When the Memphis Grizzlies traded Pau Gasol to the Lakers for the expiring contract of Kwame Brown and rookie gaurd Javaris Crittington many teams may have not agreed with that trade. None of them have come out and said the things that San Antonio Spurs coach Greg Popovich said. "What they did in Memphis is beyond comprehension," Popovich told SI.com. "There should be a trade committee that can scratch all trades that make no sense. I just wish I had been on a trade committee that oversees NBA trades. I would have voted no to the L.A. trade." Sounds like sour grapes to me.
All this coming from a team that has bench players that could start for other teams. Does he feel threatened by the Lakers making such a trade? I for one think so, what other reason could he have for such a comment. In my honest opinion it makes him look like a bitter old man. The Spurs while still a very good team and the defending NBA champions just may feel that their strangle hold on the best in the West may be coming to an end.
I for one hope both the Lakers and the Spurs make it to the Western conf. finals and the Lakers either sweep the Spurs or just down right beat the #### out of them. The comment during that interview just shows that Popovich is a poor sport unlike some of his players. Get over it, the trade is made, the Lakers and eventualy the Grizzlies are and will be better teams because of it. Popovich's legacy as a coach is not in jepordy, so there is no reason for his bitterness. Unlesss that is he feels that just being a great coach who had some really great seasons isn't enough. Is it that he hoped to someday catch up to Phil Jackson and Red Aubach in the many championship titles they have one? Let's face it coach Popovich your team may have lot's of class but you are an ####!
1. Popovich is the best coach in the NBA and has been for years.
2. Popovich doesn't fear the Lakers or any other team.
3. Popovich is free to share his opinion.
4. What the Grizzlies traded Gasol away for, was a joke. And if there were a committee that approved trades, this deal would have been shot down. The Lakers didn't give up a damn thing of value and got Gasol?
Smells like collusion. And I can understand why Popovich or any other person shook their head at this deal.
Pop is on the record saying the trade was one sided. That's his right. If he badmouthed the league, Napoleon, er , Stern would fine him.
I'd like more coaches talking. In the NBA, players are ususally traded for name brand players, due to the salary trade restrictions.
In MLB, prospects can be traded for a star and the commissioner rarely steps in.
I still have some stock in No No Nanette, if you'd like to buy shares.
I think Popovich is a stand up guy and I don't blame him for feeling the way he does.
In fact, if you could ask every other coach in the West the same question, they would likely respond the same. It's just that Pop doesn't care what anyone thinks of him.
And why should he?
He's won 4 rings in the last 10 years and he has the best power forward of all-time.
"1. Popovich is the best coach in the NBA and has been for years.
2. Popovich doesn't fear the Lakers or any other team.
3. Popovich is free to share his opinion.
4. What the Grizzlies traded Gasol away for, was a joke. And if there were a committee that approved trades, this deal would have been shot down. The Lakers didn't give up a damn thing of value and got Gasol?
Smells like collusion. And I can understand why Popovich or any other person shook their head at this deal."
That sums it up perfectly Train. Popovich only said what every knowledgeable NBA fan and journalist believes. If you were a Denver fan or a Utah fan, you would be thinking and saying the exact same things gambit.
Being a Laker fan, I am elated. from what I have heard the trade was done to rid themselves of some major dollars due to the fact that the team is up for sale. This wasn't a trade made for immediate impact on the floor but for impact to the bottom line. Every team has it's own agenda's. LA wanted to get better, Memphis wanted to look good on paper. I don't think there should be a board that determines how 2 teams choose to conduct business with one another. The only time the NBA should be involved in anything between franchises is if rules infractions have occured. I find Pops comments as being driven by resentment of some sort. We all know that resentment is fear turned inside out. He is entitled to his opinion, this is a free country. How ever it won't be for long if we start giving more and more control to "trade boards" over matters that are not of their concern. I keep hearing these rumblings about Jerry West being tied to it. West is one of if not the most respected men ever affiliated with the NBA. He is the epitomy of class and always has been. Unless people have something tangible to report, they should harness their mouths. I cannot believe that a man of his dignity and character would engage in anything shady. There has been nothing brought out lending any support to this biased and shallow insinuation. Popovich would have been better off to decline comment or keep it focussed on basketball rather than imply something is in question. He has too much class as well to reduce himself down to spoiled sport. Sour Grapes all the way
CAMike, Brent Barry, Depending on what night either Ginobli or Finley is on the bench both could start. Not to mention when Parker is healthy you'll have Stoudamire on the bench. The Spurs have been that way for a few years now. As for him expressing an opinion yes you are correct he did, Now I stated mine.
