Post by Clifford "Poop" Harris on May 9, 2010 21:20:39 GMT -5
Team Age Breakdown
These are the teams listed in order, from youngest to oldest. I will be grading teams based on their ability to win now (present) and their future outlook, good or bad.
Average Age. 22.8 years old
Key Players: Sebastian Telfair 25, Dorell Wright 24, Demarcus Cousins 19, James Harden 21
The Present: They'll probably compete for a playoff spot the whole season, but they're a first round exit. It's a tough position to be in, the GM is on his CY and keeping his youth is obviously best for the long run, but trading some of those pieces might be necessary to win now. For now, they'll just be a mediocre team.Grade: B-
The Future: Derrick Favors is going to be a stud in the future and a lot of their future success will hing on Favors' development. Derrrick and Telfair could form one of the best PG-Big man combos in the league within the next few years. Their best player is only 25 and their biggest prospect is only 19. Wolves are going to have to acquire more pieces to surround them with in order to maximize wins in the future. The future is bright nonetheless. Grade: B+
Average Age: 23 years old
Key Players: Greg Monroe 20, Terrence Williams 23, Tyson Chandler 27
The Present: They're currently tied for the last playoff spot but i doubt they stay out of the lottery. Their biggest win now player is probably Tyson Chandler and that won't cut it if you're trying to make the playoffs. Solid young squad though. C+
The Future: There's nothing that really jumps at you when it comes to the future. Monroe probably has the most upside out of anyone. Terrence looks pretty good, but i'm not sure he'll improve all that much. He'll either be a solid 3rd or 4th option on a championship caliber team or a real good 2nd option. Monroe is the only sure thing though seemingly. Grade: B
Average Age: 23.7 years old
Key Players: Caron Butler 30, Tyreke Evans 21, Mo Williams 27, Jared Sullinger 19
The Present: One of the 5 worse teams in the league it seems with no chance of winning this year. A lotto team with their best player being 30 isn't a good mix. It would probably be a good idea to trade Caron in order to get younger, his value just keeps dropping the older he gets at this point. Grade: C
The Future: The Future looks bright in Seattle. If the Gm were active enough, they'd be able to ship out some of the veterans for some nice young pieces to enhance the future. Tyreke looks like Dwade Jr. and Sullinger looks like he'll be a great scorer at the very least. They have two of the best young players in the league, but that alone won't cut it. Future: B-
Average Age: 23.7 years old
Key Players: Josh Smith 24, Eddie Griffin 27, Andrew Bynum 22, Russel Westbrook 22
The Present: They could sneak into a low playoff seed, but as constructed, they'll struggle to win 40 games. The Future definitely looks brighter than the present. It's early in the season, but Josh Smith looks to have taken a step back from his usual 20 and 10 numbers. Solid, but nothing special at the moment. Grade: B-
The Future: Definitely looks bright. How bright? Well, that will depend on the development of both Bynum and Westbrook. If they can somehow become 15-17 ppg players and 10 rpg/apg players, this team will be trouble in the future. I'm going to assume they do become those type of players. Grade: B+
Average Age: 24.2 years old
Key Players: Kevin Durant 21, Steve Nash 36, Demarcus Cousins 19, DeAndre Jordan 21
The Present: It's a blessing to have your best player be at the caliber of Kevin Durant at such an early age. Already among the league leaders in ppg in only his 3rd season, the Rockets have themselves a superstar. It's difficult to be anywhere near excited about his supporting cast though. It's deflating when the youngest superstar's best sidekick is already 36. That being said, they don't resemble anything close to a winning team right now. Grade: C
The Future: They have a decent future, nothing amazing though as far as the team goes. Holding on to Durant will be key in the upcoming years, i don't see any prospect other than Durant as a potential starter on a winning team. Hopefully Durant doesn't go to waste. Best case scenario, would be for Cousins to improve tremendously over the next couple years, but it's not looking good right now. Maybe Flynn can keep improving. Grade: C+.
