11/21/24
September 22, 2005
Its official...: Pat Riley wants Stan Van Gundy out. There's no other explanation for the signing of Gary Payton.
posted by lilnemo to basketball at 05:19 PM - 18 comments
Can I get "preseason" in the pool?
posted by billsaysthis at 05:44 PM on September 22, 2005
Payton couldn't stop the Pistons backcourt 2 years ago. I don't see how he helps things.
posted by mayerkyl at 05:45 PM on September 22, 2005
When your starter is Jason Williams, you'd better have a plan B.
posted by dusted at 06:07 PM on September 22, 2005
Yeah I know- anyway Miami is a great team (Shaq and Wade) and have gotten some good players. They will easily make the playoffs, but Payton still isnt what he used to be- a superstar.
posted by redsoxrgay at 06:14 PM on September 22, 2005
Payton won't put up points but he was brought in to play defense while Shack and Wade carry the team on offense just like the rest that came in this off season.
posted by Joker at 07:51 PM on September 22, 2005
Joker: The problem is Payton can't play that kind of defense anymore. He hasn't been "The Glove" for quite a while now, even before his uni no longer had "Sonics" on it.
posted by pivo at 08:10 PM on September 22, 2005
Doesn't the Heat have like 45 players on its roster now?
posted by Ufez Jones at 09:31 PM on September 22, 2005
The NBA should collect statistics for bench minutes compared to ego sizes. The more team ego bench minutes that tick off, the greater the likelihood of massive dissention. Some teams can win with dissention, but not a team that hasn't played together before. And no team has ever done anything big with 'Toine on the roster. What could Riley be thinking? Didn't he see the '04 finals? Didn't he watch the Olympics?
posted by RtV at 04:10 AM on September 23, 2005
The Heat have turned into the Lakers of 2 seasons ago. A collection of aging All-Stars grasping at straws for a ring, with one up-and-coming superstar guard. The only thing that's missing is Karl Malone, oh, and Jack Nicholson.
posted by mayerkyl at 07:35 AM on September 23, 2005
Maybe instead of the Glove we'll just start calling him the "Oven Mitt": not as great a fit as it used to be, but still good for the Heat.
posted by smithers at 07:38 AM on September 23, 2005
Oooo... Oven mitt - inspired. This is one of those throwaway moves - I can't see this having any kind of a genuine effect on the Heat's already great chance at the title. Payton justs needs to have that 'one game' in May/June - a la Robert Horry to make this worthwhile.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 07:45 AM on September 23, 2005
well, as long as they cut Qyntel -I hate dogs- Woods to make space on the bench, I'll call it a good trade. Maybe Payton will pull a Jerry Rice and understand his reduced roll?
posted by markovitch at 11:35 AM on September 23, 2005
You guys are crazy. Payton isn't the player he once was and no one knows that better than Gary Payton. He just wants to make it back to "The Finals" and Shaq can get him there. This team is nothing like the '04 Lakers. That team was two superstars who hated eachother and two old guys who played in short stints. This is a deep team with veterans and a thist for a championship.
posted by mwh_19_79 at 12:28 PM on September 23, 2005
dude Payton was a horrible deal they already have jason williams who I believe is better. they have too many hotheads to work together the heat might get by the Pistons but not the spurs.
posted by jpweasel at 01:37 PM on September 23, 2005
Gary Payton? Please. No ring for Sammy Davis Loser. They shoulda went for Bobby Jackson. F a Laker. F the Heat. My Kings are already F'ed until proven otherwise.
posted by Christieclocksfox at 07:32 PM on September 23, 2005
How are you guys saying the Heat wont make the playoffs? THEY HAVE SHAQ!
posted by redsoxrgay at 08:07 AM on September 25, 2005
Where did anyone say they won't make the playoffs?
posted by yerfatma at 11:25 AM on September 25, 2005
Does anyone have the over/under on how many games before we hear someone "isn't getting enough touches"?