Hard to watch NBA ball....

[hobhog]

Pushing and shoving and travels. Great athletes but good grief it's incredible what it has evolved into.

[Hollywood_HOGan45]

Pushing and shoving and travels. Great athletes but good grief it's incredible what it has evolved into.

All the flopping and flailing to get calls gets old.

[hawgmasta]

I pretty much only start watching in the second round of the playoffs. The regular season isn't fun for me anymore though it is better than a few to ten years ago.

[rzrbackramsfan]

Hm.  I feel like this has been a great playoff so far.  The east is much more competitive than it used to be. 

I'm fine with the pushing and shoving, I wish they'd let more of that slide in college.  Sometimes refs miss travel calls, but that's doesn't make watching NBA unbearable.  Just my 2 cents though.

[cityhog]

It beats watching the free throw shooting contest known as NCAA basketball.

[hogsanity]

I'm fine with the pushing and shoving, I wish they'd let more of that slide in college. 

Why?

Hm.  I feel like this has been a great playoff so far.  The east is much more competitive than it used to be. 

Sometimes refs miss travel calls,

They do not miss travel calls, they ignore them. I was at a Mavs game and TWICE a plaer took 5 steps with no call.

[Karma]

I much prefer college ball, but the level of play is so much higher in the NBA. They can actually make jump shots.

[hobhog]

I much prefer college ball, but the level of play is so much higher in the NBA. They can actually make jump shots.

No doubt..... But if you look at the games from 70s-80s it's amazing and sad how physical it's gotten. Put one of today's teams against anyone in the Magic/Bird/Jordan era and the whole team would foul out in the first half.

[k.c.hawg]

Was listening to an interview with a guy that wrote a book on Steph Curry and he was talking about he closes every practice session shooting 3's and being pushed by a trainer while in air and during release,. He makes 5 before calling it a day. Prepare for the game that is being played.

I don't watch much NBA until playoffs but I think the game is much better than the era of the Knicks and Pistons playing games in the 80's. You cannot compare the physicality of then and now. That wasn't pushing it was mugging. The game is moving to more small ball, more spacing, more of a team concept except maybe OKC.

[EastexHawg]

I am enjoying the playoffs so far this year.  I was glad to see Houston advance over the One Man Show.  Now I am rooting hard for Boston to close out the Bulls so that Cleveland won't have the East handed to them on a silver platter.

The Warriors move and share the ball more than anyone...and they can shoot.  They have become my favorite team over the last few years and I expect them to win another title.

[Biggus Piggus]

I am amazed at the skill level in pro basketball these days. The shots people make, crazy. Often wonder what gave them the gall to even try.

[311Hog]

I am enjoying the playoffs so far this year.  I was glad to see Houston advance over the One Man Show.  Now I am rooting hard for Boston to close out the Bulls so that Cleveland won't have the East handed to them on a silver platter.

The Warriors move and share the ball more than anyone...and they can shoot.  They have become my favorite team over the last few years and I expect them to win another title.

I have come to enjoy watching the Warriors play as well.  I liked watching them when Mark Jackson was the coach.  I remember getting mad when they canned him thinking they are making a mistake, but what do i know.

[zebradynasty]

No doubt..... But if you look at the games from 70s-80s it's amazing and sad how physical it's gotten. Put one of today's teams against anyone in the Magic/Bird/Jordan era and the whole team would foul out in the first half.

Are you saying today's game is more physical than in the 70's- 80's?

[hobhog]

Are you saying today's game is more physical than in the 70's- 80's?

Yes. The Pistons were admonished for how they played in the 80s. Seems like everyone plays that way now.

Keep in mind I am not big NBA fan these days. I watch Ex Hog players and occasional game on a Holliday so I am no expert.

[zebradynasty]

Yes. The Pistons were admonished for how they played in the 80s. Seems like everyone plays that way now.

I don't know about that. With all the flagrant foul rules, no hand-checking, fines, instant replay, suspensions....a player can't get away with half of what they got away with in 70-80's. Also, the game is centered around the perimeter now vs. working inside the paint out in old era. Players bodies are different. In the 70-80's had a lot of inside players 240-250 lbs. Now taller skinny players shooting 3 pointers. Not saying it's easy in the paint but to me it seems much tamer inside than it used to be.

[hogsanity]

I am amazed at the skill level in pro basketball these days. The shots people make, crazy. Often wonder what gave them the gall to even try.

That is why I watch the playoffs. Same reason I watch the NHL playoffs or the World Cup in Soccer. It is being played by the best athletes, at their sport, in the world. I am not a soccer fan but I can appreciate the level they play at. Same for the.

