Post by dreamweaver on Sept 14, 2010 13:33:07 GMT -5
Everyone knows the saying, “Another day, another dollar.” It takes time, patience, and effort to win the Ship. That’s what the Detroit Pistons did last season. They were in their contract year, went out and made great trades and came out on top. Not only did they silence their critics, but they made their CY as well. Who will be this year’s Detroit Pistons? With FA over, TC done, let’s take a look at how the Western Conference stacks up this season. (I understand deals happen all the time, so bear with me).
Dallas Mavericks[/u]:
The Mavs enter the 2017 season looking pretty much the same team, which is not the best thing. The best thing they did in the offseason was to retain PGs Devin Harris and Chris Duhon. Granted, they only resigned to two year deals, which is no real burden cap wise. However, both are starting to show signs wear and tear as both dropped -1 in one or more categories. Their star Kevin Durant will be asked to score crazy amounts of points yet again this season. He did drop in defense -1 this TC, but when was he ever a good defender? The frontcourt rounds out with Green and Millsap. Green is no PF so I never liked him there. Millsap is still really solid as has shown no signs of slowing down. His scoring in the paint will be needed to take the attention off of Durant.
Prediction:
The Mavs are a Playoff team, but need a better PF. They also need shot blocking. Hell, they need to fill their team to 12 players. New GM?
Starting Five:
Paul Millsap
C 32 6'7'' 261 B+ C- C- B A D
Jeff Green
PF 31 6'9'' 235 B- B- C A- C+ D
Kevin Durant
SF 28 6'10'' 229 B A+ C- B- B- C
Chris Duhon
PG 34 6'1'' 189 C A- C+ A- D D
590 Devin Harris
PG 34 6'3'' 189 C+ A- A- B+ C- C
Denver Nuggets[/u]:
The Nuggets had a good 2016 campaign and look to repeat it. Trying to address their lack of frontcourt scoring, the Nuggets went out and made a solid move, trading for Sean Williams. He brings good scoring and defense, but is a weak rebounder. That was one of the Nuggets weaknesses, so they still need to address that issue. Outside of Williams, the Nuggets resigned Roy which was obviously very important. Outside of Wall and Dunn, he is one of the top guys in their offense. He accepted a reasonable 3 year deal. If the Nuggets can improve their rebounding, watch out.
Prediction:
The Nuggets should be one of the top seeds in the West this season. They could very well make a Finals appearance.
Starting Five:
Sean Williams
C 30 6'10'' 251 A- C- D B+ B- D
Ekpe Udoh
PF 30 6'10'' 250 B C- C- A- B C
Brandon Roy
SF 33 6'6'' 212 B- A A- B+ C- C
LaceDarius Dunn
SG 30 6'4'' 200 B- A C+ B+ C- C
John Wall
PG 27 6'4'' 195 B- A- A A C D
Houston Rockets[/u]:
The Rockets are in a rebuilding mode still. The best they did this offseason was resign C Jonas Valanciunas and draft SF Kahari Beaufort. Beaufort looks interesting after a good TC, but he still has a ways to go. His inside is inflated with athleticism, so that area and his outside need work. Outside of that, not much else to say about the Rockets. They need to fill positions across the board. Some GMs have suggested trading Jonas for multiple pieces. It might be good, but he’s young and a big. He’ll be good for many years to come.
Prediction:
The Rockets are a lotto team without a doubt. A guard would be nice.
Starting Five:
Jonas Valanciunas
C 24 6'11'' 265 A- C+ C A- A B
Joakim Noah
C 32 6'11'' 241 B- C F+ B+ B- D
Kahari Beaufort
SF 20 6'8'' 230 B+ C C B- C+ A
Dominique Jones
SG 29 6'4'' 215 B+ C+ C B+ D+ C
Kyrie Irving
PG 25 6'1'' 177 C+ B B A- D+ C
Minnesota Timberwolves[/u]:
The TWolves are another team that’s rebuilding. All their buzz this offseason has been from their draft pick and TC. To try and bolster their frontcourt, the TWolves drafted C Tyrek Coger from UNC at #10. I really like his size and potential scoring abilities. He had a decent TC. Speaking of TC, the one that shined for them was PG LJ Rose. He continues to get better and better. He now looks like one of the better picks in the 2016 draft. Their scoring will be led by Snear. He had an OK TC, going -1 in Inside but +1 in Outside.