Train,
1.That's your opinion not mine
2. ok maybe I should have said he fears that the Spurs are no longer the dominate team they were.
3. Yes he is free to share his opinion, as am I. I think he's a bitter ####.
4. One sided trades are nothing new.
Smells like collusion????? c'mon you don't believe that. The NBA approved the trade so get over it.
slshusker,
Never said he deserved to be fined. All I said was he sounds bitter. no thx on the shares.
Hoffman,
Yeah every coach may feel like the deal was one sided but none came out and said it like he did. The deal is done, you move on and worry about your own team. I do not agree Duncan is the best all-time PF.
Jaysisko, Not going to repeat my same answers. Read abopve comment to Train. Also since you know me soooooo well you could be me, heck you'll have as easy of a time transitioning as Gasol has so far with the Lakers.
NBA, maybe without that connection it doesn't happen, maybe it does. Do you have some kind of evidence to prove that?
alaskanballa,
Finaly someone with a little sense and understanding. That's exactly the point I was trying to make. In short it makes coach "POP" seem like an ####.
Or possibly he might have just been expressing his honest opinion. Like you are doing. Or is that right only reserved for you? You obviously know little about Pop if you think for one moment he is worried about his legacy or is a bitter old man.
Pop does have class. Pop has never been about records and he is just about as modest and self effacing as an NBA coach could be. He always gives due to other coaches and players. He must have felt strongly about it because he seldom ever critizes anyone.
But Pop does have a sense of humor and I imagine a lot of what he said was tongue in cheek, especially the part about a committee.
And according to the article there were many team officials who expressed the same thing. They just did not quote anyone but Pop. Because none of them had the guts to go on the record. Pop just said what a lot of other people were saying.
And there have been many articles and blogs condemning the trade. There have been many talk show people, newspaper reporters, broadcasters, and posters who have said the same thing. Why single out Pop?
I think what Pop and most of the other people objected to anyway was not so much that LA got Gasol, but that the Memphis owner has so obviously abandoned his fans. That is actually what Pop said. There is no way anyone can even pretend that that was a fair trade for Memphis. I don't blame LA, hell, they made a great deal, but I think the fans of Memphis got royally shafted.
Last edited by Spurcse on February 11th at 1:38 PM.
"In short it makes coach "POP" seem like an ####."
If that's the case, then pretty much everbody BUT Laker fans are #### now. (Seeing as how only Laker fans think the trade was fair)
Say the Spurs got Chris Bosh from Toronto for Robert Horry and a couple throw-ins and draft picks. Then Laker fans would be blogging about how the trade should be vetoed, rather than how coach Pop is an ####...
Last edited by jaysisko on February 11th at 2:49 PM.
This is a dog eat dog world, so deal with it. I know if I offered someone five dollars for a single stick of gum hardly anyone would refuse to make that deal. So what? the Lakers were able to get Gasol for peanuts. I cant believe that there were other people trying to hate on them for doing it. What the Griz did was between them and their fans. Besides this is the land where unfair transactions happen all the time; our country was built on them (ex. Louisiana Purchase, Indian Treaties, etc.). It's called capitalism people so get used to it.
Psss... jealousy green doesn't look good on you Pop.
Last edited by DarkLark on February 11th at 2:51 PM.
