Post by sagapolutele50 on Nov 24, 2009 17:00:23 GMT -5
And now for the West!!! You guys have definately been busy!! One of the busier offseasons yet!!!
*Midwest** Division*
*Dallas** Mavericks*
*Additions:*
Boris Diaw (14th pick)
Ndubi Ebi (21st pick)
Clifford Rozier (via FA)
*Subtractions:*
James Posey (Knicks)
Sharone Wright (Magic)
Elden Campbell (Hornets)
Brian Skinner (Clippers)
Kenny Thomas (FA)
Keith Bogans (40th pick)
*Projected Starting Line Up:*
PG - Damon Stoudamire
SG - John Salmons
SF - Boris Diaw
PF - Tyson Chandler
C - Cliifford Rozier
1st up for the Western Conference are the Dallas Mavericks. This is a young team lead by the more than capable Damon Stoudamire who has cemented himself as one of the top PGs in the league.
He is supported by Tyson Chandler ( who is entering his 3rd year in the league) and 2nd year sensation John Salmons who both provide alot of athleticism and excitment for the Dallas franchise. Their 1st round pick Boris Diaw is a player who is touted as being a young star in the making and has the goods to be able to do everything, whether its scoring, def or handling the ball. They also beefed up their front court by signing Clifford Rozier who should help Chandler down low with this def and reb skills.
*Denver** Nuggets*
*Additions:*
Channing Fryre (10th pick trade with Celtics)
Luke Ridnour (20th pick via trade with Celtics)
2005 1st* (Boston Celtics)
Xue Yuyang (33rd pick)
Luc Longley (via FA)
Spencer Francis (via FA)
*Subtractions:*
Loren Woods (FA)
Michael Wright (FA)
Mike James (FA)
Marcus Haislip (FA
Jamal Sampson (FA)
Kirk Hinrich (4th pick trade with Celtics)
*Projected Starting Line Up*:
PG - Luke Ridnour
SG - Deshawn Stevenson
SF - Caron Butler
PF - Troy Murphy
C - Luke Longly
The Denver Nuggets ended up with the 4th pick in the draft and traded that pick ( Kirk Hinrich) for the 10th and 20th picks. Those two picks being Channing Frye and Luke Ridnour respectively.
Training camps were pretty good for the Nuggets, Stevenson and Caron Butler both improved their def and Ridnour made a significant jump in his scoring and handling, could this be the 2nd coming of Steve Nash ? Power Forward is their only position that needs attention, they do have some young front court players in Fizer, Murphy and Frye who could all share time there this season. Preseason had solid production from Ridnour, Lonlgley, Stevenson and Butler with the team going 7-7. Very promising future for the Nuggets!!
*Houston** Rockets*
*Additions:*
Bostjan Nachbar (Spurs)
Mike Bibby (re-signed)
Jamie Newcomb (re-signed)
Kelvin Cato (FA)
*Subtractions:*
Francisco Elson (Knicks)
Venson Hamilton (FA)
Brad Miller (Spurs)
HOU 03 First (Spurs)
HOU 06 First* (Spurs)
*If Bibby doesn't resign with the Rockets, Houston 2006 1st is top 7 protected. If top 7, Spurs receive Houston 2007 1st.
*Projected Starting Line Up*:
PG - Mike Bibby
SG - Pedrag Danilovic
SF - Vince Carter
PF - Joel Pryzbillia
C - Lorenzen Wright
The Defending Western Conference Champs return with their sights set on another trip to the Finals and hopefully a chance to go one step further!!! Bibby decided to test the FA waters much to the dismay of his GM Ducky who was seen running down the city streets yelling Bibby!!!! Why!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! When he came to his senses he put together a package in order to steer away from the hard cap and find a way to re-sign his start PG. He traded Miller and 2 1sts for Bostjan Nachbar in order to stay clear of cap issues and put up a decent offer for Bibby to return to Houston. This was a succesful move and Bibby will be plying his trade in Houston for another 7 years with VC, Pedrag and Ronnie Fields by his side. The Rockets are stacked at the 1,2 and 3 spot, with Ronnie Fields, Pedrag Danilovic, Randolph Childress, Mike Bibby and Vince Carter all vying for 3 spots. Look to Ducky strengthening his front court to further enhance his Western Conference chances..
