dominant defensive stopper
That is just a rumor
just like for a whole year they said LBJ wanted to go to NYC.
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
by bestclipfan on Aug 25, 2010 10:57 AM PDT up reply actions
Wow EJ is the first player mentioned in NBA tweet after game
http://twitter.com/NBA/status/22107489178
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
ahhh sarcasm aint it great
I assume the first thing you are going to do NBAFAN is to get an autographed EJ team USA jersey to add to your collection.
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
by bestclipfan on Aug 25, 2010 11:10 AM PDT up reply actions
What a game for Eric Gordon!
The kid was hitting from deep and playing great defense. 18 points (4-8 3pt), which led team USA in scoring.
The Eric & Derrick Show
Hope we get to see Gordon in for Billups early first quarter during the tournament. Rose’s ability to penetrate will create open 3’s galore for Eric. And Durant/Gordon will pop zones like bubbles.
by culvercitykook on Aug 25, 2010 11:41 AM PDT reply actions
Box score
Says Gordon had two steals. I thought you guys were saying he had a bunch of them?
by citizen zhiv on Aug 25, 2010 12:04 PM PDT up reply actions
If you deflect a pass and someone else catches it
They get the steal, right?
by BayAreaClipper on Aug 25, 2010 12:59 PM PDT up reply actions
That's awesome!
I saw a little bit of the first half, including EJ hitting a three and the putback dunk. Every time somebody else was shooting, especially from distance, it seemed like it was forced, unlikely to go in, guys like Gay and Granger and Iggy weren’t looking for Gordon the way that he was looking to move the ball around and letting the open shots come to him. Gordon seemed to have great confidence and presence out there.
And it sounds from this thread like he kept it going in the second half. A great game. Also great what SP said, a pleasure to watch without wondering if he might be cut, or who would be.
Gordon has a strong role on this team, and it seems like Coach K and the staff can’t help but appreciate him. He has the athleticism of Westbrook, with great girth and strength and he can shoot, and he has Curry’s shooting ability and much better size. Really looking forward to the next phase.
was that mitch richmond? its eric gordon
great game by gordon……gordon and griffin….it used to be stockton and malone…not anymore.
U.S. favorite -144 to win it all
U.S.-144 to win it all
Spain 3-1
Greece 5-1
Turkey 50-1
Those are pretty good odds for US still
Sure they have a big target on their back but they take these tournaments a lot more seriously than in the past.
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on Aug 25, 2010 5:28 PM PDT up reply actions
Gordon: 18 points in 21 minutes
4-7 on threes
Kevin Love had 12 rebs in 12 min.
Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)
Yeah Love is a rebounding machine
I think EJ had two rebounds as well.
"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right"unknown
by bestclipfan on Aug 25, 2010 12:42 PM PDT up reply actions
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