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10-17-2006, 11:44 PM
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#41 |
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Diamond Member
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 5,048
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Fun game to watch but truthfully I was not impressed by any of the four players vying for that last roster spot.
My thoughts on Juan Jose Barea, who I believe remains the leading candidate for last roster spot: - He is quick and has decent court awareness but his actual passes don't seem as crisp as I envisioned they would be. Also, he was having a lot of trouble on D. He definitely brings up the pace of the game but I would have liked to see him utilize his quickness more with some drive and dish plays. Mostly it seemed he was just playing hot potato out there. A definite project that I wouldn't mind taking a risk on this year, but unless he develops some defensive srappiness under Avery's reign, I don't see him keeping that 15th spot after this season. -Ebi: The guy definitely has some athleticism and has a strong willingness to fight for the loose ball. My impression of him was he plays like a very raw M'Benga. Not sure he has much of a chance for the last spot. Washington: Seems like a hard worker with decent athleticism but I just don't think he'll be able to impress anyone enough to warrant a spot on this team. He didn't seem to be doing much right or wrong this game. On the newbies: Croshere: He didn't do anything spectacular all game but definitely seems to have a nack for doing the small things. He boxes out very well and goes up strong for rebounds, he handles the ball well enough and possesses enough strenght to drive to the hoop on occasion, and he appears to be very intune with the flow of the game. His shot was still off tonight but I think that has more to do with getting in the rythm with this offense. Anthony Johnson: Eeehh, well he reminded me of a taller and longer Armstrong. He didn't do anything spectacular but he was getting hard and physical. I think he will make a solid and more than capeable back-up at the 1 and 2. Pops: Didn't see much of anything from him but then again I wasn't expecting much. He showed a lot of hustle and fought hard for rebounds. I think he will eventually turn out to be a solid pick-up if he keeps at it. Ager: The guy really impressed me. I didn't realize he was as quick as he is and noticed that he has a great demeanor about him. His shots weren't falling but he does have a nice smooth stroke and tons of athleticism to drive to the hole. Minus the ill-advised shots, I think he's going to be a good one. Buckner: He hustled and showed many flashes of scrappiness and defensive smarts. Didn't appear to be going 100% but then again I don't expect him to in preseason. I'm glad to have this guy on our team
__________________
 ''Nowitzki'' is a German word that, translated, means, ''Good Lord, doesn't this guy ever miss?'' -Miami paper on Dirk Nowitzki |
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10-17-2006, 11:48 PM
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#42 | |
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Banned
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 217
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Quote:
To me, it looks like the 15th spot should go to someone that is NOT on the team right now. JJ made so many mental errors tonight. He left his feet many times tonight on passes. Ebi reminds me a bit of DJ, because you can tell he has some skills and just needs to work a little harder and time could be on his side in the near future. DJ was very agressive on offense. I really like that. I didn't see Pat Carroll tonight.. Lastly, I am trying to get a read on Pops, but he seems to not play too often. He looks a bit lost out there on offense, but his defense is very solid. Maybe AJ will use him as a defensive specialist. |
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10-17-2006, 11:53 PM
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#43 | |
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Banned
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 217
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Ebi----He does remind me of DJ, except he is more agressive on offense. Yeah, he was called for walking about 3 times, but he stayed agressive. I am starting to think if the Mavs were not so short-handed with PG that can push the ball, that maybe Ebi would win that last spot. Do anyone know why Pops does not play too often? |
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10-18-2006, 12:44 AM
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#44 | |
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Banned
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Nowhere
Posts: 40,924
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10-18-2006, 02:18 AM
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#45 |
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Platinum Member
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Germany
Posts: 2,039
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10-18-2006, 02:19 AM
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#46 |
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Platinum Member
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Germany
Posts: 2,039
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Mavericks' first string sits this one out