Prediction:
Like the Rockets, they are set for late lotto. I guess they could try and compete since they have some assets if they wanted too. I could also see them sneak is as an 8th seed.
Starting Five:
Tyrek Coger
C 22 6'11'' 275 B C- C- B- C+ A
Anthony Davis
PF 24 6'9'' 210 B C- C B- C+ C
Jordan Sibert
SF 25 6'6'' 200 B- B A- C C+ C
Michael Snear
SG 28 6'4'' 185 B A- D B C- B
L.J. Rose
PG 23 6'3'' 185 C B- B+ B C- B
San Antonio Spurs[/u]:
The 3rd team in a row that is rebuilding. However, they have recently expressed a desire to possibly compete if the right deals come around. The thing I really like about this team is their frontcourt with Bridgewater and Randle. Both players had great TCs, going +1 or even +2 in a category. They bring great value in the trade market. Outside of them, the Spurs have recently drafted SG Aaron Harrison. I like his potential in being a deadly scorer, but he’s obviously not ready yet. He could also net someone good on the trade market. The Spurs for sure lack a good PG and SF. Those are areas they need to address for sure. If the Spurs stay put and don’t trade they young talent, I really like the direction they are heading.
Prediction:
This one is tough because they could easily compete via trade market. If not, they should be a lotto team.
Starting Five:
Brian Bridgewater
C 22 6'9'' 255 B C C- A- B- B
Julius Randle
PF 22 6'11'' 235 B C C+ B B A
Casey Prather
SF 25 6'6'' 190 C+ C+ C+ A- C+ C
Aaron Harrison
SG 22 6'7'' 225 B- B- C- B C A
Justin Diaz-Miguel
PG 26 6'2'' 211 C C+ A B+ D D
Utah Jazz[/u]:
Did the whole Midwest Division get together and decide to rebuild? The Jazz are the 4th team so far in the West that are looking to rebuild. All I have to say is this team is in great shape to get a top pick. All of their talent got worst in TC. That includes their youngster SF Jereme Richardson. The Jazz would get lucky if they got 1 1st for him now. The other thing they will have is cap space. This is going to be a long season for them. PG Derrick Rose could net them something valuable in the trade market.
Prediction:
The Jazz should be able to land a top prospect in the next draft.
Starting Five:
(Team incomplete to put something together)
Memphis Grizzlies[/u]:
Finally, we get to a Playoff team. The Grizzlies are pretty well structured. They have most of their positions filled out well. However, I question their frontcourt and the acquisition of C Yao Ming. Both Ming and a resigned Fab Melo are centers, due their height and size. If the Grizz thinks Melo or Yao can play PF, well they are in for a bad surprise. They will get into foul trouble, limiting their minutes and production and ultimately hurting overall team’s performance. Melo’s scoring is already at a premium, since Yao and Walker don’t do much of that. Speaking of scoring, Webster is their stud on offense. He should increase his scoring output after enjoying a good TC. They will make the Playoffs but I don’t see them getting too far without a true PF.
Prediction:
The Grizz should be a top team in the Midwest and maybe in the West. However, they need a true PF.