Average Age: 25.1 years old
Key Players: Andre Iguoadala 26, Dajuan Wagner 27, Hassan Whiteside 21
The Present: Andre and Dajuan aren't exactly babies anymore, but you can definitely build a future around them. They are great win now pieces and good future pieces. They aren't surrounded with that much of a supporting cast right now which is why the current team is set to finish out of the playoffs. Probably should be doing a little better but they're nothing more than a lotto team right now. Grade: C+
The Future: Looks pretty good. They are somehow managing to tank well with good players. If they keep losing at this pace, they're going to add another stud to a great nucleus. Hassan Whiteside, Andre, Dajuan + another lotto pick could equal a hell of a future. Grade: B+
Average Age: 25.2 years old
Key Players: Brook Lopez 21, Brandon Roy 26, John Wall 20
The Present: They look solid at the moment. Even though Brandon Roy is the only finished product at the moment, him and JRich could get this team into the playoffs. The young players are doing well enough to make solid contributions despite not being in their prime yet. They have a solid mix of veterans and young players, now all they need is depth. Grade: B.
The Future: They have one of the brightest futures in the nba. There's no real uncertainty with their prospects and they have a proven star in Roy to surround their young studs. Wall and Brook seem like sure fire all stars in the near future and it's hard to find a 1-2 punch with as bright a future as John and Brook. Grade: A-
Average Age: 25.2 years old
Key Players: Nazr Mohammed 32, Kelenna Azubuike 26
The Present: Pretty ugly to be honest. The teams young average age is a product of all the scrubs they have on the bench, they have no real prospect that's nice and their two best players are old. Losing, mixed with having old players is a horrible situation. I don't see this team getting anywhere anytime soon. Lotto unless he pulls off some kind of miracle trade. Grade: C-
The Future: As bad as the present, if not worse. The only guy they have that could make an impact over every one of the next 5 seasons is Kelenna. I don't see anyone on their roster who will make an impact anytime soon. Jennings looks decent, but i doubt he turns into a key contributor on any team with success. Donte looks alright, but his stats are underwhelming, maybe some IT's will do him good. Grade: C-.
Average Age: 25.4
Key Players: Rudy Gay 24, Stephen Jackson 32, Chris Bosh 26, Emeka Okafor 27
The Present: Over the last 3 years, they've made 2 conference finals and a semi-finals. All their key players have been together for a long time already. It's hard to imagine the average age is only 25+ considering they've been contending for the last three years now. They got off to a slow start so far this season, but they should be a top 4 seed when it's all said and done. Grade: B+.
The Future: I don't see them dropping off at all over the next 4-5 years unless they start rebuilding. The only person they should be concerned about is Stephen Jackson. He's getting up there in age and it would be key if he kept playing at this level for another 3 years. Their front court is totally set for the next 3-4 years. Bosh, Okafor and Gay make up one of the best front courts in the league. None of their key players are set to hit Free Agency for three years. Looks good right now. Grade: A-.
Average Age: 25.5 years old
Key Players: Al Jefferson 25, Deshawn Stevenson 28, Luol Deng 26, Whang Zhi Zhi 33
The Present: The Defending Champs haven't missed a beat in the early part of this year. They're looking like one of the favorites to win it all once again. They have three of the best players in the league. Although Deshawn isn't getting his usual 25 and 10, his impact on the team is still big. It's going to be tough to knock this team out of the playoffs. One of the best teams in the league right now. Grade: A.
The Future: Looks solid. They have the best big man in the game locked up for the next 4 seasons and Deng for the next 3. Their two youngest and best players are locked up for a while. Zhi Zhi probably won't be around for too much longer but Al, Deshawn and Deng aren't a bad trio to start things off with. Grade: A-.
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The Rest
Average Age: 25.7 years old
Key Players: Manu Ginobili 33, Marc Gasol 25, Ron Artest 30
The Present: They are pretty mediocre. Despite acquiring Manu from the Spurs for seemingly nothing, they still can't manage to make a legit push towards the playoffs. Trading all their veterans for picks or young rebuilding pieces seems like the way to go. Too bad they don't have their pick, the team seems like it's in trouble. Grade: C.
The Future: Nothing that really jumps out. Marc is probably their best asset for the future, but he's probably reached his peak. Al Farouq seems to have limitless potential, but it's hard to forecast what kind of player he'll become. If he fulfills his potential, he'll probably be the Pistons best player over the next 10 years. That's a big if. Grade: B-.
