Post by Spencer on Dec 21, 2009 15:24:52 GMT -5
Which team had the best off-season?
- Brophdog88 (NJ) - Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets would have to be my pick. Shaq+LJ+Damon is a studly 3, but add Ben Wallace….wow. Best of all its not like he had to give up is soul to get them. He still managed to keep his #2 projected overall pick, and…of course since its Spence it jumped to #1, now meaning he has Dwight Howard to either add to his super talented core, or use as trade bait to make his team unstoppable. He went from losing to winning at the highest level, a feat last done when the heat went from number one pick to winning a title. Even if this fails, the Hornets will still have the pieces to get their picks back it would seem
- Jahallstar (PHX) - Charlotte Hornets
When you add 3 current or former all league 1st team players and then also add Dwight Howard I don't think anyone can say someone had a better off-season. The Hornets no question had the best off-season. How that translates will be determined.
- Tmaczdaddy (PHI) - Los Angeles Lakers
I'm going to have to go with the Lakers. They somehow managed to acquire Richard Hamilton, JO, and Pat Burke... Two of those players coming from my team.
- Styro (CLE) - Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets without a doubt. Acquired Shaq, Damon, and Ben Wallace without giving up their best future prospect in Dwight. I wouldn't be surprised if they went from #1 pick to Finals within a season. Remarkable turnaround.
- Shaunkol (ORL) - Charlotte Hornets
Easy, the Hornets. It sucks because they weren't even a threat before this off-season, now all of a sudden they have a very strong starting 5. I put them at 59-23 and 2nd place in the East, followed by an ECF birth.
- Dan (NY) - Charlotte Hornets
It was a tough call here but I would have to go with the Hornets. They drafted Dwight Howard, who is going to be a beast. Traded for Shaq, Ben Wallace and Damon Stoudamire, all sick players in there prime. They went from rebuilding to championship contenders in one off-season. Plus Spencer is in a great situation where he has solid young depth surrounding his talent. JCN and Diaw are solid players that will play well with the top guys around them. Another great team out East has emerged once again.
- Donatello (WAS) - Charlotte Hornets
I would say the Hornets. They added Shaq, Damon, LJ, Big Ben, and Dwight. Those are some huge names. I would also say the Lakers would be in consideration since they did add Rip and JO to their team.
-CSDude07 (VAN) - Charlotte Hornets
Hornets had a great offseason. They jumped up and got the #1 pick in the draft, landing them Dwight Howard. Also, they moved their youth to contend now, which is a possibility after having added Shaq, LJ, and Damon Stoudamire. There is a present and a future in Charlotte. The Nets also had a nice offseason, just because they were able to draft two excellent players in the draft: Al Jefferson and Devin Harris.
-Kruwaukee (MIL) - Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets had a fantastic offseason adding Shaq and reacquiring Larry Johnson. Oh yea they also landed #1 in the lotto getting Dwight Howard. So yea they definitely had the best offseason in the league going from zeros to heroes just like that.
Which team has the worst off-season?
- Brophdog88(NJ) - Atlanta Hawks
I am gonna say the Atlanta Hawks. Not only were there some poor trades, but the team lost its GM as well. Then even on top of that, they had a pretty piss poor Training Camp, setting the team back even farther. They still should be a solid team, but, overall this off-season has been pretty ugly for them. They have been unable to make the moves to make the team a title contender, actually hurting the team it would appear, by trading Ben Wallace for two shitty firsts, then, to replace him trading Rip Hamilton to get a quickly aging Chris Webber. This combined with the fact that it was Nash, Kandi, Webber all declining in some way in TC, and its pretty obvious that they are hurting now, and badly need a GM to step in and figure out where they are going to go.
- Jahallstar(PHX) - Dallas Mavericks
Dallas...They lost Shaq for nothing. It doesn't get much worse than that.
- Tmaczdaddy (PHI) - Atlanta Hawks and Philadelphia 76ers
I'm not really sure on this one. It's between me and the Hawks. Hawks really don't have much direction with most their players passing their prime and not many picks in the next couple years. Same with me.
- Styro (CLE) - Dallas Mavericks
Might have been the Mavericks. They lost Shaq to free agency without any compensation whatsoever and they traded Damon Stoudemire for a rebuilding package. They might be better off in the future with those moves, but I see them taking a major step back this year after making it to the Conference Finals.
- Shaunkol (ORL) - Chicago Bulls
The Bulls. In my opinion, they are done. Their players are getting older and declining in TC, Mutombo has retired and they are worse than the team that has been knocked out of the playoffs in the East the past 2 years. I think they should have either pushed the envelope and sold off a bunch of 1sts, or simply rebuilt. Now Tiger will go and win the UOSLR title and prove me wrong
- Dan (NY) - Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks I would have to say. They lost their GM chipper due to personal issues and they traded away Richard Hamilton for an aging Chris Webber, not good. They had a perfect duo going with RIP and Nash, I would of kept that. They had a 60 win season last year or a 59 one, they were nasty. But with some changes around the roster, the Hawks will not be as dominate as they once were.
- Donatello (WAS) - Toronto Raptors
Toronto. It wasn’t that it was horrible, I just don’t think they did enough to make the CY. The east is insane so you have to come strong if you want to contend. Right now, there are at least 7 teams better than they are in the east. I don’t think the Hill signing was enough. They should have traded some youth for another established player. Just trying to coast by and make 40 or grab the 8th playoffs spot is nerve-racking. I would rather be a surefire playoff team.
-CSDude07 (VAN) - Atlanta Hawks
Hawks. They made awful trades this offseason and their team is pretty much mediocre. Plus, Hawks traded Wagner away for Rip, who they traded for C-Webb...Look at Wagner. The Ben Wallace trade was also crap.
-Kruwaukee (MIL) - Seattle Supersonics
The Seattle Supersonic might have had the worst offseason because they knew they had to make moves and they didn't. Last year they made a huge mistake dealing this year's and next 1st round picks for Jerry Stackhouse. With Stackhouse they were still bottom dwellers in a weakened western conference. The Sonics did nothing to change their destiny this season. Sad, sad, sad.
Which player blew up this passed TC?
- Brophdog88(NJ) - Sebastian Telfair
Easy, Sebastian Telfair, wow. He went up one inside two outside one handles one defense, and kept his A potential. His increases put him as one of the front runners for the Rookie of the year considering just how much the league loves to reward point guards, I guess you could also add Sasha Vujajic, another 6’7” PG to that list, who had a very nice TC, oddly reminiscent of a certain player for the Philadelphia 76er’s a few years ago who moved to the Chicago Bulls in FA later. No way does Vujacic become that good, but a poor man’s version? I could see that.
- Jahallstar(PHX) - Jameer Nelson and Rashard Lewis
Jameer Nelson and Rashard Lewis took big steps to becomeing stars this offseason. Nelson improved in thet three categories that will show up in the stat book for PGs. He could have a 20/8 type year this year and is one TC from being a superstar. Shard took a great first step in silencing the critics with his TC. He improved to A outside and also improved in defense and rebounding. He is starting to look very Dirk like.
- Tmaczdaddy (PHI) - Dajuan Wagner
Dajuan Wagner. Is he ever going to have a good TC? I mean, seriously. It seems like he is always having great TC's. He's already a star and he's only 21 years old. Great piece for marty to build around.