Starting Five:
Yao Ming
C 36 7'6'' 311 C+ C+ D+ A- A- F
Fab Melo
C 25 7'0'' 274 B+ D D B+ A B
Martell Webster
SF 30 6'8'' 215 B+ A- C B+ C D
Avery Bradley
SG 27 6'2'' 185 B+ B- C B D+ C
Kemba Walker
PG 27 6'0'' 180 C B+ A B D-
Golden State Warriors[/u]:
The Warriors are one the teams in the West I really like. They don’t have that many weaknesses, other than a good C. However, that could easily be fixed with a trade. Rumor has it that Chris Bosh could be coming to the Bay. That would be a great addition to this team. The Warriors have scoring and defense, all the keys in the formula to a winning season. The scoring duo of LBJ and Batum is just plain nasty. It’s one of the best in the league. I really like the acquisition of CJ Leslie. Yes, that had to trade Kuran Iverson, but it’s well worth it. His shot blocking is what’s going to really help the Warriors make a deep run. As long as McCallum provides solid defense and good assist/TO ratio, he’ll be just fine.
Prediction:
The Warriors are one of the top teams in the West. If they upgrade their C position, they should be representing the West in the Finals.
Starting Five:
Zeke Marshall
C 26 7'0'' 235 C D- F+ A C+ C
C.J. Leslie
PF 25 6'8'' 210 A- C+ C B B- B
LeBron James
SF 32 6'9'' 252 B A- B A- A- D
Nicolas Batum
SG 28 6'9'' 225 A- A- C B+ C C
Ray McCallum
PG 24 6'1'' 185 C+ B+ A- A- D+ C
Los Angeles Clippers[/u]:
The Clippers have been one of the top stories of this offseason. Tired of their losing ways, the Clippers GM made some key trades, and now the Clippers look like a playoff team. The key acquisitions have been Selby, Griffin, Rubio, and Brewer. Selby will be asked to be one of the top scorers for the Clippers, along with C Andre Drummond. Griffin was a good complimentary piece with Rubio. He is a decent scorer but it’s his rebounding that will be great for the Clippers. In fact, he was able to improve in the offseason. Rubio was brought in because he’s a terrific PG. He can score some, good assist/TO ratio, and good defender. Lastly, the Clippers value Brewer mainly for his defense. Almost 3 spg is as solid as you can get. One thing missing for the Clippers is shot blocking. They will need to address that if they want to really compete.
Prediction:
The Clippers are a Playoff bound team. Scoring and shot blocking are still of issue, so who knows how far they will really go.
Starting Five:
Andre Drummond
C 23 6'11'' 265 A- C- C B+ A- B
Blake Griffin
PF 28 6'11'' 255 A- D+ C B A C
Ronnie Brewer
SF 32 6'7'' 226 B B- C A- C C
Josh Selby
SG 25 6'2'' 180 A- B- C+ B+ C- C
Ricky Rubio
PG 27 6'4'' 190 B- B+ A+ A- D C
Los Angeles Lakers[/u]:
The other LA team is at the opposite end of the spectrum in terms of what their goals are this season. Instead of competing, they want to rebuild. They still have some solid pieces that could help any team trying to compete. Their big fish is Travis Outlaw. The guy is a flat out scorer. Getting rid of Parker was a good move. His contract could have really hindered the Lakers plans on rebuilding. The Lakers have picks and cap space, so they are set on their rebuilding plan. Trading Outlaw is priority #1 for them right now.
Prediction:
The Lakers are lotto as their GM wants to rebuild.
Starting Five:
(Team incomplete to put something together)
Phoenix Suns[/u]:
The Suns are another Playoff team from the Pacific Division. I have to say that they improved as well. This is because of the signing of C Dexter Pittman. His rebounding did drop -1, so he might not be an automatic double-double guy. However, his size and scoring are going to help regardless. Him being next to Favors is quite nice. The Suns are probably going to be the worst FT shooting team now with them too. Outside of their frontcourt, the Suns have good scoring in Boynton and Turner. They have Triche at PG. He’s nothing special but he gets the job done. He’s very efficient which is important at PG.
Prediction:
The Suns are going to try and make a deep run in the Playoffs. If they had a more dynamic PG, this team would be really scary.
