2014 NBA Playoffs Thread

[jonathanlambert33]

Former coach Jeff Van Gundy has a message for the league office when it comes to the job of NBA referee.

"I understand their job is hard. I understand officiating is hard, but guess what? So is guarding LaMarcus Aldridge. So is coaching. Of course it's hard, that's why those guys are making a lot of money. I'm not big on the idea that anytime you disagree on something, don't say anything about it," said Van Gundy, working now with ESPN as an NBA television analyst.

"I think they've been programmed to say that no one is supposed to talk about it. That you're supposed to say the officiating doesn't matter when we all know it absolutely does."

For this comment, Van Gundy's bosses at ESPN may get a call.

The NBA league office works behind the scenes to manipulate the public discussion on officiating, especially by on-air analysts, according to Van Gundy and others in the broadcast industry.

"They've tried to hurt me with my bosses," Van Gundy said. "They've called my bosses and said, 'Nobody wants to hear that guy whine about officiating.' They're pretty sensitive about that sort of stuff. I'm not quite sure why. I think by critiquing them you're talking of their importance to the game.

"I'm not sure why they'd be upset with that."

Rod Thorn, the NBA's director of operations, said this week that the league monitors and logs what broadcasters say about officiating and rules. He outlined the league's program to evaluate and assign officials. And he believes the NBA has the best basketball officials in the world.

Thorn, who returned to the league eight months ago after a 13-year hiatus, said he hasn't made a practice of calling networks, complaining about criticism of his officials.

"I don't place those kinds of calls. I never have since I've been here. When I was here before, I didn't do it either."

http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/oregonian/john_canzano/index.ssf/2014/04/canzano_joey_crawford_is_trend.html

 

[BwareDWare94]

Van Gundy will complain about officials, but I hear him whine about silly rules much more often than calls. He's dead on about the current review process, though. Takes too long.

The NBA sends how many representatives to games, along with these officials? I think one of the other reps should be given monitor duty and that person should notify the head referee of the correct ruling. Shouldn't take two minutes like it does, right now. The ends of games already take way too long because there's no "too many time outs" rule when there needs to be. 

 

[elcheato]

Guarding LMA is hard, that's why the a Rockets have failed almost every time doing it. Coaching is hard, that's why there are only a handful of good ones

Just awful examples from a known whiner.

 

[buzzy]

Pimpin is hard too

 

[CameronCrazy06]

Well the Bulls have no doubled Hurricane's predicted points output for the game so this has to seem like a moral victory

 

[The Young One]

No talk about the awful Durant performance last night?

 

[CameronCrazy06]

There'd be plenty of it if they lost but Reggie saved them

 

[buzzy]

Remember when everybody was afraid of the Bulls?

 

[buzzy]

Wtf is Boozer good for if he can't even score?

 

[jonathanlambert33]

Trevor Ariza averaged 14.4 ppg this regular season, while shooting 40.7% from the 3pt line. He's averaging 14.0 ppg during the playoffs, and shooting 41.2% from the 3pt line. I'd be legitimately worried about paying him this summer because his two best seasons statistically have come in contract years.

 

[bosoxlover12]

No talk about the awful Durant performance last night?

Had a lot to do with Tony Allen shutting him down

 

[jonathanlambert33]

Mavs radio call yesterday:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcKMFcHygPk&feature=youtu.be

 

[buzzy]

But we still love Joel Myers

 

[buzzy]

Boozer fouling out in a quarter to help his team. What a guy.

 

[footballplaya52]

Heard Lebron stared down MJ while dunking. Is it true?-

Yes

 

[buzzy]

It has happened. Jake has finally OD'd on Chicago Bulls basketball. RIP in peace.

 

[buzzy]

Yes

 
He did not. Myth busted.
 
http://imgur.com/a/f6Wyi#8vtH4TL

 

[footballplaya52]

He did not. Myth busted.
 
http://imgur.com/a/f6Wyi#8vtH4TL

 

[Teagz]

https://twitter.com/BillSimmons/status/460497654108020736

 

[tyfreak]

Curry off to a hot start