- Styro (CLE) - Sebastian Telfair
551 Sebastian Telfair PG 19 6'0'' 165 C+ B+ A- B- C- A.
Absolutely beasted. Wolves took some flack for taking him ahead of TJ Ford, but Sebastian has turned out to be the best PG in the draft thus far. Devin Harris, who was the unanimous top pg coming into the draft, has been forced to take a back seat to Telfair for the time being.
- Shaunkol (ORL) - Dajuan Wagner
Dajuan Wagner. He looks like an absolute stud. B A- B+ A C- C. Even if he never improves a single category he is still a perennial all-star candidate. In the end I don¡¦t think it will mean much though, the Kings aint comin out of the East
- Dan (NY) - Dajuan Wagner
Wagner had a sick TC, went up a lot outside and defense is at A, pretty sick. Sasha had a pretty nice TC for a late second round pick, I love to see that. But if I had to pick it would be Wagner with the best overall i guess.
- Donatello (WAS) - Multiple
From reading the TC thread, I am not sure there is a surefire guy who blew up. Some guys had a total improvement of 3 places, but it seems that many players had solid TCs. Chris Mihm looks nice as does Telfair. Wade looks more well-rounded now with his outside game.
-CSDude07 (VAN)
Dajuan Wagner blew up, he looks great. Telfair also had a great first TC. Both those young guys looks great. Also, look at NVE on the Pacers. WTF? Welcome back Nick the Quick!
-Kruwaukee (MIL) - Dajuan Wagner
Dajuan Wagner was the most notable player to blow this TC. His ratings took a big boom. So if you're looking for a guy who blew up Wagner is your man. Too bad he is Sac-town his career will now go into the shitter.
Which player proved to be a bust this passed TC?
- Brophdog88(NJ) - Tayshaun Prince
-Well Beno Udrih has to be the obvious choice, he had a terrible TC, with a drop basically across the board. He wasn’t a very high pick, so I will have to say Tayshaun Prince, who was selected 6th overall in the 2002 draft. Prince has changed basically not at all. He is pretty damned terrible, with no offensive game, and only a solid defensive game he is definitely not even close to a sixth overall pick. Also added to that list could be Jayson Williams, who fell to seventh overall in the 2002 draft, and was the main piece in the Atlanta/Seattle deal. He absolutely tanked last year, and in no way made up for it this year, with just a slight upgrade. Baron Davis as well officially confirmed his status as monumental bust as the number 2 overall pick. He signed that cheap ass contract, and then did nothing in TC. He is possibly the biggest bust, cause pierce at least scored some and was picked third. The Baron pick could have been a franchise killer, but, Milwaukee was set anyway, that pick was just bonus. Had it worked out, wow, but it didn’t so they aren’t as good as they could have been obviously.
- Jahallstar(PHX) - Baron Davis
Baron Davis, it was probably about 80% that he would be a bust before TC but it was sealed here. He went down in handles and defense and is pretty much a player that probably won't last 3 more years in the league now. Not bad for a #2 overall selection.
- Tmaczdaddy (PHI) - Baron Davis
I guess it's official the Baron Davis is a bust. Sooner or later you were expecting him to have a breakout TC, but it hasn't happened yet and time is running out. He's already reaching his mid-20's and hasn't shown much improvement since being drafted. Partially because of the depth that Milwaukee has had since he's been there.
- Styro (CLE) - Ben Gordon
I'd probably have to say Ben Gordon. The 10th overall pick failed to make strides in Training Camp and less he has some amazing TC's, he will forever be a Jump Shooter and nothing more. His defense is atrocious and who knows if he'll ever be worthy of that top 10 pick. As far as everyone else goes, it's probably too early to say, since it's only been one tc and most of the guys picked are very young.
- Shaunkol (ORL) - Baron Davis
It might not have been all this TC, but why does the fact that Baron Davis is a huge bust get any more attention. Its funny how these things work: the Bucks were just adding to their embarrassment of riches when they lucked out in the lottery and took Davis. Turns out they really needed him to perform to become an elite franchise. Davis is now playing for the UOSLR min and deservedly so.
- Dan (NY) - Michael Redd
Many named, Michael Redd, Richard Jefferson, Jrich maybe? I think I would go with redd, great shooter, but nothing more. Back up for sure.
- Donatello (WAS) - Richard Jefferson
Not sure since I don’t look closely at TCs for everyone else, but Richard Jefferson dropped from A scouted to C. Basically ending all hope that he would improve further and actually have some value. Right now he is just an expiring contract, which are worthless unless you are giving up a first now.
-CSDude07 - Ben Gordon
Ben Gordon on the Pistons didn't do anything in TC except go down in scouted potential. Sucks so far for the #10 overall that's a 1-dimensional player to begin with.
-Kruwaukee (MIL) - Baron Davis
Ok so I admit it. Baron Davis is a BUST. He is more of a bust than a big tittied porn star. Damnit he had so much potential and he just never lived up to the hype. Trading Joel Pryzbilla and Hedo Turkoglu for him looks like a terrible deal on my part.
What GM has surprised you in a positive way this off-season?
- Brophdog88(NJ) - Kobe24
Well, Spence really can’t surprise me, Lakers have been raping people forever, so I really don’t see any GM as surprising me. I guess Kobe surprised me by not bringing Shaq back, that was a pretty stupid move, considering he would have been better off just resigning Shaq and trading him after the fact. I just didn’t figure why he would rebuild at this point when he had Shaq.. well at least his birds. Then he says that FBB only cares about the first year? Obviously not true since you lost him for nothing. (you never said surprise in a good way was the only option) Kobe had made some nice moves getting himself a Shaq, Honeycutt and Larry Hughes, so it was a surprise to see him make such shitty moves after the season.
- Jahallstar(PHX) - Spencer
Spencer was the only one that did anything this offseason so I will say him. The Hornets are contenders for sure as long as they find some bench help.
- Tmaczdaddy (PHI) - Brophdog88
Nets GM(broph). I think he's done a great job of building his team. He's got a great mix of youth(Jefferson, Richardson, Harris, Prince) and some veterans to help out. I expect them to be competing for a championship in the near future. He has some nice picks going into this draft and with another solid piece, he's ready to go.
- Styro (CLE) - DBW
DBW. After being among the worse teams two seasons ago and among the worse early in the season last year, they have managed to turn their team into a solid playoff team to contend for home court in the first round. Acquisitions like Richard Hamilton and Jermaine O'neal along with the progression of Lebron should improve this team over last year's first round exit team. Lakers' transformation has been a pleasant surprise.
- Shaunkol (ORL) - Spencer
Spencer. Without sucking up, I'm shocked with the Hornets right now. Maybe I just wasn't looking closely enough, but they were TERRIBLE last year weren't they? If they win it all this year while still keeping Dwight, it will be a miraculous achievement. Its going to be one of the story-lines of this season.
- Dan (NY) - DBW
DBW, made some great moves that I did not know he had in him. He has changed that whole franchise around and they will be nasty for awhile especially since they have Lebron on the squad. He did a great job this off-season and is making a team finally compete with the Rockets.