Players' injuries leave Howard the lone starter in 72-69 loss to Rockets 12:20 AM CDT on Wednesday, October 18, 2006 By EDDIE SEFKO / The Dallas Morning News With six of their top eight players sidelined, the Mavericks didn't have to worry about giving away any secrets to the Houston Rockets Tuesday night. "This team, hopefully, won't be the one they see in the regular season," coach Avery Johnson said. Considering the Mavericks shot 34 percent, hit just 55 percent from the free-throw line and scored only 69 points, there wasn't much to like about the fourth consecutive loss of the preseason, a 72-69 setback to the Rockets at American Airlines Center. But there was one bright spot. Josh Howard, the only sure-fire starter who was on the floor, came up with 22 points and eight rebounds in 19 minutes. "Josh has been pretty confident, and he's maturing a little bit," Johnson said. "We have a goal for Josh this year in the departments of points, rebounds, assists and steals. He's accepted that challenge, and he's trying." He just didn't have much help against the Rockets. Johnson praised the effort of those who were on hand, but he added that conditioning remains a question mark for his team. Theoretically, the Rockets were playing with a full unit, minus new addition Bonzi Wells. The Rockets had Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming in uniform. They were 21-10 last season when those two were healthy. The Mavericks? They had a nice team sitting this one out. Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry, Jerry Stackhouse, Erick Dampier, Devin Harris and Devean George were sidelined with various ailments. "None of those guys are ready to play yet," Johnson said. "We hope to have them back sometime later in the week." All of them will have to go through at least today's practice to earn a ticket into the next exhibition, Thursday against Milwaukee. George had a case of nasty food poisoning and couldn't keep food down for the last couple of days. "I have to teach him what restaurants to go to here," Johnson said. Dampier, meanwhile, was fighting a sore right hip after a bad fall in practice Monday. Johnson said Dampier probably will miss at least another practice or two. "It's just sore," Dampier said. "It's nothing serious though." Strange sight: Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy got a surprise when he and his team arrived at AAC for shootaround Tuesday morning. There was no Terry on the floor. Usually, Terry has to be shooed off the court so the Rockets can have their workout. "He's the most diligent shooter from an opposing team that I've ever seen," Van Gundy said. "Every time we come in here at 9:30, 10 in the morning, he's always on the floor. I have great respect for him." Briefly: Johnson said he continues to watch and monitor the three players still vying for the 15th spot on the roster. Pat Carroll was waived, leaving Jose Barea, Darius Washington and Ndudi Ebi jockeying for the final roster spot. "I'm waiting for somebody to really separate themselves," Johnson said. ... Mavericks physician T.O. Souryal was honored last weekend weekend in Huntsville as Sam Houston State's 2006 distinguished alumnus. |
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10-18-2006, 02:47 AM
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#47 |
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Diamond Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Between Blue Lines
Posts: 4,425
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how did the rockets win without playing ryan bowen?! ;P
__________________
 "I still go through it in my head," Nowitzki said. "One of my last nights in Germany [last month], I was trying to go to sleep, but I couldn't. I was thinking about the free throw I missed [late in Game 3], about different situations that happened in that series. I'll never forget it. It's going to stay in my mind until we win it all." |
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10-18-2006, 03:05 AM
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#48 | |
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Inactive.
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Posts: 42,996
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10-18-2006, 06:20 AM
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#49 | |
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Diamond Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Between Blue Lines
Posts: 4,425
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Quote:
Although the Dirk of two years ago is WAY different than the Dirk of now.
__________________
"I still go through it in my head," Nowitzki said. "One of my last nights in Germany [last month], I was trying to go to sleep, but I couldn't. I was thinking about the free throw I missed [late in Game 3], about different situations that happened in that series. I'll never forget it. It's going to stay in my mind until we win it all." |
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10-18-2006, 09:04 AM
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#50 |
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Member
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 78
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I was able to go to the game. Beer was $6.50 and up. The Mavs dancers were too blond. Mavs man didn't do any somersault dunks. And Avery put a bunch of rookies on the floor and seemed to say 'show me why I should keep you on the team'. No one rose to the challenge. There wasn't much of a crowd to begin with, but you could still see people streaming out of the arena early in the 4th quarter when the play got really ugly.