*Minnesota** Timberwolves*
*Additions:*
Eddie Robinson ( re-signed)
Antwain Smith (re-signed)
Kris Kaman (9th pick)
Malick Badiane (39th pick)
Shawn Marion (via FA)
*Subtractions:*
Jahidi White (FA)
Melvin Robinson (FA)
Earl Boykins (FA)
*Projected Starting Line Up*:
PG - Stephon Marbury
SG - Shane Battier
SF - Shawn Marion
PF - Al Harrington
C - Kris Kaman
Trunks had the 9th pick in this years draft and proceeded to take Kris Kaman adressing his need for a Center. Kaman is a big body who has a nice scoring touch and is a solid rebounder, his def
needs a little work if he wants to make any impact in the league. A major coup for the wolves was signing Shawn Marion to a nice 6 year 84 million dollar deal. When asked why he moved, Marion said that NYK was a great place but it was time for a new challange and that the East was too hard for him to stamp his mark on the league. He joins Marbury, Harrington and Michael Redd in Minnesota hopefully looking at taking them back to the glory days!!
*San Antonio** Spurs*
*Additions:*
James White (8th pick)
Kendrick Perkins ( 11th pick)
Maciej Lampe (28th pick)
James Jones (42nd pick via trade with Hornets
Andreas Glyniadakis (48th pick via trade with Hornets
Brad Miller (Rockets)
HOU 03 First (Rockets)
HOU 06 First* (Rockets)
*If Bibby doesn't resign with the Rockets, Houston 2006 1st is top 7 protected. If top 7, Spurs receive Houston 2007 1st.
Reggie Lewis (re-signed)
J.R. Rider (via FA)
Trenton Hassell (via Fa)
*Subtractions:*
Yinka Dare (Blazers)
Henry El-Amin (FA)
Bubba Wells (FA)
Shandon Anderson (FA)
Tony Delk (Lakers)
Chucky Atkins (Knicks)
Bostjan Nachbar ( Rockets)
*Projected Starting Line Up*:
PG - Larry Hughes
SG - Reggie Lewis
SF - Mike Miller
PF - Kenyon Martin
C - Shaq
The Spurs had a busy offseason with draft picks, FA pick ups and draft day trades. They had 2 picks in the lottery and drafted James White along with Kendrick Perkins ( who had a pretty good TC), both needing time to develop. The Spurs are stacked up front with Shaq, Kenyon Martin, Brad Miller, Kendrick Perkins, Andres Glyniakadis and Primoz Bresec all deserving of time on the court. Larry Hughes, Mo Williams, Reggie Lewis round out what looks to be a pretty good Spurs roster with both quality and depth throughout. With Shaq, Martin and Hughes, look for the Spurs to be in the hunt once again come seasons end.
*Utah** Jazz*
*Additions:*
Marquis Daniels (22nd pick)
Marcus Banks (37th pick)
Juwon Howard (via FA)
RIP Hamilton (re-signed)
Mateen Cleaves ( re-signed)
*Subtractions:*
Raef Lafrentz (Magic)
Greg Ostertag (Raptors)
Jarron Collins ( FA)
John Wallace (76ers)
Nick Van Exel (Pacers)
Harold Miner (Bulls)
Mookie Blaylock (retired)
*Projected Starting Line Up*:
PG - Mateen Cleaves
SG - RIP Hamilton
SF - Paul Pierce
PF - Juwon Howard
C - Eric Dampier
The Utah Jazz had a rough pre-season after a promising offseason. They re-signed RIP Hamilton after he test FA and managed to get Juwon Howard on the 1st few days of FA bidding. They have a decent starting five with Cleaves and Hamilton being their strength. Paul Pierce has been a disappointment so far in his career and after a decent TC he looks to resurrect his career here in Utah. Dampier and Howard provide the post presence but asid from these 5 guys there isnt much else. Their draft picks Marquis Daniels and Marcus Banks will be their best off the bench.
*Vancouver** Grizzlies*
*Additions:*
Dwayne Wade ( 2nd pick)
AJ Guyton (via trade with Hornets)
Tim Duncan (via trade with Cavs
Rafer Alston (FA)
*Subtractions:*
Loy Vaught (retired)
Ervin Johnson (retired)
Kenny Ndiaye (FA)
Corsley Edwards (FA)
Dennis Scott (retired)
Marques Kerr (FA)
Desmond Morgenweck (FA)
Trey Glover (FA)
Griffin Billups (FA)
Casey Dubroff (retired)
Leandro Barbosa (16th pick via trade with Clippers)
Steve Blake (27th pick via trade with Clippers)
Dahntay Jones (30th pick viavia trade with Clippers)
Cavs 04 1st (via Trade with Cavs by way of Hornets)
Cavs 06 1st (Via Trade with Cavs by way of Hornets))
Josh Howard (12th pick via trade with Clippers, then traded to the Cavs)
Carlos Arroyo (trade with the Cavs)
*Projected Starting Line Up*:
PG - Rafer Alston
SG - Dwayne Wade
SF - Andrei Kirilenko
PF - Tim Duncan
C -
Getting TD makes the Grizzlies Western Conference contenders in one move. When this article was being written, the Grizzlies only had 5 players on their roster. But those 5 players are 5 very good players. They drafted Dwayne Wade with the 2nd pick in the draft and picked up Rafer Alston during the FA period. They also got that guy TD and AJ Guyton ( who is a very good back up PG). The Grizzlies just need to find some depth and another post presence to accompany TD down low and they will be one of the hot favorites out West.
