Post by dreamweaver on Sept 15, 2010 12:50:19 GMT -5
The 2017 season has officially started, but there’s nothing new about the Eastern Conference. Is still dominates the West. First, you have the defending champs, the Detroit Pistons. Second, the winning % avg. for the whole East, playoff and non-playoff teams, is higher than compared to the West. Lastly, just plain talent wise, much better talent in the East. With all that said, can the East and more importantly, the Detroit Pistons, defend their Ship? Let’s take a look at each team, my prediction of how their season will turn out, and their starting five.
Boston Celtics:
The Celtics are under new management this season. Luckily for them, they were left in pretty good shape. They have some good trade chips in Iggy and Al Jeff, who should be able to land some decent rebuilding pieces. They have most of their own picks and a few Bucks picks. They don’t own their 2020 1st, which could hinder their rebuilding process somewhat. It’s a little tough to gauge where they stand at the moment since they haven’t been able to complete a deal yet. Sitting at 1-3, they need to get Iggy, Al Jeff, and Westbrook traded FAST! (Westbrook…6 TOPG…OUCH!)
Prediction:
The Celtics are in rebuilding mode and should/will trade their main pieces for young talent/future pieces.
Starting Five:
Al Jefferson
PF 32 6'11'' 292 B+ C D+ B+ A D
Ryan Anderson
PF 29 6'10'' 237 B- B C- B C+ C
Kris Jenkins
PF 22 6'8'' 250 C C- D+ B+ C+ B
Andre Iguodala
SG 33 6'6'' 218 B+ B+ C A- C- D
Russell Westbrook
PG 29 6'3'' 190 A- C+ A- A C- C
Miami Heat:
The Heat are in an interesting position this season. After some rough seasons, they have expressed a desire to win. I liked the DeAndre Jordan signing for them. Don’t expect him to score in bunches, but he’ll be a beast on the boards and defense. Any team could use a guy like that. On top of that, his deal doesn’t hurt cap wise either. One thing this team really lacks is a true #1 scorer. They have fringe #2’s and bunch of #3’s. I think that’s going to really hurt them this season, unless they can trade for one. Luckily for them, Budinger and Muhammad are good shooters.
Prediction:
The Heat are going to be a bubble team due to the East being so tough and the lack of a true #1. Make that deal for that #1 guy, and the season looks much brighter for the Heat.
Starting Five:
DeAndre Jordan
C 28 6'11'' 253 B D D+ A- B+ C
Derrick Williams
PF 25 6'9'' 230 B+ D+ F+ B B C
Chase Budinger
SF 29 6'7'' 218 B- A- C B+ C C
Shabazz Muhammad
SG 23 6'6'' 210 B- A- C+ C+ C B
Nigel Williams-Goss
PG 22 6'4'' 185 B- C B B C B
New Jersey Nets:
The Nets have been in a dry spell in terms of winning seasons the past few seasons. After sitting pat and collecting young talent and assets, they might turn the tide and want to compete now. With the East being very competitive, this might not be an easy task. Luckily for them, they were able to reacquire their 1st for this season. That’s always a good thing to fall back on if your team and plans don’t work-out for that particular season. This team is intriguing without a doubt. They have young talent that looks promising across the page. From my sources, the Nets really like Jonas Valanciunas from the Rockets. He would be an awesome addition for this team, giving them an instant franchise player. Get that deal done.
Prediction:
The Nets want to compete and I think they can, given their quality of young talent and good GM. If not, this team is lotto.
Starting Five:
Nerlens Noels
C 22 6'11'' 220 C+ C- C- B B A
James McAdoo
SF 24 6'8'' 205 B+ C- C A- B+ B
Tobias Harris
C 25 6'10'' 234 B C+ C B A- B
Gary Harris
SF 23 6'4'' 205 B- B C A- C B
Austin Charles Patch
PG 20 6'0'' 175 C B+ B A- D+ B
New York Knicks:
Given their talent, I love looking at the Knicks roster. They have quality from PG-C. This team won’t try and outscore you. They always want to take you into a grind, playing scrappy defense and taking quality shots. Speaking of defense, they are led by the great C Dwight Howard. He has numerous defensive accolades and there’s a reason for that. The guy is always one of the top shot blockers in the league. If you don’t know, shot blocking is taken for granted. The Knicks also feature solid wing play. The role players are newly acquired SG Monta Ellis and GF Kelenna Azubuike. They play their roles as compliment scorers well. The other big name we cannot forget to mention is their superstar PG, Tyreke Evans. The reigning MVP looks to repeat as MVP this season. If anything, I think the Knicks could use an upgrade at PF. That will obviously be tough given their lack of cap.