Spurcse,
Never said free speach was only for me. Read the other comments I made and you'll see that. Pop has his opinion on the trade, I have mine about him and his statement. It's as simple as that.
Why would I be a bitter Laker fan. How do you know I'm a Laker fan at all. I'm from New Orleans we have a team here. As a matter of fact it's a team leading the Southwest division over your declining Spurs. I'll be honest though and say I am a laker fan. A bitter one no, there is nothing to be bitter about. The Lakers have done more in it's history with it's franchise in history than the Spurs will ever do.
Jay,
Once again you are going on record saying you know me so well that I would complain about such a trade to the Spurs. I could care less who the Spurs put on their team. Besides they have a bunch of really good players starting and on the bench. Is the reason you Spurs fans and coach "POP" Pissed off because it's just another starter you couldn't add to your own team. Give it a rest already. you making yourself seem more of an #### than coach "POP" by acting as if you know me so well.
DarkLark,
Thx for the comment and talking sense to these Spur fans (not all Spur fans) is like talking to a rebelious teenager. They only here what you say but never really listen and try to understand.
Last edited by gambitxxx on February 11th at 3:57 PM.
I think that greg popanidiot should worry about his own team stay out of the lakers roster , o im sorry , maybe he is just jelous. I mean dam you are the world champs what are you afraid of.
You seriously wouldn't care if the Spurs added another all-star to their team at little or no cost? If that's the case, then from now on I WILL know you so well. I'll know that you are completely full of #### and I won't be able to believe anything you write in the future.
"Besides this is the land where unfair transactions happen all the time; our country was built on them (ex. Louisiana Purchase, Indian Treaties, etc.). It's called capitalism people so get used to it."
I can't believe that DarkLark tried to compare this trade to the Lousiana Purchase. At the time, no one knew how big a steal that deal was. With this one, everyone knew right away. It wasn't like other countries were out there saying they could pay more for the land. Memphis could have got a way better deal for Gasol, but didn't. This wasn't capitalism by any means. Collusion is more accurate.
I know you are a Laker fan because you said so in your profile. Right there in your list of favorite teams along with the Saints and the Hornets. Do you think pretending not to be would make your opinion seem less biased?
So we are not supposed to assume you are a bitter Lakers fan for critizing Pop because we do not know you?
But it is OK for you to assume Pop is a bitter old man for critizing the trade, because you know him soooo well?
I find that just a little hypocritical.
You do the same thing to Pop and to the posters responding to your blog that you are complaining about them doing to you. Making assumptions about someone that you do not know. And you make this assumption based on one comment in a magazine article.
You know absolutely nothing about Pop. To even suggest that he is making these statements because he is a bitter old man is just laughable. And it does touch a nerve with those of us who do see and hear a lot more about him than you do.
We know the character and class of this man. We see it every day. Even if you do not agree with him is no reason to impugn his character. And yes, by suggesting that all he is concerned about is HIS legacy and his place among the great coaches is impugning his character.
I mentioned his sense of humor. Nearly everyone I have spoken to about it and many of the comments on Spurs message boards just laughed at it as another example of Pop's scarcastic humor. I do not expect anyone who does not live in SA and see it more often to understand.
But I doubt if you want to understand.
Last edited by Spurcse on February 12th at 7:36 AM.
bpchoppers,
Thx for commenting I agree. Why worry about another team, when your own team is struggling. Seems his attention is misplaced.
Jay, No I wouldn't care. Fine by me what you think about me. That's your right. As for not reading anything I post, why you still here. Dude I could care less.
Spurcse,
Ok did you look to see I was a Laker fan befor or after you made that assumption that I was? I was not pretending anything. I ask you a question then clearly said I was a fan. Assume what you like. All I am saying is I have no reason to be bitter. Once again must I repeat myself to you Spur fans? The Lakers have done more than the Spurs have or ever will do.
I may assume what I like. Doesn't sound like sarcasm to me. But hey if you want to take it as so be my guest. were all hypocrites so your perception of the obvious is stunning. I never once complained about your comments. Say what what you like doesn't bother me. Do you really know him? You act as if y0ou guys hang out or something? Look you have you opinion on the matter I have mine. Have a great day!