Starting Five:
Dexter Pittman
C 29 6'10'' 290 A- D+ D- B+ B C
Derrick Favors
PF 26 6'11'' 261 A- D D A A C
Evan Turner
SF 28 6'7'' 210 B+ B B- B+ B C
Kenny Boynton
SG 27 6'2'' 170 B A- C+ A- C- C
Brandon Triche
PG 26 6'4'' 198 C+ B- A- B+ D+ C
Portland Trailblazers[/u]:
The Blazers have been rebuilding for a few seasons now. After a good rookie campaign, the Blazers were hoping for a great TC from Sulaimon. He did improve, but nothing drastic. Their TC star was PG Tyrus Jones. Their pick in the last draft, Jones improved +1 in inside and +2 in defense. He did drop -1 in Handles, so hopefully his TOs won’t be crazy. Outside of them, the Blazers didn’t do much else TC and even the offseason in FA. Christmas dropping really sucks, as he has become a total bust. Aldridge might be able to land them something decent.
Prediction:
The Blazers are in the lotto yet again this season.
Starting Five:
LaMarcus Aldridge
C 32 6'11'' 240 A- C D+ B B+ C
Rakeem Christmas
PF 25 6'9'' 230 B- D+ D+ C+ B- B
Terrence Jones
SF 25 6'9'' 210 B- C+ C A- B B
Rasheed Sulaimon
SG 23 6'3'' 195 B B B B- C- B
Tyus Jones
PG 21 6'3'' 190 B B- C+ B C- A
Sacramento Kings[/u]:
The Kings started they rebuild last season, completely gutting their team. They ended up getting a top pick and drafted SF Basil Smotherman. He didn’t do anything in TC which sucks. He really needs to work on all aspects of this scoring. Hopefully his TOs won’t be high. Outside of him, I like the youngsters of PG Quinn Cook, SF Devin Davis, and C Goodluck Okonoboh. Cook is a PG that keeps improving year-in, year-out. Davis improved his outside, so his scoring should increase some. If the Kings can focus on his Inside scoring, he could become a solid contributor on that end. Goodluck is very valuable because of his defense. Shot blocking is at a premium in the league and he’s good at it. He also keeps improving slowly but surely. Lastly, the Kings have two decent pieces in Benson and Oden. Those two should be able to net some pieces to help the Kings in their rebuilding process.
Prediction:
The Kings are another lotto team with good upside.
Starting Five:
Goodluck Okonoboh
C 22 7'1'' 250 C+ D C- A- C+ A
Keith Benson
C 29 6'11'' 230 B- C- D A- A- B
Devin Davis
SF 22 6'8'' 220 C+ B+ C B+ C A
Basil Smotherman
SF 22 6'6'' 210 C+ C+ D+ A- B A
Quinn Cook
PG 24 5'11'' 160 C B B+ A D+ B
Seattle Supersonics[/u]:
Last but not least, we finish off the Supersonics. This team is all Perry Jones. He’s one of the most dynamic players I’ve personally seen in FBB. We all know he can do it all. Outside of Jones, the Sonics are aging, and aging fast. Their window has definitely gotten smaller, especially with Mo Williams gone. The Sonics hope that Nelson can do what Williams did, but that’s not possible. Nelson is not even a poor man’s Mo at this point. Rounding out the team is Humphries, Okafor, and Harden. Okafor brings solid rebounding and defense, while Humphries brings some frountcourt scoring the Sonics need. Harden brings some decent scoring and defense. Casspi was a decent addition in the depth department. Losing Mo really hurts and not having a good TC will hurt as well.
Prediction:
The Sonics are a playoff team, but I don’t see them getting too far. Age has caught up to them.