*Pacific Division*
*Golden** State** Warriors*
*Additions:*
Chris Webber (re-signed)
Chris Anderson (re-signed)
Frankie King (re-signed)
Leon Smith (re-signed)
Ed Obannon (via FA)
Jerald Honeycutt (via FA)
*Subtractions:*
Kurt Thomas (Bulls)
Gilbert Arenas (Clippers)
Projected Starting Line Up:
PG - Jason Williams
SG - Joe Johnson
SF - Glen Robinson
PF - Chris Webber
C - Steven Hunter
Biggest news for the Warriors was the loss of Gilbert Arenas to the Clipppers who had their fans on celebrating on the streets long into the night.. The Warriors will be led once again by Chris Webber and his side kick Jason Williams. Glen Robinson and the emergence of Joe Johnson will be a great help for the Warriors this season. A question mark remains over who will start at C with Dan Gadzuric, Steven Hunter or Chris Anderson all possibilities there.
*Los Angeles** Clippers*
*Additions:*
Danny Granger (5th pick)
Leandro Barbosa (16th pick via trade with Grizzlies)
Steve Blake (27th pick via trade with Grizzlies)
Dahntay Jones (30th pick via trade with Grizzlies)
Willie Green (34th pick)
Marcus Hatten (50th pick)
Derrick Zimmerman (52nd pick)
Szymon Szewczyk (54th pick)
Gilbert Arenas ( FA)
Brian Skinner (via FA)
*Subtractions:*
John Williams (retired)
Mark Bryant (FA)
Devean George (Raptors)
Mobius Mullin (FA)
Mathew Dench (retired)
Andy Profit (FA)
Randy Livingston (Blazers)
Mahmo Abdul-Rauf (retired)
Gary Grant (FA)
Nicholas Skinner (FA)
God Shammgod (FA)
Josh Howard (12th pick via trade)
Projected Starting Line Up:
PG - Leandro Barbosa
SG - Gilbert Arenas
SF - Danny Granger
PF - Brian Skinner
C - Yao MIng
Clippers had a very successful offseason this year with the acquisition of Arenas and the drafting of Granger, Barbosa and Steve Blake. Granger, Barbosa, Arenas and their star C Yao Ming all had great TCs and will be looking forward to a pretty good year in LA. Question here is will Arenas be starting at PG or SG? Barbosa looks good enough to start ( although his def is questionable) however his preseason wasnt something you would write home about. Granger is the lock to start at SF and Skinner will be take over Kwame at PF, Kwame has been a disappointment thus far and looks more like a bust as each season passes. Promising season ahead for the Clippers, if they dont do well this season, the will still their pick next season to find someone to compliment Ming, Granger and Arneas
*Los Angeles** Lakers*
*Additions:*
Lebron James ( 1st pick)
Chauncey Billups ( via Nets)
Brandon Hunter (31st pick)
Tony Dumas (via FA)
Joel Montross (via FA)
Amal McKaskill (via FA)
Matt Harpring (re-signed)
Tony Delk (Via FA)
Jeff Foster (via FA)
*Subtractions*
Robert Horry (Bucks)
Antonio Davis (retired)
Spencer Francis (Nuggets)
Anthony Peeler (FA)
George Green (Died)
Dana Barros (FA)
Tayshaun Prince (via trade with Nets)
DeSagana Diop (via trade with Nets)
Jazz 2004 1st Rounder (via trade with Nets)
Nuggets 2004 1st Rounder (Top 2 Protection via LAL/DEN Deal)
Nets 2004 1st rounder
Knicks 2005 1st Rounder
*Projected Starting Line Up*:
PG - Chauncey Billups
SG - Joel Montross
SF - Lebron James
PF - Zach Randolph
C - Pau Gasol
LEBRON JAMES!!! At only 18 this guy has got what it takes to be the best player to ever play the game!! Preira has his work cut to make sure this youngster doesnt take his spot as the best in the game. The Lakers have done their best to surround Lebron with enough talent to get them into the playoffs this season. They picked up Chauncey Billups via a trade with the Nets and have Pau Gasol, Zach Randolph, Joel Montross and Tony Dumas on the roster. This is a young team, but the difference between this young team and many others is that this team can compete now!! It will be an exciting year ahead for the Lakers and one everyone will be following throughout the course of the season.