- Donatello (WAS) - Nobody
Quite frankly, no one. I knew Spencer would be able to trade the massive amount of pick he had and get talent. I figured DBW would rape someone in a deal. Both of those happened.
-CSDude07 (VAN) - DBW
I really like what the Lakers have done this offseason. DBW found a way to get rid of C-Webb for a great shooter and defender on a sweet contract and traded the unproven Gasol for a very good PF in Jo that's proven, but still very young. The Lakers have an excellent team. Also, they were able to pick up a hot free agent this offseason, Pat Burke, who is an excellent defender, rebounder, and outside shooter at the 5.
-Kruwaukee (MIL) - Multiple
There hasn't been one GM to stand out in my opinion. The overall lack of effort put in by GMs that need to win or haven't won in a while does surprise me. Guys need to be more proactive if they want to step up into the upper echelon of teams. You see the more active guys up top for a reason.
What Gm proved he doesn't belong this off-season?
- Brophdog88(NJ) - Tmaczdaddy
I am gonna have to say T-Mac, as he still hasn’t gotten over his ashes conspiracy theory shit. It is pretty stupid that he posts as if ashes didn’t do his bids or some shit, because there is ya know, no way that Pat Burke takes 4.5 million compared to 5 million, since FBB is always so predictable. Its pretty bullshit the way he went out, and it would appear he still hasn’t gotten over it in someway.
- Jahallstar(PHX) - Chipper and Kobe 24
Well I don't want to say anyone did anything to not belong this offseason. However the fact that someone with birds would not give Shaq any raises is crazy. Chipper said he took blame for that though and he is gone...so maybe it did have that effect.
- Tmaczdaddy (PHI) - Chipper
I would say chipper(sorry bud), and I think he realized that himself.
- Styro (CLE) - Chipper
Chipper proved to be a pretty poor gm with his last couple moves. Traded Ben Wallace for a bunch of bad picks and basically threw his team in the trash. Traded Richard Hamilton in a deal that made him worse. Just an awful offseason for him.
- Shaunkol (ORL) - Crazy Mike
Jeez, knowing jumps to mind. I was thinking Crazymike, because his LA Clippers have been irrelevant forever, but he actually has a nice team now, so I'll stay away from that. I wouldn't say this guy doesn't belong because he does, and I like him, but I hate what Donatello and the Wizards have done. They made a bunch of trades, gave up a fantastic talent like T-Mac, and still are not that close to success. Now they have a pretty limited roster and will likely be rebuilding again soon. Maybe he has a better idea of what is going on in the nations capital, but I don't.
- Dan (NY) - Tmaczdaddy
Tmac, had a shitty trade getting Gasol. Gasol will never be the player JO is. He did not get much in return for him, pretty shit trade IMO. He is not that good of a gm and needs to prove his worth. Left on awful terms, needs to prove he can handle it here.
- Donatello (WAS) - Heat Flash
HeatFlash. His team is stuck in mediocrity with no hope of getting out. He doesn’t have his picks and it seems as if he doesn’t really care. Barry/Wells/Stackhouse/Jamison/Grant seems like a lineup that should reach 40 and that is about it. It is almost as if he is in a waiting period trying to ride out the pain until he can rebuild when he has his picks. I am not sure about Mike’s trading for Dirk. He gave up a great young player in Wagner and had to take on a horrible contract in Kemp. There just seems to be more people who made mistakes this offseason than those who did not.
-CSDude07 (VAN) - Chipper
Chip really disappointed this offseason and this past year. He ended his career in UOSLR on a really bad note, reinforcing the fact that he has been a horrible Gm in this league from the beginning. He was just absolutely awful in this league...really, really bad.
-Kruwaukee (MIL) - Multiple
There are a few GMs who aren't pulling their weight in this league. I think you have to look at teams who have seen a carousel of GMs lately like Portland, Seattle, Boston, and Philadelphia.
Name 1 annoying new trend in UOSLR?
- Brophdog88(NJ) - Not sending draft lists.
For Spencer, the lack of response to PM’s…although I haven’t had much of an issue, cause I don’t pm too many people with offers, just respond, and when I do pm people they tend to be on the boards at the time. For me, I would have to say the lack of list sending in the draft. I am a draft mod, and very rarely do we get lists. Typically you can count on having maybe 7 gm’s send lists in total, and, with how quick the drafts have been moving as of late, with the time limits being strictly enforced, a lot of problems could be avoided by just sending a draft list. I do not enjoy picking for people, cause who I pick may not be in agreement with who they would want, and, if people would send lists we could get the draft done that much quicker. If you are worried about not being able to make your pick, just state that you don’t want the pick made if you are on the boards.
- Jahallstar(PHX) - Tanking
Tanking....I don't think it is new but it is much much more prevalent the past few seasons.
- Tmaczdaddy (PHI) - None
No.
- Styro (CLE) - Inactivity
People seem to be going inactive. We finished free agency about 24 hours ago and yet we only have 16 dc's. GM's seem to be getting comfortable and not doing anything. I hope it doesn't continue, but gm's seem to be becoming less reliable so far this offseason.
- Shaunkol (ORL) - Inconsistent Drafts
The quality of draftees. Back when I was tanking, the drafts were littered with busts. Now its all absolute studs. Oh well, I wont complaign, because when I suck again, I don¡¦t want the draftees to start sucking too.
- Dan (NY) - Moving avatars
Not really sure. Those annoying moving avatar things freeze up my comp sometimes lol. My computer sucks when I go to UOSLR. Fine on any other website but this one, so weird. Fucking pisses me off. We need some more active gms, lots of guys are coasting and it is annoying.
- Donatello (WAS) - Big 1 Year Expiring Contracts
It really isn’t new but the 1 year, big contract offers to guys is annoying me. I do it as well, but I am mainly talking about guys who specifically sign them and then try and trade him away. I liked in NBN where there was a 1 year cap. It forced teams to either try and sign the guy for 6 million or give him a 2 year offer. Some people do it for salary fillers, but then some do it for salary filler, but then think that those players have value. Attention to GMs, you got those players on day 4 of FA for a reason.
-CSDude07 (VAN) - The Dave Krupinski Rule
The Dave Krupinski Rule. Awful. No, but seriously, I dunno I'm not annoyed by anything in UOSLR. Dunno what u were looking for here Spence.
-Kruwaukee (MIL) - Chinese Lettering
It was a trend of chinese lettering that really annoyed me but that has stopped. It's really annoying when GMs constantly change their display names and its hard to follow.
What future draft prospect are you looking forward to?
- Brophdog88(NJ) - Chris Paul
Chris Paul, as the best PG in the NBA, he has skills that should translate very well to a sim league. He is a great passer, and has very quick hands. He can do most anything you would look for out of a PG. I mean, I may have Devin Harris, but Paul is a pretty damn solid player, and if somehow I could get CP3, Harris would probably have to deal with a move to SG. Even if Ashes said expect Harris to be the top PG in the league in a few years, I have a feeling that one of Deron Williams or Chris Paul will easily challenge for that title, if not both.
- Jahallstar(PHX) - John Gilchrist
John Gilchrist. He's going to be awesome.