Prediction:
The Knicks are going to be a playoff team for sure. As long as they play great defense and score enough, they are going to be fine.
Starting Five:
Dwight Howard
C 31 7'0'' 273 B+ C- D- A A D
Ryan Richards
C 26 6'10'' 240 B C- C- B+ B+ C
Kelenna Azubuike
SG 33 6'5'' 220 B- A- C A- C C
Monta Ellis
SG 31 6'3'' 194 B A- B- B C- C
Tyreke Evans
PG 28 6'6'' 230 B- A+ B+ A C+ C
Orlando Magic:
We finally meet our one and only CY team for the 2017 season. It was a risky move for the future, but getting GF DeShawn Stevenson made sense. Even at the ripe age of 35, he can still play and out up solid numbers. Outside of him, where’s the scoring going to come from? That’s the question the Magic are going to have to resolve because this team is full of #2’s and #3’s. They have good defense, that’s their strong point. It’s led by the shot blocking of JSmoove. Law being a TO whore won’t help, especially if he doesn’t put up the points. The Magic need to get a better scorer in town or else a new GM is going to be in Orlando next season.
Prediction:
I never like seeing people go on CY, but it could definitely happen with the Magic. Right now, they are a bubble team.
Starting Five:
David Lee
C 34 6'9'' 255 B+ C C- C A- C
Josh Smith
PF 31 6'10'' 226 B+ C C A- A- B
Meyers Leonard
SF 26 6'10'' 240 B- C C+ A- B- C
DeShawn Stevenson
SG 35 6'6'' 217 C+ A+ A A- C D
Acie Law
PG 32 6'3'' 199 C B+ B+ B+ C D
Philadelphia 76ers:
Cap problem…cap problems. That could really mess up a team’s structure, moving them from dominance to being mediocre. However, that was not the case with the Sixers. What do they do? They go out a trade for one of the most dominant scoring still even at his age, Amare Stoudemire. Him and Arenas form a NASTY scoring duo. If Amare gets trapped, he dishes out to Arenas…NOTHING BUT NET. Arenas gets double teamed on the wing…A NEW POSTER FOR AMARE ON YOUR WALL. Yes, they traded Parker, but they signed DWill. As long as he has a good assist/TO ratio and defense, the Sixers will not miss Parker at all. Anyways, they got rid of his contract and declining state. Ebanks will do at SF and Sullinger is a great compliment to Amare, minus the shot blocking. This team is still built for greatness.
Prediction:
The East is a tossup, but how can you not like this team winning it all? DEEP playoff run from this team.
Starting Five:
Jared Sullinger
C 26 6'9'' 270 A- D+ D+ B+ A- B
Amare Stoudemire
PF 34 6'11'' 261 A- C C- A- A- C
Devin Ebanks
SF 28 6'7'' 204 B+ C+ C- A- C+ C
Gilbert Arenas
SG 35 6'3'' 201 B- A A+ A C- C
Deron Williams
PG 33 6'3'' 210 C+ A A- C+ C- D
Washington Bullets:
This team has been dubbed by some as a sleeper team. That’s an interesting idea, but there’s nothing sleeper about this team. They are as solid as you can get. They have all the pieces to make it to the finals. Michael Gilchrist is not the greatest #1 type guy, but he’s good enough for this team. Outside of him, they have two other solid scoring options in Lopez and Teague. The Bargnani signing for them this offseason was golden. Granted, he’s an MLE, but his scoring will be needed. He also enjoyed a solid TC. Other than Lopez, this Bullets frontcourt is solid as can be. Martynas Andriuskevicius and Aaric Murray aren’t scorers, but they give the Bullets the rebounding and defense they need to be successful. I really don’t see any weaknesses from this team.
Prediction:
This team is no sleeper team. They should be dubbed as a true contender. Only thing that could hurt them is something they can’t control, injuries.
Starting Five:
Brook Lopez
C 28 7'0'' 260 A- C C A- B D
Martynas Andriuskevicius
PF 31 7'2'' 242 C+ C D+ A- A- C
Michael Gilchrist
SF 24 6'8'' 205 B A C+ B B- C
Andrea Bargnani
SG 31 6'11'' 243 B- A- C C+ C- C
Marquis Teague
PG 24 6'2'' 180 B- A- B+ B- C- B
Atlanta Hawks:
The Hawks are like the Magic, a bubble team. They had a pretty solid offseason, signing the likes of Jordan Price. His scoring output is nice, but his TOs are what hurts him. If you are an outside team, this is the guy you want to avoid. He can’t shoot a 3 to save his life. The Tony Mitchell show looks to have arrived in the city known for its southern hospitality. Having a fine TC, he looks to improve his numbers and have a breakout season. Outside of Price and Mitchell, the Hawks have decent pieces in Knight, Ross, and Stokes.