*Phoenix** Suns*
*Additions: *
Andre Miller (re-signed)
Lamar Odom(re-signed)
Mikael Pietrus (15th pick)
Zoran Planinic (17th pick)
James Lang (45th pick)
Maurice Taylor (re-signed)
Corie Blount (re-signed)
Scot Pollard (Via FA)
Tariq Abdul Wahad (re-signed)
*Subtractions:*
Clifford Rozier (Mavs)
Manu Ginobili (Knicks via trade with the Pistons)
*Projected Starting Line Up:*
PG - Andre Miller
SG - Jamal Mashburn
SF - Lamar Odom
PF - Maurice Taylor
C - Eddy Curry
The Suns re-signed Miller and Odom this offseason and picked up Mikael Pietrus, Zoran Planinic and James Lang. Lamar Odom is a very talented player who can do everything and was Jahs main priority this offseason. They have a Andre Miller at the PG position along with Tariq Abdul Wahad, Shard Lewis and Jamal Mashburn providing the scoring and athleticism on the wings along with Curry and Mo Taylor manning the post. Curry and Taylor are excellent inside scorers and will be hard for any team to defend one on one. Their defense is another story, both are average defenders and could cost their team a few wins. The Suns will hope that the play of their leader Lamar Odom, Shard, Mash and Dre will offset that deficiency.
*Portland** Trailblazers*
*Additions:*
Randy Livingston (via FA)
Angel George (via FA)
Eric Snow (re-signed)
Udonis Haslem (via trade with Hornets)
Raja Bell (via trade with Hornets)
Smush Parker (via trade with Hornets)
Mark Madsen (RE-SIGNED)
yInka Dare (via FA)
Aaron Williams (VIA fa)
Jerome Williams (via FA)
*Subtractions:*
Eurelijus Zukauskas (Bulls)
Kelvin Cato (Rockets)
Malik Allen (FA)
Trenton Hassell (Spurs)
Rafer Alston (Grizzlies)
Elden Campbell ( via trade with Hornets)
*Projected Starting Line Up*:
PG - Angel George
SG - Latrell Spreewell
SF - Larry Johnson
PF - Kevin Garnett
C - Alonzo Mourning
Portland returns this season with their core group of players returning. They are wondering whether to make another run at a title or just blow the roster up and start over. Alonzo, KG and LJ all
return and told the Portland Tribunal that they want to have one more crack at the UOSLR title. They have a fair amount of depth on their roster with the off season acquisitions of Bell, Haslem, Dare and George all providing much needed depth to get them through the rigors of the 82 game season. George looks like the starter at PG with Spree manning the SG spot. This is a very good SL on paper, whether that form on paper can be put on the court is another story, but if you have Zo, KG and LJ on your roster, I cant see why not.
*Sacramento** Kings*
*Additions:*
Zaza Pachulia (25th pick)
Kyle Korver (26th pick)
Quinton Ross (43rd pick)
Lionel Simmons (via FA)
Keith Van Horn (re-signed)
Gheorghe Muresan (via FA)
Jeff Webster (via FA)
*Subtractions:*
Eric Montross (FA)
Pervis Ellison (retired)
Eddie Jones (FA)
Byron Russell (FA)
Chris Mullin (retired)
Troy Hudson (Knicks)
*Projected Starting Line Up*:
PG - Jason Kidd
SG - Ricky Davis
SF - Lionel Simmons
PF - Dirk Nowitzki
C - Shawn Kemp
The Kings of Sacramento come into this season ready to take on all challangers!! They have good reason to be optimistic, on paper they look the goods!! Jason Kidd and Dirk Nowitzki lead the team and Shawn Kemp still has some life in his ageing legs. Ricky Davis is a scoring threat as always and Lionel Simmons provides a great link for the back court and post players. They have nice depth in Carter, Muresan and Keith Van Horn. The Kings will go as far as Kidd and Dirk will take them. They had a very successful post season and fell at the Western Conference finals. Martinez will be looking to make sure they get back there and take care of business!!
*Seattle** Supersonics*
*Additions:*
Dejan Bodiroga (re-signed)
Bonzi Wells (re-signed)
Brian Grant (re-signed)
Bryant Reeves (Re-signed)
*Subtractions:*
Ken Johnson (FA)
Dan Langhi (FA)
Tony Dumas (Lakers)
*Projected Starting Line Up*:
PG - Brent Barry
SG - Fred Jones
SF - Bonzi Wells
PF - Antawn Jamison
C - Bryant Reeves
The Sonics re-signed Bonzi , Bodriga and BGrant this offseason and will be looking to Brent Barry this season to lead the way. They have Antawn Jamison, Bryant Reeves and Adonal Foyle up front for them and will be looking to sign some players off of FA to complete their roster. Jay Williams is taking longer than expeceted to develop and with the Sonics, they need him to be good now in otder to make the most of the players they have on their roster. They have a talented roster, but is it good enough to get them to the playoffs? Only time will tell!!
Thank you for reading once again, hope you enjoyed it, saga etc.. signing out for UOSLR. At the time of writing this Article, players claimed off waivers had not been processed, plus I couldnt be bothered looking at that thread
PEEACCEE OUUTTT!!!