- Tmaczdaddy (PHI) - Chris Paul
Chris Paul. He's going to change the face of the league with his amazing passing/scoring skills. It's too bad I won't have my pick this year, because he is a special player and could change a whole team just by himself.
- Styro (CLE) - Chris Paul
I'm looking forward to Chris Paul the most. I got my wing man in Josh Howard, my post presence in Chris Bosh, now I'm just missing someone that could lead my team and I think Chris Paul from Wake Forest can make my future as bright as anyone's. Deron Williams from Illinois is also a hot prospect i wouldn't mind having.
- Shaunkol (ORL) - Kevin Durant
-I don't even know when he came out, but Ill go with Kevin Durant. He's going to be an absolute beast. I'm gonna try time my tanking efforts to sync up with when he declares.
- Dan (NY) - Danillo Gallinari
Danillo Gallinari, yeeee!! HE SHOULD BE SICK!!
- Donatello (WAS) - Greg Oden
Greg Oden. We know that Tmcz and Ducky love to ride the Oden shaft, but so far he looks to be a bit of a bust. Will he be a beast like he is in most sim leagues, or just be an average to below average player? It could go either way. I also think the Paul/Deron battle will be interesting to see who is better. Marvin Williams was a boom or bust prospect so he could end up a stud here.
-CSDude07 (VAN) - Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant. This dude is gonna be sick.
-Kruwaukee (MIL) - Brandon Roy
I'm looking forward to Brandon Roy coming out. He's one of my favorite players in the league and I'm curious how he turns out in this league. He's very clutch, smooth, and overall efficient. He's going to be a stud guard for somebody.
Which conference is better?
- Brophdog88(NJ) - The East
The East , clearly. The talent appears to be moving from the west to the east even more so, when the East as already stacked. LJ, Shaq, Damon Stoudamire Dwight Howard, Al Jefferson, Chris Bosh, Devin Harris, Andre Igoudala all are now in the East. The talent and the draft classes are all going East, and it was already the better conference. In the West really, there is one team who stands out, the Rockets, but outside them everybody is just kind of fighting for second place, the only real stands anybody makes in the West are for one year, then they go and trade whatever big pieces they have, and send them off to some other team so they can take a shot when their shot has failed. It is tougher to win in the East, the best players are in the East, what, with EP, Kobe, Shaq, Wang. It is amazing just how much tougher it is, and over and over the East Champion beats up on the west champion Rockets to win the title.
- Jahallstar(PHX) - The East
East.....I was the #3 team in the west last year and I sucked. I think I will probably be top 3 again...
- Tmaczdaddy (PHI) - The East
I don't think there is really an question. The East has always dominated and always will dominate the West. Almost every year there are top seeds in the west that would not even be in the playoffs if they were in the east. The last 3 championships also prove my point of the east being dominant.
- Styro (CLE) - The East
The East without question. The West had about two or three teams who made the playoffs with less that .500 records. The Jazz went from 7th seed to top 5 pick within a couple sims, that's how bad it was. In the East, the Hornets got better and the Bulls are poised to make another run deep into the Playoffs. Not to mention, four of the top five picks went to the East, so we just got stronger.
- Shaunkol (ORL) - The East
LOL, ummm, ok seriously. Before Charlotte went nuts, I actually would have said the West. The East had a bad offseason, but now with Charlotte emerging, and my Magic still around, I think the East will take home yet another title this year.
- Dan (NY) - The East
East is the best. So many better teams it is not even fair. The west needs some help in time things should even out but the east is still stronger than the west.
- Donatello (WAS) - The East
The East and it isn’t even close. The West does have the Rockets, but I feel without an inside game they aren’t as good as people believe. The Lakers are solid, but that is mainly from lucking out in the LBJ sweepstakes and raping chipper and tmacz. The East may not have the best team in the league, but they have the most depth overall. I have a feeling that the 7th place team in the East would finish 3rd in the West this year.
-CSDude07 - The East
East. Much more talent over there right now.
-Kruwaukee (MIL) - The East
The Eastern Conference is far superior it's not even questionable. The defending champ has come from the east for the past 5+ seasons. They continue to have more dominant teams and more active GMs. The 5th seed in the East could probably beat the #1 seed in the West in a 7 game series. If Ducky is that #1 seed it will go 7 games.
Who will win the title this year?
- Brophdog88(NJ) - Charlotte Hornets
Tough decision, the defending champs had a poor TC, while the Bulls lost quite a bit as well when Deke decided to pack up ad head back to Africa. On the other end of the spectrum, suddenly Charlotte looks dominant. Meanwhile, in the West, it is pretty obvious that the best team is the Rockets, ad that won’t change anytime soon. They may have a challenger to their throne, what with the Lakers sending Pau Gasol to Philly for Jermaine O’Neal, but in reality that team is probably another year away. The Rockets did lose one of their posts when Joel Pryzbilla left for the Grizzlies, and the Grizzlies aren’t too bad either, but really they too are a year or two away. I figure Right now it would appear to be a Charlotte-Houston Finals matchup, and, Shaq, LJ, Big Ben and Damon will power the Hornets to a title, making them the second team to go from worst to first.. (coincidentally the first team that did it, Miami, got the players necessary to win the title by acquiring Karl Malone from the Hornets.)
- Jahallstar(PHX) - Charlotte Hornets
I'll give Spencer an ego boost again seeing he sent these questions. I think the Hornets are the early favorites with 9-2 betting odds preseason.
- Tmaczdaddy (PHI) - Charlotte Hornets
Most likely, the Hornets. They have some amazing big men in Ben Wallace/Shaq/Dwight. The east is going to be tough, but right now they are looking like the front-runners.
- Styro (CLE) - Charlotte Hornets
I think the Hornets will. They underwent a complete makeover by acquiring 2 of the top 10 players in the league in Shaq and Damon Stoudemire. They got studs on both the starting squad and the bench. It's going to be tough in the East, but they should be among the title contenders this year despite that.
- Shaunkol (ORL) - Orlando Magic
Me. I like to fly under the radar, just like we did last year. Everyone talks about Preira and the firepower of the Rockets, but I like what we have. The same crew back again from last year¡¦s ring ¡K I have a good handle on how to manage the DC. I think this year Charlotte is going to get a lot of press, and rightly so, but I think we can outscore them in the playoffs.
- Dan (NY) - New York Knicks
OOO, tough choice. Bulls are falling apart. Hornets and Lakers are on the rise. Not many great teams had a good tc. Magic do not look as strong. Rockets depth and big men are an issue. Who knows! Im going to go with the Knicks because I AM A HOMER AND WE NASTY!!! yeeeee good luck1!!
- Donatello (WAS) - Los Angeles Lakers
I will go with the Lakers. Billups/Rip/LBJ/JO/Burke is a very nice lineup who can play defense and score. The Bulls would usually be my choice but losing Dike kills them this year. The Bucks losing Hill hurts them. I know the Magic won last year, but no defense from your starting wings really irks me.
-CSDude07 (VAN) - Orlando Magic
Magic got it done last year, and I would root for them to do it again. They seem to be very balanced.
-Kruwaukee (MIL) - Milwaukee Bucks
Homer Alert! The Milwaukee Bucks are going to regain their claim as champions of the league. They have a very well balanced attack and can beat teams in a number of ways. Then again they do feed me a lot of beers in Milwaukee and that could be impairing my judgment.