Washington got a lot of minutes, but was invisible. Pops got a few minutes, played decent defense, but disappeared on offense. In short, he was invisible. Ager plays like he has gone to the Stackhouse school of basketball. He has the physical ability to do it, but missed a lot of baskets. Barea seems to know he has made the team and played within himself. Only impressive in subtle ways. His size makes him a defensive liability, but he plays smart and will probably learn how to minimize the issue. Ebi was desperately trying to make the team and showed a lot of raw athletic potential, but looked uncoachable. He didn't strike me a 'skinny' or a particularly bad shot. The kid can block shots and made a few nice baskets. Unfortunately, he has little 'court sense' and 'team awareness'. On offense, he seemed to play floating point-forward-center. In other words, when Ebi was on the court, the game quickly degenerated in to street ball. On defense, he has all the quickness needed, but is easily tricked into leaving his feet or lunging in the wrong direction. In one sequence, he guarded McGrady and seemed a perfect match. He was just as quick and much taller than McGrady. After sticking with him for a few seconds, McGrady fakes a shot. Ebi when flying, rising a good 3 feet in the air. McGrady dribbled a few steps to the left and sank a 15 foot shot. At the end of the third quarter, Ebi happened to end up with the ball when time expired. Instead of dropping the ball, he carried it over to the bench (to give it to the coach?). After wandering around with it for a while and discovering no one wanted it. He tossed it back out towards center court. The kid doesn't understand the game very well. He has a great deal of physical potential, but limited head skills. Since he has been in the league 2 years, his track record for 'learning the game' doesn't look good. I doubt the guy can find playing time anywhere, even in Europe since his style of play would so disrupt any teamwork. I wish the guy luck, but he probably won't be around much longer. Croshere and AJ make me want KVH, Josh Powell and Daniels back. Maybe they will play better after getting used to the offense and given the chance to play with Dirk and JET. AJ showed flashes of being a perfect match. Croshere strikes me as slow and physically limited. Too often, he was the last man to cross half-court on a fast break. I really don't want Croshere on the team. Maybe he will win me over by helping JET and Dirk play better. Diop looked out of synch and a step slow. MBenga clearly outplayed him. MBenga helped himself during the summer. His 15-20 foot shot now has a beautiful rainbow arc. If the guy gets any playing time, he will develop into a great player. JHo played a great game. |
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10-18-2006, 09:08 AM
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#51 |
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The Preacha
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: The Rock
Posts: 36,066
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don't know if this has been discussed or not yet...but thus far this preseason AJ has looked like nothing more than a totally average back up in this league...talk about a bus driver.
__________________
 ok, we've talked about the problem of evil, and the extent of the atonement's application, but my real question to you is, "Could Jesus dunk?" |
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10-18-2006, 09:26 AM
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#52 | |
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Lazy Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Lazytown
Posts: 18,721
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Quote:
Where have you seen anyone characterize him differently?
__________________
Current Mavs Salary outlook (with my own possibly incorrect math and assumptions) Mavs Net Ratings By Game (Using BRef.com calculations for possessions, so numbers are slightly different than what you'll see on NBA.com and ESPN.com |
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10-18-2006, 09:42 AM
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#53 |
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Moderator
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: 41.21.1
Posts: 36,143
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Josh Howard = MIP
__________________
 These days being a fan is a competition to see who can be the most upset when your team loses. That proves you love winning more. That's how it works. |
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10-18-2006, 09:43 AM
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#54 |
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Moderator
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: 41.21.1
Posts: 36,143
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On another note:
TMac = bitch
__________________
These days being a fan is a competition to see who can be the most upset when your team loses. That proves you love winning more. That's how it works. |
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10-18-2006, 10:09 AM
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#55 | |
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The Preacha
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: The Rock
Posts: 36,066
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Quote:
__________________
ok, we've talked about the problem of evil, and the extent of the atonement's application, but my real question to you is, "Could Jesus dunk?" |
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10-18-2006, 10:10 AM
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#56 | |
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Lazy Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Lazytown
Posts: 18,721
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Quote:
But make no mistake, if AJ does play heavy minutes, he will be a good defender, solid PG, and that's it.