Starting Five:
Kris Humphries
C 32 7'1'' 240 C+ B- D+ B A- C
Emeka Okafor
PF 34 6'10'' 256 B- C- C- A- A- D
Perry Jones
SF 26 6'11'' 230 A- A- C A B C
James Harden
SG 28 6'5'' 223 C A- C A- C- C
Jameer Nelson
PG 35 6'0'' 196 C+ A- C+ C D+ D
Dallas Mavericks[/u]:
The Mavs enter the 2017 season looking pretty much the same team, which is not the best thing. The best thing they did in the offseason was to retain PGs Devin Harris and Chris Duhon. Granted, they only resigned to two year deals, which is no real burden cap wise. However, both are starting to show signs wear and tear as both dropped -1 in one or more categories. Their star Kevin Durant will be asked to score crazy amounts of points yet again this season. He did drop in defense -1 this TC, but when was he ever a good defender? The frontcourt rounds out with Green and Millsap. Green is no PF so I never liked him there. Millsap is still really solid as has shown no signs of slowing down. His scoring in the paint will be needed to take the attention off of Durant.
Prediction:
The Mavs are a Playoff team, but need a better PF. They also need shot blocking. Hell, they need to fill their team to 12 players. New GM?
Starting Five:
Paul Millsap
C 32 6'7'' 261 B+ C- C- B A D
Jeff Green
PF 31 6'9'' 235 B- B- C A- C+ D
Kevin Durant
SF 28 6'10'' 229 B A+ C- B- B- C
Chris Duhon
PG 34 6'1'' 189 C A- C+ A- D D
590 Devin Harris
PG 34 6'3'' 189 C+ A- A- B+ C- C
Denver Nuggets[/u]:
The Nuggets had a good 2016 campaign and look to repeat it. Trying to address their lack of frontcourt scoring, the Nuggets went out and made a solid move, trading for Sean Williams. He brings good scoring and defense, but is a weak rebounder. That was one of the Nuggets weaknesses, so they still need to address that issue. Outside of Williams, the Nuggets resigned Roy which was obviously very important. Outside of Wall and Dunn, he is one of the top guys in their offense. He accepted a reasonable 3 year deal. If the Nuggets can improve their rebounding, watch out.
Prediction:
The Nuggets should be one of the top seeds in the West this season. They could very well make a Finals appearance.
Starting Five:
Sean Williams
C 30 6'10'' 251 A- C- D B+ B- D
Ekpe Udoh
PF 30 6'10'' 250 B C- C- A- B C
Brandon Roy
SF 33 6'6'' 212 B- A A- B+ C- C
LaceDarius Dunn
SG 30 6'4'' 200 B- A C+ B+ C- C
John Wall
PG 27 6'4'' 195 B- A- A A C D
Houston Rockets[/u]:
The Rockets are in a rebuilding mode still. The best they did this offseason was resign C Jonas Valanciunas and draft SF Kahari Beaufort. Beaufort looks interesting after a good TC, but he still has a ways to go. His inside is inflated with athleticism, so that area and his outside need work. Outside of that, not much else to say about the Rockets. They need to fill positions across the board. Some GMs have suggested trading Jonas for multiple pieces. It might be good, but he’s young and a big. He’ll be good for many years to come.
Prediction:
The Rockets are a lotto team without a doubt. A guard would be nice.
Starting Five:
Jonas Valanciunas
C 24 6'11'' 265 A- C+ C A- A B
Joakim Noah
C 32 6'11'' 241 B- C F+ B+ B- D
Kahari Beaufort
SF 20 6'8'' 230 B+ C C B- C+ A
Dominique Jones
SG 29 6'4'' 215 B+ C+ C B+ D+ C
Kyrie Irving
PG 25 6'1'' 177 C+ B B A- D+ C
Minnesota Timberwolves[/u]:
The TWolves are another team that’s rebuilding. All their buzz this offseason has been from their draft pick and TC. To try and bolster their frontcourt, the TWolves drafted C Tyrek Coger from UNC at #10. I really like his size and potential scoring abilities. He had a decent TC. Speaking of TC, the one that shined for them was PG LJ Rose. He continues to get better and better. He now looks like one of the better picks in the 2016 draft. Their scoring will be led by Snear. He had an OK TC, going -1 in Inside but +1 in Outside.