[oldman1015]

I don't know about that. With all the flagrant foul rules, no hand-checking, fines, instant replay, suspensions....a player can't get away with half of what they got away with in 70-80's. Also, the game is centered around the perimeter now vs. working inside the paint out in old era. Players bodies are different. In the 70-80's had a lot of inside players 240-250 lbs. Now taller skinny players shooting 3 pointers. Not saying it's easy in the paint but to me it seems much tamer inside than it used to be.

How many points would Curry have averaged against the Pistons. I promise you he would have stayed out of the paint.

[EastexHawg]

I enjoy watching Steph Curry in particular because he combines tremendous range and accuracy with the quickest release I have ever seen.  On top of that, he usually plays smart basketball.  For instance, if he gets the ball in his hands with 28-35 seconds left in a quarter or half he will always take a quick shot to get two for one in terms of possessions.  I know it based on watching games from home, so I am sure opponents know as well.  But, considering his range maybe knowing and stopping it are two different things.

[zebradynasty]

How many points would Curry have averaged against the Pistons. I promise you he would have stayed out of the paint.

The hand checking that was allowed in the 80's would have slowed him down also. But that range...Step would still be a dangerous but very rarely would he be threat to score 30-40 had he played in the that era.

[phadedhawg]

After Seattle lost the Sonics I stopped watching in the NBA out of protest.  I usually tune in for the finals though. 

[TNhawgfan]

I don't watch the NBA at all. To me it was summed up perfectly in the cal documentary where one of his former Nets players said, "I ain't diving for a ball in the first quarter...last four minutes maybe."

[ErieHog]

Its so brutal to watch the best basketball played in the history of the world.  Terrible, really.  How dare they!

[rude1]

Anyone saying that today's NBA game is too physical, obviously either wasn't around or didn't watch three decades of NBA basketball from 70s - 90s. I mean there was literally a position in the NBA at that time deemed "the enforcer", he was the rugged power forward who's job was to mug people and intimidate people from attacking the lane, to be that nasty guy that did the dirty work to allow the starting center more freedom to roam.

[ShadowHawg]

Its so brutal to watch the best basketball played in the history of the world.  Terrible, really.  How dare they!

I wouldn't call today's NBA the best in history.

I miss the great low post play and mid range game. Adrian Dantley and Vinnie Johnson have no place in today's game.

Not even sure Barkley would be a part of today's NBA.

I like the way the game is officiated outside of the lack of traveling calls.

[popcornhog]

Pushing and shoving and travels. Great athletes but good grief it's incredible what it has evolved into.

Man, I feel like the NBA is experiencing a renaissance. There are so many good players right now -- including bigs that can play in the post AND shoot.

Also, the depth of serious HOF talent right now is amazing. I had to quit following the NBA for awhile there following MJ's retirement, but it's back and almost as good as ever.

[Jackrabbit Hog]

Anyone saying that today's NBA game is too physical, obviously either wasn't around or didn't watch three decades of NBA basketball from 70s - 90s. I mean there was literally a position in the NBA at that time deemed "the enforcer", he was the rugged power forward who's job was to mug people and intimidate people from attacking the lane, to be that nasty guy that did the dirty work to allow the starting center more freedom to roam.

Basically invented by Maurice Lucas with the Trailblazers in the '70s to protect Bill Walton.  Later perfected by guys like Rick Mahorn.

[Adam Stokes]

I wouldn't call today's NBA the best in history.

I miss the great low post play and mid range game. Adrian Dantley and Vinnie Johnson have no place in today's game.

Not even sure Barkley would be a part of today's NBA.

I like the way the game is officiated outside of the lack of traveling calls.

"Remember when players used to take the most inefficient shots in history? Those were the days..."

There are only been seasons 5 seasons were the effective FG% of the NBA was able .500, and those seasons have all happened in the last decade.

FWIW, Barkley & Dantley both are in the top 50 in NBA history in effective FG% (Barkley top 20), so they would still certainly find their place in today's game. Crazy that 5 of the top 11 (and 6 of 12 once Rudy Gobert has played enough seasons) players in eFG% are playing right now. And that Steph Curry is the only player under 6'9" in the top 10.

Here's a fun article as well that talks about the average height and weight per player. Players were biggest around the turn of the century.

https://seatsmart.com/blog/history-of-the-nba-player/

[PORKULATOR]

Some players can't get a call and some players you can't breathe on. I hate the NBA.
I'm all Stanley Cup this time of year.

[hobhog]

Anyone saying that today's NBA game is too physical, obviously either wasn't around or didn't watch three decades of NBA basketball from 70s - 90s. I mean there was literally a position in the NBA at that time deemed "the enforcer", he was the rugged power forward who's job was to mug people and intimidate people from attacking the lane, to be that nasty guy that did the dirty work to allow the starting center more freedom to roam.