Prediction:
No offense to their team or GM, but I wouldn’t be high on this team. They are a bubble team at best this season.
Starting Five:
Jarnell Stokes
C 23 6'8'' 255 B+ D D- B C C
Tony Mitchell
PF 25 6'8'' 221 A C D+ A- C+ B
Jordan Price
SG 22 6'6'' 215 A- C C B- C+ C
Terrence Ross
SG 25 6'5'' 195 C+ A C B- D+ B
Brandon Knight
PG 26 6'3'' 185 C A- A- C+ C- C
Charlotte Hornets:
The Hornets are in rebuilding mode. This team had one of the best TCs in the league. All of their impact players went up. The one’s getting the most buzz are PG Omar Calhoun and GF Dario Saric. I like Calhoun’s progress, but his C- Inside bother me. Inside scoring is something that’s very important. I love Saric though. His versatility is tremendous. His size and abilities allow him to be able to play anywhere from SF to PG. Beal has shown signs the past two TCs, but he yet to breakout. The Hornets have tried to get rid of Jones and TWill. That would be really nice to free some cap for them.
Prediction:
This is a lotto team as they try and rebuild for the future.
Starting Five:
Hanner Perea
C 23 6'10'' 225 B- C- C B B+ B
Reggie Cameron
PF 22 6'10'' 240 B- C C C+ B- A
Terrance Williams
SG 30 6'6'' 220 B B+ B A- C C
Brad Beal
SG 24 6'4'' 200 B- B B- B+ C- B
Omar Calhoun
PG 23 6'2'' 185 C- A- A- B+ D+ B
Chicago Bulls:
Man, Preira could do everything… It’s obviously great to remember that guy, even if you didn’t own him. But this is now, and the Bulls look to regain their winning ways. He’s no Preira, but they superstar is bigman Alex Oriakhi. The Bulls made a splash last offseason by signing him in FA. After a dismal TC last season, PG J-Mychal Reese bounced back this TC. He has been dubbed the next big thing at PG, and he could still get there. Beyond Oriakhi and Reese, the Bulls have question marks. They lack another good scorer which is going to hurt them. They could potentially compete, but not with their current talent surrounding Reese and Oriaki. Theissen has been a pleasant surprise for them.
Prediction:
I want to say they are a bubble team, but I’ll stick to my guns and say they are late lotto. They just don’t have enough scoring.
Starting Five:
Alex Oriakhi
C 27 6'9'' 240 B+ D+ D A- A D
Ian Theissen
C 21 7'0'' 250 B- C D B- A- A
Pape Amadou
SF 24 6'8'' 225 B- C C A- B- B
Alec Burks
SG 26 6'6'' 195 B- A- C- A- C- C
J-Mychal Reese
PG 23 6'3'' 190 C+ A- A- A- C B
Cleveland Cavaliers:
The Cavs are an interesting team. They have the talent to compete, but also some solid prospects to just gut the team and start over. Not having their 1st this season, they are going to steer away from the latter. Their solid team is led by FC Chris Bosh and SG Dejuan Wagner. Both form a nice scoring duo. It’s a great inside/out combo similar to Philly with Amare and Arenas. I liked the Iverson move for the future, but not for the current season. Leslie’s shot blocking will be messed, especially during the playoffs. Games will get tighter then and a block here or there could all but make the difference. Telfair was a fairly decent signing. His contract might potentially hurt them down the road, but it was solid for now. Shengelia is still too young to really contribute, so he’s a question mark. James is a solid rebounder, that’s about it.
Prediction:
This is a guaranteed playoff team. However, I don’t see them going father then the 2nd rd. Hell, they could get ousted in the 1st rd too.
Starting Five:
Chris Bosh
PF 33 6'10'' 235 A- C C- A- B+ C
Damion James
PF 30 6'7'' 227 C+ D D C+ A- C
Tornike Shengelia
SF 20 6'9'' 210 B- B+ C A- C+ A
Dajuan Wagner
SG 34 6'5'' 218 B- A- A- B- C- C
Sebastian Telfair
PG 32 6'1'' 173 C A- A B- D+ C
Detroit Pistons:
We have finally reached the defending champs. They are still one of the best built teams in the league. I wouldn’t have said that if they weren’t able to make up for the loss of FC Tyson Chandler. He’s not missed at all with FC Roy Hibbert in town. The guy is a better scorer than Chandler, and can still rebound and block shots just as well as Chandler. However, their frontcourt is led by C Darko Milicic. He won’t necessarily put up big scoring numbers, but he’s a beast on the boards and defense, a guaranteed double-double guy. Now to the fun part of this team. They have one of the most, if not the most, electrifying scoring duos in the league. Any given night, SG Harrison Barnes or SF Rudy Gay can go out and drop 30+ on anyone. That’s a really nice luxury to have, something most teams don’t have. Gaddy is their PG. They don’t need scoring from him, just solid defense and a good assist/TO ratio. He brings that, so he’s perfect for their system.