*Midwest** Division*
*Dallas** Mavericks*
*Additions:*
Boris Diaw (14th pick)
Ndubi Ebi (21st pick)
Clifford Rozier (via FA)
*Subtractions:*
James Posey (Knicks)
Sharone Wright (Magic)
Elden Campbell (Hornets)
Brian Skinner (Clippers)
Kenny Thomas (FA)
Keith Bogans (40th pick)
*Projected Starting Line Up:*
PG - Damon Stoudamire
SG - John Salmons
SF - Boris Diaw
PF - Tyson Chandler
C - Cliifford Rozier
1st up for the Western Conference are the Dallas Mavericks. This is a young team lead by the more than capable Damon Stoudamire who has cemented himself as one of the top PGs in the league.
He is supported by Tyson Chandler ( who is entering his 3rd year in the league) and 2nd year sensation John Salmons who both provide alot of athleticism and excitment for the Dallas franchise. Their 1st round pick Boris Diaw is a player who is touted as being a young star in the making and has the goods to be able to do everything, whether its scoring, def or handling the ball. They also beefed up their front court by signing Clifford Rozier who should help Chandler down low with this def and reb skills.
*Denver** Nuggets*
*Additions:*
Channing Fryre (10th pick trade with Celtics)
Luke Ridnour (20th pick via trade with Celtics)
2005 1st* (Boston Celtics)
Xue Yuyang (33rd pick)
Luc Longley (via FA)
Spencer Francis (via FA)
*Subtractions:*
Loren Woods (FA)
Michael Wright (FA)
Mike James (FA)
Marcus Haislip (FA
Jamal Sampson (FA)
Kirk Hinrich (4th pick trade with Celtics)
*Projected Starting Line Up*:
PG - Luke Ridnour
SG - Deshawn Stevenson
SF - Caron Butler
PF - Troy Murphy
C - Luke Longly
The Denver Nuggets ended up with the 4th pick in the draft and traded that pick ( Kirk Hinrich) for the 10th and 20th picks. Those two picks being Channing Frye and Luke Ridnour respectively.
Training camps were pretty good for the Nuggets, Stevenson and Caron Butler both improved their def and Ridnour made a significant jump in his scoring and handling, could this be the 2nd coming of Steve Nash ? Power Forward is their only position that needs attention, they do have some young front court players in Fizer, Murphy and Frye who could all share time there this season. Preseason had solid production from Ridnour, Lonlgley, Stevenson and Butler with the team going 7-7. Very promising future for the Nuggets!!
*Houston** Rockets*
*Additions:*
Bostjan Nachbar (Spurs)
Mike Bibby (re-signed)
Jamie Newcomb (re-signed)
Kelvin Cato (FA)
*Subtractions:*
Francisco Elson (Knicks)
Venson Hamilton (FA)
Brad Miller (Spurs)
HOU 03 First (Spurs)
HOU 06 First* (Spurs)
*If Bibby doesn't resign with the Rockets, Houston 2006 1st is top 7 protected. If top 7, Spurs receive Houston 2007 1st.
*Projected Starting Line Up*:
PG - Mike Bibby
SG - Pedrag Danilovic
SF - Vince Carter
PF - Joel Pryzbillia
C - Lorenzen Wright
The Defending Western Conference Champs return with their sights set on another trip to the Finals and hopefully a chance to go one step further!!! Bibby decided to test the FA waters much to the dismay of his GM Ducky who was seen running down the city streets yelling Bibby!!!! Why!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! When he came to his senses he put together a package in order to steer away from the hard cap and find a way to re-sign his start PG. He traded Miller and 2 1sts for Bostjan Nachbar in order to stay clear of cap issues and put up a decent offer for Bibby to return to Houston. This was a succesful move and Bibby will be plying his trade in Houston for another 7 years with VC, Pedrag and Ronnie Fields by his side. The Rockets are stacked at the 1,2 and 3 spot, with Ronnie Fields, Pedrag Danilovic, Randolph Childress, Mike Bibby and Vince Carter all vying for 3 spots. Look to Ducky strengthening his front court to further enhance his Western Conference chances..
*Minnesota** Timberwolves*
*Additions:*
Eddie Robinson ( re-signed)
Antwain Smith (re-signed)
Kris Kaman (9th pick)
Malick Badiane (39th pick)
Shawn Marion (via FA)
*Subtractions:*
Jahidi White (FA)
Melvin Robinson (FA)
Earl Boykins (FA)
*Projected Starting Line Up*:
PG - Stephon Marbury
SG - Shane Battier
SF - Shawn Marion
PF - Al Harrington
C - Kris Kaman
Trunks had the 9th pick in this years draft and proceeded to take Kris Kaman adressing his need for a Center. Kaman is a big body who has a nice scoring touch and is a solid rebounder, his def
needs a little work if he wants to make any impact in the league. A major coup for the wolves was signing Shawn Marion to a nice 6 year 84 million dollar deal. When asked why he moved, Marion said that NYK was a great place but it was time for a new challange and that the East was too hard for him to stamp his mark on the league. He joins Marbury, Harrington and Michael Redd in Minnesota hopefully looking at taking them back to the glory days!!