- Brophdog88 (NJ) - Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets would have to be my pick. Shaq+LJ+Damon is a studly 3, but add Ben Wallace….wow. Best of all its not like he had to give up is soul to get them. He still managed to keep his #2 projected overall pick, and…of course since its Spence it jumped to #1, now meaning he has Dwight Howard to either add to his super talented core, or use as trade bait to make his team unstoppable. He went from losing to winning at the highest level, a feat last done when the heat went from number one pick to winning a title. Even if this fails, the Hornets will still have the pieces to get their picks back it would seem
- Jahallstar (PHX) - Charlotte Hornets
When you add 3 current or former all league 1st team players and then also add Dwight Howard I don't think anyone can say someone had a better off-season. The Hornets no question had the best off-season. How that translates will be determined.
- Tmaczdaddy (PHI) - Los Angeles Lakers
I'm going to have to go with the Lakers. They somehow managed to acquire Richard Hamilton, JO, and Pat Burke... Two of those players coming from my team.
- Styro (CLE) - Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets without a doubt. Acquired Shaq, Damon, and Ben Wallace without giving up their best future prospect in Dwight. I wouldn't be surprised if they went from #1 pick to Finals within a season. Remarkable turnaround.
- Shaunkol (ORL) - Charlotte Hornets
Easy, the Hornets. It sucks because they weren't even a threat before this off-season, now all of a sudden they have a very strong starting 5. I put them at 59-23 and 2nd place in the East, followed by an ECF birth.
- Dan (NY) - Charlotte Hornets
It was a tough call here but I would have to go with the Hornets. They drafted Dwight Howard, who is going to be a beast. Traded for Shaq, Ben Wallace and Damon Stoudamire, all sick players in there prime. They went from rebuilding to championship contenders in one off-season. Plus Spencer is in a great situation where he has solid young depth surrounding his talent. JCN and Diaw are solid players that will play well with the top guys around them. Another great team out East has emerged once again.
- Donatello (WAS) - Charlotte Hornets
I would say the Hornets. They added Shaq, Damon, LJ, Big Ben, and Dwight. Those are some huge names. I would also say the Lakers would be in consideration since they did add Rip and JO to their team.
-CSDude07 (VAN) - Charlotte Hornets
Hornets had a great offseason. They jumped up and got the #1 pick in the draft, landing them Dwight Howard. Also, they moved their youth to contend now, which is a possibility after having added Shaq, LJ, and Damon Stoudamire. There is a present and a future in Charlotte. The Nets also had a nice offseason, just because they were able to draft two excellent players in the draft: Al Jefferson and Devin Harris.
-Kruwaukee (MIL) - Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets had a fantastic offseason adding Shaq and reacquiring Larry Johnson. Oh yea they also landed #1 in the lotto getting Dwight Howard. So yea they definitely had the best offseason in the league going from zeros to heroes just like that.
Which team has the worst off-season?
- Brophdog88(NJ) - Atlanta Hawks
I am gonna say the Atlanta Hawks. Not only were there some poor trades, but the team lost its GM as well. Then even on top of that, they had a pretty piss poor Training Camp, setting the team back even farther. They still should be a solid team, but, overall this off-season has been pretty ugly for them. They have been unable to make the moves to make the team a title contender, actually hurting the team it would appear, by trading Ben Wallace for two shitty firsts, then, to replace him trading Rip Hamilton to get a quickly aging Chris Webber. This combined with the fact that it was Nash, Kandi, Webber all declining in some way in TC, and its pretty obvious that they are hurting now, and badly need a GM to step in and figure out where they are going to go.
- Jahallstar(PHX) - Dallas Mavericks
Dallas...They lost Shaq for nothing. It doesn't get much worse than that.
- Tmaczdaddy (PHI) - Atlanta Hawks and Philadelphia 76ers
I'm not really sure on this one. It's between me and the Hawks. Hawks really don't have much direction with most their players passing their prime and not many picks in the next couple years. Same with me.
- Styro (CLE) - Dallas Mavericks
Might have been the Mavericks. They lost Shaq to free agency without any compensation whatsoever and they traded Damon Stoudemire for a rebuilding package. They might be better off in the future with those moves, but I see them taking a major step back this year after making it to the Conference Finals.
- Shaunkol (ORL) - Chicago Bulls
The Bulls. In my opinion, they are done. Their players are getting older and declining in TC, Mutombo has retired and they are worse than the team that has been knocked out of the playoffs in the East the past 2 years. I think they should have either pushed the envelope and sold off a bunch of 1sts, or simply rebuilt. Now Tiger will go and win the UOSLR title and prove me wrong
- Dan (NY) - Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks I would have to say. They lost their GM chipper due to personal issues and they traded away Richard Hamilton for an aging Chris Webber, not good. They had a perfect duo going with RIP and Nash, I would of kept that. They had a 60 win season last year or a 59 one, they were nasty. But with some changes around the roster, the Hawks will not be as dominate as they once were.
- Donatello (WAS) - Toronto Raptors
Toronto. It wasn’t that it was horrible, I just don’t think they did enough to make the CY. The east is insane so you have to come strong if you want to contend. Right now, there are at least 7 teams better than they are in the east. I don’t think the Hill signing was enough. They should have traded some youth for another established player. Just trying to coast by and make 40 or grab the 8th playoffs spot is nerve-racking. I would rather be a surefire playoff team.
-CSDude07 (VAN) - Atlanta Hawks
Hawks. They made awful trades this offseason and their team is pretty much mediocre. Plus, Hawks traded Wagner away for Rip, who they traded for C-Webb...Look at Wagner. The Ben Wallace trade was also crap.
-Kruwaukee (MIL) - Seattle Supersonics
The Seattle Supersonic might have had the worst offseason because they knew they had to make moves and they didn't. Last year they made a huge mistake dealing this year's and next 1st round picks for Jerry Stackhouse. With Stackhouse they were still bottom dwellers in a weakened western conference. The Sonics did nothing to change their destiny this season. Sad, sad, sad.
Which player blew up this passed TC?
- Brophdog88(NJ) - Sebastian Telfair
Easy, Sebastian Telfair, wow. He went up one inside two outside one handles one defense, and kept his A potential. His increases put him as one of the front runners for the Rookie of the year considering just how much the league loves to reward point guards, I guess you could also add Sasha Vujajic, another 6’7” PG to that list, who had a very nice TC, oddly reminiscent of a certain player for the Philadelphia 76er’s a few years ago who moved to the Chicago Bulls in FA later. No way does Vujacic become that good, but a poor man’s version? I could see that.
- Jahallstar(PHX) - Jameer Nelson and Rashard Lewis
Jameer Nelson and Rashard Lewis took big steps to becomeing stars this offseason. Nelson improved in thet three categories that will show up in the stat book for PGs. He could have a 20/8 type year this year and is one TC from being a superstar. Shard took a great first step in silencing the critics with his TC. He improved to A outside and also improved in defense and rebounding. He is starting to look very Dirk like.
- Tmaczdaddy (PHI) - Dajuan Wagner
Dajuan Wagner. Is he ever going to have a good TC? I mean, seriously. It seems like he is always having great TC's. He's already a star and he's only 21 years old. Great piece for marty to build around.