Average Age: 25.8 years old
Key Players: Vince Carter 33, Kevin Garnett 34, Lamarcus Aldridge 25
The Present: They have a good amount of depth and that one star in Vince Carter. The problem is, they don't have that clear cut #2 contributor right now. It's hard to imagine a team without a 1-2 punch being successful. They might sneak into the playoffs but a first round exit is the result they'll get if the team remains as is. Grade: C.
The Future: It has the potential to be solid, but Rose is going to have to make considerable strides if this team is going to be good in the long run. They have their own pick, if i were them I'd probably tank to enhance my future but i don't know his contract situation. Grade: B-.
Average Age: 25.9 years old
Key Players: Dirk Nowitzki 32, Josh Howard 30, Andrei Kirelenko 32
The Present: The team is playing great. The GM has done a great job of cleaning up the mess left behind by Zyme. This team is now a threat to be conference finalists, especially if Dirk keeps playing at this level. 50 win team in the making. Grade: B+.
The Future: Almost non existent. Their window is closing and it could slam shut over the next 2-3 years. Their best players are 29 or over and they have no real prospects coming up. I don't know how long they plan to contend for, but they're going to have to re-tool via the draft once these guys get older. Grade: C.
Average Age: 25.9
Key Players: Tracy McGrady 30, Acie Law 25, Primoz Brezec 30
The Present: They should probably be better than a .500 team right now, they have good talent. They'll probably be slotted around 6-8 seed. Grade: B
The Future: Derozan looks good, no idea how much potential he has left though. Acie Law has established himself as a "sure thing". Grade: B.
Average Age: 26.1
Key Players: Deron Williams 26, Larry Hughes 31, Jermaine O'neal 31
The Present: They'll probably be a mid-seeded playoff team. They have talent, but the talent exceeds the production at this point. Deron is a top 3 Point Guard and they have pieces that complement eachother rather well. They have defensive minded bigs and scoring guards. A little balance would be nice, but they're a solid playoff team nonetheless. Grade: B.
The Future: Deron will be the top 3 Point Guard for the next 8 years or so. Sene will be a DPOY candidate for another 10 years also. Jermaine and Larry still have some good years left. Grade: B+.
Average Age: 26.1
Key Players: Eddy Curry 27, Rashard Lewis 29, Lamar Odom 30
The Present: A solid chance of getting out of the first round but that's about it. They have a lot of nice veterans but no real star. Grade: B
The Future: They can probably hover around the 4-5 seed for the next 3-4 years and then they'll have to rebuild, if not sooner. They don't have any rebuilding pieces at the moment. But they can turn some of those veterans into something decent + Curry is still young. Grade: B
Average Age: 26.1 years old
Key Players: Zach Randolph 29, Monta Ellis 24
The Present: Their best player is a one dimensional scorer who doesn't play any defense whatsoever. Monta Ellis will probably be their best player in the long run but he's not producing enough yet. Knicks should be a lotto team. Grade: C+
The Future: Not bad. If Blake Griffin ever pans out they should have a solid 1-2 punch with Monta and Blake. They're missing that franchise player though. Grade: B-
Average Age: 26.2 years old
Key Players: Lebron James 25, Ronnie Fields 33 Luke Ridnour 29
The Present: Great team, they acquired arguably the best player in the league and they've been playing great to start the season. Grade: A-
The Future: Any Future with Lebron James in it, is going to be good. Guys like Ridnour and Diop figure to be in the picture for a while also. Future looks good. Grade: B+
Average Age: 26.2 years old
Key Players: Amare Stoudemire 27, Xavier Henry 19
The Present: They suck right now. Top 5 lotto team. Grade: D
The Future: Looks Good. Amare, Xavier and a possible top 5 pick from this years tanking should give them a good core to build around. Grade: B+
Average Age: 26.3 years old
Key Players: Travis Outlaw 26, Mike Bibby 31, Antonio McDyess 35
The Present: 7 or 8th seed at the very best, most likely a Lotto team. Travis outlaw has been impressive though. They won't accomplish anything this year though. Grade: C
The Future: Solid, they have Ekpe Udoh and Travis Outlaw to build around, but they don't have their own picks. They could be in mediocrity for a while unless they make a trade: Grade: B-
Average Age: 26.9 years old