*San Antonio** Spurs*
*Additions:*
James White (8th pick)
Kendrick Perkins ( 11th pick)
Maciej Lampe (28th pick)
James Jones (42nd pick via trade with Hornets
Andreas Glyniadakis (48th pick via trade with Hornets
Brad Miller (Rockets)
HOU 03 First (Rockets)
HOU 06 First* (Rockets)
*If Bibby doesn't resign with the Rockets, Houston 2006 1st is top 7 protected. If top 7, Spurs receive Houston 2007 1st.
Reggie Lewis (re-signed)
J.R. Rider (via FA)
Trenton Hassell (via Fa)
*Subtractions:*
Yinka Dare (Blazers)
Henry El-Amin (FA)
Bubba Wells (FA)
Shandon Anderson (FA)
Tony Delk (Lakers)
Chucky Atkins (Knicks)
Bostjan Nachbar ( Rockets)
*Projected Starting Line Up*:
PG - Larry Hughes
SG - Reggie Lewis
SF - Mike Miller
PF - Kenyon Martin
C - Shaq
The Spurs had a busy offseason with draft picks, FA pick ups and draft day trades. They had 2 picks in the lottery and drafted James White along with Kendrick Perkins ( who had a pretty good TC), both needing time to develop. The Spurs are stacked up front with Shaq, Kenyon Martin, Brad Miller, Kendrick Perkins, Andres Glyniakadis and Primoz Bresec all deserving of time on the court. Larry Hughes, Mo Williams, Reggie Lewis round out what looks to be a pretty good Spurs roster with both quality and depth throughout. With Shaq, Martin and Hughes, look for the Spurs to be in the hunt once again come seasons end.
*Utah** Jazz*
*Additions:*
Marquis Daniels (22nd pick)
Marcus Banks (37th pick)
Juwon Howard (via FA)
RIP Hamilton (re-signed)
Mateen Cleaves ( re-signed)
*Subtractions:*
Raef Lafrentz (Magic)
Greg Ostertag (Raptors)
Jarron Collins ( FA)
John Wallace (76ers)
Nick Van Exel (Pacers)
Harold Miner (Bulls)
Mookie Blaylock (retired)
*Projected Starting Line Up*:
PG - Mateen Cleaves
SG - RIP Hamilton
SF - Paul Pierce
PF - Juwon Howard
C - Eric Dampier
The Utah Jazz had a rough pre-season after a promising offseason. They re-signed RIP Hamilton after he test FA and managed to get Juwon Howard on the 1st few days of FA bidding. They have a decent starting five with Cleaves and Hamilton being their strength. Paul Pierce has been a disappointment so far in his career and after a decent TC he looks to resurrect his career here in Utah. Dampier and Howard provide the post presence but asid from these 5 guys there isnt much else. Their draft picks Marquis Daniels and Marcus Banks will be their best off the bench.
*Vancouver** Grizzlies*
*Additions:*
Dwayne Wade ( 2nd pick)
AJ Guyton (via trade with Hornets)
Tim Duncan (via trade with Cavs
Rafer Alston (FA)
*Subtractions:*
Loy Vaught (retired)
Ervin Johnson (retired)
Kenny Ndiaye (FA)
Corsley Edwards (FA)
Dennis Scott (retired)
Marques Kerr (FA)
Desmond Morgenweck (FA)
Trey Glover (FA)
Griffin Billups (FA)
Casey Dubroff (retired)
Leandro Barbosa (16th pick via trade with Clippers)
Steve Blake (27th pick via trade with Clippers)
Dahntay Jones (30th pick viavia trade with Clippers)
Cavs 04 1st (via Trade with Cavs by way of Hornets)
Cavs 06 1st (Via Trade with Cavs by way of Hornets))
Josh Howard (12th pick via trade with Clippers, then traded to the Cavs)
Carlos Arroyo (trade with the Cavs)
*Projected Starting Line Up*:
PG - Rafer Alston
SG - Dwayne Wade
SF - Andrei Kirilenko
PF - Tim Duncan
C -
Getting TD makes the Grizzlies Western Conference contenders in one move. When this article was being written, the Grizzlies only had 5 players on their roster. But those 5 players are 5 very good players. They drafted Dwayne Wade with the 2nd pick in the draft and picked up Rafer Alston during the FA period. They also got that guy TD and AJ Guyton ( who is a very good back up PG). The Grizzlies just need to find some depth and another post presence to accompany TD down low and they will be one of the hot favorites out West.