- Styro (CLE) - Sebastian Telfair
551 Sebastian Telfair PG 19 6'0'' 165 C+ B+ A- B- C- A.
Absolutely beasted. Wolves took some flack for taking him ahead of TJ Ford, but Sebastian has turned out to be the best PG in the draft thus far. Devin Harris, who was the unanimous top pg coming into the draft, has been forced to take a back seat to Telfair for the time being.
- Shaunkol (ORL) - Dajuan Wagner
Dajuan Wagner. He looks like an absolute stud. B A- B+ A C- C. Even if he never improves a single category he is still a perennial all-star candidate. In the end I don¡¦t think it will mean much though, the Kings aint comin out of the East
- Dan (NY) - Dajuan Wagner
Wagner had a sick TC, went up a lot outside and defense is at A, pretty sick. Sasha had a pretty nice TC for a late second round pick, I love to see that. But if I had to pick it would be Wagner with the best overall i guess.
- Donatello (WAS) - Multiple
From reading the TC thread, I am not sure there is a surefire guy who blew up. Some guys had a total improvement of 3 places, but it seems that many players had solid TCs. Chris Mihm looks nice as does Telfair. Wade looks more well-rounded now with his outside game.
-CSDude07 (VAN)
Dajuan Wagner blew up, he looks great. Telfair also had a great first TC. Both those young guys looks great. Also, look at NVE on the Pacers. WTF? Welcome back Nick the Quick!
-Kruwaukee (MIL) - Dajuan Wagner
Dajuan Wagner was the most notable player to blow this TC. His ratings took a big boom. So if you're looking for a guy who blew up Wagner is your man. Too bad he is Sac-town his career will now go into the shitter.
Which player proved to be a bust this passed TC?
- Brophdog88(NJ) - Tayshaun Prince
-Well Beno Udrih has to be the obvious choice, he had a terrible TC, with a drop basically across the board. He wasn’t a very high pick, so I will have to say Tayshaun Prince, who was selected 6th overall in the 2002 draft. Prince has changed basically not at all. He is pretty damned terrible, with no offensive game, and only a solid defensive game he is definitely not even close to a sixth overall pick. Also added to that list could be Jayson Williams, who fell to seventh overall in the 2002 draft, and was the main piece in the Atlanta/Seattle deal. He absolutely tanked last year, and in no way made up for it this year, with just a slight upgrade. Baron Davis as well officially confirmed his status as monumental bust as the number 2 overall pick. He signed that cheap ass contract, and then did nothing in TC. He is possibly the biggest bust, cause pierce at least scored some and was picked third. The Baron pick could have been a franchise killer, but, Milwaukee was set anyway, that pick was just bonus. Had it worked out, wow, but it didn’t so they aren’t as good as they could have been obviously.
- Jahallstar(PHX) - Baron Davis
Baron Davis, it was probably about 80% that he would be a bust before TC but it was sealed here. He went down in handles and defense and is pretty much a player that probably won't last 3 more years in the league now. Not bad for a #2 overall selection.
- Tmaczdaddy (PHI) - Baron Davis
I guess it's official the Baron Davis is a bust. Sooner or later you were expecting him to have a breakout TC, but it hasn't happened yet and time is running out. He's already reaching his mid-20's and hasn't shown much improvement since being drafted. Partially because of the depth that Milwaukee has had since he's been there.
- Styro (CLE) - Ben Gordon
I'd probably have to say Ben Gordon. The 10th overall pick failed to make strides in Training Camp and less he has some amazing TC's, he will forever be a Jump Shooter and nothing more. His defense is atrocious and who knows if he'll ever be worthy of that top 10 pick. As far as everyone else goes, it's probably too early to say, since it's only been one tc and most of the guys picked are very young.
- Shaunkol (ORL) - Baron Davis
It might not have been all this TC, but why does the fact that Baron Davis is a huge bust get any more attention. Its funny how these things work: the Bucks were just adding to their embarrassment of riches when they lucked out in the lottery and took Davis. Turns out they really needed him to perform to become an elite franchise. Davis is now playing for the UOSLR min and deservedly so.
- Dan (NY) - Michael Redd
Many named, Michael Redd, Richard Jefferson, Jrich maybe? I think I would go with redd, great shooter, but nothing more. Back up for sure.
- Donatello (WAS) - Richard Jefferson
Not sure since I don’t look closely at TCs for everyone else, but Richard Jefferson dropped from A scouted to C. Basically ending all hope that he would improve further and actually have some value. Right now he is just an expiring contract, which are worthless unless you are giving up a first now.
-CSDude07 - Ben Gordon
Ben Gordon on the Pistons didn't do anything in TC except go down in scouted potential. Sucks so far for the #10 overall that's a 1-dimensional player to begin with.
-Kruwaukee (MIL) - Baron Davis
Ok so I admit it. Baron Davis is a BUST. He is more of a bust than a big tittied porn star. Damnit he had so much potential and he just never lived up to the hype. Trading Joel Pryzbilla and Hedo Turkoglu for him looks like a terrible deal on my part.
What GM has surprised you in a positive way this off-season?
- Brophdog88(NJ) - Kobe24
Well, Spence really can’t surprise me, Lakers have been raping people forever, so I really don’t see any GM as surprising me. I guess Kobe surprised me by not bringing Shaq back, that was a pretty stupid move, considering he would have been better off just resigning Shaq and trading him after the fact. I just didn’t figure why he would rebuild at this point when he had Shaq.. well at least his birds. Then he says that FBB only cares about the first year? Obviously not true since you lost him for nothing. (you never said surprise in a good way was the only option) Kobe had made some nice moves getting himself a Shaq, Honeycutt and Larry Hughes, so it was a surprise to see him make such shitty moves after the season.
- Jahallstar(PHX) - Spencer
Spencer was the only one that did anything this offseason so I will say him. The Hornets are contenders for sure as long as they find some bench help.
- Tmaczdaddy (PHI) - Brophdog88
Nets GM(broph). I think he's done a great job of building his team. He's got a great mix of youth(Jefferson, Richardson, Harris, Prince) and some veterans to help out. I expect them to be competing for a championship in the near future. He has some nice picks going into this draft and with another solid piece, he's ready to go.
- Styro (CLE) - DBW
DBW. After being among the worse teams two seasons ago and among the worse early in the season last year, they have managed to turn their team into a solid playoff team to contend for home court in the first round. Acquisitions like Richard Hamilton and Jermaine O'neal along with the progression of Lebron should improve this team over last year's first round exit team. Lakers' transformation has been a pleasant surprise.
- Shaunkol (ORL) - Spencer
Spencer. Without sucking up, I'm shocked with the Hornets right now. Maybe I just wasn't looking closely enough, but they were TERRIBLE last year weren't they? If they win it all this year while still keeping Dwight, it will be a miraculous achievement. Its going to be one of the story-lines of this season.
- Dan (NY) - DBW
DBW, made some great moves that I did not know he had in him. He has changed that whole franchise around and they will be nasty for awhile especially since they have Lebron on the squad. He did a great job this off-season and is making a team finally compete with the Rockets.