Prediction:
If you are picking this team to repeat, not a bad call at all. They don’t really possess a weakness.
Starting Five:
Darko Milicic
C 32 7'1'' 265 B+ C- C+ A A- C
Roy Hibbert
C 30 7'2'' 287 B C- D- A B+ B
Rudy Gay
SF 31 6'9'' 232 A- A C B+ B C
Harrison Barnes
SG 25 6'8'' 215 B+ A- C A- B- B
Abdul Gaddy
PG 25 6'3'' 174 B- C A A- D C
Indiana Pacers:
This is another rebuilding team in the East. When I look at their team, one thing stands out…the potential of their backcourt. Granted, their numbers might be somewhat inflated, but man, I’m excited and I don’t even own that team! Del Cerro went at #9 and enjoyed a nice TC. His numbers could make him a guaranteed lock at ROTY if he keeps it up. Smith-Rivera also enjoyed a good TC. This late-1st rd pick has made tremendous strides. The sky is the limit for those two players. Outside of those two, the Pacers drafted C Tommy Hamilton Jr.. The guy is huge! He also had a good TC and has a promising future. Chandler was a good signing in terms of the Pacers getting some future pieces for him from another team.
Prediction:
The Pacers are lotto.
Starting Five:
Tyson Chandler
C 34 7'1'' 236 B- C C A B+ C
Tony Farmer
PF 22 6'8'' 220 C+ C+ D+ B C+ B
V.J. Beachem
SF 22 6'7'' 210 B- B D+ C+ C+ B
Alvar Del Cerro
SG 19 6'2'' 195 C A- C+ B+ C A
D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera
PG 23 6'4'' 215 C+ B+ B+ B- D+ B
Milwaukee Bucks:
Some people think the Bucks are overrated. I don’t see what’s so overrated about them. They are a very balanced team, not really having great weaknesses. They have 3 good scorers, led by SF Travis Leslie. If I were to compare him to someone, it would be a poor man’s Perry Jones. Maybe that’s a stretch. The other studs on the wings a G Dywane Wade and Louis Williams. Wade is there other big time scorer and Williams is a good compliment and solid defender. Their frontcourt is led by PF Greg Monroe and C Hassan Whiteside. Monroe leads their frontcourt scoring. I also like his versatility as a bigman. Whiteside is decent but nothing more.
Prediction:
The Bucks are going to be a tough team for anyone. You could very well pick them to make a deep run. I just think they need an upgrade at C.
Starting Five:
Hassan Whiteside
C 28 7'0'' 235 B D C- A- B- B
Greg Monroe
PF 27 6'10'' 252 A- C C+ A- B C
Travis Leslie
SF 27 6'4'' 202 A- B C A- B- B
Louis Williams
PG 30 6'2'' 175 C+ B A- A- C D
Dwayne Wade
SG 35 6'5'' 212 B A A- A+ C C
Toronto Raptors:
Last but not least, we conclude the article with the Toronto Raptors. They were able to enjoy a fairly solid TC, with Henry, Hayward, and Thabeet doing the best. Parker was a decent move for the Raptors. He has declined, but he’s still a good player. He brings scoring and important leadership/experience the team needs. Their stud and scoring leader is SG Xavier Henry. It took him some time, but he has really enjoyed his time in TOR. The compliment scorers are Parker and Hayward. Their frontcourt is led by Thabeet and Thompkins. Thabeet provides solid shot blocking and rebounding, followed with Thompkins and his solid rebounding and decent scoring.
Prediction:
The Raptors should be able to squeeze into the playoffs, but won’t make a deep run if they do get in.
Starting Five:
Hasheem Thabeet
C 30 7'3'' 282 B- D C- A B C
Trey Thompkins
PF 27 6'9'' 250 B+ C C B+ A- D
Gordon Hayward
SF 27 6'8'' 220 B- A- C+ A- C+ C
Xavier Henry
SG 26 6'7'' 220 B+ A C A C+ C
Tony Parker
PG 35 6'2'' 184 B+ B B+ A- C- D
Boston Celtics:
The Celtics are under new management this season. Luckily for them, they were left in pretty good shape. They have some good trade chips in Iggy and Al Jeff, who should be able to land some decent rebuilding pieces. They have most of their own picks and a few Bucks picks. They don’t own their 2020 1st, which could hinder their rebuilding process somewhat. It’s a little tough to gauge where they stand at the moment since they haven’t been able to complete a deal yet. Sitting at 1-3, they need to get Iggy, Al Jeff, and Westbrook traded FAST! (Westbrook…6 TOPG…OUCH!)