And those enforcers fouled out. Today that enforcer would play the whole game.

There isn't supposed to be any contact with a player dribbling or driving in basketball. It was not invented as a contact sport. Show me in the rules where it is allowed. It's changed now- contact is expected and accepted.

[hogsanity]

"Remember when players used to take the most inefficient shots in history? Those were the days..."

There are only been seasons 5 seasons were the effective FG% of the NBA was able .500, and those seasons have all happened in the last decade.

FWIW, Barkley & Dantley both are in the top 50 in NBA history in effective FG% (Barkley top 20), so they would still certainly find their place in today's game. Crazy that 5 of the top 11 (and 6 of 12 once Rudy Gobert has played enough seasons) players in eFG% are playing right now. And that Steph Curry is the only player under 6'9" in the top 10.

Here's a fun article as well that talks about the average height and weight per player. Players were biggest around the turn of the century.

https://seatsmart.com/blog/history-of-the-nba-player/

Is the increase in effective fg% the result of so many shots being layups and dunks? It seems like all I see when I do watch nba games ( my kid is a OKC fan ) is either drives resulting in a layup/dunk or a foul, or 3 pt shots.

[Auburn]

man i feel like hobhog is watching something totally different than the NBA i see on tv.

current NBA is a renaissance to skill and movement and it is fun to watch.  no more awful ISO-selfish ballhogging.

back to the point, but i wish the physical level was amped up a bit more to get it closer to the 80s.  i think the lane is too easy to drive and finish these days because there is no threat of body contact.  bring the contact back, make drive and dish or the pull up jumper or tear drop back en vogue.  or just hammer home a dunk.

current NBA post season has been great the past few years, this year too.  i say this as a guy who totally quit watching from 2000 to about 2012 because it was unbearable to watch.

[EastexHawg]

One reason the lane is so open is because there are so many guys who can hit 3 point shots.  Watch the Warriors come down court on a fast break.  There are guys running out to guard Curry and Thompson instead of just clogging the lane.  Try packing the paint to prevent layups and you'll get hammered with threes.

[311Hog]

One reason the lane is so open is because there are so many guys who can hit 3 point shots.  Watch the Warriors come down court on a fast break.  There are guys running out to guard Curry and Thompson instead of just clogging the lane.  Try packing the paint to prevent layups and you'll get hammered with threes.

To me this is really the signature of the league right now.  If you can't bang in the 3 ball you aren't going to win a lot.

[HogsonHicks]

I enjoy the playoffs, but the constant whining about a call or no-call on seemingly every trip down the floor gets old.  I hope the NBA will crack down on that garbage, a bit like cracking down on complaints over balls & strikes in baseball.

I may be an old "get off my lawn guy", but it really detracts from the flow and takes the attention away from actual gameplay.

[EastexHawg]

I enjoy the playoffs, but the constant whining about a call or no-call on seemingly every trip down the floor gets old.  I hope the NBA will crack down on that garbage, a bit like cracking down on complaints over balls & strikes in baseball.

Tim Duncan never committed a foul.  Ever.

A couple of nights ago I was watching the Celtics and Bulls.  Lopez committed such an egregious foul against (I think) Horford, getting his arm in a hammerlock, that I thought it must have been planned and intentional.  But no, he threw a fit complaining about the call.  Dude...really?

[ErieHog]

Is the increase in effective fg% the result of so many shots being layups and dunks? It seems like all I see when I do watch nba games ( my kid is a OKC fan ) is either drives resulting in a layup/dunk or a foul, or 3 pt shots.

No.  Most of the uptick is in perimeter shooting,  where 3 point percentages have essentially doubled since the introduction of the shot.

[poloprince]

Meanwhile the NBA is setting attendance records. 

[HognitiveDissonance]

I always enjoy the NBA playoffs. There's usually a game on late at night virtually every night. A good way to end the day.

The NBA's problem is the season is too long and the players are tired much of the time. When April arrives, there is more rest between games and the intensity and energy ratchets up. It's good ball.

[ThisTeetsTaken]

I stopped watching a decade ago.

[ErieHog]

I stopped watching a decade ago.

Well, that was about the end of the worst era of the NBA since the shot clock.   Kinda stinks that you sat through the worst part of the league,  and left just as it was getting cranked back up.

[passinghog]

This thread is laughable. The NBA is so much more of a better watch than college basketball, it's like the difference between living in a 3rd world country and Manhattan. College basketball is unwatchable at least half the time due to the officiating and lack of skill

[The_Bionic_Pig]

It beats watching the free throw shooting contest known as NCAA basketball.