*Pacific Division*
*Golden** State** Warriors*
*Additions:*
Chris Webber (re-signed)
Chris Anderson (re-signed)
Frankie King (re-signed)
Leon Smith (re-signed)
Ed Obannon (via FA)
Jerald Honeycutt (via FA)
*Subtractions:*
Kurt Thomas (Bulls)
Gilbert Arenas (Clippers)
Projected Starting Line Up:
PG - Jason Williams
SG - Joe Johnson
SF - Glen Robinson
PF - Chris Webber
C - Steven Hunter
Biggest news for the Warriors was the loss of Gilbert Arenas to the Clipppers who had their fans on celebrating on the streets long into the night.. The Warriors will be led once again by Chris Webber and his side kick Jason Williams. Glen Robinson and the emergence of Joe Johnson will be a great help for the Warriors this season. A question mark remains over who will start at C with Dan Gadzuric, Steven Hunter or Chris Anderson all possibilities there.
*Los Angeles** Clippers*
*Additions:*
Danny Granger (5th pick)
Leandro Barbosa (16th pick via trade with Grizzlies)
Steve Blake (27th pick via trade with Grizzlies)
Dahntay Jones (30th pick via trade with Grizzlies)
Willie Green (34th pick)
Marcus Hatten (50th pick)
Derrick Zimmerman (52nd pick)
Szymon Szewczyk (54th pick)
Gilbert Arenas ( FA)
Brian Skinner (via FA)
*Subtractions:*
John Williams (retired)
Mark Bryant (FA)
Devean George (Raptors)
Mobius Mullin (FA)
Mathew Dench (retired)
Andy Profit (FA)
Randy Livingston (Blazers)
Mahmo Abdul-Rauf (retired)
Gary Grant (FA)
Nicholas Skinner (FA)
God Shammgod (FA)
Josh Howard (12th pick via trade)
Projected Starting Line Up:
PG - Leandro Barbosa
SG - Gilbert Arenas
SF - Danny Granger
PF - Brian Skinner
C - Yao MIng
Clippers had a very successful offseason this year with the acquisition of Arenas and the drafting of Granger, Barbosa and Steve Blake. Granger, Barbosa, Arenas and their star C Yao Ming all had great TCs and will be looking forward to a pretty good year in LA. Question here is will Arenas be starting at PG or SG? Barbosa looks good enough to start ( although his def is questionable) however his preseason wasnt something you would write home about. Granger is the lock to start at SF and Skinner will be take over Kwame at PF, Kwame has been a disappointment thus far and looks more like a bust as each season passes. Promising season ahead for the Clippers, if they dont do well this season, the will still their pick next season to find someone to compliment Ming, Granger and Arneas
*Los Angeles** Lakers*
*Additions:*
Lebron James ( 1st pick)
Chauncey Billups ( via Nets)
Brandon Hunter (31st pick)
Tony Dumas (via FA)
Joel Montross (via FA)
Amal McKaskill (via FA)
Matt Harpring (re-signed)
Tony Delk (Via FA)
Jeff Foster (via FA)
*Subtractions*
Robert Horry (Bucks)
Antonio Davis (retired)
Spencer Francis (Nuggets)
Anthony Peeler (FA)
George Green (Died)
Dana Barros (FA)
Tayshaun Prince (via trade with Nets)
DeSagana Diop (via trade with Nets)
Jazz 2004 1st Rounder (via trade with Nets)
Nuggets 2004 1st Rounder (Top 2 Protection via LAL/DEN Deal)
Nets 2004 1st rounder
Knicks 2005 1st Rounder
*Projected Starting Line Up*:
PG - Chauncey Billups
SG - Joel Montross
SF - Lebron James
PF - Zach Randolph
C - Pau Gasol
LEBRON JAMES!!! At only 18 this guy has got what it takes to be the best player to ever play the game!! Preira has his work cut to make sure this youngster doesnt take his spot as the best in the game. The Lakers have done their best to surround Lebron with enough talent to get them into the playoffs this season. They picked up Chauncey Billups via a trade with the Nets and have Pau Gasol, Zach Randolph, Joel Montross and Tony Dumas on the roster. This is a young team, but the difference between this young team and many others is that this team can compete now!! It will be an exciting year ahead for the Lakers and one everyone will be following throughout the course of the season.