Prediction:
Like the Rockets, they are set for late lotto. I guess they could try and compete since they have some assets if they wanted too. I could also see them sneak is as an 8th seed.
Starting Five:
Tyrek Coger
C 22 6'11'' 275 B C- C- B- C+ A
Anthony Davis
PF 24 6'9'' 210 B C- C B- C+ C
Jordan Sibert
SF 25 6'6'' 200 B- B A- C C+ C
Michael Snear
SG 28 6'4'' 185 B A- D B C- B
L.J. Rose
PG 23 6'3'' 185 C B- B+ B C- B
San Antonio Spurs[/u]:
The 3rd team in a row that is rebuilding. However, they have recently expressed a desire to possibly compete if the right deals come around. The thing I really like about this team is their frontcourt with Bridgewater and Randle. Both players had great TCs, going +1 or even +2 in a category. They bring great value in the trade market. Outside of them, the Spurs have recently drafted SG Aaron Harrison. I like his potential in being a deadly scorer, but he’s obviously not ready yet. He could also net someone good on the trade market. The Spurs for sure lack a good PG and SF. Those are areas they need to address for sure. If the Spurs stay put and don’t trade they young talent, I really like the direction they are heading.
Prediction:
This one is tough because they could easily compete via trade market. If not, they should be a lotto team.
Starting Five:
Brian Bridgewater
C 22 6'9'' 255 B C C- A- B- B
Julius Randle
PF 22 6'11'' 235 B C C+ B B A
Casey Prather
SF 25 6'6'' 190 C+ C+ C+ A- C+ C
Aaron Harrison
SG 22 6'7'' 225 B- B- C- B C A
Justin Diaz-Miguel
PG 26 6'2'' 211 C C+ A B+ D D
Utah Jazz[/u]:
Did the whole Midwest Division get together and decide to rebuild? The Jazz are the 4th team so far in the West that are looking to rebuild. All I have to say is this team is in great shape to get a top pick. All of their talent got worst in TC. That includes their youngster SF Jereme Richardson. The Jazz would get lucky if they got 1 1st for him now. The other thing they will have is cap space. This is going to be a long season for them. PG Derrick Rose could net them something valuable in the trade market.
Prediction:
The Jazz should be able to land a top prospect in the next draft.
Starting Five:
(Team incomplete to put something together)
Memphis Grizzlies[/u]:
Finally, we get to a Playoff team. The Grizzlies are pretty well structured. They have most of their positions filled out well. However, I question their frontcourt and the acquisition of C Yao Ming. Both Ming and a resigned Fab Melo are centers, due their height and size. If the Grizz thinks Melo or Yao can play PF, well they are in for a bad surprise. They will get into foul trouble, limiting their minutes and production and ultimately hurting overall team’s performance. Melo’s scoring is already at a premium, since Yao and Walker don’t do much of that. Speaking of scoring, Webster is their stud on offense. He should increase his scoring output after enjoying a good TC. They will make the Playoffs but I don’t see them getting too far without a true PF.
Prediction:
The Grizz should be a top team in the Midwest and maybe in the West. However, they need a true PF.
Starting Five:
Yao Ming
C 36 7'6'' 311 C+ C+ D+ A- A- F
Fab Melo
C 25 7'0'' 274 B+ D D B+ A B
Martell Webster
SF 30 6'8'' 215 B+ A- C B+ C D
Avery Bradley
SG 27 6'2'' 185 B+ B- C B D+ C
Kemba Walker
PG 27 6'0'' 180 C B+ A B D-
Golden State Warriors[/u]:
The Warriors are one the teams in the West I really like. They don’t have that many weaknesses, other than a good C. However, that could easily be fixed with a trade. Rumor has it that Chris Bosh could be coming to the Bay. That would be a great addition to this team. The Warriors have scoring and defense, all the keys in the formula to a winning season. The scoring duo of LBJ and Batum is just plain nasty. It’s one of the best in the league. I really like the acquisition of CJ Leslie. Yes, that had to trade Kuran Iverson, but it’s well worth it. His shot blocking is what’s going to really help the Warriors make a deep run. As long as McCallum provides solid defense and good assist/TO ratio, he’ll be just fine.