Hallelujah!!!

[HogFaninMemphis]

Guys, the NBA has the same flaws it's always had: star treatment, lack of effort by some players (Please don't buy that most or all players only give max effort in the 4th. It simply isn't true.), and loosening of basic rules like traveling and lane violations. What it does have is the best players in the world who can score from anywhere and has smart defenders who make mind-blowing steals, blocks, switches, etc.
College ball is more strict on the rules and has a drastically lower talent level.
So be it. Make your choices.
I choose to watch the Hogs and Grizzlies, but by April I'm locked into baseball season.

[McKdaddy]

Well, that was about the end of the worst era of the NBA since the shot clock.   Kinda stinks that you sat through the worst part of the league,  and left just as it was getting cranked back up.

[HiggiePiggy]

Baseball and basketball have similar problems. Both leagues are way too long and especially basketballs playoff.  The first round started on April 15th and it is now April 29th and the jazz and clippers are playing game 7 while wizards and celtics are starting the second round. Basketball also in my opinion allows too many teams into the playoff. More than half the league is in the playoff.


Everything I said here I posted yesterday in the wrong thread. 

[EastexHawg]

Baseball and basketball have similar problems. Both leagues are way too long and especially basketballs playoff.  The first round started on April 15th and it is now April 29th and the jazz and clippers are playing game 7 while wizards and celtics are starting the second round. Basketball also in my opinion allows too many teams into the playoff. More than half the league is in the playoff.


Everything I said here I posted yesterday in the wrong thread. 

The amount of time off between games is ridiculous.  The Warriors and Blazers played one game, waited three days, played another game, and waited another three days to play game three.  That series started on April 16.  Golden State's second round series will start 16 days later on May 2.  Why does it take 2-1/2 weeks to play a series that will go a maximum of seven games?  The Warriors only took 21 days to play their last 13 games of the regular season.

[ShadowHawg]

"Remember when players used to take the most inefficient shots in history? Those were the days..."

There are only been seasons 5 seasons were the effective FG% of the NBA was able .500, and those seasons have all happened in the last decade.

FWIW, Barkley & Dantley both are in the top 50 in NBA history in effective FG% (Barkley top 20), so they would still certainly find their place in today's game. Crazy that 5 of the top 11 (and 6 of 12 once Rudy Gobert has played enough seasons) players in eFG% are playing right now. And that Steph Curry is the only player under 6'9" in the top 10.

Here's a fun article as well that talks about the average height and weight per player. Players were biggest around the turn of the century.

https://seatsmart.com/blog/history-of-the-nba-player/

Stats don't sell tickets. Stats only entertain a minority of people.

Basketball is entertainment first and foremost.

And no, Dantley and Barkley don't get drafted today because they were too short. Today's NBA players are drafted on potential not performance. Your "proof" that they perform up to standards while not also showing current players in their mold is goofy.

Inefficient shot selection. LOL!

That is a theory. Demarcation Derozan makes a lot of money and is the best player on his team and he does it while taking inefficient shots.

Stats analytics had its place but it is only as good as the people who interpret it as well as the limitations of the quality of inputs.

There are whole segments of the game missing today in the NBA. I miss seeing them personally.

[hogsanity]

The amount of time off between games is ridiculous.  The Warriors and Blazers played one game, waited three days, played another game, and waited another three days to play game three.  That series started on April 16.  Golden State's second round series will start 16 days later on May 2.  Why does it take 2-1/2 weeks to play a series that will go a maximum of seven games?  The Warriors only took 21 days to play their last 13 games of the regular season.

TV.  The playoffs take 2 months, simply absurd.

[EastexHawg]

I hate to see Charles Barkley and Draymond Green compared, even if it is for being outspoken.  Barkley is an all-time great.  He would be a great player today.  Through his prime years, meaning until about the time he left Phoenix for Houston, he was about a 25 point, 12 boards a game guy who shot an extremely high percentage for a non-center, as in around 60% on two point shots.  He led the league in two point FG% five years in a row, and that was during a time when guys like Olajuwon, Kareem, Kevin McHale, Artis Gilmore, and Moses Malone were in the league. 

His rebounding was probably the most remarkable part of his game.  He was extremely strong physically and got great elevation despite his thickness.  Despite playing until he was way past his prime he averaged close to 12 rebounds per game, including leading the league with 14.6 one year...at 6'5". 

[Smalltownhog95]

I was born mid 90's so I never got to see MJ or Stockton or Barkley on the court. It blows me away when I see old games what the NBA used to look like. Then I realize the NFL is going down the same road...