Prediction:
The Celtics are in rebuilding mode and should/will trade their main pieces for young talent/future pieces.
Starting Five:
Al Jefferson
PF 32 6'11'' 292 B+ C D+ B+ A D
Ryan Anderson
PF 29 6'10'' 237 B- B C- B C+ C
Kris Jenkins
PF 22 6'8'' 250 C C- D+ B+ C+ B
Andre Iguodala
SG 33 6'6'' 218 B+ B+ C A- C- D
Russell Westbrook
PG 29 6'3'' 190 A- C+ A- A C- C
Celtics fans want a winning team again
Miami Heat:
The Heat are in an interesting position this season. After some rough seasons, they have expressed a desire to win. I liked the DeAndre Jordan signing for them. Don’t expect him to score in bunches, but he’ll be a beast on the boards and defense. Any team could use a guy like that. On top of that, his deal doesn’t hurt cap wise either. One thing this team really lacks is a true #1 scorer. They have fringe #2’s and bunch of #3’s. I think that’s going to really hurt them this season, unless they can trade for one. Luckily for them, Budinger and Muhammad are good shooters.
Prediction:
The Heat are going to be a bubble team due to the East being so tough and the lack of a true #1. Make that deal for that #1 guy, and the season looks much brighter for the Heat.
Starting Five:
DeAndre Jordan
C 28 6'11'' 253 B D D+ A- B+ C
Derrick Williams
PF 25 6'9'' 230 B+ D+ F+ B B C
Chase Budinger
SF 29 6'7'' 218 B- A- C B+ C C
Shabazz Muhammad
SG 23 6'6'' 210 B- A- C+ C+ C B
Nigel Williams-Goss
PG 22 6'4'' 185 B- C B B C B
Are the Heat destined for winning ways?
New Jersey Nets:
The Nets have been in a dry spell in terms of winning seasons the past few seasons. After sitting pat and collecting young talent and assets, they might turn the tide and want to compete now. With the East being very competitive, this might not be an easy task. Luckily for them, they were able to reacquire their 1st for this season. That’s always a good thing to fall back on if your team and plans don’t work-out for that particular season. This team is intriguing without a doubt. They have young talent that looks promising across the page. From my sources, the Nets really like Jonas Valanciunas from the Rockets. He would be an awesome addition for this team, giving them an instant franchise player. Get that deal done.
Prediction:
The Nets want to compete and I think they can, given their quality of young talent and good GM. If not, this team is lotto.
Starting Five:
Nerlens Noels
C 22 6'11'' 220 C+ C- C- B B A
James McAdoo
SF 24 6'8'' 205 B+ C- C A- B+ B
Tobias Harris
C 25 6'10'' 234 B C+ C B A- B
Gary Harris
SF 23 6'4'' 205 B- B C A- C B
Austin Charles Patch
PG 20 6'0'' 175 C B+ B A- D+ B
The Nets are ready to sell out seats and make basketball exciting again in NJ
New York Knicks:
Given their talent, I love looking at the Knicks roster. They have quality from PG-C. This team won’t try and outscore you. They always want to take you into a grind, playing scrappy defense and taking quality shots. Speaking of defense, they are led by the great C Dwight Howard. He has numerous defensive accolades and there’s a reason for that. The guy is always one of the top shot blockers in the league. If you don’t know, shot blocking is taken for granted. The Knicks also feature solid wing play. The role players are newly acquired SG Monta Ellis and GF Kelenna Azubuike. They play their roles as compliment scorers well. The other big name we cannot forget to mention is their superstar PG, Tyreke Evans. The reigning MVP looks to repeat as MVP this season. If anything, I think the Knicks could use an upgrade at PF. That will obviously be tough given their lack of cap.
Prediction:
The Knicks are going to be a playoff team for sure. As long as they play great defense and score enough, they are going to be fine.
Starting Five:
Dwight Howard
C 31 7'0'' 273 B+ C- D- A A D
Ryan Richards
C 26 6'10'' 240 B C- C- B+ B+ C
Kelenna Azubuike
SG 33 6'5'' 220 B- A- C A- C C
Monta Ellis
SG 31 6'3'' 194 B A- B- B C- C
Tyreke Evans
PG 28 6'6'' 230 B- A+ B+ A C+ C
Will Tyreke lead the Knicks to the promised land, winning an MVP as well?