Prediction:
The Warriors are one of the top teams in the West. If they upgrade their C position, they should be representing the West in the Finals.
Starting Five:
Zeke Marshall
C 26 7'0'' 235 C D- F+ A C+ C
C.J. Leslie
PF 25 6'8'' 210 A- C+ C B B- B
LeBron James
SF 32 6'9'' 252 B A- B A- A- D
Nicolas Batum
SG 28 6'9'' 225 A- A- C B+ C C
Ray McCallum
PG 24 6'1'' 185 C+ B+ A- A- D+ C
Los Angeles Clippers[/u]:
The Clippers have been one of the top stories of this offseason. Tired of their losing ways, the Clippers GM made some key trades, and now the Clippers look like a playoff team. The key acquisitions have been Selby, Griffin, Rubio, and Brewer. Selby will be asked to be one of the top scorers for the Clippers, along with C Andre Drummond. Griffin was a good complimentary piece with Rubio. He is a decent scorer but it’s his rebounding that will be great for the Clippers. In fact, he was able to improve in the offseason. Rubio was brought in because he’s a terrific PG. He can score some, good assist/TO ratio, and good defender. Lastly, the Clippers value Brewer mainly for his defense. Almost 3 spg is as solid as you can get. One thing missing for the Clippers is shot blocking. They will need to address that if they want to really compete.
Prediction:
The Clippers are a Playoff bound team. Scoring and shot blocking are still of issue, so who knows how far they will really go.
Starting Five:
Andre Drummond
C 23 6'11'' 265 A- C- C B+ A- B
Blake Griffin
PF 28 6'11'' 255 A- D+ C B A C
Ronnie Brewer
SF 32 6'7'' 226 B B- C A- C C
Josh Selby
SG 25 6'2'' 180 A- B- C+ B+ C- C
Ricky Rubio
PG 27 6'4'' 190 B- B+ A+ A- D C
Los Angeles Lakers[/u]:
The other LA team is at the opposite end of the spectrum in terms of what their goals are this season. Instead of competing, they want to rebuild. They still have some solid pieces that could help any team trying to compete. Their big fish is Travis Outlaw. The guy is a flat out scorer. Getting rid of Parker was a good move. His contract could have really hindered the Lakers plans on rebuilding. The Lakers have picks and cap space, so they are set on their rebuilding plan. Trading Outlaw is priority #1 for them right now.
Prediction:
The Lakers are lotto as their GM wants to rebuild.
Starting Five:
(Team incomplete to put something together)
Phoenix Suns[/u]:
The Suns are another Playoff team from the Pacific Division. I have to say that they improved as well. This is because of the signing of C Dexter Pittman. His rebounding did drop -1, so he might not be an automatic double-double guy. However, his size and scoring are going to help regardless. Him being next to Favors is quite nice. The Suns are probably going to be the worst FT shooting team now with them too. Outside of their frontcourt, the Suns have good scoring in Boynton and Turner. They have Triche at PG. He’s nothing special but he gets the job done. He’s very efficient which is important at PG.
Prediction:
The Suns are going to try and make a deep run in the Playoffs. If they had a more dynamic PG, this team would be really scary.