Last edited by gambitxxx on February 12th at 8:58 AM.
Jay, don't hate the Lakers because they came up at a Griz's liquidation sale. The Griz wanted to get some value if anything out of Gasol before the trade deadline and he becomes a free agent. Also bringing down the average salary of players to make the team more suitablt for sale.
Also, How were the French going to keep up a land that was a several week ocean trip and a large country away? It's not like they had jet liners back then. Plus the price on the up keep? They were better off selling it so the US benefited on their misfortune (just like the Lakers from the Griz).
Last edited by DarkLark on February 12th at 10:51 AM.
DarkLark, a liquidation sale? You know, I have heard the same thing. That the Grizz owner is liquidating his big salaries in preparation for selling the team. Make the team more attractive to a potential buyer. And wrap it in the mantle of reducing cap room so you can make the team better next year.
If the Grizz owner does indeed sell the team, I think that will tell us all we need to know about the trade.
And people are NOT blaming the Lakers. No one can blame them for getting what they can. To turn the trade down would have been foolhardy. The Lakers fans are being too sensitive. The critism has been made against the Grizz owner, not the Lakers.
Sprucse, yeah I guess my comment seemed a little sensitive about the trade but I'm sorta used to people bashing the Lakers all the time I guess I get a little defensive in topics involving them.
Besides in sharing the point of view for the Griz fans, I guess I would be real pissed if they traded Kobe for some thing other than the empire state building, grand canyon and majority share in Microsoft.
Last edited by DarkLark on February 12th at 1:40 PM.
Jay,
Liquidation sale that's funny LMAO! I'll have to remember that when discussing this with my people. I happen to be the only Laker fan out of my family and friends. The rest abandoned them when the Hornets moved to New Orleans. I just claimed the Hornets to be my second team. I've been a Laker fn since the 80's
Spurcse,
All I did is ask you a question in hopes that you would tell the truth. I don't believe you are lying, I'll give you that.
Really what's your evidence? Only thing I am is a laker fan who thinks Pop's statement was out of line. Not bitter it's just my opinion. What he ask for or stating is something that happens in fantasy leagues.
Yes Pop has been successful, I did say he was. I just threw a few things to maybe get answers from elsewhere but all i got was grief. Who's the bitter one now?????
No never said he couldn't have an honest opinion. I took what he said as an honest opinion and yes did assume what I think it means. But that's my opinion and I am sticking with it.
Offends me????? No being called white trash by other white folks is what offends me. Only thing I said about you assuming was you were headed down the same road as Jay and assuming you know all about me when in fact you don't know #### about me other than 1. What teams I am a fan of. 2. That I assume Pop's comment is bitter. After that what do you know????? Lokk don't get all you underwear bunched up because I assumed what I think he meant by that statement. We can agree to disagree and move on already geez! Will it make you happy if I drop a post now saying how I think Mark Cuban is a coward and couldn't say the same as Pop until He said something? would that make you feel better knowing your coach is atleast not a coward? I respect his accomplishments but as for that statement...well you know what I think. Nuff Said!
One more thing I just wanted to throw out there. I can see me posting a blog about Mark Cuban being a coward because he only came out and said he second coach popovich's statement. Why he never said that befor? Boy if I got heat from just two Spurs fans. Wonder what kind of Heat I'll get from Mav's fans. LMAO! You guys kill me with your jokes.
gambitbox, I guess I do get protective of Pop. He is just a classy guy which all the Spurs fans get to see on a regular basis. I don't think one comment should label him as bitter. Even if you do not agree with him. Just my opinion.
I heard a so called "expert" on a talk show this morning saying that the owner of the Grizzles was all about putting money into his pocket and that he could care less about the Grizzles, that Memphis hated him and he hated Memphis and he wanted out. He predicted that the next player to go would be Mike Miller.