Orlando Magic:
We finally meet our one and only CY team for the 2017 season. It was a risky move for the future, but getting GF DeShawn Stevenson made sense. Even at the ripe age of 35, he can still play and out up solid numbers. Outside of him, where’s the scoring going to come from? That’s the question the Magic are going to have to resolve because this team is full of #2’s and #3’s. They have good defense, that’s their strong point. It’s led by the shot blocking of JSmoove. Law being a TO whore won’t help, especially if he doesn’t put up the points. The Magic need to get a better scorer in town or else a new GM is going to be in Orlando next season.
Prediction:
I never like seeing people go on CY, but it could definitely happen with the Magic. Right now, they are a bubble team.
Starting Five:
David Lee
C 34 6'9'' 255 B+ C C- C A- C
Josh Smith
PF 31 6'10'' 226 B+ C C A- A- B
Meyers Leonard
SF 26 6'10'' 240 B- C C+ A- B- C
DeShawn Stevenson
SG 35 6'6'' 217 C+ A+ A A- C D
Acie Law
PG 32 6'3'' 199 C B+ B+ B+ C D
Stevenson needs to play like his young self in order for the Magic to even make the playoffs
Philadelphia 76ers:
Cap problem…cap problems. That could really mess up a team’s structure, moving them from dominance to being mediocre. However, that was not the case with the Sixers. What do they do? They go out a trade for one of the most dominant scoring still even at his age, Amare Stoudemire. Him and Arenas form a NASTY scoring duo. If Amare gets trapped, he dishes out to Arenas…NOTHING BUT NET. Arenas gets double teamed on the wing…A NEW POSTER FOR AMARE ON YOUR WALL. Yes, they traded Parker, but they signed DWill. As long as he has a good assist/TO ratio and defense, the Sixers will not miss Parker at all. Anyways, they got rid of his contract and declining state. Ebanks will do at SF and Sullinger is a great compliment to Amare, minus the shot blocking. This team is still built for greatness.
Prediction:
The East is a tossup, but how can you not like this team winning it all? DEEP playoff run from this team.
Starting Five:
Jared Sullinger
C 26 6'9'' 270 A- D+ D+ B+ A- B
Amare Stoudemire
PF 34 6'11'' 261 A- C C- A- A- C
Devin Ebanks
SF 28 6'7'' 204 B+ C+ C- A- C+ C
Gilbert Arenas
SG 35 6'3'' 201 B- A A+ A C- C
Deron Williams
PG 33 6'3'' 210 C+ A A- C+ C- D
Amare is still dominant and was a great acquisition for the Sixers
Washington Bullets:
This team has been dubbed by some as a sleeper team. That’s an interesting idea, but there’s nothing sleeper about this team. They are as solid as you can get. They have all the pieces to make it to the finals. Michael Gilchrist is not the greatest #1 type guy, but he’s good enough for this team. Outside of him, they have two other solid scoring options in Lopez and Teague. The Bargnani signing for them this offseason was golden. Granted, he’s an MLE, but his scoring will be needed. He also enjoyed a solid TC. Other than Lopez, this Bullets frontcourt is solid as can be. Martynas Andriuskevicius and Aaric Murray aren’t scorers, but they give the Bullets the rebounding and defense they need to be successful. I really don’t see any weaknesses from this team.
Prediction:
This team is no sleeper team. They should be dubbed as a true contender. Only thing that could hurt them is something they can’t control, injuries.
Starting Five:
Brook Lopez
C 28 7'0'' 260 A- C C A- B D
Martynas Andriuskevicius
PF 31 7'2'' 242 C+ C D+ A- A- C
Michael Gilchrist
SF 24 6'8'' 205 B A C+ B B- C
Andrea Bargnani
SG 31 6'11'' 243 B- A- C C+ C- C
Marquis Teague
PG 24 6'2'' 180 B- A- B+ B- C- B
Gilchrist is the top-scorer for the Bullets
Atlanta Hawks:
The Hawks are like the Magic, a bubble team. They had a pretty solid offseason, signing the likes of Jordan Price. His scoring output is nice, but his TOs are what hurts him. If you are an outside team, this is the guy you want to avoid. He can’t shoot a 3 to save his life. The Tony Mitchell show looks to have arrived in the city known for its southern hospitality. Having a fine TC, he looks to improve his numbers and have a breakout season. Outside of Price and Mitchell, the Hawks have decent pieces in Knight, Ross, and Stokes.
Prediction:
No offense to their team or GM, but I wouldn’t be high on this team. They are a bubble team at best this season.