Starting Five:
Dexter Pittman
C 29 6'10'' 290 A- D+ D- B+ B C
Derrick Favors
PF 26 6'11'' 261 A- D D A A C
Evan Turner
SF 28 6'7'' 210 B+ B B- B+ B C
Kenny Boynton
SG 27 6'2'' 170 B A- C+ A- C- C
Brandon Triche
PG 26 6'4'' 198 C+ B- A- B+ D+ C
Portland Trailblazers[/u]:
The Blazers have been rebuilding for a few seasons now. After a good rookie campaign, the Blazers were hoping for a great TC from Sulaimon. He did improve, but nothing drastic. Their TC star was PG Tyrus Jones. Their pick in the last draft, Jones improved +1 in inside and +2 in defense. He did drop -1 in Handles, so hopefully his TOs won’t be crazy. Outside of them, the Blazers didn’t do much else TC and even the offseason in FA. Christmas dropping really sucks, as he has become a total bust. Aldridge might be able to land them something decent.
Prediction:
The Blazers are in the lotto yet again this season.
Starting Five:
LaMarcus Aldridge
C 32 6'11'' 240 A- C D+ B B+ C
Rakeem Christmas
PF 25 6'9'' 230 B- D+ D+ C+ B- B
Terrence Jones
SF 25 6'9'' 210 B- C+ C A- B B
Rasheed Sulaimon
SG 23 6'3'' 195 B B B B- C- B
Tyus Jones
PG 21 6'3'' 190 B B- C+ B C- A
Sacramento Kings[/u]:
The Kings started they rebuild last season, completely gutting their team. They ended up getting a top pick and drafted SF Basil Smotherman. He didn’t do anything in TC which sucks. He really needs to work on all aspects of this scoring. Hopefully his TOs won’t be high. Outside of him, I like the youngsters of PG Quinn Cook, SF Devin Davis, and C Goodluck Okonoboh. Cook is a PG that keeps improving year-in, year-out. Davis improved his outside, so his scoring should increase some. If the Kings can focus on his Inside scoring, he could become a solid contributor on that end. Goodluck is very valuable because of his defense. Shot blocking is at a premium in the league and he’s good at it. He also keeps improving slowly but surely. Lastly, the Kings have two decent pieces in Benson and Oden. Those two should be able to net some pieces to help the Kings in their rebuilding process.
Prediction:
The Kings are another lotto team with good upside.
Starting Five:
Goodluck Okonoboh
C 22 7'1'' 250 C+ D C- A- C+ A
Keith Benson
C 29 6'11'' 230 B- C- D A- A- B
Devin Davis
SF 22 6'8'' 220 C+ B+ C B+ C A
Basil Smotherman
SF 22 6'6'' 210 C+ C+ D+ A- B A
Quinn Cook
PG 24 5'11'' 160 C B B+ A D+ B
Seattle Supersonics[/u]:
Last but not least, we finish off the Supersonics. This team is all Perry Jones. He’s one of the most dynamic players I’ve personally seen in FBB. We all know he can do it all. Outside of Jones, the Sonics are aging, and aging fast. Their window has definitely gotten smaller, especially with Mo Williams gone. The Sonics hope that Nelson can do what Williams did, but that’s not possible. Nelson is not even a poor man’s Mo at this point. Rounding out the team is Humphries, Okafor, and Harden. Okafor brings solid rebounding and defense, while Humphries brings some frountcourt scoring the Sonics need. Harden brings some decent scoring and defense. Casspi was a decent addition in the depth department. Losing Mo really hurts and not having a good TC will hurt as well.
Prediction:
The Sonics are a playoff team, but I don’t see them getting too far. Age has caught up to them.
Starting Five:
Kris Humphries
C 32 7'1'' 240 C+ B- D+ B A- C
Emeka Okafor
PF 34 6'10'' 256 B- C- C- A- A- D
Perry Jones
SF 26 6'11'' 230 A- A- C A B C
James Harden
SG 28 6'5'' 223 C A- C A- C- C
Jameer Nelson
PG 35 6'0'' 196 C+ A- C+ C D+ D