Since the Grizzles actually had room under the cap and a core of young players to build on, the excuse that he was trying to create cap room by trading off his best player, seems fishy at best.
If he does indeed trade Miller and then puts the team up for sale, I think it will say a lot about this guy.
Again, not blaming the Lakers. And it does not really matter to me. If you want to be champions, you have to beat the best. If you can't then so be it.
You make a good point DarkLark. Wonder how the Lakers would feel if their owner traded Kobe to the Spurs for Ime Udoka and Matt Bonner and a couple of draft picks? I suspect there would be a revolution in Laker land with a call for a Congessional Investigation and an oversight committee. LOL
Spurcse,
Not a problem, I get the same way when people attack my LSU Tigers. If indeed the owner of the Gizz does do the things you say it all seems shady. As for the last statement you made that's funny but you are probably correct.
Jay, stop harping on about it being a collusion the "crappy" owner wanted more cap space so he could sell the team and it happened to be the Lakers who came up on it. If Gasol went to your favorite team you'd be happier than a Georgia peach and collusion would be one of the least used word in your vocabulary.
And since you don't have any HARDCORE proof it was a collusion all that is coming out of your mouth is hot gas that smells like #### and sounds like 'Whah Whah Whah'.
(Oh by the way pull the stick out of your #### I bet you would feel much better)
PS To everyone else I appologize for my foul language it is just that bungholes like jay #### me off.
Dark, I #### you off by pointing out that you don't have a clue what you are talking about? (I provided evidence to that fact)
And yes, I'd be happy if my team got a trade that was a steal of a deal. But I would also say that it was unfair and should be vetoed if it was so one-sided. Many Laker fans won't admit that the trade was unfair. I don't hold the Lakers team accountable, they should take the best deals they can find. Memphis is at fault here, but some Laker fans are hypocrites for saying that they wouldn't mind if another team had benifitted as they did.
For those who don't know here is a defintion of a collusion:
"Collusion is an agreement, usually secretive, which occurs between two or more persons to deceive, mislead, or defraud others of legal rights"
Were any other teams defrauded of their legal rights to trade? No.
Was the talks between the two teams secretive? No.
And if you were meaning the owners personal objectives then you would be wrong too because if he doesn't want high salaried players on his team that is his buisness and you need another party involved to form a collusion anyway.
Therefore there is no collusion.
All you have is speculation THATS IT!
Last edited by DarkLark on February 13th at 1:51 PM.
i love how people keep looking for reasons and excuses to hate the spurs.....and its funny to me how when it is all said and done they still hate the spurs....every year theres excuses and complains from the hater like...oh if diaw(who didnt do bleep in the spurs series) and amare (who missed game 5 but played in all the other games). stop complaining...and all this talk about gasol is getting very annoying..the only reason he got traded to the lakers because they needed to match up with Duncan... ...and i love how when we struggle in the regular season people make mountains out of hills like were never suppose to loose..we loose in the regular season to a team we should beat and everyone is already saying were done..celtics lost to wizards a while back twice does that mean wizards are gonna win the championship or does it mean the celtics are done..NO!!! ...theres 82 games in the season, 4 rounds in the playoffs and the finals ...who wins when it matters is all that counts...Stop hating and looking for more reasons to hate The Spurs..if your tired of us making it far and being good just say it....
The perfect breakfast as I see it.
You’re sitting at the table and your son is on the cover of Wheaties, your mistress is on the cover of Playboy, and your wife is on the back of the milk carton.
When the Memphis Grizzlies traded Pau Gasol to the Lakers for the expiring contract of Kwame Brown and rookie gaurd Javaris Crittington many teams may have not agreed with that trade. None of them have come out and said the things that San Antonio Spurs coach Greg Popovich said. "What they did in Memphis is beyond comprehension," Popovich told SI.com. "There should be a trade committee that can scratch all trades that make no sense. I just wish I had been on a trade committee that oversees NBA trades. I would have voted no to the L.A. trade." Sounds like sour grapes to me.