Starting Five:
Jarnell Stokes
C 23 6'8'' 255 B+ D D- B C C
Tony Mitchell
PF 25 6'8'' 221 A C D+ A- C+ B
Jordan Price
SG 22 6'6'' 215 A- C C B- C+ C
Terrence Ross
SG 25 6'5'' 195 C+ A C B- D+ B
Brandon Knight
PG 26 6'3'' 185 C A- A- C+ C- C
Price is a good scorer but TO machine
Charlotte Hornets:
The Hornets are in rebuilding mode. This team had one of the best TCs in the league. All of their impact players went up. The one’s getting the most buzz are PG Omar Calhoun and GF Dario Saric. I like Calhoun’s progress, but his C- Inside bother me. Inside scoring is something that’s very important. I love Saric though. His versatility is tremendous. His size and abilities allow him to be able to play anywhere from SF to PG. Beal has shown signs the past two TCs, but he yet to breakout. The Hornets have tried to get rid of Jones and TWill. That would be really nice to free some cap for them.
Prediction:
This is a lotto team as they try and rebuild for the future.
Starting Five:
Hanner Perea
C 23 6'10'' 225 B- C- C B B+ B
Reggie Cameron
PF 22 6'10'' 240 B- C C C+ B- A
Terrance Williams
SG 30 6'6'' 220 B B+ B A- C C
Brad Beal
SG 24 6'4'' 200 B- B B- B+ C- B
Omar Calhoun
PG 23 6'2'' 185 C- A- A- B+ D+ B
When will the real Brad Beal show up?
Chicago Bulls:
Man, Preira could do everything… It’s obviously great to remember that guy, even if you didn’t own him. But this is now, and the Bulls look to regain their winning ways. He’s no Preira, but they superstar is bigman Alex Oriakhi. The Bulls made a splash last offseason by signing him in FA. After a dismal TC last season, PG J-Mychal Reese bounced back this TC. He has been dubbed the next big thing at PG, and he could still get there. Beyond Oriakhi and Reese, the Bulls have question marks. They lack another good scorer which is going to hurt them. They could potentially compete, but not with their current talent surrounding Reese and Oriaki. Theissen has been a pleasant surprise for them.
Prediction:
I want to say they are a bubble team, but I’ll stick to my guns and say they are late lotto. They just don’t have enough scoring.
Starting Five:
Alex Oriakhi
C 27 6'9'' 240 B+ D+ D A- A D
Ian Theissen
C 21 7'0'' 250 B- C D B- A- A
Pape Amadou
SF 24 6'8'' 225 B- C C A- B- B
Alec Burks
SG 26 6'6'' 195 B- A- C- A- C- C
J-Mychal Reese
PG 23 6'3'' 190 C+ A- A- A- C B
Alex Oriakhi is one of the most dominant bigmen in the league
Cleveland Cavaliers:
The Cavs are an interesting team. They have the talent to compete, but also some solid prospects to just gut the team and start over. Not having their 1st this season, they are going to steer away from the latter. Their solid team is led by FC Chris Bosh and SG Dejuan Wagner. Both form a nice scoring duo. It’s a great inside/out combo similar to Philly with Amare and Arenas. I liked the Iverson move for the future, but not for the current season. Leslie’s shot blocking will be messed, especially during the playoffs. Games will get tighter then and a block here or there could all but make the difference. Telfair was a fairly decent signing. His contract might potentially hurt them down the road, but it was solid for now. Shengelia is still too young to really contribute, so he’s a question mark. James is a solid rebounder, that’s about it.
Prediction:
This is a guaranteed playoff team. However, I don’t see them going father then the 2nd rd. Hell, they could get ousted in the 1st rd too.
Starting Five:
Chris Bosh
PF 33 6'10'' 235 A- C C- A- B+ C
Damion James
PF 30 6'7'' 227 C+ D D C+ A- C
Tornike Shengelia
SF 20 6'9'' 210 B- B+ C A- C+ A
Dajuan Wagner
SG 34 6'5'' 218 B- A- A- B- C- C
Sebastian Telfair
PG 32 6'1'' 173 C A- A B- D+ C
Chris Bosh leads the Cavs in scoring and is their best player
Detroit Pistons:
We have finally reached the defending champs. They are still one of the best built teams in the league. I wouldn’t have said that if they weren’t able to make up for the loss of FC Tyson Chandler. He’s not missed at all with FC Roy Hibbert in town. The guy is a better scorer than Chandler, and can still rebound and block shots just as well as Chandler. However, their frontcourt is led by C Darko Milicic. He won’t necessarily put up big scoring numbers, but he’s a beast on the boards and defense, a guaranteed double-double guy. Now to the fun part of this team. They have one of the most, if not the most, electrifying scoring duos in the league. Any given night, SG Harrison Barnes or SF Rudy Gay can go out and drop 30+ on anyone. That’s a really nice luxury to have, something most teams don’t have. Gaddy is their PG. They don’t need scoring from him, just solid defense and a good assist/TO ratio. He brings that, so he’s perfect for their system.