- Donatello (WAS) - Nobody
Quite frankly, no one. I knew Spencer would be able to trade the massive amount of pick he had and get talent. I figured DBW would rape someone in a deal. Both of those happened.
-CSDude07 (VAN) - DBW
I really like what the Lakers have done this offseason. DBW found a way to get rid of C-Webb for a great shooter and defender on a sweet contract and traded the unproven Gasol for a very good PF in Jo that's proven, but still very young. The Lakers have an excellent team. Also, they were able to pick up a hot free agent this offseason, Pat Burke, who is an excellent defender, rebounder, and outside shooter at the 5.
-Kruwaukee (MIL) - Multiple
There hasn't been one GM to stand out in my opinion. The overall lack of effort put in by GMs that need to win or haven't won in a while does surprise me. Guys need to be more proactive if they want to step up into the upper echelon of teams. You see the more active guys up top for a reason.
What Gm proved he doesn't belong this off-season?
- Brophdog88(NJ) - Tmaczdaddy
I am gonna have to say T-Mac, as he still hasn’t gotten over his ashes conspiracy theory shit. It is pretty stupid that he posts as if ashes didn’t do his bids or some shit, because there is ya know, no way that Pat Burke takes 4.5 million compared to 5 million, since FBB is always so predictable. Its pretty bullshit the way he went out, and it would appear he still hasn’t gotten over it in someway.
- Jahallstar(PHX) - Chipper and Kobe 24
Well I don't want to say anyone did anything to not belong this offseason. However the fact that someone with birds would not give Shaq any raises is crazy. Chipper said he took blame for that though and he is gone...so maybe it did have that effect.
- Tmaczdaddy (PHI) - Chipper
I would say chipper(sorry bud), and I think he realized that himself.
- Styro (CLE) - Chipper
Chipper proved to be a pretty poor gm with his last couple moves. Traded Ben Wallace for a bunch of bad picks and basically threw his team in the trash. Traded Richard Hamilton in a deal that made him worse. Just an awful offseason for him.
- Shaunkol (ORL) - Crazy Mike
Jeez, knowing jumps to mind. I was thinking Crazymike, because his LA Clippers have been irrelevant forever, but he actually has a nice team now, so I'll stay away from that. I wouldn't say this guy doesn't belong because he does, and I like him, but I hate what Donatello and the Wizards have done. They made a bunch of trades, gave up a fantastic talent like T-Mac, and still are not that close to success. Now they have a pretty limited roster and will likely be rebuilding again soon. Maybe he has a better idea of what is going on in the nations capital, but I don't.
- Dan (NY) - Tmaczdaddy
Tmac, had a shitty trade getting Gasol. Gasol will never be the player JO is. He did not get much in return for him, pretty shit trade IMO. He is not that good of a gm and needs to prove his worth. Left on awful terms, needs to prove he can handle it here.
- Donatello (WAS) - Heat Flash
HeatFlash. His team is stuck in mediocrity with no hope of getting out. He doesn’t have his picks and it seems as if he doesn’t really care. Barry/Wells/Stackhouse/Jamison/Grant seems like a lineup that should reach 40 and that is about it. It is almost as if he is in a waiting period trying to ride out the pain until he can rebuild when he has his picks. I am not sure about Mike’s trading for Dirk. He gave up a great young player in Wagner and had to take on a horrible contract in Kemp. There just seems to be more people who made mistakes this offseason than those who did not.
-CSDude07 (VAN) - Chipper
Chip really disappointed this offseason and this past year. He ended his career in UOSLR on a really bad note, reinforcing the fact that he has been a horrible Gm in this league from the beginning. He was just absolutely awful in this league...really, really bad.
-Kruwaukee (MIL) - Multiple
There are a few GMs who aren't pulling their weight in this league. I think you have to look at teams who have seen a carousel of GMs lately like Portland, Seattle, Boston, and Philadelphia.
Name 1 annoying new trend in UOSLR?
- Brophdog88(NJ) - Not sending draft lists.
For Spencer, the lack of response to PM’s…although I haven’t had much of an issue, cause I don’t pm too many people with offers, just respond, and when I do pm people they tend to be on the boards at the time. For me, I would have to say the lack of list sending in the draft. I am a draft mod, and very rarely do we get lists. Typically you can count on having maybe 7 gm’s send lists in total, and, with how quick the drafts have been moving as of late, with the time limits being strictly enforced, a lot of problems could be avoided by just sending a draft list. I do not enjoy picking for people, cause who I pick may not be in agreement with who they would want, and, if people would send lists we could get the draft done that much quicker. If you are worried about not being able to make your pick, just state that you don’t want the pick made if you are on the boards.
- Jahallstar(PHX) - Tanking
Tanking....I don't think it is new but it is much much more prevalent the past few seasons.
- Tmaczdaddy (PHI) - None
No.
- Styro (CLE) - Inactivity
People seem to be going inactive. We finished free agency about 24 hours ago and yet we only have 16 dc's. GM's seem to be getting comfortable and not doing anything. I hope it doesn't continue, but gm's seem to be becoming less reliable so far this offseason.
- Shaunkol (ORL) - Inconsistent Drafts
The quality of draftees. Back when I was tanking, the drafts were littered with busts. Now its all absolute studs. Oh well, I wont complaign, because when I suck again, I don¡¦t want the draftees to start sucking too.
- Dan (NY) - Moving avatars
Not really sure. Those annoying moving avatar things freeze up my comp sometimes lol. My computer sucks when I go to UOSLR. Fine on any other website but this one, so weird. Fucking pisses me off. We need some more active gms, lots of guys are coasting and it is annoying.
- Donatello (WAS) - Big 1 Year Expiring Contracts
It really isn’t new but the 1 year, big contract offers to guys is annoying me. I do it as well, but I am mainly talking about guys who specifically sign them and then try and trade him away. I liked in NBN where there was a 1 year cap. It forced teams to either try and sign the guy for 6 million or give him a 2 year offer. Some people do it for salary fillers, but then some do it for salary filler, but then think that those players have value. Attention to GMs, you got those players on day 4 of FA for a reason.
-CSDude07 (VAN) - The Dave Krupinski Rule
The Dave Krupinski Rule. Awful. No, but seriously, I dunno I'm not annoyed by anything in UOSLR. Dunno what u were looking for here Spence.
-Kruwaukee (MIL) - Chinese Lettering
It was a trend of chinese lettering that really annoyed me but that has stopped. It's really annoying when GMs constantly change their display names and its hard to follow.
What future draft prospect are you looking forward to?
- Brophdog88(NJ) - Chris Paul
Chris Paul, as the best PG in the NBA, he has skills that should translate very well to a sim league. He is a great passer, and has very quick hands. He can do most anything you would look for out of a PG. I mean, I may have Devin Harris, but Paul is a pretty damn solid player, and if somehow I could get CP3, Harris would probably have to deal with a move to SG. Even if Ashes said expect Harris to be the top PG in the league in a few years, I have a feeling that one of Deron Williams or Chris Paul will easily challenge for that title, if not both.
- Jahallstar(PHX) - John Gilchrist
John Gilchrist. He's going to be awesome.
- Tmaczdaddy (PHI) - Chris Paul
Chris Paul. He's going to change the face of the league with his amazing passing/scoring skills. It's too bad I won't have my pick this year, because he is a special player and could change a whole team just by himself.