Key Players: Kobe Bryant 31, Joe Johnson 29
The Present: Product of a weak East. They could make the playoffs, but if they do they'll probably get raped in the first round. Grade: C
The Future: Sucks, they don't really have nothing concrete for the next few years. They have no one to pick up the slack once Kobe or JJ decline. Grade: C-
Average Age: 27 years old
Key Players: Ray Allen 34, Elton Brand 31, Chris Paul 25
The Present: They could contend for the Eastern Conference championship barring any injuries. If Chris Paul were to ever develop he'd make them championship contenders. Grade: B+
The Future: Looked good not that long ago. Chris Paul just hasn't become the superstar we all thought he would be. If he ever does, the Bullets have themselves a valuable asset for the future. Grade: B
Average Age: 27 years old
Key Players: Paul Milsap 25, Evan Turner 21, Ronald Murray 31
The Present: They have a nice young core but they're probably not contenders yet. They started off good, but have tailed off since. I predict a 5-6 seed. Grade: B
The Future: They have one of the best Power Forwards int he game and he's only 25. They have one of the best future Small Forwards in the game in Evan Turner. Oj Mayo and Rondo are also solid prospects. This team will get better as the years go by. Grade: A
Average Age: 27.3 years old
Key Players: Hedo Turkoglu 31, Devin Harris 27, Greg Oden 22
The Present: A playoff team. Not as good as they've been the last few years but solid nonetheless. A first round upset wouldn't surprise me either if they got a good matchup. Grade: B-
The Future: Looks pretty good. Oden is only 22, Devin Harris is still only 27. Martell Webster and Paul George have a good chance of turning into studs also. Grade: B+
Average Age: 28.6 years old
Key Players: Dwight Howard 24, Sean Williams 23, Jameer Nelson 28
The Present: They aren't Elite like they have been over the last few years, but they should get solid playoff positioning nonetheless. If Dwight ever produces up to his talent, maybe they'll be elite without making any major moves. We'll see. Grade: B
The Future: Sean Williams looks real good. Dwight looks good, but not on the floor. Dwight and Sean have the chance to be dominant forces down low. A 28 year old Jameer could be at his peak when Dwight decides to come around also. Could be scary. Grade: B+
Average Age: 28.67 years old
Key Players: Michael Redd 30, Richard Hamilton 32
The Present: They've been to the Conference Finals in each of the last three years but they seem to have taken a step back this year. Carmelo never became a superstar and guys like Hamilton and Marion are declining. Thank god for Redd. Grade: A-
The Future: Darko looks like the best piece the Pacers have for the long run. Carmelo should be a star by now, but off-season set backs leave him at nothing more than a good role player. Grade: B
Average Age: 28.8 years old
Key Players: Yao Ming 29, Gilbert Arenas 28
The Present: One of the best teams in the West. Yao, Iverson and Arenas continue to play at a high level and probably lead the Clipps into the 2nd round at the least. Grade: B+
The Future: Even though Arenas and Yao have been around for seemingly forever, they have yet to hit 30 and could remain factors for the next 3-4 years at least. A couple pieces here and there to surround them with should give them a 45+ win team for the foreseeable future. Grade: B+
Average Age: 28.9 years old
Key Players: Tony Parker 28, Mike Miller 30
The Present: They don't have much outside of Parker at the moment. I don't see them racking up wins, not even enough to mee the CY. If they keep losing a lotto pick could be a blessing. Grade: C+
The Future: Tony Parker and that's about it. They're going to have to make good use of their lotto this year. Grade: C+
Average Age: 31.6 years old
Key Players: Dwyane Wade 28, Tim Duncan 34, Etienne Preira 37
The Present: The Oldest but most experienced team and one of the most successful teams we've ever seen. Duncan is still going strong at 34 and Wade will probably be an mvp candidate for the next 6-7 years. Preira has declined, but he's still playing at an all star level. Championship favorites: Grade: A+
The Future: Their window is slowly closing. Etienne at 37 and Duncan at 34 signals the end of a dynasty coming soon. They haven't finished winning championships just yet though. They should be the favorites over the next two years barring any retirements. Beyond that, who knows. There's a lot of uncertainty. Grade: B