*Phoenix** Suns*
*Additions: *
Andre Miller (re-signed)
Lamar Odom(re-signed)
Mikael Pietrus (15th pick)
Zoran Planinic (17th pick)
James Lang (45th pick)
Maurice Taylor (re-signed)
Corie Blount (re-signed)
Scot Pollard (Via FA)
Tariq Abdul Wahad (re-signed)
*Subtractions:*
Clifford Rozier (Mavs)
Manu Ginobili (Knicks via trade with the Pistons)
*Projected Starting Line Up:*
PG - Andre Miller
SG - Jamal Mashburn
SF - Lamar Odom
PF - Maurice Taylor
C - Eddy Curry
The Suns re-signed Miller and Odom this offseason and picked up Mikael Pietrus, Zoran Planinic and James Lang. Lamar Odom is a very talented player who can do everything and was Jahs main priority this offseason. They have a Andre Miller at the PG position along with Tariq Abdul Wahad, Shard Lewis and Jamal Mashburn providing the scoring and athleticism on the wings along with Curry and Mo Taylor manning the post. Curry and Taylor are excellent inside scorers and will be hard for any team to defend one on one. Their defense is another story, both are average defenders and could cost their team a few wins. The Suns will hope that the play of their leader Lamar Odom, Shard, Mash and Dre will offset that deficiency.
*Portland** Trailblazers*
*Additions:*
Randy Livingston (via FA)
Angel George (via FA)
Eric Snow (re-signed)
Udonis Haslem (via trade with Hornets)
Raja Bell (via trade with Hornets)
Smush Parker (via trade with Hornets)
Mark Madsen (RE-SIGNED)
yInka Dare (via FA)
Aaron Williams (VIA fa)
Jerome Williams (via FA)
*Subtractions:*
Eurelijus Zukauskas (Bulls)
Kelvin Cato (Rockets)
Malik Allen (FA)
Trenton Hassell (Spurs)
Rafer Alston (Grizzlies)
Elden Campbell ( via trade with Hornets)
*Projected Starting Line Up*:
PG - Angel George
SG - Latrell Spreewell
SF - Larry Johnson
PF - Kevin Garnett
C - Alonzo Mourning
Portland returns this season with their core group of players returning. They are wondering whether to make another run at a title or just blow the roster up and start over. Alonzo, KG and LJ all
return and told the Portland Tribunal that they want to have one more crack at the UOSLR title. They have a fair amount of depth on their roster with the off season acquisitions of Bell, Haslem, Dare and George all providing much needed depth to get them through the rigors of the 82 game season. George looks like the starter at PG with Spree manning the SG spot. This is a very good SL on paper, whether that form on paper can be put on the court is another story, but if you have Zo, KG and LJ on your roster, I cant see why not.
*Sacramento** Kings*
*Additions:*
Zaza Pachulia (25th pick)
Kyle Korver (26th pick)
Quinton Ross (43rd pick)
Lionel Simmons (via FA)
Keith Van Horn (re-signed)
Gheorghe Muresan (via FA)
Jeff Webster (via FA)
*Subtractions:*
Eric Montross (FA)
Pervis Ellison (retired)
Eddie Jones (FA)
Byron Russell (FA)
Chris Mullin (retired)
Troy Hudson (Knicks)
*Projected Starting Line Up*:
PG - Jason Kidd
SG - Ricky Davis
SF - Lionel Simmons
PF - Dirk Nowitzki
C - Shawn Kemp
The Kings of Sacramento come into this season ready to take on all challangers!! They have good reason to be optimistic, on paper they look the goods!! Jason Kidd and Dirk Nowitzki lead the team and Shawn Kemp still has some life in his ageing legs. Ricky Davis is a scoring threat as always and Lionel Simmons provides a great link for the back court and post players. They have nice depth in Carter, Muresan and Keith Van Horn. The Kings will go as far as Kidd and Dirk will take them. They had a very successful post season and fell at the Western Conference finals. Martinez will be looking to make sure they get back there and take care of business!!
*Seattle** Supersonics*
*Additions:*
Dejan Bodiroga (re-signed)
Bonzi Wells (re-signed)
Brian Grant (re-signed)
Bryant Reeves (Re-signed)
*Subtractions:*
Ken Johnson (FA)
Dan Langhi (FA)
Tony Dumas (Lakers)
*Projected Starting Line Up*:
PG - Brent Barry
SG - Fred Jones
SF - Bonzi Wells
PF - Antawn Jamison
C - Bryant Reeves
The Sonics re-signed Bonzi , Bodriga and BGrant this offseason and will be looking to Brent Barry this season to lead the way. They have Antawn Jamison, Bryant Reeves and Adonal Foyle up front for them and will be looking to sign some players off of FA to complete their roster. Jay Williams is taking longer than expeceted to develop and with the Sonics, they need him to be good now in otder to make the most of the players they have on their roster. They have a talented roster, but is it good enough to get them to the playoffs? Only time will tell!!
Thank you for reading once again, hope you enjoyed it, saga etc.. signing out for UOSLR. At the time of writing this Article, players claimed off waivers had not been processed, plus I couldnt be bothered looking at that thread
PEEACCEE OUUTTT!!!