Prediction:
If you are picking this team to repeat, not a bad call at all. They don’t really possess a weakness.
Starting Five:
Darko Milicic
C 32 7'1'' 265 B+ C- C+ A A- C
Roy Hibbert
C 30 7'2'' 287 B C- D- A B+ B
Rudy Gay
SF 31 6'9'' 232 A- A C B+ B C
Harrison Barnes
SG 25 6'8'' 215 B+ A- C A- B- B
Abdul Gaddy
PG 25 6'3'' 174 B- C A A- D C
Rudy Gay is one of the best scorers in the league
Indiana Pacers:
This is another rebuilding team in the East. When I look at their team, one thing stands out…the potential of their backcourt. Granted, their numbers might be somewhat inflated, but man, I’m excited and I don’t even own that team! Del Cerro went at #9 and enjoyed a nice TC. His numbers could make him a guaranteed lock at ROTY if he keeps it up. Smith-Rivera also enjoyed a good TC. This late-1st rd pick has made tremendous strides. The sky is the limit for those two players. Outside of those two, the Pacers drafted C Tommy Hamilton Jr.. The guy is huge! He also had a good TC and has a promising future. Chandler was a good signing in terms of the Pacers getting some future pieces for him from another team.
Prediction:
The Pacers are lotto.
Starting Five:
Tyson Chandler
C 34 7'1'' 236 B- C C A B+ C
Tony Farmer
PF 22 6'8'' 220 C+ C+ D+ B C+ B
V.J. Beachem
SF 22 6'7'' 210 B- B D+ C+ C+ B
Alvar Del Cerro
SG 19 6'2'' 195 C A- C+ B+ C A
D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera
PG 23 6'4'' 215 C+ B+ B+ B- D+ B
Smith-Rivera is a compact guard who can flat out score
Milwaukee Bucks:
Some people think the Bucks are overrated. I don’t see what’s so overrated about them. They are a very balanced team, not really having great weaknesses. They have 3 good scorers, led by SF Travis Leslie. If I were to compare him to someone, it would be a poor man’s Perry Jones. Maybe that’s a stretch. The other studs on the wings a G Dywane Wade and Louis Williams. Wade is there other big time scorer and Williams is a good compliment and solid defender. Their frontcourt is led by PF Greg Monroe and C Hassan Whiteside. Monroe leads their frontcourt scoring. I also like his versatility as a bigman. Whiteside is decent but nothing more.
Prediction:
The Bucks are going to be a tough team for anyone. You could very well pick them to make a deep run. I just think they need an upgrade at C.
Starting Five:
Hassan Whiteside
C 28 7'0'' 235 B D C- A- B- B
Greg Monroe
PF 27 6'10'' 252 A- C C+ A- B C
Travis Leslie
SF 27 6'4'' 202 A- B C A- B- B
Louis Williams
PG 30 6'2'' 175 C+ B A- A- C D
Dwayne Wade
SG 35 6'5'' 212 B A A- A+ C C
Wade can still put up huge numbers at 35
Toronto Raptors:
Last but not least, we conclude the article with the Toronto Raptors. They were able to enjoy a fairly solid TC, with Henry, Hayward, and Thabeet doing the best. Parker was a decent move for the Raptors. He has declined, but he’s still a good player. He brings scoring and important leadership/experience the team needs. Their stud and scoring leader is SG Xavier Henry. It took him some time, but he has really enjoyed his time in TOR. The compliment scorers are Parker and Hayward. Their frontcourt is led by Thabeet and Thompkins. Thabeet provides solid shot blocking and rebounding, followed with Thompkins and his solid rebounding and decent scoring.
Prediction:
The Raptors should be able to squeeze into the playoffs, but won’t make a deep run if they do get in.
Starting Five:
Hasheem Thabeet
C 30 7'3'' 282 B- D C- A B C
Trey Thompkins
PF 27 6'9'' 250 B+ C C B+ A- D
Gordon Hayward
SF 27 6'8'' 220 B- A- C+ A- C+ C
Xavier Henry
SG 26 6'7'' 220 B+ A C A C+ C
Tony Parker
PG 35 6'2'' 184 B+ B B+ A- C- D
Henry is their star and scoring machine
