Just returned from the pub where the game was being shown, a few observations.

1. LeBron was phenomenal in the first half and non existant in the second.

2. No other Cleveland player contributed anything of significance. Varajeo was useful in his 15 mins but besides LeBron, Larry Hughes was the only other player in double figures (10 points) and he only made 2 field goals.

3. Ilgauskas is the ugliest man in the world and that beard does him no favours.

At half time on the UK coverage they had a story about what the top players get paid. Shaq was top of the list, fair play, Webber second, clearly not the 2nd most valuable player in the league but once upon a time he was a genuine superstar and perhaps the 76ers thought he could recreate that form. Biggest shock was number 3, Michael Finley. Yeah, that's right, that guy that averages 10 points, 3 boards and an assit coming off the Spurs bench. I hope his agent is getting a nice cut of that US$17m per year salary cos he's worth it!!

LeBron's poor second half in Game 7 was nothing more than a part of a psychological war he has been waging between his team mates, the coaching staff and Cavs management. He was making a statement by playing poorly in the 2nd half of Game 7.

To what end do you think he would be doing that?

I knew the Pistons would win!

billo, I think you'll find the Webber and Finley contracts are long-term ones that were signed about 4 years ago, when their value as players was much much higher.

Here's a site that has all player salaries from the beginning of this season http://home.earthlink.net/~jtkramer65/05-06salaries.htm

Finley wouldn't be on much with his contract with the Spurs, Dallas is still paying out his previous contract on top of his current one with the new rule (know as the "Allen Houston rule" at the time) that came in at the start of the season.

This picture tells it all (credit to Need4Sheed):

http://www.pistonsdownloads.com/images/sheedchamp.jpg

I hate the Pistons. Call me an old Jordan-Bulls relic, but I really wanted a Pistons loss. Go Bulls, oops, Heat.

Jasmine ,

What are you on about ?

Regarding the Salaries, I though the most interesting point was Allan Houston is still the second highest paid NBA player, plus Brian Grant is 10th...

On Houston:
"The Knicks are responsible for Houston's $39.8 million over the next two years."

Man, that hurts.


Top NBA Salaries 2006
1. Shaquille O'Neal Miami$20,000,000
2. Allan Houston New York $19,125,000
-. Chris Webber Philadelphia$19,125,000
4. Michael Finley Dallas / San Antonio$18,612,500
5. Kevin Garnett Minnesota $18,000,000
6. Stephon Marbury New York$16,453,125
-. Allen Iverson Philadelphia$16,453,125
8. Jason Kidd New Jersey $16,440,000
9. Jermaine O'Neal Indiana$16,425,000
10. Brian Grant LA Lakers / Phoenix$16,128,438

"LeBron's poor second half in Game 7 was nothing more than a part of a psychological war he has been waging between his team mates, the coaching staff and Cavs management. He was making a statement by playing poorly in the 2nd half of Game 7."

I think what Jasmine was trying to say is that he tanked because he believes he doesn't have the support cast he wants for next season and they should start shopping. But in a Game 7 ... there is no logic in tanking just to get back at your own club. It's a totally crass thing to say about one of the best players in the league. Jasmine i think is still suffering from a Kobe hangover lol (Kobe not taking over Game 7 v the Suns and the Lakers getting thumped).

Credit to the Pistons though ... they woke up, started to play basketball and not try to be the Harlem Globetrotters of the 21st Century.

As for salaries they are a club killer in my book.

I forgot to add in that last post, the Pistons will win the NBA Championship. No doubt.

No doubt? I think a lot of doubt is there, considering they nearly didn't make it through the conference semis

Their own General Manager admitted they weren't playing 100%, more like "60-70%", so I think they're a lot better than you give them credit for ELG

how can this be a "spoiler" when we don't even get to see the games on pathetic ESPN or Fckstel ?? Keep up the dog shows you stupid cable providers