- Styro (CLE) - Chris Paul
I'm looking forward to Chris Paul the most. I got my wing man in Josh Howard, my post presence in Chris Bosh, now I'm just missing someone that could lead my team and I think Chris Paul from Wake Forest can make my future as bright as anyone's. Deron Williams from Illinois is also a hot prospect i wouldn't mind having.
- Shaunkol (ORL) - Kevin Durant
-I don't even know when he came out, but Ill go with Kevin Durant. He's going to be an absolute beast. I'm gonna try time my tanking efforts to sync up with when he declares.
- Dan (NY) - Danillo Gallinari
Danillo Gallinari, yeeee!! HE SHOULD BE SICK!!
- Donatello (WAS) - Greg Oden
Greg Oden. We know that Tmcz and Ducky love to ride the Oden shaft, but so far he looks to be a bit of a bust. Will he be a beast like he is in most sim leagues, or just be an average to below average player? It could go either way. I also think the Paul/Deron battle will be interesting to see who is better. Marvin Williams was a boom or bust prospect so he could end up a stud here.
-CSDude07 (VAN) - Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant. This dude is gonna be sick.
-Kruwaukee (MIL) - Brandon Roy
I'm looking forward to Brandon Roy coming out. He's one of my favorite players in the league and I'm curious how he turns out in this league. He's very clutch, smooth, and overall efficient. He's going to be a stud guard for somebody.
Which conference is better?
- Brophdog88(NJ) - The East
The East , clearly. The talent appears to be moving from the west to the east even more so, when the East as already stacked. LJ, Shaq, Damon Stoudamire Dwight Howard, Al Jefferson, Chris Bosh, Devin Harris, Andre Igoudala all are now in the East. The talent and the draft classes are all going East, and it was already the better conference. In the West really, there is one team who stands out, the Rockets, but outside them everybody is just kind of fighting for second place, the only real stands anybody makes in the West are for one year, then they go and trade whatever big pieces they have, and send them off to some other team so they can take a shot when their shot has failed. It is tougher to win in the East, the best players are in the East, what, with EP, Kobe, Shaq, Wang. It is amazing just how much tougher it is, and over and over the East Champion beats up on the west champion Rockets to win the title.
- Jahallstar(PHX) - The East
East.....I was the #3 team in the west last year and I sucked. I think I will probably be top 3 again...
- Tmaczdaddy (PHI) - The East
I don't think there is really an question. The East has always dominated and always will dominate the West. Almost every year there are top seeds in the west that would not even be in the playoffs if they were in the east. The last 3 championships also prove my point of the east being dominant.
- Styro (CLE) - The East
The East without question. The West had about two or three teams who made the playoffs with less that .500 records. The Jazz went from 7th seed to top 5 pick within a couple sims, that's how bad it was. In the East, the Hornets got better and the Bulls are poised to make another run deep into the Playoffs. Not to mention, four of the top five picks went to the East, so we just got stronger.
- Shaunkol (ORL) - The East
LOL, ummm, ok seriously. Before Charlotte went nuts, I actually would have said the West. The East had a bad offseason, but now with Charlotte emerging, and my Magic still around, I think the East will take home yet another title this year.
- Dan (NY) - The East
East is the best. So many better teams it is not even fair. The west needs some help in time things should even out but the east is still stronger than the west.
- Donatello (WAS) - The East
The East and it isn’t even close. The West does have the Rockets, but I feel without an inside game they aren’t as good as people believe. The Lakers are solid, but that is mainly from lucking out in the LBJ sweepstakes and raping chipper and tmacz. The East may not have the best team in the league, but they have the most depth overall. I have a feeling that the 7th place team in the East would finish 3rd in the West this year.
-CSDude07 - The East
East. Much more talent over there right now.
-Kruwaukee (MIL) - The East
The Eastern Conference is far superior it's not even questionable. The defending champ has come from the east for the past 5+ seasons. They continue to have more dominant teams and more active GMs. The 5th seed in the East could probably beat the #1 seed in the West in a 7 game series. If Ducky is that #1 seed it will go 7 games.
Who will win the title this year?
- Brophdog88(NJ) - Charlotte Hornets
Tough decision, the defending champs had a poor TC, while the Bulls lost quite a bit as well when Deke decided to pack up ad head back to Africa. On the other end of the spectrum, suddenly Charlotte looks dominant. Meanwhile, in the West, it is pretty obvious that the best team is the Rockets, ad that won’t change anytime soon. They may have a challenger to their throne, what with the Lakers sending Pau Gasol to Philly for Jermaine O’Neal, but in reality that team is probably another year away. The Rockets did lose one of their posts when Joel Pryzbilla left for the Grizzlies, and the Grizzlies aren’t too bad either, but really they too are a year or two away. I figure Right now it would appear to be a Charlotte-Houston Finals matchup, and, Shaq, LJ, Big Ben and Damon will power the Hornets to a title, making them the second team to go from worst to first.. (coincidentally the first team that did it, Miami, got the players necessary to win the title by acquiring Karl Malone from the Hornets.)
- Jahallstar(PHX) - Charlotte Hornets
I'll give Spencer an ego boost again seeing he sent these questions. I think the Hornets are the early favorites with 9-2 betting odds preseason.
- Tmaczdaddy (PHI) - Charlotte Hornets
Most likely, the Hornets. They have some amazing big men in Ben Wallace/Shaq/Dwight. The east is going to be tough, but right now they are looking like the front-runners.
- Styro (CLE) - Charlotte Hornets
I think the Hornets will. They underwent a complete makeover by acquiring 2 of the top 10 players in the league in Shaq and Damon Stoudemire. They got studs on both the starting squad and the bench. It's going to be tough in the East, but they should be among the title contenders this year despite that.
- Shaunkol (ORL) - Orlando Magic
Me. I like to fly under the radar, just like we did last year. Everyone talks about Preira and the firepower of the Rockets, but I like what we have. The same crew back again from last year¡¦s ring ¡K I have a good handle on how to manage the DC. I think this year Charlotte is going to get a lot of press, and rightly so, but I think we can outscore them in the playoffs.
- Dan (NY) - New York Knicks
OOO, tough choice. Bulls are falling apart. Hornets and Lakers are on the rise. Not many great teams had a good tc. Magic do not look as strong. Rockets depth and big men are an issue. Who knows! Im going to go with the Knicks because I AM A HOMER AND WE NASTY!!! yeeeee good luck1!!
- Donatello (WAS) - Los Angeles Lakers
I will go with the Lakers. Billups/Rip/LBJ/JO/Burke is a very nice lineup who can play defense and score. The Bulls would usually be my choice but losing Dike kills them this year. The Bucks losing Hill hurts them. I know the Magic won last year, but no defense from your starting wings really irks me.
-CSDude07 (VAN) - Orlando Magic
Magic got it done last year, and I would root for them to do it again. They seem to be very balanced.
-Kruwaukee (MIL) - Milwaukee Bucks
Homer Alert! The Milwaukee Bucks are going to regain their claim as champions of the league. They have a very well balanced attack and can beat teams in a number of ways. Then again they do feed me a lot of beers in Milwaukee and that could be impairing my judgment.