__________________
Current Mavs Salary outlook (with my own possibly incorrect math and assumptions) Mavs Net Ratings By Game (Using BRef.com calculations for possessions, so numbers are slightly different than what you'll see on NBA.com and ESPN.com |
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10-18-2006, 10:24 AM
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#57 |
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The Preacha
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: The Rock
Posts: 36,066
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Avery is just trying to spur DH on...I would highly bet on that.
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ok, we've talked about the problem of evil, and the extent of the atonement's application, but my real question to you is, "Could Jesus dunk?" Last edited by sike; 10-18-2006 at 10:24 AM. |
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10-18-2006, 10:27 AM
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#58 | |
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Lazy Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Lazytown
Posts: 18,721
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Quote:
__________________
Current Mavs Salary outlook (with my own possibly incorrect math and assumptions) Mavs Net Ratings By Game (Using BRef.com calculations for possessions, so numbers are slightly different than what you'll see on NBA.com and ESPN.com |
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10-18-2006, 10:32 AM
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#59 |
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The Preacha
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: The Rock
Posts: 36,066
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true...but Devin is a playmaker and he is such a threat on offense that I cannot see him be relegated to a 6 or 7 man role.
one way or another, my prediction and hope of DH being this team's regular starter will be realized by midseason, bookit. (unless injuries prevent it)
__________________
ok, we've talked about the problem of evil, and the extent of the atonement's application, but my real question to you is, "Could Jesus dunk?" |
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10-18-2006, 11:20 AM
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#60 |
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Moderator
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 19,413
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This 8 game slide is killing me!
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10-18-2006, 11:38 AM
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#61 | |
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Troll Hunter
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Sports Heaven!
Posts: 9,898
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Quote:
Yeah, a co-worker of mine keeps telling me that AJ is a much better starting option for PG than DH. And if that's the case,...that in Devin Harris' 3rd year he can't start over Anthony Johnson, then that's pretty dissapointing.
__________________
"I don't know what went wrong," said guard Thabo Sefolosha. "It's hard to talk about it." |
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10-18-2006, 11:42 AM
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#62 |
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The Preacha
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: The Rock
Posts: 36,066
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I think your co-worker is an idiot. From what we've seen thus far, AJ is nothing more than a bring the ball up the court and make a pass type guy who can play decent defense. That is not enough to surpass Devin's play making ability.
__________________
ok, we've talked about the problem of evil, and the extent of the atonement's application, but my real question to you is, "Could Jesus dunk?" |
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10-18-2006, 08:27 PM
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#63 |
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Diamond Member
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 5,048
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There's no way AJ starts over Harris unless the decision is purely based on an injured Devin Harris. AJ will be a good second string PG, and maybe 3rd string SG occasionally, but nothing more.
Nonetheless, his presence here does improve our team, make no doubt about that.
__________________
''Nowitzki'' is a German word that, translated, means, ''Good Lord, doesn't this guy ever miss?'' -Miami paper on Dirk Nowitzki |
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10-19-2006, 01:07 AM
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#64 |
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Diamond Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 9,189
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There is NO way AJ starts over Devin. If Devin isn't starting, it will be because he's injured or Terry is playing PG with Buck at SG.
__________________
 "He's as valuable as anyone. The most unusual thing is that they lose last year's MVP and still get better. It's unheard of." "For a team as good as the Mavs, the regular season is just 82 practice games until the real season begins." -G-Man "We wanted this for Dirk because of his heart, his class, his work ethic, his humility, his sense of humor, his respect for the game, and his respect for people." |
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10-19-2006, 01:37 AM
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#65 |
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The Preacha
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: The Rock
Posts: 36,066
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^ I agree, AJ beating out a healthy DH seems highly unlikely to me.
__________________
ok, we've talked about the problem of evil, and the extent of the atonement's application, but my real question to you is, "Could Jesus dunk?" |
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10-19-2006, 01:52 AM
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#66 |
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Diamond Member
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,250
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I will just say tht its possible that AJ will beat out Harris, but if i had to say i wouls say tht they will get about the same time because Jet will start and thn move to sg whn one of em comes in.
__________________
"It feels disrespectful when you watch these shows, TNT, ESPN, and they're talking, 'Walk through the Mavericks, that's who you want to play," Terry said. "OK. We'll see if that's who you want to play." ........GO MAVS |
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